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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Professional video production
What was I thinking?
I don't know what happened, but I've gotten behind on my sleep and my to-do list. It always happens when I have a weekend planned where I know I won't get much work done - housework or work work.
Then, in all my mommy brilliance, I told the kids they could paint. On top of that I had to braid hair (like you saw in my Wordless Wednesday post) and they got to watch movies today so I could braid in peace. I had a couple of blogging assignments and one I still need to get to.
No, I didn't put paper down to paint, I didn't supervise and I put them in front of the office door so I could pay attention and work. It worked out pretty well except for the part where I had to clean up. (I also took it as an opportunity to clean the floor... well, partially because I only cleaned it really good in that one area.)
It didn't take too long. Amareah, the 4 year old, helped the most... BUT I'm not finished with braiding hair, I still haven't done the post, it's time to pick up the toddler from daycare and the painting supplies are still in the bathroom sink "soaking."
I'm not going to lose hope though... I'm sure that if I don't add anything else to my list for the rest of the week I can get everything done. Keeping my fingers crossed.
UPDATE: I didn't finish this post before I had to leave and get the toddler. The hair is mostly done - still some beads need to be added in the back.
Wordless Wednesday: Hair styling break
There's more Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom. Also check out my Wordless Wednesday post from last week. If you don't already you should join in the WW fun.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Dreaming of designer denim
Get ready... I'm about to talk about one of my "fantasies" again. Normally I tell you about the kind of house I would like or how I envision my dream house will be decorated, but today I am going to tell you what kind of designer, high quality denim I would get if I could splurge. You know, if money weren't an issue.
Armani Exchange, which is the youthful label created by Italian designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani, has "New Premium Denim starting at $98." You can shop by fit (skinny, boot or straight) or wash (dark, light or destruction). I tend to prefer dark wash straight jeans because I think they look a little classier and can be dressed up or down. Although I think they look pretty hot on me, I also know boot cut tend to look even better because of the width of my hips.
I put together a particularly cute outfit in the Armani Exchange virtual dressing room: A Moto Rhinestone Top in azul (that's on sale for $28) and a pair of A|X pocket boot cut jeans in indigo that are $125. By the way: The shirt also comes in white, but I like a little color in my outfits.
Scoring a pair of these jeans may not be just a dream after all. Armani Exchange is having a "Test AX contest" to win a pair of denim every day during this month (July). All you have to do is text A|X with the keyword "DENIM2" to ARMANI at 276264 to be entered to win.
And here's a great offer you can take advantage of right now: If you purchase a full priced pair of denim from Armani Exchange, either in a store or online, between July 7th and July 18th you will receive a $20 gift card off your next purchase of $100 or more. The gift card will be valid from July 30th to August 15th.
That is a great deal if you're able to splurge right now. I'll just fantasize about wearing my cute, designer outfit and maybe I'll win a pair of those jeans. Be sure to enter to win too.
Excessive weight loss
My health and weight loss journal
After more than eight years I've finally reached the weight - give or take a pound or two - that I was before I got married and had three more children. (My oldest daughter was about 10 when I got married.) I'm pretty pleased with my progress; starting out January 2008 at 199 pounds and now I'm at about 156ish. Around the weight I was when I met my soon-to-be ex.
Now this is the part that gets a little Off My Chest-ish:
I heard through the proverbial grapevine that someone said, "She's lost an excessive amount of weight." Are you kidding me?
I get back to a healthy weight for my height and I'm even criticized about that. Some people really need to mind their own business and get a life! They also - take note if you're reading this (you know who you are) - need to keep my name outta their mouth. I'm sure I can sue for defamation of character or something like that. Huff.
Okay, sorry, back to what I was saying...
So, I'm proud of myself (even though I wouldn't mind losing about five more pounds) and think I look much better than I did a year or so ago. I was looking at some pictures and I was a little chubby. This weight is healthier and I hope I can keep it off. Maintaining weight, I have discovered, is a lifestyle but - luckily - it's one I enjoy.
I'll have to track down the picture I saw to share with you at another time, my youngest child is screaming for my attention and I have to get everyone in the bed. To make up for my photo neglect, check out some of my older health and weight loss journals... there are a few that have pictures. :)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Weave it in
This post sponsored by PayPerPost
I think I've had every hairstyle imaginable: cornrows, ponytails, Geri curl, dreadlocks, crochet braids, microbraids and any other braid you can think of. I've worn a wig, sported a 'fro and a puff, but I've never had weave.
From what I've learned over the years some hair that's used for weave is better than others. One of the best is Remy all natural hair. It's 100 percent human hair and you can find it at Luxury Locs.
The site seems to be currently under construction, but so far there's a good introduction to giving some thought to trying Remy hair. I think getting weave - especially when it's human hair - is a great way to give you own hair a rest, try out a style or cut you're not sure you want to commit to and put a little diversity in look. Hair can be used to enhance your style so go ahead and get a little creative.
Monday's Muse: Knowledge
I'm a nerd and proud of it. It's a common phrase we use around here to describe our love of books, thirst for knowledge and (hopefully) intelligence. My teenager was telling me that there are a new breed of nerds nowadays - stylish, cool, popular and outgoing. Gone are the stereotypical pocket protectors, high waters and taped glasses.
As a matter of fact, I'm often surprised - and pleased - at the guys and gals she points out that have straight A's or that aced a test. It's good to know that it's cool to be smart.
Given my love of all things nerdy, my oldest daughter was storing up some facts to share with me that she learned in her psychology class. Remember: She's away at college. I went to pick her up this past weekend and she said, "Do you know what a hypnic jerk is?"
I leaned closer, eyebrows raised: "Hip. knee. jerk?"
"No, hypnic jerk. H-y-p-n-i-c," she spelled, "jerk."
To her my face held a pleasingly puzzled look.
"Can't say as I do," I told her.
She explained that a hypnic jerk is that jolt-like movement that one often has when they've just fallen asleep. "Really? ..."
"Yup."
"It has a name?"
"Yup."
"Interesting."
"Yup," she says quite pleased with herself. And, I must admit, I'm quite pleased with her as well.
She's not finished: "Do you know what a hippocampus is?"
Now, you can imagine here that I had the same response as before. Only this time I actually heard her correctly.
From what I can understand of this one, it's the area of the brain that controls long-term memory. When I was in college I really enjoyed psychology and I find that I still do.
Although it's quite nerdy of me when she asked me to quiz her on some terms in her textbook I got a little sidetracked by reading the chapter. Hey, I figure that there's always something one can learn, right? Never too old and all of that.
I told you that kind of long story because that's what's fueling my creativity this week: Knowledge. I'm even considering contacting someone at her college to see if I can get an honorary degree when she completes hers. I mean, the way this is going I'll have learned a little something too. I'll even take a test to prove it. (Yes, I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat.)
If you have something that's fueling your creativity this week then pop on over to Maternal Spark and participate in Monday's Muse. But, before you go, make sure you tell me what it is and what you think of mine. Thanks.:)
Dang nabit, dratted Internet
I sat down to my desk earlier to begin my daily work... updating, blogging, paid posts, email (sending, responding, checking), commenting, hopping, social networking. You know the routine. Contests and freebies. All the good stuff.
When I sign in my Internet connection is mysteriously lost. The router says I'm on. The modem says I'm on. My laptop says I'm on.
I call the cable/Internet company. They say I'm on. They're about to give instructions for changing the channel on the router (didn't even know that was possible) when I'm disconnected. SIGH. I refuse to call back, be put on hold and have to go through the same procedure with the next oh-so-nice, but not-helpful customer service worker.
I re-start. I'm restored.
Five minutes later... Mysteriously disconnected.
Well, drowsiness was overtaking me anyway so as I settle the two middle children in for a nap and take a little siesta myself. Now it's time to run out, get the toddler, do some errands and manage the nighttime chaos.
I feel a little rejuvenated (well, at least my eyes aren't drooping); although getting outta the bed was like pouring molasses. Hopefully, I'll be a little more productive this evening and the day won't be a total flop.
How was your Monday?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
It's in the stars
Earlier today I was talking to a friend about a conversation he had with a woman he knows. He said she was coming up with all kinds of excuses for not doing something he asked instead of just saying she didn't want to do it. Before we finished the conversation he said, "That's how Pisces are."
It's funny how we characterize people by their zodiac signs, but a lot of things that each of us does is consistent with our horoscopes. If you're interested in your horoscope Horoscopes.proastro.com has free daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes. You can also get your love astrology matches and celebrity astrology.
Looking at the Sky on Friday
It's been awhile since I've participated in this weekly meme that .... and I've been holding onto these shots to share. I have been trying for the longest time to get a shot of the moon and was finally able to nail one.
I think the key is taking it when it isn't too dark outside. Well, that's the key for me. :)
I love that second shot because it looks a little like mountains in the background, but it's actually clouds.
Get your demo rated
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Right now, Cool & Dre are in Los Angeles to work on some new projects with major labels and independent artists such as The Game. During the process they'll be looking for tracks that potentially could result in placement on the projects. To be considered you have to make your submission through RateYourDemo.com and if there's interest you will be contacted directly through your account on the site. It's a great chance for those who are serious about making music.
