Dear Mother Nature,
Hi there! Perhaps you remember me? I wrote you a letter about a month ago. I pleaded with you to stop dumping mountains of snow on us.
Well, I'm writing again because perhaps I wasn't specific enough in my first letter. When I asked you to stop burrying us under feet of snow I didn't mean to replace that with rain. I thought I asked for some sunshine, but maybe that got lost in translation somewhere. Sunshine, not monsoons.
See, again mother-to-mother, I'm asking for a little help. It is spring break here in our parts. My kids would like to be outside romping in our backyard or running through the park with their friends. However, we are once again cooped up indoors. Since I ran out of ways to entertain them this winter, I'm struggling a bit.
If that isn't enough to convince you, what about taking pity on all the poor people who are being flooded out of their homes? We have reached record rainfalls in the past month and there is just no place else for the water to go. Yards look like lakes. The rivers are bursting from their banks. The streets need boats to navigate them instead of cars. Don't you feel a little bit sorry for the people whose houses have water mounting in their basements and rising in their homes?
Please, I'm begging you. Enough with the precipitation already. A little sunshine. Please?
I'd also like to remind you that everything is lovely in MODERATION! I don't want to have to write back to you this summer when we reach scorching temperatures with no relief. A little snow, a little rain, a lot of sunshine but with little heat. Just like when you are on a diet. Moderation is the key!
While you take a little time to ponder my letter I am going to gather my supplies to build my ark.
Sincerely,
B
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Weekend Review...Pike Place Roast
I don't know about you but I am NOT a morning person. I've been a Night Owl ever since I can remember. So when morning does roll around and I need to be a responsible adult and get up to face the day I like a little boost. I always start my day with a cup (or 2) of coffee.
BzzAgent was nice enough to send me a bag of Pike Place Roast by Starbucks to try. I'm always up for something new and if helps jumpstart my morning, even better! I really enjoyed my bag of coffee. It has a nice rich coffee flavor and I love the smell of coffee brewing in my kitchen. It was great on it's own or in the afternoon with a sweet treat. I'm a little sad that my bag is now empty but you know what is great? I get to take my empty bag into a local participating Starbucks store and trade it in for a free cup of Tall Brewed Coffee. How great is that??
A few facts to share:
* Pike Place Roast is named after the first Starbucks store opened in Pike Place Market, Seattle in 1971. (I thought that was an interesting tidbit!)
*Grown and sourced ethically and sustainably.
* Designed and raosted to be Starbucks smoothest coffee.
*Available in a 12oz bag with a suggest retail of $8.99
*Found at all major grocery stores and mass retailers (I recently received a register coupon for it at Target!)
Be sure to visit http://www.starbuckscoffeeathome.com/ to learn more!
Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and was sent a complimentary bag of coffee to sample and review. No other compensation was received and opinions are my own based on my experience with the product.
BzzAgent was nice enough to send me a bag of Pike Place Roast by Starbucks to try. I'm always up for something new and if helps jumpstart my morning, even better! I really enjoyed my bag of coffee. It has a nice rich coffee flavor and I love the smell of coffee brewing in my kitchen. It was great on it's own or in the afternoon with a sweet treat. I'm a little sad that my bag is now empty but you know what is great? I get to take my empty bag into a local participating Starbucks store and trade it in for a free cup of Tall Brewed Coffee. How great is that??
A few facts to share:
* Pike Place Roast is named after the first Starbucks store opened in Pike Place Market, Seattle in 1971. (I thought that was an interesting tidbit!)
*Grown and sourced ethically and sustainably.
* Designed and raosted to be Starbucks smoothest coffee.
*Available in a 12oz bag with a suggest retail of $8.99
*Found at all major grocery stores and mass retailers (I recently received a register coupon for it at Target!)
Be sure to visit http://www.starbuckscoffeeathome.com/ to learn more!
Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and was sent a complimentary bag of coffee to sample and review. No other compensation was received and opinions are my own based on my experience with the product.
Babies
Everybody loves... BABIES. Coming to theatres this Mother's Day Weekend (May 7th), this visually stunning new movie simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.
BzzAgent asked me to help spread the bzz.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Kids in the Kitchen...Curious Chef Giveaway and Review
Over on Blah to Ta-Daa we took our kids into the kitchen to cook up some yummy recipes. Curious Chef was nice enough to send each of us items to use and review. I chose a 3 piece nylon knife set, fruit and vegetable peeler, and Green Pepper cutting board.
Real kitchen utensils for small hands
Let me just say that my kids didn't step, they jumped into the kitchen. It isn't that I haven't let them help in the kitchen before, I have! It's just that I usually let them do the pouring and the stirring because I'm afraid of them getting cut. So when I presented them with a set of knives and tools that they could use on their own they were thrilled to utter pieces. The handles are designed to be no slip and easy for smaller hands to handle. The blades on the knive are serrated and have a blunt tip, great for cutting food but not little fingers! Best of all everything is dishwasher safe making clean up a breeze.
Now it is your turn to try Curious Chef!
You can win a great kitchen timer!
How to enter: Please be sure to leave an email address for easy contact!
Mandatory first entry: Visit Curious Chef and have a look around! Come back and leave a comment telling me what product you would most like to try with your kids.
Additional entries:
1.Blog about this giveaway and link back to it. Be sure to leave me a link so I can check it out!
2.Become a follower of Life in the BAT Cave! Already follow? Let me know!
3.Follow me on twitter! Then tweet about this giveaway!
4.Enter into all of the other giveways by Curious Chef featured on the other Blah to Ta-Daa girls blogs! You will receive one entry for each giveaway you enter: The Buzz, Money Saving Maine-iac, Getting All My Ducks in a Row, Sweet Somethings and Life as a CEO. Be sure to come back and tell me!
Winners to be determined at random on April 3!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A Night With the Girls
Now that my children are getting a little older I can actually find a little time to enjoy myself. My alone time is not only stolen moments in the bathroom before they realize I'm missing or at the grocery store stocking up the pantry. They are actual activities outside my house!
Last week I spent a night out with two of my girlfriends. We attended a fundraiser for one of their schools so in addition to a fun night it was for a great cause to boot! We ate, we chatted, we caught up. We even made plans for another day.
On my drive home I thought about that night and previous nights I've been able to spend with friends. What I noticed is that a night (or day) with the girls is rejuvanating. It helps fill you up and make you feel like you. It reminds you that there is a life outside of laundry, errands, packing school lunches and wiping snotty noses. For a few hours you can relax, laugh and enjoy. When you return home you feel refreshed and ready to tackle all that you left behind. Even my husband notices a difference in my mood!
Remember ladies....we all deserve a time out. One that doesn't revolve around our families. So schedule yourself that nail appointment or call a friend and head out for a drink. It doesn't matter what it is, it just matters that it is for you.
Be sure to visit Theta Mom for Time Out Thursday!
Last week I spent a night out with two of my girlfriends. We attended a fundraiser for one of their schools so in addition to a fun night it was for a great cause to boot! We ate, we chatted, we caught up. We even made plans for another day.
On my drive home I thought about that night and previous nights I've been able to spend with friends. What I noticed is that a night (or day) with the girls is rejuvanating. It helps fill you up and make you feel like you. It reminds you that there is a life outside of laundry, errands, packing school lunches and wiping snotty noses. For a few hours you can relax, laugh and enjoy. When you return home you feel refreshed and ready to tackle all that you left behind. Even my husband notices a difference in my mood!
Remember ladies....we all deserve a time out. One that doesn't revolve around our families. So schedule yourself that nail appointment or call a friend and head out for a drink. It doesn't matter what it is, it just matters that it is for you.
Be sure to visit Theta Mom for Time Out Thursday!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Death of a Tree
What happens when you have a winter full of snow storms?
The trees protest. They moan and groan and begin to break.
And when the whole top of a very large tree snaps?
It needs to come down.
This is how we spent our weekend.
And along with that beautiful tree goes a lot of our shade. However, the kids see the potential for a bigger wiffle ball field!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mommy of the Year
So guess who won't be up for Mommy of the Year? Yup, that would be me. Want to know why? It has to do with the Tooth Fairy.
The Middle Child had a tooth that was barely holding on. It was gross to look at. The kids had dentist appointments over the weekend and I told the hygienist to feel free to push a little too hard on that tooth. Sure enough, it came out at the appointment. They put it in a little treasure chest for him and he was thrilled to death, couldn't wait to get it under his pillow.
Well then we went on to the rest of our day. My dad was cutting down a huge tree in the backyard with my husband all day and I was carting the kids from one thing to the next to the next. By Saturday night I was so tired and when I finally had the chance to put on my jammies and collapse in front of the TV I was truely ready to crash. Naturally the Tooth Fairy visit slipped my mind.
Fast forward to this morning and in comes The Middle Child to wake me up, tooth treasure box in hand. "MOM! THE TOOTH FAIRY DIDN'T COME!" Me, one eye barely open "what?" "THE TOOTH FAIRY!! SHE DIDN'T COME!" I forced the other eye open to see a crest fallen face and my heart dropped. I told him perhaps she had a really busy night and she just didn't have time to make it to all of the houses. He left my room I grabbed some money, threw it half under the bed and went to find him. I suggested that maybe the money had just fallen out from under his pillow and we should go look for it. "NO! She DIDN'T come because my tooth is still here!" And he again showed me the treasure chest to further emphasize his point. So up I went to rescue the loot.
Good news is, on the second try the Tooth Fairy remembered to show up. She even threw a little extra bounty under the pillow to make up for it.
Hey, not every day can be a stellar mommy moment!
The Middle Child had a tooth that was barely holding on. It was gross to look at. The kids had dentist appointments over the weekend and I told the hygienist to feel free to push a little too hard on that tooth. Sure enough, it came out at the appointment. They put it in a little treasure chest for him and he was thrilled to death, couldn't wait to get it under his pillow.
Well then we went on to the rest of our day. My dad was cutting down a huge tree in the backyard with my husband all day and I was carting the kids from one thing to the next to the next. By Saturday night I was so tired and when I finally had the chance to put on my jammies and collapse in front of the TV I was truely ready to crash. Naturally the Tooth Fairy visit slipped my mind.
Fast forward to this morning and in comes The Middle Child to wake me up, tooth treasure box in hand. "MOM! THE TOOTH FAIRY DIDN'T COME!" Me, one eye barely open "what?" "THE TOOTH FAIRY!! SHE DIDN'T COME!" I forced the other eye open to see a crest fallen face and my heart dropped. I told him perhaps she had a really busy night and she just didn't have time to make it to all of the houses. He left my room I grabbed some money, threw it half under the bed and went to find him. I suggested that maybe the money had just fallen out from under his pillow and we should go look for it. "NO! She DIDN'T come because my tooth is still here!" And he again showed me the treasure chest to further emphasize his point. So up I went to rescue the loot.
Good news is, on the second try the Tooth Fairy remembered to show up. She even threw a little extra bounty under the pillow to make up for it.
Hey, not every day can be a stellar mommy moment!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Goose Turds
The Middle Child is playing Little League Baseball this year. I don't know about the the towns you live in, but here, Little League is not cheap. We pay a hefty fee for the pleasure of watching the grass grow at our son's baseball games. If there ended up being a little action we have the additional pleasure of scrubbing grass stains from the knees of their pants.
In addition to that hefty fee we have to write a separate check for a "work bond". The league holds that check and the parents have to "Volunteer" a minimum amount of hours to have their check returned to them. I truly don't know how they can call it volunteering when it is forced labor but, whatever.
Well, if you know me, you know I'm a Cub Scout Leader, an assistant Girl Scout Leader, the vice president of a mom's group and the soccer Team Mom. I looked at my darling husband and told him this work bond was his responsibility. When he told me they could keep the check I almost leaped across the table and strangled him. Guess who won THAT argument. If you guessed me then you would be right.
So, this weekend they had a work weekend at the fields. That gave us the chance to work off the entire bond in one shot! Guess who I volunteered to go!!! Yup, that would be the hubs. He dutifully got up and was at the fields by 8am. He rolled in a little after 12 all dirty and tired and I asked him what he had to do. His answer? Rake goose turds.
I fell on the floor laughing. While I know he has done his duty schlepping the kids to practices and games, I still feel I log more time when it comes to their activities, so I wasn't feeling too sorry for him. He wasn't amused.
I'll take setting up fundraisers, running meetings and making phone calls over raking goose turds any day!
In addition to that hefty fee we have to write a separate check for a "work bond". The league holds that check and the parents have to "Volunteer" a minimum amount of hours to have their check returned to them. I truly don't know how they can call it volunteering when it is forced labor but, whatever.
Well, if you know me, you know I'm a Cub Scout Leader, an assistant Girl Scout Leader, the vice president of a mom's group and the soccer Team Mom. I looked at my darling husband and told him this work bond was his responsibility. When he told me they could keep the check I almost leaped across the table and strangled him. Guess who won THAT argument. If you guessed me then you would be right.
So, this weekend they had a work weekend at the fields. That gave us the chance to work off the entire bond in one shot! Guess who I volunteered to go!!! Yup, that would be the hubs. He dutifully got up and was at the fields by 8am. He rolled in a little after 12 all dirty and tired and I asked him what he had to do. His answer? Rake goose turds.
I fell on the floor laughing. While I know he has done his duty schlepping the kids to practices and games, I still feel I log more time when it comes to their activities, so I wasn't feeling too sorry for him. He wasn't amused.
I'll take setting up fundraisers, running meetings and making phone calls over raking goose turds any day!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Fairy Snowflakes
If you have been following my blog this winter you will have noticed a theme: snow. We have had lots and lots of snow. And I'm not such a fan. So when I came across the recipe for Baked Snowflakes I got a giggle out of the thought of eating some snow for revenge! I gathered up the kids and we set forth on our baking adventure.
Baked Snowflakes
Ingredients:
10 fajita-size flour tortillas, room temperature
1 tablespoon melted butter
Assorted colored sugars
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Makes 10 treats
Let's get baking!:
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Fold each tortilla into quarters and then snip out shapes with clean kitchen scissors as if you were making a paper snowflake. If your tortillas are stiff, soften them in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Place the snowflakes on a foil-lined cookie sheet, brush lightly with melted butter, and sprinkle each with assorted colors of sugar.
Bake 5-7 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool 5 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Only a fairy could bake a snowflake!
These were super easy to make and super yummy to eat! Be sure to to visit pop over and visit me at Blah to Ta-daa to see what fairy fun we cooked up for dinner!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Body Image
There is no faster way to feel bad about your body than trying on bathing suits. Seriously.
For those of you who have been following along know that I've been attending Weight Watchers since September. You probably will remember me celebrating reaching my goal in January. People, I lost 30 pounds. That was no easy feat and certainly something to be proud of.
Losing 30 pounds means you need to replace your wardrobe. Since this isn't something I can afford to do in one big shopping spree I started with the essentials.....jeans! Every once in a while I'll look for something new so that I can slowly build my wardrobe with clothes that fit me and show off my new curves.
Today was one of those days. I had an eye doctor appointment and was close to a department store I enjoy shopping in so I decided to pop in. I'm in need of a dress for Easter and my son's communion in April and I wanted to begin looking for bathing suits. I figure I'll need a lot of time in that department!
I started out with dresses. I was thrilled to find I needed a smaller size than I thought. Unfortunately I just wasn't loving anything so none of those came home with me. Then I tackled the bathing suits. I brought in armloads of suits to try...all different styles and sizes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking I lost 30 pounds and can now sport a bikini. I just wish that those 30 pounds showed in a bathing suit the same way they show in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt! Suit after suit showed all the flab and rolls that didn't get toned in the loss, every sag, every stretch mark and every bit of cellulite. I decided that I really don't need to get a bathing suit after all. I'm going to be sporting my jeans and a t-shirt at the beach this summer, because damn it....I look good in those!
For those of you who have been following along know that I've been attending Weight Watchers since September. You probably will remember me celebrating reaching my goal in January. People, I lost 30 pounds. That was no easy feat and certainly something to be proud of.
Losing 30 pounds means you need to replace your wardrobe. Since this isn't something I can afford to do in one big shopping spree I started with the essentials.....jeans! Every once in a while I'll look for something new so that I can slowly build my wardrobe with clothes that fit me and show off my new curves.
Today was one of those days. I had an eye doctor appointment and was close to a department store I enjoy shopping in so I decided to pop in. I'm in need of a dress for Easter and my son's communion in April and I wanted to begin looking for bathing suits. I figure I'll need a lot of time in that department!
I started out with dresses. I was thrilled to find I needed a smaller size than I thought. Unfortunately I just wasn't loving anything so none of those came home with me. Then I tackled the bathing suits. I brought in armloads of suits to try...all different styles and sizes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking I lost 30 pounds and can now sport a bikini. I just wish that those 30 pounds showed in a bathing suit the same way they show in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt! Suit after suit showed all the flab and rolls that didn't get toned in the loss, every sag, every stretch mark and every bit of cellulite. I decided that I really don't need to get a bathing suit after all. I'm going to be sporting my jeans and a t-shirt at the beach this summer, because damn it....I look good in those!
Wordless (okay a few words) Wednesday
What is this you ask? Why a clear blue sky of course!
Why is it the feature here today?
Because after the 4+ days of a nasty storm that pounded the East Coast leaving thousands upon thousands without power (some haven't had power for days!), floods that have caused evacuations from homes, damage to property, and even lives lost, this clear blue sky is a very very welcome site. As a friend said the other day, the weather has been on steroids this year! We are welcoming blue skies and warmer weather with very open arms!
Monday, March 15, 2010
I Wish I had a Recorder Inside My Head
Have you ever had a good thought and when you tried to make it come to fruition you just couldn't translate the brilliance that was going on in your head? I feel that way a lot. I will think of a great idea for a blog post while I'm in the shower, driving, cleaning, you know, during the moments it's easy to get lost inside of your head. I will have a wonderful post all created. Then when I come to sit at my computer? Nothing. Nada. I begin to type but it sounds nothing like what I had created in my head. Many times it is so bad I hit delete instead of post.
So I decided I need a recording device inside my head. This way when I have all this brilliance happening in the deep recesses of my mind, I can actually share it with you!
Until someone can figure out to help me accomplish that, please bare with me while I try to come up with some relevant content to post.
So I decided I need a recording device inside my head. This way when I have all this brilliance happening in the deep recesses of my mind, I can actually share it with you!
Until someone can figure out to help me accomplish that, please bare with me while I try to come up with some relevant content to post.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Winner of PrimaPrincessa DVD
Well it is time to pick the winner for this wonderful DVD! Random.org picked #5.....Money Saving Maine-iac! Congratulations and you will be hearing from me via email!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Terrific Tuesday...Pinewood Derby Edition
My boys are in Cub Scouts and each year our big pack event is the Pinewood Derby. This year our Pinewood Derby was snowed out. My boys were very disappointed because they had worked a long time cutting, sanding and painting their blocks of wood and turning it into their masterpiece car. Well tonight we finally got our chance to race those cars.
You know what? It was pretty terrific. It's a great night where the entire pack comes together and brings their excitemtent. The boys are proud of the cars they turned out and wait in anticipation to see how they will fair on the track.
My boys each came in 2nd place in their dens. They are both thrilled and were able to go to bed with smiles on their faces. This was a big improvement over last year....my younger son's car barely made it down the track!
I am also proud to say that my boys actually did build their cars. They did the cutting. They did the sanding. They did the painting. They did the gluing. Not me, not their dad. They had the assistance and guidance of their grandfather but they did the work.
You know what? It was pretty terrific. It's a great night where the entire pack comes together and brings their excitemtent. The boys are proud of the cars they turned out and wait in anticipation to see how they will fair on the track.
My boys each came in 2nd place in their dens. They are both thrilled and were able to go to bed with smiles on their faces. This was a big improvement over last year....my younger son's car barely made it down the track!
I am also proud to say that my boys actually did build their cars. They did the cutting. They did the sanding. They did the painting. They did the gluing. Not me, not their dad. They had the assistance and guidance of their grandfather but they did the work.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Miracle Worker on Broadway
If you have been reading my blog for a while I'm sure you have seen my mention of Trekaroo. Trekaroo is a wonderful site for families who like to travel. You can read tips and reviews written by families just like yours which is extremely helpful in planning family outings and vacations. You can also create your own profile and leave your own reviews. It is definately worth a stop over at that website to poke around.
Over at Trekaroo I have the privelege of being a Superoo. As a Superoo I was given the opportunity to see The Miracle Worker with my family. I only have one word for you to describe the show: phenomenal. Click on over to check out my full review.
I'd like to invite you to join in on Trekaroo's Monday Madness over at their blog. This week you can win 4 tickets to see The Miracle Worker on Broadway! What are you waiting for? Hurry up and run over there for your chance to win!!
Over at Trekaroo I have the privelege of being a Superoo. As a Superoo I was given the opportunity to see The Miracle Worker with my family. I only have one word for you to describe the show: phenomenal. Click on over to check out my full review.
I'd like to invite you to join in on Trekaroo's Monday Madness over at their blog. This week you can win 4 tickets to see The Miracle Worker on Broadway! What are you waiting for? Hurry up and run over there for your chance to win!!
ecoStore USA Winner
Howdy folks! I know I was supposed to post the winner last night. You'll have to forgive me. The stomach bug struck me this weekend and it put me a little behind on things. Want to know why I'm blaming my husband for being sick? Visit my superstitious post from last week. Please pray that it ends here with me!
So it's time to announce the winner of the ecoStore USA $25 gift certificate. Drum roll please..... the winner is.... The Royal Family!! Congratulations! I will be in touch with you by email.
The winner was chosen randomly. All entries were assigned a number and entered into the random generator using Random.org. Entry #9 was the lucky winner.
Don't forget to check out my other giveway going on for a Prima Princessa DVD. Your little ballerina in training can learn all about Swan Lake!
So it's time to announce the winner of the ecoStore USA $25 gift certificate. Drum roll please..... the winner is.... The Royal Family!! Congratulations! I will be in touch with you by email.
The winner was chosen randomly. All entries were assigned a number and entered into the random generator using Random.org. Entry #9 was the lucky winner.
Don't forget to check out my other giveway going on for a Prima Princessa DVD. Your little ballerina in training can learn all about Swan Lake!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friday Fragments
Time to de-fragment. It's not only good for your computer but it's good for your brain.
* I enjoy popping around to see some of the fragments other people have linked up with Mrs. 4444. You should try it sometime.
* Had a great night out with the girls from our mom's group. Once a year we have a chef come in and do some cooking demo's and make us a fantabulous dinner. When I heard Asian fusion I wasn't so sure I'd be in love with the menu....but it was so so yummy.
* Still trying to come up with the perfect fundraiser for our soccer team. I hate fundraising. And I really don't know how I keep finding myself being at the center of organizing them. The coach is successfully giving me a headache.
* I don't know if any of you are following the Bachelor but I am sorry I wasted my time and brain cells on it. See my take here.
* My kids watched movies in school on Read Across America Day. Does anyone else see a problem with that? Isn't the purpose to, um, READ?!?
* The tooth fairy made an appearance at my house. Thank god, that tooth was starting to gross me out! Just curious....how much does the tooth fairy leave under your kids pillows?
* I had a sick kid this week. See why I'm blaming my husband for it in my post on superstition.
* I hate when you cook bacon and you can't get the smell out of the house for days. Anyone have any good tips on combatting that?
* I was so thankful to see some sunshine and milder temperatures this week. It gave me hope that we really might see spring sometime this year.
* I cleaned out my van today. The only thing I can say to describe the amount of stuff I took out of it is Holy Hell! My kids got an earful about cleaning up after themselves and taking things back in the house. Then I silentely chastised myself for not keeping up with it.
* Tonight is our school's gift auction (which is why I cleaned out the van...I helped transport gifts to the venue). Wish me luck! There are some great prizes to be won!!
* We have a busy busy weekend ahead full of sports practices and birthday parties. Hope you all have a great one!!
Don't miss out on my current giveaways:
$25 ecoStore USA gift certificate ends Sun. 3/7
Prima Princessa DVD ends 3/14
* I enjoy popping around to see some of the fragments other people have linked up with Mrs. 4444. You should try it sometime.
* Had a great night out with the girls from our mom's group. Once a year we have a chef come in and do some cooking demo's and make us a fantabulous dinner. When I heard Asian fusion I wasn't so sure I'd be in love with the menu....but it was so so yummy.
* Still trying to come up with the perfect fundraiser for our soccer team. I hate fundraising. And I really don't know how I keep finding myself being at the center of organizing them. The coach is successfully giving me a headache.
* I don't know if any of you are following the Bachelor but I am sorry I wasted my time and brain cells on it. See my take here.
* My kids watched movies in school on Read Across America Day. Does anyone else see a problem with that? Isn't the purpose to, um, READ?!?
* The tooth fairy made an appearance at my house. Thank god, that tooth was starting to gross me out! Just curious....how much does the tooth fairy leave under your kids pillows?
* I had a sick kid this week. See why I'm blaming my husband for it in my post on superstition.
* I hate when you cook bacon and you can't get the smell out of the house for days. Anyone have any good tips on combatting that?
* I was so thankful to see some sunshine and milder temperatures this week. It gave me hope that we really might see spring sometime this year.
* I cleaned out my van today. The only thing I can say to describe the amount of stuff I took out of it is Holy Hell! My kids got an earful about cleaning up after themselves and taking things back in the house. Then I silentely chastised myself for not keeping up with it.
* Tonight is our school's gift auction (which is why I cleaned out the van...I helped transport gifts to the venue). Wish me luck! There are some great prizes to be won!!
* We have a busy busy weekend ahead full of sports practices and birthday parties. Hope you all have a great one!!
Don't miss out on my current giveaways:
$25 ecoStore USA gift certificate ends Sun. 3/7
Prima Princessa DVD ends 3/14
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Superstitious?
The other day my husband and I were talking about what a long winter it has been with the kids being off of school so much due to the snow. I pointed out that it was at least a better winter than the last one....that one was the looooooooooooooooooooongest of my life but for a very different reason. My kids got every single bug that went around. EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. (and may have even invented a few new ones). And of course they couldn't keep their bugs to themselves....they passed them along to their sibblings.
Think I'm exaggerating? My friends marked my house with QUARANTINE and were afraind to even read my emails or facebook posts for fear of catching something.Just to make my point: my oldest missed 28 days of school. That doesn't cover the weekends and holidays he was sick on. The Middle Child missed 23 days and I swear he was sick every weekend and day off of school. Baby Girl was in preschool so I didn't keep track of her days missed but I assure you it was a lot.
So anyway, what does my brilliant husband do? He points out that the Big Kid hasn't been sick, in fact he points out he hasn't missed one day of school yet this year. My reaction? "ARE YOU FREAKING CRAZY?!?!?!?! Thanks, Thanks a lot. You've just jinxed the kid and doomed me home with a sick kid after all of these freakin' snow days." He accused me of being superstitious and that talking about it did not cause sick kids.
Guess what? Want to know who is home sick today? The Big Kid. Want to know what he has? The stomach bug. He has been puking since some time in the middle of the night. Want to know who is home with the sick kid? Me. Want to know where the jinxing husband is? Blissfully off at work away from puke. Want to know who got an earful when he called home to check on things this mornig? Yeah, that would be the jinxing husband. He got a grocery list of gatorade and crackers to pick up on his way home. I'm trying to think of more creative ways to get back at him later.
Think I'm exaggerating? My friends marked my house with QUARANTINE and were afraind to even read my emails or facebook posts for fear of catching something.Just to make my point: my oldest missed 28 days of school. That doesn't cover the weekends and holidays he was sick on. The Middle Child missed 23 days and I swear he was sick every weekend and day off of school. Baby Girl was in preschool so I didn't keep track of her days missed but I assure you it was a lot.
So anyway, what does my brilliant husband do? He points out that the Big Kid hasn't been sick, in fact he points out he hasn't missed one day of school yet this year. My reaction? "ARE YOU FREAKING CRAZY?!?!?!?! Thanks, Thanks a lot. You've just jinxed the kid and doomed me home with a sick kid after all of these freakin' snow days." He accused me of being superstitious and that talking about it did not cause sick kids.
Guess what? Want to know who is home sick today? The Big Kid. Want to know what he has? The stomach bug. He has been puking since some time in the middle of the night. Want to know who is home with the sick kid? Me. Want to know where the jinxing husband is? Blissfully off at work away from puke. Want to know who got an earful when he called home to check on things this mornig? Yeah, that would be the jinxing husband. He got a grocery list of gatorade and crackers to pick up on his way home. I'm trying to think of more creative ways to get back at him later.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Good Riddance Jake and Vienna
I normally don't dedicate an entire post to a TV show but I'm making an exception today. I wasn't home last night to see the 3 hours finale of The Bachelor so my DVR and I curled up on the couch this afternoon to catch up.
Now, I've been trying to avoid the spoilers but despite my blog name, I don't live in an actual cave. So of course I knew how this was going to end. However, a girl can dream so I kept hoping that I was wrong and that Tenley had a fighting chance.Let me just say I found this finale entirely vomit worthy. Yes, I wanted to vomit. From beginning to end, I wanted to vomit.
I thought Jake was a dorky, charming, nice guy. I changed my mind and decided he is a disgusting pig. But we can't fault him really...it's the premise of the show. We give the bachelor 25 women and the freedom to suck face with all of them. It is every man's dream...permission to be promiscous and do it out in the open! I thought he was a bit different though, I thought he had honor and integrity. Throughout the show we watched him cut girls left and right as soon as he realized they weren't for him to spare their feelings by leading them on any longer than necessary. Last night I saw just how much he was leading Tenley on. Right up until he told her there was no physical attraction. My heart just broke for her at that moment.
I just kept yelling at the screen "just listen to yourself!" everytime he described Vienna as having a childish side, an immature side, how he always had to defend her, how she didn't get along with anyone. Open your eyes man, the red flags are waving all around you! Do you like feeding into her daddy complex and want to step in as her daddy or are you a man looking for your wife??? Do you really want an immature child or a mature woman by your side? And when he described her to his family as drop dead gorgeous? I almost choked. Apparently beauty truely is in the eye of the beholder. Jake you deserve what you get from here on out.
At the reunion where Tenley got to see Jake for the first time since being tossed aside I felt for her. I wouldn't want to be sitting on that couch with him. When she told him she was grateful she wasn't in Vienna's situation if he was honest about feeling such passion for both of them? Priceless. You go girl! Hold your head up high and go find yourself a man worthy of you.
I had heard spoilers they were bringing Allie back to be the next Bachelorette. Now, I liked Allie for quite a while and was routing for her. Then she turned me off. When she left the show that just sealed the deal. I'm so over her, I will NOT be tuning in to see grown men making fools of themselves to fawn all over her.
I've spent the rest of the day chastising myself for watching this crap and allowing myself to get so caught up in it. This is time I cannot get back, wasted away on Vienna.
Don't forget to check out my current giveaways!
$25 gift certificate to ecoStore USA ends 3/7
Prima Princessa DVD ends 3/14
Now, I've been trying to avoid the spoilers but despite my blog name, I don't live in an actual cave. So of course I knew how this was going to end. However, a girl can dream so I kept hoping that I was wrong and that Tenley had a fighting chance.Let me just say I found this finale entirely vomit worthy. Yes, I wanted to vomit. From beginning to end, I wanted to vomit.
I thought Jake was a dorky, charming, nice guy. I changed my mind and decided he is a disgusting pig. But we can't fault him really...it's the premise of the show. We give the bachelor 25 women and the freedom to suck face with all of them. It is every man's dream...permission to be promiscous and do it out in the open! I thought he was a bit different though, I thought he had honor and integrity. Throughout the show we watched him cut girls left and right as soon as he realized they weren't for him to spare their feelings by leading them on any longer than necessary. Last night I saw just how much he was leading Tenley on. Right up until he told her there was no physical attraction. My heart just broke for her at that moment.
I just kept yelling at the screen "just listen to yourself!" everytime he described Vienna as having a childish side, an immature side, how he always had to defend her, how she didn't get along with anyone. Open your eyes man, the red flags are waving all around you! Do you like feeding into her daddy complex and want to step in as her daddy or are you a man looking for your wife??? Do you really want an immature child or a mature woman by your side? And when he described her to his family as drop dead gorgeous? I almost choked. Apparently beauty truely is in the eye of the beholder. Jake you deserve what you get from here on out.
At the reunion where Tenley got to see Jake for the first time since being tossed aside I felt for her. I wouldn't want to be sitting on that couch with him. When she told him she was grateful she wasn't in Vienna's situation if he was honest about feeling such passion for both of them? Priceless. You go girl! Hold your head up high and go find yourself a man worthy of you.
I had heard spoilers they were bringing Allie back to be the next Bachelorette. Now, I liked Allie for quite a while and was routing for her. Then she turned me off. When she left the show that just sealed the deal. I'm so over her, I will NOT be tuning in to see grown men making fools of themselves to fawn all over her.
I've spent the rest of the day chastising myself for watching this crap and allowing myself to get so caught up in it. This is time I cannot get back, wasted away on Vienna.
Don't forget to check out my current giveaways!
$25 gift certificate to ecoStore USA ends 3/7
Prima Princessa DVD ends 3/14
Prima Princessa DVD Giveaway
I'm bringing you another Terrific Tuesday giveaway! Do you have a little princess in your life? Is she a little twinkle toes? Then read on...you'll love Prima Princessa Swan Lake!
A little about Prima Princessa:
“Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake” available March 2, 2010. For Ages 3-6
This DVD is designed by two mom-entrepreneurs on a mission to bring the beauty and magic of ballet into the lives of children everywhere. It is a hip new twist on learning about ballet, featuring the Paris Opera Ballet and Students from School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, Official Academy of New York City Ballet. Our 40 minute DVD is a cool, fun, beautiful show with a brain. Prima Princessa, an animated fairy ballerina, magically transports a group of little girls to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform select segments of Swan Lake. In between acts, the children return home to learn simple ballet steps which are playfully shown mixed into colorful montages of toys, animals, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet.
Now let me introduce you to my little ballerina who helped me preview and review this DVD. This is my Baby Girl before her very first ballet recital.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Prima Princessa is an animated character who introduces the show to us and periodically pops up on the screen. She acts as our narrator throughout the show. What I love about this DVD is it really breaks up Swan Lake. It shows a few minutes of each act, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, and Prima Princessa tells us the story. I have to admit, I'm not all that cultured when it comes to the ballet so I found this to be very informative and helpful!
In between the Acts, a dance term is introduced, such as pirouette and jete. These are demonstrated by ballerinas and then they bring in child appropriate images and clips to show how the term can be related to other things, such as a tiger jumping for jete. There are also little girls learning the ropes of becoming a Prima Princessa that are cute as buttons.
My ballerina's review:
She watched this on her own when it first arrived. A few days later she had a friend over for a playdate and put it in....but they decided they had to be dressed appropriately for the part and hit the dress up drawer first. A few days after that we watched it together and I asked her to give me her review. Now, Baby Girl is very serious about her dance so I assure you this review is given on great authority ;0)
"I like the story of Swan Lake. I really like the part where I get to dance." So there you have it...Baby Girl approves.
“Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake” available March 2, 2010. For Ages 3-6
This DVD is designed by two mom-entrepreneurs on a mission to bring the beauty and magic of ballet into the lives of children everywhere. It is a hip new twist on learning about ballet, featuring the Paris Opera Ballet and Students from School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, Official Academy of New York City Ballet. Our 40 minute DVD is a cool, fun, beautiful show with a brain. Prima Princessa, an animated fairy ballerina, magically transports a group of little girls to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform select segments of Swan Lake. In between acts, the children return home to learn simple ballet steps which are playfully shown mixed into colorful montages of toys, animals, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet.
Now let me introduce you to my little ballerina who helped me preview and review this DVD. This is my Baby Girl before her very first ballet recital.
.JPG)
Baby Girl getting her hair done and stage makeup on
.JPG)
Baby Girl making her ballet debut on stage
Prima Princessa is an animated character who introduces the show to us and periodically pops up on the screen. She acts as our narrator throughout the show. What I love about this DVD is it really breaks up Swan Lake. It shows a few minutes of each act, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, and Prima Princessa tells us the story. I have to admit, I'm not all that cultured when it comes to the ballet so I found this to be very informative and helpful!
In between the Acts, a dance term is introduced, such as pirouette and jete. These are demonstrated by ballerinas and then they bring in child appropriate images and clips to show how the term can be related to other things, such as a tiger jumping for jete. There are also little girls learning the ropes of becoming a Prima Princessa that are cute as buttons.
My ballerina's review:
She watched this on her own when it first arrived. A few days later she had a friend over for a playdate and put it in....but they decided they had to be dressed appropriately for the part and hit the dress up drawer first. A few days after that we watched it together and I asked her to give me her review. Now, Baby Girl is very serious about her dance so I assure you this review is given on great authority ;0)
"I like the story of Swan Lake. I really like the part where I get to dance." So there you have it...Baby Girl approves.
You can buy it on Amazon or win it right here on Life in the BAT Cave!
To enter leave me some comment love and tell me something about the ballerina in your life!
Please be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.
One winner will be chosen using Random.org on Sunday, March 14.
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of Prima Princessa presents Swan Lake to review. No compensation was received for doing this review. All opinions are my own formulated by watching the provided copy of the DVD.
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for $25 gift certificate to ecoStore USA
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