Ulcerated Hemangioma Pictures

I get A LOT of google search hits from my hemangioma posts. I thought it might be useful to put my timeline of pics all together. If you are squeamish, I recommend you skip this post.

I did a lot of internet searching out of desperation when WC's H started ulcerating, and I didn't easily find any pics like these, showing in order how an H opened up and then healed.

If you ever need any information about hemangiomas, or just someone to talk to who has been through one, just email me.

5 weeks

8 weeks

9 weeks

13 weeks

14 weeks

17 weeks

18 weeks

19 weeks

20 weeks

22 weeks

almost 7 months

10 1/2 months

1 year

15 months

18 months

2 years

I also want to send you to another post I wrote on this subject that mentions specific doctors and contact information.

Homework!

The Sashas are big slackers.

The Politician had some homework over the weekend- the above pennant was sent home blank and he was supposed to decorate it- concentrating on his hobbies and interests.

Mr. Sasha was all, "Oh, we can have him put a bicycle on there, and soccer, and trains...."

I said, "And are you wanting him to draw these things????? Because he can't even write his name."

Cause we are slacker parents and haven't worked at all with him on writing or drawing. He is just not interested in coloring/drawing and I don't push it.

Anyway, I got out some markers and set them on the table. He grabbed a yellow tadoodle and started scribbling. You can see the results above. I was getting worried and a little sweaty- what was this going to look like next to all the others?

Suddenly I got the bright idea to get a magazine and cut out pictures of things he likes. He loved this and had fun taping the pictures of Dora, Diego, pancakes, drums, and ice cream etc. on the pennant. He did also try to write his name, which I blocked out, but let's just say it would have probably been safe to leave it there because I don't imagine you would have been able to decipher it.

And it was just fabulous that I realized on Mother's Day that I am the worst mom ever. P will be 5 in August and can't write his name. Is he destined to be a non-productive member of society?

Lyrics Quiz

My friend Tina did a Lyrics Quiz on her blog the other day, and I missed it! I would have totally gotten the Marky Mark one if Cassie hadn't beat me to it!

I think I'll do my own, and as Tina said, I have "eclectic" taste, so have fun!

Rules:

Step 1: Put your MP3 player or whatever on random

Step 2: Post the first line from the first 25 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song.

Step 3: Here’s the fun part: YOU get to guess what song it is from just the one line; if you’re really good, you’ll know the artist as well!

Step 4: I'll color line when someone gets it right, linking to that someone, cause I’m nice like that.

Step 5: No cheating! And by cheating, I mean no looking them up on Google or any other search engine.

1. Another summer day, has come and gone away in Paris and Rome (Stephanie guessed Home by Michael Buble, although the one on my ipod is actually by Blake Shelton)
2. I could go out tonight, and find some stranger, it wouldn’t be wrong, no it wouldn’t be wrong
3. I've been waiting, pacing along the halls ever since you left here. I've been cleaning, scrubbing the plates and weeding out the garden dear
4. I don’t mind spending some time just hangin here with you
   Cause I don’t find many guys who treat me like you do
5. I don’t remember what day it was, I didn’t notice what time it was
6. Down in the valley, the valley so low, that's where my vegetables, my vegetables grow (CM got it- In the Valley of Vegetables by Laurie Bernker)
7. She got a shack floating down the Pontchartrain (Britni got it- Love is Free by Sheryl Crow)
8. Busted flat in Baton Rouge waiting for a train (Hair Girl got it- Janis Joplin, Me and Bobby McGee)
9. Anyone who's ever had a heart, wouldn't turn around and break it (The Renee got it- Sweet Jane, and I have both versions on my ipod- Cowboy Junkies and Velvet Underground, which I like equally well)
10. I don’t wanna see your face, I don’t wanna hear your name, I don't want a thing, just stay away baby (Hair Girl guessed Rod Stewart, but not that I know of)
11. He’s a movie star, only drives rented cars. met him in a bar, said I know who you are. Took him to my party as they games were starting, bottles on the ground, are you ready now?
12. You say, I only hear what I want to (Slim got it- Lisa Loeb "Stay")
13. She said “It’s cold outside” as she hands me my raincoat (Sandra got it- 3 AM by Matchbox Twenty)
14. So long ago I don’t remember when, that’s when they say I lost my only friend (sweet-seventeen got it- One Headlight by The Wallflowers)
15. I went to a party last Saturday night, I didn’t get laid, I got in a fight (aj got it- Lita Ford- Kiss Me Deadly)
16. Baby I get so scared inside and I don’t really understand, if it's love that’s on my mind or is it fantasy (Anonymous got it- Close My Eyes Forever by Lita Ford and Ozzy)
17. I was sitting in my garden, when I saw a bumblebee (CM got it- Buzz Buzz by Laurie Bernker)
18. Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove (Tech Savvy Mama guessed Led Zeppelin and aj knew that it was Black Dog)
19. You know the day destroys the night, night divides the day (Sandra got it- Break on Through by The Doors)
20. It's getting near dawn, when lights close their tired eyes. I'll soon be with you my love, to give you my dawn surprise.
21. Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone, Susanne the plans they made put an end to you (Smoochiefrog got it- Fire and Rain by James Taylor)
22. If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on, now, 'cause there's too many places I've got to see. (Jennifer got it- Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd)
23. Well I never been to heaven, but I been to Oklahoma. Well they tell me I was born there, but I really don't remember (not the first verse) (Hair Girl said Never Been to Spain by Elvis, although my version is by Three Dog Night)
24. There are stars in the Southern sky, southward as you go. There is moonlight and moss in the trees (Joy got it- Seven Bridges Road by The Eagles)
25. Sweet wonderful you, you make me happy with the things you do, oh, can it be so, this feeling follows me wherever I go (sweet-seventeen got it- You Make Lovin Fun by Fleetwood Mac)

I Got Excited For Just A Second

last night when The Politician said, "Momma, your Mother's Day surprise is in Daddy's car!!!!" as I was putting him to bed.

I said, "Hmmm.... what it is?" (Hoping for this Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS watch thingy to help me with my pacing.)

P said, "Six tootsie rolls and four peppermints!"

Super, just what I wanted.

Holy Crap

Yeah, I just figured out that I left my keys in the ignition this AM when I got to work.

So I am missing my arts org meeting.

And can't go to Target.

And have to eat work food.

And must call the local Honda dealership to find out how much $$$ we'll have to shell out to get finally get an extra key. I hear it's $150.

Damn.

Edited to add: Yay for AT&T Wireless Roadside Assistance!!!!
As I was perusing the Yellow Pages for a cheap locksmith, my coworker asked if I had a roadside assistance plan..... All of the sudden I remember I did!!!!!
So my car got unlocked quickly, and for free to boot.
Mr. Sasha wanted me to ask about getting reimbursed for our lock-out a few weeks ago, but I told him there was probably a Stupidity Clause and if I told AT&T we just went through this 3 weeks ago, they'd be less likely to dispatch someone quickly.... plus I hate doing stuff like that over the telephone, a la Ashley. So I told him he can take care of that phone call himself.

Links and Product Junkie

So I loved it that Kate told me about an awesome website that I'd never heard of. I need more!

Anyone have any other sites they need to share with me?

Some of my personal faves:

• Makeup Alley for makeup reviews
• Internet Movie Database for those times when you can't figure out where you've seen that actress before
• Purse Forum especially this thread for authenticating Coach bags on ebay auctions
• Coupon Mom's Newspaper Coupon Database (link in middle of page)
• This site to quickly figure WW points
• Amazon filler item finder when you need to get to $25 for free shipping
• Digital Camera reviews
• Negative/Neutral feedback finder for ebay- quickly find seller's negative and neutrals without wading through all their feedback
• and of course I love Television Without Pity and Perez, but you knew that

So what links do you have for me?

Also taking submissions for Ask the Product Junkie.....

Red Velvet Cupcakes!!!!!!

Kate just directed me to a super-cool website, Hungry Girl, all about yummy good-for-you (or at least better-for-you than Hershey's Bliss) food.

I found a fab recipe for HG's Red Velvet Insanity Cupcakes. Sweet niblets, I can't wait to try them! There's a slight possibility I might make them for a coworker's birthday tomorrow, but there is a bigger possibility that I will just pick up something at the grocery store for the birthday and make these when I have more energy. Who knows when that will be, but damn, I have got to make these.

(photo above from Hungry Girl website)

Another Yummy Snack Food Food

So you guys know that I have this problem grocery shopping- I pretty much just go from aisle to aisle, seeing interesting stuff and tossing it into my cart. Especially new yummy snack food.

I'm a big fan of the 100 Calorie packs that are so popular now. Yes, I know they aren't very economical, but it would be less economical for me to eat a whole regular sized bag at a time and have to buy a whole new wardrobe, now wouldn't it?

My latest find is Chex 100 Calorie Chocolate Caramel. Mercy, it's good. There's two flavors in the bag, (obvs) chocolate and caramel. The caramel rocks my world and the chocolate isn't too bad either- a nice balance for the so very sweet caramel. But I could actually eat a whole bag of the caramel, but then that would probably be more than 100 calories....

Anyway, I've also recently tried the Turtle and Peanut Butter Chex and although they don't come in the 100 Calorie bags, you simply must try them. The kiddos loved them too, although they did leave the pretzels in the bag of course, as they weren't covered in a sugary concoction.

And, hey, if you are getting pissed off at me for suggesting too many red-light foods, just remember I can always email you the C25K plan!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!!!

Well, I just got an email that made my day (and my week!)!

Turns out I'm a winner in 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic's Clean & Clear Giveaway!!!!!

You know how much I LOVE trying new beauty products, so I can't wait to use these products and post a review for you.

I absolutely love Christine's site- it's been one of my faves for quite some time. Check her out- she always has great reviews of fab products!

Oh Snap

Oh, this is totally something one could blame on one's children, but alas, I am not able to do that.

Cause I did it. Yup, it was me who opened the cabinet above the toilet, only to have a bottle of OPI Candy Cane Cutie come crashing down and shatter on my bathroom floor.

I spent the better part of 30 minutes trying to get up as much as I can off the toilet seat, the toilet bowl, the tile, the door, the shower door, and the threshold. I gave up on the rug and just threw it away.

I am about to google "getting red nail polish out of carpet" because, you see, just on the other side of this rug, where you can't see, is cream carpet. Now with red nail polish on it.

I must admit that the Lexapro allowed me to say, "Hmmmm... wonder what my priorities should be? Toilet? Floor? Shower door?"

It's nice not to freak the F out.

Yay me!

28:50!!!!!!

My best time ever, and that's after 3 beers at girls night last night!


Super awesome thanks to my friend Amanda for coming to cheer me on! So sweet and you made my day!

Damn You, Hershey

You know raspberry is my weakness..... so you just had to go and do it. Damn you.

(And, oh, but they are good. Found 'em at Target, where they just jumped in my cart.)

Meme

maybe i should start to work on that tax return for work that is due May 15

i love the smell of laundry and Fresh Sugar Lemon

people would say that i’m a bit nutty and talk a lot and know a little bit about a lot of things and can find anything on the internet

i don’t understand why The Politician can't go to the bathroom in the middle of the night without coming to wake us up

when i wake up in the morning I turn off my alarm that is going to go off in 3 minutes and I jump out of bed ready for the day (I'm super annoying like that)

i lost my willpower to keep counting WW points

life is crazy and right now I couldn't do it with my Lexapro

my past consists of a few semi-bad choices, but I turned out OK regardless

i get annoyed when things don't go my way, a typical Capricorn behavior

parties are something to look forward to (unless there's no beer)

dogs sometimes scare me, but I'd like to have a Golden some day just like LaVerne

cats make me cry since I miss Phil and Margo desperately

tomorrow is a 5K followed by a Tball meeting

i have low tolerance for wine- just a sip and I'm drunk and have a terrible headache

i’m totally terrified of revolving doors and eating vegetables

i wonder why I thought accounting would be a fun career choice

never in my life have i felt the pride I feel when I see my kiddos

high school was pretty damn fun

when i’m nervous I get a rash and my neck turns red

one time at a family gathering... my crazy grandmother made chili for a holiday dinner and tried to poison everybody

take my advice: figure out what works best for you parenting-wise and don't worry about what anyone else thinks- all kids are different and what worked for your best friend/mom/boss may not work for you

making my bed is a necessary part of the morning- I simply cannot go to sleep in an un-made bed

i'm almost always tucking my hair behind my ears and chewing on the inside of my cheeks

i’m addicted to BBC and full-sugar Coke

i want someone to come blow dry my hair every morning

PTO Fundraising

So I absolutely hate fundraisers. I hate asking people for money. Stupid thin wrapping paper, overpriced cookie dough, magazines I don't have time to read- hate it all.

My view on fundraising is this: School, if you need money, just add $5 to our weekly fees, and we'll hardly notice it. You'll have your money, and we won't have to do any ridiculous fundraising.

But see this fabulous piece of 3X3 art pictured in the middle above? That was painted by my super-talented kiddos, and purchased by the Sashas for the bargain price of $65. It's going to look fab in our playroom!

Our director came up with this idea last year, and we raised a whopping $3500! We are on track to do the same this year.

Here's how it works: parents and staff make the canvases, keeping the cost down. Frames are built with scrap wood and canvas is stretched on the frame and stapled on. Paint is slopped on to give it a base color. Then the kids go to town, creating their masterpieces.

Orders are taken from parents for "commissioned art" at these sizes and prices:

• 1' by 1': $25
• 2' by 2': $45
• 3' by 3': $65

We then have an "art show" where all the pieces are hung up at a local coffee and chocolate shop for a month. Not shown in the picture above are the little cards that will be by each picture with the title and artist of each piece.

On a specific night, parents come to admire the work of their children and there is a silent auction on some group or class pieces. The school even offers childcare for the evening and parents get to enjoy wine, cheese, and chocolate and a little social time, and open up their checkbooks.

How fun is that?

Running Update

So now that I've run my first official 10K, what's my next goal?

Why, a half marathon, of course!

I think I've already told you I'm pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADHD as I have the shortest attention span EVER, so this is a big stretch for me to think that I can do this. Right now, it's hard for me to imagine doing anything for more than 2 hours....

But I'm going to give it a try. I really think my audio book eureka moment was the best idea I ever had and I think it'll the answer. I am really enjoying listening to Shopaholic and Sister and already have Shopaholic and Baby on my itunes ready to go (thank you public library!) once I finish Sister.

So this is the plan I think I am going to follow to train for the half mary. I may shoot for doing one in the fall or early winter, hopefully with some of the girls on my relay team. (Come on girls, we can do it!) I think there's one in November in Texas (is that right Cory?). If not, then definitely next April.

Anyone on board with me? I need a "Training for a Half" blinkie!

I Am a Member of The Brewmaster's Club!

I bet you've been waiting on this post.

I posted a little preview about the fabulous Hospitality House at Sea World a few weeks ago. And really, fabulous doesn't do it justice. I'm all about the free, especially free beer. And especially after I've been chasing my ornery two-year-old around the park for hours on end.

Now, the first cool part is that there is a bar in the front of the Hospitality House that you can get two free beers from and enjoy them in their large comfortable facility that is scattered with beer history and memorabilia. The second cool part is that you can also sign up for their Brewmaster's Club and get to attend an educational tasting of various beers and fruit, cheese, and chocolate.

Mr. Sasha and I signed up, although we did have to sign up separately since the kiddos weren't allowed in the Brewmaster area. He went first and came back refreshed and excited for me to get to go too.

So while I was waiting for the Brewmaster thing to start, I visited the bar up front and chose Shock Top, which is Anheuser-Busch's answer to Blue Moon. If you like Blue Moon, you'll like Shock Top.

Next, they opened up the Brewmaster Club doors and invited us in. They seated us in groups of four. I was seated with a girl who had just turned 21 the week before and a mother and daughter. Could have been totally uncomfortable sitting with 3 random strangers, but they turned out to be nice so it wasn't so bad.

An employee came and handed us a big menu and asked us to select 4 beers to try, which she would bring to us along with a tray of fruit, cheese, crackers and chocolate. Fun!

First, I chose Michelob Ultra Fruit, knowing that there are three different flavors and not knowing which one I would get. I'm just wild and crazy like that.

I had tried the Raspberry Pomegranate before on a trip to Missouri and loved it. So I was pleased that they brought out Lime, a flavor I hadn't tried. It was crisp and refreshing. Fab.

Next, I tried Tilt, which is a malt beverage energy drink. It was quite tasty, although I typically don't drink energy drinks. I figure I'm already medicated enough, no sense in adding additional things in my system. I get enough caffeine in my morning Coke.

I was so excited to try Wild Blue, a fruit infused lager. I was not disappointed- it was wonderful. (And on another note, my wonderful friend Amanda just brought me a six pack because I told her how much I liked it! I don't think they sell it in my state, so I'll be rationing this out and if you come over and I don't offer you one, don't get your feelings hurt, K?)

I also chose LandShark, which I can't actually find any info on on the A-B site. After I ordered it I realized that I had already tried it at Margaritaville in Vegas (it's marketed as Jimmy Buffet's beer). On the plus side, I remembered liking it, so no loss there. It's kinda Corona-ish.

We stopped by a few convenient (convenience?) stores on the way home from Sea World but didn't see any of these for sale. I live in a crazy state with weird beer laws, so I didn't expect to be able to find these for sale at home. To my surprise, I did find LandShark and Shock Top at my local IGA!

I'm quite on a beer kick right now and think I'll christen this The Summer of Beer. Maybe that's my new motto......

What a Weekend!

Sweet Niblets, I am worn out.

After working an all-day music festival yesterday (I got to drink beer while I checked-in/wrote checks to bands!), I headed to bed about 10:30 pm.

After a mere 4-5 hours sleep, I picked up two band members from our headlining band who need to go to the airport (they hadn't been to sleep yet and made the Family Van smell like a tequila factory).

Dropped them off at the airport and headed to a hotel near the marathon site to meet my relay team.

A shuttle took us to the starting line and I ran my 10K at 6:30 am in a cold drizzle, but had a fab time of 1:01.

We decided to forego the marathon bus system and did the transportation from relay point to relay point in a car on our own, which started out stressful, but turned into fun and I had a blast hanging with 5 of my friends from college who I miss so much! We all joined our friend in crossing the finish line during the last leg! The announcer read our shirts, which had a little inside joke printed on them and it was so cool.

Got home and took a much-needed 2 hour nap. I am currently doing laundry (of course) and drinking my 2nd full sugar Coke of the day. Yum!

Articles in the local papers say the fest was a success and estimate 6000 in attendance!!!!!! And it went off without a hitch. Damn we're good. And cool, but you knew that.

Hope you had a good weekend yourself! Smooches!

6 Unimportant Things About Me

I was tagged a million years ago by Tina and Our Crazy Wonderful Life for this meme. And it's been on my To Do List for weeks, but there are quite a few things on there that aren't getting done either, so don't feel slighted too much. It's not you, it's me.

1. I always have to have something on my feet. It can be flip flops or socks, but I simply can't be barefoot.

2. I drink 1 can of Coke every morning. Full sugar version.

3. I love classic rock and am pretty sure I was born 15 years too late. I am dying to meet Pamela Des Barres and have chatted with her numerous times in the late 90s.

4. I bite my nails, although I am always trying to quit. I go through cycles where I do a great job taking care of my nails and keep them painted, and then there are busy times like right now where I bite the dickens out of them because I don't have time to take care of them properly.

5. I am totally in the wrong career. I should not be an accountant, although I must say I am good at it. I should be in product development, marketing, or something with makeup!

6. I am a bargain shopper for househoold goods and food and even clothes, but I make up for that by being a Coach purse girl.

I would tag somebody, but since I have waited so long, I think this one has been around already!

Let's Start a New Phrase on OBBC!

(that's Old BabyCenter)

Forget vajayjay. While watching My Name Is Earl, Mr. Sasha and I heard the best. phrase. ever. (uttered by Joy of course)

Undersmile. As in, "She uncrossed her legs and showed everybody her undersmile."

So let's start the new phrase on OBBC!

This will work great on Magic Cream threads.

Let's start a revolution!

The Sasha Rider

So today I was working at the local non-profit who is putting on the music festival this weekend (!!!) and an issue came up with our headliner's rider.

You know, the list of things bands need when they play. Like here.

We were under the impression that all riders had been X's out and sent back to the artists. However, this didn't happen with this particular band so we were working on what we could come up with off their list without breaking the bank.

30 towels, a bottle of Ketel One Vodka, various kegs of beer, certain food, etc. Crazy stuff.

But really not so crazy.

I mean, these people are away from home, and it's not like they have time or transportation to go to the grocery store before they play their set.

And even I have a rider (for when I go stay with my parents):

• 1 can of cold Coke per day, in fridge
• 1 package of frozen Pepperidge Farm Apple Turnovers
• bottle of Advil that is findable in their kitchen
• funny stories about my childhood
• magazines I don't subscribe to
• some type of alcoholic beverage, possibly a bucket of frozen margaritas
• general snacky food, some chocolate, some salty

Sigh... he's really growing up

Some night when I put The Politician to bed, I like to get under the covers with him and snuggle for a few minutes.

Last night I did just that and after about 90 seconds, he said, "Momma, when are you going to get out of my bed? I'm really tired."

Broke my heart just a little. A preview of what's to come, I'm sure.

Have You Ever

seen this many stains on one tiny little 2 year old girl's shirt? Seriously, what did she do today? Paint a room? Clean the whole school? Do yardwork? Because I've never seen a shirt that dirty before. Off to do laundry......

A Giant Thank You!

to the 3 ladies who used me as a referral for a Gymboree Visa! Each time we each got a $20 giftcard to spend at Gymboree!

It's super easy- just use this link and enter my referral code: 100 035 040

Thanks in advance if you sign up! Email me if you do so I can make sure we both get the referral bonus!

Dude

I am tired. And I have lots to do before I go to bed....

But I thought I'd share this pic. Don't look at my yucky lawn. We were re-creating Easter Sunday since I didn't get a good pic of me with the kiddos. Not sure why I am so squinty, but we are all looking pleasant and towards the camera, so it's a keeper.

Backyard Barber Night

So about 3 years ago we decided to stop fighting the haircut war with The Politician and just buzz it ourselves. It's definitely a backyard job, although we do it in the garage when it's really cold.

So tonight was Haircut Night. He really does like it now because he gets 4 packs of Smarties to cajole him to sit still.

My favorite part is vacuuming him off when we are done. It's my own version of the Flowbee. I desperately wanted a Flowbee, and searched all over (OK, for 5 minutes online) only to find out it doesn't cut a buzz. So we just wheel the vacuum outside, hook up the attachment, and vacuum up all the hair! You're totally not dreaming, that's the brush attachment on the left side of the pic.

Here's the finished product, complete with "Cheese!" face. And we'll do it all again in a few weeks.

Something that I am totally not ready for

happened yesterday!

I was doing my normal Sunday afternoon good deal round-up (Super Target, Walgreens, CVS) and Mr. Sasha was reading the paper while The Politician watched some TV after his nap and The Wild Child finished her nap in her crib.

Mr. Sasha heard WC awake over the monitor, and P jumped up and said "I'll go in there!". Mr. Sasha was just about to stand up to go let her out of her crib, and all of the sudden P and WC came walking down the hall together!

She climbed out of her crib!!!! She's only 2 years and 3.5 months old! P happily stayed in his crib until 3 and I was hoping to do the same with her because I'm just not ready for her to be on the loose unattended.

Both of their cribs are the fab kind that convert to a toddler bed (with a little rail so they don't roll out) and then to a full-sized bed, so we can totally go the toddler bed route if it's time, but I just like her being captive right now. Does that make me a bad mommy? I'm just not sure I'll be able to convince her to stay in bed and go to sleep.......

Sigh.... I think I'll wait and see if she does it again. Maybe it was just a fluke?

It's only 1:00 pm

and it has already been an eventful day.

I ran 6 miles this morning in fab 50 degree weather with no wind- perfect running weather for me.

Went to 10 am soccer game.

Attempted to take the kids to lunch after the game, but got re-routed by a downtown parade.

Finally got to lunch and Mr. Sasha locked the keys in the car.

So we waited quite a while for a locksmith to come.....

And now we are at home- after dropping a $40 dollar locksmith fee.

For those asking, The Wild Child was great this week at school! They said she was a new child! Now, yesterday she did act like she was going to start to bite once, but her teacher caught her and startled her and she stopped. They then started using the tooth-brushing technique from the biting seminar, but since they don't have toothbrushes, they used some kind of long teething object that would reach her back teeth. She loved it and periodically asked for it by saying, "I need to chew my thing." So we see real promise in the new technique and the teacher is working on getting teether toothbrushes donated for 3 of the classrooms! Yay!

Still to come today: a birthday party at a local farm for P to go to, and some friends coming over for burgers/beers with their kids. And I may just meet a friend for margs at Taco Cabana after the kids go to bed. Cause I'm probably going to need it. I think we'll get a pitcher. Definitely, actually.

Just another crazy Saturday. Hope you have a good weekend!

Ask the Product Junkie: Self-Tanners, Take 2

Well, ladies, I've found two HG self-tanners! (and they are still on the market!!!!)

First is Neutrogena's Sun Fresh in Fair/Medium ($10 for 4 oz). Oh, what a find!

Scent: Billed as "grapefruit/nectarine", which I'm not so sure about, but I will tell you it's not at all like some of the other tanners I've used. Leaves a very faint tanner smell, so faint you'll be the only one to notice, and that's only if you sniff your own arm.

Color: Fab!!! Perfect for me- I'm very yellow and this looks so natural on me.

Texture and drying time: No complaints here- in fact, it dries very fast and is very smooth-able. I loved putting it on.

Con: The fact that you only get 4 oz for $10 bucks is definitely a draw back. I could see myself going through this tube very fast.

My most recent find is probably the best deal, bargain-wise. It's Loreal's Sublime Glow in Medium ($10 for 8 0z).

Scent: Just as good as the Sun Fresh above.

Color: A bit more brown than the Sun Fresh, but still a great color for me. As a bonus, there's a slight shimmery to this lotion. Now, it's not a "I'm going to the Prom in 1992" kind of shimmer, it's very pretty and really, you'll probably be only one who notices. But I like it.

Texture and drying time: Doesn't dry as fast as the Sun Fresh, but still dries nicely and isn't sticky once it's dried.

Verdict: I'll be using both- probably alternating.

Application tips: I start by applying a plain, unscented lotion (I use Cetaphil Lotion in the pump)to my elbows, knees, ankles, and tops of my feet. This keeps the color from grabbing too much in those areas. Then I slop the tanner on, starting with my arms and chest. I move down and do my lower legs and feet next, and then my thighs. I don't worry too much about my back and stomach. Who sees that anyway?

Two other tips: After I've done my arms, I get another squirt of Cetaphil lotion and rub it on the undersides of my arm and in the crook of my elbows- kind of to dilute the tanning lotion and blend it in there.

I also wash my hands when I'm done, and use a round cosmetic sponge to apply a drop of the lotion to the top of each hand.

Let me know if you try these and what you think!

Eureka!

I attended a Biting Workshop at Health Department last night, and it was beyond fabulous!!!!!!

In a nutshell, what they've found is that kids who bite are having trouble with sensory integration.

To help with that, they have discovered that if they pass out toothbrushes and have the children brush their teeth after breakfast, snacks, and lunch, they can reduce the biting by 85%!!!!! And for the children who are in that other 15%, if they are encouraged to brush every hour, they have a 98% success rate!!!!!

I talked to The Wild Child's teacher after my seminar (she was on her way into the provider version of the class) and this is definitely something we can try in her classroom. From what I understand, WC is not the only biter in the room.

Other suggestions from the seminar are to discontinue spill-proof cups and give more crunchy food to encourage the use of the back teeth. Basically, children who bite will benefit further development of their oral skills.

I am sure I said some of this wrong, cause I'm just an accountant, you know, and not a child development professional.

But I am so excited to have something to try and also to have confirmation that it's nothing that we've done (or haven't done) that is causing WC to have this behavior. Yay for me being a good mom after all!!!!!

Ebates Double Bonus Offer Again!!!!

Yay! Ebates is offering their Double Bonus Offer again, through May 31. If you sign up through my link, and make a purchase by May 31, we'll each get $10!

If you don't know about ebates, they offer rebates for doing your regular internet shopping through their site. They have Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place, Sephora, Snapfish, etc. I've gotten check from them totaling almost $400 over the past few years!

Click here if you would like to sign up. My referral email address is sasha2599[at]yahoo[dot]com.

Ask the Product Junkie: Eye Makeup Remover

Slim asked me the other day about eye makeup remover- she said she wasn't sure that she liked the Too Faced Lash Injection mascara because she was having trouble getting it off at the end of the day.

Turns out, she was using a different remover than me. I have been using the oil-free shake-up removers and they work great. Now, note that I also use a cotton round rather than a ball. Never had good luck with cotton balls.

Laurie (a Mary Kay consultant) left a comment a few weeks ago about her favorite remover, and I agree that it's a great product. I especially like that their bottle has a small opening that allows you to squeeze out just the amount you need rather than the wide opening that most of these type of removers have.

Now, the bargain shopper in me also needs to tell you about a cheaper version that I also like. You can typically find Neutrogena's version packed with two bottles together and sometimes you can even pair this find with a ECB deal at CVS- in fact, this week if you spend $15 on Neutrogena skin care, you get $5 ECB. Although it has the wider opening, I still like this product, especially at the price.

Anyway, using this type of remover will remove the fiber mascaras very well. Now, remember they come off differently. Your cotton round won't have black smeary stuff all over it, and you won't get black smear under your eyes. Instead, these mascaras come off in clumps- little balls of product. It's a much cleaner removal process that I just love.

More Notes From School

Notes sent home yesterday:


The Politician had to talk to the director in her office for calling his teacher stupid.


We are so happy to have The Wild Child back. She was so sweet to all her friends. She kept hugging her teacher Ms. Q and telling her she missed her.


Well, that's a reversal, now isn't it?

Maybe This Should Be My Motto

So you guys have heard about Randy Pausch, right? He's the Carnegie Mellon professor and father of three small children who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and only given a short time to live. He was asked to give a "last lecture", which you can watch at the above link, and I guarantee you there is no way you won't shed a tear and be touched.

Something he said really spoke to me, and I hope that I can raise my children like this:

As a professor, I’ve seen how disruptive it can be for parents to have specific dreams for their children. My job is to help my kids foster a joy for life and develop the tools to fulfill their own wishes. My wishes for them are very exact and, given that I won’t be there, I want to be clear: Kids, don’t try to figure out what I wanted you to become. I want you to become what you want to become. And I want you to feel as if I am there with you, whatever path you choose.

Parade Magazine, April 6 2008, page 7

Dear Jennifer Garner,

You know I was one of your biggest fans when you were on Alias. And really, I still am. You just seem like you're a super-cool gal and you also seem to be a fab mom.

And when you go and say something like this, I'm still blown away by how down-to-earth and in-touch you are.

"My younger sister is my hero: She's a mom and an accountant for the state of West Virginia. She's able to juggle a job, kids, volunteer work and church, and she still manages to cook dinner every night without feeling bogged down. There are a lot of people out there who are literally heroic, but what she does counts too."

Glamour Magazine, December 2007, page 312 (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that's not MLA)

San Antonio Report

Well, that trip just aged me 5 years. And I gained 4 pounds. But hell, we had a great time. Here's a wrap-up report:

• Number of times P asked "Are we there yet?" on the way there: 997
• Number of times we had to listen to the Wiggles CD on the way there: 2
• Number of times Mr. Sasha told P "No more Wiggles CD": 58
• Number of hours spent in the car on the way there: 7 or so
• Number of margaritas I had that first night on the riverwalk: 1 (but it was giant)
• Number of bathrooms in our VRBO rental: 1 (!)
• Number of bathtubs in our VRBO rental: 0
• Number of children given baths in the big kitchen sink: 1 (WC)
• Number of times we ate at the Mexican restaurant down the street from our rental: 2 (it was fabulous) (and it's 3 if you count Mr. Sasha's breakfast taco yesterday)
• Number of times WC fell and scraped up her knees: 5
• Number of band-aids she put on herself, me, and the girl behind us in line: 65
• Number of beers Mr. Sasha and I consumed at Sea World: a lot (and expect a whole blog post on that!)
• Number of hours the return home trip took: seemed like 10
• Number of my favorite stores I got to shop at on the way home: 2! (Coach and Ann Taylor outlets!)

And things WC said while in the car:

• I wanna go to San Antonio!
• I wanna go to Sea World!
• I want my shoes off!
• I want my shoes on!
• I don't want that!
• I want that!
• I wanna color!
• I want a snack!
• I want a drink!
• Momma!
• Momma!
• Momma!
• Momma!
• I'm wet!

P feeding the sea lions! He loved it and he insisted we do it again the next day. WC did not want any part of it.

Here is a pic of WC doing what she did most of the trip- run from us.

And here is a pic of her getting a little talkin' to. Doesn't Mr. Sasha look serious?

It was super fun and we will probably go back later this year.

Not sure if you noticed, but the moons were all aligned perfectly and I held my tongue just right and somehow managed to get my blog to re-direct to my own domain, http://www.sashasays.com/!

Unbelievable- and it only took me two tries! Mr. Sasha registered it for me a few years back but I never got around to using it. Now, the old link will still work too, but you are welcome to change your links or bookmarks- I think it has a nice ring to it!

I Can't Believe No One Ever Told Me

that they have beer at Sea World!!!!!!!

What the hell were we doing taking the kiddos to Silver Dollar City and Six Flags when we could have been taking them to Sea World all along? And drinking beer? Damn, who knew? If you knew and didn't tell me, I'm super pissed at you.

Does Disney serve beer? This may figure in to our vacation planning for next year.

Anyway, when I was attempting to get my 2nd beer of the day, they happened to be out of light beer. No big- I just went on about my way and headed over to get P some popcorn and frozen lemonade. All of the sudden Mr. Beer Guy was tapping me on the shoulder- he managed to get about 1/3 of a cup out of his tap and brought it over to me- free! I suppose he thought I needed it- the Wild Child was napping in the jogging stroller, and P was tagging along, looking beyond tired, and Mr. Sasha wasn't around as he was riding an adult ride by his lonesome, and I'm sure I looked out of control as usual. What a sweet beer guy- made my day!

More family fun to come tomorrow......

Ask the Product Junkie: Hershey's Bliss

Ash asks: I keep seeing these commercials for Hershey's Bliss. Have you tried them? You are the snack food/candy guru as well. Let us know if they are worth the $ :)

Ash, you are in luck! (And you can call me Sash, by the way!) CVS has them on special this week (2 bags for $4 after ECB) so I picked up a bag of the Milk Chocolate, and also the Milk Chocolate with a Meltaway Center on Sunday when I was doing the Huggies diaper deal.

Now, typically, I'm not a Hershey chocolate fan. I don't particularly care for their plain chocolate bar, and don't like their plain chocolate kisses. The chocolate just tastes "off" to me. However, I do like some of their specialty products, so I was glad to try these, all in the name of product review of course.

Simply put, love them! They melt fabulously in your mouth, if you can keep from biting into them, and they leave a wonderful taste behind. So go for it, Ash, I really think you'll like them!

Progress? Maybe?

WC has been asking about going to school- and we've been telling her she can go back after she stops biting. She'll say, "OK".

I had to take her with me yesterday when I picked up The Politician, and his class was on the playground. WC's class was out there too, and her teacher came up to us and started crying, so upset that WC wasn't in school this week because of her behavior. It's been the talk of the school, I believe.

Wow. Such drama at such a young age. More to come, I am sure.

Our Pet Piranha

is home today with her DeDe.

Mr. Sasha said she stuck her bottom lip out this AM when he told her she wasn't going to school, looked upset for 1/2 a second, then went and found her Elmo book and said "Read it to me!"

Yeah, cross your fingers that time with grandparents and mom and dad without Bubba around doesn't turn out to be The Most Fun Ever.

Sorry, no lylas from me today. I'm kinda meh. I mean, I do love ya, just don't feel pink and swirly right now.....

For Holly: Target Liquid Dispensing System

I love this so much that I will actually pass on the of convenience of CVS's drive thru pharmacy and drag my two ornery kids smack dab in the middle of Target to pick my liquid meds up since I heart their liquid dispensing system so much.

See the pic above? There is this little insert in the bottle that allows you to insert your dosing syringe, flip it over, pull out just how much you need, flip the bottle back up, and voila! No mess!!!!!!

And if you ask super nice and bat your eyes a bit, they will even give you the inserts for your OTC meds like Motrin and Sudafed!!!!!!! Oh, it rocks. Best thing ever, and I totally should have thought of it.

Well, Crap

The Wild Child bite someone today. On the face. Left a huge bite mark, even though it didn't break the skin. I imagine the parents freaked out when they got their to pick up their child.

So Mr. Sasha and I have made the decision to suspend her from school for a week ourselves. I am trying to call the director to tell her what we've decided, but she doesn't seem to have call waiting.... "I'm sorry that line is busy..."

Anyway, this is unacceptable behavior and we've got to do something radical. Six months ago and I would have freaked out about her being out of school for a week, but it's time for something BIG. Between my parents, Mr. Sasha's parents and sister, and the planned vacation we have for next Thursday and Friday, we've got next week covered.

Hopefully the school and the parents of the child/children she's been biting will appreciate our efforts. And most of all, hopefully it will break the cycle.

I think she'll be crushed Monday when The Politician goes to school and she doesn't. That's exactly what we are going for.

Cross your fingers it works......

Effective Discipline Method Found!

Yesterday, The Wild Child did a little chomping, but that led her teacher to find AN EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE METHOD for her!!!! Yay!

Nose in the corner. She hates it, cries, and it totally hits home that she did something wrong! I am now going to be using this method at home to be consistent. Trust me, there will be plenty of opportunities. I talked with her teacher this AM and she thinks we have struck gold. Relief is washing over me and maybe I'm not the worst mom ever, we just had not yet discovered what was effective with The Wild Child.

By the way, another photobucket steal above- people, if you don't want your photos thieved, make your photobucket account private! That's a message to you, a-1tilemom!

So Who Am I?

Christen writes: okay maybe i missed something.... how are you such an expert in makeup? I am def trying the two faced products! Sounds fab! :)

Christen, I am definitely not an expert, by any stretch of the imagination. I am a product junkie, however, and if you are wondering about a new product, there's a good chance I have tried it and have an opinion on it! Let me know what you think about the Two Faced products!

Here's the little bio blurb I wrote for A Million Little Glosses, the beauty blog I contribute to:

I'm 34 and grew up and still live in the Southwest, where it was pretty much all the rage to bake your skin (face and all) to a nice crispy dark brown shade every summer! As a result, I suffer from some sun damage, and of course some wrinkles, which may or may not have something to do with wearing contacts since 4th grade.

I have naturally light brown hair that I highlight the hell out of. Blue eyes. My skin is pretty combo and can have some dry patches from time to time. I'd describe my skin color as PDP (pretty damn pale).

I like a natural look but love to experiment with vivid lip colors and am partial to rosy stains with sparkly gloss on top.

I'm a self-professed product junkie. If it's new and pretty, I'll buy it.

Phew, Wed was a Good Day

Well, we gave The Wild Child some Motrin yesterday because she is cutting her top two year molars, and I am looking for something to blame the biting on.

Whether that was the reason, I don't know, but she had a fabulous day and didn't bite at all!

We are continuing the Motrin today too for good measure.

Plus the assistant director loves it when I brings meds with the Target dispensing system in it. Why didn't I invent that?????

Ask the Product Junkie: Tinted Moisturizer

sweet-seventeen writes: Oh, it would be so awesome if you could recommend a good tinted moisturizer. My skin tends to be sensitive, especially to new products on it, and I have no clue which ones are the best and which ones will make me break out or get shiny. (If it helps, I'm PDP, too. lol.) Thank you!

You betcha.

One of my long-time faves (probably 15 years!) has been Clinique's Almost Makeup ($19.50). Sheer, lightweight, non-oily, this is pretty fabulous. I have relatively sensitive skin, and never experienced breakouts or extra oil while using this product.

It even has an SPF of 15.

I have always purchased the Light, which used to be the lightest shade- but it looks like they have even more colors available now so I'd probably stop by a counter and see what shade works best before I purchase again. If you can time your purchase with a GWP (gift with purchase), even better!

Application is super easy- I typically use a damp sponge. However, I have recently been using a damp foundation brush and like that as well and it seems more sanitary.

Another tinted moisturizer I recently discovered is Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer ($32). It's become my weekend staple and I love love love this product. It's perfect for the PDP!

Even better, it's available as part of the above Best of Stila Set, which is a $120.50 value for only $40 at Ulta. For just $8 more, you get five more products! Well worth it.

I Am Failing

Note from school:

The Wild Child was playing with another child in the playroom under the slide and bit the child on the head above her right ear. No other children were affected. The Wild Child sat in the corner, was told not to bite her friends, and apologized.

Also, right after I was discussing this with her teacher, The Politician said, "Momma, I ate some moon sand today, so I'll probably throw up tonight."

Uncle.

Dear Bret Michaels,

Listen, why don't you just admit that Heather is your perfect match and call off the show? You know it, I know it, everybody in my office knows it, and even Ambre and Daisy and Destiny know it.

Now, I'm sure you are contractually obligated to continue the show with VH1, and yes, it's fabulously trashtastic. But we all know you and Heather have a thing going on, and basically she's your perfect match.

Now that the writer's strike is over and my other faves like The Office (and Greek!!!!) are coming back, I've got less time for fake trash TV. Just wanted to make sure you knew that.

You Take The Good, You Take The Bad

Well, my 5K went fab this AM. 29:40! I am excited! I've got another one coming up on May 3rd and I am excited to keep working on my time.

As for the bad, well, WC attempted to bite 4 times yesterday, and two of the attempts were completed....................

Also, they said she doesn't seem to "get" the concept of time-out, as she chose to laugh, dance, and sing a few songs while there. Now, I could have told them that.

So start crossing your fingers again that we don't get kicked out. For good measure, I am going garden shopping for the school garden on Sunday and will probably attend the Catholic pancake breakfast before church tomorrow. Cause it can't hurt.

Ask the Product Junkie: Eye Makeup

Shannie writes: Please tell me about non-smudging eye makeup. I don't care what I buy, it smudges and I look like a raccoon by the end of the day. Please help!

Oh Shannie, this ties in perfectly with the Too Faced eye makeup review I've been meaning to do for almost 2 weeks! Thanks for kicking me in the ass and making me get it done!

I went along with Slim to Ulta a few weeks ago to watch her get a Too Faced makeover by a Too Faced makeup artist. It was fab! I intently watched every move the artist made, asked a million questions about her techniques and even what makeup she was personally wearing, and probably convinced her that I was a freak. Or maybe not, because she did offer to do a touch-up on me since I wasn't bare-faced. Fun!


One product I was particularly interested was the eye shadow primer, something I haven't used since the old days when I used Clinique's Touch Base, which I stopped using because I hated using my finger to apply it. Recently, I've heard a lot about Urban Decay's Primer Potion (called UDPP by beauty bloggers), but I've also read a lot about how their delivery sucks and leaves a lot of product unreachable in the tube.

But I am in love with Too Faced's Shadow Insurance ($17)! Much better application system. The makeup artist said to squeeze a small amount on a concealer brush and apply all over your lid up to your brow. It's amazing how much better my eye shadow wears when I use this. I am wearing eye shadows I never wore before because I could never get a good application from them. Now I know the secret.....

Next, she showed me Too Faced's Liquif-Eye ($17.50). What a fab product! This turns any eye shadow into an eyeliner that lasts all day! So now I'm always able to have a coordinating eye liner to go with my chosen shadow. Now, I was a liquid eyeliner virgin, but this is relatively fool-proof if you go slowly. The result is a just more intense version of the eye shadow you choose. You'll love it.

I'm always on the make for that perfect mascara. Here's my wish list of mascara qualifications:

• doesn't run or smudge throughout the day, even when I exercise
• thickens
• lengthens dramatically
• is easy to take off

I thought I'd found my HG mascara a few months ago when I discovered Fiberwig ($22). Fiberwig met all my qualifications except it didn't do much to thicken.

However, Lash Injection ($19.50) does! Magnificently!

Note that removing the fiber mascaras is a little different and takes a little getting used to. When you remove them, your cotton ball doesn't get all black and smeary. The mascara comes off in little tubes, almost solidly. Fiberwig's marketing includes the slogan "No more panda eyes" and that goes for Lash Injection, my absolutely most favorite mascara ever. Seriously.

So have fun shopping!

You've got to be kidding me

Guys, The Wild Child had been doing so great at school and hadn't bitten in weeks, maybe months.

But today she bit someone. Her closest little buddy.... on the face.

I am crushed. And at a loss as to what to do.

Ask the Product Junkie: Self Tanners

Clemsongirl asks: How about the self tanner dealies at BBW? Thoughts?

Courtney writes: ooh! I'd like a review on your favorite self tanner please!

First and foremost, you should know I love to be tan. I spent so many years trying to get (and usually achieving) that savage tan. I always feel prettier with a tan. But alas, we now know that it's bad for your skin...... So a few years back I decided no more outside or bed tanning for me.

I was always freaked out by self-tanning lotions because of all the orange results I'd seen on others so I stayed away.

So when Jergens first came out with their gradual tanner in 2004, I rushed to try it. I was not impressed. The smell was off-putting and I could not get even color, especially on my legs. So I gave up for a little while.

Next I tried Dove's version. A little better, but still not something I enjoyed using.

Now, one of my favorite beauty bloggers is Beauty Addict. Last summer she did a feature called Fake Bake Month and I discovered St. Ives Healthy Brilliance Renew & Glow.



Oh, what a much better smell! The color was great for me and it actually was a terrific body lotion as a bonus. Easy to spread, dries fast, develops into a nice light tan after a few days. I found it at Target and it was reasonably priced at around $7. I was sold.

Of course, you'll never get identical results to an actual outdoor tan, and my results were nowhere near as dark as the savage tan I was used to getting..... but this is probably the next best thing. Check out Beauty Addict and give some of her suggestions a try!

Edited to add: Well, damn. It looks like it may have been discontinued. I haven't bought it since last summer..... I am very disappointed! Maybe it's still in some stores, though. Be on the lookout.

I guess it's back to Beauty Addict's reviews and I'll try to find something similar.

Taking Submissions: Ask the Product Junkie

Rachael had a fab idea- I should do a write-in feature! Fun!

Are you wondering about any new products you've seen? Makeup questions? We're talking food, cleaning products, candy, beauty products, clothes, anything.

Cause here's the deal: If it's new, on an endcap, or there's a coupon for it, I've probably bought it. And believe me, I've got opinions. Mr. Sasha is convinced there's a career out there for me in product review, but I'm not so sure. I'm a little like Rosie Perez's character on White Men Can't Jump, I know a little bit about a lot of stuff.

Anyway, leave me a comment with your question and I'll post some answers later today!

Also, can anyone think of a better name for the feature besides Ask the Product Junkie? Creativeness is my downfall.

Beer:30

One of the mottos in contention for NLP: RD: Motto is "Every day is a liquor convention" and of course there is WC's suggested "I need ice!".

Here in the south(west) we're stating to have some fab days mixed in with our 20 degree days. Saturday was one of those nice days and Mr. Sasha suggested we grill hamburgers. I ran to WalMart since we had none of the stuff on hand, and wandered down the beer aisle.

Ever since I'd seen the Tea Partay video last year (East is so much better than West), I've been dying to try to Smirnoff Raw Tea and this was the perfect occasion. I found the Raspberry variety and into my cart it went.
verdict: Yum! And more yum! Light and refreshing.... I downed two before I even realized it. No aftertaste. Just wonderful. I'll be buying more and can see these being a staple this summer.

I'm also a fan of the original Blue Moon, and yesterday when I was at Target at lunch I found this new version:

Blue Moon Rising Moon Spring Ale. So of course I bought this too. I don't know when I think I'm going to drink this all. Maybe you can come over for a drink this weekend.