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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Frosty Winners

Happy Sunday! Only one of the lovely winners from our Love Finds/300th Post Giveaway have responded. You have until the end of the day to email me about your winnings before another winner is chosen~Lucky runners up if you ask me!

Now, meet Frosty. With what little snow/ice (mostly ice) we received Friday night, this was our creation. We made him on our deck as there was more ice mixture to work with. He is approximately two feet tall and Mini #1's temporary best friend. He worked so hard on making him and then we got creative with the facial features...black olives for the eyes, red pepper for the mouth, and a small orange pepper for the nose. Mini #2 wasn't feeling the cold playfulness as she could barely move from the layers of warmth on her. Too bad that Frosty will be working on his departure as it's supposed to get in the low 40s today.



Happy Sunday!

PS-Wicked was AWESOME!!! So fantastic...I can't wait to go see it again and I had a lovely date night with my sister.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Who gets to go see Wicked tonight???

ME!!!

I am so excited. I have heard so many wonderful things about this show and am thrilled that my chance is here. For my birthday back in November, Molly Lou sister got us tickets for tonight's show.

A dinner and show out without the children or Mr...oooooooooooooooooooh la la!

Happy Saturday!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Gettin' My PSA On

Let's get is started in here...

this is a little PSA over here at Molly Lou Gifts

Perhaps if I posed all of my many "soap boxes" as PSA's, people would start listening. I mean they really are Public Service Announcements. If everyone would just do or not do, start or stop doing whatever I am "soapboxing" (yes, I made that a verb) about, the world would be a better place. I am providin a service.

I digress. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. I just recently read an article on cervical cancer, then heard that this month was the awareness month. With there being only a wee bit of time left in this month, I decided I better get my PSA going over here.

I went to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and found these interesting facts and decided to post them here since sometimes our fingers don't quite work on clicking those links.

Bottom line is...get your regular pap tests and make sure all the women that you love are too! Use force if necessary!

Cervical cancer affects approximately 10,000 women in the United States each year. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Deaths from cervical cancer in the United States continue to decline by approximately 2 percent a year. This decline is primarily due to the widespread use of the Pap test to detect cervical abnormalities and allow for early treatment. Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the previous three to five years.

*11% of United States women report that they do not have their Pap test screenings
*In the United States, About 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and about 3,700 women die in the USA each year from this disease.
*Women in developing countries account for about 85 percent of both the yearly cases of cervical cancer (estimated at 473,000 cases worldwide) and the yearly deaths from cervical cancer (estimated at 253,500 deaths worldwide).
*In the majority of developing countries, cervical cancer remains the number-one cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
*High-Risk HPV Types are directly related to cervical cancer, yet many women are unaware of what HPV is or the relationship it has to cervical cancer.


Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100%. Regular Pap testing is the best method to protect against invasive cervical cancer. It is most important to remember that cervical cancer takes many years to develop. Regular Pap tests will help detect any precancerous or abnormal cells early enough so that cervical cancer can be prevented.

Have a great weekend! (I get to go see Wicked tomorrow night with my sister and I am beyond excited!)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

How Do You Tell...

I need your advice and it ain't going to be pretty.

(if you are squimish or a male, you might want to stop reading. Mr. wriggles and squeals everytime we discuss this.)

Next Tuesday, Mini #1 has to have an outpatient surgery on his boy part*. He has adhesions that need to be cut and he needs to be recircumsized thanks to a botched job the first time.

We went to a children's specialist on Monday and confirmed this and scheduled this surgery. He was SO well behaved and after an initial apprehension of someone messing with his boy part (He told the doctor "only touch it with your hands and not anything straight.") he interacted well with the doctor.

Here is where the advice part comes in.

How should I tell my newly turned 4 year old

"Oh Mini #1, Mommy forgot to tell you that next week you have to go under the gas and get your ________* cut. It will still be there when you come out from the gas and you should be good to go in no time. Love you sooooo much."

Since that is oh so sensitive, thoughtful words for a four year old, and clearly that probably won't win me any World's Best Mom awards, so I need some advice on "the talk."

I don't want to tell him about this yet. He is so smart and also so thoughtful on things. He will think about this constantly, ask me about 5921 questions, and get worked up about it. I am thinking Monday morning I will ease in to it and explain it all and then let him ask the questions.

Like I said, everytime this comes up or the thought pops in to his head, Mr. doubles over in pain and gets in the fetal position so he isn't much help on this. (Mini #1 should really use this to his advantage...Mr. Molly Lou would buy that kid anything because he feels so bad that he will have to go through this.)

I am nervous about this too, but know it is necessary and he will be fine. He should be up and playing by the end of the day, but anxiety issues run high in this family.

After you offer your suggestions, don't forget to submit my nomination for the World's Best Mother award! Deadline soon.

Have a great day.

PS-I used the boy part and ____________ words instead of the P word. I am not a big fan of that unattractive word, although I use it when necessary. I also thought that Google Analytics would have a field day if my blog post made multiple mention of that word. :)
________________________________________

Did you get the new discount code for Molly Lou Gifts? We added a new one yesterday, use code VALENTINE2010 to receive 15% off your total purchase at the shop. Pick up the perfect something for your loved ones.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

3652.42199 days...

ago, I was a young gal loving life, working and playing her way through life.

3652 days ago, I began dating the man that would later become my husband and the father of my children.

I met him a few months before we started dating and I COULD NOT STAND HIM.

He begs to differ and enjoys mentioning in his funny way that "my loins were burning" for him from the first time I saw him.

TRUST ME, the only thing burning was my annoyance with him. He was pompous and not what I was looking for. His friends called him the Governor because he could BS his way through anything, knew everyone, and could make friends with the wall. He was a Yankee from way up north in New York, but tried to pretend that he was born and raised in the south.

I eventually caved and we became friends and then on this day 10 years ago, I decided I could stand him.

We have done so much in 10 years together. We have seen many parts of this country and the a few abroad, laughed, cried, talked, argued, and loved our way in to this life that we now share with our precious children.

Happy 10 year dating anniversary Mr. Molly Lou. While you still annoy me at times, I can't imagine my life with anyone else.

Love is in the air...

And so is a new Molly Lou Gifts discount code.

Use code Valentine2010 to receive 15% your total purchase from Molly Lou Gifts.

This code can be used towards any purchase from our shop. Be sure to check out our 2010 Valentine Love Finds page for the most adorable Valentines to send to all of your lovelies on your list.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

And the Winners Are...

The twitching has stopped, temporarily at least.

Fingers and toes are crossed that all things are well again in the land of technology at Molly Lou Mansion.

Thanks to all who entered! The winners of the Love Finds/300th Post Giveaway are:


Valentine Cupcake Gift Set goes to....

True Random Number Generator: 8

Bethany said...
I'm a follower and will tweet this giveaway. Valentine's Day is fun because I like to make handmade Valentines for special people. My mom has Valentines that I made for her years ago.
January 19, 2010 10:00 AM


Valentine Cupcake Gift Set goes to...

True Random Number Generator: 12

Pink Bliss said...
Oh and I am already a follower!!
January 19, 2010 10:09 AM



$10 Molly Lou Gifts Gift Certificate goes to...

True Random Generator: 1

Leanne...the walker said...
Awesome! Tweeting about it now!
January 19, 2010 8:33 AM

Be sure to check out our 2010 Valentine Love Finds page at the shop. There are so many cute things found there!

Ladies, email me (bbg@mollylougifts.com) and your prizes/gift certificate code will be on their way! Email me by Sunday, January 31 or another winner will be chosen!

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Twitch has started

I am twitching...

This weekend my laptop crashed and burned. I mean, no saving it and it showed the "blue screen of death."

Actually this laptop was Mr. ML's. Mine needs a new fan, so I have been using an old work one of his. He called the corporate help desk and it was their IT department that gave the affectionate name "blue screen of death."

All laptops should go running when they see us coming as apparently, we don't have very good luck and viruses LOVE us.

I blogged earlier and now via the hotel business center, but the Minis and I headed to see my mom and go to a doctor's appointment for the boy and then we are headed back to the land of no internet (home.)

The twitch has definitely started and I worry for my own mental and physical well being if this isn't resolved soon. I am also fearful of what will happen to my children when they see their mother rocking back and forth in the fetal position after being cut off completely.

I see why addicts go through a 12 step process and detox period...being cut off cold turkey is just painful.

Please keep my family and I in your thoughts and prayers as we work towards a speedy recovery and life once again filled with emails, twitter, blogs, and business.

Holy Bagman!

Holy Batman I have BAGS!

Yes, we all know that I have a slight handbag obsession, but those aren't the bags I am referring to here.

I HAVE BAGS UNDER MY EYES!! Big, dark circles that have clearly moved all of their belongings in and are planning hanging out for a while.

What is happening to me?!?! (Please don't really answer that.)

I mentioned this to my friend Whitney the other day via text and she just laughed, but it has progressively gotten worse since then.

This cannot be happening to me. Remember how I freaked out about the gray hair I found or how I wasn't cool anymore as I knew NO hip songs??

Well this is worse!

I can cover them up with eye make-up and concealer, but you see I don't wear much make-up. I wear a little and it looks very natural, but everytime I try to really "do" my make-up or add in the creamy foundation, I end up looking like a 6 year old that got in to her mom's make-up bag behind her back.

Ugh.

Treatments can include cold compress twice a day, applications of Preparation H cream or frozen green tea bags, injectable wrinkle fillers, or surgical eyelift.

My solution?

I am going to add the removal of these bags to my daily prayer list (and add a little extra emphasis), apply a little eye make-up in case I have to look someone in the face, but other than that I am going to walk around with my nose in the sky!

That's right~walk around with my nose in the sky! I finally see why snobby people walk around like they are smelling the sky? They don't want you to see that they too have bags under their eyes.

I will wear a sign that says I am not snobby just happy to smell the sky.

Poor Mini #2, she doesn't stand a chance. I have already tripped over her 371 times today.

And I apologize in advance that you will always have to look up my nose when we chat. I promise to keep it free of anything not so pretty.

Desperate times call for desperate measures!
____________________________________________________

Have a great day.

PS-Today is the last day to enter the Love Finds/300th post giveaways! 2 sets of the Valentine Cupcake gift sets and a gift certificate to Molly Lou Gifts. Enter and tell a friend. Winners announced tomorrow.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Snapshot Saturday~Caught!

For this week's Snapshot Saturday-she's caught!

Apparently Mini #2 opened the bread in the cabinet, took herself a piece and then got caught going up the stairs with it.

She is so BUSTED because, she is not to be on the stairs by herself nor should she be rummaging through the cabinet, opening the bread, and helping herself.

(This should be a lesson to Mr. ML as well-he never replaces the twist tie on the bread and it drives me crazy!!!)

She is prettty darn cute though!

Have a great weekend!

PS-Don't forget to enter the Love Finds and 300th post Giveaway! Contest ends on Monday. Click the links at left for the details and to enter!!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Give you the goosebumps too????

This is such am amazing story, I had to share! This article and photograph are from the UK's Evening Star!

Haiti earthquake survivor Kiki Joachin during an interview with Sky News. Picture by Sky News By Mark Bulstrode, Press Association
Earthquake miracle boy Kiki, whose joyous rescue made headlines and pictures around the world, today said “God helped me.”
The picture of Kiki being rescued from earthquake rubble in Haiti has become an iconic image of the disaster and more than 60,000 people viewed the picture on The Evening Star's website.
Kiki Joachin smiled with delight with his arms outstretched as he was pulled out of the wreckage of crumbled buildings in Port-au-Prince.
Today it emerged he was rescued with his 10-year-old sister, Sabrina.
But tragically their younger brother did not survive and died in the rubble.
The family, living in abject poverty, were tracked down by Sky News reporters living in a shanty town in the country's capital.
Kiki told the broadcaster he felt “happy” to be rescued and said he cried when he was reunited with his parents.
Asked how he managed to survive without food and water, he said: “God helped me.”
Have a great weekend.

Hello, I'm a Youthologist...

Anyone see the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County???

Fabulous in that ULTRA ridiculous and nauseating way. This show just gets more and more in touch with "reality" each week. Sometimes I feel like I am looking in the mirror when I tune in. I am dressed the same way, my staff is running around doing things, and my children are never anywhere to be seen.

Just a few highlights from last night...work hard and you get a tanning and Botox party at your office, 16 year old chatting about how awful her parents are and she will never get in trouble, , Gretchen throwing a Tupperware party with a drag queen (I mean don't we all do that?!?!?), cat fight over ugly dude at said Tupperware party, and the BEST part is that Lynne and her husband hired a YOUTHOLOGIST for their daughter.

That is exactly what she needs-it has nothing to do with the fact that you DON'T actually parent. Clearly, you shouldn't attempt to parent. You shouldn't set rules and boundaries for your kids and stick to them, etc.

Enter YOUTHOLOGIST (or if googled a TEEN LIFE COACH)!

A youthologist is the person that you PAY to parent for you. How awesome is that????

This is so my new business and I'm going to be filthy rich. This youthologist actually shows guidance and works with the youth to set the boundaries and get them on the right track in life.

When I move to Orange County to buy a McMansion and live this "reality" life, I promise that I won't forget about you.

{Enter Soapbox: talk is cheap. In order to be a parent, you actually have to parent and not just chat about what should be done.}

I know this was a random post...sorry about that. Have a great weekend.

PS-Enter our Love Finds and 300th post giveaways...Contest ends Monday. Details and links at left to enter! Tell a friend!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

My 300th Post!

It's my 300th post! Woohoo! This is such an amazing ride and I am thankful every day for the fantastic friends that I have met and get to "be" with every day.
Today, I am feeling overwhelmed, stressed, fat, tired, happy, hormonal, nervous, grateful, emotional, excited, and blah all at the same time.

How is that possible you ask?

Duh, it just is. As my blog friends, you totally get it (or just pretend to).

For my 300th post, I decided to work a little magic Mini #1 style and transport anyone that wants to come along to here.



It's in Turks and Caicos and I want my overwhelmed, stressed, fat, tired, happy, hormonal, nervous, grateful, emotional, excited, and blah bum to be sitting with all my BFFs while drinking something cold and chatting and laughing all day long while catching some rays.
I can feel the sand in between my toes already and the sun sizzling on my GHOST-LIKE skin. (It isn't normally tan, but this is ridiculous even for me.) No sunburn allowed on this trip...no worries on this journey.

Whenever you are ready, pack your beach bag and sail away with me.

Here is the spell. It always seems to work with Mini #1

Alakazandra, Alakanzandra. POOF!

Just in case, this spell didn't work for us, I am raising the stakes of our Love Finds Giveaway to incorporate a little 300th post giveaway fun too!
In addition to the Valentine Cupcake Set that we are already giving away in honor of Heart Day, we will now give away another set as well as a $15 gift certificate to Molly Lou Gifts that can be used on anything in the shop.

AMAZING-I know!! We will have three winners-2 will receive the Valentine set and 1 will receive a gift certificate. Random.org will pick the winners on Tuesday, January 26. Click here to see all the details from Tuesday's post. If you have already entered on Tuesday's post, you can enter again today for the 300th addition.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Meet Ezekiel

Blog friends, "meet" Ezekiel, the newest member of the Molly Lou family.

While he won't be physically in our home and we won't see him everyday, I already feel deeply connected to this precious little boy.

I was on the Compassion website after reading about so many people donating to their Haiti relief efforts. While learning about this organization, I decided that my family should sponsor a child. I have such a deep desire to adopt a child and feel like recently, I am on this quest to do something deeper in my little efforts to "save the world." (I realize this is not close to adoption or saving the world, but it is one piece to the big puzzle.)

I have this longing to teach my children compassion in EVERY way possible and also open their eyes and hearts to the world around us.

Ezekiel is an 8 year old little boy that lives with his grandmother in Ghana. He is responsible for carrying water, running errands and cleaning. His grandmother is sometimes employed. There are 6 children in the family. For fun, Ezekiel enjoys soccer and playing group games. He attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average. Ezekiel is visually impaired and is seeking regular medical attention.

This is the only information that I have on Ezekiel now, but I look forward to watching this child grow in to a man and hopefully continuing with him on his journey for years to come. I hope that my children will feel close with him and that we will get the chance to meet him in person one day. By sponsoring this child, we will get the opportunity to write to him, exchange pictures, receive progress news, etc., while developing a relationship with him and teaching him about the awesome love and power of God.

Mini #1 is very interested already and has already created a masterpiece for us to send to Ezekiel with our first letter.

Taken from the Compassion's website "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."

I'll keep you posted. I would love to hear about things you do with your family.

Have a great day!

PS-Don't forget to enter our Love Finds Giveaway and visit our 2010 Valentine Love Finds page at the shop filled with all sorts of Valentine goodies.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Love Finds Giveaway

Happy Tuesday!

Our 2010 Valentine Love Finds page is up and running at Molly Lou Gifts. We have some fabulous cards/notes/postcards and gift tags and stickers for you to send to all those you love this year.

We also have some new printables Valentines in an adorable robot, owl, or squirrel pattern. These are perfect for you to hide around the house for your little Valentines or be extra cute and unique with your student's Valentines for his classmates this year.

We've also added three Valentine shirt and pail designs. The designs available have a Valentine theme and design, but are subtle (and cute) enough to be worn year round.

Now, for the fun. Let's have a GIVEAWAY! Let's show our love for all of you by giving away our new Valentine Cupcake Gift Set.

This set includes:
A set 8 Note Cards "Cupcake, Be my Valentine "
a set of Postcards, "Cupcake, Be my Valentine"
a set of 8 Valentine Gift tags
a set of 10 Cupcake Stickers inscribed with "Valentine"
The giveaway will run from now until next Monday, January 25, 2010. Random.org will help us with pick the winner which will be announced on Tuesday, January 26. This will give you time to write those notes and postcards and tie up those special treats before the big day.
{Edited to add: In celebration of our 300th post, we are ADDING an additional set of Valentine Cupcake Gift Sets to give away as well as a $15 gift certificate to Molly Lou Gifts. THREE WINNERS!!!}
To enter:
*Be a follower or become a follower of MLG. (We are only 7 away from our 300 goal and our 300th post combo)
*Leave a comment with your favorite way to celebrate Valentine's Day or a favorite surprise that you do for your loves this Valentine season.
*Blog and/or tweet about this. (1 entry for each, please comment back that you did either/both of these.)
*Invite a friend to join the craziness over here. When they enter and mention you, you get an extra entry.
Show the love and get entering. Have a great day!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Poof!

Mini #1 has been very interested in magic lately and attempting tricks.

He loves to make himself "disappear" or pop something out at you.

Trust me, you do NOT hearing him stomping up the steps or squealing in delight as his runs away during his "disappearing" act.

The funniest part is his spell. He has inadvertantly mixed "Abracadabra" and "Alakazam."

I will let you in on a little secret...when you want to disappear or try your own magic trick, do what Mini #1 does!!

"Alakazandra. Alakazandra. POOF!"

I think the "alakazandra" is really the key. Let me know how it works for you.

Happy Monday. Hope you get to enjoy the holiday. Have a great day!

{image via photobucket.com}

Saturday, January 16, 2010

2010 Love Finds Coming Soon...

Coming soon to Molly Lou Gifts-all of our 2010 Valentine Love Finds!
Love is in the air! Happy Weekend!

Friday, January 15, 2010

The Wheels on the Car Go...

to deliver meals, of course!

It's official. Whew, we passed the application process, so Mini #2 and I will begin delivering a weekly Meals on Wheels route. (I didn't lose Mini #1, he will be in school those mornings, but will join us over the summer.)


You can never start too early working these children...I mean she is almost 16 months and she is walking pretty steadily (I bet her and some of the meal recipients could have races.) She can carry babies and blocks, so a box meal shouldn't be too hard for her to get up to the door. She also has a smile that is contagious and the older generation just seem to want more of my sweet Mini #2.

My grandmother delivered Meals on Wheels for almost 20 years and each summer as a child when I would visit her, she would take me with her on her weekly route. I would go to the door with her and would visit with some of the recipients. I didn't appreciate it as a child, but I always noticed how much my grandmother volunteered and gave back.

I have been thinking about it for a while and last week, just decided to do it. Especially after losing my grandmother last fall and knowing how much my children truly were the light to her life.

We have 26 people on our route and I hope this is a good experience for all of us. It is a small thing, but I so desperately want my children to grow up to appreciate things, be humble, and want to help others.
We are also going to start donating some of Molly Lou Gifts' profits to the Meals on Wheels of Anderson County. More details on that to come.
Have a great weekend!
PS-Mini #1 had a GREAT day at school yesterday and got some extra good notes written on his papers and in his folder. I'm sure it was due to all of the happy green face thoughts you sent...THNAKS!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Mama gets a PURPLE face!

Remember when I told you about Mini #1 and the unfortunate red face day from last week.

You know that worst face on the behavior chart in preschool, aka the horrible day filled with really bad behavior choices? Then, we entered preschool prison after discussing all of the RIGHT choices that should have been made and took a few of the Sams and some trains away. If you missed it, I talked about it here.

We recapped over the weekend and went over different scenarios and I tried to make it fun instead of constant nagging and I was also trying to embed the message of "YOU BETTER BEHAVE OR ELSE YOU WILL SEE MOMMY'S REALLY MEAN SIDE. JUST ASK SOME OF THOSE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS SHE USED TO TEACH. BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID." We even practiced turning on our ears to cure the whole non listening issues.

I was going into this week thinking that last Thursday was just a bad dream and my sweet, sweet boy was back and ready to wow the masses.

WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

I hate being wrong. While, we didn't get that horrid red face, we got a YELLOW face. This face was attached wtih a novella as to the reasons why.

I was mad and if I was to get a face for my behavior that day, I would have received a PURPLE face for being so darn mad and about to explode on the inside.

The main reason for the sad yellow face was "not listening. Playing and making noises during circle time after being asked not to."

I was mad, but more disappointed. Then, as I was about to explode on the inside while driving home, but trying to remain calm for the safety of my children, I was thinking about the behavior.

In their circle time, they talk about the letter of the week while still going over the sounds each letter makes. They sing the days of the week song, etc. Mini #1 is bored. He knows all of his letters and can tell you numerous words that start with each letter, he knows the days of the week, he can count, and can read.

You see, I clearly know how smart my child is, but I'm not trying to brag.

He gets bored when he is asked to sit there and be still while having to listen to things that he has known for a while.

Unfortunately, this is a life lesson that Mini #1 needs to go ahead and learn. He needs to know how to "play the game." For the rest of his life, he is going to have to sit in boring meetings, deal with annoying people, and unfortunately work with (and probably at some point work for) stupid people that he is smarter than. It may be boring, but he can sit in circle time for 10 minutes. No matter what school he goes to, he will be put in certain situations that he finds ridiculous and boring.

How do you teach a young child this life lesson?

Before I talked with Mini #1 after getting home, I also remembered something that the wise Jillian had commented on my post about Preschool Prison. She said "can you imagine if we all got judged on our behavior each day? Yikes!"

How right she is...we all have bad days and we all are entitled to them. I am certainly glad that I didn't have to show my mom the face I would have received for the internal rage I had and some of my other less than perfect actions or not so happy thoughts I have had.

Mini #1 and I chatted about the choices and "the facts of preschool life." He is such a dear, sweet, and amazing child. Quite the charmer too.

Fingers crossed that the BIG, BEAUTIFUL SPARKLY GREEN FACE is staring at me today and that GOOD choices were made.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Bargain Botox?

You all know that I am from the great state of South Carolina.

I love this state and am proud to call it home. However, sometimes we get some things backwards around here.

Case in point:
I was driving yesterday and saw a HUGE billboard that said "Botox $9" and then this lovely scantily clad model and under her it said "No appointments necessary. See what all the fuss is about."
Ok, there are many directions we could go with this one.

Here is where we should start-Botox for $9.

Now, I am all for a BARGAIN. I love to find a great bargain and get excited when I find an awesome one. The grocery store can be a great place to find a bargain between sales and coupons. TJ Maxx and Marshall's are great places to find bargains on name brand items.

One place that I do not feel that we should hunt for "bargain basement pricing" is Botox. Someone is going to inject toxins in to your body to adhere to your muscle nerve endings to stop those muscle contractions, therefore stopping wrinkles. Someone is INJECTING TOXINS IN YOUR BODY, but it will only cost you $9. Most restaurant meals cost more than $9, you can't get 4 gallons of gas for $9, but you can get a cosmetic surgery procedure to make sure your face doesn't move.

I thought that only doctors, nurses, or certified medical professionals were to administer Botox and I am pretty sure they make more than $9.
Next up, Botox availabe in the drive thru at McDonald's.
"Would you like to add a side of Botox injection to your $3.99 Extra Value meal?"
End Soapbox for the day.
Happy Wednesday.
Image via here.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The '10 Bucket List

"Find the joy in your life." ~Morgan Freeman's character in The Bucket List

I want to compose a Bucket List of all the things I want to do in my life before I die.

I could really make several bucket lists and divide them in to genres: travel, activities, hobbies, etc. I'm sure we all might have some similar ones and then branch off in areas that really interest us.

Ok, so we can all include the obvious on our bucket list: Great Wall of China, Seven Wonders of the World, Climb Mount Everest, star in our own season of The Real Housewives of... (and it will be far more fabulous and much less annoying than Orange Coutny), go skydiving, scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, write and publish a book on the NY Times Best Seller List, and obviously have all of the money required to do those things and the 7698 others.

I set some resolutions for myself this year, but aside from that, I have decided to do a yearly Bucket List. There are so many things that I want to do in my life and I need to get them all down on paper to make sure I can do them. This will make all of these things more doable and also helps me set the goals in to easier segments. I can also spread out these things and enjoy them more rather than trying to cram them in at the end. Some items will be big and some will be small. A lot of money is also an essential bit to many of the things that will be on my bucket list, so this is another plus to spreading out the joy and items on my list (again, do you suppose those minis really need to go to college or have diapers to wear?!?!?!)

Yesterday, on Good Will Grace, Whitney wrote about breaking her 2010 resolutions in to monthly goals and I thought this was a great day.

Ok, so 2010 will bring many changes, challenges, events, and memories. Here are a few of my 2010 Bucket List Items. I will add to them and let you know as I cross some off.

Here goes:

1-Take a long trip with Mr. Molly Lou. I love my children and I love my husband. We have taken such great family trips, but we need to get away together and RELAX! This needs to be more than a 24-48 hour getaway and should just be about us getting away to explore and have fun together.

2-Sew a memory quilt. I mentioned in my resolutions that I wanted to learn a new hobby. I own a sewing machine, but I am soooooooooooooooo not talented and have a mind boggling amount left to learn. I have made some curtains (I can sew in a straight line), but not much else. I want to make a memory quilt from some of my grandmother's clothing pieces.

3-Go on a girls weekend with some friends. The older I get, the more I realize the value in friendship and girl time is so important and certainly doesn't happen enough.

4-Run a 5K and perhaps a 10K. I know that some of you may totally laugh at this and this is just another morning stroll for you. You see, I HATE running and only feel it is necessary if I am being chased. I need to embrace this task called running and hopefully one day learn to enjoy it (gulp!). I want to run a race from start to finish, no walking by the end of the year.

5-Take a class. This can be any class, but I do enjoy learning. Perhaps I will take a sewing class and this will help me better achieve #2.

6-Start a regular and routine volunteer mission. I have always helped with church, worked once a year in a homeless shelter, donated money, food, and goods to organizations, but I have always wanted my children to grow up to be helpful, compassionate, and humble human beings. The best way to do this is to start early and have the role models of their parents. Find and start that routine volunteer project.

7-Read at least 15 books a year (and no, the 18577325 children's books don't count). This will be an ongoing BL item.

8-Go to the Oprah show. This is probably NEVER going to happen, especially since her show isn't going on until the end of time. This is probably an unattainable one, but one that might be fun to try. If Ellen can campaign and win, making it on the cover of O! Magazine, then it is worth a shot.

What's on your list this year?

Have a great day.

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Monday Stray

I tried to think of some great title for today.

One that would explain my completely random thoughts this morning. Misc. Monday was blah to me this morning and I tried to come up with something brilliant using the words random, haphazard, miscellaneous, arrangement, etc. and nothing.

So, let's stray from composed and well thought out posts and just get it all out.

1-This was the first weekend since September that we haven't had SOMETHING we had to do. Either out of town, visiting Mr. at his home away from home, birthdays, holiday things, weddings, showers for said wedding friends, church activities, etc. Seriously, I was looking back and it has been since Mini #2's birthday. The fall/holidays are so hectic that I was so looking forward to this weekend. There were a few small projects that I wanted to get done around the house, but otherwise last week I kept saying, "we'll do it this weekend." I am more tired today than normal. We worked and did so many random things.

2-Go now, hurry, quick, click your way, internet style run, whatever over to Good Will Grace. There is a brilliant post today that is something I sooooo needed to read. I am going to break my more detailed resolutin' that I did last week in to smaller, monthly goals. This will make it seem less overwhelming and more attainable when broken in a monthly list. Also, I HEART crossing things off of my to do list. Also, Good Will Grace is sure to be fab in 2010. Help get everyone on the bandwagon and make GWG part of your daily blog read.

3-Anyone watch Brothers & Sisters last night? I loved the last scene "He was bond girl in the closet." Hilarious. I have said it before, but I'll say it again, if you don't watch that show, you really should. It has a fantastic cast, brilliant writing, and WHO DOESN'T FIND ROB LOWE TO BE DREAMY??????

4-Brrrr...it is cold. It is supposed to warm up later in the week. Early this morning, Mini #1 wanted to go outside this morning. It was early and he was adament that he needed to get something out of his Jeep (Santa gave him a ride on Jeep. Thanks to Mom's elf help who got in line for it at 3:30 am on Black Friday in order to be able to afford it. You know Santa is in a recession too.) He got his coat, hat, and gloves on over his jammies and headed out. He was back in about 46 seconds later and said "What was I thinking? It is freezing out there."

4-I am only 10 posts and 10 followers away from the big 300. Crazy how that works and quite the coincidence. There will, of course, be a giveaway when we reach 300 posts, but it will be EXPLOSIVE if we can hit both 300s together.

Happy Monday. Have a great day.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Preschool Prison

So Mini #1 got in the car yesterday and says "You don't need to look in my folder today, Mom."

SIRENS are blaring and the sweat starts to bead on his brow.

There is was glaring at me...a big, fat RED FACE on the calendar sheet...that is pretty much like a manslaughter charge in the real world.

You see, in the preschool world, they get green, yellow, or GASP-red faces depending on their behavior. Clearly, we always get green faces, but yesterday was the end of innocence.

Oh no, then in the folder pocket is a novel size note with all of the reasons that brought on the horrid RED FACE. It's amazing how much that boy could do wrong in 4 hours.

This is the end of my sweet boy's innocence.

He is now in preschool prison without his favorite train set, set of construction vehicles that are clearly needed to do all of the work that goes on in that room, and his beloved 6 ft. stuffed alligator that is of course named Sam.

I am now exhausted and ready to turn him over to the preschool authorities as I am not sure that I can continue to raise this preschool felon and am scared to death of all of the other horrible things he could do wrong in his teenage years.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Ode To Fitty...

I'm sure you all are on the edge of your seats waiting for me to express in detail my undying love for Fitty Cent.

While I do just big puffy heart that rappin' Fitty, this is about another Fitty in my life. (You all never knew that I was gangsta' enough to have more than one Fitty in my life now did you?)

This Fitty in my life happens to be my little sister. Her name is Lindsey and while you might not see the immediate connection between the names, there is one. Mini #1 dubbed her Fitty when he was just a wee lad and for whatever reason, it has stuck. Now everyone refers to her as Fitty and sometimes we forget her actual name.

Why am I sending an ode out to my sweet Baby Linds? Well, she can be a tad difficult at times and what are the words that I am looking for??? Oh yes, slightly b$tchy.

Apparently I hurt her feelings way back in '09 when I got an award and was writing about things that made me happy. I guess I mentioned Mr. ML, the minis, and my momma in that list of happiness, but failed to mention that big ray of sunshine in my life, my baby sister.

I do really love my sister and she does bring much happiness to my life and leaving her off my list of happies was clearly a bold oversight on my part. My children adore her and it is so nice to see them interact and how my children can have so much fun with her. She is a great kindergarten teacher and will soon embark on getting her master's degree. She has always been a great friend and even if we are having our usual playful sister banter, I am thankful for her.

I could go on with all of the fabulous things about her, but I don't want to bore you or bring up your breakfast in an unpleasant way. I found an ode written by Gaurav Mittal and this just sums up EXACTLY what I would say about my sister (except for the whole finding me a wife bit).

Ode To My Sister

Dearest sweetest Sister,
Though these words of my
Shall surely fall shy
Of doing justice
To the love that I
Have for you,
But still,
I shall try.

Where should I start?
It’s a task but hard.
Begin, perhaps, I should
By saying that I could
Not possibly tell you
How beautiful you are
On the outside,
And on the inside
Till the greatest depths
Of fathomable existence.

I thank you for your kindness
For your care, and concern,
And those few brief moments
When you have been stern -
These precious commodities
For which I shall yearn
When I am not here,
Far away somewhere
Outside the field of
Your loving gaze
At a place
Where these ears
Shall not hear
Your comforting voice.

When I am in the dark -
As I often am -
With nothing in sight
I need you there
As my guiding light;
I need you there
To wipe the tears
From my face
And keep at bay
All my fears
With your grace.

I need you to
Find me a wife
Just like you
So that my life
May be like those few
Fortunate ones
That in bliss forever are.

In the end I just pray
That you always be there
For me
As you always have been.
EspeciallyAs I can't take care
Of me
By myself, on my own.
Without you
I shall feel alone
And empty.

Again, my dear sweet sister, I deeply apologize for my oversight. Please know that my life is so much happier because you are in it.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Pass the Amoxicillin, Please

The minis are on the homestretch of a 10 day round of antibiotic. Mini #2 had double ear infections and Mini #1 had a sinus infection.

My children LOVE Amoxicillin.

Almost 10 days later both kids still get giddy when they see the pink bottle come out and the syringe being picked up. Mini #2 cries when she is finished and tries to reach for it in the refrigerator. Mini #1 smiles and says "I sure do love my amoxicillin. Again, please."

So, here is my genius thought. Let us create an Amoxicillin that is like a seasoning on food.

Mini #1 eats nothing except butter pasta, waffles, grapes, fruit snacks, apples, crackers, chocolate, and a few other empty carbohydrates. I can sometimes bribe him for others or coax him, but I have to really have my "A game on" and it is getting exhausted.

Mini #2 on the other hand eats anything and everything she can get her hands on. If she sees it, she wants it. However, at her 15 month check up last week, she is in the bottom 20% for her weight and has to go back in 6 weeks to get it checked again. (She did learn to walk between her last check up and this one, so I'm sure that is the reason for the lack of weight gain.)

Let's back track to my BRILLIANT idea...Amoxicillin as a seasoning. I can just see how easy meal time will be now.

Me: "Tonight for dinner we are having chicken, brocolli, asparagus, and couscous."
Mini #1: "I don't like chicken, or brocolli, asparagus, or couscous. YUCK."
Me: "Sure you will. Just try them."
Mini #1: I would prefer to explode from eating 4576 crackers and drink my water. Could you add some juice to my drink?"
Me: "How about we drizzle Amoxicillin over your chicken, brocolli, asparagus, and couscous?"
Mini #1: YUM!! Can I have more please??? This is the best dinner ever, Mommy."

or how about

Mini #1: "Mommy, you are the best chef ever. I love this vegetable casserole and salmon you made me tonight. My pink medicine on top makes it all taste so yummy."

I know that some of you are thinking...there is already a higher level of rejection because antibiotics are over used. Antibiotics are in fact not seasoning and should not be used on a normal basis as one.

Ok, I get you, but let's say we could make the bubble gummy, hot pink goodness that is liquid Amoxicillin, but without the antibiotic...I am telling you GENIUS. This stuff would fly off the Publix shelves.

If it would work this well with food, just think of what I could get them to do if I bribed them with it.

"If you clean up all of your toys, Mommy will let you take a swig of the Amoxicillin."

Perhaps I have overdosed on antibiotic as clearly these are not normal thoughts from a normal person. I guess I never exactly proclaimed to be normal though.

I'm telling you though that if we all put our thinking caps on and brainstorm, this could be the next big thing.

Have a great day.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Resolutin' Like It's 1999, I mean 2010!

It is that time of year again. I am resolutin'

I know that I might be a tad late on doing this, but better late than never...

I am not a big fan of the word resolution, so you see how I tweaked it a bit and made it work. Let's call them 2o1o goals. I am also thinking of creating a 2010 Bucketlist of things that I want to accomplish. This year I have thought carefully and came up with a few that I need to do and now I have published this, I have all of you lovelies to hold me completely accountable.

Let's discuss your role in this. You are my friends and you are in charge of holding me accountable for this resolutin' that I am embarking on. Feel free to bring up in conversation, check up on my progress, b*tch at me if I have "fallen off the wagon" and cheer me on. Thanks in advance for your help.

Drumroll please...

1. I need to lose weight. Ideally, the Molly Lou's want to add to their broad (some think we are crazy, we feel that one more child will round out the chaos that is our life) and plan to get pregnant in the fall of 2010. I would like to lose weight and be healthy and in shape by that time. I am joining a gym tomorrow and need to EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE.

I am motivated and have some personal weight loss goals to get to. I have NEVER enjoyed exercising at.all. I mean, really despise it. I am not a fan of the whole sweating thing, so that might be a big reason why exercising and I aren't friends.

I can do this though.

2. I need to make and maintain scrapbooks, photo albums, and memory journals for my children. Poor Mini #2 still doesn't have one (yes, she is over a year old and yes, mini #1 had approximately 35 by this time in his life). I need to stay on top of this life archive for my children. I can use my new cricut to add the unique style and flair to their crazy pics.

3. Journal. I want to write a daily journal entry. There is so much that goes on in my life, these spontaneous heartwarming, funny, and memorable things that I need to document. Some days will be longer than others, but taking just a minute at the end of each day to journal can be therapeutic as well.

4. Spend more time enjoying and playing with my family. The laundry, dusting, cleaning, organizing, and computer can wait. My family is my center and I need to devote more time to Mr. and my children while pushing all of the other things and ideas that go swirling around my head out. (If you recall, I am extremely OCD and this is going to be very hard. I cannot leave chores, but am making a conscious effort to do this.)

5. Reconnect with friends and send more snail mail. I have said it a bazillion times that I heart snail mail and enjoy sending friends actual mail to let them know I am thinking about them or cheer them on in some life goal. I want to do this to more loved ones and more often. It was so sad to take down my Christmas cards and pictures and empty the holiday card basket...by sending more, friends and family can have the small excitement of Christmas cards all over again. (PS-if you too share this goal, I bet I know of a GREAT shop to visit for fantastic stationery. Hint, hint: 3 words rhyming with Dolly Moo Sifts.)

Ok, so that is enough for me to break at some point this year. Hope you all are doing great with your personal resolutin'.

Have a great day!!!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Already????

I just need to get my head screwed on right today.

I am in this funk now that the holidays are over and life is back to normal.

Our Christmas decorations seem like a distant blur, Mr. is back to work and we are at home (it feels like forever since I have had a week alone with the minis), and the excitement and awe that was the season has slipped through my fingers no matter how much I tried to hold on to it.

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. We hosted this year and truly loved spending time together. The minis enjoyed all that was offered. They are such amazing children.

We even finished off our holiday season with a trip to Atlanta on Saturday/Sunday taking the children to the Georgia Aquarium and "the big city."

I need to fix my attitude and get on with it. There is so much to do.

On another note, who loved Brothers & Sisters last night??? I always do and this one was just perfect. I could write a novel on my love for Rob Lowe too.

I digress. Below is the quote that I need to keep in my head while getting my head back to normal. Have a great day!

"What's important are all the days still to come..." ~Nora, Brothers & Sisters

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Fill-in the Blank Fun!!!

Happy New Year! Hope you're enjoying this first weekend in 2010.

I love fill-in the blank things. I am totally snagging this from The Cobia Family. She did this last week and I loved it. Thanks for sharing M.

I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is never ending.
I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I realize that I might just be a tad crazy when the road rage takes over my brain.
I’ve come to realize that I need. . .to lose weight.
I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . .my style
I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . things are unorganized.
I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I must have left my children somewhere.
I’ve come to realize that money… doesn't grow on trees, but I so wish it did
I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . won't change and I need to be ok with that
I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be OCD
I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . is really a grown up now and is a wonderful friend.
I’ve come to realize that my mom… was meant to be a grandmother.
I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . is the most useful invention
I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . this was still my life.
I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I tried to remember what it was like to just be me in the bed without a husband and two kids.
I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . I can't imagine my life any other way.
I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . really should have made different choices.
I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I really should get on facebook more. I am terrible at getting on.
I’ve come to realize that today. . . is a fresh start.
I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . will be spent in a hotel after a fun day touring Atlanta with the minis.
I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . will be busy and that the holiday season is officially over.
I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . take more time learning new things/hobbies.
I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . . one of the many friends I have made in Blogland
I’ve come to realize that life. . . is what I make of it.
I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . will be fun seeing friends and taking an adventure with the minis. .
I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . mean more to me than ever.
I’ve come to realize that this year. . . will be a year full of wonderful things.
I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is a wonderful father and still so funny.
I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . try new things.
I’ve come to realize that I love. . . this business that I have created and am more dedicated than ever to seeing it succeed.
I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . why everyone doesn't always give their best.
I’ve come to realize my past. . .is a distant blur.
I’ve come to realize that parties. . . now mean planning Mini birthday parties.
I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of losing my family.
I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is a gift and I am so thankful for it.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours a fabulous New Year full of love, happiness, and health.

Thanks to all of you for such wonderful friendships. I have learned so much from all of you and am so thankful to have you in my life.

Here's to 2010!!!
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