There are three fashion items that I could own in unlimited quantities: handbags (duh!), shoes, and jeans.  Right now I’m on a denim kick.  It all started when my husband told me to go out and buy a couple new pairs of jeans because he’s sick of hearing me say that mine are tight in the waist.  Like I need an invitation to go jeans shopping.  Okay, so maybe I did.

I got it in my head a few weeks ago that I want to try the boyfriend jeans.  I’m pretty sure I’ve bashed the look in the past, but it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, after all, and besides.  That was before I saw these.

No, of course they are not jeans.  BUT.  Wouldn’t they be A-dorable with a pair of boyfriend jeans?

And that’s when I decided to try them.  (The boyfriend jeans, not the shoes.  Although I might still try the shoes, or try to find something similar for half the price, but unfortunately my feet are far from sandal ready, so for now I’m just looking at the jeans.)

Whew!  You still with me?

So in a nutshell, I took advantage of a few kid-free hours this morning to try on some jeans.

Out of all the boyfriend jeans I tried (and did you know that there are MANY variations of the boyfriend jean?  The skinny, the baggy, the cropped, the short, the long, the in-between…) this pair was the most flattering.  I got a mixed reaction from the Twitterverse when I TwitPicked this photo from the dressing room.

I guess I just can’t see paying good money for jeans that look like I just got in a street fight.  There was even a disclaimer on one pair that stated that any holes could become bigger with wear and encouraged the owner to feel free to repair them and further personalize them.

I mean, REALLY?

I do have a pair of jean shorts from last year with the rips in them, and I always felt a little bit foolish wearing them, but they were mostly for bumming around the yard and they were comfy so I let it go.

But can’t we find a boyfriend jean without the rips and tears?  Or is that a requirement?  Tell me, oh wise internets.  Do you have boyfriend jeans?  Do yours look like something you’d wear to the barn to milk the cows?  (That’s what my grandfather would tell me they look like.)

The other denim item I have been wanting to add to my collection is a pair of white jeans.  I think they’re so crisp and clean and a nice alternative to the typical blue jean that I wear all the time.  I’m picturing them with a cute black top and a pair of metallic high heeled sandals for a night out with the hubs or paired with a bright coral or fresh lime green sweater for a summer brunch with the girls.  I even remember Audrey once advising her readers to tuck them into brown Uggs and wear them with a neutral colored top for a modern winter look.

I haven’t been able to commit to the white jean just yet, but I’m working on it.  Whaddya think?

I like them, but they make me feel rather conspicuous.  Or something.  I snapped this picture in the dressing room, intending to send it out to the Twitterverse to get a second (and third and fourth and tenth) opinion.  But just as it was uploading to TwitPic, my phone died on me.  So I have had no feedback on these yet.  I’m counting on you to come through for me.  What do you think of the white jean?  A fresh, modern addition to the summer wardrobe?  Or a fashion don’t?

And be sure to visit Big Mama for more Fashion Friday.

It’s Thursday night, which means I have to face my weekly dilemma.  Watch Idol and record Survivor?  Or watch Survivor and record Idol?  It’s tough being a suburban housewife these days.  I bet June Cleaver never had to face tricky decisions like this.

So I decided to watch Idol live so that I can use the commercial breaks to catch up on my live blogging, and also so that I can be one of the first to post season nine’s top 12.  Maybe I’ll get 50 extra Google hits or something.  Woohoo!  *whirls index finger in the air*

Didi is the first to take one of the coveted 12 seats.  I was slightly worried for her, only because the judges have been so hard on her.  I find her incredibly likable, and clearly the American public does too.

Siobhan is also in.  Like we were concerned.

Paige and Katelyn come center stage.  One will be going home.  I’m thinking it’s probably Paige.  And I’m wrong.  Katelyn is going home.  Well, she’s have probably gone home next week, so I’m not incredibly surprised.

And here’s a question I’ve had for, well, ever, at least forever in Idol years.  WHY do they have the outgoing contestants sing the song that got them voted out?  I’d rather hear someone GOOD give an encore.  But maybe that’s just me.

So as Ryan talks to Katelyn, my four-year old blurts:  “Mom!  Why does she have that stamp on the back of her?”  (Referring, of course, to her tattoo.)

Before I have a chance to muster up a response, her older sister explains, knowingly: “It’s a stamp, and it’s there forever.”

R, decisively: “I don’t like it.”

C, with all the wisdom of her seven years: “You don’t have to like it.  It doesn’t matter what people look like.  It matters if they are nice to you or something.”

Well then.  I guess my work here is done.

After a rather lengthy commercial break, Ryan brings four of the guys center stage.

Casey is safe. Tim is safe.  And it’s down to Toddrick and Lee.  Please please please let Lee be staying.  He’s the closest we have to a rocker guy this year.  Although Toddrick was quite good last night…

Randy declares Lee as most deserving of the seat with the top 12.  Oh no, I’ve got a BAD feeling about this.

But I’m wrong.  Lee does get to stay.  So much for my intuitions tonight.  I’m way off, but I’ve to say, that is possibly the best going out performance in all of American Idol history, at least at this stage in the game — I suppose that’s just proof that they have a stellar group this year.

Cryastal Bowersox doesn’t look well.  Does anyone else think so?  She doesn’t even look excited about making it to the top 12.  I hope she’s okay.

Michael Lynch is wearing a scarf.  I wonder if he chose that or if his stylist had to twist his arm.  Needless to say, Big Mike is in the top 12.

Why does Ryan have to torture Lacey with hard questions?  But she made it, I’m happy to say.

Aaron Kelly made it in.  I guess I’m a little surprised, but I’m still thinking Andrew is vulnerable tonight.

Now it’s down to Alex and Andrew, and I really hope Alex gets to stay on for another few weeks.  Wow.  It’s Andrew Garcia who makes it.  Hunh.  Well, at least we get to hear Trouble again.  I guess I’m taking back what I said about not wanting to hear the outgoing contestants sing their encores.  We’ve had two good ones so far tonight.  I think I’m enjoying this performance better tonight than I did last night.  I really like the uniqueness of his voice.  Kinda bummed we won’t be hearing more of him.

Katie and Lilly are the last girls standing, and Kara nails it when she says it’s an odd pairing — one who really knows who she is and another who is really struggling.  I’m assuming Katie is going home, right?

WRONG.  It’s Lilly.  I am shocked.  And sorely disappointed.  She’s got a good attitude, though.  “I just know that there’s an audience out there for me.”  *raises hand and waves wildly*  I’d buy her album.

Well I am not really in agreement with the top 12 this year, but the true stand outs this season are safely seated among the ones coming back next week for Rolling Stones week.  And I do love me some Stones.

What do you think?  Did America get it right or wrong tonight?

I have another bone to pick with the powers that be.  Who decided that 10 A.M. is a good time for shopping malls to open in the morning?  WHO?  Certainly not mothers of preschoolers, that’s for sure and certain.

For those of you who are not and/or have not ever been a mother of a preschooler, let me explain my position.  Most preschools start at 9:00 or thereabouts.  So I get up and get myself looking presentable because I have things to do and places to go, and I need to make the most of the precious few hours that all three kids are in school.

So I put my older kids on the big yellow bus and then drop my daughter off at preschool, kiss her rosy cheeks, and hop back in my car.  By then it is 9:10, MAYBE 9:20 if it’s been a rough morning.  Now what?

If my agenda involves grocery shopping, I’m golden.  Grocery stores open early.  But what if I want to go to the mall?  The malls don’t open till 10.  I don’t want to go back home because when I do, I invariably get caught up in some tedious chore like laundry, or more likely a project on the computer, and before I know it, lunch time is upon me.

So that brings me back to my plans to take over the world.  When I run the world, I promise you the malls will open no later than 9:00 in the A.M.  And that is my campaign promise to you.

Until then, you should know that Panera is a great place to kill 30 minutes.  Or 90.  (So much for not getting caught up in a project on the computer.)  But hey.  At least they have these.

I can’t get that at home.

I’m tuning in a bit late tonight and my DVR is being temperamental so I missed the first performance.  Was it any good?  Who was it?  I tuned in just in time for a Triscuit commercial, which gave me a hankering for some cheese and crackers.

But anyway.

Alex Lambert is getting ready to sing Trouble, and I’m already worried that trouble is what he’s getting into.  Great song, but I’m not sure he can pull it off.  I dunno, I generally like that unique quality to his voice, but on this, notsomuch.  Actually, by the end I was starting to change my mind.  The judges liked it.  I think he needs another five years.  What is he, 17?  Googling…  Okay, so he’s 19.  Well…  I’m not sure what I think.  What do YOU think?

Now, Tim Urban’s performance of Hallelujah was pretty darn good.  It helps that I absolutely adore this song, but it’s almost becoming one of those songs that should go on the Do Not Sing list for a while.  But he really pulled it off.  WHAT is Ellen doing hopping up on stage?  Aw, he’s about to cry.  I’m so happy for him.

Andrew Garcia better find that magic he had during Hollywood week or I fear he may be going home tomorrow night.  Aaaaaaand… this isn’t it.  There was nothing magical about that.  And what’s this “peaking too early” nonsense about?  So he had one good song.  It was a fluke.  Either you’ve got it or you don’t.  And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Okay, now we’re talking.  Casey James on a stool with his acoustic guitar and a microphone singing Keith Urban.  I think he finally got it right this week.  Randy, no… safe?  Hm.  No, I disagree.  I think it was “honest” — to coin one of the judges’ favorite words.  Thank you, Ellen.  Oh, and then Kara plays the “honest” card.  See?  Told ya.  Simon says it was his second best performance this season, but I actually like this better than the Bryan Adams song from Week One; I think he was trying too hard on that one.  But whatever.  He should stick around another week for sure.

Aaron Kelly, oh dear.  This song is way too big for him.  (What do you want to bet one of the judges says that?  I predict Randy.)  Nice effort, but not age appropriate and his voice just doesn’t have the power this song requires.  Now see, Randy actually liked it.  But Ellen and I are on the same page.  Haha.  He just said “Yes ma’am” to Ellen.  Which proves my next point — I TOTALLY agree with Kara about the subject matter of the song.  Simon at least admitted the vocals weren’t there, so he had part of it right.

Oooooh, Glee commercial.  April 13th.  Write it down.

Toddrick Hall is taking on Queen.  Alright then.  I do love this song, especially the Glee version — it’s on my Running playlist, but…  Hey now, this is pretty hot.  He’s pulling it off.  There was a little part there before the grand finish where I wanted more, but I guess he was saving it up for the last note.  I’m not quite sure who we’re going to vote out this week.

A whirly skirt?  Hunh.  Cute.  If you’re 15.  Or a toothpick.

Clearly I don’t watch commercials much.  I’m not quite sure why I feel the need to comment on them.

Ooooh, I’m glad I didn’t miss Michael Lynche in my DVR debacle/fiasco.  Not typically my style of music, but this just might make me a convert.  Loving Randy’s reaction.  And Ellen’s.  But what is up with Kara?  And is Simon actually being sensitive?  Wow.

So who did I miss?  Because I’m not sure who to predict will go home.  Oh here we go.  Recap.  Lee Dewyze.  And it looks like it was a good one.

To go home tomorrow night, I’m thinking Andrew Garcia and… Alex? Aaron?  What say you?

Oh and hey.  Check out my Ritter Sport chocolate giveaway on Reviewsings.  Yes, I said chocolate.  Nom nom.

As usual, you can check out Boomama’s place for more Idol recaps.  Over and out.

Did y’all know Jeff Probst has a blog?  Jeff Probst has a blog.  Well, okay, so it is part of Entertainment Weekly, so who knows if he is actually writing the posts, but let’s pretend that he is.

It’s SO interesting.  He actually gives his opinions on the shows.   For instance, he says that Russell should have won last year.  (BINGO.)

He also has a lot to say about the Coach drama and Tyson and Boston Rob.  (Love me some Boston Rob.  Loved it when he told Coach to toughen up and be a man.)

Anyway, if you’re a Survivor fan, here’s some reading material for ya.

And also, has anyone else noticed?  Jeff is looking old.  But then, as my mother would say, aren’t we all…

Greetings tonight from Snot Central, and please pass the Puffs.  Ohmyword I haven’t been this sick with a headcold since college, at least so far as I can remember.  I feel sorry for anyone who comes within fifty feet of my house this week.  Fortunately it’s gorgeous outside so the kids can play with friends after school.  Of course, it’s the first week of nice weather we’ve had all year and I can’t even go out and run in it.

But enough about me.  Onward to American Idol…  I’m not on the top of my game tonight, but I’m afraid if I don’t live blog the show I’ll be asleep by 8:30 so here goes nuttin’.

Poor little Katie Stevens.  She chose an appropriate song this week, but what’s going on with her pitch?  It’s like she can’t hear the accompaniment or something.  I think Kara and Ellen said it all, so I won’t tax myself.  Movingrightalong.

I look forward to to seeing what Siobhan Magnus will bring us every week, and this week doesn’t disappoint.  Love how she starts out acapella and the way she carries the intensity all the way to the end.  Oh shut up, Simon.  “The Moment” was the acapella part at the beginning. Or perhaps that big sustained note towards the end.  Take your pick.

Lacey Brown has such a great look and such presence on stage.  I keep waiting for her to have that breakthrough performance, and I’m not sure this is it.  I want it to be.  It’s a great song choice for her — I like that it’s more obscure.  It’s definitely her best performance to date, but I’m not jumping up and down.  I think Simon nailed this one.

Katelyn Epperly is singing one of those songs I wish they would ban from American Idol forever and ever amen.  I actually thought she started to pull it together towards the end, but most of it was pretty karaoke-ish.  Still, she has a lot of potential.  I’d like to see her make it into the Top 12.

As an aside, why is Kara hanging all over Simon?

Oooooh, I’m loving this.  This is the Didi I fell in love with during her audition.  I love her intensity and the guitar and the coffee shop vibe.  Simon and Kara got it right.

Paige Miles is singing.  Someone wake me up when it’s over.  Talk about not having a moment.  I kept thinking maybe she was going to ramp it up or something, but no such luck.  If she doesn’t go home on Thursday night I’ll eat this pile of snotty tissues that is growing by the minute.

I love Crystal Bowersox.  The end.

Lilly Scott is putting on another solid performance.  If she wasn’t following Crystal, I’d be all over this.  She’s definitely one of the better contestants this season.

So that’s that.  This is a no brainer.  Katie Stevens and Paige Miles should go home.  They’re both lovely and have bright singing careers ahead of them, but the other contestants are in a different league.  It’s like the majors vs the minors.  Tell me you’re impressed with my brilliant metaphor. Or tell me to go to bed, either one.

I’m really looking forward to the Top 12 this year.  It’s a strong group.

If this recap left you wanting for more, head on over to Boomama’s place where there is likely to be a Mr. Linky with Idol recaps galore in just a little bit.

Meanwhile I’m going to go to bed and practice breathing through my mouth lest I suffocate in my sleep.

Signed,
Stuffy in Philly

Someone asked me in a recent post that I wrote about doing real food on a budget why I’ve never talked about growing your own vegetables as an option.

Growing your own veggies is a GREAT option, but it’s not usually on my radar because I don’t exactly garden.  It’s on my list of things to do, but I have to admit I am not particularly excited about this prospect.  Here’s why.

1) I have what some might call a black thumb.  Gardening is not intuitive to me, and my flowers have this way of shriveling up and dying on me.

2) I am lazy, so my flowers don’t get watered as they should, so again, they like to shrivel up and die.

3) I do not particularly care for the out-of-doors.  I don’t like bugs, but bugs sure do like gardens.

4) Oh, and the worms.  *shudder*

5) I have this thing about getting my hands and fingernails dirty — I don’t yike it.  Yes, I’m a priss.

6) We have horrible soil.

7) We live in a development with an HOA policy that dictates gardens must blend into the landscape.  I’m not sure how to go about making that work.

I am busy.  I don’t have time to add one. more. thing. to my agenda.

9) Gardening would require manual labor.  See #2.

10) I’d have no excuse to wander around the farmer’s market, which is one of my favorite summertime activities.

This post is linked up with Oh Amanda’s Top Ten {Tuesday} carnival.

I think I’ve got what they call a man cold.   It’s the first time I’ve been sick in well over a year so I guess I was due.

Since I don’t have my act together, Julie at From Inmates to Playdates has agreed to host What I Learned This Week, so head on over and link up!

You’ve probably heard about this, but if not you should be following Home Ec 101 because Heather is updating her site regularly as more products are pinpointed in the latest salmonella food safety scare.  If you haven’t heard, a slew of foods containing Hydrolized Vegetable Protein (HVP) have been tainted.

And as one of her commenters pointed out, foods containing Hydrolized Vegetable Protein (HVP) should be avoided, salmonella dangers or not, as it’s a sneaky way that food processors get MSG into foods without having to state MSG in the ingredients.  But if you have any of the following brands in your pantry, you should check the PDF that Heather links to on her site for more specifics.

Reser’s
Herbox
Concord Foods
McCormick
Delicioso
De la Casa
Fresh Food Concepts
HK Anderson
CVS
Safeway
Sunflower Markets
National Pretzel Company
Castella
Follow Your Heart (frozen, prepared meals, many vegetarian)
Great Value (Walmart’s generic, Ranch Chip Dip)
Hawaiian
Homemade Gourmet
Johnny’s Fine Foods
Oak Lake Farms
T. Marzetti
Trader Joe’s (Organic Creamy Ranch Dressing & Dip)

Spring Fever, that is.

I know, I know.  It’s too early to have spring fever here in Yankeeland.  I’m sure I’m setting myself up for disappointment, declaring springtime the first week of March, but my southern roots get me every. single. time.  I know this weather is just a tease.  After 15 years in Philadelphia, you’d think I’d get the memo.

Every year when November rolls around, I hunker down and prepare myself for five months of winter.  Or maybe six; even April in Philly is dicey.  In a weak attempt to manage my expectations, I tell myself just to expect winter weather right into April.  I mean, just a couple of years ago we had SNOW on EASTER.

Hahaha, the first time I typed that sentence, I accidentally typed SNOT for SNOW.  That made me giggle.  I’m such an adolescent.

No matter how much I try to prepare myself for the fickle spring of the northeast, I can’t help but get my hopes up that first week of March when it hits 55 and it’s light out at 6:30 am.  I think I might have even heard a bird tweeting outside my window this morning.

Yesterday I couldn’t resist diving into the attic to pull out some spring clothes and then going through the kids’ closets, performing my first round of seasonal purging.  I even had the audacity to pack away snow suits and heavy sweaters.  I’m sure I’m just jinxing myself and everyone who has the misfortune of living within a 100-mild radius of my optimism, but I couldn’t stand one more minute of the clutter in our laundry room.

I KNOW I’m setting myself up for disappointment, but I feel like spring might. just. be. around. the. corner.  Look what I found in my yard just this morning!

A girl can hope, can’t she?

Just for kicks, I searched spring in my archives, and I found this post, promptly followed by this one.  Yeah.  You’d think I’d learn.