It's no surprise that I'm wearing....

JEANS.

I wasn't planning on playing today. But, then I found this picture that one of the twins took of...my leg yesterday. Not a big shocker that I'm wearing jeans.

These particular jeans are really cute on the hanger, and are made......for a junior. I bought them because they were clearanced down to $12.00. Once I washed them though, they lost their shape, which made them look more mature, and suddenly the rise seemed a whole lot shorter. So, for $12.00 they are a good pair to wear around the house, but they aren't the greatest for leaving the house. Because of the rise. Made for juniors. Note to self. Not a junior. Steer clear of jeans cut for teenagers. Too low.

Don't forget to enter my Twisted Silver bracelet giveaway! Contest ends Saturday.

No, David! Book Winner

Lorina, you won! Please email me your address so that I can ship your book out to you!

Wordful Wednesday-Emma

For my Twisted Silver romance bracelet giveaway, go HERE.


*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me (or hyperlink), and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

My second child just turned SEVEN. Seven. Seven. Seven. Silly Seven.

This post is about Emma. But it's also about me, because I swear I just blinked and almost a fifth of my life whizzed by.

And that makes me sad....yet happy at the same time. I've enjoyed watching Emma grow and develop more than words can express. It's been a wonderfully happy fifth of my life.

Thank goodness for memories. Family gathered together. Incredibly sweet, loving children... and SIL's willing to make the birthday cake to exact specifications so that mom doesn't have to.

Tuesday's Tribute-Food

For my TWISTED SILVER romance bracelet giveaway, GO HERE.

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production

Cooking. Food. Love/Hate.

I like cooking. Sometimes. I love food. Most of the time.

If it's prepared just right, or has lots of sugar, that is.

Life would be much easier if I just didn't have to prepare food. All. the. time.

Since I don't have a magic genie to grant my wish, I've found a few cooking tools that deserve a toast.

First of all, this 3 ring binder that was compiled for my SIL's bridal shower. Everyone needs a easily accessible lot of tried and true recipes.

Next, this recipe for only-the-best banana bread I've ever tasted. Ever. I'll post the complete recipe on my cooking blog next week.

Not exactly a tool. But a must have. For sure. Thanks, Jan.

And lastly, this cook book by Pampered Chef is fantastic. It contains diverse recipes using fresh ingredients, and all can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Oh, and they taste really good too.

Now, if you are feeling really charitable right about now, I am taking reservations for those of you that would like to come and cook for me. February is wide open. I'm not picky. At least, not very. :)

Twisted Silver Romance Bracelet Giveaway

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Twisted Silver (one of my favorite jewelry stores) is providing this brass bangle, jingle-jangle, three heart charm bracelet for you.

Here's the details:
Element: Brass and copper
Weight: 1 ounce
Length: 2 1/2 inch dia
Design Size: 1/4 inch to 1 inch
Price - $40.00

Isn't it romantic?

Here's the contest Rules:

1) Visit Twisted Silver and look around.

2) Then, come back here and tell me what Twisted Silver design you will email to your sweetheart as a not-so-subtle Valentine's Day hint?"


3) Next, leave a short message with your comment telling the women at Twisted Silver how fabulous they are. The jewelry, too.


4) For an extra entry, Follow me. If you already do, just let me know.


5) For two extra entries, blog about the giveaway, being sure to link back to me.

Good luck, everyone!

*Open to US residents only.
*Giveaway will end Saturday the 31st at 11:59 p.m.

It's what I'm wearing, part 3 & Writers Workshop unsure

Can you believe this is the 3rd installment of "What are you Wearing" already?
I can't.

Or the who-knows-what-number Writers Workshop?
Me either.

To tell the truth, this Friday meme is both harder than it looks, and easier.

Easier because it's a combo post, and harder for the reasons listed below:

First of all, one actually has to take a picture in what they are wearing....and that's well, kind of a bother.

And, at the point in my day when I have time to take a picture of what I'm wearing my hair looks like limp lettuce and the little make-up I applied in the morning has worn off. The look really kind of kills the outfit.

I'm not complaining......just saying.....:)

So, what am I wearing? (To see what others are wearing head on over to Tiaras and Tantrums)

Only the cutest darn pair of jeans Ever.

Just bought them.

Am in love with them.

And got them for a screaming deal.

Besides the great cut, they have the cutest pockets. Don't you think?

And that's why the first picture is my favorite picture of the week. It's of a favorite pair of jeans. And you all know what I think of jeans.

The rundown: Seven for all Mankind jeans (Flynt style) $44.97: Nordstrom Rack, Downeast top $20.00 something. Downeast cami $12.00. Shoes? Who knows.

Literacy Thursday

So see what others are reading, go see Jennifer @ If you're happy and you know it....
This is hands down, one of our favorite children's book of all times. I can't figure out who loves the book more; the kids, or Jeff and me. This book is so much fun.....no matter how many times we've read it, we still laugh out loud every. single. time.

The story incompasses what I only hope is a full day (and not just a few hours) of David's life. His antics are illustrated with vibrant acrylic paint and really show both David's relentless acts of mischief, and his emotions.

It's really no surprise to me that this is a Caldecott Honor book, which as you know, is the most prestigious award given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book published that year.

If you haven't read this yet, you must.

I 'm even going to make it easy for you. I'm giving away a copy to one of you that doesn't already own it. The copy I'll send is used, but in good condition and has been lovingly handled by my children.

I'm thinking we don't need 6 copies laying around the house. Surely, we can manage with just 5.

Besides, I just got my hands on this new knock off, which can replace the one I'm sending out.
If you'd like my copy, let me know in your comment.

Wordful Wednesday-Peter Pan

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

I'm pretty sure that it's a common knowledge that when one spots characters at Disneyland they (the character):

1. are surrounded by a large crowd of people

2. have everyone lined up awaiting their turn for a photo op with the character who rarely speaks

OR

3. are quickly walking away from the people lest they actually have to interact with them.

The 3rd scenario drives me bonkers. I've seen on too many occasions a character make their appearance, wait until people notice them and then.......walk away. What?

So, I was thrilled to make Peter Pan's acquaintance. He talked to all of the kids, and made this momma super happy with the attention he paid her "lost boys". And the best part? Very few "guests" noticed him, and if they did, they stood back and watched rather than butting their way in.

Thank you, Peter Pan. You made our day!

Tuesday's Tribute-New Authors

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

(Yes David. Yes! Good Boy!)

(Yes David! By Emma and Garrett a 6 yere girle a 5 yere old boy.)

(Yes David! Cep doying that!)

(Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Do that for 100 more Days!)

David Shannon (author of No, David!), I salute you.

You inspired 2 of my children to become authors and illustrators.

Plus, you've entertained us for hours.

I'm thinking that my kids are on to something here. If you'd just pass this on to your publisher, they'd be forever in your debt.

Now, when you review the book, please remember:

Correct spelling is dispensable when one can spell phonetically. That's a fact.

Depicting picking one's nose and showing one's mouth full of food is not easy.

When acrylics are not allowed in the house, pencil is a perfectly acceptable medium.

Let me know what your publisher thinks. :)

And, if it helps to sweeten the deal, I'm giving one of your books a really great review on Thursday.

Lastly, Wordful Wednesday will be published on Tuesday evenings at 9 pm Pacific time from now on.

Skin MD lotion

I have really dry skin. Really dry. In the winter, my hands and feet crack in multiple places and frequently bleed. I've tried about every lotion out there in search of the perfect treatment for my dry skin.

Over the years, I've found products that I like.......but never the perfect combination.

Skin MD comes close. I need a little more time using it to decide. The formulation I've tried has an SPF of 15, which is a must for me. It can be used on the hands, body and face. It is light, and of utmost importance to me, fragrance free. It doesn't feel oily going on, and forms a protective shield on the outer layer of the skin. It really does leave my skin feeling hydrated without being weighed down.

Skin MD is a shielding lotion. It is fragrance and colorant free. It's non comedogenic, dermatology tested, and hypoallergenic. It's also paraben free and is made of natural ingredients.

If you'd like to give Skin MD a try (and I highly suggest you do), visit http://www.skinmdnatural.com/
or call 800-540-4790 for more information and a free sample.

*I did not receive any money for this product reveiw..

It's what I'm wearing, part 2

I don't know how you guys get full body shots in the mirror with your camera.

I guess if I had to say one bad thing about my Canon, it's that I can't do cute full length mirror images like so many of you do. So, this will have to do.

What you can't see in this picture is that I am wearing a pair of my recently purchased Craigslist.com jeans (Citizen's of Humanity, $20.00), and they are cuffed at the bottom, making them capris. I'm wearing flip flops too. And, there is the cutest little ruffle on either side of the buttons on my shirt (Nordstrom Rack, 9 bucks).

Now, ignore my image in the mirror. You can also see part of my entry table and a portion of my living room. So, for those of you asking for pictures of my house.........there you go. I just killed two birds with one stone.

And, since I'm feeling so smug with my great shot (you know, killing two birds with one stone), I might as well tell you that it is 85 degrees here. And I'm heading off to Disneyland.

See you Monday, and to see what others are wearing, stop by Tiara's and Tantrums.

Wordful Wednesday-hitting the jeans lottery

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

I'm an unrepentant jeans snob.

Well, that's not exactly true. I feel guilty saying that out loud. It sounds amazingly close to bragging. I'm pretty sure it is. But that guilt doesn't change anything. I still only buy and wear designer jeans. If it's a sin, I'll repent later.

For now, I have to tell you about hitting the jeans lottery.....sort of. There wasn't much gambling involved.

Craigslist was the conduit by which I found the deal of my lifetime. For less than a tenth of their purchase price, I obtained a pair of Hudson's, a pair of AG's, a pair of Joe's, a pair of Bebe cords and 2 pairs of Citizen of Humanity jeans.

All I had to do was trust that the seller would actually send me the jeans after my check cleared.

What's that saying? "All's well that end's well?"

It ended well. Oh so well.

Tuesday's Tribute-Birthday's, Family, Wii, Tennis

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.Have you hopped on Jay and Deb's Tuesday Tribute bandwagon yet?It's a day totally devoted to all things non-egocentric. For me, it's a day to give thanks.But some how, I always seem to make it about me.....in a round about way. You see, so many of the things I'm grateful for, I'm thankful for because of they way they benefit/effect me.Like, birthdays.I love celebrating birthdays. Especially my children's birthdays.......even though it means they are getting a year nearer to leaving the nest.January is an especially joyful month for me because 3 of my children celebrate the day of their birth. And so do my sisters.
I'm thankful for our Wii and the hours of fun it has brought our family.


I'm thankful for tennis.....because even though we all pretty much suck, it's a sport we can enjoy as a family.

And, I'm thankful for living near family. Lot's and lots of family.

*NOTE: This week only, I'm not posting my Wordful Wednesday post until 12 am Wednesday morning.

International Delurking Day

Apparently, it's a real day.

In the blogosphere that is.

Care to delurk?

Writer's Workshop-Mamakazam

I was feeling a little overwhelmed last night and decided not to participate in Mama Kat's writer's workshop today. I didn't think I had it in me to write anything. at. all.

Then I visited her site today to see what I had missed out on. I decided I couldn't pass this one up, so I'm just late on the draw......but no worries. It's not the first time, and it certainly won't be the last.

Here's the prompt I chose:

Ask a loved one to use 6 descriptive words to describe you and report your findings. How well do they know you?

I got all excited about this one, although on second thought, I'm beginning to think I'm a tad self centered to be so enthusiastic about something all about me.

Anyway. That's beside the point.....or IS it the point? I'll have to think on this one.

Back to the story.

I quickly called my husband at work, and sweetly asked him if he was busy.

He said, "it's not too bad right now, why?"

I said, "because I need you to tell me 6 words that describe me".

EASY, PEASY, right?

I'm mean, shouldn't a loved one be able to spit 6 words out in like 10 seconds?

Apparently not.

He said, "I'm really sorry, but I've been slammed all morning, and I'm backed up (but not in that way.....with work). I'm too busy to do this right now".

He seemed regretful that he couldn't help me out, but I have my doubts. When I asked him to get back to me he didn't sound very appreciative of this opportunity I've given him.

Humpf.

So then I decided to ask my boys. Remember, they are 3, 3 and 4. My first mistake might have been interrupting Go, Diego, GO! to ask this small favor of them. They assured me they understood my question, but, whatever. With much thought, this is what they came up with.

1. angie
2. angela
3. mom
4. mamakazam (my favorite)
5. angie
6. I don't know

What happened to pretty, nice, kind, generous, smart, wonderful, amazing or a dozen other coveted attributes?

I figured that just wouldn't do. I needed more.

So I decided to call my sister.

I figured she'd be nice since:

1. It's her birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) and she just received a diamond ring from her husband that I happen to know she's over the moon about, thus, she's in a good mood.
2. I'm taking her out to lunch for her birthday so it wouldn't behoove her to not be nice.
3. She's my sister and she loves me.

This is her list:
1. outgoing
2. responsible
3. caring
4. giving
5. clean
6. considerate

Now, I happen to like her list. I would just like to know why it took her so long to come up with numbers 2 through 6? And, what happened to smart?



To see what others are saying, visit Ms. Kathy today!

Wordful Wednesday-Snow

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button on the left to link back to me, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!


I absolutely LOVE the snow...when I don't have to live in it. I LOVE the snow when I'm not getting pelted in the face with icy snow balls. I love the snow when I can get all bundled up and sled down a long road all the while hoping I don't crash. I love a carefree afternoon of play when the sun is shining and reflecting off the vast whiteness. I always have.


This holiday season (while on vacation) I found something out. My children and husband do too.