I recently just bought Caress body wash. As I took a smell of it in the store, my senses took me down memory lane. My grandmother ALWAYS had a bar of pink caress in her bathrooms. I use to love the smell. Does anyone remember a soap called Tone - I think it was yellow. I remember thinking it was really nice soap - over the top when I was a kid.
What amazes me, is I can't for the life of me remember what kind of soap my mom always bought. My first thought was whatever was on sale! My second thought was Ivory 99.99% pure. I know for sure that was the soap we had to use when bathing at Gun Lake where my grandparents had the best ever cottage. We can go down that memory lane another time. Anyway, we had to use Ivory soap at the lake so we wouldn't pollute it. Even back in the good old days we were concerned about the environment (more like the fish in the lake). I do remember one time (maybe more) we had Irish Spring - it was so strong - but I loved the commerical where the Irish guy would slice off a piece.
So, there is my walk down memory lane. Hope you enjoyed it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Five Fabulous Finds on Friday
Even though it is Saturday, I had every intention of posting this yesterday, but.......
1. Manic Mommies Podcast - I encourage everyone to check it out. Kristin and Erin are so funny and the guest speakers have a ton of great advise. The topics range from A to Z. They also have a website - wwww.manicmommies.com
2. Tide Stain Booster tablets. I can't believe how much cleaner the kids clothes are. I swear it is a miracle.
3. Turkey and guacamole on an everything bagel
4. Alice in Wonderland OPI nail polish - love the colors and the glitter
5. Paper Trey Ink products - LOVE them. They are located in Cincinnati and I never knew of them when I lived in that area - weird. Check them out www.papertreyink.com
Enjoy
1. Manic Mommies Podcast - I encourage everyone to check it out. Kristin and Erin are so funny and the guest speakers have a ton of great advise. The topics range from A to Z. They also have a website - wwww.manicmommies.com
2. Tide Stain Booster tablets. I can't believe how much cleaner the kids clothes are. I swear it is a miracle.
3. Turkey and guacamole on an everything bagel
4. Alice in Wonderland OPI nail polish - love the colors and the glitter
5. Paper Trey Ink products - LOVE them. They are located in Cincinnati and I never knew of them when I lived in that area - weird. Check them out www.papertreyink.com
Enjoy
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Kids Are All Right Review
I just finished a wonderful book - The Kids Are All Right by Diana and Liz Welch. It was amazing. It is a very quick fast read that grabs you right away. This book is told by all four siblings from their point of view. I absolutely love the reflection of the 80's....the music, clothes, hair, carefree living. This book had me laughing, crying and laughing again. I was up until 3 am reading it. Even though these 4 people had to endure so much pain in their younger years, they don't seem to pity themselves. They were amazingly supportive to each other. My heart just went to Diana for being so young and feeling like her family betrayed her. Also, I am in awe of Liz's strength to keep the family intact, especially at such a young. Again, this is a must read.
A special shout out to my sister MJ for recommending the book to me! You rock!
From the Publisher
"Perfect is boring."Well, 1983 certainly wasn't boring for the Welch family. Somehow, between their handsome father's mysterious death, their glamorous soap-opera-star mother's cancer diagnosis, and a phalanx of lawyers intent on bankruptcy proceedings, the four Welch siblings managed to handle each new heartbreaking misfortune in the same way they dealt with the unexpected arrival of the forgotten-about Chilean exchange student—together.All that changed with the death of their mother. While nineteen-year-old Amanda was legally on her own, the three younger siblings—Liz, sixteen; Dan, fourteen; and Diana, eight—were each dispatched to a different set of family friends. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Amanda headed for college in New York City and immersed herself in an '80s world of alternative music and drugs. Liz, living with the couple for whom she babysat, followed in Amanda's footsteps until high school graduation when she took a job in Norway as a nanny. Mischievous, rebellious Dan, bounced from guardian to boarding school and back again, getting deeper into trouble and drugs. And Diana, the red-haired baby of the family, was given a new life and identity and told to forget her past. But Diana's siblings refused to forget her—or let her go.Told in the alternating voices of the four siblings, their poignant, harrowing story of un—breakable bonds unfolds with ferocious emotion. Despite the Welch children's wrenching loss and subsequent separation, they retained the resilience and humor that both their mother and father endowed them with—growing up as lost souls, taking disastrous turns along the way, but eventually coming outright side up. The kids are not only all right; they're back together.
"Perfect is boring."Well, 1983 certainly wasn't boring for the Welch family. Somehow, between their handsome father's mysterious death, their glamorous soap-opera-star mother's cancer diagnosis, and a phalanx of lawyers intent on bankruptcy proceedings, the four Welch siblings managed to handle each new heartbreaking misfortune in the same way they dealt with the unexpected arrival of the forgotten-about Chilean exchange student—together.All that changed with the death of their mother. While nineteen-year-old Amanda was legally on her own, the three younger siblings—Liz, sixteen; Dan, fourteen; and Diana, eight—were each dispatched to a different set of family friends. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Amanda headed for college in New York City and immersed herself in an '80s world of alternative music and drugs. Liz, living with the couple for whom she babysat, followed in Amanda's footsteps until high school graduation when she took a job in Norway as a nanny. Mischievous, rebellious Dan, bounced from guardian to boarding school and back again, getting deeper into trouble and drugs. And Diana, the red-haired baby of the family, was given a new life and identity and told to forget her past. But Diana's siblings refused to forget her—or let her go.Told in the alternating voices of the four siblings, their poignant, harrowing story of un—breakable bonds unfolds with ferocious emotion. Despite the Welch children's wrenching loss and subsequent separation, they retained the resilience and humor that both their mother and father endowed them with—growing up as lost souls, taking disastrous turns along the way, but eventually coming outright side up. The kids are not only all right; they're back together.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Recipe-Appetizer
This recipe was given to me by Donna B. (work with her at Kodak!). I have made a few changes to give it some kick!
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 can of black eyed peas (drained)
1 can of shoepeg corn (drained)
1 small can of chopped green chili
1 roasted red pepper chopped up
1 cup of red wine vinegar
1 cup of sugar
Combine in a bowl and let soak for 12 - 24 hours. Drain and serve cold with corn chips. I love them with the Tostido's with a hint of jalapeno - gives it another kick!
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 can of black eyed peas (drained)
1 can of shoepeg corn (drained)
1 small can of chopped green chili
1 roasted red pepper chopped up
1 cup of red wine vinegar
1 cup of sugar
Combine in a bowl and let soak for 12 - 24 hours. Drain and serve cold with corn chips. I love them with the Tostido's with a hint of jalapeno - gives it another kick!
Monday, February 1, 2010
This post is about my frustration that I experienced last week. My kids school (Catholic) had an ice cream social. Keep in mind that I have 3 kids in a catholic school for which I pay tuition, pay extremely high property taxes in NY (and don't send my kids to public schools). I feel I pay a lot of money for my kids education and I LOVE the teachers. However, I have not been made to feel welcome by any other parents. Most kids start there in pre-k, so they know my family is new to the school. They all know each other and tend to be so fake about everything. Ninety-nine percent of the mothers don't work and have time to volunteer at the school. For this, I am very grateful as I believe it takes a village to raise a child and they are such a big part of the school's success. The school's success is directly impacts my children and their education. So again, I am very thankful for their time and devotion to the school. What upsets me, is that this is a catholic school - and yet no one has gone out of their way to welcome my family.
At this ice cream social, the women were all dressed to a T in their skinny jeans (thongs showing every time they bent over - so gross), 4 - 6 inch spiked heels, make up done up like they were going to a fancy dinner, lots of diamonds flashing, etc. Keep in mind - we were in the middle of a blizzard and their shoes/boots were all for show. There is no way, they could walk in the snow and ice in them. Most men were dressed in GQ style with scarfs wrapped around their necks. The kids: half the boys in sweats/sweatshirts the other half in preppy sweaters and wide cords. The girls: all had designer label clothes on and UGGS. Yes, UGGS. I didn't even know they made UGGS that small. I don't own a part of UGGS. My kids boots are from Kohls, their cloths are from Target.
It is really unbelievable and I don't think they are teaching the kids the lessons of the school and faith. I really left wanting to be back in Ohio so badly. I missed my friends and neighbors so badly. I missed the catholic school that my DS went to (my DDs were not in school yet). The school was associated with the church and you really felt you belonged. The parents and kids were not dressed in the latest designer clothes, shoes, make up and scarfs. They were good people (not that they aren't here) not caught up in the what the Jones were doing.
Another frustration is the Gala is coming up - which I guess is a big fundraiser for the school. I have said I would be more than happy to help. Of course the meeting was held during the day (since the mom's don't work) and I could not attend. I was told minutes would be sent. This was back in December - so over 6 weeks and nothing. I have asked for the minutes 3 times. I have asked what kind of auction items they usually look for - NOTHING. Not one friggin reply. That is just RUDE. I have been asked by the principal to get with the fundraising chair and share my ideas that worked in Ohio. Again, NO reply. I just give up. Now they still need a gift basket coordinator for two out three of kids classrooms - I will be darn if I am going to volunteer. I have never been so turned off - which is really bad. I have been looking forward to meeting new parents through the school.
Also, found out that in August we were suppose to have a family assigned to us that helped us meet people and get to know the school "rules." We still have not been assigned anyone. Again, another frustration.
I just can't believe how hard it is to find true friends here. My neighbors are great - thank goodness. Everyone at work is great too. I just haven't found that real friend here. Oh I miss Ohio and all my friends there. I know it will get better here, but it is so hard.
At this ice cream social, the women were all dressed to a T in their skinny jeans (thongs showing every time they bent over - so gross), 4 - 6 inch spiked heels, make up done up like they were going to a fancy dinner, lots of diamonds flashing, etc. Keep in mind - we were in the middle of a blizzard and their shoes/boots were all for show. There is no way, they could walk in the snow and ice in them. Most men were dressed in GQ style with scarfs wrapped around their necks. The kids: half the boys in sweats/sweatshirts the other half in preppy sweaters and wide cords. The girls: all had designer label clothes on and UGGS. Yes, UGGS. I didn't even know they made UGGS that small. I don't own a part of UGGS. My kids boots are from Kohls, their cloths are from Target.
It is really unbelievable and I don't think they are teaching the kids the lessons of the school and faith. I really left wanting to be back in Ohio so badly. I missed my friends and neighbors so badly. I missed the catholic school that my DS went to (my DDs were not in school yet). The school was associated with the church and you really felt you belonged. The parents and kids were not dressed in the latest designer clothes, shoes, make up and scarfs. They were good people (not that they aren't here) not caught up in the what the Jones were doing.
Another frustration is the Gala is coming up - which I guess is a big fundraiser for the school. I have said I would be more than happy to help. Of course the meeting was held during the day (since the mom's don't work) and I could not attend. I was told minutes would be sent. This was back in December - so over 6 weeks and nothing. I have asked for the minutes 3 times. I have asked what kind of auction items they usually look for - NOTHING. Not one friggin reply. That is just RUDE. I have been asked by the principal to get with the fundraising chair and share my ideas that worked in Ohio. Again, NO reply. I just give up. Now they still need a gift basket coordinator for two out three of kids classrooms - I will be darn if I am going to volunteer. I have never been so turned off - which is really bad. I have been looking forward to meeting new parents through the school.
Also, found out that in August we were suppose to have a family assigned to us that helped us meet people and get to know the school "rules." We still have not been assigned anyone. Again, another frustration.
I just can't believe how hard it is to find true friends here. My neighbors are great - thank goodness. Everyone at work is great too. I just haven't found that real friend here. Oh I miss Ohio and all my friends there. I know it will get better here, but it is so hard.
Trying to catch up
It has been too long since I posted an update. I have had great intentions, but just haven't got there. There are a few things I would love to do.
1. Post a card or scrapbook page that I made weekly.
2. Post five fabulous finds (like on a friday maybe).
3. Post one funny story about my children weekly.
4. Post my thoughts about a book I have read (this will not be weekly!!).
5. Post anything I want.
So, let me post a funny story about my children. We went skiing again (actually the third time). Of course my DS LOVES it and could go all day if you let him. DD2 passed the class the second time and was able to end the day by going up the tow rope herself. She was so excited. So, DD1 still has not been down the big hill. We told her she could stop after her 3rd lesson and that she was so close to passing. She agreed to five it one more try.
Everytime she went down the practice hill and did exactly what they told her to do, she would ask, "Can I go down the big hill now?" Finally with about 15 minutes left of the lesson, she was ready to go down the big hill at last!! She went up the tow rope and down the big hill with instructor Jim. At the bottom of the hill she skied over and said, "Okay, I went down the big hill, can I stop now?" I told her to go again, Jim was waiting for her. He talked her into going again. She did so well. So after the second run, she asked again if she could stop. Clair, another instructor, said grabbed DD1 and took her up the slope. They came down and she skied over once again. Sshe asked again to stop. Given it was past lunch time and all three kids had not eaten, I said yes. I asked her, wasn't that fun? She replied, "not so much!" Everyone around us just started laughing.
The funniest thing - this is just such a DD1 comment. She just says the most funny things.
1. Post a card or scrapbook page that I made weekly.
2. Post five fabulous finds (like on a friday maybe).
3. Post one funny story about my children weekly.
4. Post my thoughts about a book I have read (this will not be weekly!!).
5. Post anything I want.
So, let me post a funny story about my children. We went skiing again (actually the third time). Of course my DS LOVES it and could go all day if you let him. DD2 passed the class the second time and was able to end the day by going up the tow rope herself. She was so excited. So, DD1 still has not been down the big hill. We told her she could stop after her 3rd lesson and that she was so close to passing. She agreed to five it one more try.
Everytime she went down the practice hill and did exactly what they told her to do, she would ask, "Can I go down the big hill now?" Finally with about 15 minutes left of the lesson, she was ready to go down the big hill at last!! She went up the tow rope and down the big hill with instructor Jim. At the bottom of the hill she skied over and said, "Okay, I went down the big hill, can I stop now?" I told her to go again, Jim was waiting for her. He talked her into going again. She did so well. So after the second run, she asked again if she could stop. Clair, another instructor, said grabbed DD1 and took her up the slope. They came down and she skied over once again. Sshe asked again to stop. Given it was past lunch time and all three kids had not eaten, I said yes. I asked her, wasn't that fun? She replied, "not so much!" Everyone around us just started laughing.
The funniest thing - this is just such a DD1 comment. She just says the most funny things.
Friday, January 15, 2010
What a week
The week started out so great (can you believe a Monday was a good day??!!) I was so excited to go to Ohio for my scrapbook weekend. Amy and Angie were on board and we were waiting for Krista's yes! However the week went down hill after that. DD2 woke up sick with the runs on Tuesday, which turned to vomiting within 30 minutes. She was sick every 30-45 all day long. The poor thing. I stayed home with her Tuesday, DH stayed home with her Wednesday. Thursday we were all back to school and work. DS came down with it last night. I am working from home again!
Our girls weekend got postponed due to Krista not being able to come, and the flu bug circulating around Angie's house. It is so bad at her house that her son had to be admitted to the hospital Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning and is hoping to be discharged today. It has been really bad for her and extremely stressful. Amy's daughter was sick Monday and no one else has gotten sick (yet).
DS has a hockey tournament this weekend, so the good news, I will be able to make all the games.
More this weekend!
Our girls weekend got postponed due to Krista not being able to come, and the flu bug circulating around Angie's house. It is so bad at her house that her son had to be admitted to the hospital Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning and is hoping to be discharged today. It has been really bad for her and extremely stressful. Amy's daughter was sick Monday and no one else has gotten sick (yet).
DS has a hockey tournament this weekend, so the good news, I will be able to make all the games.
More this weekend!
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