Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Break
I am off on a short break for the New Year.... Some things to look for in the upcoming year - we'll be back on January 2nd with a NEW contest! A new redesigned blog will be coming hopefully by month's end and many more things to come. See y'all in 2011!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Year's - To Resolve or Not?
Every year I set out with the best of intentions creating resolutions of things that with steely determination, I resolve to do for myself in the new year. The resolutions always stick for 0.26 seconds before I inevitably break my first one. I surely cannot possibly be the only human who faces this annual resolution battle. Do I or Don't I? How do I choose the proper resolution? Am I going to work on superficial self-improvement or seek something much more visceral this year?
Last year, I managed to stick to my resolution for the first time ever. I resolved not to resolve anything. It worked well for me. There was no stomachache of defeat come January 2 or even February 1 from having thrown in the towel yet another year. So, New Year's is right around the corner and I am now struggling to choose - do I actually stick with a resolution that works or come up with a reasonable list of resolutions?
Shockingly, I am going with the latter this year. And I am going to try my hardest not to break them. Some are really important to me.
1. We are reinstating family dinner time. I work 14 hour days and my husband's commute can take up to two hours one way. Family dinner has gone by the wayside in the name of just getting the kids fed. However, I think kids eat healthier and in general thrive a little better in a nurturing household where we all sit together and share a nightly meal. I am willing to take my chances that an appetite may be a bit ruined from a carrot stick snack to tide one over until a parent gets home, but I think it's important we come back to the family dinners.
2. To seriously train hard for the marathon. This takes work co-ordinating two runners and three kids, plus life. But I want to run 4 days a week, period.
3. To screw the Joneses. I am in the best place of my life, with a fantastic husband I still somedays I can't believe is mine and three beautiful children. Enough with the mental insanity I can cause myself and my darling husband trying to keep up "appearances". Love me for who I am or don't love me at all.
If I can't stick to these three, than I guess in 2012 it's back to the non-resolution resolution. What about you?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What would you do if....
I have indulged in a little dreaming of what I might do with such winnings. I used to take the high road and say I would never quit my job, but I think being honest with oneself requires the ability to recognize I would actually take some time off and indulge myself in a fantasy career. You know, something that involves the major your parents probably would never have let you pick in college. We would upgrade to a house with a garage, one where every boy would have their own bedroom. Maybe even a man AND woman cave. There was a conversation about not having any servants, but I suspect a chef every evening would find their way into our home as well as a quality mother's helper.
We love our minivan, but the sedan would go by the wayside in a New York minute for an SUV. And we could quit worrying about both the college expenses of three boys in addition to our retirement. I could stop stressing about the grocery bill and screw the BGE bill - let them charge whatever they want. I am done messing with that damn thermostat in the winter and freezing my hiney off!
But in terms of shopping, it would be different. We like what we like, and to suddenly start shopping uber-designer just because we could seems strange. Not to mention with three small boys, wearing anything beyond wash and wear is just plain foolish and begging for trouble.
I suspect the one big extravagance would be for us to indulge in a personal trainer to help us get ready for marathon day. Not really a necessity, but would be a huge asset to us mentally.
So, another day comes and goes and I am still not a multimillionaire and far from the dangers of ever falling victim to the lottery winners' curse. But I wonder what others would do with the money should it fall into their laps?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Customer Service with a Smile
Over the holiday weekend my fun-loving family of five; myself, the husband and the three boys found ourselves out and about around the town. We ultimately were headed to a seconds Christmas at my mother-in-law's, but it's not an uncommon sight on a weekend for all 5 of us to go off and do errands together on a weekend to begin with. The boys are well behaved in public unless we are asking them to complete their 8th hour of scooting about while tired and hungry. And I even get a bit childish and surly at that point.
But I digress. So, on errand number two, for which we had a scheduled appointment, all hell broke loose. We're not even talking with the kids, either. After checking in, I was told we could have a seat, for several people were in front of us. When inquiring about our scheduled appointment, I was told the appointments were merely "guidelines". The girl behind the desk did not even bother to deny my statement that I basically made an appointment for no reason at all. She did offer to get the manager to discuss the matter further, and of course, I agreed, thinking we could then be seen according to our appointment and be done with the matter. How silly.
The manager took 30 minutes to come speak to me, and all the while, we still hadn't been to our appointment. When I finally spoke to the manager, she just acknowledged that her business was extraordinarily busy that day and that despite having made an appointment, we would just have to wait. I brought up the fact that we schedule appointments due to having children and the need to work within a reasonable timeframe to keep them happy and non-disruptive. She actually told both myself and my husband that we should learn to leave our children at home and not take them in public. WHOA, sister! Slow down! 1. They were not being disruptive by any stretch of the imagination as we were still on errand two and 2. It's not as if we were hanging out at Morton's or the Ritz-Carlton.
Needless to say, we were furious at the gall of a customer service manager to say such an unprovoked statement. We left without completing the errand, not to mention corporate got quite the phone call from my dear husband. But it's not the first time by far that customer service experiences have been lacking or even prejudicial against children.
I don't understand how the service industry has moved so far away, from well, service. How doing their job for the consumer and keeping them happy and willing to earn their return business has become such a beast of burden. It's bizarre to me. Has a move toward automated hotlines/assembly lines/outsourcing suddenly made everyone less culpable for their day to day interactions with actual live humans? Or do they think that there are not enough folks like myself and my husband who won't tolerate poor service and an inability to smile along with some critical thinking when dealing with the public?
As for the manager we dealt with; she would do well to remember a couple things at the end of her day: (1) She's probably a parent too. (2) She probably would never stand for someone to talk to her about her well behaved children like that. (3) More flies are caught with honey than vinegar.
Swell. Now we can all play nice in the sandbox.
But I digress. So, on errand number two, for which we had a scheduled appointment, all hell broke loose. We're not even talking with the kids, either. After checking in, I was told we could have a seat, for several people were in front of us. When inquiring about our scheduled appointment, I was told the appointments were merely "guidelines". The girl behind the desk did not even bother to deny my statement that I basically made an appointment for no reason at all. She did offer to get the manager to discuss the matter further, and of course, I agreed, thinking we could then be seen according to our appointment and be done with the matter. How silly.
The manager took 30 minutes to come speak to me, and all the while, we still hadn't been to our appointment. When I finally spoke to the manager, she just acknowledged that her business was extraordinarily busy that day and that despite having made an appointment, we would just have to wait. I brought up the fact that we schedule appointments due to having children and the need to work within a reasonable timeframe to keep them happy and non-disruptive. She actually told both myself and my husband that we should learn to leave our children at home and not take them in public. WHOA, sister! Slow down! 1. They were not being disruptive by any stretch of the imagination as we were still on errand two and 2. It's not as if we were hanging out at Morton's or the Ritz-Carlton.
Needless to say, we were furious at the gall of a customer service manager to say such an unprovoked statement. We left without completing the errand, not to mention corporate got quite the phone call from my dear husband. But it's not the first time by far that customer service experiences have been lacking or even prejudicial against children.
I don't understand how the service industry has moved so far away, from well, service. How doing their job for the consumer and keeping them happy and willing to earn their return business has become such a beast of burden. It's bizarre to me. Has a move toward automated hotlines/assembly lines/outsourcing suddenly made everyone less culpable for their day to day interactions with actual live humans? Or do they think that there are not enough folks like myself and my husband who won't tolerate poor service and an inability to smile along with some critical thinking when dealing with the public?
As for the manager we dealt with; she would do well to remember a couple things at the end of her day: (1) She's probably a parent too. (2) She probably would never stand for someone to talk to her about her well behaved children like that. (3) More flies are caught with honey than vinegar.
Swell. Now we can all play nice in the sandbox.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The After Christmas Bargain
Perfect time to stock-up on items from a catalog / website which I adore, but can't / choose not to afford all year long. They are featuring Sale of The Day items, as well as discounting prices throughout the day further than already deeply reduced prices. I found many can't miss items and under $10 to boot. (Men's Patagonia socks and women's twill capris for summer). HUGE under $50 section chock full of items for the whole family both for now and later. I stocked up on work dresses for winter and summer - most for under $25 each!
Chasing Fireflies
Another catalog / website for children that I love, love, love but choose not to afford during the year... However currently the discounts run over 50% with finds such as plaid button downs for $14.99, Henleys for $15.99, Ruffle wrap tops for $19.99, Rocket Floor Quilt $30.00, Pink Marabou Collar $19.99, Grim Reaper long sleeved t-shirt $14.99, Sweetheart striped tights $9.99, T.Rex pajamas $14.99, Suede Fringe Jacket $34.99, and many, many more. This is the one catalog that actually can cause jealousy in the notion that I don't have girls to shop for.
JCrew
Offering 30% off sale items plus free shipping on all orders over $150.00. For all shoppers like me, SA-WEET!
Target
Offering up to 65% off Holiday items. Some cute highlights I found:
- set of 4 Rolling Stone pint glasses $4.98
- set of 3 silver distressed picture frames $7.48
- 225 pc bronze tree decorating kit $34.65, also available in red/gold
- monogram stocking collection starts at $4.55
- gold/silver filler decorative balls $7.48
Nordstrom
Men's half-yearly sale in progress
Neiman Marcus
Offering free shipping at any prices. I found some cute girls' dresses for around $30 in the sale section. I didn't bother torturing myself further - I usually scour the shoe section, but I'm still on lockdown from Bootgate 2010.
Pottery Barn
Great Sale! over 50% off over 500 items, many of which offer free shipping as well on the clearance items. Some highlights I found for the home and holiday:
-Winslow dresser top mirror $39.99
-Vintage music stand $69.99
-Stockings for next year $4.99 - $9.99
-Terra Cotta pots (think spring!) $3.99- $9.99
-Santa's Sleigh Door Mat $19.99
-Santa Hat tree topper $8.99
-Mini pumpkin and gourd vase filler $4.99
-Luggage clock $39.99
-Hourglass salt and pepper shakers $18.99
Happy Shopping All! Hope you have fun with the sales!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Traditions Old and New
As a person who craves routine, one of my favorite parts of the holidays is the traditions associated with it. The rituals one breaks out only once a year, but you look forward to all year long in eager anticipation. And then when you start a family and have children of your own, the question becomes what traditions do you keep and what do you create to call your very own?
I grew up creating paper chains with one ring for each day prior to Christmas and pulling a ring off for every day complete. Christmas eve always found us carefully putting out cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for hungry reindeer, then opening one present from Mom and Dad before bed. We never traveled on Christmas day, always waking up in our own home for Santa Claus couldn't possibly find us anywhere else. Jingle bells would be scattered by the fireplace, left behind by reindeer taking off in flight. Bites out of those cookies and carrots. The day after Christmas, we always packed up and headed south to the Boston area for a big family fete and celebrate all over again.
My husband also smiles remembering his own traditions. His Christmas eves were filled with fun casual family pizza dinners. And then the ritualistic placing of the cookies and milk for Santa. He and his sisters also never traveled on Christmas day for that ever fear that Santa wouldn't possibly know where to deliver those gifts. Waking at the first light to half-eaten cookies and half-drunk glasses of milk, sure evidence that St. Nick had paid visit to his house and not just mine. And for him, there was always a nap stolen post opening of the presents from the exhaustion of getting up so early in excitement.
So now we fuse our traditions. It hasn't been challenging, since we tend to agree so much on parenting style to begin with. We'll spend Christmas eve eating pizza, and now that the oldest is two, watching the Polar Express and then reading the Night Before Christmas. We've chased that Elf all around those Shelves for a couple weeks now and I'm confident he's told Santa what the whole house wants at this point. We'll set out our cookies and milk and enjoy nibbles while we set up a magical scene for babies and toddlers to feast their eyes on come morning. We'll mix glitter and oatmeal for the two year old to scatter in the lawn and driveway so the reindeer have food and a trail to follow to the chimney. (Why leave such things to chance?) Naturally, there will be no travel and we'll host both sides of the family, enjoying these traditions and more with them now and for years to come.
With these new traditions comes the main cast of characters, our three children. How much fun the years forward are going to be. We hope this phase of Christmas lasts forever, for it will be a sad day when it ends.
Merry Christmas All! See you on the 26th.
I grew up creating paper chains with one ring for each day prior to Christmas and pulling a ring off for every day complete. Christmas eve always found us carefully putting out cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for hungry reindeer, then opening one present from Mom and Dad before bed. We never traveled on Christmas day, always waking up in our own home for Santa Claus couldn't possibly find us anywhere else. Jingle bells would be scattered by the fireplace, left behind by reindeer taking off in flight. Bites out of those cookies and carrots. The day after Christmas, we always packed up and headed south to the Boston area for a big family fete and celebrate all over again.
My husband also smiles remembering his own traditions. His Christmas eves were filled with fun casual family pizza dinners. And then the ritualistic placing of the cookies and milk for Santa. He and his sisters also never traveled on Christmas day for that ever fear that Santa wouldn't possibly know where to deliver those gifts. Waking at the first light to half-eaten cookies and half-drunk glasses of milk, sure evidence that St. Nick had paid visit to his house and not just mine. And for him, there was always a nap stolen post opening of the presents from the exhaustion of getting up so early in excitement.
So now we fuse our traditions. It hasn't been challenging, since we tend to agree so much on parenting style to begin with. We'll spend Christmas eve eating pizza, and now that the oldest is two, watching the Polar Express and then reading the Night Before Christmas. We've chased that Elf all around those Shelves for a couple weeks now and I'm confident he's told Santa what the whole house wants at this point. We'll set out our cookies and milk and enjoy nibbles while we set up a magical scene for babies and toddlers to feast their eyes on come morning. We'll mix glitter and oatmeal for the two year old to scatter in the lawn and driveway so the reindeer have food and a trail to follow to the chimney. (Why leave such things to chance?) Naturally, there will be no travel and we'll host both sides of the family, enjoying these traditions and more with them now and for years to come.
With these new traditions comes the main cast of characters, our three children. How much fun the years forward are going to be. We hope this phase of Christmas lasts forever, for it will be a sad day when it ends.
Merry Christmas All! See you on the 26th.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Christmas Wishlist
In the spirit of Christmas, being only 2 shopping days away, I though I'd take a moment to reflect on the things I'd really like for Christmas. Not the superficial answers I'll give you for my husband's shopping list, but the deep down to my core items I can only dream about.
Dear Santa,
For Christmas this year I would like
To open my washer and dryer midweek and not find them full of forgotten clothes after a weekend when my husband did the laundry.
To really, really win the MegaMillions. I swear, I won't even be greedy about it.
That all 3 kids would nap at the same time for just one day. Okay, a week.
That someone would come to my home every day and feed me, make sure I took a nap and watched plenty of Bravo.
Having a maid, a butler and a personal chef show up at my door and tell me they are a gift. No salary needed.
That my next big "fun" purchase will NOT be a dishwasher. Or a roof. Or a car.
I'd like to eat unlimited truffles without consequence to my hips or waistline.
That all 3 children would be toilet-trained by New Year's instead of age 3.
To never run to my local corner store and purchase a gallon of expired milk again. I mean, really.
About three more hours in my day - everyday.
A husband whose commute is 8.62 minutes.
So, Santa, I've been a very good girl this year. If you could just make room to squeeze all of the above items into my stocking, that would be swell.
Love,
Ann
Dear Santa,
For Christmas this year I would like
To open my washer and dryer midweek and not find them full of forgotten clothes after a weekend when my husband did the laundry.
To really, really win the MegaMillions. I swear, I won't even be greedy about it.
That all 3 kids would nap at the same time for just one day. Okay, a week.
That someone would come to my home every day and feed me, make sure I took a nap and watched plenty of Bravo.
Having a maid, a butler and a personal chef show up at my door and tell me they are a gift. No salary needed.
That my next big "fun" purchase will NOT be a dishwasher. Or a roof. Or a car.
I'd like to eat unlimited truffles without consequence to my hips or waistline.
That all 3 children would be toilet-trained by New Year's instead of age 3.
To never run to my local corner store and purchase a gallon of expired milk again. I mean, really.
About three more hours in my day - everyday.
A husband whose commute is 8.62 minutes.
So, Santa, I've been a very good girl this year. If you could just make room to squeeze all of the above items into my stocking, that would be swell.
Love,
Ann
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Don't Do the Part Two
For the record, I am anti-remake. I nearly always prefer the original version. Wizard of Oz? Sound of Music? Citizen Kane? All wonderful classic films that should never be touched. It perplexes me why producer egos see some well done piece of entertainment and they think they can do it one better. Somehow CBS isn't showing Jim Carrey's The Grinch every December when the networks trot out their week of annual Christmas specials.
I was a huge fan of Beverly Hills 90120, the original version please. I have roommates that can attest to my refusal to answer the phone for that one hour a week. Now I can't even stomach five minutes of the remake long enough to learn the characters names. The concept may be the same, but the soul is lost. Grown-up and Dancing with the Stars, actually.
2011 will be bringing us actual studio releases of "Footloose", "Overboard" and "Short Circuit". Footloose is a bit of a stretch, but a teen classic for it's time, much like the recent LiLo vehicle "Freaky Friday" before she lost her Disney image. The last two? I'm still catching the original Overboard on TBS for rainy day laughs. Surely Goldie and Kurt signed on for part deux or this chick isn't interested. Well, I'm not actually interested regardless. That's my point. Overboard? Short Circuit? That's the best the boys in suits could come up with during a leisurely lunch at Hal's?
My personal favorite rumor du jour is having Michael Bay of Transformers fame helm The Godfather a la 2010. Over Michael Corleone's dead body. Such matter are a lot like ex-boyfriends. Best left with the original memory, never revisit when broken up and a clone is always twice as defective.
I was a huge fan of Beverly Hills 90120, the original version please. I have roommates that can attest to my refusal to answer the phone for that one hour a week. Now I can't even stomach five minutes of the remake long enough to learn the characters names. The concept may be the same, but the soul is lost. Grown-up and Dancing with the Stars, actually.
2011 will be bringing us actual studio releases of "Footloose", "Overboard" and "Short Circuit". Footloose is a bit of a stretch, but a teen classic for it's time, much like the recent LiLo vehicle "Freaky Friday" before she lost her Disney image. The last two? I'm still catching the original Overboard on TBS for rainy day laughs. Surely Goldie and Kurt signed on for part deux or this chick isn't interested. Well, I'm not actually interested regardless. That's my point. Overboard? Short Circuit? That's the best the boys in suits could come up with during a leisurely lunch at Hal's?
My personal favorite rumor du jour is having Michael Bay of Transformers fame helm The Godfather a la 2010. Over Michael Corleone's dead body. Such matter are a lot like ex-boyfriends. Best left with the original memory, never revisit when broken up and a clone is always twice as defective.
Monday, December 20, 2010
If I was a Millionaire...
I entered nursing twelve years ago for the challenging, rewarding people profession that it is. What else is a Type A, reasonably personable, control freak supposed to do with her life? I enjoyed the long hours, the unpredictability, the variability. I (for a long time) didn't even mind a little OT sprinkled here and there. I even {shudder} did night shift for a few years. Ultimately, I did what most of us do when we get tired or need a new challenge; go into graduate school. I left my family and friends, moved to Virginia, studied my tail off and became a nurse practitioner. Then, finally, ended up here in Maryland happily doing my 14 hour shifts, 3 days a week, enjoying the other 4 days with my husband.
And enjoy we did! We'd pick up at a moment's notice and drive to New York City. Indian food for dinner tonight? I know a great place in the East Village! And off we'd go... Exploring D.C., surprise concert tickets. And those 14 hour shifts. Long. Dreadfully long. But allowing for a marvelous lifestyle. Then it all changed. I became a Mommy. I have three lil' boogs to answer to. My brain gets torn in a million pieces, my heart into a billion on any given day. I feel like I am never really in the right place anymore.
When I am at work, there is now an aching piece of me that worries about missing out on the boys lives as I go three days without really seeing the boogs. We have a deal that tired kids do not wait up parents working. Fortunately, I can usually squeeze in a half hour or so before the bedtime wind-down. One day though, I realized the twins sat up independently and I have no idea when it started occurring. That day? That week, even?
But when I am at home, there is the piece of me that longs for work. That camaraderie, that team spirit. I want to feel like I am making a difference in someone's life who's not related to me, nor depending on me to change their diaper. I want to use my brain for exercise beyond coloring between the lines and practicing my Dora spanish. Hola! Soy Dora! I can't seem to ever feel like I properly reconcile the two. And I am certain I am not alone in this feeling.
Those marvelous lil' boogs I call my own? If I was a millionaire - look out and let the homeschooling begin - Mama's coming home!
And enjoy we did! We'd pick up at a moment's notice and drive to New York City. Indian food for dinner tonight? I know a great place in the East Village! And off we'd go... Exploring D.C., surprise concert tickets. And those 14 hour shifts. Long. Dreadfully long. But allowing for a marvelous lifestyle. Then it all changed. I became a Mommy. I have three lil' boogs to answer to. My brain gets torn in a million pieces, my heart into a billion on any given day. I feel like I am never really in the right place anymore.
When I am at work, there is now an aching piece of me that worries about missing out on the boys lives as I go three days without really seeing the boogs. We have a deal that tired kids do not wait up parents working. Fortunately, I can usually squeeze in a half hour or so before the bedtime wind-down. One day though, I realized the twins sat up independently and I have no idea when it started occurring. That day? That week, even?
But when I am at home, there is the piece of me that longs for work. That camaraderie, that team spirit. I want to feel like I am making a difference in someone's life who's not related to me, nor depending on me to change their diaper. I want to use my brain for exercise beyond coloring between the lines and practicing my Dora spanish. Hola! Soy Dora! I can't seem to ever feel like I properly reconcile the two. And I am certain I am not alone in this feeling.
Those marvelous lil' boogs I call my own? If I was a millionaire - look out and let the homeschooling begin - Mama's coming home!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sleeping In On Sunday....
Images courtesy of Keith Roselle Photography - 2010. Reprinted with Permission
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fashion Emergency
Normally I pride myself on being quite the stylish individual. Magazines stuffed in nightstand drawers, peeking out from under the bed. An apt pupil of Anna Wintour, Joe Zee, Rachel Zoe and other stylists du jour. A bit of a label whore before kids and now post kids, learning to reshop my closet, Ebay and mix the expensive classics with the cheaper pieces to create a go-to wardrobe at the ready. But as I found myself walking out of work tonight in Uggs, to save my buttery Italian leather boots from the snow following a guy in an Ecko sweatshirt; I thought it only fitting to revisit a few disastrous fashion trends I have fallen victim to, or love someone who has, throughout the years. After all, a new year is coming and what a better chance to do away with old and ring in the new.
Do you remember....
5 swatch watches worn around your wrist and swapping out the watch bands based on outfit?
Parachute pants? (Oh, how I just HAD to have those...)
One bandana tied around the ankle?
Three layers of slouchy socks?
Legwarmers? (thank you Flashdance)
Collars turned up?
Stirrup pants with long belted shirts?
Members only jackets?
800 rubber bracelets in black and other assorted colors up the wrist? (so early Madonna)
Tight perms and skyhigh bangs? (very 90s mallrat)
Cosby style sweaters?
peg legging your jeans? (still not sure how that flattered my leg line, and shame on you Katie Holmes for trying to bring it back)
Acid washed jeans?
High top fade haircuts?
Shoulder pads? (the bigger so NOT the better)
Jellies shoes?
Banana Clips? (and I don't mean in the RZ way bananas)
Tommy Hilfiger? (I think I last saw him doing my bedroom sheets)
Tucking your shirt in the front, but not the back?
Scrunchies? (I actually found one the other day... cleaning. Shudder.)
There are so many more we could list for our amusement, but one would start to think this is a Halloween posting versus reflecting on the upcoming New Year. I promise to keep my Uggs strictly for the bad weather to save my lovely boots from snow damage as resolution numero uno. I'd love to hear your favorite bad fashion memory.
Do you remember....
5 swatch watches worn around your wrist and swapping out the watch bands based on outfit?
Parachute pants? (Oh, how I just HAD to have those...)
One bandana tied around the ankle?
Three layers of slouchy socks?
Legwarmers? (thank you Flashdance)
Collars turned up?
Stirrup pants with long belted shirts?
Members only jackets?
800 rubber bracelets in black and other assorted colors up the wrist? (so early Madonna)
Tight perms and skyhigh bangs? (very 90s mallrat)
Cosby style sweaters?
peg legging your jeans? (still not sure how that flattered my leg line, and shame on you Katie Holmes for trying to bring it back)
Acid washed jeans?
High top fade haircuts?
Shoulder pads? (the bigger so NOT the better)
Jellies shoes?
Banana Clips? (and I don't mean in the RZ way bananas)
Tommy Hilfiger? (I think I last saw him doing my bedroom sheets)
Tucking your shirt in the front, but not the back?
Scrunchies? (I actually found one the other day... cleaning. Shudder.)
There are so many more we could list for our amusement, but one would start to think this is a Halloween posting versus reflecting on the upcoming New Year. I promise to keep my Uggs strictly for the bad weather to save my lovely boots from snow damage as resolution numero uno. I'd love to hear your favorite bad fashion memory.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
To Your Health
I'm blessed to have a healthy family. I am never so foolish as to not wake up daily thankful for this. After all, I had the twin pregnancy where those little boogs crammed their entire teenage years worth of trouble into 40 weeks. And then added a NICU stay in for good measure. Before you panic, that NICU stay can entirely be summed up as being born at 35 weeks and inheriting the wimpy white male gene in abundance from their mother. Strong work, boys. Strong work. So yes, I am thankful every day that I was given a happy and healthy family. But that doesn't mean I can't have my chain rattled a little every now and then.
My two year old went to the doctor for some wheezing today. No surprises there. We've traversed this road many a time with a couple bouts of RSV, renting the home nebulizer machine a few times here and there and teaching him how to breathe his "magic gas" to feel better. Over the last couple weeks we've listened to him cough and then some, but again, no surprises either since this has been the fall of ear infections and cold. Heck, his whole preschool was one big booger for the month of October with the changing of the seasons. But today was different. Today we were told something that caught us off guard. Asthma. That one word throws you for a loop and changes your perspective. Turns you into a bit of a freak really. I might have won MegaMillions for all the times my husband has told me to simmer down today.
But I wonder now, despite his cheerful disposition and insistence I eat playdough ice creams while making "macamonis", did I miss something? Did I miss some crucial symptoms during this long fall of ear infections and post nasal drip? Of coughing and runny noses? Is it my fault? And then I push the self doubt aside and drum up the images of sickly asthmatics that make the news and one reads about in the papers. So I start thinking forward about how I need to march on to prevent asthma attacks, all the while watching the still cheerful child, now begging to play outside in his first snowstorm, pulling out snowboots while my mind races.
I start to formulate unanswered questions left lingering in my head: Am I supposed to carry inhalers now, even though he's never had an attack? What happens if, god forbid, he's at preschool and some hidden dust bunny get kicked up? There's no nurse there and Mommy and Daddy are far away.... (ignoring the fact that the month of boogers would probably get him first). What about our family cat? Is he allergic? Did I do something wrong by bringing her into our lives? (Told you I turned freakish). How do we keep him away from smoke/from leaves/from mold... My head started spinning like a disco ball at studio 54.
It is bad enough I joke that I will follow the child to college and live there. And now we add this diagnosis that seems so out of the blue. You may ask me why I am so full of self-doubt and worry, but see, I'm his Mommy. I made a promise when he was born that I would fight to the death for him. Take care of him. Heal him. So while, yes, I still have my happy, healthy family; today I was a worried, caring, loving Mommy first.
My two year old went to the doctor for some wheezing today. No surprises there. We've traversed this road many a time with a couple bouts of RSV, renting the home nebulizer machine a few times here and there and teaching him how to breathe his "magic gas" to feel better. Over the last couple weeks we've listened to him cough and then some, but again, no surprises either since this has been the fall of ear infections and cold. Heck, his whole preschool was one big booger for the month of October with the changing of the seasons. But today was different. Today we were told something that caught us off guard. Asthma. That one word throws you for a loop and changes your perspective. Turns you into a bit of a freak really. I might have won MegaMillions for all the times my husband has told me to simmer down today.
But I wonder now, despite his cheerful disposition and insistence I eat playdough ice creams while making "macamonis", did I miss something? Did I miss some crucial symptoms during this long fall of ear infections and post nasal drip? Of coughing and runny noses? Is it my fault? And then I push the self doubt aside and drum up the images of sickly asthmatics that make the news and one reads about in the papers. So I start thinking forward about how I need to march on to prevent asthma attacks, all the while watching the still cheerful child, now begging to play outside in his first snowstorm, pulling out snowboots while my mind races.
I start to formulate unanswered questions left lingering in my head: Am I supposed to carry inhalers now, even though he's never had an attack? What happens if, god forbid, he's at preschool and some hidden dust bunny get kicked up? There's no nurse there and Mommy and Daddy are far away.... (ignoring the fact that the month of boogers would probably get him first). What about our family cat? Is he allergic? Did I do something wrong by bringing her into our lives? (Told you I turned freakish). How do we keep him away from smoke/from leaves/from mold... My head started spinning like a disco ball at studio 54.
It is bad enough I joke that I will follow the child to college and live there. And now we add this diagnosis that seems so out of the blue. You may ask me why I am so full of self-doubt and worry, but see, I'm his Mommy. I made a promise when he was born that I would fight to the death for him. Take care of him. Heal him. So while, yes, I still have my happy, healthy family; today I was a worried, caring, loving Mommy first.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Running Scared
My husband wants to run a marathon. And I agreed to run one in moral support with him. It's 26.2 freaking miles. I could not, in good conscience, let the guy run it alone. Not to mention it totally and completely sang to my dreams of dropping the twin weight, being healthy for my kids and most importantly, not sucking wind during a game of catch with a two year old. Let's get one thing clear first. I am not a runner. The only thing I have ever been known to run towards is a good shoe sale. So marathon training? I might as well have announced that I'd just gone from never taking the stairs to preparing an Everest summit attack.
I started my running. Not pretty. But slowly, surely, I've been finding I like it. I committed enough to actually purchase cold weather running gear and map out winter running routes. Me. The non-runner. Actually planning runs in the dead of winter to train for a race a year away instead of sitting by the fire sipping cocoa, coloring with my children. What's wrong with me?
We also developed a strategy playing on the psychology that the more people we tell, the more committed we become and the greater the follow through. And, it's working. I run when I say I am going to run just so I don't have to admit I didn't. Hence my here and now commitment to the 5 am run.
The challenging part, as always, is finding the time to train with three small children. We just got accepted into our first race via a lottery system. A ten miler with a strict race finish time - 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you aren't pulling a sub 14 minute mile, they pull you from the race. Yikes! Nothing like setting the bar high for your very first race. You can't throw wee ones in the stroller in the dead of winter and go for a jaunt, especially in my ear infection prone household. Therefore, no joint training in my household seems likely prior to race day. Double Yikes!
All in all, it can't be that bad. I've tackled the first run, first hill, first cold weather run. I've registered for the first race. I have plenty of support. I just have to keep moving. And sometimes moving is the hardest part.
Things no one ever tells you prior to Parenthood....
Parenthood is an exclusive club many of us cannot wait to join once we take that plunge into the pits of responsibility. We envision pint sized versions of ourselves chasing us around emulating only the best characteristics we have to offer and put forth onto the world. And why wouldn't we? It is the single most rewarding unpaid job we'll ever have that we chose willingly and would again and again.
Now, if only I had been told prior to actually becoming a Parent:
That their ear infections would equal pneumonia for Mommy. Literally.
Thanks to Kate Gosselin and Octomom, freebies for twins has Dried. Up.
Everything you buy requires batteries and assembly.
Some of your most intelligent conversations will center around coupons, Gymboree bucks and Baby Gap end of season sales.
That you really do become your parents. "Put your socks on! Eat your vegetables! Brush your teeth!"
That the kids have a sensor button for parental bedtimes. It's fail proof and goes off five minutes after your head hits the pillow every time.
That Dads are a hero when they show up at the pediatrician's office with all three kids, but Moms don't even rate a second glance from staff for the same task.
Fish sticks are a highly under rated food.
How loud twins, or two babies, are crying simultaneously. Invest in good earplugs.
You'll take pride in becoming a minivan owner.... happily.
That the first birthday party equals a mortgage payment. No one is quite sure how it happens, but it just does. Enjoy it, because the 2nd birthday is on a budget.
Your toddler won't be able to pick up his crayons, but will be able to program the satellite TV remote, turn on the XBox and pick out a game as well as operate the iPhone 4.
One twin will start to bully the other one prior to age one and you'll spend the day playing referee.
You couldn't tell a soul what happened on Grey's last week and you finally gave up those Housewives from Bravo, but you can recount in detail the last ten episodes of Dora.
Your heart will be toast because you fell in hopelessly in love in the first five seconds of meeting all three and you'd die yourself before letting any of them know a minute of sadness. You'd do anything for them at the drop of hat, including making homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch because one of them offhandedly asked for "macamoni."
You firmly believe their laughter one day could create world peace.
Now, if only I had been told prior to actually becoming a Parent:
That their ear infections would equal pneumonia for Mommy. Literally.
Thanks to Kate Gosselin and Octomom, freebies for twins has Dried. Up.
Everything you buy requires batteries and assembly.
Some of your most intelligent conversations will center around coupons, Gymboree bucks and Baby Gap end of season sales.
That you really do become your parents. "Put your socks on! Eat your vegetables! Brush your teeth!"
That the kids have a sensor button for parental bedtimes. It's fail proof and goes off five minutes after your head hits the pillow every time.
That Dads are a hero when they show up at the pediatrician's office with all three kids, but Moms don't even rate a second glance from staff for the same task.
Fish sticks are a highly under rated food.
How loud twins, or two babies, are crying simultaneously. Invest in good earplugs.
You'll take pride in becoming a minivan owner.... happily.
That the first birthday party equals a mortgage payment. No one is quite sure how it happens, but it just does. Enjoy it, because the 2nd birthday is on a budget.
Your toddler won't be able to pick up his crayons, but will be able to program the satellite TV remote, turn on the XBox and pick out a game as well as operate the iPhone 4.
One twin will start to bully the other one prior to age one and you'll spend the day playing referee.
You couldn't tell a soul what happened on Grey's last week and you finally gave up those Housewives from Bravo, but you can recount in detail the last ten episodes of Dora.
Your heart will be toast because you fell in hopelessly in love in the first five seconds of meeting all three and you'd die yourself before letting any of them know a minute of sadness. You'd do anything for them at the drop of hat, including making homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch because one of them offhandedly asked for "macamoni."
You firmly believe their laughter one day could create world peace.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Top Beauty Products I can't Live without
Every fashionista has a go-to grab bag of items she absolutely cannot live without in her vanity cabinet/drawer/makeup bag of tricks and a laundry list of reasons why.
Here are my top select choices:
Smashbox Photo Finish Makeup Primer
This primer leaves me with flawless foundation and flawless looking skin every day. I can even fool people when I have breakouts or on the days my pores decide to resembles volcanic craters. (Hey, it happens...). My one item I would want on a deserted island with me if I had to choose.
Available at Sephora.com $36
Smith's Rosebud Salve
Despite it's humble origins, this salve is my favorite lip gloss. It leaves my lips smooth and chap free for hours, with a hint of rose tint. The tin tends to last forever. I can use it daily and probably get 4 months plus easily out of it. Who doesn't love that kind of bargain?
Available at most local drugstores and Sephora.com $6
Diorshow Iconic Mascara
For a girl like me, mascara is very important. I was born not blessed by the lash fairy. This mascara changed all that and made me say "Latisse, who?" Provides both va-va-voom volume and length to even my puny of puniest lashes; making me a believer of the pricey mascara. Blackest black of course.
Available at your local Christian Dior counter and Sephora.com $27
Creme de la Mer
First, let's be clear, this creme is the ultimate luxury cream. It's rich and super hydrating. And really, unless we suddenly aged overnight to 50+, we have NO business using it on a routine basis unless you want a menstrual breakout gone bad from the excess oils suddenly placed on your still youthful skin. What I love it for is summertime, when despite all my best efforts at SPF 60 on the face, being outdoors with the kids still wreaks havoc on my face. I use it SPARINGLY three to four times a week and manage to avoid the breakouts, but restore moisture and keep the skin healthy. It's also ridiculously expensive, but Neiman Marcus almost always includes it in it's beauty week bags and you can stock up then when buying actual essential products.
Available at NeimanMarcus.com $130, 1 oz.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Another essential lip balm for me. I carry it in my pocket all day long at work, for a quick non waxy fix at the ready. Great pepperminty scent too that leaves a hint of fresh breath!
Sold at drug and grocery stores everywhere. Approximately $5 per two pack.
The Multiple
Another item I might have to strongly consider for that deserted island. Since becoming a mom of three, my mantra has turned into "simplify, simplify, simplify". And that included the makeup regimen. Enter the Multiple from Nars. A multipurpose stick that can be used for eyeshadow, blush and lipstick - all in one stick/shade. I love it so much I own a winter shade and a summer shade. And use daily.
Available at Sephora.com $38
Cetaphil
The best skin cleanser I have ever used hands down. Perfect for all skin types, doesn't break out my uber-sensitive skin and removes all makeup. And Dirt. Cheap.
Found at all fine drug and retail stores everywhere. $8 for 8 oz
L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray
Recommend by the pros and I can see why. Super strong all day hold, yet softens at the touch of your hand or brush without causing you to lose shape. This spray is the reason why for the first time in my adult life I have had longer hair and can allow my husband to touch my hair. Thank you L'Oreal geniuses.
Available at Target. $12
So there you have it, the top contenders that I could never live without, including my absolute on a desert island with it's close second. I know my "in the know" sister in law would also say Cle de peau concealer, which I am planning on trying before January's obsessions post. She's never steered me wrong.
I would love to hear some other beauty cabinet must haves. Us fashionistas must stick together on such matters.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Kiddie Cussin'
I swear I have a problem. My problem is my two year old swears. At first, it was both mortifying and cute. Who can't resist a chuckle the first time he tests the waters and utters "asshole" much in the same vein as the child in Meet the Fockers to Ben Stiller. Then there was the Dick's Sporting Goods incident. Horrifying to my husband, who lived it in a slow-motion nightmare and couldn't move from the spot he stood. Paralyzed as our son gleefully chattered the word "shit" over and over in every way one could possibly say the word. Even drawing it out into eight syllable long utterances that drew amused yet disproving glances from soccer mom types in surrounding aisles. We moved on from the day with an explanation that there are some words you just don't say and a solemn promise to ourselves to clean up our own language, for we certainly have quite the mimic on our hands.
And I have to confess. Much of the problem lies with me. I have a secret. I love to cuss. There is just something so satisfying about unleashing a colorful string of curse words on an unsuspecting world. Some days it just needs to be said and makes me feel so much better afterwards. And I'll admit, other days my cussing is completely frivolous and unnecessary. But I still love it despite my proper upbringing and the horror it causes my mother when so much as "sucks" leaves my mouth. These days are ending, for I have a swear problem and it's not even my own. The potty mouth now belongs to someone much smaller than I. I dread each time the phone rings and I see his preschool on the caller ID. I fear he's taught some classmate "dammit!" versus winning the Thanksgiving reading contest.
Just the other day, he spilled water and his natural response was "Aww....goddammit!" Uh oh. Mommy loaded the dishwasher one too many times before bedtime this week. Yesterday, getting dressed he wanted to put back on wet pajamas and was told no. His response? "dammit!" My favorite word has now become his. There is one happy ending for me. The granddaddy of bad words he unleashed while I was dressing? A direct mimic of Daddy housecleaning.
I swear I have a problem. There are THREE potty mouths in my house.
And I have to confess. Much of the problem lies with me. I have a secret. I love to cuss. There is just something so satisfying about unleashing a colorful string of curse words on an unsuspecting world. Some days it just needs to be said and makes me feel so much better afterwards. And I'll admit, other days my cussing is completely frivolous and unnecessary. But I still love it despite my proper upbringing and the horror it causes my mother when so much as "sucks" leaves my mouth. These days are ending, for I have a swear problem and it's not even my own. The potty mouth now belongs to someone much smaller than I. I dread each time the phone rings and I see his preschool on the caller ID. I fear he's taught some classmate "dammit!" versus winning the Thanksgiving reading contest.
Just the other day, he spilled water and his natural response was "Aww....goddammit!" Uh oh. Mommy loaded the dishwasher one too many times before bedtime this week. Yesterday, getting dressed he wanted to put back on wet pajamas and was told no. His response? "dammit!" My favorite word has now become his. There is one happy ending for me. The granddaddy of bad words he unleashed while I was dressing? A direct mimic of Daddy housecleaning.
I swear I have a problem. There are THREE potty mouths in my house.
Sleeping In On Sunday....
Why yes, Santa! I believe.....
This tree photo is of a porcelain tree that was put out every year in my late father's dental office at the holidays and now graces my home.
This tree photo is of a porcelain tree that was put out every year in my late father's dental office at the holidays and now graces my home.
Friday, December 10, 2010
The sitter search
The search for a proper sitter is always anxiety producing for me. After all, you are trusting a complete stranger with the three most precious things you have ever produced as a person. And truly, the way you choose them seems so haphazard. They can be ruled out by bad hair and unkempt clothing - if they can't keep themselves tidy, how can they possibly keep your brood orderly? It may seem like I am picky, but we went endured a rather nightmarish nanny search of our own prior to the twins' arrival.
We were so enthusiastic to start. So optimistic! Expecting a parade of Mary Poppins types to come rushing through the door eager to care for our children. Oh, how naive we were. Oh, how naive. First of all, the ones that applied for the position and instantly made our hearts swell, having us at hello; we had to say goodbye when we saw what they were asking for per hour. Needless to say, when childcare is going to cost more than a mortgage payment we can stop playing the theme from Jerry Maguire because Mama isn't working solely to pay the nanny.
The ones we ended up bringing in to interview. Oy. One wanted to bring her child daily - okay. Sure. Built in playmate for our two year old! Instant socialization! Playgroups everyday! Instant we got instant hatred from her child for our two year old until the moment it was time to leave our house post interview. And all she could do was discuss the activities her child liked to participate in. I wondered whose child she would actually spend the day watching and how would two helpless newborns fare? The second candidate sat us down and interviewed us. That's not so bad, per se, except for the parenting lecture we got and how we were informed no less than three times about the parenting class she taught on the side. I felt like I was watching an informercial for the early version of Oxiclean before it went mainstream. She clearly overlooked the happy, healthy two year old who sat playing before her.
In the end, no nanny for us after a long line of disappointing candidates. The Mary Poppins dream died. Our children attend a combined preschool/daycare that the two year old asks to go to daily and participates in things like reading contests. We did end up finding a lovely occasional sitter. A bored Capitol Hill staffer that loves kids. She showed up one day in a sassy trench looking very Mary Poppins. My dream awoke and my two year old loves her. We are terrified of the day she'll realize she's actually babysitting our kids and stop in the name of her day job.
Last night, we interviewed for a mother's helper to assist us over the next two months, three days a week during the busiest times of the day. We were scared and optimistic all at the same time of starting the process over again, flashing back to the nanny dilemma. Until Mary Poppins showed up, ready and able to start on Monday.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
License to Grill
As the parents of twins, you expect a certain amount of questioning when you leave the house with the kids. What you never expected was the degree of the questions or the amount of the comments and the sense of entitlement that the seemingly kind-hearted passerby would feel. A trip to my ever-favorite Target never fails to draw no less than 10 stares followed by "One... two.... oh there's three! They are busy!" I can't help but think until one of the twins started creeping/crawling this week, it was the two year old that kept us the busiest. Immobile babies are easy babies.
Okay well, two of them does make for a challenging day. I won't lie that any sort of multiple birth is a highly romanticized notion until the little boogs arrive. Doctors really need to preface the whole conversation not with "You're having twins!" but rather with "Hey! You're having two babies!" I think the reality of it all would smack people a lot quicker. But I digress. We know we're busy. We know because we live it daily. Many thanks to those folks who feel compelled to point it out 900 times while we try to keep the kids corralled and happy, and try to get our household errands done in a timely fashion. After all, it's enjoyable buying your milk, getting your prescriptions, your formula, your diapers with stares and whispers barely disguised when it takes one cart to carry the kids and one cart to carry your items.
Then comes some stranger with questions. "Are those twins?" Polite smile and nod, keep pushing the cart. It never manages to shake 'em off. "Are they identical?" No they are not, thanks. "Are they both boys?" Genius, this one, with all the orange and green floating around my cart. And I sigh. Because I KNOW what is coming next. They never disappoint me. On three. "Are they natural?" Seriously? Now, what I want to know, is are her boobs? But I can't ask, can I? Because that would be impolite. So, why then is my fertility fair game? Sheesh. And she hasn't bought me a drink nor told me her first name.
It's strange to me how twins or any other sort of multiple birth in our society gives people the liberty to think they are suddenly privy to the most private of information. And to tell the truth, until I had my own twins, it never occurred to me that people would ask such a think or to ask another woman that. And I still don't, because my husband and I find it so insulting. I've started coming up with clever retorts when people ask me questions about the kids. I save them for the person foolish enough to approach when trying to exit a store quickly with kids in meltdown mode - hey, it happens. "Are those twins?" "No, one is my husband's and one is my boyfriend's." or my personal favorite: "No, they are 4 months apart." It's fun to watch them wrinkle their face and mentally start doing the math.
Okay well, two of them does make for a challenging day. I won't lie that any sort of multiple birth is a highly romanticized notion until the little boogs arrive. Doctors really need to preface the whole conversation not with "You're having twins!" but rather with "Hey! You're having two babies!" I think the reality of it all would smack people a lot quicker. But I digress. We know we're busy. We know because we live it daily. Many thanks to those folks who feel compelled to point it out 900 times while we try to keep the kids corralled and happy, and try to get our household errands done in a timely fashion. After all, it's enjoyable buying your milk, getting your prescriptions, your formula, your diapers with stares and whispers barely disguised when it takes one cart to carry the kids and one cart to carry your items.
Then comes some stranger with questions. "Are those twins?" Polite smile and nod, keep pushing the cart. It never manages to shake 'em off. "Are they identical?" No they are not, thanks. "Are they both boys?" Genius, this one, with all the orange and green floating around my cart. And I sigh. Because I KNOW what is coming next. They never disappoint me. On three. "Are they natural?" Seriously? Now, what I want to know, is are her boobs? But I can't ask, can I? Because that would be impolite. So, why then is my fertility fair game? Sheesh. And she hasn't bought me a drink nor told me her first name.
It's strange to me how twins or any other sort of multiple birth in our society gives people the liberty to think they are suddenly privy to the most private of information. And to tell the truth, until I had my own twins, it never occurred to me that people would ask such a think or to ask another woman that. And I still don't, because my husband and I find it so insulting. I've started coming up with clever retorts when people ask me questions about the kids. I save them for the person foolish enough to approach when trying to exit a store quickly with kids in meltdown mode - hey, it happens. "Are those twins?" "No, one is my husband's and one is my boyfriend's." or my personal favorite: "No, they are 4 months apart." It's fun to watch them wrinkle their face and mentally start doing the math.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Toys, Tots and Dinner
When we sit down at the dinner table nightly, there is always one goal in mind. To get our two year old to eat. I look back fondly on the days not so long ago when he used to eat anything we put in front of him gleefully telling us "that's dee-licious!" I used to brag willfully to fellow moms at how my toddler would eat like a champion and sniff at their eating issues. My husband and I would snicker when we'd sit for a meal and recount others troubles. How I miss those days, for we've eaten our words. In. Spades.
We have a two year old that we are currently trying to convince that food groups exist beyond fruit snacks. Heck, I call it a good day if lunch consists of fruits snacks AND a Peter Rabbit organic fruit smoothie. Although we are on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich kick lately that we are milking for all it's worth. Breakfast has always been easy for some reason. He loves breakfast. Breakfast is never bribe worthy. Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, even Mommy's shredded wheat. The kid loves it all. Lunch is spotty. Lunch is nap dependent even. He'll skip lunch somedays for a good nap; but then, so would I. We can do yogurt, a sandwich, a squeezy applesauce, ravioli. He loves a good Lunchable by Oscar Meyer, though we try to limit those to preschool lunch days only for the ease of it.
But dinner. Dinner is the bane of our existence. Dinner takes finesse. Dinner takes creativity and cajoling nightly on Mommy and Daddy's part. Dinner sometimes means behaving like our parents and swearing the child will go to bed hungry out of our frustration from him refusing to eat what we've prepared. I know he laughs when we say that as he's already, at the tender age of two, learned how to call our bluff. No matter what we cook, no matter what he's agreed to eat, by the time we sit down at the table "It's too hot", "I don't like that", "I don't want that",
"Can I have a fruit snack?". The list is long and we are weary. We tried special all kid-friendly grocery shopping to inspire his meal time palate. That worked for a week. We bought the Jessica Seinfeld cookbook hoping for inspiration. We've yet to find time to make a recipe. We hold out hope there's a simple method to get him to eat our family dinner each night. Tonight we gave him a new toy. Sure. We'll just bribe him all the way through to college. That'll work.
We have a two year old that we are currently trying to convince that food groups exist beyond fruit snacks. Heck, I call it a good day if lunch consists of fruits snacks AND a Peter Rabbit organic fruit smoothie. Although we are on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich kick lately that we are milking for all it's worth. Breakfast has always been easy for some reason. He loves breakfast. Breakfast is never bribe worthy. Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, even Mommy's shredded wheat. The kid loves it all. Lunch is spotty. Lunch is nap dependent even. He'll skip lunch somedays for a good nap; but then, so would I. We can do yogurt, a sandwich, a squeezy applesauce, ravioli. He loves a good Lunchable by Oscar Meyer, though we try to limit those to preschool lunch days only for the ease of it.
But dinner. Dinner is the bane of our existence. Dinner takes finesse. Dinner takes creativity and cajoling nightly on Mommy and Daddy's part. Dinner sometimes means behaving like our parents and swearing the child will go to bed hungry out of our frustration from him refusing to eat what we've prepared. I know he laughs when we say that as he's already, at the tender age of two, learned how to call our bluff. No matter what we cook, no matter what he's agreed to eat, by the time we sit down at the table "It's too hot", "I don't like that", "I don't want that",
"Can I have a fruit snack?". The list is long and we are weary. We tried special all kid-friendly grocery shopping to inspire his meal time palate. That worked for a week. We bought the Jessica Seinfeld cookbook hoping for inspiration. We've yet to find time to make a recipe. We hold out hope there's a simple method to get him to eat our family dinner each night. Tonight we gave him a new toy. Sure. We'll just bribe him all the way through to college. That'll work.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My favorite things and current obsessions
Taking a break today to touch on the lighter side on life and one my passions - fashion. Here's a few things I am obsessing over lately...... Some I love and use daily, while others are an object I lust after. (someday, someday...)
Opi Black Shatter nail polish - there is still something so mysterious about a dark short nail. Though I much prefer the actual black on my toes, paired with a equally dark complementary red or plum for the fingers.
This polish adds a fun twist to the black nail on toes with the cool shattered mirror effect on black. I can't wait to get my hands on a bottle to try it out. (available at mbeautylounge.com)
Love and Toast's Mandarin Tea scented hand cream. I was fortunate enough to win a facebook contest a couple weeks ago enabling me to get ahold of their entire product line, all of which is delightful, but this hand cream for my poor nursey hands is heavenly. Smooths out all the cracks with a wonderful aroma that smells way more delish than the name conjures. There is something just so light and soothing about the scent to my nose.
Available at loveandtoast.com Check out their other products too! They make a fabulous roller perfume and wonderful lip balms. You can also find them on facebook.
What woman doesn't need a chic clutch to carry on special occasions or the fun night out with the girls? Enter the clutch I am absolutely obsessing over. It's smart, chic and everything you want a clutch to be. Converts to a purse with a gold chain lobster claw clasp attachment detail that I love. It's large enough to carry all you need, yet small enough to fit into your tote as a wallet type item on days you just need to carry a bigger bag. The City Clutch by Tiffany & Co's new leather goods line.
A stunning beauty in gold. Open for the Tiffany blue lining. Available at Tiffany.com
And while we are discussing Tiffany leather goods, a frivolous little item, but a fun little purse must-have obsession none-the-less, may I introduce the Little Blue Book? Who needs a black book, when you can go blue? I am trying to make up a reason to need this, it looks so fun to have!
Also available at Tiffany.com
It's no secret that JCrew and I go together like peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and chip, Charlotte and York. and I am loving what Jenna Lyons had done to their jewelry line. She has created JCrew's jewelry into a go to place when you need some quality costume for a special or fun occasion. I recently wore all JCrew costume for my husband's work holiday party and drew many a compliment that night on my jewels. One of their current bracelets, the Soleil bracelet, is a lustworthy piece for any collection to dress up or down.
It really meshes with the whole boyfriend watch style now as well, being heavy and masculine in it's look for those women who can't quite make the leap to a chunky watch, but would be more comfortable with a chunky link style bracelet. (available at JCrew.com). come to Mama, you ray of sunshine, you.
Under Armour. With our marathon training under way, there is nothing I don't obsess about that's not Under Armour. The cold gear running apparel is perfect for keeping the cold at bay while we get our run on during the long winter months. Doesn't hurt that we live near the original factory store either. It's just such top quality athletic apparel, it's one brand I actually understand why it gets the respect it does from the pros. I Respect and Protect This House.
Under Armour can be found in various sporting good stores, as well as their own stores and outlets and of course, UnderArmour.com
Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Forget the boyfriend watch craze for me. Forget Cartier. Forget Rolex. If I ever have unlimited funds to spend on a watch, this iconic watch is it for me.
I have been lusting over this white version for years and they just creasted the 29mm anniversary version to celebrate 20 years of the J12. Happy Anniversary to you and Sweet Dreams to me. Chanel.com
I close out my obsessions with shoes (!). I also was fortunate enough to win a Tuesday Shoesday contest from the National Harbor sponsored by the Simply Soles shoe boutique in the National Harbor. I went down today to claim my prize and instead discovered the most delightful shoe store, that my husband should be quite happy we don't live closer to it. The bad news for him is that while they have the National Harbor and Georgetown stores, the bulk of their business is online and via catalogue. (Yay for me and you!!) I chose for my free pair of shoes the Alice, a model of Lillybee, a line created and designed by the owner and founder of Simply Soles. The shoes I chose are not only a ridiculous level of cute - think black and white ballet flat with pink trim, so versatile - they have rubber soles, which means they instantly have credibility for me as a work shoe, which is key for any line given my work and length of shift (14 hrs).
The salesstafff were so polite and friendly, completely unfazed by my three children who accompanied me on this trip. And they do carry some children's items - Trumpette socks, Pediped shoes, Snow Jogger boots, Tuff Cookie Hats.
The owner, Kassie recently had a shoe featured in Instyle magazine, yes THE Instyle magazine. It's a fantastic boot that I am now completely obsessed with that I think I need to figure out how to manuever into the house after causing Bootgate 2010 in my home with purchases earlier this fall.
The genius in this shoe is, it's both a riding boot and bootie in one. There is a removable leg shaft that snaps under the arch. I've seen this in person and it's a fine looking boot. Available in black and brown.
I left the store with the holiday catalog which is filled with many delights I'd like to own certainly. Shoe lines like Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch, Lillybee, Chie Mihara, Bettye Muller and many assorted accessories. One touch that really impressed both me and the hubs was their packaging. They bag all purchases in a reusable tote - the kind you normally have to spend money at a store to buy. I am highly motivated to not only use the tote, but to use it on future Simply Soles purchases. I hope you'll visit them, either online, in the catalog or at one of their shops, National Harbor or Georgetown. simplysoles.com
A few of my current obsessions. I'll post more from time to time. Hope you enjoyed. And feel free to share yours. I love learning about new products and fashion.
Opi Black Shatter nail polish - there is still something so mysterious about a dark short nail. Though I much prefer the actual black on my toes, paired with a equally dark complementary red or plum for the fingers.
Love and Toast's Mandarin Tea scented hand cream. I was fortunate enough to win a facebook contest a couple weeks ago enabling me to get ahold of their entire product line, all of which is delightful, but this hand cream for my poor nursey hands is heavenly. Smooths out all the cracks with a wonderful aroma that smells way more delish than the name conjures. There is something just so light and soothing about the scent to my nose.
What woman doesn't need a chic clutch to carry on special occasions or the fun night out with the girls? Enter the clutch I am absolutely obsessing over. It's smart, chic and everything you want a clutch to be. Converts to a purse with a gold chain lobster claw clasp attachment detail that I love. It's large enough to carry all you need, yet small enough to fit into your tote as a wallet type item on days you just need to carry a bigger bag. The City Clutch by Tiffany & Co's new leather goods line.
And while we are discussing Tiffany leather goods, a frivolous little item, but a fun little purse must-have obsession none-the-less, may I introduce the Little Blue Book? Who needs a black book, when you can go blue? I am trying to make up a reason to need this, it looks so fun to have!
It's no secret that JCrew and I go together like peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and chip, Charlotte and York. and I am loving what Jenna Lyons had done to their jewelry line. She has created JCrew's jewelry into a go to place when you need some quality costume for a special or fun occasion. I recently wore all JCrew costume for my husband's work holiday party and drew many a compliment that night on my jewels. One of their current bracelets, the Soleil bracelet, is a lustworthy piece for any collection to dress up or down.
Under Armour. With our marathon training under way, there is nothing I don't obsess about that's not Under Armour. The cold gear running apparel is perfect for keeping the cold at bay while we get our run on during the long winter months. Doesn't hurt that we live near the original factory store either. It's just such top quality athletic apparel, it's one brand I actually understand why it gets the respect it does from the pros. I Respect and Protect This House.
Under Armour can be found in various sporting good stores, as well as their own stores and outlets and of course, UnderArmour.com
Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Forget the boyfriend watch craze for me. Forget Cartier. Forget Rolex. If I ever have unlimited funds to spend on a watch, this iconic watch is it for me.
I close out my obsessions with shoes (!). I also was fortunate enough to win a Tuesday Shoesday contest from the National Harbor sponsored by the Simply Soles shoe boutique in the National Harbor. I went down today to claim my prize and instead discovered the most delightful shoe store, that my husband should be quite happy we don't live closer to it. The bad news for him is that while they have the National Harbor and Georgetown stores, the bulk of their business is online and via catalogue. (Yay for me and you!!) I chose for my free pair of shoes the Alice, a model of Lillybee, a line created and designed by the owner and founder of Simply Soles. The shoes I chose are not only a ridiculous level of cute - think black and white ballet flat with pink trim, so versatile - they have rubber soles, which means they instantly have credibility for me as a work shoe, which is key for any line given my work and length of shift (14 hrs).
The salesstafff were so polite and friendly, completely unfazed by my three children who accompanied me on this trip. And they do carry some children's items - Trumpette socks, Pediped shoes, Snow Jogger boots, Tuff Cookie Hats.
The owner, Kassie recently had a shoe featured in Instyle magazine, yes THE Instyle magazine. It's a fantastic boot that I am now completely obsessed with that I think I need to figure out how to manuever into the house after causing Bootgate 2010 in my home with purchases earlier this fall.
I left the store with the holiday catalog which is filled with many delights I'd like to own certainly. Shoe lines like Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch, Lillybee, Chie Mihara, Bettye Muller and many assorted accessories. One touch that really impressed both me and the hubs was their packaging. They bag all purchases in a reusable tote - the kind you normally have to spend money at a store to buy. I am highly motivated to not only use the tote, but to use it on future Simply Soles purchases. I hope you'll visit them, either online, in the catalog or at one of their shops, National Harbor or Georgetown. simplysoles.com
A few of my current obsessions. I'll post more from time to time. Hope you enjoyed. And feel free to share yours. I love learning about new products and fashion.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Annual Argument
There is an argument that occurs yearly in our home. Twice this month in fact. However, it's an argument I'd bet the mortgage and then some that it happens in each household on our block annually; never mind the rest of middle-class America. I am talking the Christmas card photo shoot. You are all nodding as you read this. You know how ugly it can get. Like in your husband just informed you that you can't attend the semi-annual shoe sale at Nordstrom ugly. A perfectly civil and ordinary custom can cause a lovely married couple to actually NOT speak for the 12 days of Christmas.
We lived it twice in my house for 2010. Hopefully we will laugh about it in 2011. The first time I was so excited, the anticipation of our coordinated silly outfits - Christmas jammies by Hanna Andersson - sitting under the stocking as a family of five for the first time; quickly disappeared as our two year old threw a tantrum of epic proportions over putting on the jammies, fearing it was bedtime long before he was ready. My husband, a photographer, testing the babies' patience with lighting and test shots. Harsh words exchanged between parents and we hadn't taken nary a photograph. Finally all the kids dressed and our two year old cooperated by being allowed to be the "expert" button pusher on the camera for the evening. Of course, being ever the woman, I hated half the photos without cause and the half I liked created the annual argument as my husband was upset over one or both babies not looking at the camera. Meh, I feel, as they are infants. You win some and you lose some in that category and we should be concentrating the happy child efforts on the two year old. But my husband was equally passionate about that fight. Then there was the battle over whether the shot should be a close-up of the family or wide and include background. The list went on as long as the final Harry Potter novel. I thought we had settled on a picture and to my surprise on the day I asked my husband for the photo to be printed out.... I was informed of the need for a RESHOOT. He had changed his mind and decided he couldn't live with any of the pictures we had taken. Photographers. Sheesh.
So, today we reshot. The test shots and light balancing done well ahead of time, babies fed and happy. Our two year old napped and rested. We even told him his "Elf on A Shelf" wanted a picture of the family to take to Santa Claus tonight and would he please get dressed? Piece O' Cake. World's Best Timer Boy? Check! Argument over the number of shots to be taken and babies looking up? Right on time! Turns into stomping, sulking adults. It's so silly and serious at the same time. One photo that will represent your family to the world for next year. You want it to be perfect of course, and one's passions don't cave easy. We've since compromised and are quite pleased with the our results based on only a one hour standoff, Part Deux.
But on this seemingly strange annual argument, can't we all get along?
We lived it twice in my house for 2010. Hopefully we will laugh about it in 2011. The first time I was so excited, the anticipation of our coordinated silly outfits - Christmas jammies by Hanna Andersson - sitting under the stocking as a family of five for the first time; quickly disappeared as our two year old threw a tantrum of epic proportions over putting on the jammies, fearing it was bedtime long before he was ready. My husband, a photographer, testing the babies' patience with lighting and test shots. Harsh words exchanged between parents and we hadn't taken nary a photograph. Finally all the kids dressed and our two year old cooperated by being allowed to be the "expert" button pusher on the camera for the evening. Of course, being ever the woman, I hated half the photos without cause and the half I liked created the annual argument as my husband was upset over one or both babies not looking at the camera. Meh, I feel, as they are infants. You win some and you lose some in that category and we should be concentrating the happy child efforts on the two year old. But my husband was equally passionate about that fight. Then there was the battle over whether the shot should be a close-up of the family or wide and include background. The list went on as long as the final Harry Potter novel. I thought we had settled on a picture and to my surprise on the day I asked my husband for the photo to be printed out.... I was informed of the need for a RESHOOT. He had changed his mind and decided he couldn't live with any of the pictures we had taken. Photographers. Sheesh.
So, today we reshot. The test shots and light balancing done well ahead of time, babies fed and happy. Our two year old napped and rested. We even told him his "Elf on A Shelf" wanted a picture of the family to take to Santa Claus tonight and would he please get dressed? Piece O' Cake. World's Best Timer Boy? Check! Argument over the number of shots to be taken and babies looking up? Right on time! Turns into stomping, sulking adults. It's so silly and serious at the same time. One photo that will represent your family to the world for next year. You want it to be perfect of course, and one's passions don't cave easy. We've since compromised and are quite pleased with the our results based on only a one hour standoff, Part Deux.
But on this seemingly strange annual argument, can't we all get along?
Football, Fervor and a Truce?
Every September my husband turns into a man I don't quite understand nor recognize. And this man hangs out at my house every Sunday until February. It coincides with the entire NFL season. Each Sunday this man take over our family room, and television for the day. He even made sure we ordered a satellite television package that enables his viewing pleasure of every NFL game possible each week. This man drools, eats, breaths, and sleeps football for five months.
I used to dread the time period much in the way one might anticipate a root canal. Oh sure, I'd profess to guys I dated (including my husband) how much I loved football How I was just another "one of the guys" on Football Sunday. But secretly, or not so secretly, I couldn't stand it. After all, it took away from the "us time". Which in the end, probably contributed the ending of all "us time" in an number of relationships. However a curious thing happened with my husband. There was a shift in the football milieu for me. I starting asking questions. I'd go his own football games. I began to understand how the game was played. Gasp! I had an actual appreciation for the game. Double gasp! The big turning point came during our first football season together when I joined a Fantasy Football league to have a reason to watch football on Sundays versus sit and complain about it. Suddenly I found myself with a team to keep track of, players to follow. I started to root for actual live NFL team of my own. (Go Pats! Thankyouverymuch.) I even won Fantasy that year.
Year two found me attending games with as much fervor as a 20 year veteran. My husband chuckled when I sniffed my nose up at Redskins club level as smelling of fried dough and deemed it unworthy of our presence, but oh did I find those Diamond seats his company gave us one weekend delightful. 2 rows up in the end zone and all the free food we could handle with an usher at the ready to get it for us. That's gaming, baby. I took second place in Fantasy that year. I really started to enjoy the social aspect of football as well. Year three found me pregnant with our twins and feeling punky most of the time and not caring what happened on Sundays as long as I had ice water and my feet propped up, for we were on bedrest by Superbowl.
And here we are in our 4th season together. Throwing football parties on Sundays. Running a test kitchen of game day delights. Screaming at the TV together that particular players are dead to us when our Fantasy team does poorly. Arguing over which game to watch. Corrupting the language of our two year old during a tense moment of a close game. I even went so far as to request that the usual jewelry Christmas present be foregone and instead picked out a stylish array of sports-related items to suit up on game day on from Lucy's League. Perhaps instead of asking where my husband went; the proper question to ask is where did my wife go? But now I no longer want to strangle my husband on Sundays. I no longer cringe for those five months come fall and winter. Though I do occasionally put my foot down come 8 pm for a channel change. After all, I haven't become wholly unrecognizable.
While I may recognize my husband now, I still can't say I fully understand his fervor quite yet. I have to save something for year five.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sleeping In On Sunday
I have decided to take Sundays off. After today, every Sunday I will post some picture that has tickled my fancy under the title "Sleeping In....". Tomorrow I will resume to a regular blog posting Monday through Saturday. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend!
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Art of the Mommy Time Out
Today I am going for a mani/pedi. Boring, one might think. How common. How mundane. How perfectly grab-a-latte-and-a-People-magazine-don't-interrupt-me-while-I-Blackberry Saturday morning. Not for me. My last mani/pedi took place the evening prior to my two year and five month old's first birthday party. Not that anyone is counting in this house, of course. The one prior to that? The day we scheduled his induction. Lest I disappoint you, there is an event in store for this one as well. My husband's chi-chi corporate holiday party held at the Smithsonian's Air and Space museum. An event to remember.
I used to dream that with 3 kids it would be so simple to let mani/pedis go in terms of the household budget and precious me time. I'd save money! I could easily do it at home! After bedtime! While they nap! I am such a genius! Creating time for myself is a breeze! Reality, or rather some cruel Cinderella step-sister version of her smacked me in the face. Naptime is still best saved for either doing chores at an Indy 500 pace or napping with the kids. After they go to bed, who am I kidding? I am right behind them once the dishwasher is loaded and running (I'd die if the twins baby bottles weren't ready to go first thing in the morning). The PedEgg and lotions my husband bought me? Keeping the dust bunnies under the bathroom sink company. I can only imagine the conversations that must occur. What I find even funnier, is the sad truth that I actually bought a fun fall Sally Hansen nail polish two months ago with the best of intentions. It's now talking with the dust bunnies too. Hey, a little color sparkles up any nail conversation.
I haven't mastered the Art of the Mommy Time Out. That time when one sneaks away for a latte and a chapter of a book, uninterrupted. A drink out with friends while Daddy stays home. A candlelit bubble bath and some aromatherapy while Daddy reads the bedtime stories that one night. That one cup of tea and DVR'd TV show before all heck breaks loose post preschool. I am still that woman trying to figure out what one last chore or errand I can squeeze into the day. Some women are effortless at it, like wearing skinny jeans with boots and a jacket. Me, I will getting my Mommy/Nurse hands done by professionals today with latte, iPhone, magazine in hand for my every other year mani/pedi. All suggestions welcome for how you, dear readers master the Art of the Mommy Time Out.
I used to dream that with 3 kids it would be so simple to let mani/pedis go in terms of the household budget and precious me time. I'd save money! I could easily do it at home! After bedtime! While they nap! I am such a genius! Creating time for myself is a breeze! Reality, or rather some cruel Cinderella step-sister version of her smacked me in the face. Naptime is still best saved for either doing chores at an Indy 500 pace or napping with the kids. After they go to bed, who am I kidding? I am right behind them once the dishwasher is loaded and running (I'd die if the twins baby bottles weren't ready to go first thing in the morning). The PedEgg and lotions my husband bought me? Keeping the dust bunnies under the bathroom sink company. I can only imagine the conversations that must occur. What I find even funnier, is the sad truth that I actually bought a fun fall Sally Hansen nail polish two months ago with the best of intentions. It's now talking with the dust bunnies too. Hey, a little color sparkles up any nail conversation.
I haven't mastered the Art of the Mommy Time Out. That time when one sneaks away for a latte and a chapter of a book, uninterrupted. A drink out with friends while Daddy stays home. A candlelit bubble bath and some aromatherapy while Daddy reads the bedtime stories that one night. That one cup of tea and DVR'd TV show before all heck breaks loose post preschool. I am still that woman trying to figure out what one last chore or errand I can squeeze into the day. Some women are effortless at it, like wearing skinny jeans with boots and a jacket. Me, I will getting my Mommy/Nurse hands done by professionals today with latte, iPhone, magazine in hand for my every other year mani/pedi. All suggestions welcome for how you, dear readers master the Art of the Mommy Time Out.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Paris, Honeymoons and other dreams
My husband and I never took a honeymoon. We were too busy doing crazy things such as having babies and raising little boys when we got married. Flash forward two years and change, when we wake up one morning to find three kids in the bed. For those of you keeping count, that's more children than years married. Fortunately one blissful child-free day chock full of cleaning house type chores, comes a random text from my husband: "I am planning our honeymoon. FOR REAL. Please send me a list of suitable destinations." I text back immediately. "Paris. Barcelona. Tulum. Maldives." Paris and Tulum took the top two spots without hesitation. And then Paris won after a flurry of furious texting. It's settled. Paris. September. Fortunately one of my fellows says it's a spectacular fall/winter city. (Well, he says it's just a spectacular city regardless).
Ah. Paree. How I have dreamed of thee my whole life. So much so that Nana is already booked to make sure I don't miss you. I have this vision of how our honeymoon will be. A quaint hotel on a quiet side street, allowing for romance and glimpses of the Seine and cityscapes. Dining in delightful cafes. "Excusez-moi, pourrais-je avoir un pain au chocolat?" in flawless french to the waiter. Strolling arm in arm along the Champs Elysees. Dazzling in Dior. Charming in Chanel. Glittering in Galliano. Of course my highlight would be having Karl Lagerfeld himself recognize me as I troll some vintage shop, commenting how he's seen me when he stays at his Vermont home, and waves hello. "Bonjour Karl! Ou est la Louvre? Merci! Profitez de votre journee." Again, such flawless French!
Of course, I have a sneaking suspicion that my Paris dreams are not going to play out anything like that or take place anywhere near Rue de Cambon. My French is rusty as best (and that's a generous statement). I am quite sure Karl's Vermont home has never heard of the zip code 05446 and sticks to one more remote and posh sounding. One might also be willing to bet the boys college funds that the closest thing to Chanel that Keith allows me is to tour dear Coco's gravesite. My cafe dreams and chocolate croissants.... totally safe. Here's to Paris dreams and happy honeymoon planning.
Ah. Paree. How I have dreamed of thee my whole life. So much so that Nana is already booked to make sure I don't miss you. I have this vision of how our honeymoon will be. A quaint hotel on a quiet side street, allowing for romance and glimpses of the Seine and cityscapes. Dining in delightful cafes. "Excusez-moi, pourrais-je avoir un pain au chocolat?" in flawless french to the waiter. Strolling arm in arm along the Champs Elysees. Dazzling in Dior. Charming in Chanel. Glittering in Galliano. Of course my highlight would be having Karl Lagerfeld himself recognize me as I troll some vintage shop, commenting how he's seen me when he stays at his Vermont home, and waves hello. "Bonjour Karl! Ou est la Louvre? Merci! Profitez de votre journee." Again, such flawless French!
Of course, I have a sneaking suspicion that my Paris dreams are not going to play out anything like that or take place anywhere near Rue de Cambon. My French is rusty as best (and that's a generous statement). I am quite sure Karl's Vermont home has never heard of the zip code 05446 and sticks to one more remote and posh sounding. One might also be willing to bet the boys college funds that the closest thing to Chanel that Keith allows me is to tour dear Coco's gravesite. My cafe dreams and chocolate croissants.... totally safe. Here's to Paris dreams and happy honeymoon planning.
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