Merry Christmas! Everyone!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I pray and hope for good things for everyone and hopefully everyone is happy! Be back later. Enjoy!

P.S. We've been watching "A Christmas Story" since last night and it never gets old. "Deck the halls with boughs of horry, FA RA RA RA RA RA RA RA RA!!!

Let It Snow! but not really...

Well, it's been snowing since about noon today and it hasn't really accumulated to what they had predicted yet. I don't know if it will but I do know that I need new front tires for my car. My husband says that they fail the penny test because we can see Lincoln's ass when we stick the penny in the tread. I know that tires aren't cheap and I'm stressing driving in the snow now! I'm predicting I'll be taking our gangster vehicle to work on Monday. Please don't snow too much....please?!

Legos Rule

My son loves Legos and he loves to build things. I think I have a future engineer on my hands. He asked me to post some pictures of his creations.... This is Demolisher from Transformers 2.

This is Devastator from Transformers 2.

I think he's very talented! And cute!

My Babies!

This is one of the photos we chose for our annual Christmas card. Aren't they cute?

New Boots!

As a thank you gift or helping her out this year, my boss' wife gave me a $100 gift certificate to J Crew and I got these. Aren't they cute? Actually, this picture doesn't really do them any justice because they are much nicer in person. I love them and I think they'll look amazing once they've been broken in. Squeeeeee!

My Christmas Wish List

My Christmas wish list this year is easy:

1. I wish my daughter finds her voice and her self confidence and loses the social anxiety soon.
2. I wish my husband gets his ideal business venture started and is happy and satisfied.
3. I wish for my sister to be able to pay the outrageous amount of loan money for her schooling back easily.
4. I wish my job is always a successful business and that it is profitable for my boss and his clients (basically, so I'll always have a job!)
5. I wish for world peace and a stop to global warming.
6. I wish for happiness and financial stability for my mom and dad, as well as, every other person out there who is struggling.
7. I wish for an end to this crazy autism EPIDEMIC that has taken over.
8. I wish for tranquility and sanity for all my friends who have had a rough year.
9. I wish for simplicity
10. And last but not least I wish for a bottle of Black Truffle Oil and a French baguette from Fairway Market because Holy Crap is that good!

Yuck!

What a day! It's been raining all day and not only is it raining but it is really cold. Some parts of the area have weather advisories due to freezing rain and dangerous driving conditions. We were hoping to be able to go out and have a nice day just driving around and getting something to eat but it looks like it's not going to happen. Maybe we'll step out and get some groceries in a bit but other than that it looks like we're confined to this space. Days like these turn into all day eating feasts. I don't really look forward to them because I then torture myself with guilt about what I eat. The past couple of weeks have been a little difficult for me. I don't know exactly what's been bothering me but I'm not at my best. I try to keep myself busy to keep a clear head but it's not working as I would have liked. Anyway, more on that later. Right now I'm gonna get dressed and head out in the rain. Maybe some light shopping (even though it's for food) will help.

Back Soon

I know it's been a while. Since I last checked a lot of things have happened and of those things the most difficult one has been my turning 40 years old. I don't think it's actually hit me yet. I know I definitely don't feel like I'm 40 but it is real. I'll be back soon. I promise. For now I'm trying to catch up.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today is my son's 11th birthday. Happy Birthday little one (although, not so little anymore :( )!! We love you so much!

A Belated Happy Thanksgiving

image via mediabistro

Although we had set out not to do anything on Thanksgiving this year we ended up doing a quickie dinner and it was really nice. We do have quite a bit of leftovers, though. I hope everyone had a nice and peaceful day with their loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

Through It All I'm Happy

It's been a tough year. But, as tough as it has been, in a strange way I am very thankful for everything. It may seem strange but I believe that things happen for a reason and that all we've been through serves a purpose in our life. I'm seeing all the positive things that have happened in our lives in spite of all the negative things that have come our way. It's a cycle and this too shall pass. This is the perfect time of year to express that I am very lucky to be where I am and that I have a great group of people around me to help me get through it all. We need to surround ourselves with people who will uplift us and have a positive influence in our lives. All those people who were once a part of our lives but no longer are have moved on because it was no longer positive and needed to go as far away as possible from us. I truly believe this and want to keep it that way. I am taking a stance and I will no longer allow anyone to keep me from being my true self. I held back too much and compromised myself for nothing. It will no longer be that way. This I promise myself. Life is too short.

Nice!

And yet we gave Bill Clinton a hard time about Monica Lewinsky. For shame, America!

Awesome

This is hilarious!

So Much Fun

Today was one of those days that I look forward to every year. My friend Lizzy and I get together and hit the city for some shopping and a great meal. It was so much fun to spend the day in my favorite place in the whole world with one of my favorite people in the whole world. We always have a great time just talking and walking around. Liz, if you're reading this thanks for everything. I had a great time. My feet are killing me! Oh, and you were right about the lipgloss. I love it.

Food, Inc.

My husband and I watched this movie together the other night and were left speechless by what was shown and what we learned. I find it extremely disturbing that what we eat and what is available for us to eat is pretty scary. I fear for my children's futures and their health based on what our country is trying to sell us on foodwise. It's not good. This movie is definitely one to watch. We've definitely got to make a change, otherwise, we are in for a lifetime of sicknesses and epidemics of all kinds. Watch it--you won't regret it.

www.foodincmovie.com

All Better

Well, we are finally all better. It's been a couple of days since I last wrote and now I'm back and feeling well again. I've been in kind of a funk, though, lately. Kind of moody and down. I don't enjoy feeling this way. I'm hoping to overcome it soon. I am looking forward to the holidays, though. I can't wait to start decorating. My husband says it's too early but I told him that at the sight of the first set of Christmas lights somewhere in town it would be over and I'd start decorating. Actually, we always put up the tree and decorations on Thanksgiving day but I really wouldn't mind doing it already. It's Saturday and we've been cleaning and throwing stuff away all day. We've been cleaning out the attic and I've been stacking things on the side to sell on Ebay. Gotta make a little extra cash for the holidays and what better way than getting rid of the stuff we didn't even know we had. One person's trash is another one's treasure! I'm gonna go have some coffee now.

Sick

This past week has been about being sick around my house. It started with my daughter and then I was sick (still am but not too bad) and now my husband and my mother are sick. My husband had started to feel better going into Saturday and then, out of nowhere, relapsed. Today has been a hot tea, hot soup and lots of rest day. I feel so bad for him. None of us seem to have the flu but something like a really bad cold with all the sickness concentrated in the head area. We've all been laying around trying to get better before Monday. Hopefully, this will all go away soon. We'll see.

What I'm Reading Now...

Not the Kindle Edition, though. I became interested in Anna Wintour some time ago after reading an interview she did with a fashion magazine. Recently, I watched her documentary "The September Issue" and that further deepened my interest so I ordered this book from the library. I haven't quite gotten past the introduction yet but this will be one I will carry with me to read every chance I get. Sometimes I get books and start reading them but lose interest and end up returning them unread but I'm hoping this one keeps my interest. I have a strong feeling it will.

Books

The Giving Tree is very beautiful.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series is very funny.

The Pigeon Series cracks us up!

My kids and I have something in common. We really love books. The other day while waiting for my husband to get back from somewhere (I actually don't remember where he was) my kids and I decided we would go to Barnes & Noble for a bit to kill some time. We took some time to look through the shelves and pull a bunch of books that seemed good. We also pulled some of our favorites. We spent a good 2 hours in that place and we probably would have stayed longer but figured we'd better move on. I think we'll make hanging out at bookstores a priority on days we don't have a lot to do.

I Love Christmas

I love Christmas. Since I was a kid, Christmas has been the only holiday that really makes a difference in my life. I look forward to it, regardless, of how my year has gone and what has happened in my life. And it's not about the presents, that's for sure. It has something to do with the feel of the season and what it represents. I love it so much that just thinking about it makes me giddy (like a child). I look forward to putting up the tree and the decorations and waiting on that special morning where my children's hearts are filled with anxiety and happiness and they can't stop smiling. It's a beautiful thing. It really is. This holiday season may not be as extravagant (not that it has ever been) as other years but I can tell you that I plan to make it a very special one for my family.

P.S. I am also very much looking forward to seeing this movie. Looks like it will be fun.

Isn't This Great?

I love this picture.

--Sigh--

www.cabbagesandroses.com

All Good Things Usually Come to an End (But Why?)

Why is it that almost every magazine that I have ever really, really loved get the ax? First it was Blueprint, then Wondertime, then Child, then Domino and now Cookie. Come on! I'm sure there are plenty of publications that deserve to get the pink slip over these. I take some consolation in the fact that I still have Lucky and Real Simple. Please don't ever take these away because I think that I will actually cry.

Things I Love

I have been in love with this bag for a couple of years now. The price is still outrageous but I don't lose hope that one day it will be mine. In my opinion, this bag is timeless and so beautiful. Love. Love. Love.

I Love Cookbooks

Recently, I have taken an honest-to-goodness, really real interest in cooking and, in the process, have started a collection of cookbooks. I own a good number of them but the more expensive ones I borrow from the library and return much, much later than your average borrow time. I can pour over them for hours. Here is my latest borrow. I would love to get my kids (specifically, my daughter) to try new foods. Her diet consists of milk, cheese, macaroni and cheese, more cheese, cereal, cheese and pancakes. Oh, and cheese! Maybe pasta with meat sauce when there's a full moon but really that is the extent of her diet. I would love to be able to cook up new and exciting meals for her to enjoy and nourish her. I know that children can be picky but this just seems unreal to me. I plan to get her to eat more things. I'm thinking that starting in the new year one of my major goals will be to introduce her to better food. I think it's really, really important.

Really Cool Stuff

Aren't these awesome? There is a man in town who makes these and I think they are great. Check them out.

Halloween 2009

My son is the one without the mask on.

Halloween was a lot of fun. The kids dressed up and, although, the weather was less than perfect it was still very enjoyable. We've got a lot of candy and if we eat it all we will surely die. My daughter dressed up as Hannah Montana and my son was Jango Fett from Star Wars. Looking forward to next year already.

She probably doesn't see it

Hmm? What was that? I look like a what? Yeah, I don't see it. Wanna have a staring contest?

Things I love (Abercrombie Edition)

I forgot to mention I love these too.

(pictures via abercrombie & fitch)

Things I Love

I'm pretty sure I need a pair of those beige peep toe pumps. Aren't they beautiful? They are from the "yet to launch" Winter Kate line by Nicole Richie. I don't know how much they are but I think they are amazing.

Gorgeous Dress

I am in love with this dress and that belt makes it all the more beautiful. Amazing! She's got great style.

picture via thesartorialist

Who Can You Trust

My son is learning what it's like to be disappointed by friends. Unfortunately, I can't always be there to protect him and he's going to have learn through experiences. He takes things that happen very hard and becomes extremely emotional and withdrawn. I hope to be able to teach him that he will be okay and stronger in the long run. It makes me sad to know that I can't protect him from all the bad stuff. He will be okay, though.

Lush

I love Lush products. My favorite products are from their Karma fragrance line. I never thought I'd like products that had patchouli in them but these smell wonderful. Very hippie but in a warm, wonderful way. Love these!

The Sartorialist Book

I recently got this book and have looked over all the pictures over and over again. Talk about inspiring. I have been a fan of Scott Schuman for over a year now and check his website daily for his wonderful photos. He has such a great eye for beauty and fashion and his photos are beautifully taken. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves individual creativity in fashion and clothing.

check out his site:

www.thesartorialist.com

Cookies on a Rainy Day

I made these today. The weather is awfully glum so it's perfect for comfort foods. They were delicious. Mmmmm!

Let's All Cheer

Here is a video of my little girl doing her thing at the last football game. She starts out fourth from the right. I think she did a great job.

The September Issue

I just finished watching The September Issue and I really enjoyed it. I don't think it matters very much if you are interested in fashion or not. The documentary follows the days in the life of Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, prior to the launch of the September issue. I've seen The Devil Wears Prada which is, supposedly, based on Anna but I truly believe that as much as people would like to believe that this woman is a total horror I don't think she really is. She is a strong, intelligent business woman and I think she deserves a lot of merit. After watching how much goes into the publication of one issue (a very important one at that) I have gained a great respect for her. I highly recommend this documentary if you get a chance to see it.

We'll Call It Love

My daughter loves her brother very much and sometimes she leaves him notes to let him know just how much...
Isn't that nice? :/

Where the Wild Things Are

This was absolutely beautifully made. We saw this today and I loved it. The story and the characters could be a little scary for smaller children but my kids thought it was great. I couldn't agree more.

Obama Wants Moms To Go Back To School

Now the idea is really nice, isn't it? But, please explain to me the concept behind the ad with the dancing shadow doing the butter churn and the running man because I don't see myself or my mom for that matter being that excited about going back to school. Really, who does that? And why do I have to be bombarded by it on every website I go to. It's ridiculous and I don't get it! Someone needs to get fired. Seriously.

P.S. And I know you've seen it and feel the same way as I do because how can you not?

Starburst FaveReds

Have you seen these? I have! And this is the way things should be done. They are delicious! No more stray candies lying around because that green one always tastes like nothing I've ever had or can compare to in nature. Gross.

And they're Gluten-Free to boot. Although, I haven't really done anything in that department yet. I will, though.

Getting Back on Track

I'm trying to get back on track lately. I've been busy with the kids and their after school activities and by the time I get around to going online and updating I'm too tired and have no thoughts left to write about. I hope to be a little more enthusiastic about this as the week progresses. I've also been feeling a bit dysphoric. Just not myself. My thyroid has the tendency to mess with me in the worst way. Sometimes its pain all over and other times it's fatigue that leaves me not wanting to do anything. I'm trying to go gluten free again but it hasn't been the easiest task. When I do start, I usually end up hungry and anxious, but I guess I have to give it more time. The thing is that I also enjoy cooking new meals and I'd hate to miss out on a new dish. I have to make the sacrifice, though. I need to feel better.

Saturday Blues

It's Saturday. It's been a while since I last posted but I haven't been able to motivate myself enough to write. My daughter had a soccer game this morning and then we went and did a bit of grocery shopping and have been home since. I guess it's just been one of those weeks. I promise to come back soon enough with more. Right now I'm gonna go stuff my face full of nachos. I need the salt. Back soon.

My Boy

My Girl

This was taken by my good friend Ingrid who takes some really nice pictures. Thanks Ingrid.

Fall Activities

On Saturday, after the first soccer game of the season, we decided that we'd spend the day doing something relaxing yet that we all loved. So we headed up to Warwick, NY. We go every year around this time. We decided to pass by the apple orchard and the dairy farm we love so much. We didn't do any apple picking but we did eat some apples. Shhh! But I do think you are allowed to eat as many as you want while you're there but I suppose they expect to buy a bag while your at it. So we cheated a bit! We ate some apples and then the kids climbed a tree and we fed the petting zoo animals some grass. Afterwards, we headed to the dairy farm where we took pictures of the beautiful cows. They are so gorgeous. One day when I finally have my farm in Montana I will have some of these beautiful creatures and I will be so happy. My husband thinks I'm nuts (mostly) but I believe I have him slowly turning my way. Anyway, so we finally ended up at The Iron Forge Inn. It is a 1700's house turned into a restaurant with an awesome Tap Room that serves really great food and it always has a fire burning this time of year. The smell of that wood and the coziness of the room is so relaxing. We had a wonderful, quiet and relaxing day. We'll be going back soon enough and I can't wait.