Current Mood:
Flirtatious
An oldie but a goodie…our wedding party 7 1/2 years ago. We had everyone wearing green Chuck Taylor’s. For more Wordless Wednesday’s check here or here!
Author Archive for charmaspice
Current Mood:
Martini Mood
Tonight I was going through the blogs I read, and found on the blog Freebies 4 Mom that Disney shows movies for free on their website. I am so amazed by this I have to blog about it, and post it on all of my other social network sites. You can watch it in a teeny tiny screen, or you can make it full screen; it’s pretty good quality for being streamed off the internet. Right now Peter Pan is playing through Friday, and rumor has it that it’s the new version of Peter Pan next week. Head over to Disney.go.com to check it out. You only have to watch a few ad’s, and then the movie comes on. While you’re there you can also click on the “Wonderful World of Disney” down on the left to see what movies are playing this week on the Disney Channel. Enjoy!
Current Mood: Martini Mood
I have not left you blogging world. I was away for the weekend enjoying some family time at the in-law’s down in SW Michigan. For Christmas my in-laws decided they didn’t want a present from us, instead they wanted our help in running a garage sale. Since we couldn’t make it down for the Friday sale we helped out on Saturday. Friday night was full of laughter, as we sat around the dining room drinking beer with Brad’s brother & his wife. We started making fun of my new favorite YouTube video “I like Turtles”. Everytime I watch it I can’t help but chuckle, and if I watch it with someone new it makes me laugh even harder.
On Saturday I helped set up the sale, and I took my spot in the back corner of the garage with my Sister-in-law Karyn. It was nice to get to sit and chat with her in between the slow pace of customers, as we don’t get to see each other that often, and while we’re at the in-laws our kiddo’s are swept away by their Buscia (it’s polish for grandma) leaving us free for conversation. After cleaning up the sale we hung out awaiting Brad’s birthday dinner. Whenever it’s one of us “kids” birthday’s Brad’s parents like to make a special dinner for us of our liking, and this year Brad wanted some taco’s. Brad’s dad doesn’t make just any taco’s ya see! For the meat eater’s in the family he mixes up some ground beef and seasonings and then fries the been into the tortilla shell in some oil. They aren’t the healthiest things…but man are they good. After their done you open the crispy fried shell up throw some cheese in there and some of this mexican salady type stuff (it has lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, and green chili’s from what I can tell) and man oh man is it delish! For us in the vegetarian realm he made the same type of taco but with faux meat and refried beans (without the beans it would fall apart in the frying). They also made some enchilada’s with the same stuff inside, and it was equally yummy! Just typing about it makes me want to eat more of them, and I just ate 4 for lunch. To work off dinner though I did make an effort and go outside with Clare to toss around our huge kite frisbee we bought out in CO.
Sunday came, and we went firework shopping down in Indiana…cause in MI we can’t get any of the fun stuff. My parent’s are turning 50 this year and celebrating with a big bash, and we’re bringing the pyrotechnic’s to celebrate! I can’t wait for that weekend. We hung around for a bit, and then headed home. Just another weekend around the Eastowner’s that’s come and gone with little excitement.
Current Mood:
Jammin’
My friend in bloginess, and in real life, Jill over at the Diaper Diaries has started a Carnival where every week people post about the things they love in life. I’ve decided to jump on the “blog wagon” (cause we’re not in a band here people), with my new found love of blogging again.
This week I wanted to share with you my love for Coochy, Pure Romance’s answer to a rash free shave. Now, before you click the big X button up there, it’s not anything naughty! When I became a consultant for Pure Romance I figured I should try some of their bath stuff, as I had not used it before. Coochy is my razor’s (and my) new best friend. You apply a dime size amount to your legs, lather it up, and shave. Be prepared for the best shave of your life. The shaving lotion is formulated to relax the hair folicle for a clean shave, leaving your legs and underarms smooth and your bikini area rash and bump free. Yes, rash free - no more itch ladies…well unless you get lazy like I did on our return CO trip and didn’t shave for a few days, then I can’t guarantee anything. Ahem. It also has a moisturizing agent in it, so your legs will be left not only smooth, but feeling sliky - that’s my hubby’s favoite part (well that and the fact that the stubble is gone).
Another added bonus is that it can be used as an awesome conditioner, especially during these summer months with all the swimming you do. I used it in my daughter’s hair when it was longer, because she has horrible bed head, and her hair was tangle free after her bath, and made for easier brushing between baths. I’ve tried it in my own hair, and it leaves it silkier and slightly bouncier than any other conditioner I’ve tried.
If you’re interested in purchasing Coochy you can got to my Pure Romance website. A 4oz bottle will cost you $10.50 and will last you about 3 months, an 8oz bottle will cost you $16.50 and will last you about 6 months. If you’re interested in earning some Coochy for free you can host a party (in home or by doing a catelog party), as all hostesses earn 10% of the sales in free product. I do parties in most of the lower half of Michigan’s Lower Pennisula, however if you are located else where contact our coorporate office to link up with a great consultant in your area.
Happy
Current Mood:
Ecstatic
For those of you born in the late 70’s or in the 80’s (or those with kids born then) do you rember seeing on PBS Mark Kistler’s Imagination Station drawing lessons? I remember watching it with my brother’s - Larry in particular, as he liked to draw. Mark’s little mini shows taught you how to draw in 3-D using perspective, and shading, as well as some other things - all things I was not all too familiar with before going to his Art Camp with Clare. I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination - most of the time Clare tells me my drawings don’t look like their supposed to, but I always give it my best shot. I can however say though, that after attending Mark Kistler’s Art Camp with Clare, I think I now have some artistic skillz I didn’t even know existed!
Apparently Mark was on PBS with 65 episodes of his Imagination Station series, he also did a few other drawing series on TV, and he has also written some “How to Draw” books, as well as done some DVD’s. His philosophy is one of the best one’s I’ve read in a while it simply says: “learning how to draw in 3-D builds a child’s critical thinking skills while nourishing self-esteem. His positive messages on self-image, goal setting, dream questing, environmental awareness and the power of reading have inspired millions of children to discover their awesome individual potential.” Mark is also extremely high energy, and keeps kids (even adults) excited about drawing and being creative while teaching you how to do some pretty cool drawings. If you’d like to learn more about Mark please click on the link above, he also does what sound like some awesome school assemblies.
So, you might be wondering why I’m blogging about a summer art camp I did with Clare…why it was so special and blogworthy…was I PBS star struck, kinda, but it was even cooler than that! Earlier this Spring a flier came home from Clare’s school about Mark Kistler’s Summer Art Camp, I looked at it, and suddenly it hit me who he was. I was super excited because I remembered him from my younger years. What was even cooler, was that they were taping this art camp to be aired on PBS later this year (with any luck). Mark and his team paired up with Farris State University to tape all 5 sessions of his art camp for the entire week he were here, and every student and parent was to be a part of his live in-studio audience! Parents were required to stay for the younger 5-7 year old session, but after staying this year I think I might stay every year I sign Clare up. At least until she kicks me out due to embarassment. It was that much fun, and they encourage you to participate with your kids! Which might I say is key in having a good relationship with your children, because too many parents are dropping their kids off at school or summer camp and not taking a part in their kid’s life because they want to be rid of them. Granted, some days I find myself in this rut, but most days I’m right there along side Clare…having just as much fun as she is. I’ll step off my soap box now.
Now, Clare & I are not early risers, but we had to be the week we had art camp. If you were not there on time, you couldn’t get into the class because they were recording it. I told Clare it’s practice for school! Each session was an hour long, and if your kids were older they could do more than one session, but for Clare 1 hour was about all she could take. Being in TV land for an almost 6 year old is boring, (well other than the fact that she knew she’d see herself on TV eventually) how many times do we need to rehearse the opening to this afterall? She didn’t understand “cut”, “edit that”, or why we couldn’t leave until they were done shooting what they wanted - no matter how over our time limit we were. I thought it was kinda cool, but then again, I know what’s going on. Art camp isn’t normally like this, according to one of the mom helpers, it’s just this summer was special because of the video taping. The price wasn’t too bad either, at $89 for the week (they also give you discounts for adding classes, and offer scholarships for families in need). Many of you are gasping, I heard you. The nice thing is, Mark, his team, the video crew, and everyone helping out with this was doing this for free. That’s right free. They are donating the shows to PBS, and then all of the money raised through the fee’s to come to the camp, buying a T-shirt (gotta have that), and any donations they recieve go towards them getting the distribution rights to put this on televisions accross the world. I think that’s a pretty sweet deal.
Now, if your still reading this…I applaud you! I tend to ramble, especially when talking about something as monumentous as this. Come on, we’re going to be on PBS! If you click the continue link there are some pictures I took of Clare’s and of my own artwork. Clare has become more inspired since going to Art Camp, and is drawing things she wasn’t before - like marshmallows. We drew a few fun marshmallow pics, and since then she’s been in a marshmallow mood. Now we aren’t Picasso or anything, but I think these represent our best works. Enjoy the art!
Current Mood: Ecstatic
Last Sunday we treked to my parent’s house just outside of Port Huron to celebrate our cute little neice’s 1st birthday. She had quite a turn out to help her celebrate, and it was fun to see yet another little one turn the big 1. We can’t wait to see how you’ll grow, especially now that you’re walking! Here’s Grandma with her 2 girls: Clare & Olivia.
And here’s the big Birthday Girl!
Current Mood:
Bored
This week has been one of the most boring weeks I can recall in a while. I really shouldn’t complain, but in the end I think I may have actually learned something about my life. I think I might actually like my daughter driving me crazy. For the past week Clare has been visiting my parents, as they didn’t get her earlier while we were on our trip (which is usually how it goes). I had a list to work on while she has been gone, have I done anything from the list….not really. I’ve spent most of my days cruising the internet, working on my Pure Romance business, and doing much of nothing because I’ve gotten side tracked a number of times. The first part of last week was heaven, I got to sleep in until I wanted to get up, I could stay on the computer for as long as I wanted, and I didn’t have anyone to bother me while I was sucked into small projects. Now, I really have little motivation to work on anything, and I found myself uttering those aweful words this afternoon “I’m bored.” Ya see, with a rambunctious almost 6 year old around I’m driven to do things I normally wouldn’t do - like go outside and throw the frisbee around, or go for a bike ride to the park, or spend some quality time cuddling on the couch watching a girly movie like “Charlotte’s Web”. I know I usually complain about having the “Mom” title sometimes, but seeing as how this summer I’ve had about 24 days without a kid in tow I’m kinda missing it. I’m kinda missing hanging out at the park, the library, or even swim lessons getting to do all the fun things that summer time brings. I can’t wait for her return on Wednesday, it’ll be nice to hear her giggles around the house again. In short I’ve learned that I shouldn’t take the little annoyances in life for granted, for some day I’ll miss them. Especially when she’s all grown up, and wants nothing to do with us because we’re icky grown-ups that aren’t hip.
Current Mood: Bored
So, some of you may have thought I’ve fallen completely off the face of the planet, when in fact - I haven’t. I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed with life and uninspired in my bloggings. I’ve been reading all of your great blogs while I’ve been on hiatus, so never fear I’m well caught up on your blogginess. I’ve actually been around the internet quite a lot, and putting most of my communications into other forms of social networking. I have just about all of the accounts a social networker uses…I’m on MySpace, I’m on Facebook, and as of late I’m on Twitter. I love Twitter, and it’s a great way to send out short micro-blogs about what I’m up to. If you’re on any of these formats feel free to look me up and add me as a friend.
Let’s see, school finished in a whirlwind the first week in June. I helped out with end of the year projects, field trips, and helped out whenever I could. Clare has officially finished Kindergarten, and will be entering the 1st grade in September. I swore I wouldn’t, but I did - I cried during the last day’s little class assembly where all the kids got awards, and we watched a little photo slide show. Now my baby is going to be in school all day, and we had the joy of shopping for her lunch sack & what not last week. Hannah Montana was the theme for everything she picked out.
A week after school got out Brad & I headed out for our road trip to CO. It was a welcomed break from life, and we had a great time. If you read Brad’s postings you’d know that already. Clare stayed with Brad’s parent’s while we were gone, and she had a blast doing all the fun things they did. While we were out in CO we did some shopping, went to Boulder, visited the Redstone Meadery, had a great afternoon walk in the Garden of the Gods, went to a Renisance Festival, and did more shopping. The trip out was a little crazy, as we had to take the South route through Missouri & Kansas to get to CO due to the flooding in Iowa, and we did it in 23 hours. On the way home we were able to take our normal Nebraska/Iowa route home which was nice. We were gone for almost 2 weeks, so it was a great break.
Next thing I knew we were celebrating the 4th of July, which we did with our friend Gabby and her kiddo’s Gwen & Finn by doing some fireworks at the end of our driveway and lots of sparklers. We let the kids stay up until about 2am….kinda having a sleep over in the living room while us adults chatted & imbibed in some drinks on the porch. The following week Clare & I did an extremely cool summer art camp. I am going to write a seperate blog on that - it was THAT cool.
Currently Clare is in the middle of spending a week & a half at my parent’s house. My parents didn’t get their time in while we were on vacation, and they wanted to get some summer fun in with her - so who am I to pass up 11 days without my kiddo! That’s the update from me. Blogging wasn’t so bad, I figured it’d be like riding a bicycle and once I get back on it it’ll be smooth riding again.
Current Mood:
Mischievous
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted, and I’ll explain about that in another post, but we’ve been tagged to do a Meme by pal Big Binder. Seeing as how Brad would probably never share in his quirkiness…I shall not break the Meme Love and share in my quirkiness. Apparently you have to share 6 unspectacular quirks…although I honestly don’t know how quirks could be unspectacular. So…here goes:
- I have to pick on Brad’s face - literally. If he has a zit he hasn’t noticed, I have to pop it. If he has a stray beard hair, I yank it. I particularly can’t handly wiley eye brow hairs. I too pick at my own face, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m also that mom that picks at her kid’s face. I don’t know why I do it, I just can’t leave things alone. I also secretly want to pick at other people’s faces if I notice they have a zit. I show restraint and don’t do it, but most of the time I spend talking with them I can’t stop from staring at their zit!
- I think I might be OCD (
overlyobsessive compulsive disorder). If we leave the house for a weekend I check the locks on all the doors at least 3 times. I have to check at least twice that lights are on, and that nothing else is on or running. When we go to a hotel, I tear apart the room making sure we have everything we came with, and walk through it at least 3 times. - I refuse to have company over if my house is a mess. It’s something I think I got from my mom - sorry mom, I love you! I run through a routine of vaccuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping, doing the dishes, and cleaning the bathroom if we have a playdate, our family comes over, or our friends come. I’ve gotten better about this and have cut back on somethings (but only for people I’m really close to, and understand my lack of cleaning time).
- I love cleaning, when I’m in the mood for it & have time for it. If I start cleaning an area, I can’t stop until it’s done. I’ve even sent Brad & Clare out to dinner without me because I’ve not been done cleaning the downstairs. I think part of this also goes along with #3 & #2. I will also clean to get out of doing other things. When I was in college I was known to have the cleanest dorm room during finals!
- I love to do yard work. There’s something about a finely pruned bush in the back yard that makes me feel all sunshiney good!
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I like driving. Well, if I’m too tired I don’t like it. For the most part though, I don’t mind it - especially since it’s my car we take most of the time.
Well, there you have it. Some of my quirky lurkiness all out there for the readers to see. I think I’m going to tag Adventure Mom. I’d love to hear some of her quirks! Anyone else that wants to join is of course asked to just leave a comment link, so I can follow-up.
