That’s a Wrap

December 19, 2013December 20, 2013Leave a comment

Just began wrapping gifts and thought I would make some Pom Poms out of yarn as decoration. I am now unable to stop making them. They are just so darn cute!

After the first one I just kept going.

The more I make, the easier they are to make. Does anyone need some gift decorations?

A Few of My Favorite Things – This Mom’s List of Top Things for 2013

December 18, 2013January 9, 2014Leave a comment

The Jackery cell phone charger- Whether you are at a sci-fi convention or just have a kid who wants to watch PBS Kids the entire time you are at Nordstrom Rack (don’t judge), this magic gadget adds 22 hours of talk time or 2-3 charges to your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. I continue to bum Joe’s when I need it. Maybe I should get my own. You will never worry about a low battery again!
Chocolate Sombero by Clown Shoes – You knew there would be a beer on my list. This American Imperial/Chocolate Stout packs a punch with an ABV (Alcohol by volume) of 9%; but just sip it slow. The chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla flavors aren’t overly sweet and it is the perfect warmer for a cold winter day.
NYDJ – They are called Not Your Daughters Jeans. Does the fact that I like these mean that I have to be a mother? I don’t care. I have two pairs of these and I recommend them for their fit, comfort and resistance to fading after many washings. My butt looks great and so will yours.
NoseFrida Snot Sucker – Our son just turned three and has yet to grasp the concept of blowing his nose. This lovely little contraption has been in our house for years and will be here until he is able to do it on his own. Suction bulbs have nothing on this parent powered suction device that has a disposable filter to guard against. . . you know.
The Walking Dead – If you are not reading the graphic novels, you at least should be watching the show. You aren’t ? Come on. The men are hot and the women kick butt. You do have to look at some icky zombies; but that is a small price to pay for strong characters and compelling story lines.
Sharpies – My 80s Glam pack brings me joy. Just looking at my Sharpies brings me happiness. Ooh the possibilities. (No I don’t sniff them.) I always have at least one black one in my purse.
Stokke Scoot – This little guy has only been with us a few months now but it has earned it’s striped inout household. Mauvering the tightest of holiday displays in department stores is not problem with this stroller. When the world gets too crazy, our son simply pulls down the visor. Perfect.
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day – If your kid has their sticky fingers on everything, followed by their mouths, this is the perfect non-toxic cleaner to take care of the job. I use their all purpose cleaner in the lemon verbena scent to clean as well as have a little aromatherapy.
Shinola Watches – Why do these watches cost $500 and up? Because they are worth it, that’s why. American made in Detroit, these are my new obsession. I am thinking of doing a Kickstarter to raise funds to purchase one. (Yes I need one that bad.)
Sleep – I will definitely be looking forward to getting some of this over the holiday. Mr. Sandman is so glorious yet so elusive; here and then gone; so valuable yet can’t be purchased.

What topped your list of favorite things this year?

Holiday Shopping with a Three Year Old for Three Days – Stokke Time

December 14, 2013January 5, 2014Leave a comment

The weather in Atlanta has been less than perfect this holiday season. It’s been colder and wetter than Rudolph’s nose. That still doesn’t stop the fact that holiday gifts must be purchased, and with a husband who flies for work and a three year old always by my side; it is no easy feat. I love online shopping; but there is something magical about the crowds and the beautiful shop windows. It was going to be a great weekend of shopping. The weather however had other plans.

Friday –
I was filled with weekend optimism so it was no problem. ICE Atlanta was having a holiday pop-up shop in Candler Park. I picked the boy up from school and we headed over. It was cloudy and cold; but he was in a great mood and the building it was in was so cute.

Great Christmas decorations in Candler Park.

And the magical windows. . . Check!

We had a great time but didn’t HAVE to have anything this year. We called it a day.

Saturday –
The rain was falling; but we braved the elements to go to the Decatur Square to visit Cooks Warehouse. A cooking class had just begun and the store was full of shoppers, the stroller made it around every tight corner and display. Aaron never asked to get out his stroller and I found what I was looking for in less than two minutes. Christmas miracles.

I counted my blessings, and the multiplying raindrops and decided to head home.

Being an angel in Cook’s Warehouse

Sunday-
The kid loves his grandmas. Tall Grandma (he differentiates the two grandmothers by noting their stature) was on a mission for winter hats. Unfortunately, after standing in horrid lines in three shops Aaron pulled his own hat down:

And was done!

We had reached the end of our shopping day as far as Aaron was concerned.

I hope you all have been successful in your shopping. If you have kids in-tow hopefully you didn’t have to depend on bribes and using your cell phone as a distraction too much.

Cheers!!!

Mommy Gets What She Wants for Christmas and Disguises it as a Gift for the Kid!

December 12, 2013January 2, 2014Leave a comment

I have a few problems with my mom. Call them first world problems if you must but they are problems nonetheless. They stem from her wanting to decorate our home for our son, her grandson. She does not ask, she just shops.

The first offense was a leather (vinyl) basketball chair and ottoman. The reason it was offensive is that his room is all spaceships, rockets and robots. No sports, no where. Sports are fine; but that is not the look I was trying to mimic from Pinterest thank you very much! There is a theme and as long as he is a wee lad his dad and myself like the look of the galaxy rug and the framed Star Trek posters on the wall.

Luckily he liked to use it as a weapon of mass destruction to get to high up places, turn the light on and empty things from drawers. It is now in the attic. When she came to visit after it was moved I told her how he was using the chair and she totally understood. Whew!

Next up, his second birthday party. She shows up with a baby blue and pink Little Tykes table and chairs. My face is scrunching up just thinking about it.

View the madness here…..

Do we have room for that? Sure, room can be made.

Does it match anything in our house? Heck no!!!!!

Initially I went back to trusty Pinterest where I saw step by step instructions on how to paint over those pastel plastic terrors and make them go with your flow. My question is, “Who has time for that!?”I don’t. I do however have time to stare at that ugly table and chairs in our den. And stare. And stare.

I have been lazy and staring for one full year until this past weekend. I decided to look on the web to see if I could find something a little more suitable for mommies taste. I stumbled upon the Hayneedle website and this cutie patootie.

The Lipper Walnut Table and Chairs from Hayneedle.com

Bask in the glory of its NON-PINK CHAIRS! Love the NON-PLASTIC-NESS of it all!!! It was on sale for $43 with no tax and free shipping. I promptly hit BUY and now this little puppy is on its way to our humble abode. I am looking forward to a lot this year. Seeing our North Carolina family, giving my husband his awesome presents, seeing Aaron’s face when he meets Santa at the mall next week; but I am most looking forward to this table and chairs. Damn, I really am a mom. One who needs for her house to still look like grownups live there; but a mom for sure!