These are a Few of My Favorite Things

I used to work for Estee Lauder (seems like ages ago).  I managed a counter in a department store and it was by far my favorite job.  It always amazed how a little pampering could turn a person's whole day around.  I made over all types of faces:  prom goers, brides to be, mother/sisters/aunts/friends of brides, new moms, cancer patients, and once even a transvestite (that's a whole other post).

I loved always being introduced to new products and became a bit of a product junkie.  My world revolved around samples, free gifts, and new product launches.  Since becoming a mom, I've had to cut back on some of the pricier things but there are some that I will NEVER let go of.

I'm linking up with Mama Kat's Writers Workshop and answering the prompt:  Share on of your favorite things.  Except, I couldn't pick one so I'll give you my top 3 items that I will splurge on:

#1:  Clinique High Impact Mascara

Did you know you should change your mascara every 2-3 months?  Back when I put makeup on every day, I did pretty much follow that rule which means I have tried TONS of brands.  This one, is the one for me.  The best mascara for super volume, length, and clump free (even if you apply coat after coat, like I do).

#2 Estee Lauder Idealist

Ah, my Idealist.  Hands down, my favorite product.  This goes on under your moisturizer and leaves your skin silky soft.  It's supposed to minimize fine lines and even skin tone and it honestly works.  I have been using it for about 8 year and have yet to find a product that compares to this!  I get anxiety if I'm even close to being out of this and have 2 full bottles hidden away!

#3 Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

A new favorite of mine.  I am always leery of dropping almost $60 on an eye cream that I didn't sample first but this stuff is worth it!  It's ultra moisturizing and I do notice a significant difference in the little crows feet that were starting to pop up.  It could just be wishful thinking, but I also think my eyes look less tired (which is an amazing accomplishment).  Well worth the money and you only need the tiniest little dab!

I would love to know what some of your favorite products are.  What do you splurge on?

Jokes on Me

Since it's the beginning of April, I decided to stick with the prank theme and am linking to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  Except this joke became unfunny real fast.  I answered the prompt:  Write about the time you pretended to be someone you weren't.



My dear husband is against all things 'social network'.  He refused to get a Myspace page back when Myspace was cool so my brother decided to make one for him.  He was a ballerina dancer and in love with Gunther:

Taking a page out of my brother's book, I decided to sign him up for facebook the other night.  I was bored and waiting for Abby to stop singing to herself and FINALLY fall asleep.  That girl will seriously play and sing in her bed for an hour some nights.

He was sitting next to me so I had to be stealthy, which I'm not.

After a few failed attempts at confirming his account through his email, I finally just bit the bullet and asked for his password.  Now he knew I was up to something but I ran around with the laptop like a lunatic and wouldn't tell him.  Sadly, I had the password right the first time but must have typed it in wrong... FAIL.

Anyways, I had images of myself laughing as I made a mockery of him.  All in good fun, of course!  However, it turned not very funny pretty quickly.

As soon as I verified his account, I saw that he had a friend request.  So, I checked it out.  There was one from his sister but then there was one from his ex... WTF.

Honestly, who requests a friend on FB when the person doesn't even have one?  What is she doing, just hoping that one day he will open an account?  Yup, this joke just bit me in the ass and I wasn't feeling like being funny anymore.

I realize that it's just FB and lots of you are probably thinking I'm being a crazy jealous wife.  I do trust my husband BUT, what was I to do with this request?  Ignore it or accept it?  Neither option felt right.

By now he knew what I was up so I told him to do what he want's with that request.  I tried to help him set up the rest of his account but the request kept blinking that beacon from his past.

Finally, he ignored it.  Good man.

Oh, and the guy that swore he would never use Facebook went out and got an iPhone the next day.  The FB app was installed as soon as we got home.  Hah!

The Not So Great Birthday Present

In one week I will be leaving my twenties behind to start a new decade of my life.  I'm not really happy about it.  Actually, it's kind of depressing especially since I spent most most of the year thinking I was 28.  I guess you could call that wishful thinking.

At first, I told Dan that I did not want to celebrate my birthday so not to buy me anything.  Of course that's not what I meant and thankfully he went ahead and got me something anyway.

I, of course, ruined the surprise and got my gift early!  I was so excited to see that he had bought me a Wii Fit!  It was something I wanted since Christmas when his parents bought us the Wii.  I thought for sure this would help get me motivated to work out and help me mix up my workouts a bit.  Not only was it the Wii Fit but it came with the Biggest Loser game too.  I could't wait to set it up and get started and at the time I thought it was the best gift ever.

 Very shortly after Abby went to bed the other night, I realized that I was SO WRONG.  This was not the best birthday present ever.  This was a birthday present that not only made me feel fat but also old.  Not a good combination when your about to BEGRUDGINGLY say good bye to your twenties.

When you first set it up, the Fit runs you through a series of light exercises and weighs you to determine your 'age'.  In my defense, I am video game challenged and I think that is why it gave me the 'age' 43!!  WTF!!  I tried to do it again but it was a different set of tests so I screwed those up too and it came up with the same age.  This is so not what I wanted to see!

Now, let me tell you about the little Wii person.  You start out as normal as a Wii person can look and once it gets your weight I guess it makes adjustments.  My Wii person became a short fatty.  Same thing with the Biggest Loser person, although that person looks more realistic so it's even more depressing when they change it to a fatty.  Let me just say that she does not carry her weight well at all!

So, I thought it was a great gift.  I was wrong.  So wrong.  This gift has made me feel more depressed about my birthday.

So right now my husband is reading over my shoulder and mad that I said I don't like my gift.  I guess I should clarify, for his sake, that I do like it.  The Biggest Loser workouts are fun and I could really see myself using them a lot.  However, I didn't know that it was going to tell me that I was 43 years old and obese!  Happy Birthday, your fat and old... YAY!

I think I'll spend this next year managing my weight, working out more, and living in denial!  Please feel free to wish me a Happy 25th Birthday next week!  Thank you!

Dealing With You is Excruciating: Writer's Workshop

I'm linking up for this weeks writing challenge over at Mama Kat's.  Here's a letter to just about any company I ever give my money to....

Dear (insert company here),

Although your company policy states that your goal is to provide 'exceptional customer service' I think you forgot what exceptional customer service is.  See, I give you my money and you give me a product while acting like you appreciate the fact that I chose you.

Now, I'm not expecting you to roll out the red carpet just because I decide to go with your bundle package.  I realize that I am one in a million and I am not even a blip on your radar when you analyze your bottom line but do I not count for something?  I don't even require 'exceptional', I'm pretty easy.  Here are just a few things that would make me 'exceptionally happy'.

Since I am the customer, can I please at least have things delivered on the correct date to the correct home? (Yes, I'm talking to you, furniture STORES.  That's right, I am dealing with 2 furniture stores who are driving me crazy!).

Since I am the customer, can I have a phone call returned in a timely manner?  As in, within a few days? So that I do not have to call back and explain my entire story all over again to someone else who doesn't care?  (This ones for just the one store who is holding my table hostage on a boat from China).

Speaking of a timely manner, do you think that I can receive a bill in a timely manner?  Not over a year after I visit your office.  I made payments after each visit but now you say I owe more, over a year later.  I'm so confused as to why but I guess I have to pay since it's my credit that will be damaged if I don't.   Do I get to take over a year to pay you?  (Yup, this one is for you Dr. Dentist!).

Really, I don't want to be angry.  I don't want to have to yell and threaten to cancel my order/service/complain.  But when I try to be nice about things, you take advantage of me and try to pacify me with an "I'm sorry for your inconvenience."  Well, I'm sorry for it too!

I think you should change your company's goal to 'provide exceptionally excruciating customer service'. Problem solved, goal met.

Sincerely,

Inconvenienced, As Always

My Wardrobe Malfunction

I have something in common with celebs like Tara Reed.  You know, the celebs who unwillingly flash a little boobage.  Yup, I have had a major wardrobe malfunction!

I took dance classes from age 3 to age 16 but my 8th grade dance recital takes the cake for most excitement.  I was so happy to be in advanced classes which meant more routines and, in my opinion, way cooler routines.  My particular favorite that year was a song from Lion King, "Be Prepared".  I was so excited to perform the number and was just getting into it when the unthinkable happened!



As far as wardrobe malfunctions go, this could not have happened at a better time.  I bent down and over the music I could hear "Snap".  As quickly as I heard it, I felt my strap pop off and I reacted.  Grabbing my almost exposed boob, I followed the group with the next step, a leap, but then proceeded off the stage.  Mortified is the best word to describe what I was feeling.  Unfortunately, I couldn't actually exit the stage from the wing I was on so there I stood for the next 2 minutes or so... holding my costume up the entire time.

When the song was over, I hurried backstage where my mom and best friend were waiting.  My mom, who was the one who sewed my costume in place, was super apologetic but I was so embarrassed that I lashed out at her a little.  However, before she was even done sewing it back into place, I saw the humor in it and started laughing.

The worst part of the whole thing?  There were a bunch of high school boys in the back of the auditorium that I was sure would never let me live it down.  Even worse, my uncle had the whole thing of video.  Even worse, I had to wear this costume countless times over the next few days!  At least my nervousness was focused on keeping my costume on as opposed to performing!

Visit Mama Kat if you'd like to participate in this weeks Writer's Workshop!

Goblin King! Goblin King! Wherever You May Be....

There is only ONE movie that I can quote.  My hubbins, on the other hand, can quote just about every movie he's seen which can get annoying when he tries to quiz me.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Him:  Some obscure movie quote

Me:  I have no idea

Him:  Come on... you know it.

Me:  Nope... no clue.

Him:  Yes you do (followed by some hint)

Me:  Still no idea.  Just tell me, you're making my brain hurt!

Him:  I can't believe you don't know it.  It's (insert some random movie)

Me:  Did I even see that movie?

However, there is one movie that I can quote from beginning to end.  It's hard for me to even write this because the movie is playing in my head right now.

Through dangers untold and through hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the goblin city, to take back the child that you have stolen.....

I have loved The Labyrinth since I was a kid!   Maybe I secretly wanted one of my four siblings to be taken away for a little while (I love them but I clearly remember life being so much better when I was 2 years old and an only child).  Or maybe I was fascinated by the theatrics of David Bowie (and the fact that he somehow managed to squeeze into those pants).  Regardless of the reason, this movie has always been a favorite of mine.  The songs, the fantasy of it all... I heart this movie!

I wouldn't recommend watching this movie with me because I have this awful habit of talking and singing right along with it.  (I heard my baby, crying hard as babe could cry... what could I do?)  Sorry... I just can't help myself!  I'll have an ear worm for the rest of the day!

By the way... don't forget to enter my Shutterfly giveaway!

If you need some writing inspiration or would just like to join in on the fun, stop by Mama Kat's and link up!

Writer's Workshop: Who Do You Think You Know?

I'm taking part in Mama Kat's Writer Workshop today.  Lately I've been having a hard time finding a prompt... being busy can really fry your brain!  I got inspired while reading Mama Kat's post today so I'm going to write on Prompt #1 and share a story about my Hubbins... someone I thought I knew very well until the day he came home hours late and looked like swamp thing!

Every once in a while my Hubbins will surprise me and say or do something that seems out of character.  He's not a drinker or a smoker.  When we don't have anything planned on his time off then he would love to be home playing video games.  Sometimes I have to talk him into going out when his friends do and constantly reassure him that I'm not mad and want him to go.

So, there was a night a few months ago when his whole squad was going out to a bar about a half mile away from our house.  He finally decided to go around 8 pm and told me he'd be home in a few hours.  I told him not to rush and meant it.  Abby was still waking up 2 times a night and when she woke up at 12:30, Hubbins still wasn't home.  I checked my phone... no text or call.  This is more than a couple hours and totally out of character for him but I didn't want to look like the psycho wife making her Hubs come home.

Well, 12:30 turned into 1:30 and then into 2:15.  Now the bar is closed and since it's so close where is he?  I have never ever known him to stay at a bar this long without texting me at least once.  Finally, I sent him a text and he said he was on his way.

It took him an hour to get home... it should have taken him 3 minutes!  When he finally walked in the door he was covered with mud (stinky mud) from head to toe.  What in the world?!?  Why does he look like swamp thing?  So, the argument began.  His story sounded crazy.  He said his friend took a wrong turn and instead of turning around they decided to just go a back way.  Then he had to go to the bathroom and he fell in the swamp on the side of the road.  Who is this man?  Not to mention that for the life of me I couldn't figure out what road would have taken them past a swamp.

I couldn't take the smell tried to be nice the next day and clean his wool coat that was covered in mud.  I emptied all of his pockets and to my surprise there was a pack of cigarettes!  Then I found a receipt for 3 packs, all different brands.  Who's are these?  When I questioned him he admitted they were his.  Apparently when he drinks he also chain smokes and gets very generous.  Again, who is this man?

Now the whole thing is a big joke, especially because he was so sick the next day.  I'll probably never understand what he was thinking when he took the scenic route home or why he thought a swamp was a great place to relieve himself or when in the world he started smoking when he drinks.  It's so rare that he lets loose so I've just chalked it up to a fun night with the guys.  Although, I still sometimes ask myself, "Who is this guy?".  He's my Hubbins and if I knew everything about him it would get boring.  It's good to be surprised once in a while but next time I hope he calls me or texts when a few hours turn into 8!

Writer's Workshop: Laugh even though you shouldn't!

I decided to take part in Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop this week and write on prompt 2... laughing at inappropriate times.  Hop on over to her place to see the other prompts!

I always laugh when I'm uncomfortable or nervous which is usually the worst time to laugh.  Once, my friend tapped a parked car and I laughed.  Another friend, got pulled over for speeding and I laughed.  This past weekend my aunt was yelling at her daughter and, well, I laughed.  That's just what I do.

The most memorable uncomfortable laughing outburst was the day of my wedding.  I'm not the type of person who likes people to look at me and the thought of 150 sets of eyes on me was enough to make me sick!  It sounds crazy because it was a room filled of family and friends but I was super uncomfortable and would have preferred that no one turned around when I walked down the aisle (well, except Hubbins of course!).  I laughed through rehearsal the night before which made my sister's laugh so I knew I had to try to keep it together.  I did great up until the most important part of the ceremony... THE VOWS!!!

The priest almost called my husband Don instead of Dan.  It was a quick slip up and most people didn't catch it.  I did though... and I couldn't hold it together!  I actually had to apologize and turn my head.  I remember looking up and saying to myself, "Please, let me stop laughing!".  I think it took me what felt like an eternity to compose myself and by then my sisters were laughing too.  The rest of the ceremony was filled with silent laughter and a couple of snorts!

At the reception, they actually inserted our vows into our wedding song.  It was so sweet and it almost sounded like I was a choked up.  It's a great memory and definitely let everyone know right from the ceremony that our wedding was going to be fun!

Writer's Workshop: What's the Secret to your Close Bond with your Mom?

Ahh, an excuse to write about my amazing mom!  This week I've decided to take part in the writer's workshop over at Mama Kat's.  I've chosen the 5th prompt:  What is the secret behind the close bond you have with your mom? Click her button to jump in on the fun and read the other 4 prompts you can choose from.

My Mom passed away this past July and until then I never fully grasped just how close we were.  I realize now, that she was my best friend.  She was the only person who actually cared to hear about all the mundane details in my daily life.  We spoke everyday, usually on my hour ride home from work.  But what's truly amazing, is that after she passed I realized that she was a best friend to all 5 of us. I don't think there's one secret way to establish such a tight bond.  All of us are so different and I'm sure that her approach was different with each of us.  Regardless, the one thing that was the same is the fact that we all felt safe enough to tell her just about anything.  Of course, the relationship with all of us went through it's season and I in no way mean to imply that it was all a bed of roses.  Some of us put her patience to the test (not me, I have my own halo) but we always found our place back home with our best friend, our mom.
Though each relationship was slightly different, I think there is a couple common factors in all of our relationships with her.  The first, honesty.  She was the most honest and up front person I know.  It was easy for her to be honest because she couldn't keep anything secret.  When I found out I was pregnant, I told her to keep it quiet for a little while.  Well, the only way she could keep it a secret from her sister was to avoid talking to her completely.  After a few days I gave her permission and could hear the relief in her voice!  She was just as honest about herself.  I can't remember a time when she refused to answer something, even if it was about a less than angelic behavior.  
Her honesty led to our honesty and created an open environment, which I think is the second key ingredient to a close relationship.  There were very few things I didn't tell my mom.  There were some things I'm sure she would rather not know and there were some things that were a little uncomfortable to share, but I did and she listened.  She was our safe say anything zone and not just for us.  Friends and cousins would come by and talk to her when they couldn't talk their own parents.  She was just that kind of lady.
Finally, I think the most important reason we were all so close to my mom was because she didn't judge.  She would tell you how she felt but you never felt like she looked at you any differently.  She was also very quick to forgive and let things go.  
Although I miss her everyday, I am so grateful to have been born to such a wonderful woman. She was funny, frustrating, giving, and loving.  She would take in a stray animal as quick as she would take in a stray person.  She taught me how to be a good person and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to my family and friends.  I only hope that my daughter and I have the same relationship.