Just For You, Goldies...Golden Tote Review September 2015

It's my second month trying out Golden Tote and it it has been interesting.  Upon opening the box and checking out my six items, I decided that it was a bust.  However, after a couple of days, I kept thinking back to the Presentation Perfect Skirt and decided to style the items and see how things went.  Surprise....I have decided to keep the TOTE!

Golden Tote (GT) is personal shopping service that  gives you the choice of a small ($49), large($149)  or surprise tote ($99) based on your personal preferences.   They introduce a new selection on the first Monday of every month and you need to hustle to hit it at exactly posting time if you want the best selection.  

In the small tote, you pick an item from their offerings and they surprise you with one for a total of 2 items for $49.  The large tote is similar except you pick two, they pick 3-4 and it is $149.  With the surprise, they pick everything for you.  No matter what though,  you are ending up at about  $25 a piece - that's a bargain.  The one catch - it's all or nothing with GT.  You can't pick and choose items to keep - you either keep everything or nothing.  There is a silver lining however: a very active FB trading page where you are pretty much guaranteed sales of items you don't wish to keep.  Also, with each tote, you literally receive a cute totebag to keep if you decide it's a keeper.

Shipping with GT is a practice in patience - about ten days. However, I like to think positively and it just provides time to build the excitement and anticipation :)

 So...here we go.  Up first, my favorite of the six and one of my chosen items: the Presentation Perfect Skirt. I love the pattern and the fact that it is pencil style and knee length.  I paired with a black shirt very similar to the Golden Tote preview on Tumblr, some kitten heels and Voila,  I love it.

Next, the Lime & Chili Denim Tunic Dress, a surprise item. This one is a little bit bland for me (and a bit big), however it will work nicely for work.  It is SOO soft and it pairs well with the Potters Pot Pant with Zippers -another surprise item.

Here I styled the Potters Pot Pant with Zippers with the Naked Zebra Button-down Tank with Shoulder Detail.   These pants are perfect for dressing conservatively for work or a bit edgier for a night on the town.  They fit me so well AND they are super comfortable.



And, my second chosen item: the Embroidered Autumn Tunic Dress.  I love this, but it is too big.  I will be posting for a trade on the Golden Tote Trading Facebook Page. As GT only allows "all or nothing" on the Totes, the trading page is essential for items that may not work.  It is also a great way to check out Golden Tote.

Finally, here is the one item that will be up for sale on Facebook: the Potters Pot Long Vest. Although this is flattering and will work with many ensembles, I have too many similar things in my closet.  

Well, Goldies, that's it for September.   Oh, except for the cute bag in which all of these goodies arrived.  This one is going to my tween - she loves it!


If you would like to try Golden Tote, I would love it if you used my referral link.  I will get $10 for anyone that tries out the service and that will help me fund my clothing addiction.

Until next time...xoxo

Just For You, Goldies...Golden Tote Review August 2015

Well, as I was navigating around the world of subscription clothing services, I discovered one that promised to be fabulous.  Golden Tote (GT) is personal shopping service that  gives you the choice of a small ($49), large($149)  or surprise tote ($99) based on your personal preferences.   They introduce a new selection on the first Monday of every month and you need to hustle to hit it at exactly posting time if you want the best selection.  

In the small tote, you pick an item from their offerings and they surprise you with one for a total of 2 items for $49.  The large tote is similar except you pick two, they pick 3-4 and it is $149.  With the surprise, they pick everything for you.  No matter what though,  you are ending up at about  $25 a piece - that's a bargain.  The one catch - it's all or nothing with GT.  You can't pick and choose items to keep - you either keep everything or nothing.  There is a silver lining however: a very active FB trading page where you are pretty much guaranteed sales of items you don't wish to keep.  Also, with each tote, you literally receive a cute totebag to keep if you decide it's a keeper.

I found out about GT during their first warehouse sale and I immediately got in on the action.  I placed my order for a darling blouse and yummy sweater.  I then set up my calendar appointment for shopping on Monday, August 3rd to order my first tote.  In the meantime, I checked out the Golden Tote Tumblr page to get a preview of what August would bring.  

I couldn't make it right at opening time for the Monday ordering kick-off and I missed out on the two items I wanted  - the Layer it On Blouse in White and the Down to Business Blzer in dusty pink.  But, guess what, it was ok because all I had to do was wait for the next Monday when Golden Tote had re-stocked.  I was ready on the 10th; I got on right at 9 a.m. PST and snagged the blouse in Navy and the Blazer.    

Shipping with GT is a practice in patience - about ten days. However, I like to think positively and it just provides time to build the excitement and anticipation :)

 That brings me to today - my first GT reveal.  Let's start with the warehouse sale items.  One of them I previewed last week in my SF reveal - a pretty white blouse that can either be dressed up or down.    This piece ended up at about $25 including shipping and is now one of my closet favorites.  I love it here with black pants and kitten heels.

Now, here it is with the Down to Business Blazer I received in my tote.  The blazer is one of the two items I chose to receive.  I really like the way it looks in the picture however in person it was actually a little bit too small.  I like the versatility of having my blazer either open or closed; unfortunately, the blazer was too snug to button.

The second item I received from the warehouse sale is this layered sweater.  It has a bit of sparkle in it and comes with a black cami to create the layered look.  I paired it with a pair of pleather pants and booties to create just the right look for a night out on the town.  Again, this one was only $25.

Now, for the rest of my tote... 


My other chosen is the Layer it On blouse in Navy. Here it is with skinny jeans and a trendy silver necklace.  It is very comfortable and it could easily be dressed up for work.







To the right, is the Skies are Blue Floral Lace Detail Kimono that I paired with the white blouse (I told you it is now one of my faves) and jeans. Unfortunately, the kimono is pretty big on me  - therefore unlikely I will reach for it.









This dress is one that I have seen in many tote reveals.  It the Pink Owl Printed Wrap Dress in green.  It is a cute comfy dress with pockets.  Problem - it is a bit big for me and unlikely I will reach for it (seeing a trend here?).













Next up is the Naked Zebra Keyhole Tank in black.  This one is so versatile - perfect under a blazer for work, rockin with the pleather pants and easily could go with some cute boho flare jeans.

Finally, the Naked Zebra Tie Waist Tunic/Dress in Olive.  I love the way this looks on me as it is perfect for my coloring.  Also, it is super comfy.  

Well, Goldies, that's it for August.  You are probably wondering what I decided to do - keep or send back.  To be honest, I'm not quite sure.  I think will sleep on it  :-) 

If you would like to try Golden Tote, I would love it if you used my referral link.  I will get $10 for anyone that tries out the service and that will help me fund my clothing addiction.

Until next time...xoxo

Calling All Stitch Fixonistas...Stitch Fix Review August 2015

It all started while pinning; I noticed a friend pinning fabulous styles to her board under "Stitch Fix.".  Not one to be left behind on a fun fashion foray, I quickly googled Stitch Fix. Along with a link directly to the Stitch Fix website popped up numerous pages of Stitch Fix reviews, photos, a blog, the list goes on.

So, I dove in.  And, it was a 100% bust.  I lost my styling fee, and was completely disenchanted.  That is until said pinner above called and invited me over to see her "Fix". She had received the most adorable Tart jacket in the smoothest terry fabric and it fit me like a glove.  Had I been too hasty in my abandonment?

I immediately signed up for Round 2.  Fix Day arrived and with a new stylist, Molly, we hit a homerun.  A 5/5!  Guess what was in there?  Yep, Molly had found the adorable Tart blazer! And it was perfect.  She had also scoured my Pinterest board and pulled the Papermoon polka dot top as well as a fabulous pencil skirt - both matching items I had pinned.  Molly had paid attention.

Which brings me to Fix #3 and my first official review.  The first piece of good news - my fix surprised me by showing up early.  Two days early!  We all remember being 5 on Christmas morning, right?  Well, you can relive that feeling by becoming a Fixonista.  There is nothing like seeing that brown box with the turquoise tape show up on your doorstep. You can barely wait to run in, grab the scissors and see what goodies are in there.

 As I opened the box top, my heart dropped when I saw the little jewelry box.  If you have read other parts of my blog, you know I am a bargain hunter.  Bargain hunters do not like to spend a lot on costume jewelry.   However, I forged ahead and quickly opened the note and style card.  




I could have leaped for joy when I saw the first line from Molly - "I'm so, so happy you loved your last Fix and I'm excited to style you again today"!"  And, style she did.  Look what I got!

First up, was a pair of Level 99 Camari Wide Leg Jeans ($96 after discount).  I had pinned several wide leg jeans on my "My Style" board and Molly was on top of it.  She included a Market & Spruce Aleah V-Neck Heathered Dolman Sleeve Shirt ($36 after discount) and a Bancroft Mini-Square Clusters Necklace ($21 after discount) to complete a casual look. I included a picture of the necklace so you could see close-up. 


I really liked it, but I also wanted to try some other looks.  First, I pulled out a peasant type blouse from TJ Maxx (I am also a Maxxonista - LOL) and voila - a more bohemian look.

Next, I went for a bit more polished look and guess, what - it is ALL Stitch Fix!  That is the cute Tart blazer (ooohh...it is so soft) along with the Papermoon polka dot blouse.  I think that it can totally work on a business casual day.  

In my note to Molly, I had indicated I would like to try the Margaret M Emers pants ($73.50 after discount).  Everyone on the Stitch Fix Facebook page raves about them so despite their price tag (definitely more than I usually spend),  I requested them. And, they did not disappoint.  They are so comfortable and completely versatile.  I paired them with a top from another subscription service (more on that in a future post), a 20 year old necklace I had on hand, some kitten heels and yep, again that Tart Blazer.  They could easily be paired in a more casual ensemble but my photographer (i.e., my spouse) was getting restless.  

My final reveal is the 41Hawthorn Dita Sleeveless Ponte Dress ($51 after discount).  This one drew a whistle from the hubby so it will definitely be worn soon.  It is Navy blue and super comfortable.  Perfect to go from work to an evening out.  I love it!

After evaluation, I think the dress was the best deal at $51; although the jeans are half the price of my favorite Sevens so those are a close second.
After two 5/5s, I will be continuing my relationship with Stitch Fix.  Want to join me?  It's simple:

• Visit Stitch Fix and read over how it works. By using this link, I will get a $25 referral credit.  I thank you in advance for that!
• Fill out your profile; it is key to your stylist getting to know you.  There are two opportunities to leave personal style advice: in your profile and in a note to your stylist.  These are important.  Invest some time into making them as useful as you can (abbreviate, don't use full sentences)   
• Also, create a Pinterest board. I feel this was so key in getting 5/5s.  You can see mine here.  I pinned things from the Stitch Fix blog and Pinterest board as well as styles from celebrities/pins that I liked.  Some people prefer to let their stylist "surprise" them.  That is a great option too, but I am more of a "know what I like" kinda gal.
• Have fun with it.  Nothing says you have to keep anything.  But I think you will :)  And, if you keep all 5, you get the 25% discount.  Did I mention there is also a Facebook page where you can buy/sell Stitch Fix items.  Search for it.  You can always take a risk, keep all 5 and then sell what you don't want on the FB page.

That's it for now...I hope you enjoyed it :)  Happy Fixing. xo, Hil

Mid-Week Funny: “Bugger Off!”

A couple of years ago, I posted the below about a trip to the zoo with my daughter and her friend.  Yesterday, during a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) in Colorado Springs, CO, we were brought back to that fond memory of “pink butts” with a similar experience. 

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting the CMZ, it is an awesome and unique experience. You are able to feed the giraffes; on a side note, have you ever seen a giraffe’s tongue.  Whew, I had to insert a photo to give you a glimpse into what almost seems unreal.   You are also up close and personal with the animals.   The habitats are extremely close to the glass and a pair of mountain lions were literally 2 feet from us pacing as they appeared to wish to devour us whole.

As we wandered around, I felt a bit melancholy.  It must be age.  I was feeling sorry for the animals being caged.  Of course, I have thought about it before but never so much.  What are they thinking as we sit and stare at them?

As we hiked up the side of the mountain (another bonus at CMZ is you actually get to pay to exercise AND see the animals – it sits on a mountain), we came across the black bear area; both of the bears were resting in obstructed areas. There was a small group of people standing around, and one lady in particular who kept demanding quite loudly, “Please just get up so we can see your face.  Just lift your head.  Come on now.”  This went on for about a minute as we stood and watched and unbelievably, one of the bears got up and it seemed as if she was going to grant the lady her wish.

Ah, not so fast.  She kept up her urging as the bear began to walk to center stage.  However, rather than turn around to give us a big smile for the camera, she abruptly stopped, turned to the back of the habitat, squatted with her bottom in full view and proceeded to urinate right in front of us.  Now, this was not just a regular pee.  This was the colossal pee that could have resulted from a winter of hibernation.  We all stood transfixed awaiting the moment when the bear would stop and turn around for that smile. Of course, Mrs. Couldn't Stop Talking is continuing her rant of requests next to us, but to no avail.  After about three minutes, the bear stopped and went right back to her obstructed nap area and lay down.

It was at that moment, that I realized exactly what they are thinking as we stare at them in their cordoned-off living areas: Piss Off!

I hypothesized this with my daughter (although I refrained from using that language) and it has brought ensuing laughter such that about every ten minutes she has said, “Mommy, remember the bear going pee pee?”  Ah, pink and brown butts.  Clearly, not just a freak of nature.

“Pink Butts”

Last summer was the summer of “pink butts” for us.  One of my daughter’s best friends had visited the zoo and discovered the lovely pink bottoms of the baboon.  She had come home and immediately began talking about their “pink butts” and then making a correlation between those of the baboon and her own little pink bottom.  Her bottom affectionately took on its own identity as “my little pink butt,” We all got a chuckle out of it until finally her Mother declared that “pink butts” should no longer be a topic of conversation.  It still occasionally crept in with the adults displaying that funny expression that ensues when you are trying to remain serious as you scold the children for saying “pink butt” while inside you are roaring with laughter.

Last week, during the heat wave that overtook Denver, we accompanied our friends to the zoo.  It was free day at the zoo and that combined with the 70 degree weather meant that everyone from Denver to Boulder and Colorado Springs were visiting the zoo.  As we became a part of the human wave that flowed from animal to animal, we finally came to the baboon area.  Immediately, our adorable children began chanting “pink butt, pink butt.”  My friend and I turned away for a second to hide our chuckling only to turn back around to see our “little pink butt angel” pressing her naked little pink bottom up to the glass of the baboon viewing area in an attempt to engage the baboon in a game of “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”  She was positioned in complete mooning stance while my daughter stood seriously taking it all in beside her.  “Pull your panties up right now” echoed throughout the area.  The child innocently turned to her mother not fully comprehending the deed that had led to such a prompt reprimand.      

As the seconds ticked away like hours, I glanced into the habitat to catch a glimpse of the baboon.  I swear I saw him stick his gloriously large pink bottom up in the air in response to the scene before him and sashay away in a very arrogant manner that screamed “take a hike.”  I probably just imagined that, but at that moment I wished that monkeys were a bit more like humans so that we could get his reaction.

With this whole episode, monkey see, monkey do took on a whole new meaning for us.  

Have you had a funny zoo experience?  Post click on comments below and let us here about it.  And, if you like my blog, please subscribe below. 

Fabulous Finds: Mainstreet Collection

I am a bargain shopaholic.  I am the person who when told, “Oh, I love that …”, immediately responds “I got it at ____________ for $____________.  Can you believe it?”  I imagine this habit is received with mixed reviews.  It is probably considered quite impolite.  However, I am not trying to be tacky.  Rather, I am just trying to share the wealth so to speak.  The wealth of bargain knowledge that I accumulate in my weekly jaunts to my favorite bargain spots :)

Tuesday Morning is not one of my frequent stops.  The reason is that sometimes their prices are phenomenal and sometimes not so much.  It all depends on what I am seeking.  However, I have found it to be THE place for cute monogrammed preppy gifts.  They carry Mainstreet Collection, which includes whimsical bright colored bags, stationary products and other cute items (think Pretty Handbook and vacationing on East Coast beaches). For me, it started with a beach tote and has now become one of my current gift staples.  Following are some of my recent finds; I have posted the prices as found by other retailers on the internet where available.  

• Write on Me Memo Board: $16.99 on Amazon.com; Paid $3.99
• Monogrammed Portfolio: $22.00 on Katecarlyle.com; Paid $6.99
• Monogrammed Photo Frame: $24.99 for similar on Amazon.com; paid $4.99
• Pink and Green Tote: $28 for totes by MSC on Amazon.com; Paid $9.99
• Matching Pink and Green Make-up Bag: Paid $6.99

So, get a move to your nearest Tuesday Morning and grab up some of these “Friday Finds”.  Oh, and my apologies in advance if your little one receives one as a gift for an upcoming birthday.  It was just too much of a “Fabulous Find”, not to post.  Cheers!

P.S.            One additional note: I found these cute notepads and notecards at Target for $.30 this week.  On clearance in the dollar section :)  They may be gone but the lesson here is to never overlook the dollar section in Target.

If you have a "Fabulous Find", please click on the comment link below and share!  We love bargains.  Also, I would love to have you follow my blog.  Just hit subscribe and you will receive all of the wonderful wisdom I pick up on a day to day basis.

Flip Flops and Lemondrops...A DIY Party on a Dime

This year, I co-chaired the Acquisitions Committee for the lovebug's school auction.  It was a great experience and as you can imagine, an Acquisitions leader feels compelled to "bring home the bacon" so to speak.  So, along with some of my fellow committee chairs, we offered to host what we fondly deem a "Buy-a-Share".  Those of you in the auction biz know this term; those of you just entering this intricate web of fundraising jargon, a BAS is simply a party or activity that people can pledge $$ to attend.  We exercised the greatest form of flattery - stole an idea from another auction: the Flip Flop and Lemondrops party for gals!

So, what do you get for the $25 donation to attend?  "Get", I say.  "Well, you GET unlimited lemondrops made by the only man in attendance (my loving hubby), yummy hor d'oeuvres, the chance to don your fun flip flops and best of all, an opportunity to gossip with your fellow Mommies about everything from the latest rumor to what you need to survive the next grade.  How can you say "no"?

Luckily, for us, 30+ women said "yes" and we enjoyed a fabulous evening.  And, we pulled together some fun little DIYs to add that extra flair.  But, as always with me, it is DIY on a Dime and here is a preview of those special extra touches that highlighted our theme while saving us some $$$$:

 

Flip Flop Wreath

One of my friends found a cute flip flop wreath on Pinterest.  So, I called upon one of my best talents: embellishing someone's else's ideas.  I added the daisies and wire-edged ribbon bow.  It was simple to make: use a glue gun to glue all of the flip flops together.  The original idea called for using all left or right foot FFs but I think it turned out great using both and saved $3!  Total cost for all purchased at the Dollar Tree: $4.10 

The Favors

It was only appropriate to provide guests with a small favor for their support and what better than something to help get their tootsies ready for flip flop weather.  We found these cute manicure sets at Daisy Days.  These cute little kits came in at $2.50 a piece and everyone loved them!




The Decor

Lemons were the theme and we took it through the party.  Flower arrangements embellished with lemons in the vase (I didn't get too fancy - just left them floating), a jar filled with lemons, a white plastic table cover (found at Wal Mart for $.97  and gathered in places with bright yellow wire-rimmed bows made from ribbon purchased at Dollar Tree) and of course the Lemondrops!  We used to live in Phoenix, Arizona and one of our favorite spots for a great Martini was AZ 88.  At the bottom of your Appletini, you would find a special treat: a sour apple candy gummy.  So, the Afshary bar has adopted this practice and we found little lemon gummies for our Lemondrops, at you guessed it, Dollar Tree.  One lady gushed that they were the best Lemondrops she had ever had.  Following are some of the yummy things we served with notes on recipe changes.


Lemondrop Martinis by the Pitcher: 12 oz Vodka, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (original recipe called for a lot more but we found it was too sweet), 2 cups of water, 2 lemons, lemon gummy candy and ice.  Combine everything (juice from only one lemon; other can be used for garnish).  Store in pitcher and then shake with ice in a martini shaker and pour in a martini glass rimmed with sugar and the candy.

Pear Slices with Goat Cheese and Pistachios 
Grilled Lemon Chicken Bites with Cilantro Yoghurt Dip 
Lemon Feta Dip (I cut way back on olive oil and eliminated the garlic) with olive-oil brushed grilled sourdough bread by Udi's 
Mini Caprese Bites 
Black Bean Dip
Meatballs
Antipasti Platter
Lemon Bites by Costco
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade Sopapilla Squares

The ladies had a fabulous time and all of them donned their toes in their sandals and flip flops.  We all agreed that this must be an annual tradition!

    
Do you have a great idea for a Lemondrops and Flip Flop Party?  We would love to hear from you!  Simply click on the "comments" link below.

Fashionista 5.0

Fashionista 5.0

When I found out I was pregnant, after the initial “when are you due?” always came “well, what do you want, boy or girl?” Of course, my diplomatic answer was that what mattered to us most was that he or she was healthy. And, of course, that was the number one prayer. But, deep inside, I also followed that prayer with “God, please give me a girl…puullleeeasseee.” For what would I do with a boy? I am a girly girl through and through. I was picked last for all sports teams. I followed every fad in high school (Madonna, check. Flashdance, check. Bouffant hair like the latest country western star, check). I ran for campus activities chair freshman year in college so that I could be the hostess with the mostest. I have spent the equivalent of a down payment on a car in my lifetime on silly products and although not necessarily proud of that fact, will admit it.

So, after our first ultrasound when they said they thought it was a boy, I gulped and pushed my shoulders back thinking to myself, “you can do this, you can do this.” I rushed to the nearest shopping venue and immediately purchased the most adorable baby blue outfit for the little one to try to get into the spirit.

Thank my lucky stars (and certainly those prayers must have had something to do with it), they called me at 16 weeks following my amnio to tell me it was a healthy little girl. Hallelujah! The ultimate prize for the ultimate girly girl: a mini girly girl companion.

Now, fast forward five years. You get what you ask for. When the temperature plummets to zero degrees, we spend 30 minutes begging our little sweetie to don a pair of pants to keep her legs warm. For ski school last year, she insisted on a skirt over her snowsuit. Only recently, have pants entered the picture and that is largely due to her love of horses and riding for which pants are required.

Getting ready to go out is an exercise in style. Necklace, check. Hello Kitty chapstick/lip balm, check. Hair coiffed and styled, check. Snazzy shoes to match the outfit, check. Some mornings I sit back and wonder how this happened. I mean I was a girly girl but I don’t think I ever even thought about my outfit until like sixth grade!

Tonight, I received the ultimate confirmation. I have raised a fashionista. As background, I broke my toe a few weeks ago and found out that according to the orthopeds it is a “rare break.” Translation: surgery likely impending as well as the continuation of wearing a beautiful orthopedic boot shoe. So, I am standing in the background donning a cute little black dress and I utter to myself, “oh, where is the special shoe?” Immediately, the fashionista interjects, “oh, Mommy, how embarrassing. Do you really have to wear that?” Embarrassing, have I said that? Where, oh where did that come from? Then, “Mommy, what is that purple stuff on your towel?” “Oh, honey, that is the shampoo they gave me at the salon to try to keep my golden locks from being too golden.” (For those of you who don’t know, I spend a great deal energy turning previously dark brown locks into a more platinum shade of blonde.) “Well, Mommy, I think your hair looks the same. I would just tell them that there isn’t any reason for you to continue using the blue shampoo.” Well, thanks beauty consultant. I then head over to put a small coat of make-up on my face and as I go to shut the drawer, I hear “Mommy, I need to be powdered too.”

Ok, now I know that I have probably introduced too much princess stuff in her life, but there is NNOOO way that I have taken things to this level. This has got to be genetic. Her Auntie is also very girly so maybe it was a combined dose of she and I that led to this result. Or, maybe God is playing a funny joke on me. Regardless, as Tony toils over the retirement planning spreadsheets that have recently entered our lives, I think I had better have him insert a row entitled “fashionista support” because I can already tell that this little lady is going to be begging for Sevens instead of Levis and Juicy instead of Gap.

Nordstrom, here we come.

Getting My Man - The Sequel

Several weeks ago, I blogged about the drama surrounding five year olds and romance. Well, things have progressed. First of all, Mallory is not going to marry T-Man. She is going to marry K-Man (I believe unbeknownst to him) and was recently very concerned about A-Man. You see, Mallory was under the impression that A-Man was after her and wanted to marry her. She was so upset that she broke down before an outing in which she would have to drive in A-Man’s car. It went something like this:

“Mommy, I don’t want to marry A-Man. He follows me everywhere and I don’t like it. I don’t want to drive in his car for the field trip.” “Well, Mallory, it is only for 15 minutes. Why don’t you talk to A-Man during the ride about how you feel.” “OK, Mommy.”

Mallory proceeds to climb in A-Man’s car and get buckled in. Just five minutes out of the neighborhood she turns to A-man and says, “A-Man we need to have a talk because I need to tell you how I feel.” A-Man looks at Mallory with a 4 year old quizzical face probably thinking she is going to tell him about the ice cream she had for dinner last night and ask him his favorite type when he hears, “you see A-Man, I don’t want to marry you and I don’t want you to follow me around anymore. I am going to marry K-Man.” Mallory sits back with a sigh of relief after finally getting this off her chest when all of a sudden she is shocked to hear a voice say “I’m not going to marry you. I am going to marry Alise my neighbor.”
Well, after that, Mallory and A-Man fell right back into routine however Mallory now is just fine with A-Man following her around. We better just watch out because before long that old rule of wanting what you can’t have may come into play and the tables might be turned. Keep vigilant A-Man.

Oh, and as for my little angel and her fascination with T-Man…..she told me the other night that she in fact is not going to marry T-Man. Rather, she is going to wait until she gets older and seek out the biggest guy and that is who she is going to marry. Hmmm…well, honey, we will need to talk about those criteria in a few years. But, for now, big is good. Smile.

Getting My Man

Note: names have been changed to protect privacy

It may be as the result of too many Disney Princess movies. You know….girl always getting her guy. Or, maybe it is one of the rites of passage of turning five. (Keep reading as I am going for option A. I mean we are talking five!)

After a night out with Daddy at soccer at which many of her little friends were in attendance, my little girl bounces in to see me and plops down for a snuggle and a chat. Conversation ensues about who was there and what she did. She then quickly declares that she is going to marry a little boy who I will call T-man (and really he is “the man” with this group of 5 and 6 year olds). Well, for the past year and a half, she was always going to marry another little boy who we will call “M-man.” She used the word “marry” but it was never clear if she knew what that meant. I instantly question the change of heart. “Well, Mommy, you see Mallory and I like T-Man.” Hmmm…I start getting the picture.

Now as background, it is no secret Mallory has a crush on T-man. It really came to light during a recent school camping trip. First, you must picture T-Man. He is a miniature Indiana Jones complete with the hat, boots, swagger and confidence. He comes by it naturally as his parents are awesome; each also have a myriad of talents including dancing (we affectionately nicknamed his Mom "Dancing Queen" at our last party) and singing (the Dad entertains us with a smooth voice as he strums the guitar around a picturesque campfire).

Anyway, there we were on the playground, T-man surrounded by a gaggle of little girls oblivious to his obvious effect on them. He decides to head down to where some of the daddies were playing basketball and as is typical, three of the older 6 year old girls were flanking his sides. I swear it was Danny or Kenickie from Grease with the Pink Ladies following every move. Then, running as fast as her little legs would carry her, comes Mallory screaming “Wait for me T-man, I’m coming.” Finally, bringing up the rear was my little angel who was also screaming at the top of her lungs almost the exact same thing with one small difference: “Wait for me Mallory, I’m coming.” A pent up sigh of relief had emerged my lips as I realized she was still my little baby and unaware of romance and crushes. Or so I had thought.

Back to the post-soccer chat. “Well, honey, I thought Mallory liked T-man.” “Well, I like him now too Mommy.” “So, sweetie, is Mallory going to marry T-man too?” “No, Mommy, she says he is already going to marry someone else.” “Well, who would that be honey?” “Oh, one of the older girls.” “So, if Mallory can’t marry him and he is already going to marry someone else, how are you going to?” “Oh, Mommy (and I think I almost heard the word…Puuullllease…), I will be grown up then and I will find a way so that he doesn’t marry those other girls and chooses me.” This is all said with the utmost in seriousness, positivity and determination. There is no question that my little angel believes she is going to marry T-Man no matter what.

I sit back at that point and try to analyze how I should feel about this exchange. On the one hand, I am proud of the confidence, determination and security she is displaying in going after what she wants. On the other, is that manipulation, disregard for others’ feelings, and ego creeping up? Oh, Mommy, you think too much!

Well, it just so happens that T-man was with us last night and I had the opportunity to get his feedback on this new development. “So, T-man, my daughter told me that she is going to marry you.” He looks at me quizzically and responds, “No, I don’t think so. I am going to marry Le-Ann.” There is no doubt in the response. I could only think at that moment of all that T-Man will be learning over the next twenty-five years about the whiles of women. Watch out T-Man….little angel Afshary has set her sights on you. Reminds me of one of the great movie heroines of our time:

Scarlett: “Rhett! If you go, where shall I go? What shall I do?”

Rhett: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Scarlett: “I can’t let him go. I can’t. There must be some way to bring him back. Oh, I can’t think about that now. I’ll go crazy if I do, I…I’ll think about that tomorrow. I must think about it. I must think about it. What is there to do? What is there that matters?

Scarlett: "Tara! Home. I'll go home. And, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day!

Mommy School

Last night, my daughter and I were preparing dinner and a conversation ensued about learning. I was trying to instill in her the importance of school and practice in order to learn a new skill. And, she quickly responded, “yes, just like you did to be a Mommy.” Ok, this was news to me. “Honey, do you think Mommy went to school to learn to be a Mommy?” “Yes, Mommy.” “Where is Mommy school honey?” “The gym.” Huh? “You think Mommy goes to school at the gym?” “Yep, come on let’s check on how the pizza is doing.” Well, I had to chuckle. Mommy school. Don’t I wish.

Mommy School

Before having a child, we think we know a lot about what there is to know,

We quickly realize that indeed it is not so,

For with a child, the real learning begins,

It will keep going I am certain until our time reaches an end,

Joy is watching our little ones laugh, jump, sing and run,

Happiness is being together for a day of fun,

Patience is a deep breath as they challenge the boundaries we provide,

Frustration is asking to clean or pick up more than ten times,

Panic is when they slip from our sight for an instant that seems like infinity,

Relief is discovering them around the corner – pure divinity

Sadness is watching them hurt by a friend,

Restraint is not interfering and letting a lesson ascend,

Pain is seeing them sad, hurt or ill,

Wonder is the concentration they exude perfectly still,

Pride is watching them excel at a task of their choosing,

Or smiling at the journey even if they are losing,

Peace is their tiny hands wrapped around us and a whisper in our ear,

Love is indescribable, unconditional and able to draw a tear,

It is thanks that I give for the angel who gives us love and laughter,

My prayer to be the best Mommy I can in this life and the thereafter.

Green Beer

Today marks our annual celebration of St. Patrick on which we all don our bit o’ green and those not nestled in with little tikes, head out for an evening of green beer and rowdiness.

Saturday, as was noted on my FB status, we headed out a few days early in hopes of being able to find an Irish bar at which we could a) bring our children, b) have a good meal c) pretend we were really a part of the merry making and d) have green beer. It didn’t quite work out that way. A) the bar we chose at 5:45 p.m. was already gearing up for a big night and resembled the beginnings of a frat party B) the beer was served in red plastic cups and was not green C) they were only serving a few menu items which did not include chicken nuggets, hot dogs or any other kid related fare D) our friends called to inform us their daughter had just thrown up all over herself in the backseat of the car. They managed to get her cleaned up and we did continue with our evening, however it turned out a bit different than intended: pizza and Fat Tire at California Pizza Kitchen. We had a great time and as far as the Irish aspirations, oh well, we tried. Slainte!

The really interesting thing happened when I logged into Facebook when we got home. As I mentioned, I had updated my FB status to read “Green Beer bound.” A couple of people “liked” (the new easy way to comment on FB) this and a couple liked it so much they commented. I quickly informed them that the “green beer” did not happen and sat back to peruse the happenings of my friends. One of my college buddies quickly wrote back with “Hil-you are so funny!! Fat Tire IS green beer. They are the first wind-powered brewery in America and they are local for you. How much more green can you get?? ok put some green color in it but no...” I think that was her way of saying politely that I was clueless…smile. I went to bed chuckling at the irony of my attempt at being cool and witty about drinking green beer ending up an education in sustainability!

With that, I wish you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day and give a special Slainte shout out to Alicia who has now educated us that there is a new way to celebrate being green on St. Patrick’s Day! Excuse me while I go to the fridge for my newest Irish green – Fat Tire Ale.