Yellow

 

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow.

-Coldplay 

Yellow makes me happy.  Yellow gives me a feeling of warmth. I wonder if that was His intention when he created it. 

6pm at Midnight

I'm posting about a great shoe sale over at Chic Critique today! Check it out HERE.

photo courtesy of 6pm.com

O' Lonely Peas

So, while I was out living it up with my NC fellow bloggers, my husband was home with the kids force feeding them their peas.  Or so my kids tell me. 

Anyway, B decided to try to sing her way out of eating them with the Sandra Boynton song, O Lonely Peas.  Hubby was not convinced but they sure got a good laugh.    What is most amazing about this is that we have not listened to this song in years, so it's pretty cool she remembered it and used it in the right context!  She is such a performer!

  I couldn't find the song on YouTube but did find another favorite below.  







Anyway, if you have little ones, I highly recommend Sandra Boynton's music - Rhinocerous Tap and Philadelphia Chickens are our favorites.   Maybe they will even remember a song and use it on you later in life like mine did. 

Nobody paid me to say this stuff or to link to those CD's - I don't even get affiliate credit on Amazon anymore.  It's just my opinion. 

Going to Meet Some Women I Met Online

That's what I told my husband as I headed out the door on Saturday night.   Oh, and that most of them I actually had never even chatted with online!  

I've been following Kellie at La Vida Dulce for some time now and was just very excited when she put this little dinner party together!    She is even more lovely than she is online - absolutely real and beautiful!

 Me, Kellie

Even though, I felt a little out of my league, I also had a sense of camaraderie with these women I had yet to meet.    Basically, I was heading to dinner with Blog Rock Stars!  I might be more like a blog folk singer, if anything.  I started to blog for my family and as a hobby.  I'm not really a great writer.  I'm not sure that I am witty and charming to anyone but those who really know me.  I just put what is in my head out there for the world to see!  Or at least a very small corner of the world.

Kellie (La Vida Dulce), June (Bye Bye Pie), Susan (Carpool Queen)

Turns out, they do the same thing.   They were all so warm, gracious and FUNNY!  Oh my, did we laugh.   Mostly because June is just spilling over with wit, charm and funny stories.  I am endeared to her forever.  Can you be endeared to someone?  Or do you just find someone endearing?  Now, I'm all worried about my grammar when obviously, I don't worry about that any other time!  Oh well, I like her a lot for a long time, how about that?     It was such an honor to be among the real life women behind the blogs that I've followed for a long time like Kellie and June.   I recently started reading Carpool Queen and New Every Morning and just can't wait get to know the other women through their blogs, too.  

 (I'm swiping this very organized line up from New Every Morning - thank you)

From left to right: Tracey (NC Brownings), Amy (Bambino Bliss), Rachel (NC Rachel), K2 (Secret Agent/Reader), Heather (Life with the Lords), Kristen (KR & Company), Me, Susan (Carpool Queen), Kellie (La Vida Dulce), Jessica (Chubby Dove), Sandy (Seasoned Sister), June (Bye, Bye Pie), Robin (Chosen) and Gretchen (New Every Morning) - thanks for passing along the awesome picture!

We dined on amazing food and stayed until we could laugh no more, talking all the way out the door.

Imagine that?!?  Bloggers talking all the way out the door! 

Frigidaire and Save The Children

Commit to do an activity with your child for an hour.   Easy, right?!?!!?  I thought so.  They are some of my favorite people to hang out with.

You can pledge to spend one hour with your kids and be entered into a drawing for a Frigidaire Professional Wall Oven! Oh yes, you can!

AND for every pledge made, Frigidaire and actress Jennifer Garner will donate $1 to Save The Children U.S. Programs. Save the Children has been helping children survive and thrive by focusing on early childhood education, literacy and physical activity and nutrition programs for more than 75 years. 

Okay, so go now, pledge your time, help a good cause and enter to win a new Frigidaire Wall Oven!

Thanks to MomSelect and Frigidaire for this opportunity!

Goodest Eggs

Conversation with my 5 year old son one morning.

Him - Those were the goodest eggs I've ever had, Mom.

Me - Thanks Buddy, but you should say, those were the BEST eggs.

Him - Okay, they were the BEST eggs, Mom.

Sigh.
I can no longer allow him to say his cute little words. I guess in a selfish mommy act, I've just let him say "goodest" because it sounds so cute coming from my sweet little boy.  But he is learning to read now and it would be irresponsible for me to continue letting him make up his own words to describe things.

I love the big boy he is becoming but I sure do miss the baby he was.

Sunday Word - Every Knee Will Bow

"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, "every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

Rom 14:10-13 NIV

Multi-Cultural Markers

My daughter won an art award at school this week and this was one of her prizes.  I think these markers are very cool!  See how you can get your own from the Crayola site HERE.

Sweet Surprise Not So Sweet

While reading a copy of Scholastic Parent & Child magazine yesterday, I came across THIS ad defending High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).  The ad labeled Dry Cleaner was the one in the magazine.  Go ahead and open that up - it will pop up in a new window.  You might want to see the ad to understand where I'm coming from. 

I have to tell you that it gets under my skin a little lot.

First of all, I take great offense in that the ad seems to poke fun and assume that as a consumer, I might not be educated enough about what foods to feed my family and that if my advice about food is not coming from my doctor then it is not good advice.   I take a great deal of advice from our doctors.  They are smart people and I trust them.   But I also find value in the advice of trusted friends or people that I do business with like my hairdresser or dry cleaner.  Many of them spend a great deal of time researching what is good to feed their families and they actually see a difference in the health and behavior of their kids by eliminating certain ingredients found in processed foods.  You don't have to be a doctor to know what is healthy for you and your family.  Granted, there is a lot of information out there to sift through which leads me to my second point.

Let's say you are a parent trying to figure out what is good for your kids and you are reading the free magazine that comes home from school with your child.  A magazine that is published by a trusted source such as Scholastic and you see this ad in the Health & Wellness section.    In my opinion,  it sends biased message that says it's okay to feed your child processed sugar.  As a matter of fact, if you go to the website, it will also lead you to believe that a parent should be more interested in caloric intake than the individual ingredients found in our foods.   Yes, I think we should be interested in caloric intake - definitely.  But let's say that I make a granola bar from scratch with honey or an unrefined form of form sugar such as sucanat.   Let's compare it to a granola bar bought in a box with HFCS and other preservatives.   My homemade granola bar may end up having more calories than the one out of the box but mine is also filled with ingredients that are whole, unrefined and assimilated by the body in a healthier way.   In other words, the body uses more energy to process (burns fat) my homemade granola bar and takes from it the natural vitamins that it needs.  Therefore, my higher calorie homemade granola bar is actually a better choice for my kids.     Or take the apple that is full of natural sugar but also fiber and vitamins.  It has lots of calories but it is a much better choice than a few graham crackers with the same amount of calories coming mostly from the processed sugar in them.  And you know what?  I didn't learn that from my doctor. 


When I talk about this ad being a biased message, I am saying this because it is part of a campaign defending High Fructose Corn Syrup sponsored by the Corn Refiners Association.   Do you think that they might have any interest in how the public perceives their product? 


They compare it to regular table sugar - yeah, I'll give them this.  It may not be any worse.   And yes, we should all be watching our sugar intake in all forms.   That is the one positive message coming from this campaign.  We should be eating sugar in moderation. Well, that could be said for all food actually - moderation is the key.  Our portion sizes are huge in this country and has no doubt contributed to the obesity epidemic we face. 

And another thing I saw on the website is the add that says this is a "Schmear" campaign.   By whom?  Moms?   The general public?  Really?

Okay, so what are your thoughts on this?  I'd love to know.  Maybe there is something I am not seeing or getting.   Or maybe you agree with me and have some more points to add to the discussion.

So, let's discuss.

Homemade Hummus

My kids love to dip fresh veggies in this hummus. I was buying it from Trader Joe's for a long time but if you look at the ingredients it's hard to buy a store made hummus that doesn't have soybean oil in it.  Not to mention more salt than I want.

So, I remembered that my Sister-in-law sent me this recipe a few years back from her neighbor who was of middle-eastern descent.  So, I easily replaced my store-bought hummus with this.  It actually saves me money, too!  Bonus. 

It's easy and good. Plenty of garlic to chase those colds away.  I use organic canned chick peas - rinsed.  I suppose you could make your own if you have the time. Tahini is hard to find - I finally found it at Whole Foods. Or any middle eastern grocery store. Sometimes, they carry it in the Asian or middle-eastern section of your regular grocery store.  Or you could make your own - it's just toasted sesame seeds and olive oil crushed together much like peanut butter.  

Homemade Hummus

• 1 can chick peas - rinsed
• 1 lemon
• 5-6 cloves of garlic - minced
• pinch of sea salt
• 1 T Tahini
• 1/2 tsp. olive oil (I think I add a little more of this actually, maybe more like 1 tsp.)
• 1/3 cup of water

Place chick peas in food processor. Add juice from the lemon. Add garlic, tahini, olive oil and water. Process just until all mixed - it should be a thick texture.

It makes a good amount and my kids like it better!

For more un-processed food recipes check out Kitchen Stewardship today and her Fall Festival of Super Foods - Un-Processed Edition.  

Play With Me

I think he wants to play with the ball, what do you think? 

Every SINGLE time I sit down at my computer he brings his ball to me.  If I ignore him, he places the ball on my keyboard or some area close by.  Then waits for me to throw it and sometimes he even catches it in mid-air.   He is seriously too funny.  

Sponsoring a Compassion Child Does Matter

Want to know if sponsoring a Compassion child really make a difference?  Watch this video from a recent Catalyst Conference where a sponsored child meets his sponsor of 19 years.   All I can say is Wow.  


Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

If you don't sponsor a Compassion child and would like to - go HERE.
It will be one of those things you will never regret doing.   I promise.  

You're Holding Up The ENTIRE Carpool!

Dear Helpful Woman In The Carpool Line This Morning,

I understand your desire to get the kids into their classrooms in a timely manner.  I imagine that it is not fun to stand out in the chilly October weather as kids pile out of vans and SUV's to get to school.   I know your job as an teacher's assistant often comes without appreciation and lots of hard work.   I appreciate you - I truly do. 

But my kids are moving as fast as they can at 7:45 am.   Please don't fuss at them to hurry up and tell them they are holding up the ENTIRE carpool line.  They were tripping over their feet to get out of the van quickly while you were barking commanding telling them to get out of the car.   Just chill out a little, mkay?  They are just little kids for goodness sake. 

Oh yes, and could you please hand me that book and cup that fell out of my van on their way out?

Thanks.  Thankyouverymuch.  Have a good day. 

I Got Nothin'

It's Tuesday and I'm not Tackling anything, not sharing What I Learned This Week and have nothing Tasty to share with you.

I'm sick with some head and body aching, nausea type thing.  And you know how it goes when mom is sick. The house practically falls apart.  Seriously, am I exaggerating this?

Really, do you ever wonder just what would happen to your family if you were sick forever? I shudder to think about it.  Would they ever eat out of a clean dish again? Would they just go buy new socks instead of picking up and washing the ones on the floor? Would they just learn to walk around or on top of all the jackets and school papers now covering the floor?

Maybe it's a bit prideful to think that without me they would not be able to figure out which way is up. But I'm not seeing otherwise, folks.

Anyway - nothing much to share here but go check out those blogs above - lots of great posts there.

Have a great week!

Sunday Word - Stand

Weekend Mix

Fall weather, soccer, yardwork and church.    Sounds like the perfect weekend to me!  Our state fair is going on right now but I don't think we have enough hours together to make it there.  My girl has an art project in the fair, though so we HAVE to get there sometime next week!  I'll take photos.  Apparently, it's from second grade and I have never seen it.  She's in third now - interesting how they hang on to these things. 

I watched Pride and Prejudice for the first time ever last night. Swoon! LOVE that movie forever.

It's our last couple days before the kiddos are back in school from their track out. So far this week, we've bowled, gone to the movies (saw UP! - another great movie), gone to the local indoor bounce house and done a mess of crafts. I'm broke and exhausted!   All I have to say is that homeschool moms rock.  You absolutely have something that I just don't think exists in my body. 

How about you? What's your weekend looking like?

The Tale of Two...or Three Mascaras

I'm talking mascara over at Chic Critique today. Actually, if you are looking for a new mascara check out my post and Michelle's about Cover Girl's newest one.

We got your eyes covered this week anyway!   

Slick Pages, Endless Possibilities

I love the internet.
Obviously.
I think it's pretty safe to say if one has a blog that they have embraced the use of a computer.

But there is nothing like a brand new magazine.

Not an e-Mag but a real-life, hold-in-your-hands magazine.  

Opening the mailbox to see one in there makes my heart skip a beat.
A spring now in my step as I head to the house to read my new treasure.

Stuffed to the brim with slick, colorful pages that are full of promise.

Recipes yet to be cooked!
Ads of things that I will never buy!
An article written from someone's heart!
Crafts beckoning to be created!
Tips waiting to be used!

Sigh...

I received my Real Simple magazine today - Thanksgiving edition.

10 Fresh Ideas for My Leftover Turkey, How to Entertain for Less and new columns on organizing! The possibilities are endless really. 

Gloria Steinem said that most women's magazines just try to mold women into bigger and better consumers.   I guess I can see that.    I often see something in one and end up spending some money.    I still love them - they smell good. 

So, how about you? Do you have a favorite mag? 

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

While out shopping a couple weeks ago, I stopped by Anthropologie.   Okay, I LOVE this store.  Seriously, it is a feast for the senses.  Beautiful clothes, candles, dishes and so much more.  All with beautiful price tags.

I wanted this Butter Bell Crock that they had for sale.   I passed it up that day but just kept thinking what a great way this would be to store my butter.   It is not for sale online but I did find it on another site HERE.
Anthropologie price $18.  Other website price $19.95

I liked it but not enough to spend almost $20 on one.    A few weeks later, while dropping off some things at a local thrift store, I found one...for THREE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS.  Joy!

This is the one I found!

Then a couple weeks later while shopping for some things for my daughter's Halloween costume I found something else I'd been wanting.

 A while back I went to a Pampered Chef party and loved this divided dish.

The holder is $15 and then the two little square bowls that fit inside are an additional $16.   I liked it but not that much.

Behold what I found at Goodwill for THREE DOLLARS!  Hmmm - seeing a pattern here with the three dollar thing.

AND I like it better than the new stainless steel looking one.

Oh, I can't wait to tell you about my coffee table that Hubby re-finished.  But that is for another time.  

Good things come to those who wait -that's what I learned this week!  For more lessons learned this week head on over to Musings of a Housewife. 

   

Real Life: Your Life Your Blog

Hop on over to visit Sarah at Real Life and check out some other bloggers favorite posts from the previous week. Recipes, stories, photos and more!

Local Bloggers Meet! A Party Just for Us!

Oh, now this is something I can totally get into.  Bringing my blogging world into my real world!

Kellie from La Vida Dulce is having a little get together for NC Bloggers and even NC readers if you would like to come and meet some of your favorite bloggers.

I will continue to post details but so far we have a SAVE THE DATE.

Saturday, October 24  at 6 PM.

Also if any of you have mad button making skills, it would be great if you wanted to donate them to make us a button to promote the party.

Visit for more details HERE at Kellie's blog. 

Encouraged and Inspired - Linked Up

Critics Instead of Encouragers at Resloved to Worship .  Love this post about loving God's church and not being so critical of others.  

NieNie Dialogues.  I needed some perspective this week and this story did just that.   She was on Oprah this week to tell her story.  I am so inspired by this woman.   I think you will be, too.

Get Your Spook On decorating at Imperfectly Beautiful!  Love her ideas!  So fun.

6pm.com - updated

***Update***
I contacted the representative that sends me these emails with a couple questions.  The site is owned by Zappos.com  which is a reputable website.  I have ordered from them before and been very happy.  They actually have free shipping both ways.  6pm.com is Zappos overstock site.  When Zappos gets too much inventory, they deep discount them at 6.pm.com.

The rep says that the shoes go very fast once they are discounted like this and she was right.  I clicked on many pairs that were already sold out.  BUT, I did manage to get 5 pairs of shoes for $7.95 and $4.95.    Shipping cost on those is $6.95 for all of it.  If they don't fit and you need so send them back - you pay shipping.   I think I would just consign them, though.  I'd be more likely to make my money back.   So, if it all works out, then I would say it's a good deal.   It is worth a shot anyway!  

Okay, so I get these emails every week.  Honestly, I don't even remember how I got on this list BUT that is not important.  What is important is that they send me emails each week telling me the great deals on shoes that they have.  And I love shoes. 

For instance, tomorrow they have an entire line of shoes on sale for $7.95 - leather shoes and boots!  Wow.
This was exactly the email I received.  So, I guess see for yourself.  

I JUST received an update from 6pm.com on Friday (tomorrow 10/9/09) and Saturday (10/10/09) holiday weekend blow-out sales!Get ready – ALL (yes, that says ALL) styles of Gabriella Rocha & Bouquet Shoes & Boots are being drastically reduced to $7.95 each pair!!You read it correctly!Gabriella Rocha is the brand for real women who not only love shoes, but love life, and love being a woman and are stylish, passionate, fresh, and sexy!Visit the site at www.6pm.com to see the entire selection– there are 14 pages worth of shoes that will be $7.95 FRIDAY ONLY!And on Saturday, ALL STYLES of Bouquet Footwear are on sale for the same amazingly low price of $7.95 a pair.

 6pm.com is the website and apparently you can join in the fun tomorrow, too.

Has anyone used this site?  I have read some good reviews and a couple that said shipping was high.  Any experience out there?   I had a friend express concern over not ever hearing of the site and fear in leaving her credit card info.  Thoughts?