Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Too Hot To Think

As a Texan living in Virginia I never thought I would say this, but it has been too hot to think! It's either that or the sweet award KP gave me, is making me realize I am quite boring! I promise to post my answers tomorrow, but for now here is what has been going on:

1. Trying to keep up with Baby C's formula needs...we are going to the doctor tomorrow because all this kid does is EAT. Mini K has named him chuggles...ecause he likes to snuggle and has chubby cheeks

2. I met DCGOP Girl and she is fabulous

3. I am still plotting a big surprise...no details

4. Organizing our pre-holiday trunk show and placing sample orders

5. Watching Mini K at her first week of tennis camp

6. On my second Shellac manicure and I am officially addicted

7. On week #2 of no soda and have given up white flour 5 days a week

8. Survived another one of Mini K's growth spurts, her pants did not unless she aspires to be a plumber, and have listed another round on ebay that you can see HERE

No need to comment as I realize this post is BORING

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

If You Can't Make The Show, Buy The T-Shirt


I cannot remember where I first it, but I am sure we all have heard it by now...Margaritaville...it's a lifestyle. I had every intention of a fun post that you would catch you up on our holiday, yes holiday, because despite the 2 kids, business and hot weather, I know the heat will be gone and I will be longing it for it to return sooner rather than later, but when I logged online all I could read were updates on the Gulf Coast. You turn on the tv and there are the empty, BEAUTIFUL beaches, the faces of restaurant owners who always have patience for the children that empty their salt shakers, the self-overserved college students and the occaisional meltdown from visitors of all ages, the empty charter fishing boats at the dock rather than in deep water and I had to change my post plans.

It is no secret by now that Jimmy Buffet will be performing a FREE concert on July 1st. While the Gulf Coast would certainly welcome everyone to attend, tickets are limited...but.....you can buy the t-shirt! So keep checking the website and when they are up buy one. For those of you that say I already have enough t-shirts, think of how many people might stop you at the gym or when you are out for a walk to ask where they can buy one...it is a little gesture that hopefully will help.

I saw the following letter posted on Mrs. MMM's blog and I had to share it and hope you will put it on your blog, email it to your friends. There is a statement at the end of the letter that we all should remember...it comes from a child and these days I have to say that Mini K has said the same thing: there is ONE ocean, they all touch so that makes ONE. so this spill might not be on your coast, but it is still YOUR OCEAN!





The following is sent from Lucy Buffet (Jimmy's sister and owner of LuLu's in Gulf Shores) She grew up on Mobile Bay and along our Gulf Coast.


Dear coastal inhabitants everywhere and all who know the joy of putting their toes in the ocean:

I can’t remember when we have had a lovelier spring along the Gulf Coast . In recent years, we have gone from crisp, clear mornings in February to tropical 90s temps by mid-March. But this year, it finally seemed that we were getting back to normal — back to the easy, Southern rhythms of my childhood, with the winter season moving gently into a luscious spring. Spring was taking its own sweet time unfolding before diving head-on into the desperate heat of summer.

Everyone could feel it. You couldn’t help but notice the majesty and color of the coastal foliage bursting with brilliant pinks and purples, sounding the calls that we wait for all year long: "Let’s go to the beach!" "The fish are biting at the Big Mouth!" "Let’s take a boat ride!" "Tadpoles are out in the creek.

That is how we live here on the Gulf Coast . Our love of the water — the Gulf, the bays, the rivers, the estuaries — and the way we enjoy it is absolutely holistic.

It transcends race, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender and political affiliation.

The Gulf Coast is where the everyday person can play. We love where we live and are proud of it.
We get amused sharing it and seeing the surprise on folks’ faces when they realize that a little piece of unlikely paradise exists smack at the bottom of this magnificent country of ours.

So imagine our dismay, anger, grief and absolute heartbreak over the ongoing catastrophe of crude oil continuously and arrogantly flowing into our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This is indeed a major challenge for us physically, emotionally, environmentally and economically. Personally, I prefer to remain positive about the oil spill’s impact, because I know mountains can be moved with a positive attitude. Why wouldn’t that work with a runaway well?
I do, however, live in a very real world, and I know that our corner of this world stands to be affected by the oil spill.

As we are called to action, we will respond with the dauntless spirit of coastal people, especially those born in the hurricane corridor. We will weather this storm as we have weathered the other monsters that have roared upon our shores in the past: by working hard, side by side, with dedication, compassion and a sense of community, and earning some fun in the process.

I am hoping that there will be little damage or interruption of beach recreation. Perhaps the oil spill will be just an inconvenience, much like too many jellyfish in the water or the occasional riptides.
If not, we are going to need everyone’s love, support and help. So I have a very special invitation for people to join us here in Gulf Shores - Orange Beach - Perdido Key and Pensacola .
Don’t cancel your plans or reservations. This could be one of the most memorable vacations you will ever have.

Most of you travel with children. What a great opportunity to teach our kids so many valuable life lessons — from the beauty of volunteering to the importance of helping your neighbor during a crisis, learning about the fragile ecosystem that created the remarkable Gulf of Mexico, and meeting new friends from all over the country with the same purpose of keeping our beautiful shores safe for our children and wildlife.

Recently, I asked a friend of mine’s 6-year-old if she knew how many oceans there were. "One, Miss Lucy," she promptly responded. Then with a little hesitation, she added, "Don’t they all touch?"
Out of the mouths of babes.

What is happening in our back yard could just as easily be happening in yours. But does it matter? We are all one. We all touch.

Am I outraged? Damn right! Is there a need for accountability? Damn right! But that is not my job. There are others who are trained and better equipped to master that task.
I’m a fry cook. I’m open for business. And so is the Gulf Coast .
We will take each day as it comes and make the best of it.
I am asking all of you who love this area as much as I do and love your own coastal areas to please not abandon us.

I promise you we will welcome you with open arms, some ice-cold sweet tea, an ocean of belly laughs, a plate full of scrumptious food and a humble, grateful heart.

Lucy

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Orange Gun....


It will forever be known in Grove Land as the Orange Gun. Yes, I kept my promise to Mini K and she is now the proud "owner" of earrings...that are actually in her ears.

Thursday was the big day and she marched into the jewelry store and promptly picked out some earrings....4.5 carat flawless yellow diamonds set in 18k yellow gold to be exact. They were only $98,000 and Mini K's response was 9 is less than 10 and I said she could get her ears pierced. Obviously I will make sure she goes Christmas shopping with Mr. G this year!

We settled on some pearl earrings, just like Ariel the mermaid, because after all she was going to get in the pool this summer. Then the orange gun came out. She sat so still and then earring number 1 was in...and scream number 1 came out. Needless to say it took some calming down (20 minutes), a large handful of M & M's and my covering her eyes to get hole number 2. She wanted to leave with just one, but I confess to embracing my mother's voice and saying "we didn't come here to get just one done and you said this is what you wanted, so sit still and be a big girl." I have officially become my mother.
She has spent the last 2 days showing everyone and I mean EVERYONE her new earrings.

So that is our big news...oh yes and Baby C slept through the entire thing. We might need to rename him the Mellow Mushroom!

And KP has tagged me, and is actually making me think so I will do that post tomorrow...PROMISE!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Paperwork and Prep

We survived the four costume change ballet recital, and Mini K seemed to think 4 hours of practice and a 4 hours recital in a 48 hour period were fabulous.....


I am working on a few secret projects, that I promise to post about once they are over but until then candy, paper and products are keeping me hopping in a pink and green way!


I am also buried in Ballet and Tennis Camp forms...seriously I never knew a grand total of 3 hours in the morning demanded so much paperwork, but I will confess I waited until the last minute to fill them out. Yes my 30% off Boden order came first, then some last minute, I mean well planned out Father's Day shopping, not to mention scheduling Baby C's first photo shoot and just enjoying that Miss J is with us for the ENTIRE summer and after school next year. One word: HEAVEN

Spoiler alert for those of you that have seen SITC2, the scene where Charlotte says she would miss the nanny. I can RELATE.

Grove Gal E and I have decided to do a giveaway when we reach 200 followers...think what else but Lilly!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Lilly Sale Recap


First, thank you all so much for your comments on my Gulf Coast post. I promise to let you know where we decide to go...we are leaning towards Florida or Alabama coast....haven't quite figured out how to tell Mini K that she cannot blame the oil spill on why she will not find any snow to ski on in July/August.

Speaking of Mini K....she has survived her first Lilly Warehouse Sale and LOVED it. I wish I had a photo of her with the giant pink bag that was 3 times the size of her. She had all of her things packed in her backpack, her pillowpet (pink of course) and a huge smile as we checked into the hotel.

Then it was off to shop, shop and shop some more. Clearly we found a few things!
She couldn't wait to wear a new dress and sported this one on her last day of nursery school. I cannot believe Mini K will be in pre-K come fall. She spent the drive up and back "reading," signing her name and telling me about all of the adventures she wanted to do this summer. Miss J our AMAZING nanny started with us full time today and Mini K literally fell asleep as soon as she finished her dinner. Let the summer fun begin!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Gulf Coast: New Territory

DISCLAIMER: I do not consider myself a fan of BP, I don't own BP stock, but I am a parent and feel that there are some things a 4 1/2 year old should not have to see.


I have never done a post like this, but just feel like I cannot remain silent on this issue. For those of you that follow me on facebook you know I took Mini K to her first Lilly P. Warehouse Sale this week. I will do a separate post on it, because I want it to reflect how much fun we had at the sale.

What I and more importantly Mini K saw at the BP gas station on our way home was anything but fun. I understand that people are upset that an entire way of life not to mention part of our country might never be the same after this disaster, but i also understand that NO company would wish this type of disaster on themselves. I also know that the BP gas stations are franchises...and the profit margin on a gas station is SMALL. In other words the people who own one gas station are not worth millions...if they own 50-100 stations maybe.

We stopped to get gas, and yes we stopped at a BP station to find an angry mob, that felt compelled to scream hateful things at the poor employee behind the counter that rings up your tank of gas and diet coke (or at least that is what he did for me!) This man did not make an oil rig explode, he didn't destroy a coastline he is just trying to provide for his family.

The great thing about this country is that we have the freedom to choose...if you want to end our need for oil and make a statement about the oil spill you could buy a hybrid, boycott BP or a multitude of other things, but screaming at people 10+ states away from the Gulf Coast who make $10 an hour is not going to help ANYONE. I just want everyone to think about one thing: If BP goes out of business who will pay to clean up the Gulf Coast? My guess is you and I, and our children.

It was after this scene, on the drive back, that Mini K asked what is the Gulf Coast. It made me realize that she might never see the Seaside or Point Clear I saw as a child, but she will see how amazing the people on the Gulf Coast are yesterday, today and always. The Grove house is making a statement of support, and this summer we are going to take Mini K and Baby C to the Gulf Coast. Marie sent me a great email today and I am going to book a place tomorrow.

So this is what I want to know from my Gulf Coast (Alabama Florida readers) where should we go and what should we do...send me all of your suggestions for restaurants, children's clothing stores, any other can't miss stores, museums, etc. I am also researching where we can volunteer for a day with Mini K.

I know this post is out of the norm for me, but I think we can show the next generation better behavior than screaming at people who had nothing to do with a problem. The President has (FINALLY!) asked for a meeting with the CEO of BP and I hope that the CEO stands behind the sign that is posted at the gas stations, and I have posted below.

The Gulf Coast and its residents need our help now...so buy some shrimp at your grocery store(thankfully there is still a supply due to cold storage), order something online from a business located on the Gulf Coast or board a plane like we are this summer and just GO!


Sunday, June 6, 2010

Have Your Nails Met Shellac?

There has been much tweeting about the new gel manicures. D.C might be the home of Deep Throat, CIA leaks and other big mouths, but finding a gel manicure in this town proved to be the best kept secret.

After a 6 week hunt, I finally found one! Miss B had told me I must try the Shellac manicure and Hopsy swore by the Axxiom manicure. Well, I found Patsy's Nail Bar and guess what...you can make your pick because they have BOTH. I should also say that Patsy's is SUPER CLEAN and they have a second floor that you can rent out for showers or parties...or in D.C. I should also add political fundraisers.

My Shellac manicure was Friday and I was hooked when I left the salon, but a birthday party, handwashing of clothes, gardening and putting together a baby swing later my manicure is chip free and perfect and Patsy's says it will stay that way for 2 weeks.

I promised my D.C. bloggers and tweeters I would share if I found one of these talked about manicures so here is my review:

Patsy's has been opened for a little over 4 months and is located at 19th and "Eye" Streets. It is clean, the staff is friendly and I was greeted by a cold glass of water (on a 90+ degree day!) and a manicurist with all of the answers.

I ended up choosing the Creative Shellac 2 Week No-Chip Gel Manicure over the OPI Axxiom manicure. Both seemed great, but the Shellac is supposedly less harsh on your nails...I will confirm or deny this in a week and half..PROMISE. Now there is one thing the Axxiom has on the Shellac, in my opinion, better colors. I chose the pal pink color and I LOVE IT, but a lot of the colors are shimmery and shimmery and my fingers are not friends.

Here are my nails right after my manicure (please excuse the fac tthat they are swollen..seriously I had this baby 6 weeks ago and my fingers are STILL swollen!) and I will post a photo the day before my next appointment, and yes I am so hooked I have already made one! I will say the Shellac is more expensive than a basic manicure, but 2 weeks of nails I can flaunt instead of hide is worth it.

I see a long and chip-free relationship with Paty's Nail Bar!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

What To Give: Personalized Lunchboxes



I realize I probably should have done this post at the start of the school year, but let's just pretend I am ahead of schedule for next year.

For the record, when it comes to children's gifts I refuse to give a toy as a gift, because well...anyone with kids knows the last thing you want in your house is another toy!

I confess to "borrowing" this idea from a PGG client and I think she is on to something. At the start of each year she decides what will be her birthday gift for her children's classmates and her young neices and nephews (under the age of 10). This way she doesn't feel like one child gets a better gift than the other and she can order everything at once and save on shipping costs.

This year she chose our metal personalized lunchboxes. They are perfect for, well lunch, trinkets, or Mini K's item of the moment, more Silly Bandz than I can count. She chose 2 girl designs and 2 boy designs ...one for the classmates and one for family. The lunchboxes run $40 each.

My favorite design is the mermaid...what's yours? I promise to post my favorite go to hostess gifts tomorrow.

You can pick yourself up off the floor now...I actually posted 2 days in a row!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Sometimes You Are The Windshield.......

And sometimes you are the bug! I never tire of the quote as it is so true. This week I have been the bug, but next week my goal is to be the windshield!

As many of you know I have a full time job, PGG and now the 2 mini's..not to mention husband who travels a lot for work. I thought we were organized...and then Baby C arrived. So tonight Plan B launched. We had a desk, cubbie hutch type thing made for our kitchen while I was pregnant. I had thought it would help us keep everything in one place, but I still felt like we had things everywhere so I paid a visit to one of my favorite sites: Pulp Products. After a couple of weeks and few nails we now have 2 bulletin boards, in a shade of Lilly green of course, to track our schedule. The bottom one if for Mini K to post her last accomplishment or creation and the top one is so we can stay organized and keep in touch with our real boss, Miss J, our SUPER nanny.



A complete sidebar, but for those of you that have seen SITC 2 you will know what I am talking about, I cannot imagine life without Miss J, and for those you SAHM's that read my blog...do you ever sleep?

I am by no means an expert, but here are a few things I do to stay on track:

1. I always have a small notebook with me...I keep my to do list in it (I love the feeling of crossing things off..just not the same on the iphone!), thank you's I need to write, gifts I need to send, etc

2. I pick a gift each season that is my go to for hostess gifts, thank you gifts, etc. My current favorite are Cupcakes In A Jar by Yummy Cupcakes. A shippable cupcake that is oh so yummy.
Image from www.yummycupcakes.com

3. At the start of each year I decide what gift we will give to each age group, etc. I know this sounds boring, but how many times have you stopped and thought, have I already given person xx, this gift? This way I am not giving the same people the same thing over and over. (I will post again tomorrow on this same topic..after you have picked yourself off the floor in shock from 2 posts in 2 days)

4. Always keep a list of the people you exchange gifts with at Christmas with you...it can save you time and the dreaded last minute December shopping

5. Schedule your workouts like you schedule a meeting

And finally, the advice that only my mother could give...if God meant for you to finish your to-do list in one day, he wouldn't have invented the notepad...as you would only need one sheet.

Speaking of my mom, I want to say thank you to all of you who continue to email/text and ask how she is doing. Her right leg has returned to almost normal and for the first time since she came with West Nile Virus she was able to move her left leg on her own this week. Her MRI"s have shown there is no permanent damage, so it is only a matter of time until her nerve and uscle function return. Thank you for all of the prayers and keep them coming