Giving In But Not Giving Up

I could feel my temper rising and my nerves flaring up as a bitter little voice in my head screamed, "No school on Tuesday! Again! Really?  I mean come on! That is one of my only two actual work days and I have to keep giving them up?!"  I wanted to scream out loud.  Instead I whispered, "Son of a bitch!" as I glared at The Fifth Element and Comedian's school calendars. I had already forgotten my phone at home that morning due to starting the day with some serious early risers cutting into my fleeting and precious work time. I was frazzled, out of sorts and generally a bit screechy. We left the house in a rush and I cursed to myself on the car ride to school for losing the half hour between drop-off times for both girls where I return emails from my phone.  I try very hard to segment my … [Read more...]

Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate at the Patriot Center Recap

Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. TMC was not paid for this post. Products are received for review and contest purposes only. Opinions are TMC's only. … [Read more...]

Disney on Ice ‘Let’s Celebrate!’ Giveaway

Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.  TMC was not paid for this post.  Products are received for review and contest purposes only.  Opinions are TMC's only. DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE! Coming to Fairfax, VA  October 23-27!  … [Read more...]

Oooh It’s Planet Spooky at Kings Dominion

Disclosure:  TMC was not paid for this post. Products and tickets received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are TMC's only. The only roller coaster I will ride. I will fully admit that I'm not an amusement park person.  Actually, it is more that I'm not a ride person.  My kids and husband on the other hand possess a gene for thrill rides, coasters and all things theme park that I just can't handle.  However, I do love spending the day in the park, eating all the food I can cram into my mouth (Kings Dominion has gluten free options too) and riding the kiddie rides that make-up Planet Snoopy.  Yes, really. That's how lame I am when it comes to these things.  My kids are little and for now a day spent at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA doesn't go much beyond Snoopy's world and … [Read more...]

Falling Into Good Things

I'm sorry.  I couldn't resist that horribly cheesy title.  I'm reveling in the fall weather from my sick bed.  Or at least what looks like gorgeous fall weather from the open windows near my sick bed.  I have pneumonia.  It's tiring.  I'm tired of being sick. I'm focusing on the fun, good things going on later this month instead of the fact that I'm laying here in comfy leggings and t-shirts, napping more than my 12 year-old dog. 1.  Leather Leggings.                     I'm at a point in my life where I'm actually comfortable with my body. I like it. It is stronger than it has ever been and I feel better than I have in years. So I bought these faux leather leggings from Forever21. That site is my … [Read more...]

Book Review- The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge

*Disclaimer:  TMC was not paid for this post.  Products are for review purposes only.  Opinions are TMC's only.                      I've discussed in the past how hard marriage can be.  Actual functioning relationships that grow, stay out of stagnation and flourish are almost like jobs.  You have to work at that every day.  H and I celebrated our twelve-year wedding anniversary yesterday.  While it was the first time we didn't have big plans but we did manage to find time together during our kids church event because it was important that we take time out to communicate after what had been a long week with us apart more often than normal.  It is so important to take time away from all the busy parts of … [Read more...]

DIY Three

Dear Fifth Element, I woke up the morning of your third birthday and saw that it was raining.  Despite wanting to make it a fun day at the pool with you and your sisters it seemed fitting that the weather was the same as the day you were born. You my girl are a gift to this family.  You take life on with the attitude and the constant refrain of, "I DO IT!"  followed by a growl.  This has been a year of massive change, of progress and intense patience and learning on all our behalf.  Like any change it took us a while to figure out your secrets.  To find the key that unlocks your true personality that we now have the privilege to know and enjoy every day.  … [Read more...]

Learning to Say Yes More

I can be somewhat rigid when it comes to schedules and the way I like to go about my days. I plan the week, I plan our meals, I plan blog posts (except for the day I'm actually scheduled to co-host a blog link-up! that's when I decide to head out of town for a long weekend and shut down. WHAT?!), I plan when I do my back to school, holiday shopping right down to the time and day. OK, maybe I am a lot rigid.  I section out every day with plans.  Eesh. When I decided to take a bit of a long weekend with just the my girls and 'say yes' during that time, I had no idea if it would make life and driving a whole lot more fun or just a trip on the crazy train. We've got one day left on this trip and this is what I've learned. … [Read more...]

Summer’s Lovely Reveal- What I’m Loving Right Now

I sometimes think that summer is best described as a case of white mundane mellowing heat punctuated by icy bouts of excitement.  There are those lazy days where you stay in your pajamas or head to the pool.  The kids roam the neighborhood with friends and popsicles are eaten on a regular basis.  Great books are devoured, binge television happens in air-conditioned basements late into the night and to me, it is a time to get creative and discover new things.  In a lackadaisical way I've been busy brewing with ideas, projects and testing new things.  It's a slow process that only summer can offer and I can't help but embrace it and share. Here's what I'm loving right now.  From workouts to books, things for the home and you, it's all good.  Enjoy! … [Read more...]