Red Solo Cup

I'll admit freely that most likely it's because there's a Solo Cup plant in my hometown, but I *almost* love this song. It's quite the earworm and I can't stop singing it in my head.

Sasha Asks: Your PSA

Today's question is "What is your PSA?"

Mine is "Take Your Baby For An Eye Exam ASAP"

Do you know about the InfantSEE program? Oh, how I wish I did when my children were babies! This program provides a cost-free vision exam for babies before their first birthday.

from the InfantSee website:

InfantSEE®, a public health program, managed by Optometry Cares® - The AOA Foundation, is designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, AOA optometrists provide a comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants within the first year of life regardless of a family's income or access to insurance coverage.

Some readers know about P's vision impairment- but if you don't, he was diagnosed with Exotropia at the beginning of this year- at age 7. It's been a difficult year filled with a eye muscle surgery on both eyes, weekly vision therapy for the past 21 weeks, and twice-a-week hour-long multi-sensory reading tutoring. We've come a long way, but still have farther to go, and we aren't sure what the final outcome will be. Will he always be visually impaired? How will this affect his ability to learn in school, and what about normal life thing like driving?

I struggle everyday wondering, "What if we had caught it earlier?" Honestly, I don't know. He had all his regular well-child visits, and nothing was ever noticed during those exams. I even took him for a visual exam with a local opthamologist before K and it wasn't caught then either.

This paragraph from the InfantSEE website echoed my thoughts: Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter have pledged their support for the program for a very important, personal reason: They have two grandchildren with amblyopia. For one grandchild, the condition went undetected until he was well into grade school, when classroom difficulties made the condition apparent. Had a program like InfantSEE® been in place then, he may have been treated with far less effort and would have found academic success sooner.

So my PSA to you, and everyone you know, is PLEASE PLEASE take your baby for an InfantSEE exam with an optometrist. They are better trained to locate these types of problems. If you are local and want a recommendation, we have a wonderful pediatric optometrist who is trained in pediatric optometry and vision therapy and rehab.

If you missed the opportunity for the free exam, I still encourage you to have your child examined by an InfantSEE doctor. You don't understand how much your child's vision affects their learning experience until you go through something like we have.

I'd love to read about your personal experiences and your PSA- leave it in the comments, or blog about it and leave a link.

Sasha Asks: Your Favorite Book?

Today's question is "What is your favorite book?".

Oh, how I love to read! I used to stay up late, devouring books until I couldn't keep my eyes open. During my years of insomnia, there were always several books on my nightstand waiting to be picked up at 3 am, and my trips to the bookstore couldn't even keep up the pace.

Then I had kids.

Alas, in 2003 my free time allocated for pleasure reading disappeared. If I did find time to read, it's usually a parenting topic.....

But if I am answering trivia questions about myself, I list Sophie Kinsella as my favorite author. Most people know her for the Shopaholic series, which is fabulous and I love dearly, although please know the movie was not at all representative of the book.

But the best Kinsella books are actually the non-Becky ones... Yes, Becky can be a tad self-absorbed and unaware, but Kinsella's other heroines are real life, this-could-really-happen gals. My two favorites are Can You Keep a Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess. If you haven't read them, you simply must.

If you are local and wish to borrow, just let me know! I'd also love to know what your favorite books are- comment below please.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

Laugh If You Must

Left- P's 1st grade pic Right- P's 2nd grade pic

Yup, we dressed him in the exact same shirt two years in a row. Parents of the year? That's us!
If anyone has this shirt in a medium to send to us, we'll go for three next year.

Sasha Asks: Your Favorite TV Show?

Today's question is "What is your favorite television show?".

Don't suppose you can guess what my favorite TV show is, can you?

Why, of course, it's Friends! Friends began airing in the Fall of 1994 while I was in college. I have the fondest memories of gathering around the TV with my sorority sisters and watching the newest epi before getting ready to go out on Thursday night. It's also one show that the husband and I agree is absolutely perfect comedy- for a few years right after we got married, reruns were airing at 10 pm weeknights, so we always watched Friends right before we went to sleep.

I have to admit to you that I'm a little bit Monica. Oh, who am I kidding, I'm totally Monica. Totally. I even have a phone pen.

As you can see above, I have all 10 seasons on DVD (randomly, Season 4 does not have a 4 on the spine). Note that Season 1 is not in the pic, because it's in our bedroom since I was watching it while running on the 'mill when I took this shot. I watched the entire series, in order, several times while doing the Couch to 5K plan. It was such a fabulous distraction and really kept me going on the exercise plan.

Here's a partial list of some of my favorite epis:

• Holiday Armadillo


• "It Tastes Like Feet!" English Trifle/Shepherd's Pie


• Vegas


• Ross's Teeth


• Ross Got High


• Leather Pants


• Monica and Ross's Dance Routine


• Pivot


• Jellyfish


• Switching Apartments/Chanandler Bong


• All the flashback epis/Fat Monica

I could go on and on.... What's your favorite episode? Any I missed?

Sasha Asks: Favorite Movie?

Today's question is "What is your favorite movie?".

Almost Famous

My love of classic rock led me to become obsessed with rock biographies while in high school. I devoured Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga and I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres and imagined myself living the tales. Although shy and ever-conscious of authority, I longed to be a bit more daring and have that exciting life that revolved around rock and roll.

So when the movie Almost Famous starring Kate Hudson came out 2001, I was so excited! Another chance to have a glimpse of that life that sounded so very intoxicating and thrilling to me. I wasn't disappointed at all- I found it to be enthralling and I couldn't take my eyes away. Genius, pure genius.

I'd love to hear in the comments- what's your favorite movie?

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

And join in tomorrow- the question will be "What's your favorite TV show?".

Sasha Asks: Getting To Know You Better

About a year ago, I started a series about Getting To Know You Better. And of course I never finished it! I'm just going to start again and pretend time didn't go by! We're going to re-name it "Sasha Asks" and I'd love for you to join in!

The first question is "What is your favorite song?".

"Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton

I was lucky enough to grow up in a home with parents who LOVED music and exposed me to so much classic rock. My mom and I would go to the store on days when a new *tape* would come out (Doobie Brothers anyone? remember this was the mid-to-late 70s) and I always loved singing along in the car.

Some of my faves are Cream, Led Zeppelin (duh!), The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Bad Company, Janis Joplin, KISS, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Velvet Underground, and of course Eric Clapton. (and this list could go on and on....)

When the hubby and I decided to get married, I knew that I wanted "Wonderful Tonight" to be the song we danced to. There's just something I have always loved about that song and now it holds an even sweeter memory for me.

Plus "Beth" by KISS wouldn't have fit the situation very well....

I'd love to hear what your favorite song is and what memory is attached- just leave a comment to join in.

Stop by tomorrow- the question will be "What's your favorite movie?".

Arg!

Makeup Tip: The Importance of Brushes

When I did my little makeup class for my MIL and SIL last week, one of the things we discussed was the importance of good brushes. Usually, the brush that comes with your product is just not adequate and you won't get good application using those low-quality brushes. And you'll notice that most high-quality products don't even come with brushes.....

Makeup brushes by sasha2599 on Polyvore.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$5 - eyeslipsface.com

Studio Contour Brush for Professional Makeup Artists
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

So I have a few suggestions if you are up for re-vamping or adding to your makeup brush arsenal. Today I am suggesting some brushes from e.l.f..... note that I am not compensated in any way for my recommendations- these are just personal opinions based on products I have purchased myself.

1. Foundation brush. It's probably a sensory thing, but I cannot apply foundation with my fingers... I get all shivery just thinking about it. I use a foundation brush that I wash each morning with foam soap, then I use it damp to apply my liquid foundation. I suggest e.l.f.'s Mineral Foundation Brush ($5).

2. Powder brush. After I apply my foundation, I do a dusting of e.l.f.'s High Definition Powder with a fluffy brush like e.l.f.'s Studio Complexion Brush ($3).

HD Powder is a translucent, versatile loose powder that creates a flawless, "soft focus"
effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a glowing, radiant
complexion. This incredibly soft and invisible powder is ideal for everyday
wear, either alone or over your favorite e.l.f. foundation. Our HD Powder is a
makeup artist and e.l.f. fan favorite, and at only $6, it can be yours at a
fraction of the cost of the competition!

3. Bronzer/Blush brush. I love to use stipple brushes to apply my bronzer and blush, especially if they are very pigmented. A stipple brush gives a nice sheer application that can be built in layers. I suggest getting 2 of e.l.f.'s Studio Stipple Brushes ($3) and using one just for bronzer, and one just for blush.

4. Eye shadow brushes. I use mainly use two brushes- one to apply my all-over base color (typically a shimmery champagne color) and a crease brush to apply my darker color in my crease. I would suggest getting a e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush ($3) to apply the base color, and a e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush ($3) for your crease shade.

As a side note, e.l.f. does participate in Ebates, so if you do place an order from e.l.f., you can get 5.5% back. (ebates link is a referral link)

Gameday Style

I met the sweetest girl this weekend who writes a great new blog about Gameday! It's called Gameday Style and she's got recipes, explanations about football rules, apparel ideas, and just all sorts of fun stuff related to football. Go check her out and say hello!

The One Where Everyone Stares at Me

As I picked WC up off the ground at school pickup yesterday and carried her to the car, like a limp (but kicking) noodle, I felt eyes on me.

As we carried WC to the van, kicking and screaming, last Saturday night, after she repeatedly hurt another child, I felt eyes on me.

As we left a friend's house earlier than planned the weekend before, after she was mean to their daughter, I felt eyes on me.

I need to print a tshirt.

Yes, I know.

I promise we are working on it.

I promise we are in therapy.

I promise I am trying.....

I Can't Do It

I was pondering the premise of SJP's newest movie, I Don't Know How She Does It, and the answer is really easy.

She doesn't. Or at least, I don't.

I don't do it at. As a mom with a lot on her plate, I just can't.

I have friendships that have been neglected, baby books that haven't been filled, 25 pounds that haven't been lost, baseboards that haven't been re-stained after we re-floored the whole house, flower beds that haven't been tended to, pictures that haven't been uploaded or printed, books that haven't been read..... the list goes on and on.

What's the answer? How do I find that balance I am so desperately looking for? I'm not sure, but I'm mulling it over and hope to sort it out soon.

Makeup Fun

I am so excited for tonight! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have asked me to bring all my beauty products and tools over for a girls night so that I can show them how I do my makeup! I don't know that they are especially impressed with my abilities, most likely it's just that they know the sheer amount of products I have and figure I must have some info to share!


One of the first things I want to show them is my Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection from e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face).



The Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection Includes:
Sleek, Water-Resistant Case
Eyeshadow "C" Brush
Complexion Brush
Small Angled Brush
Small Smudge Brush
Fan Brush
Powder Brush
Angled Foundation Brush
Concealer Brush
Small Precision Brush
Blush Brush
Contouring Brush




This set basically has every brush you'll need to create your look. Good brushes make such a different in makeup application. And trust me, these are nice, high-quality brushes! Although it retails for $30, using the code CAROLINA takes $7.50 off your order, making these very well priced. (And note: you can get 5.5% back from ebates for e.l.f. purchases!)







I also use (and LOVE) the High Definition Powder. This is basically identical to Make Up Forever's HD Powder, and at $6, it's quite a savings over MUFE's $30 price tag.



Emily at Beauty Broadcast has an entire video dedicated to her e.l.f. favorites, and it's worth a watch if you are considering placing an order.



They offer free shipping on orders over $25, so if you are looking for other products to try, a few of Emily's favorite are: Studio Blush ($3), Mineral Lipstick ($5), and Super Glossy Lip Shine ($1).



Disclosure: I have no relationship with e.l.f. at all- they don't even know who I am! I purchased the products pictured above myself. The ebates link in the text above is a referral link, and we both get $5 if you sign up using my referral link.

Today

I am ordering Lady's Antebellum's new CD, which is released today. Amazon has it for only $8, no tax, no shipping if you have Prime.

Speaking of Prime, mine expires today!

P has vision therapy today after school, then I'll be attending K and 2nd grade curriculum meetings at our elementary school this evening.

Since our evening will be a bit crazy, I plan on tossing some chicken in the crock pot along with some Archer Farms Hawaiian Style BBQ Sauce when we get home. It just needs to cook on high for 2-3 hours, and that will be just in time for me to grab a quick bit before heading to the school.

In other news, P had his first two fall baseball games last night, and they went great! I am SO glad he has found a sport he enjoys, and bonus! It just so happens to be my favorite sport too.

What are you up to today?

New Fall TV Shows: What Will You Be Watching?

Last night I was reading my most favorite TV Guide issue of the year- the fall preview issue. I am such a dork! I've been religiously reading TV Guide cover to cover since the whole Who Shot JR? debacle.

I think I've got my must-sees narrowed down to two.

The Playboy Club

Pan Am


What new shows do you plan on checking out?

Favorite Things Party- You MUST Have One!

Thanks to my obsession with Pinterest, I have ideas for fun stuff just spilling out of my head!

I found a fabulous idea for a party that I just had to follow through with. My Sunday school class was scheduling a Girls Night, so I suggested we do a Favorite Things Party, and offered to host at my house last Friday Night. It was such a hit! We had a total of 15 people there, and I asked everyone to bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and also bring whatever they'd like to drink.



Here's the original instructions from the Pin:

Each person brings their favorite thing (anything you like.. your favorite lip gloss, favorite kitchen tool, favorite gift wrapping supply, a gift card for your favorite frozen yogurt, etc.). It can't cost more than $6, and each person brings five of the same thing. When you arrive at the party, you write your name on five slips of paper and throw them in a big bowl. The bowl is passed around, and each person takes five names (making sure you don't pick your own.. or two of the same name). One at a time each person introduces their favorite thing and then reads the five names they picked from the bowl, passing out their gift to those five guests. After everyone at the party has presented their favorite thing, each person should end up with five gifts to take home. It's always interesting to see what people choose, and some guests have started to bring a notepad and pen to jot down what people love.

We chose to modify a bit- we went with three $10 gifts.

I bet you can wager a guess as to what I picked up for my three gifts..... nail polish! I got Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat because it seems like people don't know about it, and it's life changing! (well, as life changing as a beauty product can be!)

And here's what I received: a market basket from Kirkland's to use when I go shopping (rather than use Target or Wal-Mart's nasty little baskets, a silicon spoon/spatula from Williams Sonoma, and the book Heaven is for Real.

We had a wonderful time and there was a lot of "Ohhh..... I've never seen that before!" and "I have to get that!". Have you hosted a party like this before?

Be On the Lookout For

If you are out and about, and see these things, let me know!

I am about mid-way through a crocheted blanket for P, and of course Wal-mart no longer carries the color I've been using, Red Heart French Country. I just found it online for around $8-9, but I just can't pay that when I've only been paying $3 or so to Sam. We just got a Joann Fabric store, so maybe I should check there?




And being a good Chi O, it's imperative that I have the skull and crossbones nail polish strips for Halloween this year! And the ghosts are so cute too! I've checked my Wags and CVS, but they are so slow to put new things out, so I'm not all that hopefully. Maybe I'll check Ulta?

Excitement!

After The Hottest Summer in History (really), a cool front is coming in this weekend, pushing our high temps down in the low 90s, and do you see that 88????? Yay!!!!!!

I am so ready for cool weather! I'm already painting my nails fall colors, just for good measure. Sort of like a rain dance. Right now I'm wearing Orly Fowl Play, shown in the pic above, and it's gorg.


Since I plan on losing all this extra weight doing the Jumping Jack Challenge, I'm busy planning all the cool things I want to wear this fall.

What are you looking forward to?

Jumping Jack Challenge

via

I know, I know. I have a terrible track record for completing "programs". But I am totally going to finish this one! It's fun!

Obv I didn't get started on August 1, so I am just marking off the days as I do them one by one. I started Sunday and did Day 2 yesterday. I can totally feel it in my arms and it was quite a cardio boost.

Note that you don't need to do 300 in a row.... you can spread them out during the day. I have been doing 50 at a time.

Who's with me?????

Confession

My favorite TV show right now is Good Luck Charlie (yes, it's on Disney, but I'm not above kids shows). It's totally the mom character.... she is a hoot and I just love her! We actually watch this show as a family and even DH loves it.

Have you seen it?