Fashion Friday: New Year's Eve Ideas

It's probably time to start planning your New Year's outfit.

Too soon for you?  Well, it's not for me.

Anyhow, last year I encouraged you to simply shop your closet to put together outfits using what you've already got.  This year, I recommend the same thing {but with a twist.  Because I like twists}

Be inspired (and remember, these formulas are easy peasy steps to fashion success! You can do it!)

For the Casual Night (out or in)

One sweater + one BOLD necklace or scarf + skinny jeans/cords + boots + bag= ready to go (or stay--your call).

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

For the Edgy Night Out

Embellished top + vest/blazer + necklace/scarf + skinny pants + heels=ready to party--like a rock star

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

For the Sophisticated Night

Little Black Dress + notice-me-necklace/bracelet + pop of color heels + clutch + outerwear = On your way!

OR

Color dress + statement jewelry piece + black/neutral heels + clutch + outerwear+ On your way!

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: dailylook.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Some signature ideas to consider:

It's a bling thing!  Sequins are everywhere from purses and tank tops to scarves and leggings--this season there's nothing that sequins can't cover.  Add a little drama (and sparkle) to your life with sequins!

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: goodlifeforless.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Scarves are a hot way to look cool:

Wrapped, draped, knotted ... scarves are a simple way to add serious drama to any outfit.

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Fur

But do me a favor and make it FAUX fur

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Whitli on Pinterest

Source: jeanetteangel.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Remember, New Years does NOT have to equal New Wardrobe! Go shop your closet with a formula in mind and get creative with what you've got.

Things I Love: Arthur Christmas

The first time I saw a preview for Arthur Christmas, I wasn't convinced.  I wasn't convinced even though Arthur's voice is that of one James McAvoy.

If you've never been on this blog before--or if it has been a long time--you might not know that James McAvoy is one of my top two favorite actors.

Still, I wasn't even sure James could save a Christmas movie.  As much as I like him,  I still didn't think gNomeo and Juliet was brilliant so I didn't go to Arthur Christmas with much hope.

Now I rarely say this, mainly because it hardly ever happens, but I was wrong.

WRONG.

Arthur Christmas was about the most delightful Christmas movie I've seen in a long time--maybe even since ELF came out.

Here's what I loved about this movie:

• There is like ZERO potty humor.  Yes yes, I know five year olds love to talk about poop but I get enough of that talk at the dinner table, I don't need it at the movies, too.  I was so delighted that there are no references to: poop, pee, diarrhea, farting, etc. 
• The English accents.  I'm one of those gals who loves a good English (or Scottish. Or Irish. Or Kiwi) accent.  Imagine how thrilled I was when M.E. left the theater speaking in a King's English accent.  I'm still dying at the cuteness.
• Arthur is not magical.  He isn't super smart.  He isn't "cool." He's the guy the elves make fun of.  But even though he's a bit on the strange side, he is good.  A movie that advertises that it's GOODNESS and KINDNESS and COMPASSION that matters?  What a novel idea ...
• Though this movie is directed towards Santa believers (or those questioning Santa) and spiritual cynics, there is an incredible spiritual truth to this movie: every one matters.  As a good shepherd will leave 99 sheep to save one, so Arthur Christmas will stop at nothing to help one child.  And isn't that what it's all about?
• My personal favorite line from the movie is this "There's always time for a bow."  Seriously, we get so wrapped up in the "stuff" of Christmas that it's easy to overlook the simple details that make this time of year so lovely--freshly fallen snow.  A smile from a stranger.  An extra day off work.  A baby in a manger.  There is always time for joy!

Here's what I didn't like about this movie:

• There is some nuances of drinking in the family.
• The grand-santa puts his family members down.  I realize this is a reality for many families and might help kids know that their family is "normal" but I don't think we should laugh at hurtful "normal" lest we "normalize" put downs and make kids feel like jabs and hurtful words are okay.

Overall, I loved this movie.  My kids loved this movie.  Matt loved this movie.  We'll own it for sure!

{On a totally unrelated note, today is my daughter's SIXTH birthday!  I'm tearing up just thinking about it.  What a privilege to mother and love such a wonderful child of God!}

What I Think About: Big Birthdays

If you read my post yesterday, you know that I've very recently threw my daughter a Taylor Swift birthday party.

Every year I prepare for birthday parties I get the distinct feeling that my husband thinks I'm going overboard.  Maybe he's right.

When I was a kid we got one party (and I use "party" here loosely), not a family party and a friend party.  One party.

The party mostly consisted of the birthday boy or girl picking the dinner meal (hello macaroni and cheese with hot dog chunks!) and cake and ice cream.  The kids might have run around and played hide-n-seek or kick the can but there were no organized games or crafts.

We invited family friends and their kids so there were generally four or five kids, aside from immediate family members (for some reason my folks always made me invite my sister.  {Sigh}).

I never got to invite my whole class.
I never had my birthday at a venue (like a skating rink, bounce house, swimming pool, or laser tag field).
I never had a designer or store bought cake.
I never gave "parting gifts" to guests.

I always had a good time!

Nowadays birthday parties are major events.  They are held at venues that cost hundreds of dollars.  They involve detailed games and crafts.  They include upwards of twenty kids.  They have expensive store-bought cakes, over-priced character plates and napkins, parting gifts, and helium balloons for all attendees

Sometimes birthday parties come in the plural sense.  For instance, our children have at least two parties (one for family and one for friends--presents at BOTH).

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with these kinds of parties, per se, but I do wonder if parents are going a bit overboard?  Does a child really need his closest twenty friends at a party?  Would the child feel any less special at a home party instead of one held at the local ice skating rink?  Would the kids have less fun if they just had to "play" rather than line dance and make a craft?  Would feelings really be hurt if attendees left without a bag of junk goodies?

One side of me hates the idea of giving up elaborate party planning (in fact, I'm trying to convince my nephew to have a SPY party because man-oh-man do I have some ideas ...) but the other part of me misses the simplicity of celebrating in the home with family and a few friends.

What I think about big birthday is that they are totally fun ... but totally unnecessary.  I'm considering an every-other-year idea.  Elaborate party on even year birthdays; simply parties on odd years.  That's a good compromise, right?

Your thoughts?  How do you do birthdays at your house?

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for supporting my random thoughts.

Days of Play: Taylor Swift Birthday Party

I have a love affair with music which sadly omits Taylor Swift.  My {oh my gosh I can hardly believe she's almost} six year old disagrees.  She loves Taylor Swift.  So much so that for this year's birthday extravaganza, all she wanted was a Taylor Swift Party.

I had no idea what to do for a Taylor Swift birthday party so I did what any educated person would do.  I googled it.  You know what?  Unless you want to buy incredibly over-priced plates with her celeb photo on it, there's not much in the way of what to do for a Taylor Swift party--especially for a 4-6 year old crowd.

So I'm here to tell you what I did.  I'm not gonna lie--this was NOT the best party I've ever thrown.  The good news is the kindergartners didn't seem to mind.

The Invitations:

Okay, I'm in Wyoming where we {mostly} all love Garth Brooks and cowboys, and all things country so I played with that for the invitations.

I took a Taylor Swift image off the internet and pasted it into word.  The invitation read: "Because of your roots, we hope you show up in boots to M.E.'s Taylor Swift Birthday affair"  I then listed the what, when, where, why info, and sent them out.

Just so you know, all the kids came decked out in western wear complete with skirts, boots, and cowgirl hats.  Cutest thing ever!

The Decorations:

I'm totally opposed to the aforementioned over-priced paper products so I just decorated in ALL white (which, google taught me, is Taylor's favorite color.  BTW, I do feel like I've earned the right to be on a first name basis with Taylor.).

White table clothes, white plates, white forks, white balloons, white streamers ... if it was standing still at my house, it was covered in white (except for the Christmas tree--that got a free-pass).

Adding to the ambiance was low-playing Taylor Swift music.

This was the grand entrance.  The kids loved it!

The Cake:

I'm NOT a cake decorator so while I found amazing cakes on google images of guitars and frosting -painted Taylor faces, I knew that was NOT going to be my route.  Seriously, a girl has to know her limits.  My limit is cake.  So what I did was take a boxed (gasp!) cake and baked it in a 9x9 square pan.  When it was baked and cooled I frosted in in white frosting and piped it in hot pink.  I then put the Taylor Swift Christmas album on the cake and piped in "Taylor's" John Hancock and her signature heart.  Did it REALLY look like her signature?  Not at all.  Did the kids notice?  Not at all.

Ya, that's about as good as you'll get from this mom!

The Activities:

If you've had a birthday party with a lot of little kids that wasn't at a venue (roller rink, bounce house, etc.) then you know you've gotta keep those kiddos constantly moving.  So we did!

• Apparently Taylor loves bracelets so the kids all made a bracelet.  I used leather bands and pop beads but string with beads would work well.
• Music and dancing were really the main focus--ergo, for the first game we gave every kid a balloon and they had to try to keep it afloat for a whole Taylor Swift song (we used MEAN).
• Game two was a relay (again to Taylor music).  Kids had to put a balloon in between their knees and hop around a course in our living rooms.  I loved watching this.  So funny!
• Game three was Taylor, Taylor, Goose.  Like Duck, Duck, Goose (but a bit cooler).
• Game four was line dancing.  That's right folks, I taught 8 little kids how to do the electric shuffle to "Belong with Me."  I deserve a medal.  Or maybe a margarita.  Okay, I'll take both.
• Game five was the kids' favorite.  FREEZE DANCE.  We (and when I say we I mean Matt) played Taylor Swift songs and the kids would boogie.  Then Matt would turn the music off and the kids would freeze.  Anyone who didn't freeze was "out".
• Finally we played musical pillows (like musical chairs but with pillows because no one ever got hurt falling off a pillow)

The Menu

We did choose to serve the kids a meal.  We went as "county fair" as possible with hot dogs, cucumbers and ranch, applesauce, and Cheetos.  Oh, cake and ice cream, obviously.

Don't Forget


To take a souvenir photo of all the kids doing Taylor's signature "heart"!

Music Monday: Music for My Man

Okay, this is NOT a band name BUT these are songs my man loves.  And even though it's Christmas and you might think I should highlight something from the Michael Buble Christmas album, I'm not going to.  I'm going to share Matt favorite songs (at least right now because like me, his faves vary which just adds to the reasons I totally heart this man!).

All The Angels--By The Dead Confederate




From Yesterday--30 Seconds to Mars



Restless by Switchfoot



Castaways by Beat Noir (they should get their own Music Monday ... maybe next week ...)



Outtathaway by The Vines



Happy Monday, Matt!  Wahoo for finishing your first semester of the LLM program and congrats on being a firm partner in TWO weeks!

Fashion Friday: Gift from a Fashion Victim

My dad is the sort of guy who wears black socks pulled up to his knees with Teva sandals all summer long.  But don't worry because he'll pair it with too-short shorts and a button down western shirt.  You laugh but I'm serious.  So serious I'm not laughing (much).

Suffice it to say, my dad is not fashion conscious.  I mean the man was still getting perms--yes you read that right--perms well into the early 90s (oh those lingering '70s!).  And just a few years ago we finally talked him into giving up his rust and pink suit (was there chest hair showing with this hot number?  You know it!).

Imagine my surprise in the winter of 1999 when I opened up a Christmas gift from the man fashion hates and found an amazing surprise--a red leather jacket.  It was awesome and fit like a glove.  I know this jacket wasn't overly expensive but I can tell you this, in the past 12 years this jacket has gotten some play!

That's me wearing it below in the outfit one person thought made me look like a pirate. I'm still not over that.

Uber cute--no?

Anyhow, leather is one of those statement pieces that kind of comes and goes.  And guess what?

LEATHER IS BACK.  BIG!

Yes that's right.  Leather jackets made a splashing comeback this fall and I'd plan on having them stick around for a while.  From camel to black to mustard to red, leather adds oompf to any outfit.  And since you can find leather jackets anywhere from $30-$12,000, there's one well within your budget.  If my red leather jacket is an indication, than leather is one of those trend pieces that is never really out of style.

So if you are looking for a little trend item for your wish list, might I suggest of leather jacket?  Oh, but make sure it is fitted.

Want some style ideas?  Check out these sweet outfits I found on Pinterest.  Did you know I have a style board called NOW WEAR THIS on Pinterest?  True.  It's amazing I get any school work done.

Wear leather to work

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Really. Work it (in a non-prostitute way).

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Hot layers for cold days.

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Chic when paired with a classic scarf

Source: glamorouslounge.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Fun for around town

Source: us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

If I was going to buy a leather coat today, this would be it!

Source: wanelo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Things I Love: Elf on the Shelf

Since we knew it was bound to be a tough holiday season, my sister and I have undertaken a search for new traditions to celebrate the season.  Not because we want to forget our mom but because we need to take this time of year, our mom's favorite time of year, and make it even more special.

Thus, we decided to do Elf on the Shelf.  Last year I shared that we don't do the whole Santa Claus thing at our house (you can read our reasoning here) but I decided to roll with Elf on the Shelf.

The skinny on Elf on the Shelf is this: an elf comes to your home and then watches children and gives Santa naught/nice reports on the kids in the family.

We are NOT doing this with our elf.

We explained to our children that our elf, Brownie, is here to add some humor and adventure to our days.  Like many people, our elf gets into trouble while we are sleeping and that's what the kids like--finding what "Brownie" has gotten into during the night.  It is pretty funny and I must say that Matt and I are having a blast finding "things" for our elf to get into.

So far our elf has:

• made a mess in the craft closet in order to get crayons to color
• gotten toothpaste all over the bathroom while trying to brush her teeth
• spilled cocoa and marshmallows everywhere

I've been scouring Pinterest for other fun ideas.  Here are some of my favorites!

Baking:

Source: flickr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Zip line (side note: my husband makes zip lines in our garage. So fun!)

Source: raeoflight-photography.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Snowman:

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

Snow Angels:

Source: flickr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

TPing the Christmas Tree (my personal favorite!):

Source: designdazzle.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

M.E. knows this elf is not real and still knows there is no Santa but my goodness is she having fun with this elf thing.  And for some reason, it's making things around here--without mom--just a tad bit easier.

What I Think About: Christmas at School?

Every year more and more schools are pulling Christmas out of the classroom.

No Christmas units.  No Christmas parties.  No Christmas.

Admittedly, I worked in one of these schools and I LOVED it.  I was so glad I didn't have to forgo curriculum time for sugar-coma induced parties and I didn't have to listen to kids who were upset that they got a "lame" book from "Tommy" when they wanted the "cool" book from Seth.  As a teacher, I loved not having Christmas in the classroom.

Now that my daughter is in school I'm geared up for a different environment.  Christmas parties with gift exchanges, Christmas programs, and stories of Santa abound.  Harmless, really.  Really?

Here's the thing.  My child knows Santa isn't real (if you just read that and didn't know, my apologies) and she has been instructed not to "ruin" it for other kids.  In school, however, even when she has let her teachers know that she's in on the secret, her teachers keep saying, "oh, of course Santa is real."  So now my six year old is confused.  Does she trust mom and dad or Mrs. So and So?

I was trying to think about this from another perspective--perhaps a Jewish child or Jehovah's Witness--and I bet this time of year is downright confusing and isolating.  I feel like people get so caught up in "not ruining it for our kids" that we aren't recognizing how we are ruining for other people's kids.

I'm not a crazy liberal (unless you are a hyper-conservative).  I'm not on a politically correct bandwagon.  But this year, when my little girl asks for the seventeenth time, "Are you sure Santa isn't real because my music teacher says he is?" I wonder if this "harmless" Christmas fun really is harmless.  And I wonder if Christmas should be at school.

We've taken the Christ aspect of Christmas.  I wonder if it's time for Santa Christmas to get out of classrooms, too.

What I think is that it is time to start having serious conversations about whether Santa should be in classrooms.

I still don't know which way I lean, but I'm ready to hear opinions.  So sway me.

Christmas at school? YAY or NAY?  The comment line is open!

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for supporting my random thoughts.

Days of Play: Ornaments

Tis about that time of year when you decorate the tree.

Or, you decorate it Novemeber 3rd. Whatever.

Regardless of whether you are a before Thanksgiving or after Thanksgiving tree decorator, there is no time better than NOW to make a sweet and nostalgic ornament with your kiddos.

Little Blots of Faith has a great manger ornament idea that is easy peasy. Click the links for step-by-step directions with photos!

Photo from Little Blots of Faith

Of course if you want to go super simple with your little one, you could try this reindeer ornament from Crafts for All Seasons.  Does anyone else wonder what we'd do without popsicle sticks?

Photo from Crafts for all seasons

Want a little challenge?  Yes, I consider working with children and glass a challenge BUT Full of Great Ideas posted a link to make a handprint snowman ornament.  Sooo adorkable!

Photo Source: Full of Great Ideas

Finally, if you are brave.  And I mean the kind of brave that will work with light bulbs and glitter with little kids, then you HAVE to make this ornament craft.  It's my favorite one this year.  Kelsey Bang has instructions posted so follow the link to that blog and make one of these (and then mail it to me.  Just a suggestion).

Photo Source Kelsey Bang

Music Monday: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Don't you just love a band with an eclectic name?   Deep down when bands name themselves things like Everything Absent or Distorted: A Love Story or Theory of a Deadman, I just can't help but love them.  It's a strange attraction--the weirder the name, the more I love them.  Maybe this is what I can't stand Katy Perry, Ke$ha, or Justin Bieber ... no, it's pretty much their craptacular music that makes me dislike them ...

I knew I'd love Red Jumpsuit Apparatus the first time I heard their name.  Good thing their American Rock music is as awesome as their name.

Give 'em a listen.

Face Down (my fave RJA song)



False Pretense (who hates those? I do!)



Your Guardian Angel (so Rockin' sweet!)



So now that you've given them a listen, what do you think of RJA?

Date Night In: If You're Happy and You Glow It ...

I was completely wasting time when I should have been writing a paper for my GLTBQ literature class browsing around Pinterest a few weeks ago and found some crazy fun ideas using

Yes.  Glow sticks.

Anyhow, I complied several of the ideas into a fun date :)  I never dish details (okay, I do but not this time) but I will say, the bath idea was a hit.  Like a hit out of the park.

What you will need:

• glass juice glasses, votive holders, glass jars, etc. (4-8)
• 2 glasses you'll use to drink out of
• either a special dessert OR a game (think Uno, black jack, etc.)
• 10 empty water bottles without labels
• ball (heavier kind of ball)
• robes, towels, smelly-good bath stuff
• glow sticks (I bought 3 packages of 15 bracelets from Target for $1 each)
• some fun mood music
• wine or sparkling cider

What To Do:

Invitation
The morning of your date, leave your partner a note that says this "You make my heart glow.  Plan on spending the evening with me.  The fun starts at ___________."

Prepare (this took me roughly 5 minutes--you won't want to do it too far in advance.  Although you can get the bath area prepped ahead of time and just wait to fill up the tub)

1. Get your jars/glasses out and clean.
2. Fill 10 water bottles with water
3. Break glow sticks (I love that part).
4. Put 10 glow sticks in water bottles and seal them.
5. Cut open two glow sticks (yes, this will get everywhere if you aren't careful.  No it's not toxic). Shake the glow stick juice into your jars/juice glasses.
6. Take two glow sticks and wrap them around your drinking glasses.
7. Get the bathroom set up for a bath for two--have towels and robes handy (and maybe a bottle water each in case it gets hot--literally and figuratively speaking).
8. Make your special dessert (or get it ready to serve) or get out the game you are going to play.

Date Time:

• Put the kids to bed while your partner relaxes.  
• Set the scene--turn off the lights, get out all the glowy stuff, get the food/drinks out, etc.
• Invite your partner into the date space and start the fun.

Glowling

Glow + bowling = glowling

First up, go glowling.  Set up your glowing water bottles into a triangle shape (in a kitchen?  hallway?) and bowl.  I don't know how to keep score with bowling--if you don't know either, just add up how many "pins" get knocked down.  Goading and trash-talk encouraged.  

Source: parents.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Dessert (or games) with the Stars


First off, I love the idea of "stars in jars!"

Source: lilblueboo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

After your friendly game of glowling, go sit down and either share dessert and wine/cider or a game/cider with your "stars in a jar".  The light from your glow sticks on cups and the stars in the jar should be enough.  If you are sharing dessert, find some good conversation topics so you don't end up talking about the kids or bills or something un-dateish.  If all else fails, play "I've never"

Here what your glasses could look like (of course it depends on the glass ...)

Source: buy.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Romanti-glow bath


When your game/dessert is finished, invite your partner to go get ready for a bath (which is code for naked but it's creepy for me to say--tell your partner to go get naked.  Although I just said it so I guess it's not that weird).

While your partner gets ready, grab the stars in jars and go draw a bath.  Put the stars in jars all around your bathroom to set a romantic glow.  When you draw your bath, you can add great scents, oils, or fizzy thingies to really make it spa like.  To finish off the bath, throw in the remaining glow sticks.

The glow stick light is oddly seductive.  Plus, we had so much fun playing with the glow sticks while we soaked and chatted.

Source: i-love-baby-feet.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Now here is a true confession: baths actually make me feel dirty.  So when we were done with our bath, I gathered up the glow sticks and lined the shower with them.  We then took a hot shower by glow-light.  Quirky but it works ;)

P.S.  If you really want to go all out, you can:

Make drinks and foods that glow by using tonic water and black lights.  Amazing, right?

Source: ourbestbites.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Make a glow stick sign

Source: smileandwave.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

Draw a glow stick bubble bath for your kids

Source: playathomemom3.blogspot.com via T on Pinterest

Who knew you could have this much fun with $3 of glow sticks?  Just the geniuses on Pinterest!

Things I Love: The Side Dish that Saved Thanksgiving

It was a hard Thanksgiving.  There, I said it.

I mean everyone tells you the first year after the death of someone significant is rough and I'm hear to say, those folks aren't kidding.

Imagine this.  I'm in my sister's kitchen sautéing diced onion and celery in sausage drippings for stuffing and this memory hits me like a ton of bricks.  For nearly three decades I'd walk into the kitchen while my mom was making stuffing for Thanksgiving and I'd reach into the saute pan, pull out a piece of onion, celery, and browned sausage and pop the trio of yumminess into my mouth.  Mom would give that "mom" look, and keep right on sauteing.  When I'd try to re-commit the crime she'd lovingly bat my hand away with a bamboo spoon and say, "hey, hey, you get out of here!"  This thought, this memory, this realization that she'd never say or do that again--well, it nearly had me crying over my sister's stove (thank goodness I could blame the onions ...).

It's funny the memories we don't think twice about until they are all we have left.

Like I said, Thanksgiving was hard.  But there was something that made it a bit better.  Sweet potatoes. You probably thought I was going to say tequila. Wrong-O!  It wasn't alcohol that saved Thanksgiving; it was candied coconut sweet potatoes.  I turned my sister onto Our Best Bites about two years ago and she found this recipe.  Hallelujah!

Sweet potatoes. Coconut flakes.  Brown sugar.  Butter, butter, and more butter.  What more could you ask for?

Photo from Our Best Bites

Seriously.  So GOOD.  These are totally going to make an appearance at my house for Christmas.

What I Think About: Mom Guilt {gulp}

Prepare for a good laugh.

When I decided to stop working to stay at home with my children, I actually thought that I would, ahem, stay at home and the house would be clean and I'd craft all the time and read.

Bwahahahaha!

Turns out that "stay at home" doesn't actually translate into "tons of free time to read the books in your book stack while blogging and creating inventive dates and craft ideas."  In fact, "stay at home" is actually defined as: madness created by cleaning, gardening, errand running, nose wiping, diaper changing, oatmeal cleaning up, laundry folding, freezer meal making, play group planning, life group leading, should kids get vaccines or not? agonizing, and "I think that mom just judged me" musings.

I'm not saying women who work outside of the home aren't working hard.  What I'm saying is that I work twice as hard as a stay-at-home-mom than I did when I was teaching (I blame my Type-A personality).  I mean this job is 24 hours a day.  It's exhausting.  And I swear that dust bunnies and smudged stainless steel appliances never bothered me when I worked outside the home but if I have to look at it all day, there's gonna be problems.  But what's more overwhelming than trying to keep the house tidy after chasing a tornado two-year old through the house is the guilt I feel when I don't want to chase said two year old.  Or push him in the swing.  Or share the last cookie.

Confession time:

• Sometimes, I just want a break from my kids.  And I feel guilty for it.
• Sometimes, I just want to read a book (alone) and not play.  And I feel guilty for it.
• Sometimes, I just want to get my chores done during the day so I'm not folding laundry until 11:00 pm.  And I feel guilty for it.

Mom guilt: the scourge of moms everywhere.  

Do you ever have moments like this?  Guests are coming for dinner.  You are busy juggling the flight of the bumble bee clean up while tossing a Caesar Salad, baking homemade rolls, and trying to explain to your mother-in-love (again) that it is possible to type into the address bar of the internet browser.  Suddenly your five year old appears and pleads with big brown eyes, "read to me, mommy."  

My dilemma--Guests are coming.  I committed to entertaining.  I want to help my mother-in-love.  I value education and that little girl is only little for so long so .... what do you do?  What do you do?  Well I get off the phone, finish dinner, and promise to read at bed time.  But the guilt.  Ohhhh the guilt!

Is it necessary, this guilt?  Once I was sharing this with my friend and she told me that guilt is of Satan; conviction is from the Lord.  Why would I feel guilty?  My child is fed.  She is healthy and happy.  Having to post-pone play time or reading time for an hour surely won't cause her the sort of psychological harm that will have her naming lint balls.  Why then, do I feel guilty?

I don't know why.  I just know that I do.  And this mom guilt, it sucks such joy out of life.  I hate feeling compelled to do things or worse, feeling ashamed when I don't do them. When I feel like someone would do it better.

I know there is no answer for this but what I think about mom guilt is it SUCKS!

How do you handle mom guilt?  Anyone?  Anyone?  Buellar? 

Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random Wednesday rants!

Days of Play: Advent Calendars

The Advent season is nearly upon us.  Today, may I suggest creating, buying, or finding an Advent calendar for your family?

Last year I used cheap $1/8 cards activity advent calendars for my children AND my husband (Matt is looking forward to his advent calendar again this year.  Right now the ribbon is hanging up ... just waiting for 24 envelopes filled with compliments and activities ...).  You can read more about how I made my Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar by clicking the link.

Of course you could check out Pinterest to find a cute and easy Advent idea.  I thought this one would be quick and it's adorable, too!

Source: laclassedellamaestravalentina.blogspot.com via i'm a new momma on Pinterest

If you are looking for something meatier--perhaps with a devotional, an activity, prayer, and scripture then the blog A Holy Experience has just the thing for you! The Jesse Tree Advent Calendar is free to download and print in its entirety.

Enjoy this countdown :)

Music Monday: Suddyn(ly addicted to this band!)

I love music.  Love, love, lovey love it.

Imagine the thrill I got when the lead singer of Suddyn, a band from Montauk (and a Ireland, a little bit.  It's a long story and not mine to tell.  The end.) contacted me to tell me about his band.  Did you imagine me smiling a big smile and doing my silly happy dance?  Oh good.  You know me well.

I stole this photo from Suddyn's webpage.

Anyhoo, the e-mail had links to some songs and a video.  So the darling husband and I dropped everything we should have been doing to sit in front of the fireplace and give Suddyn a listen.

We wanted to hear the songs before the video because somehow seeing a musician before hearing him/her seems wrong.  It's like eating an Oreo whole without at least twisting the top off and licking the frosting.  It's wrong but then I repeat myself.

Back to the fireplace, the laptop, SoundCloud (don't make me list why I love SoundCloud) and Suddyn.  

Each time we listened to a song we stated, "Oh that was so good.  That one was my favorite."  Then we'd listen to the next song and say the same thing and not because we are an easy audience like that but because we big fat loved this band!  Seriously their sound is something between Airborne Toxic Event, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay.  My ears were in ear heaven (which makes no sense but you get what I mean, right?)

So today, I suggest you give Suddyn a listen.  Start with Side Arm (<--- Go ahead and click that link.  You know you want to AND I'll be here when you're finished.  It's okay).  Then go to Brighter Star.  Don't over look In Flagrante Delecto (rambling side note: Matt talked with a judge once who told him this funny story about catching some co-workers "in flagrante delicto."  We had to giggle over that story while listening to this song.  Aren't you glad I share this random nonsense with you?).

Finally, watch a couple of these videos.  I'm not gonna lie, someone should make a "literal video" out of the Nothing Lasts Forever.

Nothing Lasts Forever (except zombies. Obviously).



Gravity



Letting Go (Fan made video sucks but song is super romantical. If you're reading this Matt, this song should make "the" list.  You know what I'm talking about *wink wink*)



On my Christmas list this year: Suddyn!

{Group} Date Night In: Minute To Win It

Last week my brother-in-law and I cooked up a surprise for my sister.  As in a surprise birthday party.  She came home from dinner with friends to a room filled with crepe paper, balloons, loved ones, screaming, and an air horn (blame the husband for that one).

While Jeff did an amazing job cleaning and organizing food and drinks, I was in charge of games.

Now some people might pull out Apples to Apples or Rock Band but that is not the way I roll.

For this party, we played Minute To Win It.  What I love about this is the games are super interactive, you can't help but laugh, and you probably have everything you need stuffed in a cupboard somewhere (unless, of course, your family doesn't use toilet paper).

We played a series of 5 games and then went into "The Skittle Round" where points were tripled.

We played:

• Dizzy Mummy
• Hanky Panky
• This Blows
• Blow Me (each player gets 1 minute to chew a piece of BubbleGum and blow the biggest bubble possible)
• Balls in a Bowl--blind fold players--they have to scoop cotton balls into a bowl using a spoon and scooping motion (no scraping spoon along ground to find cotton balls)

For each of these games, the winner got 100 points, second place got 50 points, and all other teams got 25 points.

Skittle Round:

• Game #1--Have a bowl full of Skittles, a spoon, and 5 Dixie Cups.  Contestants get 1 minute to sort Skittles into cups by color.  Team with the most sorted Skittles wins.  If a WRONG color goes into a cup, ALL Skittles in the cup go back into the bowl!
• Game #2--Have one partner hold a Dixie Cup and another holds a bowl of skittles 5-10 feet away.  Contestant throws the Skittles to cup (person with cup CAN move it to catch the Skittles). Team with the most Skittles in a cup wins.
• Game #3--One partner holds a cup 10 feet away from a table.  Other partner stands at table with bowl of Skittles and a straw.  Person must suck a Skittle onto the straw, run to partner, and drop Skittle into cup.  Team with most Skittles in the cup wins.

Skittle round points are tripled (300, 150, 75).

Whoever wins the Skittle Rounds gets an additional 100 points.

When we were finished playing we added up points and handed out prizes.

• Last place team got hand sanitizer because they needed to "Clean up their act!"
• The team with the best sportsmanship got chocolate for "Being so sweet."
• First place team got gold Christmas ornament stars for being "The stars of the night."
• Everyone else got a ball because we sure hoped everyone "Had a Ball!"

Gather your friends for some healthy couples Minute to Win It fun.  Losing is never so enjoyable (not that I'd know--Matt and I took first place!)

Things I Love: Gearing up for Thanksgiving

Awww, it's that time of year again.  You know, when stores skip Thanksgiving and put up snowflakes, Christmas trees, and snowmen as soon as that last "Trick or Treat" hype slides out the door.

I love the holiday season.  I love it.  I just love it so much I don't want to skip any of it.  So instead of listening to Christmas music and putting up the tree November 1st, I like to reflect on Thanksgiving.  Thanks and Giving.  How is combining those two attributes NOT the best holiday of the year?

If you are like me and you want to savor this season of being thankful and giving, please enjoy some of these crafts and recipes.

The Thankful Tree <--click that link for directions

Grateful wall hanging

Source: beckyhiggins.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Amaretto Cranberry Sauce

From Frontier Kitchen

Sweet Apple Cinnamon Brie en Croute

Christmas will come.  Today, reflect on how you can be thankful and how you can give.

What I Think About: The Breaking Dawn Soundtrack

Am I one of "those moms" that got sucked into the Twilight craze?

Guilty as charged.

However, my expectations for Breaking Dawn I are quite limited given the fact that I found the entire book Breaking Dawn to be literary crap (but apparently that kind of crap can make you millions whereas my criticism gets me nothin').  Nonetheless, for my sister's birthday I am taking her to a Twilight Marathon.  We will watch ALL of the previous three movies and then at midnight on the 18th, we'll see the premier of Breaking Dawn.

To rev myself up for the movie, I bought the new soundtrack.

Here's the deal--even if you don't like Twilight, the first three soundtracks were dead on.  Muse, Linkin Park, Death Cab for Cutie, Band of Horses, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, Sia, Florence + the Machine, The Bravery, Metric ... this is like the dreamiest conglomeration of musical genius ever.  Even my husband who is on "Team guy who almost ran Bella over" can't deny that the Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse soundtracks are pure ear candy.

Imagine my disappointment when I learned that Bruno Mars was the main headliner for Breaking Dawn. I nearly cried, except I almost never cry and when I do cry, it's got nothin' to do with Bruno Mars.  Anyhow, ick.  That was my main thought.

But I'm a girl who likes to gamble so I bought the soundtrack.

My gut reaction to the soundtrack is "eh."  Yep.  That's about all the excitement I can muster.

Don't misunderstand me, there are good songs on the soundtrack.  Iron and Wine re-envisioned Flightless Bird, American Mouth and somehow its mournful sound is even more romantic.  Christina Perry's love ballad is catchy and teens everywhere will no doubt make out to it.  Northern Lights by Cider Sky has a soothing rhythm.  The sweeping analogy Turning Page by Sleeping At Last was by far my favorite song on the album.  There are good songs on the album.

I love that the creators {mostly} gave the spotlight to independent artists; however, I'm disappointed that this album ignores its predecessors' amazing alternative/indie roots and leaps straight into the tween pop scene.

What I think is the Breaking Dawn I soundtrack is worth a listen but since you have to buy the whole album, I'd go halfsies friend and burn a copy.

Have you heard the soundtrack?  Your thoughts?

Days of Play: Pilgrim Hats

So this idea is actually from my sister who, despite having four children aged 11-2 still finds time to be amazing, look amazing, and do amazing crafts with her kids.

Point in case: Pilgrim hats

For this activity you will need:

• terra cotta pots (enough for each child)
• black paint/paint brush
• white foam
• glue gun
• flower arrangement foam ball
• fake flowers (you could use real if you want to :)

To Make:

• Paint the pots black and let dry
• While pots dry, cut out foam for the hat band/buckle
• When pot is dry, glue foam hat band/buckle to the pot using hot glue gun
• Put foam ball into pot
• Arrange fall flowers/foliage

Music Monday: Young the Giant

Young the Giant (n.): A completely under-loved American Alternative Rock Band.

Listen. You'll love them and then they'll be less under-loved and my life purpose won't be affected at all but at least I will have introduced you to some great music (and maybe helped these guys sell a $1.29 song on iTunes).

My Body



Cough Syrup



Apartment

Friday Fashion: Socks

Thigh highs. Over the knee socks. Knee highs and legwarmers with boots.

I love them. I loved them last year and I love them this year. Trust me when I say this is a trend worth trying!

Oh, and today is 11/11/11.  Bet you thought you were finally gonna read a blog post that didn't get all gushy about that, huh?  Sorry.

Things I Love: My Sister

Today is my sister's birthday. {Happy Birthday!}

She the first one to have a birthday since my mom died.  It is bittersweet.

To help make the bitter a bit more sweet, here are 36 memories that make me thankful for my sister.

1. I'm thankful she got caught sneaking out first.  The girl saved me some trouble.
2. I'm thankful for the top-secret, sisters only photo I have of her.  It's wildly unflattering.  The blackmail possibilities are endless.
3. I'm thankful for the nights we used to watched "Sisters" together in her room.
4. I'm thankful for that time we danced in cowboy boots and dad's boxer shorts.
5. I'm thankful for the laugh I still get when I remember how a Charlie Horse knocked her to the ground like she was doing an air-raid.
6. I'm thankful that she is willing to watch Easy A over and over with me.  "We must be related."
7. I'm thankful for appletinis served in wine glasses.
8. I'm thankful for x-rated madlibs and the completely inappropriate conversations that follow.
9. I'm thankful for evil plots against Javo.
10. I'm thankful her Camero was low to the ground. Trust me, it came in handy the time I jumped out of it while she was driving.
11. I'm thankful for fights over the proper application of eye-liner.
12. I'm thankful for motel rooms attached to strip joints.
13. I'm thankful for being the dance club in Portage la Prairie.
14. I'm thankful for playing "house" in motel rooms.
15. I'm thankful for black naugahyde furniture to watch cartoons on.
16. I'm thankful for a Kids, Inc. watching partner.
17. I'm thankful for Twilight marathons.
18. I'm thankful for Black Friday, 5 am shopping.
19. I'm thankful for the Tilted Kilt.
20. I'm thankful for pink mustangs.
21. I'm thankful that I don't have to listen to her crappy hip-hop music anymore.
22. I'm thankful for the bathroom incident in her puffy wedding dress.
23. I'm thankful I got to be her matron of honor, which coincidentally goes hand-in-hand with the bathroom incident.
24. I'm thankful for that beer hunting episode (and her constant retelling of me running up and down stairs like a gerbil on meth).
25. I'm thankful for inside jokes.  Holy Mole-y!
26. I'm thankful for a "puss this long!"
27. I'm thankful for haircuts with horns.
28. I'm thankful for birthday weekends in Rapid City.
29. I'm thankful for The Color Purple on Christmas Eve.
30. I'm thankful for present snooping.
31. I'm thankful for Foster.  Okay, this is a lie.  I hated that dog but at least I know I never, ever want an English bulldog.  Ever.
32. I'm thankful for hard egg sandwiches when you're sick.
33. I'm thankful for sledding down stairs.
34. I'm thankful for going to the bathroom together on the phone.
35. I'm thankful for someone to call and talk to about nothing and everything.
36. I'm thankful for how often I see mom in you.

Happy Birthday Randeaner Beaner Weiner!

What I Think About: Regret

On Saturday I went to a book sale and they had these great voice-recordable books for sale.  

I burst into tears.

It seems so stupid now but here's the thing.  Last Christmas my husband's grandmother bought one of these books for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  So in fifteen years when Nana is in heaven, our kids will hear her read them stories about the birth of Christ and Humpty Dumpty.  Truly these are a priceless gift.

I was determined to get two books and have my mom read them so our kids would have her voice.  When I saw the price of each book was $30 I staggered and, being the cheapskate that I am, decided I'd get them when they were on sale.  The sale never happened.  My mom died.  And now I wish with everything in me that I would have bought those stupid books so I could hear my mom's voice.

Regret.  

Regret sometimes sounds like "I shouldn't have" but other times, it sounds like "I wish I would have."

Regret.  I wear it like a heavy load on my back. The "What ifs?" the "If onlys."  

How I am haunted by regret.

I was at a Living Proof conference and was so convicted of my regret.  I cling to regret.  Sometimes I cling to it because I believe remembering what I shouldn't have done will keep me humble and dependent on God.  In reality, those regrets make me live a life of fear and self-condemnation.  Regret is a shroud of shame placed on me by myself, my enemy, and others that keep me in bondage.  

Don't misconstrue what I am saying.  I've done wrong.  I've made mistakes.  But I do not have to cling to them ... how much more powerful am I when I repent, accept grace, and walk in freedom?  When I refuse to be chained to regret? 

What I thinks is I can't cling to regret and walk in freedom.  How do you hold onto something and let it go?  You simply can't do both.

These thoughts tumbled about in my head and the worship team started singing.  I knew He was speaking to me when the singers proclaimed, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us."

Regret (n.): A heavy burden made lighter when I choose to believe that He loves me more than my mistakes.

Days of Play: Freeze Dance

I'm not gonna lie.  At our house, we like to shake it.  We've been known to turn on tunes and boogie around the living rooms.  We're famous for leaving a meal half-eaten so we can get up, and get down to a favorite song.  If it involves music and dancing, we are in!

Embrace the love of music and dancing with your kiddos today (singing optional but suggested).

When you have a spare 5-10 minutes, turn on some music you can dance to (for us, this is anything from "Are you gonna be my girl" and "Girls just want to have fun" to "Pop goes the Weasel").

Now, explain to your kids that you are going to dance like wild while the music plays but when it stops, they have to "freeze" into a funny position.  They can get going again when the music starts up again.

I want to tell you this activity is great to help children learn to have self-control and to listen to directions but I don't know if it's true or not.  I DO know that your kids will like it and sometimes, that's the most "developmentally appropriate" option.

Music Monday: Song Crushes

Ahhhhh .... I've had a great relaxing break from life and blogging lately.  Cabo San Lucas, movies by the fireplace .... it's been fabulous.  But I'm back and ready to kick it in gear.

What a better way to start than to share my current song crushes.

Now for me, a song crush is more than I song I like.  It's a song I like so much that I read the lyrics online, watch videos for free (even if they are fan made), and listen to them over and over and over in the car.  So when I say song crush, it really means that if the song was a person, I'd be stalking him.

Lucky for me, there's no law against song stalking crushing.  So, enjoy my latest loves.

All I Ever Wanted by The Airborne Toxic Event (still my fave band!)



I Can Breathe Again by Baywood



It's Not Me It's You by Skillet (because hardcore Christian is right up my ally!)



Tonight by Seether

Dinner Revolution {FREE}

Free.

Bet that caught your attention, huh?

Well Chef Jeff sent me an e-mail offering my readers a free electronic copy of his newest DinneRevolution cookbook.  YAY!

{This means that you get a $27 cookbook for free just because you are awesome.  And I love you.  And Chef Jeff wants to get you and your family out of the burger joint and around the dinner table tonight!}

Photo From DinneRevolution

As you know, my family and I sit down to a homemade meal every night.  Every. Night.  This is one of those traditions that I simply will not allow to go by the way-side in my house.  If you do this, or would like to do this but feel crunched for time, check out this cookbook.

The recipes in this cookbook are outstanding and cover everything from comfort food to vegetarian dishes to gourmet entrees.  The recipes require less than 10 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make.  The recipes are healthy, tasty, and family-friendly.

Some of the 200 dinner possibilities include:

• Vegetarian Pad Thai
• Coconut Curry Shrimp
• Lasagna Roll Ups
• Caribbean Chicken Quesadillas
• Southwest Turkey Burgers

If you are interested in checking out Chef Jeff's DinneRevolution, please click here (<----yes, click that) to receive your free e-cookbook.

Revolutionize dinner at your house!