Magic Potions

My kiddo loves experiments, especially concocting magic potions. I found this in my refrigerator tonight.

This particular potion includes leaves, carrots, and dry spaghetti noodles. Interesting.

Embrace The Camera

I am so thankful for my sweet family...just me and my girl. She's the cheese to my macaroni.

Merry "Digital" Christmas

I love me some Jesus. So when I saw this, I thought it was a scream. Super cute.

Still Here

I've been in a huge funk lately. I'm sorting out some feelings and learning more about being a grown-up. I'm also stressing a little about the holidays. I have so much to do. Anyway, I'm still here...but mostly enjoying reading blogs rather than writing right now. I'm totally okay with that.

In the Christmas spirit, here are some fun photos from my company's Christmas party last weekend. (We reeealllly missed you, Julia!)



Me & Stace...love her.

 My BFF, KJ.

Three Crazy Kids

Ghetto Santa

Yep. My friends and I sat on Ghetto-Fabulous Santa's lap at the Gheto-Fabulous mall near our work. I love Christmas....and fun lunch breaks.

"Making Every Dream Come True"

My 10-year old daughter's Facebook status...

"Making every dream come true"

As her parent, you can probably imagine how happy I am to hear that she is making her every dream come true at such a young age. ;)  Love her.

All I Want For Christmas

Some of my blogger friends made "Dear Santa" lists, which clearly means I need to follow suit. All I really want this year is health and happiness for my loved ones...and for my little miss to be excited. That's it, really...I would be happy with nothing else.

However, if I had to choose something, I wouldn't complain about the number below. I've been searching high and low for a watch with all the options I desire. It's really time for a new watch...total pun intended. This is the one...I love it. It's totally animal friendly....and that's my kind of watch! Santa could purchase it here...I mean, if he wanted to.

Sweet Christmas Cards

I know, I know…I’ve been a little lazy with my blogging lately. I have had a million things going on and haven’t had anything extremely inspiring to share…until today that is.

My fun friend, Stacie over at The Tales From The Fairy Dust shared an exciting blog post explaining how to receive a fantastic deal on Christmas cards. I love to send out sweet cards reminding friends/family that they are being thought of. And of course, I get super excited when opening my mailbox throughout December. I just love to find holiday treasures waiting for me. The Christmas tree/decorations are up, so it’s about time to get busy with my cards. (Excited girl over here!)

Shutterfly features a ton of really great holiday card options. They have designs for every occasion…from cute to classy…and they are very easy to create. I am way excited to snag my up. They just so happen to be offering an amazing deal right now. Bloggers get 50 free cards from Shutterfly…apply here: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

They also offer a plethora of fab gift options….

You can purchase photo calendars here…
http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

Or fun New Year’s cards here...
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards

And even send a word-to-your-mother on Mama’s Day…
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/mothers-day-cards-stationery


It’s a dang-good deal, peeps…get busy on your cards. Mad props to Shutterfly on this one!

(Love this card!)

Halloween Fun

Halloween this year was a total blast. I dressed as a Greek Goddess and Hayley was Johnny Depp's version of The Mad Hatter. Here are some photos of the fun.

1st and 2nd place winners of the fun-tastic Aqua Blue costume contest. 

 The Mad Hatter

She really racked up.

Love

It's 12:42am and I'm catching up on my favorite blogs. I turn around and this is what I see. Can life really be any better? Please note my baby-dog resting with my baby-girl, a teddy bear, and two dolls hanging on the couch. Sweet.

Fall Treat Fail

In honor of the delicious fall treats circling blogland...like here, here, and here, I thought I would share my recent attempt at an edible fall creation...fail. This post is proof that I can't cook....no matter how easy the recipe. It's just not in the cards for me.

This recipe couldn't have been any easier. You mix a spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin together and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. When cooled, ice the cake and sprinkle with cinnamon. Simple huh? Well it wasn't for me. The dang cake wouldn't cook. I ended up cooking it for 20 minutes and it was still falling apart. I'm pretty much blaming it on the oven...that's got to be it, right?

I realize it looks okay at this point, but the center is mush. Just a mess of pumpkin mush.

I'm not going to lie to you. We ate it anyway....and it wasn't half bad. :)

Looks like I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon.

Here Lately...

Here lately...

I am uninspired and unmotivated, but not unhappy.
I am staying away from television and reading a lot.
I am enjoying colorful leaves and excited for cool weather.
I am on a diet and craving pumpkin goodies. This is not a great combination.
I am in need of some serious alone time, but don't see it happening any time soon.
I am confused about the hearts of some people, but thankful for others who stand for something.

I am loving the Julie Doiron station on Pandora. It's fantastic.

I am anticipating change. I don't know what it will be, but I'm looking forward to it.

I am growing my hair out and it's driving me nuts.

I am bored, but it's better than overwhelmed.
I am missing friends who are far away, but know they are well. This makes me happy.
I am noticing my daughter growing up right before my eyes. I sure love her.
I am tired of bills, but grateful for an income to pay them.
I am feeling a bit stagnant, but that's okay for now.

I am sleepy a lot. I think my body is entering hibernation mode.

I am feeling close to My God.
I am embracing my views/opinions/qualities, even when others disagree with them.
I am loving myself when others make me feel that maybe I shouldn't.

I am working on patience and understanding.

Crazy. Awesome.

Do you remember my post a few days ago about my girl's birthday bike being stolen? Guess what? We found it!

Last Thursday, I walked over to the recreation center behind my apartment to attend my weekly yoga class. As I walked up, there sat the bike. After a phone call to the police station and speaking with the kids who claim they found it, we got the bike back. We are both sooooo happy. Crazy. Awesome.

L5P Halloween Parade

I love everything about fall...especially Halloween. Hayley, my sis, and I headed down to the L5P parade this weekend to celebrate the festivities. Little Five Points is a funky, eclectic area where you can find an interesting mix of people. It is one of my favorite areas in Atlanta to shop for vintage clothing, check out crazy novelty shops, or grab a drink and people-watch. Plus, they really know how to do Halloween...that is a plus in my book.

Hot-Tub-Time-Machine girls dancing on a U-Haul...

Cute Mummies ...

A little bit retro...

 Zombie Car...

 Super scary dude...

Man dressed as a woman...

Acrobats...

BeetleJuice...

Me & Hayley having fun...

Rah! Rah! Sis-Boom-Bah!

I have been quite busy lately with Hayley's new found sport. I never would have thought she would be interested in cheerleading, but she loves it.

I was a cheerleader for years. Looking back, I don't know why. I hated cheering outside in 100 degree weather. I wasn't a fan of all the girl/parent drama. And I don't know the first thing about football. I guess I did it because my friends and siblings were involved...and that's just what we did.

I sort of hoped to detour Hayley from participating in this sport since I have witnessed a lot of the nonsense it tends to invoke. I can't seem to sway her, so I will support her love for cheerleading. I will remain calm when I hear 5-6-7-8 or "Mom, watch this cheer" twenty times in a row. I will smile and say, "Go Hayley!"

So, we've been doing a lot of this....

She sure is a cute, little cheerleader, anyway. Go Hornets!

PAR-TAY!

We celebrated Hayley's birthday a couple of weeks ago....it was super cute. She chose to have dessert here. Then we moved the after-party to our place for a sleepover.

Hayley and her cute friends posing for some fabulous photos....because they are soooo fabulous.

Getting ready to open some fun presents.

The birthday girl with the coolest mom and coolest aunt ever.

We got a little too excited about dessert and sort of forgot the candles/singing ...I know, I know. But we made up for it before eating a late-night snack. See....

My crazy girl about to eat chocolate cake from Aqua Blue on her birthday.

Hayley and some of her gifts from me...at least she got to enjoy her new bike for a couple of weeks before some jerk stole it. Now I get to buy another one....awesome.

Fun times! (Well, except for the bike incident...jerk.)

Sweet Family Photos

My awesome friend, Julia took a photo shoot of my little family yesterday. Here is a sneak peek...

I think they are great and I can't wait to see the rest...so exciting. Julia is super talented...you can check her out here. Thank you, Julia!

Happy Birthday Hayley!

Today is my girl's birthday...10-years old. I can't believe she has hit the double-digits! This day is a little bittersweet, as I am so excited to see my precious daughter growing in to an awesome person...it's just happening really fast. Just as every parent says...it seems like yesterday when I met my sweet, tiny baby.

As she grows, she continues to bring magic and happiness in to my life. I thank God every day for giving me the perfect person to love.

Happy Birthday Hayley!

"I said you are the reason for everything that I do. I'd be lost, so lost without you." - James Morrison

New Ink

My yoga teacher inspired me the other day. She said, "Have a free spirit and be grounded." I think it is a divine concept...a principle I fully believe in and embrace in my life. I hope to always wander and discover, but I am so thankful for the wisdom and eagerness to stay grounded in my faith, my morals, and my heart.

In celebration of free spirits and grounded principles, one of my favorite people and I received some new ink this weekend. The birds flying outward represent going out into the world to explore and experience. The bird flying inward is a reminder to always return to my own heart....that is where my belief, my hope, and my love are.

Me and my sister...one of the greatest loves of my life...with our new ink.

I just love it.

Inspiration is the greatest. Namaste.

Is This Kid For Real?

I think it is incredibly interesting to learn the opinions, observations, and overall impressions of children in regard to adults. The notions are often comical, sometimes alarming, hopefully comforting, and generally surprising.

My almost 10-year old daughter is somewhat infamous for prompting entertaining conversations. I experienced one of her amusing exchanges last night.

Picture this: We were driving down the road and passed a Goodwill store. The conversation goes a little something like this...

Hayley: Mom, what is a Goodwill store?

Me: It's a place where people can donate clothing, books, etc. Other people can shop there...the items don't cost very much...like if someone doesn't have much money, they can get things they need there and it is cheaper than most other stores.

Hayley: (Insert stern face/bold tone here)...You mean poor people? Like us?

Me: Gasp. Hayley, we are not poor.

Hayley: (Insert sarcastic tone here)...Well, what are we?

Me? We are average. Not rich. Not poor. But, we have enough money for all the things we need.

Hayley: Oh.

As I was getting in to bed last night, I thought about our discussion...and even grew a bit concerned. Then I had a realization...maybe even solving the mystery why my kid thinks that we're poor. I find myself repeating something that was sometimes said to me as a child. When I would ask my mom for toys, candy, etc., she would occasionally say, "No, not today...I don't have any money." Oftentimes I say this to Hayley...when I am not willing to buy her the item she is requesting. And while I don't literally mean that I have zero dollars in my bank account, that is what she understands.

Lesson learned last night.... I must use my words more wisely in hopes that my child will no longer think we are poor.

Is this kid for real?

Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes

I've decided to call off the "Boyfriend Search." I canceled my Match.com subscription, as I have experienced a complete shift in attitude - Single Is Good...at least for now. I love coming and going whenever I want. I love my money. I love spending time with whomever I want. I love the fact that I can stay out until 4am or get into bed at 8pm on Saturday night - and not feel guilty about it. I love not answering to anyone.

I have also had some strange encounters with "married people" lately. To be completely honest, these episodes have freaked me out...bad. Oddly, I've had several individuals approach me with stories of their unhappy situations in the past few weeks. I've heard from a man who feels stagnant and stuck...so much so that he is planning a vacation while his wife is working out of town...she doesn't even know. I've talked to a woman who does not want more children...her spouse does. I've spoken with a friend who is planning to jet once he finishes with law school. Yep...all of that scares the crap out of me.

With a few exceptions, most married people I know confuse me and/or make me sad for them. I am not naive to the fact that every relationship will experience it's trials and hardships, but it sometimes seems like too much. In no way do I mean to dis the married folk. I have much respect for those who do it happily. Right now, I'm just not ready or willing to try.

I think the marriage thing is so incredibly hard. I mean, if you don't find just the right person for you...like down to the last detail, you're potentially screwed. Sure, some people can make it work. Some are even willing to settle and just deal. Not me...not for a second...I simply can't do it. My position comes partly from the fact that I was married once. Being married made me want to be single in every aspect of the word. I'm sure my outlook will change if I meet "the one." For now though, I'm good. I may go on dates, but that is all it will be - a date. I am going to spend my time doing things I love...and soaking up my single-hood.

Match.com Sexies

I feel a bit guilty about this post, so any comments stating what a nice person I am would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to issue a disclaimer stating that my intentions are not meant to to degrade any of the people highlighted today. It's just that I've concluded it best to share my laughter with my fellow bloggers. Since these poor fruitcakes will never know anyway, here goes. Goodness Gracious Alive! I literally laughed out loud when I came across these profiles.

Let's start with this guy. His profile headline is..."Looking For It All!" He has a Yorkie and Cosby sweater...I think he already has it all. 

Next, we have this guy. Profile Headline: "Country Boy Looking For Country Girl." Clearly.

Lastly, and can I get a drum roll, please? Dude's user name is "Sexymexy."  Yes, you heard me right. Who wouldn't want a piece of that, really?

 That's it for today. Please try to contain your jealousy. Sure, this is what I'm dealing with...I guess I'm just a lucky girl.