Lesson #86 - Run While You Can {Wordless Wednesday}

So...I have been promising The Princess a nakie picture for quite some time now...and I wanted to share it with you all!!

LOL!! Someone got away from me while I was changing her diaper!!

Lesson #85 - A Job Is Just That...A Job

I know that a lot of you have probably been wondering where the HECK I've been - AGAIN!! I apologize for being MIA...

After getting back into town - once my work trip was cut short - I got really depressed. A few weeks ago I was given a letter, from my boss, saying that if I didn't clean up my act - I would be terminated. That just made things worse, honestly.

I love my job and I love what I do...the people I interact with are great. Management, however, is a different story. I just can't understand how people in senior-level positions get to where they are by being demeaning and just all-around terrible people. It doesn't make sense!!

Okay, so I've made a few mistakes - but who HASN'T at their jobs?! That is how we get better folks...by making mistakes! If you've never made a mistake...or if your boss thinks that everything you do is the right thing...then you need to take a serious look in the mirror!

Ever since I was a kid my parents have stressed the importance of a good education - which will lead to a good job. While this is true, I think that somewhere along the lines we forget that we - as people - are not defined by our professions.

I am not my job...even though I hold a job.

Come on everyone - say it with me...

I AM NOT MY JOB!!!

There...don't you feel better?!?!

You should!

I had to take a serious look in the mirror and keep repeating that over and over. I am not my job...I am not my job.

I am MORE than just my job description...I am MORE than a list of experiences on my resume...

I am also a loving wife...a caring mother...a daughter...a best friend...a God-fearing Catholic...a Republican (with a big R)...a hopeless romantic.

...but even more than that...I am ME! I am the culmination of everything AWESOME that is me. It goes beyond race, religion, political stance, job description, hair color, eye color...everything. In the end...I am a human...and humans make mistakes...it is our essence...it is what makes us...well...human!

By next month we shall see if I still have my job or not...but until then...I can only continue to be me!

PSA - Our Mommyhood

** Please pause for a VERY important Public Service Announcement **

Everyone should RUN - not walk - over to Our Mommyhood ASAP to read my post on the the most wonderful item that EVERYONE should have in their kitchen!!! I promise, you won't be disappointed!!

** End Public Service Announcement **

Lesson #84 - It Pays To Have Patience {Giveaway Winners}

Before I announce the winner of the Borsa Bella giveaway...let me first announce the winners of the previous TWO giveaways that I have had and just really could not get around to posting yet. I do apologize for the delay...but things have been rough over here lately...so thank you for your patience!!

The winners of the Lesson #65 giveaway (here) are:
Yellow etched vase - Betty @ Cut and Dry
Hand-made card - Holly @ 504 Main

The winners of the Lesson #72 giveaway (here) are:
Custom-made felt headband - Much More Than Mommy
Two sets Mrs. P @ A Little Pink in a World of Camo

Now...the winner of the Lesson #79  giveaway (here):
$25 credit @ Borsa Bella - Cop Mama

PHEW!!!



Also, don't forget to enter the two current giveaways I have going on right now...

Lesson #80

and

Lesson #82

Lesson #83 - Swim Lessons Are Not For Sissies...Or Is It Sissys?? {Wordless Wednesday}

Sunday was our VERY first swim lesson!!!

Waving at the water before class begins:

The babe was one of the only kids NOT crying during class (note - crying child to the babe's left):

The babe was way more interesting in why the sissy boys were crying (note the OTHER crying child to the babe's right):

Can't WAIT until this Sunday :)

Lesson #82 - Sometimes TRUE Love Requires A Fashion Statement

Have you ever loved something SO much that you just HAD to make a point about it??

That is the exact thought I had when I was at the grocery store a few months back. The woman in front of me in the checkout line was with her hubs...just standing around waiting for him to finish with paying for the groceries. Suddenly he realized that his credit card wasn't in his wallet...alas!!

Anyways - the point of the story is this...wifey, clearly frustrated, went to pull her wallet out of one of THESE:

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?! I totally freaked out when I saw her bag and just couldn't keep my damn mouth shut!! "Ohmigod!! Where did you GET your bag?!?!" This poor woman probably thought I was a psycho...but I just HAD to ask! SUPER cute, right???

I never got an answer...so I don't know if the woman in the grocery store got her bag from Rosha Merci'a...but I am going to venture to say that she did! These fabulous recycled wrapper purses and accessories are made from candy wrappers, potato chip/snack bags and ANY other food/drink wrappers you can think of!

From larger purses, like the Starbucks bag above, to smaller zipper pouches like this Coke example:

From a Mountain Dew purse to a Ramen Noodle pouch (chicken flavor, below):

M has been making wrapper purses and accessories since 2004 and I hope she continues to make them!! Want a custom piece...just come up with the wrapper(s) of your choice and I'm sure M would be thrilled to make a bag, wallet, clutch, key fob, or anything else for you!! I have yet to gather enough diaper packages for her to make me a diaper bag...but I will get there soon enough!!

Giveaway:
The first winner of this giveaway will receive a Recycled Starbucks Zipper Purse (shown above) - and the second winner will receive their choice of a Coke OR Pepsi Zipper Pouch (Coke shown above)!!

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry:
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the OhNoUDidn't Designs Etsy site and tell me which product is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" OhNoUDidn't Designs on Etsy
1 entry if you become a fan of Wrapper Fashions on Facebook
1 entry if you follow Wrapper Fashions on Twitter
1 entry if you share which of YOUR favorite foods you'd turn into a fashion statement
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

Lesson #81 - My Bloggy Buddies DO Care {Awards}

It has been quite some time since I've been able to post the awards I've gotten in the past month - YIKES, I am WAY behind!! This post might be a little long...but please bare (or is it bear) with me :)

A few days before muh birthday, Megan @ Megs1827 gave me this little gem:

In order to accept it, I am supposed to tell 5 random things about me and then pass it off to 2 of my favorite bloggy buddies...well, I think I already post some pretty random things about myself...so we'll skip that part! I am passing this stand to my random-topic writers (since it required a random list about me):

Ian @ The Daily Dose of Reality
Anything Fits a Naked Man

THEN, on muh birthday (and a week later), I got this beauty from Amy @ Keeping up with the Schultz Family and Tammy @ Tammy's Two Cents

The rules for this one are to pass it on to 12 bloggy buddies and let them know...only 12 people?!?! This is one that I would like to give to ALL of my followers. Without you, I would just be that crazy-lady standing in the corner talking to the wall...and although I am guilty of that - on occasion - it would happen much more often without you all!!

A week later I got this classy black and white number from Morgan @ Becoming Homegrown

The rules for this one state that I can only give it to 7 bloggy buddies...definitely doable! Those folks are:
Mrs. P @ A Little Pink in a World of Camo 
Angry Julie @ Angry Julie Monday

Mae Rae @ In and Out of the Bubble
Ashley @ Kiwis and Cocktails
Brittney @ Mommywood
Tami @ Every day in gray
AND
Wendy @ Tales from the Motherhood

Lesson #80 - Art Is About Heart

Art...we all want to create it, but few of us rarely ever succeed. That is what makes Makiko - known as Maki to her friends - so special.

When I first discovered her art, I knew that we already had a connection...she was born in Japan - like my mama! Maki uses her love of music, fashion and art to transform a plain white canvas into something that is SO much more than just paint. You can really feel the love she puts into her art when you see her paintings.

Since each design is hand-painted, you can be sure that your Barefoot Chic creation is a one-of-a-kind! Not only does Maki have designs offered on her website, but she can also paint something to match the current decor in your home. Simply take a picture of the area where the painting will hang - and maybe a few more of the items around the room - and Maki will come up with a custom piece perfect for your space.

This Japan-born, mother of two girls is quite the up-and-coming artist whose works of whimsy are sure to brighten up any room in your house!



The first winner of this giveaway will receive a custom-made painting from Maki. The second will receive a "Surfer Girl" (or Boy) painting - similar to the one above. Good luck!!

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry:
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the Barefoot Chic Design website and tell me which product is your favorite
2 entries when you "follow" Maki's blog
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

Lesson #79 - Bags Are Made To Keep Us Organized {Giveaway}

Bags...you love them - I love them...that is why I am SUPER excited that Melissa Wisen, creator of Borsa Bella Designs - agreed to sponsor a giveaway!

Melissa’s creative talent was apparent at a young age and her mother adeptly harnessed this talent by teaching her to design and sew at the age of six. A native of Richland, Washington, Melissa now resides - and has stores - in Wenatchee Valley. What began as a hobby soon turned Melissa into a bag-making Queen! Once the demand for her creations grew, she began selling her products online and doing home parties.

When not designing bags, Melissa can be found tackling many of the business functions behind Borsa Bella, or on the ice, lending her athletic ability to the Wenatchee Banshee’s ice hockey team. Melissa also dedicates volunteer hours to her son’s classroom and enjoys scrapbooking, making jewelry, quilting and cooking.

This woman is a Jack(ie) of MANY trades!!

Melissa's collection includes everything from small wristlets...

...to medium-sized hobo bags...

...even large diaper bags...

The best product that Melissa has, though, is the ORIGINAL eReader bag...

All of Melissa's bags are handmade in the US of A (can I get a who-rah?!) and are machine washable. Each of her products has an extensive description regarding size, numbers of pockets and a number of other fun facts. Good luck to all!!!

Giveaway:
The winner of this giveaway will receive a Borsa Bella credit of $25 to purchase whatever their little heart desires...and FREE shipping!!

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry:
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the Borsa Bella Etsy site and tell me which product is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" Borsa Bella on Etsy
1 entry if you share your favorite small bag fabric print
1 entry if you sign up to receive the Borsa Bella mailing list
1 entry if you join the Borsa Bella fan page on Facebook
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

PSA - Our Mommyhood

** Please pause for a VERY important Public Service Announcement **

Everyone should RUN - not walk - over to Our Mommyhood ASAP to read my post on the Oscars!!! I promise, you won't be disappointed!!

** End Public Service Announcement **

Lesson #78 - When It Rains, It Pours {Part II}

So, as most of you have read here, I was stricken with DEATH about 2 weeks ago (actually it WAS 2 weeks ago - exactly - today)!! Let me tell you...it was no fun!

I was starting to feel normal again on Sunday - that would be Feb 28th - but I still wasn't myself. I had to be on a plane on Monday morning, though, so off to the office I went (actually, the man drove me there b/c I wasn't sure I could make it on my own) to pick up some things in prep for my trip.

I showed up to the office to find 3 co-workers also in the throngs of paperwork. I showed my face, said a few words, picked up my things and headed on my way. Actually, I put in a good 2 hours of work...on a SUNDAY folks (isn't there a rule about it being a day of rest??)!!

I was up on Monday morning - before the sun - and the man drive me to the airport. My stomach was queasy and I hadn't eaten any REAL food since Wednesday evening...when this whole debacle began! I ignored it, though, and tried to go about my business.

Fast-forward the six hour plane trip (thank GOODNESS it was non-stop) and I have reached my destination. It was warm and sunny and a nice change of pace from the cold and snow that has been plaguing this area (just the cold now - not the snow so much). After picking up the one bag I checked from the carousel, It was off I went to pick up the rental car from Hertz.

Now, Hertz touts itself for being speedy and organized. Well, maybe I picked the wrong rental counter because GOOD GRIEF!! It took me almost 90 minutes to get my SCHWEET Navigator - between standing in lines and finally reaching the counter. I then drove back to the airport to pick up two other folks who were traveling with me - and our luggage.

We get to the hotel in about 20 minutes or so...I was driving cautiously because of my co-workers...otherwise I think I could have gotten there in 10 minutes flat...and I am POOPED beyond belief! I mean, I could barely stand - my stomach was killing me - my head was throbbing - a nap HAD to be in my future - and to top it all off...I only had about 10 minutes to get myself together in my digs before meeting the boss for lunch downstairs...UGH!

After lunch I tried taking a nap (on one of the most comfortable Marriott beds EVER) but I had gotten to the point where I was so tired that I wasn't anymore. So, against my better judgment, I took the rental car and went to find the nearest Target to pick up some essentials (Note: For those of you who travel...I never pack ANY toiletries - it just doesn't make any darn sense...not only that, but it makes your bags MUCH lighter. Make-up, sure...but no shower items...just pick those up when you get to your destination and leave them there...I'm telling you - much easier)!

Which brings us here...my mecca...(rays of sun and angels singing)...

In case any of you want to know what a San Diego Target looks like...the above picture is of just that!

Anywho, I got back to the hotel and felt worse...figures that shopping couldn't cure me. So I took a shower (with my newly purchased products) and headed off to bed. Work would be coming my way at 7am the next morning and I was not ready for it...I knew that much!

My friends, my friends...I wish I could have just called in dead for the week...it only goes down hill from here!

Lesson #77 - It Is All About The View {Wordless Wednesday}

Almost done with bag #1 of my fluids!

At least I had a great view...kinda...

Hospital trips are FUN!!

Lesson #76 - Potty Training Is Dangerous

I am bringing out the funny today, folks...well, not so funny for Shelly over at Hair Bows & Guitar Picks! Those who have been through the potty training of a wee one will DEFINITELY be able to relate to this week's guest post!! So, sit back and relax while you read the not so funny side of Potty Training 101!


When Working Mommy asked me to be a guest blogger for her about potty training I was happy and yet nervous. Why? I am not sure why but I was.

I have potty trained two boys and now my little girl – which I totally thought was suppose to be way easier – liars!

Lets start with my oldest shall we {he is 12 know and would kill me if he knew I was speaking of him like this - ha-ha} but he was HARD and I mean really hard to train. He wanted nothing to do with it at all. We went out and bought all these cool underwear and even super hero underoos {remember those}. Nope he preferred to go in his diaper and would tell me so. He was even smart enough to go bring me a clean diaper and wipes so that I could change him. Finally once he turned three and all the kids in his preschool class went on the potty he did it! But he would still not poop in the potty….no way no how not for anything in the world. It was driving me ape shit crazy and I was out of ideas.

Then one night while in his bath {he was 4 now} he just pooped. WTH? I gabbed him out and was screaming like crazy that the kid had pooped in his bath….but guess what that must have done the trick because he never used a diaper again after that. Now if you wanna analyze this for me go ahead because I just don’t get it!

My middle child was easy….he is a boy and because he loved and idolized his older brother I just sat him on the potty at about 2 ½ and he got it like a champ. I think he really wanted all the cool underoos. He was awesome!

Now years later I have a little girl and everyone kept telling me “oh potty training a girl is so easy” I wanted many, many times to go back to those people and scream WTH were you talking about WHAT? She was the hardest one yet. She just refused and very loudly, I might add, that she was NEVER EVER going to use that potty. I bought her the princess panties, the Dora panties, the special pink princess potty chair, and then even caved and got her a Dora potty chair. She loved to sit on them but not to pee. She would sit there for 5 minutes and I would run the water and talk with her she would tell me all kinds of stories then announce she went {which she never did} and then ask to put panties on and then turn right around and pee in them. This went on and on for a while until I got so tired of cleaning up pee spots all over my house.

So I put her back in her pull-ups. I waited and tried again once she started preschool and she got it! She was doing great but she would still bring me a pull-up {at night-because she would hold it all day} and tell me “I have to poop now” I kept trying to put her on the potty but she would throw a total fit and we would cave and put the pull-up on and she would run into the other room and do her business {she is almost 3} and then come back with wipes in hand to be changed and put her panties back on!

Having two kids do this to me was very strange! I was starting to take it very personal.

But a couple weeks ago we went to Daytona for the day to watch the races {and mind you I had pull-up in the car because I knew she would need it} but she stood up and announced she needed to poop now.

Now mind you we are at a dirty place and I was freaking out about taking her but D’man said let’s just go with it. We took her into one of those “family” bathrooms and lo and behold she pooped! She took her first poop in a dirty {well I did try the best I could to whip it all down} Daytona bathroom while the race cars were screaming around the track!

She has been pooping in the potty ever since….GO figure!

I don’t have the magic answer to this and I really don’t think anyone does….some people just like to give advice like they know it all.

All I can say is keep with it and the kids will let you know when they are ready.