When playing with a battery powered car, do not allow its tires to come in contact with your long, blonde hair. The hair will wrap around the tires like spaghetti on a fork.
Part two of this PSA, if you cut your own hair from the car, leaving the long, blonde hair dangling from the tire, do not report to your mother that your dark, curly, short-haired brother is in the bathroom cutting his hair from the said car.
Dear child, your mother has been trained by the FBI (she was a fifth grade teacher) and she investigates everything. The hair color, length, and texture are not a direct match to the brother, but rather you, reporter.
I'm sad to report that there are no pictures of this calamity. Though, the decent chunk of hair that was either cut or pulled from the child's head were in a location on her head that will not affect any future hair style. WHEW!!!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
You know you've reached a certain age when...
I decided to start my blog with a picture. I know, I know. You've all seen my millions of selfies. This picture has two fold significance to the blog. One is that old ladies (LOL) still got it and that you shouldn't let time and space get between good old friends.
This picture is of my former co-worker and super great friend, Katie and me at the Rascal Flatts concert in 2007. She and I used to do all kinds of things together. She was single and I was sort of single (married, without children, and hubby doesn't like having ANY fun). We met for dinner, shopped, dancing, you name it. We were game for anything that sounded like a fun!
Unfortunately, life happened and we just got away from each other. There was no real reason. We have been Facebook friends for a long time, so we were able to keep up with the other's life. In the last year or so, we've had the opportunity to spend small bits of time together. She's married now and I have three kids, so time is a difficult commodity to acquire to spend relaxing with friends.
This leads me to the next picture. This is Katie and me now. Yes, seven years later. We are at another Rascal Flatts concert. Compare the two pictures. Do we look much different to you? Of course our hair has changed and it's dark in the latest picture, but overall, there's very little change. I'll admit, I think we look pretty stinkin' good for two ladies who are approaching our fortieth birthdays.
Katie and I both like to shop. We are excellent shoppers. We love deals. We insist on being fashionable. I will say that Katie is far more fashionable than I am, but I think she's more in tune with what's new and trendy. I know more about Bubble Guppies, The Octonauts, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I can bust out a Disney tune at the drop of a hat. Which, by the way, Katie, if you're reading this, you need to see Cars. Cheryl Crowe's song is the best intro to a movie. If you see either of us, we generally look fabulous for any event, This is where I'm going to hit the first reason for this blog.
Katie and I decided at the last minute to go to the Rascal Flatts concert. The weather in Pittsburgh has been so weird all summer and Mother Nature didn't let us down for this event. The forecast had changed at least three times from Thursday to Saturday. Rain all day, scattered showers, spotty showers...snow? I don't know. We were texting back and forth about what to wear. I'm always cold and so is Katie, so a jacket or sweater were a must. We really wanted to wear our cowboy boots, but the forecast was too iffy to risk it. The end result of the crazy weather and the possibility of rain. I, in my tank top, fleece shirt, and fleece vest, with my Coach scarf as an accessory (Let's be honest. You know I wore the scarf because I was afraid my head would get cold and I would wrap that baby around my noggin like a Baba.), jeans and my rain boots. Katie was a bit more lenient with her garb. She went for the short sleeved shirt, pink jacket, jeans and matching pink polka-dotted rain boots. Where am I going, you may ask? Katie and I figured out that we have reached the age where we would really like to continue to look cute, but we are willing to sacrifice it for comfort (not being cold or wet). We did our best to pull things together enough that even in our warm, dry gear, that we still look fashionable for a couple of late thirty somethings. We rocked it! I don't care what anyone says. We can rock a pair of rain boots like no other!
Don't let your age dictate what you wear or how you view yourself. I realize I'm not twenty and I don't dress like a twenty year old, but I stay up-to-date and my kids won't be embarrassed that my pants touch my bra and that I wear black orthopedic shoes with white socks. Wear what makes you feel good, not what you have time. If that was the case, I would live in race tee shirts and Yoga pants (and I don't do Yoga). Put on your make up, style your hair, buy a pair of heels! Be funky, be hip. Get your girl on!
The second part of my blog has to do with us losing track of each other. When we arrived at the venue, we got food and sat and talked. We talked about how much fun we have shared, St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh (if you haven't done it, you need to get there), Saddle Ridge for a country show, Rascal Flatts many moons before...In the time we talked, I realized that I missed my friend and all the fun we had together and ironically enough, it was because neither of our husband's care to go to concerts that we ended up at this one. I posted on Facebook that I wished I could be there, a friend posted that she had available tickets, and Katie offered to be my concert buddy. It was so nice to be able to pick up where we left off, as if time never passed.
If you have a friend that you have not spent time with in a while, call her. Make dinner plans, see a movie, invite her for dessert, since you've turned into Betty Crocker. Don't let your friends get away from you. Time and space are a nasty thing for friendships, or any relationship. It's too easy to be too busy. Make time for those special people. As we get older, it's harder and harder to connect with people because we settle into our daily routine (and family always first). We work, we come home, we go to Yoga, we take the kids to practice, whatever your schedule is. There's no change in scenery and no change in the social circle. Don't let go of those people who have brought you joy!
Katie and I met through work. She was the reading specialist in my building. I was one of the literacy aides who worked under her. I took a teaching job at a far away district and our paths don't cross. I hope that we are able to do things together again. We are too fashionable and too much fun not to continue what we started long ago. You should think about your old friends and do the same.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Rich Beyond Understanding
On top of this, we are also preparing a kindergartner for her first days of school. So we are dealing with meltdowns over school clothes, shoes, and the idea of kindergarten itself. She is happy about going one day and telling me she's staying home the next. The fact of the matter is we have a little girl who is not sure that she's ready for this next phase of her life. AND SHE'S A GIRL!
While school shopping at Macy's One Day Sale with crazy coupons in hand (good luck trying to find items that are both on sale and are coupon eligible), I was frustrated. One because of the said coupon challenges, two because I had two crabby toddlers in a stroller, and three I had a VERY picky almost kindergartner. I was trying to buy underwear and bras (Sweet Baby Jesus! Who makes these things?), a first day of school dress for the lovely lady, and jeans for the little fellows. I took all of my items to the counter to find that my coupon only worked on two of the items which totaled $49.50 and I had to spend $50 for the coupon to work. I was ready to pull out my hair!
While I was looking and feel rather exasperated, an elderly lady turned to me and smiled. She quietly admired my three wild monkeys for a moment. She reached down and touched one of the boy's hands and spoke softly to him. She looked up at me and smiled brightly. She told me that all the children are beautiful. Indeed they are. She then asked if they are all mine. Indeed they are. She asked if the boys are twins. Indeed they are. Beaming, she said, "You are very rich." I let those words sink in. I wasn't feeling very rich. I was feeling very tired, frustrated, annoyed, and spent. Then the tears came to my eyes. Yes, I am very rich. Rich beyond understanding. What was I doing? I had it all wrong. These are the most important people in the world. I needed to change my mindset about the day and all it had thrown at me.
I had lost sight this day of what was really important. It's not the coupon. It's not the unrest that happens through the day. It's not always easy to think of the hard times as being part of the best times. I'm so blessed to have been given these three little wild monkeys. They are mine. I worked very hard to have them. I work very hard to take care of them. I work very hard to give them everything they need. If they weren't valuable, why would I do that? So in those quick moments, I was mentally slapped to refocus and reprioritize.
When things seem overwhelming and that you're never going to accomplish everything you need, remember how rich you are. You are rich beyond understanding. You have treasures that you have been blessed with. You were chosen to care for this valuable commodity. Handle this fragile, amazing, gift with care. You would never invest this in a different way. The to-do list isn't all that important. Toss it aside. Hug them. Watch them sleep. Play with them. Have a picnic with them. Love on them. Sing with them. Listen to them tell stories. Absorb every second of this time. They are sharing their riches with you. The time passes too quickly and you don't want to miss any of it. They're only little once, so enjoy every bit. Even the rough parts...they are beautiful, too!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Back to School Thoughts from a Teacher Mom
Oh dear! I just looked at the calendar. The last day of July! It won't be long now before kids are school shopping, moms are packing lunches, and teachers are welcoming kiddos back to the classroom. For teacher moms, this is a bittersweet time of year.
This is the time where we are preparing for a fresh, new start with a new group of eager learners. However, it's a sad time of year, because we are spending less time with our own children. The upside for me is that my daughter is going to kindergarten, so she's beginning her own new adventure and my boys are continuing at a daycare that they and I love.
I'm excited to begin the new school year. This year will be full of new challenges for me. I recently was transferred to a new position. I was a fifth grade science teacher for nine years. This year I will be teaching reading as one of our building's reading specialists. This new position is very different from what I've done in the past. I will be working with teachers to help struggling readers and I'll also be directly teaching readers. Another challenge that I will be facing is adjusting to the age of the learners. I was a fifth grade teacher, so I'm used to more mature, independent learners. I will now be teaching kindergarten through grade two. This will require more patience and lots of flexibility.
Being a teacher mom is both rewarding and time consuming. Unfortunately, my work doesn't end when I close the door to my classroom at the end of the school year or the end of the school day. I know, I know. Teachers only work nine months a year and get three months off. Well, not really.
My summer break is eight weeks. During those eight weeks, I have applied and interviewed for a new position within my building. Yes, I had to go through the same interview process as a new applicant. I was transferred to my new position, reading specialist. I have had to go to school to sort nine years of science teacher "stuff" (three piles, move to the new room, store at school, and store at home) and move to my new reading room. This was more like moving out of my first apartment and into a new house. I have also begun professional development to prepare for the responsibilities of my new position and reading professional books about how best to accomplish my goals. Sure, I have eight weeks of break, but it hasn't been a break. It's been a teacher learning to become a different, better teacher and moving company. All while spending my days "off" with my kiddos making summer a fun, fulfilling time. I'm just nineteen days from my first day of school. There is still a lot to do and lots to do with my kids, both fun and to prepare them for their upcoming year. So when someone tells you that teachers have summers off, well...
I'm not complaining, because I wouldn't trade this career for any other...except maybe being a talk show host, but since that is unlikely, I'll stick to what is realistic. Being a teacher and a mom are the two most rewarding things I've ever done. What else can you do to see growth, development, and enjoy the fantastic gifts that each child has?
Let me share a first grade story and a fifth grade story:
As a first year teacher and first grade teacher, I was always nervous about "losing" a student. First graders are wily breed. They are unpredictable and you have no idea what thoughts are going to carry them. One afternoon while I was teaching math, I lost a kiddo! I know! How do you lose a kid when they're in the classroom, sitting in their seats, engaged in a lesson? I cannot answer that question. I turned around to write something on the chalkboard and when I turned back around to face the class, Joe was GONE! His desk was in the center of the room and somehow in a nano second, he had disappeared into thin air! I asked if he had left the room. I thought he might have had a restroom emergency. The other kids all looked at each other shrugging. They didn't see Joe leave. I asked the girl who was sitting next to Joe where he had gone. She dipped her head very close to the carpet and looked in the direction of his desk. I went to join her. I found Joe under his desk. He had no idea how he had arrived in this place. He thought he might have fallen off of his chair. Oh the mysteries of first graders!
This past year while teaching fifth grade, I was supervising an engineering project, I approached a group of boys who were working well together. These guys are my comedians. They had a more mature sense of humor.
Me: How's everything going?
Student 1: We're doing good.
Student 2: My fish is going to have babies.
Me: How did that happen? (I say this a lot and it's sort of automatic)
Group of Students: All looking at each other snickering.
Student 1: Do you really want me to tell you?
Me: Mental forehead slap, waving hands all around. NO! NO! NO! I'm good.
Student 1: I think that's a completely difference science class, Mrs. McBryar.
Me: I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Group of Students: laughing at my embarrassment
For the rest of the day, I would hear in the distance, "How did that happen?" and then laughing.
I hope you enjoy this final month of summer break with your kids and appreciate what your kids' teachers do, because most people don't realize the work they do or the copious amounts of their own money they use to do their jobs.
This is the time where we are preparing for a fresh, new start with a new group of eager learners. However, it's a sad time of year, because we are spending less time with our own children. The upside for me is that my daughter is going to kindergarten, so she's beginning her own new adventure and my boys are continuing at a daycare that they and I love.
I'm excited to begin the new school year. This year will be full of new challenges for me. I recently was transferred to a new position. I was a fifth grade science teacher for nine years. This year I will be teaching reading as one of our building's reading specialists. This new position is very different from what I've done in the past. I will be working with teachers to help struggling readers and I'll also be directly teaching readers. Another challenge that I will be facing is adjusting to the age of the learners. I was a fifth grade teacher, so I'm used to more mature, independent learners. I will now be teaching kindergarten through grade two. This will require more patience and lots of flexibility.
Being a teacher mom is both rewarding and time consuming. Unfortunately, my work doesn't end when I close the door to my classroom at the end of the school year or the end of the school day. I know, I know. Teachers only work nine months a year and get three months off. Well, not really.
My summer break is eight weeks. During those eight weeks, I have applied and interviewed for a new position within my building. Yes, I had to go through the same interview process as a new applicant. I was transferred to my new position, reading specialist. I have had to go to school to sort nine years of science teacher "stuff" (three piles, move to the new room, store at school, and store at home) and move to my new reading room. This was more like moving out of my first apartment and into a new house. I have also begun professional development to prepare for the responsibilities of my new position and reading professional books about how best to accomplish my goals. Sure, I have eight weeks of break, but it hasn't been a break. It's been a teacher learning to become a different, better teacher and moving company. All while spending my days "off" with my kiddos making summer a fun, fulfilling time. I'm just nineteen days from my first day of school. There is still a lot to do and lots to do with my kids, both fun and to prepare them for their upcoming year. So when someone tells you that teachers have summers off, well...
I'm not complaining, because I wouldn't trade this career for any other...except maybe being a talk show host, but since that is unlikely, I'll stick to what is realistic. Being a teacher and a mom are the two most rewarding things I've ever done. What else can you do to see growth, development, and enjoy the fantastic gifts that each child has?
Let me share a first grade story and a fifth grade story:
As a first year teacher and first grade teacher, I was always nervous about "losing" a student. First graders are wily breed. They are unpredictable and you have no idea what thoughts are going to carry them. One afternoon while I was teaching math, I lost a kiddo! I know! How do you lose a kid when they're in the classroom, sitting in their seats, engaged in a lesson? I cannot answer that question. I turned around to write something on the chalkboard and when I turned back around to face the class, Joe was GONE! His desk was in the center of the room and somehow in a nano second, he had disappeared into thin air! I asked if he had left the room. I thought he might have had a restroom emergency. The other kids all looked at each other shrugging. They didn't see Joe leave. I asked the girl who was sitting next to Joe where he had gone. She dipped her head very close to the carpet and looked in the direction of his desk. I went to join her. I found Joe under his desk. He had no idea how he had arrived in this place. He thought he might have fallen off of his chair. Oh the mysteries of first graders!
This past year while teaching fifth grade, I was supervising an engineering project, I approached a group of boys who were working well together. These guys are my comedians. They had a more mature sense of humor.
Me: How's everything going?
Student 1: We're doing good.
Student 2: My fish is going to have babies.
Me: How did that happen? (I say this a lot and it's sort of automatic)
Group of Students: All looking at each other snickering.
Student 1: Do you really want me to tell you?
Me: Mental forehead slap, waving hands all around. NO! NO! NO! I'm good.
Student 1: I think that's a completely difference science class, Mrs. McBryar.
Me: I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Group of Students: laughing at my embarrassment
For the rest of the day, I would hear in the distance, "How did that happen?" and then laughing.
I hope you enjoy this final month of summer break with your kids and appreciate what your kids' teachers do, because most people don't realize the work they do or the copious amounts of their own money they use to do their jobs.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Moms Make Great Memories Even When It Rains on Our Parade
I was going through my phone today deleting the pile of pictures, videos, and selfies that my kiddos have taken. I would first like to point out that I'm astounded by the ability of children to solve problems. I had no idea that my locked phone could still take pictures, but my youngest figured a way. My oldest could probably break into my bank account if given the chance. Where does this ability come from? I realize they were born into a technology-rich culture, but seriously? The real reason for this blog post are a few pictures that truly made me laugh. I will only share my end of the pictures, as I do not have permission from the other parties that were involved. LOL!
My cousin, Gina and I have been close since we were young. Our daughters are only a few months different in age and we try to get them together as much as possible. These two gals are great! They enjoy each other's company, talk, play, laugh...we really love that they can share this time. Gina and I have a deep respect for family and the need for close relationships within families.
Gina and I have started a tradition of meeting up for the annual Saxonburg Firemen's Parade. Gina and I have a history of parades. She and I were both in the marching bands at our respective high schools. We were both colorguard (flag twirling gals). I was a majorette instructor and went back to my high school to be their colorguard and majorette director for a few years. Gina and I are marching fiends! For me to tell you that we love parades would be an understatement. I know that there is a parade SOMEWHERE in this area EVERY Thursday night in June and July. They all commence when you hear the fire whistle blow. I tear up when I hear that sound! Seriously. I do. With all of that being said, let's get back to the "why" of this post.
As I was deleting hundreds of pictures, I came across the pictures from this year's Saxonburg Parade. These pictures literally make me laugh out loud. Gina and I had made plans to meet. She set out the lawn chairs days in advance. She chained them to a tree, so they couldn't be moved or stolen (did mention we are hardcore?). We kept an eye on the weather. Forecasters were calling for storms. We decided that if it was rained during the day, we would scrap our plans. Lord know that there is no way that I'm going to try to fight three kids in the rain. The skies were clear at parade time....OK...maybe clear is a misleading word. Let's say it was partly cloudy.
I took my kids through the Wendy's drive thru for their chicken nuggets and fries and made my way to Saxonburg. I found the dream parking lot (no, I'm not telling because I plan to use it FOREVER so I don't have to walk far), unloaded the kids, their stuff, my stuff, and piled everything onto the double jogger stroller. It took an act of God for me to hold everything on top with my one free hand.
Just a side note to anyone who has not piloted a double stroller. These wheeled demons are WIDE! They are not always easy to maneuver, especially in crowds, and especially not when piled with ALL of our stuff. Therefore, if you see someone barreling in your direction with one of these beasts, MOVE! Kindly step off the sidewalk and let the extra wide load pass. I only say this because I literally ran the stroller into a woman walking in the opposite direction. I couldn't get out of her way and she wouldn't get out of mine.
We got our lawn chairs set up. Kids set up with chicken nuggets and fries and candy bags ready to gather the treats tossed by the police, firemen, and cheerleaders in the parade. I explained the rules of parade etiquette to my two younger children who had never been to a parade.
At 6:30, the fire whistle blew and so began the fleets of firetrucks, marching bands, etc. As the first few minutes of the parade progressed, it began to get increasingly cloudy. Black clouds were rolling in. Gina and I are the type of people who are looking for the bright side and the literal silver lining. We thought whatever weather was coming would pass quickly and without incident. RIIIIGGGHHHTTT!
As the kids enjoyed group after group, the wind picked up, the sky grew darker, and I became increasingly aware that I was ill-prepared for the weather that was really going to take place. Gina, on the other hand, is always ready for ANYTHING. She had at least four umbrellas open and ready when the first drops of rain fell. We thought the light rain would pass quickly. Ummmm...no. We sat in hopes of a quick passing shower only to find that the raindrop size increased, as well as their intensity. We started packing and stacking. At one point, I looked in the stroller to find the seats completely filled with water. I started grabbing little kids and buckling them in the stroller. Both sat waist deep in water, whining. The girls were able to share an umbrella and started headed toward the dream parking lot. By the time we reached our cars, I was so wet that my pants were falling down from the weight of the water. I looked at Gina, looking an awful lot like someone who had bathed fully clothed, and couldn't help but laugh. We were both struck by the hysterical look of each other. We had peeled clothes off of soaked boys, buckled two girls who were nearly dry, and just laughed at each other.
Dripping, out of breath, tired, but our kids were all happy. The boys got to experience their first parade and the joys of collecting candy (it's like trick or treat without the work of going door to door) and our girls got to chalk up another parade and time spent together. What more could a mom want for her kids? No, the conditions were not ideal, but what in life is? Moms are the kind of people who sacrifice themselves, time after time, in order to give their children experiences that they might not otherwise have. Moms bring families together to share experiences, to learn new things, and to make memories.
Gina and I have tons of memories because of what our moms did and our kids will have some pretty awesome memories, too. The two memories that I'll have from this experience are seeing Gina soaked to the bone and my kids smiling away as we drove home.
My cousin, Gina and I have been close since we were young. Our daughters are only a few months different in age and we try to get them together as much as possible. These two gals are great! They enjoy each other's company, talk, play, laugh...we really love that they can share this time. Gina and I have a deep respect for family and the need for close relationships within families.
Gina and I have started a tradition of meeting up for the annual Saxonburg Firemen's Parade. Gina and I have a history of parades. She and I were both in the marching bands at our respective high schools. We were both colorguard (flag twirling gals). I was a majorette instructor and went back to my high school to be their colorguard and majorette director for a few years. Gina and I are marching fiends! For me to tell you that we love parades would be an understatement. I know that there is a parade SOMEWHERE in this area EVERY Thursday night in June and July. They all commence when you hear the fire whistle blow. I tear up when I hear that sound! Seriously. I do. With all of that being said, let's get back to the "why" of this post.
As I was deleting hundreds of pictures, I came across the pictures from this year's Saxonburg Parade. These pictures literally make me laugh out loud. Gina and I had made plans to meet. She set out the lawn chairs days in advance. She chained them to a tree, so they couldn't be moved or stolen (did mention we are hardcore?). We kept an eye on the weather. Forecasters were calling for storms. We decided that if it was rained during the day, we would scrap our plans. Lord know that there is no way that I'm going to try to fight three kids in the rain. The skies were clear at parade time....OK...maybe clear is a misleading word. Let's say it was partly cloudy.
I took my kids through the Wendy's drive thru for their chicken nuggets and fries and made my way to Saxonburg. I found the dream parking lot (no, I'm not telling because I plan to use it FOREVER so I don't have to walk far), unloaded the kids, their stuff, my stuff, and piled everything onto the double jogger stroller. It took an act of God for me to hold everything on top with my one free hand.
Just a side note to anyone who has not piloted a double stroller. These wheeled demons are WIDE! They are not always easy to maneuver, especially in crowds, and especially not when piled with ALL of our stuff. Therefore, if you see someone barreling in your direction with one of these beasts, MOVE! Kindly step off the sidewalk and let the extra wide load pass. I only say this because I literally ran the stroller into a woman walking in the opposite direction. I couldn't get out of her way and she wouldn't get out of mine.
We got our lawn chairs set up. Kids set up with chicken nuggets and fries and candy bags ready to gather the treats tossed by the police, firemen, and cheerleaders in the parade. I explained the rules of parade etiquette to my two younger children who had never been to a parade.
At 6:30, the fire whistle blew and so began the fleets of firetrucks, marching bands, etc. As the first few minutes of the parade progressed, it began to get increasingly cloudy. Black clouds were rolling in. Gina and I are the type of people who are looking for the bright side and the literal silver lining. We thought whatever weather was coming would pass quickly and without incident. RIIIIGGGHHHTTT!
As the kids enjoyed group after group, the wind picked up, the sky grew darker, and I became increasingly aware that I was ill-prepared for the weather that was really going to take place. Gina, on the other hand, is always ready for ANYTHING. She had at least four umbrellas open and ready when the first drops of rain fell. We thought the light rain would pass quickly. Ummmm...no. We sat in hopes of a quick passing shower only to find that the raindrop size increased, as well as their intensity. We started packing and stacking. At one point, I looked in the stroller to find the seats completely filled with water. I started grabbing little kids and buckling them in the stroller. Both sat waist deep in water, whining. The girls were able to share an umbrella and started headed toward the dream parking lot. By the time we reached our cars, I was so wet that my pants were falling down from the weight of the water. I looked at Gina, looking an awful lot like someone who had bathed fully clothed, and couldn't help but laugh. We were both struck by the hysterical look of each other. We had peeled clothes off of soaked boys, buckled two girls who were nearly dry, and just laughed at each other.
Dripping, out of breath, tired, but our kids were all happy. The boys got to experience their first parade and the joys of collecting candy (it's like trick or treat without the work of going door to door) and our girls got to chalk up another parade and time spent together. What more could a mom want for her kids? No, the conditions were not ideal, but what in life is? Moms are the kind of people who sacrifice themselves, time after time, in order to give their children experiences that they might not otherwise have. Moms bring families together to share experiences, to learn new things, and to make memories.
Gina and I have tons of memories because of what our moms did and our kids will have some pretty awesome memories, too. The two memories that I'll have from this experience are seeing Gina soaked to the bone and my kids smiling away as we drove home.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Favorite new (to me) products
I love to give credit where it is due, so I want to share these three products that I started using this week.
My mother in law gave me the facial moisturizer. She saw it on QVC, but purchased it at Sephora. The price with shipping from QVC was close to the price at Sephora. It's not super thick, but stays in place while you apply it. It soaks in slowly, but doesn't leave a greasy feel. It also has an SPF, so you're covered outdoors.
Vaseline Spray & Go was a purchase made because I was having the itchy, summer skin. There are three varieties. I chose the Shea butter, because I'm a Shea butter freak. It's easy to apply with its continuous spray. It soaks in quickly and has a very light Shea butter scent. The sprayer has a lock on it, so you'll be fine packing it for vacation. I would recommend spraying it in the shower or tub. I nearly had a mishap due to overspray on the tile floor.
Finally, I know there are Wen lovers and Wen haters. I'm the middle of the road. I like what it does to my hair, but I don't use it as Chaz intended. I think it's expensive and won't buy it for myself. QVC has some great buys a couple times a year, so look out for those or search eBay.
As you know, I get my hair colored and highlighted, so there are some harsh chemicals being used. I decided to use this hair mask on my hair the day after having it processed. It was easy. Wash hair, towel dry it, apply the hair mask and leave in for at least 45 minutes, rinse, and style. I would recommend covering the hair with a shower cap or plastic shopping bag to slow the hair drying. It added moisture to my hair without looking greasy or dirty. I may start using it weekly to keep my hair looking and feeling healthy.
Enjoy the beautiful Pittsburgh weather and clean up your trash at Luke Bryan!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Today's PSA
If you're going to sit in the sun like you aren't supposed to do and not wear sunscreen like you're not supposed to do...don't lay your laptop on your lap, for let's say...2 hours. Why? Well you'll end up with a fabulous triangular pattern on your lap in the perfect laptop shape. How do I know? Oh! I have that fabulous shape decorating my lap.
I'll continue looking at these awesome nails to forget my lap. Lol!
You're welcome! Carry on. That is all.
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