Been There, Done That

Southern Living Showcase Home

2011-09-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Decorating your home can be big fun but also kinda overwhelming all at the same time.

Sure, I flip through all kinds of magazines, have been known to go on HAR.com just for ideas and definitely pinned my fair share of decorating ideas on Pintrest. But sometime you need inspiration, up close and personal.

Ladies...brace yourself.

The Southern Living Showcase Home is right in our backyard for the next 3 weeks.

15026 Hidden Valley Waters Dr.
Cypress, TX 77429
Hidden Falls Subdivision

2011 Tour Dates
October 6th-9th
October 13th-16th
October 20th-23td

Thursday: Noon- 8 pm
Friday-Sunday: Noon-6 pm

A $10 cash donation will benefit Home Aid Houston

Fall Ladies Bibles Studies

2011-08-01T12:19:00.003-05:00

August 1. What is it about the first day of the month that makes you feel like you need to start something?

Maybe it's just me....it also tells me my peeps will be in school in 3 short weeks....and I'll able to go to the store ALL BY YOURSELF and run a few errands that just aren't as magical with extras, if you follow me.

What about Bible Study? Do you attend one? Do you lead one?

Below is a starter list of links for fall Bible Studies in our area. Please leave a comment so we can spread the news of others.

Houston's First Baptist Church
Champion Forest Baptist Church
Lakewood Methodist Church
Northwest Baptist Church
Jersey Village Baptist Church
Foundry Methodist Church
Faithbridge Church
Cypress Bible Church
Cypress United Methodist Church
Second Baptist, Cypress Campus
Second Baptist, Woodway Campus
Second Baptist, West Campus
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Community Bible Study
Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

A Remedy for the Stacks

2011-07-27T08:11:00.003-05:00

I like information.

I read it in books, magazines, online.
I watch it on TV.
I listen to it on the radio.

And often that information is good stuff that I like to keep. So I dog-ear it, write it down, or tear it out to file for later.

But then do I really go back? Or am I just a chronic information gatherer? I'd say I do a little bit of both.

Then it accumulates and I have to clean it out.

What if there was a way to virtually collect information and easily reference it?

There is, Girls. There is!

Have you heard of Pintrest? I hadn't until a friend of mine shared her newest indulgence.

Pintrest is virtual pin board or bulletin board — a place where you can create collections of things you love and “follow” collections created by people with great taste. People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things — recipes, decorating ideas, quotes that inspire, outfits/clothing they like...

With print publications becoming fewer and fewer, it seems gone are the days of ripping pages out of magazines and keeping them in files. And perhaps I'm alone, but it sometimes seems cookbooks are better kitchen decor than practical tutorials as so many recipes can simply be found online.

As a person who has collections of folders, real and on my computer, of articles and recipes, this is a wonderful thing.

The downside? It’s pretty addicting.

Interested? Visit their site, ask for an invitation and then start pinning. Easiest way to get started is to just repin other's ideas...and change the captions. You can also install the bookmark to your tool bar and pin items from blogs or websites.

Happy pinning! Don't say I didn't warn you....

Preparing For The Race

2011-05-07T10:45:00.011-05:00

Tray and I both graduated from Texas A&M and we believe all things good happen in Aggieland. After all, we did meet, fall in love and marry there.

And like most Aggies, we began the brainwashing early and often. This was going along nicely until a certain football player came on the scene and captured my oldest's attention... that player was Colt McCoy. Of all the dern teams he had to play for... Seriously? And so began JT's 4 year period of wearing that dreaded color, burnt orange.

We might have outwardly been incredulous that he like the Longhorns... but inside, we knew Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley loved the Lord and would use their sports platforms as much as they could. And they did, on national TV. Oh yes, they did.

Brad McCoy, Colt's father, gave the public a glimpse into one of the greatest secrets of parenting their children... He and his wife prepared their children for the path they would walk, they did not prepare the path for their children.

That one sentence has resonated with us ever since we heard it. We are firm believers in teaching and training our kiddos about all the aspects of life that will be thrown their way. That choices you make carry responsibility and consequences. The good and the not so fabulous. That's reality, like it or not. And we have a greater desire to instill in our boys that integrity plays a tremendous role when working toward a goal and just plain doing life on a daily basis.

So when JT came to us and told us he'd decided to take a break from baseball this Spring, we were given a great opportunity to live out the very things we had spoken before. Would we trust him to make a decision and then deal with the consequences that might come? Or do what we thought was best for him?

You see, this is our kid that LOVES baseball. We jokingly call him a retriever because he will catch anything you throw at him and begs his dad to throw him endless pop flies in our cul-de-sac or on the field. He is never without a ball and glove in his hand. Are you following me? But after several conversations, we all came to the decision that if he felt that strongly about it, a break he would take.

Can I just tell you it has been the biggest blessing? By taking a break, it has allowed margin to do things he would have missed. He is playing 7 on 7 football with a bunch of his buddies and having an absolute blast. He and Weston attended 2 FCA Motocross Camps and he ran his first 5K. And one of the most obvious changes? They both have been able to just be kids in the cul-de-sac in the afternoons with the neighbor kids. Awesome, awesome stuff.

Has he left baseball forever? Nope. He intends to jump right back in and play next Spring and knows he'll spend this fall preparing in the off-season. But these last few months have taught a 10 year old boy to trust his gut on something and trust an even bigger God that He does have great plans for Him..because His thumbprints are all over his life.

Each decision we make is a part of the race God has planned for us. I pray we make the choice to run the race He has planned for us, not anyone else. Because even though the race might look different than we planned, it's the one He has created just for you and me.

A Tale of Two Personalities

2011-05-04T08:35:00.001-05:00

As you know, our children couldn't be more different....they basically share a last name and that is about where the similarities end. But no matter how much they fuss during the day, they are still best friends by 9 pm when they finally fall into their beds, side by side, each night.

Tray was talking to Weston this morning about finishing his baseball season strong as their last regular season game is tonight. Weston paused for a moment and then asked Tray, "Isn't it OK for us to go 8 and 2?" (they are currently 9 and 1).

Tray paused, smiled, and then asked, "Is there a competitive bone in your body?" to which Weston replied, "A funny bone."

There you have it.

And for the record, my oldest son then said, "Weston...we are Mounces...we compete".

And that, ladies and gentleman, is my house in a nutshell.

Fun News: The Help

2011-04-21T07:33:00.006-05:00

Y'all, I have news that is gonna bring a big fat smile to your face if you are a reader.

The Help has been made into a movie and it being released in August.

I KNOW!! Shut the front door.

I just watched the trailer and all I want to do is run to the library, check out the book and read it again, cover to cover. It's rather long, to the tune of 544 pages but SO worth the investment.

Check out the trailer and mark your calendars for August 12th. I am almost giddy...I can't think of a time of recent that I've been so excited for a movie to come to theaters.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

2011-04-19T20:09:00.006-05:00

Y'all, I have a big fat crush.

A crush on my brand new, shiny iPhone, that is.

My man has been trying to get me to leave the Blackberry camp for years and because I'm not much of a game player, I didn't think I really needed an iPhone.

Then we decide to fire our phone company and the new one we joined just happen to have iPhones.

To my great delight, I have owned my precious for almost a month and I could not be happier with my choice. The keyboard is taking some adjusting, but I'm making it just fine, thank you very much.

Of course, I sought out great protection for said device by purchasing a pink Otterbox in advance which just happen to arrive the afternoon I came home with my new treasure.

Fate, I tell you.

True to my word, I haven't been playing many games beyond Fruit Ninja and Words With Friends (which my man hijacks quite frequently, I might add.. as he still has a Blackberry because he needs a phone, not a toy, hmph) but I am loving all the apps.

Some of my faves?

411
Cozi Calendar (thanks, Nicole!) ..although I wish the reminders popped up on the screen instead of coming through my email. But the color-coding makes up for that.
My Fitness Pal
Groupon
ShakeIt Photo
Kindle

New to iPhone like me? Check out these apps:

The Weather ChannelNike Training

Lose It!

My Fitness Pal (currently using this one instead of Lose it and I like it...the database of food is pretty darn amazing but can I tell you that 1200 calories IS NOT ENOUGH. I am SO hungry, dang bathing suit season)

100 push ups

Google

Amazon.com

LPM-SMT (this is scripture memory through Beth Moore's blog)

USA Today

Fox News

AllRecipes

Epicurious

Urbanspoon

Flashlight

Bible

White Pages

TripAdvisor

OpenTable

Red Laser

CardStar

Around Me

Spring Pad

White Noise

GooCal (to link Google Calendar to iphone)

Dream Bot

Find Iphone

Currency

Emoji Free

Angry Birds Free

Angry Birds Rio Free

Fruit Ninja Lite

Cut The Rope Lite

Other fun things? I was able to go into my iTunes library and create my own ringtones. My man's ring tone is Danger Zone. Ya know, the one from Top Gun...circa 1986? How dang fun is that? Although I did date myself a bit when it went off the other day at the chiropractor where all the girls are maybe early 20's. And then they started asking me about my favorite decade of music.

OH MYLANTA. I'm only 37, girls.

The only 2 things that I'm working through are emails pushing through in a timely manner and not cheek dialing.

The email dilemma was solved today through the miracle of the internet. Have gmail or yahoo mail and it's not coming through your phone in a timely manner? Go here for gmail and if you have yahoo:

Delete your Y! Mail Account.
Turn off and then turn on iPhone.
Add your Account.
Turn iPhone off.
Go to your Computer and log out of your Y! Mail. Log back in.
Turn iPhone on.

Magic, I tell you.

Oh, and if you are a gmail user and you are receiving a duplicate sent message in your inbox whether you send it from your home computer or from your iPhone...click here for a remedy to that problema. That used to drive me bananas on my Blackberry and apparently there is a fix for Blackberry gmail email issues on that page as well.

And as for the cheek dialing... as soon as you dial, hit your home button and your apps will replace the keypad. Now, it might open up apps but it's better than conferencing in your mother-in-law like I did last week.

Laugh away....I am an IPhone novice.

I can hardly stand how fun it is and it makes standing in line, or just waiting in general, a much more pleasant experience.

What about you? Have any favorite apps?

Cell Phones For Soldiers

2011-04-18T11:03:00.003-05:00

Lots of blog posts floating through my head but not quite clear enough to make it to the screen. I'm hoping the words will come in a few days. It's truly crazy how sometimes the words flow so easily and then other times it's truly like putting together a huge puzzle with missing pieces and no picture to guide you.

But in the mean time...do you have an old cell phone that needs a home? Cell Phones for Soldiers will provide a pre-paid postage label for you to ship your old cell phone and they recycle it and use the proceeds to buy calling cards for troops in need. Click here to print a label and be sure to erase all the data off your phone before you mail it.

Pages of Happiness Follow Up

2011-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Before we left for Scottsdale, I blogged about the joy of having 5 books to read on our trip. Little did I know that because I married Mr. Adventure, we wouldn't be doing much sitting....and my reading would be on the plane and maybe a little here and there.

Y'all, I rode in a hot air balloon, saw the Rangers play at Spring Training and climbed a dang mountain. See specs below and please, be very proud of me.

Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,264 feet
Summit: 2,704 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

We had to rock climb the last part. Yes, you heard that right. Was it a beautiful view? Yep. Do I wanna do it again. NOPE, with a capital NO.

But, anyhoo....here's the follow up scoop on the books I read:

Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick

I liked the characters in this book a lot. Fun story line, not predictable. Left me wondering 'what now?" for all of them.

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter by Lisa Patton

Meh...decent read. Had elements that were fun to discover as we visited Vermont last December and that is where the book is centered.

Skipping a Beat by Sara Pekkanen

Didn't like it a first but then it grew on me. I got a little stressed and flipped to the end on this one to see what was going to happen. I know, cheater cheater red bug eater. Sue me, I can't handle plot stress.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Y'all....you have to read this book. LOVED it....would read it again in a heartbeat. If you liked The Help, you'll love this one as well.

Alamo House by Sara Bird
Never read because when I flipped through the pages, the content and language made me a bit uncomfortable. I know, call me a prude, but I didn't want to want 4 hours of my life back after I finished the past page. Should have known, it was about a bunch of t-sips. wink, wink

All were found at the local library...give them a try!

A Daily Record

2011-03-29T19:58:00.004-05:00

I'm not much of a journal girl.

Well, let's be more specific.

I LOVE the idea of journaling and as one would expect, I have about 5 or 6 cute little spiral journals in my possession on a shelf or in a drawer. BUT...Sister don't journal...I can't write fast enough to write down what I'm thinking. I even tried to type out my journal and that didn't work either.

I like to take notes in my journals. Notes from sermons, podcasts, and even notes from books I read. One would think highlighting would be the answer but I like to write down what sticks out so I can go back and read it later. I often check out books from the library and you can't highlight in those without getting in big fat trouble.

I have a friend who I've known for almost half my life. She's was my college roommate and truly is one of the most stinkin' hilarious people I know. I could never be as funny as her..even if I tried. And she's got these 4 hilarious kids too....4 GIRLS, y'all. Her man is funny too...If you don't need humor in that house, I don't know when you need it.

She actually likes to journal but as you can imagine, doesn't have an abundance of time. Her oldest is 11 and her youngest is almost 3....and that young one? Her middle name is Estel but I like to call her Stella. She single-handedly keeps B on her toes and her knees, for sure. But dang, they are all SO darlin'.

B introduced me to a very fun journal that is totally doable and quite fun.

Q & A a Day is a 5-year journal that asks you a different question every day. For example....Are you an original or a remix? Who would you trade places with for a day? What's your favorite piece of clothing?

Nothing too complicated. But the cool part is that it chronicles those same answers for 5 years...so you can see exactly how you answered the question each year. This journal is great for someone who is embarking on a new phase or maybe just a way to stop and think creatively each day.

365 questions, 5 years, 1, 825 answers.

How fun is that?

What's been fun is to answer some of the questions with Tray before we go to bed. Today's question/challenge is 'Write down a few lines from a song or poem that you identify with today'.

I guarantee his will be completely different from mine. Y'all know how much God speaks to me through music. How will I be able to pick a line or two? The space isn't very big, girls!

If you are in the market for a fun gift, this would be a great idea. They also have Mom's One Line a Day, a great way to capture what your kiddos are doing each day and My Quotable Kid.

I'll leave you with tomorrow's question: What invention could you not live without?

Ready..set...go!

And as a hint for a future post....I've acquired a new-to-me invention that I have the biggest crush on....love at first sight, I tell ya!

Ideas for Summer Fun 2011

2011-03-18T17:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm a little over a week into this 40-day Facebook fast and I have to say I'm no worse for the wear. Sure, I wonder what I am missing a little bit but I am sure getting a lot of things done around here...namely updating my other blog In The Know Northwest.

Wait...hold the phone one minute.

Before I continue...did I mention that we got rodeo tickets offered to us tonight thinking they were Lady Antebellum only to JUST figure out they were for Alan Jackson? Yep..if I'd actually been on Facebook, I'd bet I'd figured that out a lot faster. For the love...

Back to the topic at hand...each summer I scour the internet for fun summer ideas and the start of that list can be found here. It takes a village, people. If you have 411, please share!

All joking aside....the removal of that one little distraction has been pretty amazing (that and a change of scenery to Scottsdale, AZ) and I hope to be able to put my thoughts to paper soon. He's still working on me, that is fo' 'sho.

Happy Friday!

Pages and Pages of Happiness

2011-03-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

The Mr. and I are taking a trip soon and our two mullions, I mean precious angels from the Lord, are going to San Diego with the Mimi.

Yes, you read that right. Not their Mimi....THE Mimi.

She is the the bringer of all things fun and the inventor of their 3 favorite initials...WWW.

Whatever We Want.

Whatever we want to do and eat, whenever we want.

You can imagine the stories recounted when they come back from their adventures.

But I digress.

It's no secret I am a reader. I love me some books but I've noticed that I read more online these days than physical books and I miss holding a real book very much.

As our trip has gotten closer, I have been scouring Amazon for reviews of new books that I might like to take with me. (Yes, I read reviews. Who wants to waste their time reading a crummy book?) I almost did the happy dance right there in the middle of the Harris County Library when ALL of the books I requested were there for me to check out.

Does that make me a weirdo? Probably, but I don't care! I have 5 books to choose from and the ALL have the potential to be quite entertaining as I sit poolside getting some color on my pasty white legs. I'll have sunscreen everywhere else, but dang it...tan fat looks better than white fat and I need some color!

Speaking of sitting by the pool...when did I graduate into the swimsuit category of 'comfortable coverage'? I didn't know whether to laugh, be offended or sit in the dressing room floor and cry when I read the tag. Y'all, let's just say my very cute new suit is a Suck and Cover bathing suit. It sucks what needs to be sucked in and covers what needs to be covered. And it's a big fat bonus it happens to be stylish and not MeMaw, all tied up in a nice red blow.

Don't be that gal that needed to be covered more, supported more or just flat needed a bigger size. Employ the 3-way mirror, girls. It will save you serious regret when you happen to be in the background of a shot you never intended.

But back to my books. I can't say that any are authors I'm familiar with so here's crossing my fingers that my choices are PG-21....at least I got smart enough not to take a non-fiction book in hopes that I'd learn something on vacay. It was most definitely a mistake to take Wild At Heart to Cancun to learn more my man.

BIG mistake. Huge. No non-fiction should be aloud on the beach. 'Nuff Said.

Need some Spring Break reading? Check these out:

Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick
Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter by Lisa Patton
Skipping a Beat by Sara Pekkanen
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Alamo House by Sara Bird

Have any good books you've read lately?

It Ain't No Desert....yet, that is

2011-03-10T07:26:00.005-06:00

After becoming quite a sporadic blogger, I'm hoping a few of you still stop by. Here goes..

Fat Tuesday brought brightly colored beads and mediocre cake with the hope of finding, but not choking on, the plastic baby buried deep within the white flour, butter and sugar...oh and crazy colored icing.

Then came Ash Wednesday, where Catholic churches..and a few others, were crammed full to signify the start of Lent, a time of sacrifice for Jesus.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, self-denial — as they prepare for Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Although we might not be practicing 'Catholetics' as Weston refers, we do embrace the idea of shifting our focus from distractions to the Resurrection. And we do that by choosing something to remove for 40 days and often something to add in, to draw closer to the Lord during those 40 days.

According to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.

If Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert, surely this Sister can give up something, right?

I would love to say my ultimate choice was the first...but sadly, no. I originally kicked around the idea of giving up sugar/desserts to loose a few lbs before my 20 year reunion in June. Don't judge. But ultimately, I knew the greater sacrifice was to give up a time-waster, distractor and procrastinator by the name of Facebook. Some questioned, a lot understood and I signed off right before midnight on Tuesday night. I even cleared my history on my computer and moved my app on my phone to the very end of the page as to not be tempted.

By Wednesday morning, I felt a little like Jerry Maquire after he wrote his infamous memo in the middle of the night, having to then live with his choice. Everyone clapped and cheered the next morning after reading a truly great perspective on a jaded industry. In reality, they really thought he had lost his mind. That one memo ultimately changed the entire scope of a career he had worked so hard to build.

I understand those of you who haven't drank the FB kool aid can't wrap your brain around why it would even be a big sacrifice to give up Facebook for a little over 5 weeks...and as I type this, I feel a bit foolish myself. There is something a little fun, and often brainless, about looking at pictures and hearing about friends' funny daily antics. I hid the annoying parts a long time ago....I don't care about the mafia, farm or anything else be collected. No offense.

So I logged off of the social network that has connected thousands, but in a way has made friendships one-dimensional. Face to face contact, with a lot of honesty and laughter (not LOL and ROFL), the opportunity to really see the facial expressions of my friend and the ability to give them a huge squeeze when I greet them is still the absolute best to me. That offers something logging on and reading cannot, plain and simple.

But if we are honest, there are bunches of little distractions around us that steal bits and pieces of our day and if piled all together, amount to quite a lot.

I bet I'm the only one.

At the end of the day, I want to be all there...wherever 'there' might be. Lots of things vie for my attention and divide my heart. That's not abundant living...not His plan for me.

Will I return to FaceBook in 40 days? Most likely. But I am sure looking forward to what He will teach me as I make a diligent effort to move my focus to things that last instead of things that distract.

And who knows? I might just find a few things to share on this little blog which has been neglected over the past month.

What's diving your heart or distracting you from His best for today?

You and Your Girl Simulast

2011-02-03T13:49:00.002-06:00

Do you have a daughter in your home? Then you need to know about Vicki Courtney and her heart for raising girls in this crazy world today.

If you have a daughter age 10 or older, you won’t want to miss out on your chance to attend her mother/daughter You & Your Girl event along with other mothers and daughters in your community. LifeWay is hosting the first-ever You & Your Girl Simulcast event on Saturday, April 9th, and we already have nearly 60 churches on board to host the event!

They still have several states that aren’t represented, but the good news is, it’s not too late to join them! Here is a list of states that do not yet have a YYG simulcast host church:

Alaska, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming

If your state is listed, they could use your help in finding a church willing to host the event! Click here to get more information on what is required. Feel free to email here with questions as well.

If your state is not listed, you can check here to find the location at which the event will be taking place in your state. If it’s not in a city close by, feel free to arrange a host church in your area!

This event will strengthen the mother/daughter bond and spark important conversations, but most importantly it will strengthen relationships with the Lord and equip your daughters to stand up to the pressures they will face in today’s challenging culture. Hope to see you there on April 9th!

Winkflash Flat Rate Book Sale

2011-01-30T16:14:00.005-06:00

****Offer extended until February 10th!

Remember those photo books that you wanted to make last year and never had the time?

Now is the time, my friends.

Winkflash is FINALLY having their Flat Rate Book Sale again. You can make a 100 page book for $13-$27...depending on the size you choose.

Use coupon code ILOVEFLATRATE.

No excuses! And you only have until February 3rd....so get on it!

The Tooth Fairy Mystery

2011-01-13T21:28:00.004-06:00

It's no secret that we aren't the best at the tooth fairy round these parts. We have been known to tell our boys that it was too windy and she was unable to fly.

Don't judge.

Weston lost another tooth yesterday and faithfully put it on the same pillow that I had when I was little. Yes, we have washed it since the late 70s.

No worries.

I guess the night got away from us and I never went back upstairs to dispose of the tooth and leave the standard $2. I am sure Tray and I were trying to solve the problems of the world or just watching some brainless TV.

Fast-forward to this morning.

JT slept in and I had to wake him up at 8 to get ready for school. Imagine my horror when I turn to the dresser and see the tooth pillow.

Oh dang.

I turn to JT and ask if the tooth fairy came last night, because the tooth was gone and no money was there. I'm not sure why I asked him....the dude had been asleep. How would he know?

He assured me she did come and she left $3. This would be an important observation for later.

Hmm...that's interesting. Tray is known for his generosity... he must have come behind me and taken care of business this morning before he left. I texted him my thanks for being such a wonderful backup tooth fairy and went about my day.

He called me around noon to report that he did not partake in said tooth fairy duties.

WHAT??

Then who?

It suddenly became clear that a certain Mom owed a particular firstborn a big fat thank you for covering her forgetfulness.

When he got home from school, I snuck JT into our closet the first chance I could and asked him point blank if he helped the tooth fairy last night. He denied, denied and denied but I've watched enough crime scene TV to spot a fibber. It's all in the eyes.

Low and behold, my precious firstborn son woke up in the middle of the night, saw that Mom and Dad had blown it, took $3 out of his bank, tossed the tooth on the floor (hey, it was little and white...plus it was the middle of the night) and that was that.

I finally got him to admit it as I put him to bed tonight.

I'll hold this day closely to my heart as a reminder that we must be doing something right....amongst all the days we get it so wrong.

How did I ever get so lucky to have a kid like him?

I am a blessed mom indeed.

Made to Crave

2011-01-11T08:32:00.002-06:00

In the South, we like our food.

We celebrate with our favorite meal...we bring food to a family that is celebrating a new life or grieving one lost...we fellowship over it...food is kinda a big deal.

As with most Januarys, any number of people are making the decision to change the way they relate to food...believe it or not, that is why our country is tipping the scales. It's not just because we are moving less, food has become way more than it ever intended to be.

Lysa TerKeurst newest offering, Made to Crave, addresses the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen.

The reality is we were made to crave.

Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of Him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in momentary cravings or desires instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction.

Breaking the 'I'll start again Monday' cycle is possible!

Check out the replay of her live webcast today at 11 am, 2 pm, 7 pm or 9 pm and then sign up for email reminders about future webcasts in the coming weeks.

You might also be interested in the 30 day devotional that can be found at KSBJ.org

1 Corinthians 10:23
Everything is permissible but not always beneficial

Deuteronomy 2:3
You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn North

First Monday....

2011-01-03T09:27:00.003-06:00

January 3rd....3 days into a new year.

But you know, today is the first Monday of the new year so TODAY is the day that gyms will be packed, new highlighters and journals will accompany morning quiet times and salads will be ordered at an alarming rate at lunchtime while bread and all things carbohydrate once again get the scarlet letter C.

What about you? Have any plans for new things this year? Goals, dreams, changes to be made? Be a better wife, mom or person in general? I've been that girl...2 years ago, to be exact.

And once again I'm reminded...if I make the Main Thing the main thing, 9 times out of 10, the other things fall into place.

How wonderful that I can resign from my self-appointed job as General Manager of the Universe. As if my believing that I had control over anything did anything...Ha!

Each year our pastor chooses a devotional for our church body to study together and the one chosen for 2011 is wonderful...3 days in, I might add.

Worship the King by Chris Tiegreen is meaty but concise. You'll either find yourself saying 'Amen' or 'Ouch', depending on the day.

He has 2 others that are worth a look as well: Walk With God and One Year at His Feet.

Looking for a few others that say what needs to be said but doesn't take forever to get to the point? Check out

Finding God's Will by Gregg Matte
Made to Crave by Lisa TerKeurst
From Head to Foot: All of You Living For Him by Annie Downs
Deeper: Living in the Reality of God's Love by Debbie Alsdorf

Happy 2011. Here's to a clean slate and endless possibilities. He has great plans for each one of you! Watch and see, Sisters, watch and see.

The Wonderful World of ITouch

2010-12-31T09:39:00.002-06:00

For some reason, I really had a bee in my bonnet about the boys not having ITouches.

I think it had something to do with the cost and possibly the ability to connect to the internet, but none the less, they weren't an option for quite some time.

Until one of my brilliant children, that is definitely bound for sales someday, introduced the idea of selling their Nintendo DS systems and games to purchase said ITouch.

Well, that sounds reasonable and logical.

And I am happy to resport the ITouch hasn't been a problem at all. With firm guidelines set by Mom and Pop, parental controls, a parental passcode, and airplane mode (to turn off the wifi when needed), it's actually been nice not having to keep up with all the games as they are directly loaded onto the device. And we recently took a trip that didn't include a dvd player on an airplane and not having to deal with that at IAH security was quite delightful.

If you find yourself with a new ITouch in your home and are overwhelmed by all the app choices, take a look at the list below.

A lot are free and the rest are either .99 cents or under $5.

A lot of the apps offer a "free or lite" version for you to try it out and then you have the option to purchase the full version later. Look for those titles first.

Most of the EA games are .99 right now

I know that this list seems crazy long, but we have had ours for about 6 months and we rotate the games on and off. And some of these games were fun initially and then the boys grew tired of them. There are even some educational ones mixed in....yes, I am a former educator. Guilty as charged.

Angry Birds
City Story
Empire Story
Flash to Pass (flashcards)
Logos bible software
Restaurant Story
Sky Racer 2
WordWeb Dictionary
ArithmeTick
Asphalt 5
Bible Memory
Deer Hunter 3D
Cut the Rope
BackBreaker
Stick Skater
Baseball 2010
Doodlejump
Fall down
ESPN Score Center
Field Goal Frenzy
FIFA World Cup (version 11 doesn't work with itouch for some reason)
Find The Difference
Flashlight
Flick Fishing
Flicky Football
Flow Hockey 2
Hangman Classic
High Caliber Hunting
Holy Bible
IRate Lego Pro
Jet Car Stunts
Knights on Rush
Lemonade Tycoon
Madden NFL
Manic Marble Free
Labyrinth Lite
Tap Farm
Tap Store
Save Stickly
I Say Free
IRate Lego
Monster Truck Nitro 2
Monster Truck Nitro
NCAA Football
Need for Speed Shift
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit
Paper Pilot
Paper Toss
Parking Mania Lite
Pictureka
Pocket Weather
Razor Ultra Pro
RC Heli Lite
RC Plane
Real Racing GT
Red Bull X-Fighter Lite
Road to Mudness
Rollercoaster Extreme
Skee-Ball
Sports Car Engine
Star Wars The Force Unleashed
Tap Report
Tic Tac Toe Free
Tiny Chef
Touch Hockey
Traffic Rush
Uno
Warship Flight Deck Jam
Waterslide Extreme
The Weather Channel
XGames SnoCross
XPlane Carrier
2XL ATC Offroad Lite
2XL TrophyLite Rally
Flight Control
Rope and Fly
IKick

**now, most of the 'tap' games require wifi as does IRate , but most do not.
**I'm sure you noticed the abundance of boy games. Guilty. Not a lot of pink running around these parts

Do you have apps that you would recommend?

McCormick Recipe Inspirations

2010-11-27T14:39:00.003-06:00

Have you ever found a really fun recipe that you wanted to try but were overwhelmed by the list of ingredients? Especially if some of the spices needed are not ones you use frequently?

I'm pretty sure I don't need an entire jar of fennel seeds and I'm 99% sure I have some spices that really need to be replaced because I've been known to view cooking as more of a one-time challenge and once I've conquered a recipe...I move on. Hence the endless jars of mostly filled spices.

Sorry...rabbit trail....moving on.

While I was doing battle at HEB last week, I came across these little darlins': McCormick Recipe Inspirations.

The new McCormick Recipe Inspirations collection puts flavorful twists on traditional recipes that will impress everyone at your dinner table. Each packet includes pre-measured McCormick spices and herbs and a collectible recipe card.

They offer 12 different recipes and I brought home the Quesadilla Casserole and Tuscan Chicken Stew.

I'm excited to try them and not add more spices to my very large spice graveyard. If only I'd these during football season!

Let me know if you try any of the other recipes

Cupcake Awesomeness for the Holidays

2010-11-15T09:15:00.003-06:00

Hey there...I know I have been MIA. Football season is winding down and it's been incredibly fun....but mercy me, we just aren't at the old homestead much. Hence, no blogging to be done. Plus..you always know that if I'm absent, I just don't have anything I deem blog worthy at the time. However, can I share a pic of my football players?

Don't they look 10 feet tall?

Ok, onto some real news.

‘Tis the season for cupcakes! Below is a message from Jen and Monica at D'Lish Cupcakes.

Here are a few things going on at D’Lish this holiday season…

Monday, November 22nd:
*We will have our Pumpkin Cream Cheese and our Caramel Apple cupcakes available.
*Pick-up times will be from 11am-1pm and 5-7pm at either of our homes. (Rock Creek or Vintage Lakes)
*Please place your order by Saturday, November 20th. We’ll have boxes of 4, 6, or 12 available.

Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th:
*We will be selling all our D’Lish flavors, including our Christmas collection, at the Rock Creek gift market. (14223 Winding Springs Drive, Cypress, TX 77429)

Hours are: December 3rd, 5-10pm and December 4th, 9am-4pm. We will be taking orders for our holiday gift boxes. Each box will include Red Velvet Rudolph, Let it Snow, Sugar and Spice, and Santa’s Cocoa. Price will be $12 per box.

Thursday, December 16th,:
*Holiday gift boxes can be picked up…. These make great gifts for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
*We will send out an e-mail with photos of the gift box early in December. Please place orders by Monday, December 13th.

We are also offering limited bookings for holiday parties in December. Please contact us at d-lishcupcakes@hotmail.com for more information.

For our customers who need to expense orders for business needs, we are now offering payment via PayPal. We would like to reserve this option for corporate and large orders.

D’Lish is finally entering the 21st (or is it 20th??) century. Become a fan of D'Lish Cupcake Catering on Facebook by clicking here We are getting our page organized, but there are a lot of photos you can check out now.

Make the season a little merrier with D’Lish cupcakes!

Jen and Monica
D’Lish

D-Lish Cupcakes Available Today!

2010-10-14T08:37:00.004-05:00

D-Lish Cupcakes were featured at the Gyspy Market yesterday and they have extras to sell today.

And they are offer fabulous bundle pricing!! 4 cupcakes for $10 or 6 for $15.

Please see their note below and give them a try. You won't be sorry!

Good morning friends! We had a great day at The Gypsy Market yesterday. Unfortunately, due to miscommunication we will be unable to sell cupcakes we planned to sell there today. Sooooo, we need to sell 200 cupcakes today! If you did not have a chance to see us at one of our fall markets, this is a great way to try some D'Lish variety! The complete list is below! They are $3.00 each, can be purchased in any quantity, and can be picked up at my house any time today! Please call my cell by 1:00 if you would like us to reserve any for you (832-594-4955). After 1:00 we will be delivering any that have not been reserved to local businesses/offices as samples. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!

Monica
D'Lish

Here's what we have. Our menu is attached with descriptions of each cupcake!

Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse: 14
Boston Cream Pie: 9
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: 7
Raspberry Lemonade: 1
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Swirl: 7
Tiramisu: 8
Strawberry: 16
Pina Colada: 4
Dulce de Leche: 21
Creme Brulee: 9
Red Velvet: 38
Caramel Apple: 3
Carrot Cake: 25
Coconut Cream Pie: 1
Chocolate Lovers: 26
D'Lish Original: 11

D'Lish Cupcakes

2010-09-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I really enjoy gift markets. Granted, most in this area have some of the same vendors that I know and love dearly, but I still like to pop in and take a peek to see if there is anything I just cannot live without.

Plus, I get the chance to love on my friends who are uber creative and have booths at these markets.

There was a Christmas in July market this summer at a nearby church and I discovered 2 gals that are taking cupcakes to a whole 'nutha level.

Mercy me. These cupcakes are the perfect trifecta: look amazing, smell delightful and taste like nothing I had ever tasted.

May I introduce you to D'Lish Cupcakes?

Monica and Jen are the co-owners of D'Lish Cupcakes. They bake these darlin' treats in their own kitchens in Spring, TX.

They offer cupcake catering for all occasions: private parties, birthdays, corporate events, weddings and gifts (I took a box of 4 to a friend as a housewarming gift, SCORE!)

They offer a myriad of unique flavors. Here's a few: coconut cream pie, pumpkin cream cheese, cranberry orange cheesecake, caramel apple, strawberry (with real strawberries pieces, yum!), dulce de leche, pina colada, raspberry lemonade, mint chocolate chip, and their signature d'lish..which is the ultimate chocolate cupcake with turquoise frosting.

What I loved about these gals is they have taken the cupcake and dressed it up by thinking outside the box. Their flavors are uniquely theirs and they have a hint of decoration that is the perfect touch.

Take a peek at the pictures below and see if you can resist. If you can't, email them at d-lishcupcakes@hotmail.com and asked to be added to their email mailing list. They will email you what shows they will be at and also when certain flavors are available.

The Boys of Fall....and the Mom that cooks for them

2010-08-31T10:12:00.008-05:00

It's the fall and we live in the South...

Football is here.

I'm a die-hard Aggie, but I have to admit that I secretly love to watch high school football more than college these days.

Maybe it is because they still love the game for what it is, not what it can give back to them. Maybe it is because I love the sense of community that resonates on a Friday night under those lights. Especially is small towns were a few of the cheerleaders come late to the game because their volleyball game ran late and then one of those same girls then leads the band at half time as their drum major.

Small town USA, nothing like it.

This fall our boys are playing tackle football for the very first time. I know some are gasping at the sheer idea of an 8 year old and a 10 year old strapping on pads and going to town.

I know...I. Was. That. Girl.

But here we are, 4 weeks deep and so far, so good.

What I thought to be major hurdles have been small and the boys are hanging tough.

Their momma has never done more laundry in her life. Thank goodness my man saw fit to bless me with a new washer and dryer for Mother's Day last Spring.

But an area that I'm still weeding through is the dinner situation.

A sweet friend of mine walked this road ahead of me and gave great advice regarding the feeding of the boys of fall. Her idea was to feed them dinner right after school, before practice, and then snack 'em after.

With the heat, I haven't been able to try that yet for fear of dinner not being a blessing the 2nd time around, if you know what I mean.

So today I bring you several recipes from my trusty crockpot. She does all the work for me while I sit in my folded chair and watch my boys do up-downs, run inclines and learn how to shoot the gap and trust their blockers.

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves -- uncooked
15 ounce can black beans
15 ounce can yellow corn
16 ounces salsa
8 ounces fat-free cream cheese -- Kraft Philadelphia Brand preferred

Put frozen chicken breasts in crockpot. Cover them with a can of drained black beans, can of drained corn and jar of salsa. Cook on high 4-5 hours or until chicken is cooked. Place block of cream cheese on top and cook for additional 1/2 hour.

*Serving options: shred chicken and serve over chips, top with guacamole

Peking Pork Chops

6 pork chops about 1" thick
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1-2 cloves garlic-mashed
salt and pepper to taste

Put pork chops in crock pot- mix other stuff together and pour over chops. Cook on low 4-6 hours or until tender. Serve w/ rice, or chinese noodles.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

3-4 chicken breasts (can be frozen)
2 C ketchup
4 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Mix all ingredients (except chicken) in crock-pot. Add the chicken, coating each piece in sauce. Cook on high 4 hours. Remove chicken and
shred/pull with forks. Return to pot and stir in sauce to coat. Serve on buns.

**leftovers can be frozen and re-heated for sandwiches, a topping for baked potates or used to make BBQ chicken pizza (put on a pizza crust, top with favorite cheeses, onions, etc.) BBQ chicken burritos also work nicely (put on tortillas, add refried beans, cheeses, etc.)

And finally, I leave you with a great new song by Kenny Chesney. The video has commentary from various coaches and clips from all types of football. Overlook the teensy word spoken right before the song begins. I looked and looked for a version without it...

Chilly Milly's Snow Cones

2010-08-09T13:10:00.000-05:00

Summertime is making plans to pack her bags and leave us in 2 weeks.

Dern.

I almost feel like she already has one foot out the door as football practice begins tonight and hence begins my what-to-do-for-dinner-when-dinner-is-at-8pm situation. But that is a post for another day.

Although Cypress is saturated with ice cream shops and wine bars, you do not see many snow cone options.

Chilly Milly's has come to town!

She has a little red trailer at the corner of Grant and N. Eldridge and she boasts of New Orleans Style snow cones. We caught her right at closing time yesterday and will most certainly find ourselves holding onto summer a bit longer by visiting her again in the coming weeks.

Give her a try!

She is open 1 pm- 7 pm Tuesday - Saturday and 12pm - 5 pm on Sundays.

Chilly Milly's Snow Cones
13750 N. Eldridge
Cypress, TX 77429

Happy Birthday Whataburger!

2010-08-03T08:25:00.000-05:00

If you know me well, you know my youngest loves him some ketchup. We were thrilled to find a shirt on a recent vacation that summed him up...it says "I put ketchup on my ketchup".

True dat

And there is no better ketchup in all the land that rivals the ketchup at Whataburger. I am talking taste and the cute little tubs. You know the ones that you just rip the top off and have instant dipping potential instead of having to open endless packets to yield 1 measly teaspoon of ketchup.

Tell me I am not alone here.

So, anyhoo....today from 5-8pm, if you show up at any Whataburger wearing orange, you will be greatly rewarded with a whataburger in celebration of their 60th birthday.

And do not forget to stash some of that yummy ketchup in your purse for late.

Not saying I have ever done that...

Finally, a good reason for my oldest to wear that hideous burnt orange shirt he loves so dearly. Yes, he still loves the Horns.

Help us..

'Keep EJ's Open' Month

2010-07-29T13:57:00.002-05:00

Restaurants are a dime a dozen in the Cypress area, some better than others.

But it means a lot when you have one close to home that can be called upon to feed the family in a pinch or when Mama just ain't feelin' it...if you know what I mean.

EJ's Neighborhood Pizzeria needs your help. See the letter below from Eric, the owner. BTW- their Tomato Vinaigrette is to DIE for.

Dear Loyal EJ’s Customers,

I have reached out over the past few months asking for your help to keep our doors open. The response has been great and I want to share a sincere thank you!

Over the past month, we have seen a few restaurants and businesses close their doors here in the Cypress area. Please help us continue to thrive so we do not become another victim of this economy.

As we continue to move forward, I am officially declaring August as “Keep EJ’s Open Month”. Although we are doing better, August has historically been one of our worst months. I am personally asking you to help us keep our doors open through continued visits and inviting those who may have not been to EJ’s before, to give us a try.

Here are some other ways that you may not be aware of that can continue to help us thrive:

Host a birthday or team party here. We have a great deal of $5 per person that gets you pizza and drinks for everyone!

Let us cater your party. If you are hosting a party at home or at work, we can provide you with pick-up or drop-off catering orders.

Are you a part of an organization who’s looking to raise money? EJ’s has hosted numerous successful fundraisers in the past! We will donate 15% of our sales back to your organization.

Need to entertain a group of kids? We offer kitchen tours and make your own pizza parties. We host kids groups of 10-15 where they get to take a tour of the kitchen and then make their own pizza. We’ve been doing this for years and is one of our best kept secrets (not purposely though).

Be an EJ’s advocate! Please feel free to forward our email offers to your friends and encourage them to sign up for our email club. You can also join us on Facebook and share you great experiences with you friends.

I know that I have continually asked you for your support and you have stepped up. Now it’s my turn. I vow to you that EJ’s will continue to improve. I am already working on several new menu items. I also plan to refresh the restaurant and retrain my employees to provide better customer service. These are just a few of the commitments I am personally making to you, our loyal EJ’s customers.

Once again, I sincerely appreciate all of the time and support you have given to EJ’s. I look forward to being a part of this community for many years to come!

Eric Lippmann

Houston Restaurant Week 2010

2010-07-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

Are you a foodie?

Get ready to be dazzled.

It's time for Houston Restaurant Week 2010.

From August 1st-21st, you have a chance to dine out to help fight hunger in Houston. The opportunity to enjoy a three course gourmet meal for $35 per person (not including beverages, tax or gratuity) awaits you. Participating restaurants will donate $5 from each special meal sold to the Houston Food Bank. This is a wonderful opportunity for diners to try new restaurants or re-visit old favorites while helping to fight hunger in Houston.

And new this year....a LUNCH option! 2 courses for $20 and $3 will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.

Below is a sneak peek of some of the restaurants that are participating....and you can go here to view menu choices.

III Forks
51 Fifteen
Americas Post Oak "The Original"
Amerigo's Grille
Azuma Sushi and Robata Bar
Backstreet Café
benjy's in The Village
benjy's on Washington
Bistro Catron
Bistro Don Camillo
Branch Water Tavern
Brasserie Max & Julie
Brennan's of Houston
Brenner's on the Bayou
Brenner's Steakhouse
Cadillac Bar Houston
Café Moustache
The Capital Grille
Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano
Cavatore Italian Restaurant
Ciao Bello
Cielo Mexican Bistro
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
Crave Sushi Boutique
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Downtown Aquarium
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Feast
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Frank's Chop House
Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar
Gravitas
Grotto
The Grove
Haven, A Seasonal Kitchen
House of Blues Foundation Room
Hugo's
La Griglia
Le Mistral
Mark's American Cuisine
Masraff's
Max's Wine Dive
McCormick & Schmick's
The Melting Pot - Westheimer
Michelangelo's
Mockingbird Bistro
Monarch Restaurant and Lounge
Morton's The Steakhouse
Mo's…A Place for Steaks
Noe @ The Omni Houston Galleria Hotel
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Ocean's
Olivette at The Houstonian
Ouisie's Table
Palm Restaurant
Pappas Bros. Steak House
Pappas Grill
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Pesce
Polo's Signature
Post Oak Grill
Prego Restaurant
Quattro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Rainbow Lodge
Ruggles Grill
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sambuca Restaurant
Smith & Wollensky
Soma Sushi
The St. Regis Houston - Remington Restaurant
Strata Restaurant & Bar
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Tony's
Truluck's
Valentino Vin Bar
Vic & Anthony's
Willie G's Seafood & Steaks

Shoplifting Birthday Party Ideas

2010-07-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

I'm a rule-follower to the core, so I can safely tell you that I don't lie, cheat or steal...or tolerate those that do (and all the Aggies said, Whoop!).

So when I say I'm shoplifting birthday party ideas, I mean that I'm linking to another fabulous site and giving her all the credit.

We do share a name, after all.

Happy Birthday Planning!

A Great Article Regarding High School Reunions

2010-06-29T20:09:00.002-05:00

It seems we are deep in the heart of high school reunion season. Facebook is boomin' with pictures of all the festivities and my best guess is this will continue into the fall.

I receive an email newsletter for Lauren Battistini at Color My Closet and she featured an article addressing this very topic.

Take a peek and don't be 'that' girl.

'Nuff said.

Avoid These Common Wardrobe Mishaps When Heading to Your High School Reunion

The thought of attending a high school reunion can conjure up all types of sentiments: panic, fear, dread, joy, excitement, nervousness, or anticipation. I will be attending two high school reunions this summer, as I transferred to a new high school my junior year. This will be my first time to attend any such reunion, and the idea of attending brings about feelings of both excitement and nervousness for me. On the one hand, I want to play it cool and look like I threw my outfit together without so much as a second thought. In other words, I want to look like I'm not trying too hard. On the other hand, a lot is at stake so there is a bit of pressure. I have not seen many of my former classmates in twenty years! What if I'm overdressed or under dressed? Some of the same feelings of insecurity I experienced as a high school student could easily come creeping back up, but only if I let them. I have decided not to let past fears and insecurities get in the way of my having a fabulous time with my former classmates. I also have a great wardrobe plan for the night. Here are my stylist tips on what not to wear for your high school reunion.

1. Just because you can doesn't mean you should

I don't care if you are a swimsuit model with a figure to die for. Please do not put your entire body on display with skimpy outfits that leave nothing to the imagination. Opt instead for age appropriate outfits that are well-fitted but provide some coverage. By all means, show your curves with well-tailored clothing, but don't show all of cleavage and/or legs! Why not try an asymmetrical top that is baggy with some dark skinny jeans and heels? Balance your look by wearing either fitted on top and baggy on bottom, or baggy on top and fitted on bottom. The exception to this is if you find a dress that hugs--not clings--in all the right places!

2. Casual doesn't mean flip flops and cut offs

Many high school reunions consist of weekend long activities ranging from barbecues to golf tournaments. Too many people take the term 'casual' to extremes by looking sloppy and altogether inappropriate. Forgo the flip flops, logo t-shirts and cutoff shorts. You can never go wrong with white denim or Bermuda shorts. White denim can be dressed up or down, and it is universally flattering in a boot cut leg. Bermuda shorts fall either mid thigh or knee length and can be worn with espadrilles, nice sandals, or even ballet flats.

3. Save your sexy bling for the bedroom

Skip the tight bejeweled tanks and shorts, some of which are adorned with phrases like "Naughty" and "Too Hot To Handle." Where on earth this is appropriate I do not know, but I can tell you that a high school reunion is certainly not the venue for this sexy attire.

4. Face the fact that you've gained weight since high school and don't stuff yourself into a tight dress

Just as tacky as the model thin woman in a skin-tight dress is a plus-sized woman squeezing into junior sized clothing. Most women do not look as trim at their high school reunions as they did in high school, and that is quite alright. Dress for your size now and not the size you used to be. Select an outfit that skims your curves and be sure to get it altered to perfection. Many women do not realize this, but store bought clothing fits less than one percent of the population perfectly. Over 99% of women should get their clothing altered, and you are likely no exception!

5. You do not have to look like you are on the runway in Paris

Being trendy and being stylish are two different things entirely. Trends will come and go, and some trends are not meant for your body type and/or age, so pick a stylish ensemble for your reunion. A stylish outfit is one that you can conceivably wear for more than two years and still look sharp. Wearing a radical trend from head to toe only makes you look like you are trying too hard. If you must be trendy, then choose one trend and use it sparingly. If you must wear neon pink--though I plead with you to reconsider that choice--wear it in the form of a bracelet or watch. Accessories are a refined way to incorporate this season's trends.

6. Take the outfit on the mannequin and mix it up

The folks who dress the mannequins in department stores like Macy's and Dillard's are there to give you inspiration and ideas. They do not intend for you to copy their look from top to
bottom. Everything does not have to coordinate and match to perfection. In fact, looking too 'matchy matchy' translates as looking geeky--to use a word from my generation. I encourage you to take what you see on the mannequin and try to find a similar look using pieces from different brands. Experiment with textures and colors to create your own spin on an outfit.

7. Waiting until the last minute to shop guarantees failure

You have enough pressure as it is to look good for your reunion. Don't add to the pressure by waiting until a few days before the reunion to go shopping. Shop at least a few weeks in advance, and be sure to buy the outfit and any other accessories beforehand. Go home and try on your fully accessorized outfit, then get a second opinion from your most trusted fashionista friend(s). Shopping in emergency mode is always a recipe for disaster!

8. Reinventing your whole look through a new hairdo and makeup palette is also a tricky idea

The time to experiment with new hairstyle and makeup colors is not just before your reunion. What if your stylist dyes your hair a strange shade of red and you look like Ronald McDonald's long lost sister? Restrain yourself and go with a look that you know works. Go for some subtle highlights and a trim instead. Keep your makeup palette simple and refined.

9. Speaking of makeup, more is not more--less is more

The quickest way to look ten years older at your reunion is to pile on the makeup. Foundation, powder, blush, loads of eye makeup and lipstick showcase every nook and cranny on your face, including those pesky lines and wrinkles that likely have begun to appear. A much more youthful look can be achieved with tinted moisturizer, an illuminating powder with light deflecting properties, and an appropriate amount of color on the face. Go dramatic with either smoky eyes or a bright lip color, but please don't do both. That would be overkill.

10. Playing it safe with a plain outfit is just - well - boring

You don't want to look like you are trying too hard, right? I feel similarly, but let's not play it too safe and wind up looking boring. Stay away from all black or just neutral colored ensembles. Mix in a bright color like turquoise or red. Let the color add interest to an otherwise simple outfit. Add some unique jewelry to make a basic t-shirt come alive. Keep the silhouette simple but add interest with details such as ruffling, stitching, jewelry, and color.

The most important thing to remember about your high school reunion is to walk with confidence and just be yourself. Relax--okay, try to relax--and have a fun time reconnecting with your classmates.

Painting With a Twist

2010-06-23T10:14:00.002-05:00

Looking for a fun evening out while creating your own masterpiece?

Painting With A Twist just arrived to the Cypress area (they have locations in Florida, Lousiana and other parts of TX, who knew?). You can go alone or grab a friend or two, your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, and paint a picture along with a local artist.

They provide your paint, canvas and brushes and you'll have a fun evening with friends. Plus, at the end of the evening, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation and, hopefully, a newfound talent you'll want to explore!

Think it'll be too hard? Their instructor will guide you through each step of recreating the featured picture, and you'll have painlessly created a piece of art before you know it.

There are no commitments, and their calendar offers what masterpieces are options to create.

More questions? Check our their FAQ's.

Musings of a 37 year old

2010-06-23T09:37:00.002-05:00

Yes, ladies, it's been almost a month since my last post and now I'm on the true backside of 35.

Makes a girl really want to get in a bathing suit and bare her wares at the neighborhood pool.

Not.

Especially when the pool is already feeling like a hot tub...sigh.

But, thank goodness my tankini and skirt mask a multitude of sins.

Smoke and mirrors, baby. Smoke and mirrors.

Speaking of mirrors....pondering for the day...If more people could see themselves from behind, do you think they'd make the clothing choices they make? I have the 3-way mirror at Kohls to thank for many an almost-fatal-clothing-decision.

And is it just me or do people tell all in dressing rooms? Forget taxi cab confessions...try dressing room confessions. Mostly moms and daughters.... sometimes friend to friend. People...those doors and walls DO NOT go all the way to the floor. Don't you see the slats on that door? It's just like an AC vent....we can hear everything!!

Moving on....the hunt for summer dresses are my new thing because it appears Houston has shifted and we are closer to the equator. I have to say the junior departments at many retailers are a very well kept secret. Nordstrom's junior department is a great place to find cute clothing and accessories for 1/2 the price and I scored several cute dresses in the junior sections of JC Penny and Kohls recently. Yes, you might have to go up a size or 2. It's all good- cut that tag out and roll with it!

An update on my oh-so-fun pitcher I told you about....I have to say that oranges are working the best, peels removed. The lemons and limes tasted kinda freaky, go figure. Haven't tried to infuse lemonade yet...that's on the agenda for July. Gotta pace myself.

And finally, something of value to take from today's post....I have discovered Diet Stewart's Orange 'n Cream fountain classics. Girls, it's only 20 calories and it is SO yummy. Try an HEB near you. You won't be sorry.

VBS is next week at our church...I can only imagine the blog material I'll have next week. Stay tuned. I'll try not to be gone so long this time.

Happy Summer!

Black Leather and Pink Satin Jackets

2010-05-26T09:11:00.006-05:00

Last week my top news source, Yahoo.com, revealed to me that Top Gun was released 24 years ago.

What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?

HOW is that possible?

My bratty brother-in-law informed me he was 4 at the time.

I hope he can feel the stink-eye I am giving him all the way from H'town to Germany.

Punk.

And just like I can remember where and when I saw Maverick, Goose, Slider and Ice Man play that famous sand volleyball scene, particular music has the same effect.

Music is a great marker for memories of our lives.

I'm going to out myself by saying that sometimes the dial on my radio somehow arrives on Sunny 99.1 and when I hear a Chicago song, it takes me back to slow dancin' in the gym of my Junior High School.

Arms extended, hands on each other's shoulders (we kept it PG back then) and feet moving side to side, side to side.

I'm quite sure I was workin' some amazing hair....big bangs and Sun In, baby!

But just as High School Music captured a generation of kids a few years back, our soundtrack was Grease.

It was the word, after all.

Brace yourself..... there is something coming you are going to just L-O-V-E, LOVE.

Girls, there is going to be a Grease Sing-A-Long.

It's true!

Here's the catch.

One night only....July 25th....and limited release.

But here's the problem. One VERY important city is missing.

H'town.

Dallas got the love. Austin got the love. We need Summer Lovin' too!

Visit Grease Sing-A-Long and there is a special spot that you can click on to add Houston.

I feel a girls' night out comin'!

New from Dave Barnes

2010-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mercy me....if you have never heard of Dave Barnes, you need to click on the video below RIGHT NOW.

Don't you tell me you don't have 4 minutes.

4 short minutes will bless yourself silly.

Click on it already!

What a wonderful song and even more amazing video.

I am SUCH a sucker for this kinda stuff.

So grateful for God's divine conspiracy in my life. I'm the luckiest gal in the entire world.

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be

But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could never undo

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.

My BFF for Summertime

2010-05-05T11:53:00.006-05:00

How in the world is it already May?

Our summer calendar is still in pencil....I need some events in pen. Yes, please!

I can hardly stand how amazing it has been in H'town, in regards to weather. Alas, tomorrow the south wind is coming and my hair will be in a low ponytail until September.

'Tis true....BUT, I have something SO fun to share that will be oh so useful this summer.

Now, let me first offer the disclaimer that although I am an fitness informercial junkie (STILL haven't bought P90x, thank you very much) and I'm not a big QVC girl.

Don't get me wrong, they offer some pretty fun stuff and let's be honest, those dern hosts could sell ice to an eskimo. Is it any wonder that so many Americans are in a heap of credit card debt?

And don't you crack up laughing at the phone-in testimonials? There is always Jolene from Arkansas. You know I'm right!

Get ready....this is going to change the way you think about getting your 64 ounces of drinking water each and every day.

Brace yourself...

Introducing QVC's Acrylic 80 oz. Pitcher with Fruit Infuser.

How FUN is that?

You can create your own fruit-flavored waters, sodas, and teas with this handy-dandy pitcher.

All you have to do is add cut fruit--lemons, limes, strawberries, raspberries, etc to the rod in the center, and your beverage is infused with natural flavor. And as long as you keep the pitcher full, the fruit can last for up to 2 weeks!

Now, you know I read the reviews..because that is what I do. Everyone seems to like it...but be careful as some report that the pitcher cracks over time and the ring near the infuser rod might crack as well.

It happens. It's plastic, people.

I ordered several for late Mother's Day gifts. I think they are super fun!

And don't worry, I won't be making this a habit. Although QVC does have a pretty cool Pilates machine.....nah, the shipping would be insane. Whew, dodged a bullet there!

Free Goodies on Tax Day!

2010-04-14T15:28:00.001-05:00

CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza -- ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese -- at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. (Gonna have to go to Aggieland for this one, ladies)

STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

-- DISCOUNTED MEALS

BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" -- one free meal for each one you buy Thursday through Sunday -- show this coupon: http://bit.ly/d1YlRO

IHOP: Expanding on the tax deduction parents get for kids, the restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday -- a nod to the 1040 tax form. Bar guests who come in April 15 also receive a $10.40 gift certificate for a later visit. And professional tax preparers, who may have to work right until the midnight deadline Thursday, get their freebie Friday: dessert on the house plus a $10.40 certificate if they show a business card.

P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

Family Camping Workshops

2010-04-09T09:24:00.002-05:00

I'm not really an outdoor-camping-kinda gal but I live in a house full of blue, so outdoor girl has to show up every once in awhile.

How cool that the someone has taken some of the guesswork out of the how-to of camping?

The Texas Outdoor Family Program offers families the opportunity to learn the basics of camping through weekend workshops around Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

These workshops are hosted at state parks and at various partner sites (such as city and county parks) where your family receives hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills. You will learn everything you need to create great memories enjoying the outdoors with your family, including:

* How to set up and break down camp (including your tent)
* Fire starting
* Outdoor cooking
* Guided walks
* Nature activities
* How to use a GPS
* Geocaching
* Introductions to a wide range of outdoor activities (such as fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching) depending on the site location, facilities and the season of the year

Best of all, no experience is necessary and you get all the help and advice you need from highly skilled outdoor specialists and trained volunteers!

Take a look at their calendar, pick a location and learn how to get out there and see those big, bright stars at night!

My Gray Hair

2010-04-05T14:32:00.009-05:00

My name is Laurie and I have color-resistant gray hair.

It is true.

I also have kids that get cavities very easily due to their teeth composition, but that is for another day when I feel like having true confessions. Maybe we can discuss plantar warts and athletes foot that day too.

Did I mention I'm the ONLY pink in a house full of BLUE?

Well, I feel so much better.

You blondes out there do not know the angst us brunettes encounter every 4-6 weeks. I am about to go all Lucy-Lawless aka Sheena Warrior Princess on my hair and dye it dark brown, instead of medium brown, if it doesn't start behaving.

It makes my eyes look so much greener, you know.

And let's not even start talking about the bags that are now taking up residence under my eyes.

Don't get me wrong, I have an entire arsenal of Mary Kay products to remedy these lovelies but I am not consistent enough to make a difference. Suggestions welcome.

But back to my gray hair.

I'm not sure why weeks between my home-dye jobs are becoming less and less, but I think it might have something to do with my younger son, Big Little Brother.

He's my kiddo that truly believes, in every ounce of his marrow, that the consequence is worth whatever adventure needs to be lived.

Don't get me wrong, he is a sweet, sweet boy. Gives me more hugs, kisses and words of affirmation that I can count, but that boy is a Velociraptor. He likes to test those fences.

So it should be of no surprise to you what transpired at Easter Brunch yesterday with my 17 family members.

BLB had already finished the majority of his food, checked out the rest rooms and other points of interest at said Country Club and was in need of another beverage.

No problem. There was a beverage station nearby and he's a capable guy.

So imagine our surprise when he comes back with orange juice in a champagne flute.

I immediately asked him if the orange juice tasted funny and maybe Mom should taste it just in case.

Ladies and gentleman, my 7 year-old son had somehow snagged a Mimosa instead of regular orange juice.

And somewhere, someone today is wondering what the heck happened to their lovely brunch drink that they set down for just a moment.

I'll be buying that dark brown hair dye this week.

Double Dipping, Date Night Style

2010-03-25T11:03:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when I'm just not feelin' the need to share (or the stuff I have discovered really isn't blog-worthy), I will duplicate posts from my other blog, In The Know Northwest.

Some of you might not even know it exists....or even care for that matter...but I digress.

Today's post is about live music in our area. Who knew we had so many places to choose from? Not I, that is for sure.

And I'm thinkin' these places don't offer chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese. Bonus!

Pick a night, pick a place and carve out some time to enjoy the love of your life for a few hours. You might even get to consume your dinner at the correct temperature, for a change.

I'm just sayin'.

Free Treat Offers

2010-03-22T09:06:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, March 23rd from 12-8 pm, is free cone day at participating Ben & Jerry's locations.

Click here for more details.

From what I hear, Starbucks is also offering a free pastry with purchase of a hand-crafted beverage from opening until 10:30 am. You'll need coupon, don't forget.

I don't do crowds....y'all have a great time!

Cleaning For A Reason

2010-03-12T17:56:00.003-06:00

Did you know there is a non-profit cleaning service that offers free professional housecleaning and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer - any type of cancer?

I didn't either until today.

You see, I am following the journey and praying for a friend that I served on Traditions Council with at A&M and she has quite an amazing support system.

Women are great like that....we can dig up resources as far as the East from the West.

As I was reading about her pathology report, someone offered information about Cleaning For A Reason, a non-profit cleaning service that offers housecleaning for women undergoing treatment for cancer.

There is an application process and as with any non-profit organization, the demand far exceeds their ability to meet every need, but they attempt to match as many patients as possible who go through their application process.

What an amazing blessing.....knew it needed to be passed along.

Have a great Spring Break!

Decisions.....Decisions

2010-02-23T18:09:00.008-06:00

So, last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday... which means we are almost a full week into Lent.

As card-carrying members of the Baptist church, we don't traditionally participate in Lent, but I sure do like the idea of removing something of importance to me for 40 days to move my focus back to Christ and prepare my heart for the sacrifice and celebration of Easter.

Can I be honest and say that I STILL haven't figured out what I'm giving up or adding in for Lent?

'Tis true, tis true.

Don't judge.

My first thought was to de-activate my Facebook account, but then I thought, "What if I accidentally cancel it all together and then I have to go through the torture of asking all those people to be my friend again?"

No thank you. I don't want a do-over in Junior High 101.

Perhaps reading Beth Moore's new book So Long Insecurity might help with that. Costco, Barnes and Noble or Lifeway can hook you up. And it's totally ok to take off the book jacket or maybe put the book in your cart with the title facing down if you don't want people to know you are reading a book about insecurity. I'm just sayin'....

And then I thought about giving up sugar. But you know, that is not a pure-hearted choice because I have ulterior motives of changing the way my clothes fit, not changing my heart and my focus.

I don't like chocolate or soft drinks enough to give them up and I've been so sporadic at blogging that I don't think it would be much of a sacrifice to stop that for 40 days.

So, I'm going a different direction this year. I'm adding things into my day instead of removing them. My good friend, Michele, planted that radical idea in my head last year. She's great like that.

Two primary needs for me to be the Wifey and Mom ALL my boys deserve are my time with God and my time working out.

One changes my heart and my attitude and hear me clearly, I DON'T LIKE WORKING OUT...but it sure makes the Fruit of the Spirit a bit easier to accomplish. Can I hear an Amen?

So, before I can jump on my computer for any reason other than work-related stuff, I need to have those 2 things taken care of for the day.

I know it seems small, but for me, it comes from my desire to be the gal God truly wants me to be.....and honestly already thinks I am.

Now that I've outed myself, I'll be starting my 40 days tomorrow. Thanks for the accountability!

In other news, we had snow flurries today for a total of 28 minutes. My sweet children have GOT to see real snow in the near future. At the mere sight of white condensation, they were asking for snow hats and pictures to be taken. Bless them.

I obliged and this is all we got.

Please ignore the sweatshirt. He bought it with his own Christmas money.

For the love.

Oh, and one last thing. If you didn't give up desserts for Lent, you have got to try Bakerella's Peach Crumb Cake. My friend, Becky, brought that sweetness to Dinner Club and I thought we were all going to make a vow to wear elastic pants to have another serving.

Have a great week!

The Heart of the Matter

2010-02-11T07:45:00.007-06:00

We have a phrase in our house which can be heard when anyone resembles Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh....or when the bottom lip is protruding over the top....or when those sweet faces are carrying a scowl that could scare off Cruela DaVille.

That is a 'Why-are-you-so-downcast-oh-my-soul' moment.

The kids don't really appreciate the wit but my man does, and let's just be honest, laughter is what gets you through the day sometimes.

That's been me the past week or so.

Downcast oh my soul.

Lately, it seems like no one can catch a break. Not for me personally, but with certain people we know and hold close to our hearts.

Tray's Young Life Leader, the one completely responsible for him coming to know the Lord, was healed and called Home after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. His two sweet boys will hear of his legacy because it is both deep and wide.

A friend from college just discovered she has an aggressive form of breast cancer and her insurance company is being rather fussy about her treatment.

Another friend from high school whose husband's cancer is back. He's in the middle of a daily chemo treatment this very week.

My little friend, Witt will have open heart surgery tomorrow as another sweet little one is one day closer to Eternal Healing from a cancer that is taking over her little body.

A precious college friend whose 5-month-old baby boy has several surgeries in his future, and several already under his belt.

My list looks a bit like yours, I'm guessing, because each one of us has someone fighting a battle of their own today.

And that is when it becomes extremely obvious that extending intentional grace to those around us is incredibly important. Hard at times? Sure. But oh so important.

When we hear their stories of raw honesty and faith, put faces with those stories and we get a tiny glimpse into their lives, we are granted the privilege to learn from them as they hope, question, live out this current season of their lives and then cling to God as He is the one that is sovereign over it all.

It turns our focus to something far bigger than ourselves and the daily frustrations that we give way too much energy to.

I don't tell you all this to make you sad or for you to feel sorry for them.

That is not what any of them would want.

Instead, try viewing today through a different lens. Be present today with your family. Let something that seems gigantic in the moment, roll off you like water to a duck because in the grand scheme of things, it won't be gigantic long-term. Heck, maybe not even within 2 hours that very same day.

Perspective is such a gift. Don't miss it...I know I have been guilty of that in the past.

In an effort to change my focus yesterday, Fun Laurie showed up and made red velvet cake balls with her two cuties. About 10 minutes in when our hands and countertop were stained red from said red velvet cake, I swore off ever making this sounds-good-in-theory recipe ever again.

But after I got the kids in bed and figured out the best way to achieve ample chocolate coverage without the balls totally breaking apart, I realized they weren't so bad after all.....not to mention the finished product was pretty darn tasty. Gotta love those 600 readers' comments below the actual post. Women are a wealth of knowledge, I tell you, and we aren't so shy in sharing, are we?

And it was while reading those comments that I happen to see that you can make the same recipe using chocolate cake and german chocolate icing.

Oh sweet mama.

I'm SO making these cake balls again. And a batch of these for good measure.

Because a sugary treat can brighten any day.....even when it is 100% chance of rain.

What's New at Two for Tea?

2010-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

You know I'm a lover of a good Tea Room.

One very close to my house and heart has some new opportunities for February.

*NEW* Valentine's Buffet Brunch

Show your love for the whole family or as a couple by spending this special day together.

Menu will include Tea for Two specialties such as their Chicken & Spinach Quiche and popular brunch favorites such as Soup, Salads and yummy Pork Loin with fixin's. And they didn't forget the kiddos-they will also feature kid fav's such as Mac & Cheese & Sweets. This is just a sample of all the goodies they will have for you to enjoy.

Tea for Two Copperfield AND Tea for Two Lakewood Forest

Sunday, February 14
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Adults $17.95
Children (10 & under) $12.95

For more information or to make reservations contact:

Tea for Two - Copperfield 281/855-1118
Tea for Two - Lakewood Forest 281/655-4900

Romantic Valentine's Dinner (Two dates to choose from!)

A 10 year tradition at Tea for Two! Join them for a romantic 4-course dinner in their cozy & intimate settings. Please plan on making your reservations early as they fill up very quickly!

Tea for Two - Copperfield ~ Saturday, February 13 ~ 7 p.m.
Tea for Two - Lakewood Forest ~ Sunday, February 14 ~ 6 p.m.

$34.95 Jumbo Shrimp entree
$29.95 Stuffed Chicken Breast entree

For more information or to make reservations (please specify entree selection) contact:

Copperfield 281/855-1118
Lakewood Forest 281/655-4900

Valentine's Kid's Cooking Class

Back by popular demand! This Kid's Cooking Class is all about Sweets for the Sweet...

Saturday, February 13 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Lakewood Forest location only!

$30.00 per student
For ages 6 - 10 years old.

To register for Cooking Class call Susan at 832 237-4749 or e-mail her at glass-s@sbcglobal.net with COMPLETE contact information so I may contact you for pre-payment.

Winkflash Flat Rate Book Sale

2010-01-29T08:40:00.002-06:00

Remember those photo books that you wanted to make last year and never had the time?

Now is the time, my friends.

Winkflash is having their Flat Rate Book Sale. You can make a 100 page book for $13-$27...depending on the size you choose.

Use coupon code ITSBACK.

No excuses! Rainy Friday....get on it!

100th Day of School: 2010 Edition

2010-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not completely sure when the 100th day of school is as I, I meant WE, have graduated from the looming 100th day of school craft....but I'm pretty sure it's coming.

Not to fear!

Visit this link for Tip Junkie's newest and greatest ideas to celebrate that oh-so-important day and perhaps revisit my post from last year and you should be good to go. Just be warned that this might happen if you choose the googly-eye shirt.

Good times, good times.

Now, wasn't that easy? Your welcome.

Getting all that glue off your hands, your people's hands and the dog?

Good luck with that. :-)

Three Rounds of Randomness

2010-01-21T08:15:00.004-06:00

First things first:::: Please pray for sweet baby Witt. You may have never clicked on that blue square on the left side of my blog but today is that day. His little heart needs a lot of prayer and his Mom and Dad do as well. I'm quite sure your prayer list is growing, just as is mine. I can't help but sometimes think life is just so hard. Thank you for interceding for this precious family.

Hopefully absence has made your heart grow fonder and you'll be especially intrigued by the three rounds of randomness I bring you today.

With a house full of boys and a dog, the need to cover odors is right up there with making sure we never run out of beef jerkey and toilet paper.

I'm a candle girl by nature, but when I'm not paying close attention to those darn wicks, the slight black smoke makes it way to my walls and that's not a blessing. You might not even notice it until you take a picture down off your wall and realize you know exactly where to hang it again.

Recent development of soy candles has certainly helped as they don't emit the black smoke, but an open flame is still a dangerous venture as ball throwing is not limited to the great outdoors in the Mounce house.

I love me some plug-ins and they do the job for my smelly canine but what to do with all these candles?

Enter the electric candle warmer.

You might notice this particular model got bum reviews and I was in agreement until I realized a smaller candle is needed to allow the candle wax to completely liquify. I had been making the mistake of plopping a big 'ol Yankee Candle on there and wondering why I wasn't smelling anything. I'm happy to report my warmer is NOT broken. How 'bout that?

Now let's talk house shoes. Can't say I've ever been in the camp that wears them frequently as my feet tend to get super hot and I don't have an abundance of hard floors in my house. But the Acorn Spa Thong had me the minute I slipped them on. And with them being major on-sale, 6 colors to choose from AND free shipping? Sold to the girl in Cypress!

My final offering is an opportunity for your family to kick family game night up a notch in sophistication.

No Stress Chess is a way to learn chess without stress! The secret? An innovative deck of action cards. Each depicts a chess piece and how it moves. Once you become comfortable with the moves and powers of each chess piece, you can flip the two-sided board over and play standard chess. 68 5-star ratings can't be wrong!

Here's hoping you have a great rest of the week and I have more organized thoughts next week!

Strength Sessions by Christie Lacy

2010-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Taking pictures.....really good pictures, is a gift.

Capturing the right expression allows that memory to live on way past what our mind remembers.

Christie Lacy has the gift.

I believe her heart has so much to do with her work. She is one of those gals that lights up a room and has the ability to make you feel as if you are the best family/person she has ever photographed. And when you get the proofs back? You totally agree.

She's also incredibly creative and she's ready to share her newest idea with you.

Strength Sessions

Strength Sessions are a complimentary photo session + package focusing on people (and if applicable, their families) who are walking a really tough road with grace, dignity and strength. This is an opportunity to document the strength of their story and the inspiration they have been as they live, as they fight, as they overcome.

Here’s where you can be a part of this. Take a moment to consider the people in your life: the people you cross paths with daily, the people you know at church, at work, at school. What challenges have they been given? What situations do they face that might seem just flat out seem like it's TOO much bear? What have they had to overcome? Christie wants you to introduce them to her.

Email her their stories, maybe a photo or two. Tell her a little bit about them, how they’ve affected your live, why you are inspired by them and why you think they deserve to have a Strength Session. The deadline is February 5th.

Wasn't it Eleanor Roosevelt that said women are like tea bags.....the hotter the water, the stronger they become? Read more about Strength Sessions here.

Help For Haiti

2010-01-15T09:00:00.009-06:00

We are 15 days into 2010 and I still have a slight case of writer’s block.....which can better be termed as... I don’t have anything really snappy to say.

That coupled with everyone trying to get back into the swing of things and not much happening 'round these parts…there doesn’t seem like much that is blogworthy lately.

Case in point...status updates on Facebook have been filled with mystery status involving colors, inches, book excerpts and the macarena....but only the chosen few know what the heck it all means and then of course, the Pants on the Ground YouTube video.

Okey dokey...moving on.

Then add the tragic earthquake in Haiti into the mix and anything that I thought might be remotely entertaining and readable has now been pushed aside for another day. Images of the devastation are all over the news but equally, the relief efforts are making progress slowly.

Thank you to all the heroes that dropped everything to help. Their work will seem unending. Pray for them.

How else can you help? Below are a few ideas.

1. Text ‘disaster’ to 90999 to donate $10 to Compassion International. (the donation will show up on your next cell phone statement)

2. Text ‘Haiti’ to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross

3. Donate directly to Compassion International’s Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

4. Donate directly to the Red Cross directly.

5. Donate to Samaritan’s Purse directly.

6. Order a Help Haiti t-shirt for $25. 100% of all the proceeds will be divided equally between Real Hope for Haiti and Heartline. Jaime Ivey and her husband have a daughter from Haiti and a son that is still there…awaiting adoption. He survived the earthquake….pray, pray, pray. Click here to see their interview on CNN.

7. Join the Skip A Meal For Haiti group on Facebook. They aren't collecting donations but are planning a HUNGER FOR HAITI DAY: Skip a meal or 2 on Jan 20th 2010 and give what the meal would’ve cost to Haiti help.

8. Visit Hope For Haiti. This site is set up raffle-style. Make a donation, get a raffle ticket, enter to win fun items like jewelry, dishes, photo sessions, etc.

It doesn't take a large monetary donation to make a difference. Every little bit helps.

In This Love For Life

2010-01-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

It started with a date party in the Fall of 1992.

He made a video to ask me to his formal.

Should have known right there that he wasn't like the others.

I attended said formal and received a 'D' in Anatomy
that semester as I didn't study a lick
that entire weekend.

Whoopsie.

Changed my major next semester.
It was the first of many ways he would corrupt me....just kidding.
Yes, I did say that outloud.

Fast forward 3 years and he picked me to be his love for life.

No, he wasn't 12. Reverse the numbers.

Think I could get back in that dress?

And could someone have spoken the truth in love regarding
my obvious need for self-tanner before rocking those red lips?

Stop laughing..it's not nice.

And no comments about my beautiful bangs.

Today, we are celebrating 15 years.

I'm so lucky He planned for him to choose me....
and I'd say 'YES' all over again.

Happy Anniversary to the man who brings out the best in me every single day
and loves me and our two boys with all that he is.

The Cutting Edge

2009-12-15T10:01:00.001-06:00

Ice skating is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of things to do in Houston.

True, we have 2 indoor rinks year-round: 1 in the center of the Galleria and another near the Target entrance of Memorial City Mall.

But from November through January, we are given the opportunity to embrace the experience of true ice skating outside.

Ok, maybe not true in the sense of a frozen pond, but you get the idea.

The Ice Rink at the Woodlands Town Center is so worth the drive to the Land of Wood. Shopping, food, lights and ice skating!

PARKING
Paid Parking
$5 at the parking lot at Six Pines and Lake Robbins Drive

Free Parking (Except for Saturday, November 21, 2009)
Town Center Garage – located adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Six Pines Drive

OPEN DAILY:
November 21, 2009 through January 18, 2010

TICKET PRICES:
Weekdays (Monday – Friday)
$9.50 for 2-hour skate session (includes $2.50 skate rental)
$ 5 for 2-hour skate session for children 5 and under (includes $2.50 skate rental)

Weekends (Saturday – Sunday)
$10.50 for 2-hour skate session (includes $2.50 skate rental)
$6 for 2-hour skate session for children 5 and under (includes $2.50 skate rental)

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday – Thursday, 3 pm to 9 pm
Friday, 3 pm to 11 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm
Sunday, Noon to 7 pm

HOLIDAY HOURS:
School Holidays: 11 am to 10 pm
Thanksgiving Day: 1 pm to 9 pm
Christmas Eve: 11 am to 6 pm
Christmas Day: 2 pm to 8 pm
New Years Eve: Noon to 1 am
New Years Day: 11 am to 9 pm

KIDDIE RINK
16' x 16' ice skating area
5 years old and under

They also have daily promotions and a $2 coupon available.

F-R-E-E that spells FREE

2009-12-11T06:00:00.004-06:00

Looking for some holiday music to get you in the mood?

Amazon.com is offering a free Christmas song each day until Christmas to download and ITunes has some as well.

Don't shoot the messenger when you hear the Billy Bob Thorton and Lady GaGa songs. DO NOT download those....just take my word. The small snippet alone really made me sad and mad at Amazon and the ding dongs who chose to include those terrible songs. But I do give them snaps for including Jars of Clay, Todd Agnew and Casting Crowns.

Also, if you are not checking Freebies4Mom and Dealicious Mom for their free-stuff updates, you are missing a blessing. I made a calendar through Photoworks and a 10-page flipbook through Snapfish for FREE! It's SO worth it to check out their blogs. They are a wealth of knowledge!

Homemade Down Home

2009-12-09T11:53:00.005-06:00

I am a lover of gift markets. I LOVE to see all the creativity that resides right here in H'town.

But sadly, I'm no so crafty.

I can follow directions and sometimes come close to what is the intended ending project, but am not fabulously creative on the front-end.

Looking for some homemade ideas this season?

Check out the links below. They have some pretty fabulous ideas. The blogging world is such a wealth!

14 Simple, Beautiful Homemade Gift Ideas

Handmade Christmas Ideas and DIY

Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

Last Minute Homemade Ideas

Free E-book, Homemade Crafts and Gift Ideas

I'll keep adding as I find more..do you have any to share? My sister made me some kickin' etched glasses one year in animal prints....from what I hear, she used masking tape to tape off the designs and then used etching cream. I think I remember her saying her fingers would never be the same after using an exacto knife to cut out all the cheetah spots. She LOVES me!

They resembled the ones below but were white, not brown.

George Ranch's Cowboy Christmas

2009-12-08T07:35:00.001-06:00

The George Ranch Historical Park is offering a chance for you to experience a Cowboy Christmas.

Experience the beauty of the holidays with guided tours of the 1830s Jones Stock Farm and the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home decorated in the spirit of the season. Mingle with Civil War soldiers at the Ryon home and enjoy the taste of years gone by as Chef Nick Castelberg cooks up a delicious historic food selection at both sites. Wrap up the evening's festivities with singing and story-telling around the Oak Grove campfire with the George Ranch cowboys.

In true Texas tradition, Campfire Christmas will be held regardless of the weather.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Adults: $40

Seniors/Children/Groups of 10 or more: $35

Times begin at 6 p.m. and rotate every 30 minutes until 8 p.m.

Special Offer for Corporate Bookings

Campfire Christmas sells out quickly. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Texas celebration. Call the George Ranch Historical Park at (281) 343-0218 or e-mail education@georgeranch.org for more information about Campfire Christmas 2009 today!

Interested in a private Campfire Christmas for your group? Call (281) 343-0218 or e-mail education@georgeranch.org for more information.

The Blind Side

2009-12-04T15:11:00.005-06:00

My man loves to see movies.

Loves, loves, loves to see movies in the theater on a big screen.

The problem is there is not a terribly large selection of what we both want to see.

The last movie we saw was so awful, I really wanted that 2 hours of my life back.

Truly.

But we saw 2 previews that were promising.

The first was Everybody's Fine and the second was The Blind Side.

We had us a date night last night and went to see The Blind Side.

OH....MY....WORD

I cannot express how amazing this movie was. That 2-hour emotional rollercoaster was quite a ride. And of course...laughter through tears is the best.

I wondered if I would love it as much as I love Remember The Titans.

I did.

This will be another one of those movies that I'll get sucked into watching every time it comes on tv. Heck...I'd go see it again today and again next week. It was just that good.

I SO wanted my kids to see it...but there were parts that would have been just too much for my boys.

I want them to really understand how blessed we are in every way. We want for absolutely nothing.

I want them to know the reason behind why we adopt a family from The Giving Tree. There are great needs in our area.

I want them to know why their school has adopted kiddos from a sister school in CyFair. There are children all over this district that will not eat 3 meals a day during Christmas break because the free/reduced meal option is 2 of the meals they eat each day.

I want them to learn at an early age to look beyond themselves...their lives...their wants.....and see there is lots of opportunities to do a whole lot of good right here in Houston, Texas.

And it made me want to put my hope and efforts in things that are eternal, not things that rust or fade away...now, more than ever.

Go see this movie. I promise you will want to see it again and again.

Want to know more about the Tuohys? Check out the links below.

interview with Sandra Bullock

interview with Leigh Ann Tuohy and another here

Reigning It In

2009-11-30T11:54:00.006-06:00

So, it's almost noon and I'm still in my pajamas.

Don't judge. It's rainy and wet...I'm just being productive indoors today.

I've been online shopping and making lists all morning.

Why does it seem like such a challenge to come up with ideas for gifts this year?

Is it because we truly have all we need?

I get it..I'm not a big fat scrooge. I know it's not always about needs at Christmas. What fun is that?

But as I cleaned out my house for a recent carpet cleaning, I couldn't help but see that there were many things that had resigned themselves to live forever on a shelf , in a closet or in a drawer.

Sigh.

Am I the only one who just wants to simplify this season and do several things well instead of doing a bunch of things half-way?

Maybe make a memory instead of buying something just for the sake of having something to wrap and unwrap?

So, in an effort to include our kiddos in the giving, not just receiving, we are trying a few new things this season.

First, we chose to draw names with one side of our family.

Yeah for progress!

Yep, threw everyone's name in a big 'ol bowl and set a dollar limit.

And just like that....the kids have shifted their focus from their own lists to finding something truly fun and unique for someone else that means a whole lot to them.

We also enjoy partnering with Operation Christmas Child, KSBJ's Giving Tree and for the first time, Tillman's Troops with our neighbors.

I'm sure you've heard of the tradition of choosing 3 gifts...as the Wise Men brought 3 to Jesus....but I have to say I LOVED the idea I found today.

Choose 4 gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

How 'bout them apples?

You could even combine the 2 ideas..and just pick 3 out of the 4.

Need a jump start? Here are some ideas from last year, all in one place.

What about you? Have any ideas you'd like to share?

It Was The Best Of Times

2009-11-23T13:35:00.005-06:00

The 80s....a time for big hair, bright colors, funny talkin' and even funnier dancin'.

When John Hughes passed months ago, it brought back a flood of memories of the 80's. I'm pretty sure they don't make movies quite like that any more.

While scouring the internet for ideas for my BIL today, I stumbled a pretty fun website....80's Tees.com

Where else could you find an I Love Jake Ryan t-shirt?

They have t-shirts from 80s movies, music, video games, cartoons. Some are pretty stinkin' hilarious!

My fave? They have Top Gun t-shirts and you can choose which call sign you want on the back. Several reviews mentioned how they used these shirts for a co-ed sports league or matching shirts for a racing team. How fun is that?

They also have non-90's shirts....The Office, 24, Tommy Boy, Yo Gabba Gabba, etc. It's definitely worth a look. And they carry a HUGE selection of the Junk Food tees.

And I'm thrilled as I found an oh-so-cute Christmas shirt.

I had purchased the gingerbread man shirt from Target but let's just say his hands were in the wrong place.

Nice.

So, head over to 80s t-shirts and get your credit card ready! I promise you'll be able to mark someone off your Christmas list after visiting this site.

Holiday Drama

2009-11-20T13:03:00.001-06:00

Everyone anticipates a little holiday drama. When you mix that many people and personalities....all you can do is laugh and move on.

How 'bout some real drama?

Check out all these local drama opportunities:

December 12-13th
Houston's First Baptist Church Celebration
7401 Katy Freeway

November 20-22nd
The Nutcracker
Cypress Academy of Peforming Arts
11707 Huffmeister Rd.

December 3-4th
Christmas Theater
Jersey Village Baptist Church
16518 Jersey Dr.
7 pm

Weekends in December (December 4th-17th)
December 3-13th
A Christmas Carol
Houston Family Arts
9191 Barker Cypress

December 3-13th
A Taffeta Christmas
Main Stage Theater
9191 Barker Cypress

December 5-6th
The Little Rascals Rescue Alfalfa Again
Cypress Academy of Performing Arts
11707 Huffmeister Rd.

All Aboard on the Polar Express

2009-11-20T09:07:00.002-06:00

The Texas State Railroad is known for their super fun events.....and with the holidays upon us, it's time for a little magic.

All Aboard! The Polar Express™comes to life at the Texas State Railroad.

Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!

Advanced tickets on sale now!

Tickets:

Friday, Sunday, & Weekdays

• Coach $19 child (ages 2-11), $34 adults

• Climate Controlled $21 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

Saturday Tickets

• Coach $23 child (ages 2-11), $38 adults

• Climate Controlled $25 child (ages 2-11), $42 adults

First Class Seating in Private Car 1511

Climate Controlled - Limited Seating

Enjoy The Polar Express™ Train Ride on our First Class private car. You will experience first class service at your table by Chefs, enjoy a variety of cookies served on silver trays, drink delicious hot chocolate with whip cream and chocolate sprinkles in our collectable Polar Express™ mugs as well as an additional choice of coffee, tea, or sparkling cider. Enjoy a First Class experience on board The Polar Express this Christmas! Table seating for 2 and 4 individuals.

Tickets:

$39 child (ages 2-11), $58 adults

November 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, & 29

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27

Times: 5:10pm, 6:45pm, & 8:15pm

**Be sure and check back here for an event with the Lone Ranger in 2010!

It's worth it to visit this site and check out all they have planned for 2010. Even a New Year's Eve Dinner!

A Hope and A Future

2009-11-13T06:55:00.002-06:00

There are tons of people doing hard things every day all around us.

Doing things that we might not have the skill set or the grace to tackle. Changing lives one heart at a time.

That is what Mercy Street Ministry does.

I have been reading HoodMamaMel's blog for quite some time and I am slain by her stories of how God works through them. Even more moved by the incredible obedience and faithfulness of she and her husband, Trey.

I'll well aware there are a gazillion things that pull at your time and resources, but if you feel so led, they are in need of a financial shot in the arm.

Would you pray about partnering with them? They are asking for monthly support but I'm quite sure they wouldn't turn down a one time gift as well.

Thanks!

Rooms To Go...Literally

2009-11-11T12:02:00.022-06:00

I have had a massive bee in my bonnet.

You see, we are having our carpets cleaned in T minus 4 days and major surgery has to be done for him to be able to actually get to some areas of my carpet.

Don't judge.

So, I began cleaning out every square inch of my house on Monday and I'm not sure my back will every be the same again because I also rearranged my kiddos rooms....

You know where this is going.

So, I have a deal for you!

You've heard of bed in a bag....and a little bit more.

Do you have a little guy who is about to embarque on the wonderous journey of having his very own big guy room?

I'm your gal. Check this out.

I have a custom full/queen duvet comforter, 1 bed skirt, 2 European pillows, 3 accent pillows, 2 sets of full size sheets and a padded mattress cover for $75.

Can you hardly stand how cute these pillows are? The small one is a propeller with leather and fleece trim...like a bomber jacket. The large star pillow has the same leather and fleece trim.

It's true!

The front of the duvet is a black and khaki check and the back is black and khaki ticking. AND the duvet has authentic military buttons as detail.

Both sets of full sheets have authentic ribbon trim purchased at a company that makes military medals and such.

If you are having an 'ick' moment about buying someone else's sheets...I assure you...we are VERY clean people. If you have been reading this blog long, you know I err on the side of OCD. I'm just sayin'....

And the bedskirt is the same fabric as the European pillows with fabric insets the same as the front of the duvet.

Bottom line...these are priced to move.

Entire Bedding Set $75

Interested? Email me at intheknownorthwest@gmail.com

Have a friend who might be? Pass this along!

I also have a gently used Fuzion Scooter for $35 and a huge set of Rokenbok for $40.....ok...stop the madness! I'm done.

**disclaimer....don't worry, I'm not turning my blog into an electronic yard sale. I just wanted these darn cute items to go to a good home and thought I could spread the word to lots of mommies this way!

**I also had several pieces of furniture but they have since sold.

Lessons Learned On A Rainy Day

2009-10-26T18:29:00.004-05:00

Fun Laurie showed up today and carved a pumpkin with W.

Let me clarify...W was stoked about the 'idea' of carving....but ended up driving his remote control car 'round and 'round the garage while I stuck my hands in the webby nastiness and carefully carved all the important features which Mr. Weston has so exquisitely drawn ahead of time with a Sharpie.

Anyone who has carved knows it's dern challenging to cut exactly where those lines are drawn and then sometimes you end up with a pumpkin who looks like she slept with her makeup on or was the first unfortunate one to fall asleep at a slumber party.

Enter rubbing alcohol.

Lesson #1- Rubbing alcohol takes off Sharpie marker.

Magic!

And now our pumpkin is nice and clean.

Lesson #2 learned today....if you add a smidge of lemon juice to the mashed bananas before you add them to the batter of banana bread, the finished loaf will be a beautiful golden brown.

Love me some banana bread!

Have a great week! And remember....the time change is a comin' on Sunday.

Christmas in a Cup

2009-10-22T07:24:00.004-05:00

Do you think it's possible to learn to be a tea drinker?

What?

It's true. If you have known me for very long, you know I'm neither a coffee nor a tea drinker.

Why is this so important, you ask?

I think the root of it is lies with a desire for fellowship.

I'm a relational gal, right down to my flip-flops, and a cup of something warm means the opportunity to share in someone's life is there for the taking.

Coffee became a dealbreaker as I had to add so much sugar and cream, the coffee was no longer even warm and I'd be spinning like a top for the remainder of the day if I continued to drink it like that.

Then my FIL introduced me to Teavana's Sweet Amore tea and I realized he just might be onto something.

That man is Mr. Tea....he even drinks the hardcore Chinese green tea that truly tastes like aquarium water. Shhh..don't tell him I said that.

So, imagine my delight when there was a holiday tea sighting yesterday at Wal-mart.

Yes ladies, there are good things to be found at your neighborhood version of Stuff Mart...if you can get past all the other things that make you want to bang your head against the handle of your shopping cart. Like the time I got behind a lady that had no less than 5 grocery store ads in her cart and proceeded to pricematch her entire shopping cart.....oh, help me.

Celestial Seasonings's Holiday Tea Line has made it's debute! The choices include Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Spice, Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride, Nutcracker Spice and Sugar Plum Spice.

You KNOW this marketer's dream threw some of those boxes in her cart immediately! This was the same girl that decided to enjoy a delightful cup of peppermint hot chocolate a few weeks ago at the first glimpse of below 70 degree temps..and said girl ended up with a burnt tongue and feeling as if she was having a hot flash.

Good times.

BUT it was some kickin' hot chocolate. Again, I found this wonderful treasure at Wal-Mart. It is a seasonal item and has crushed peppermint pieces in the hot chocolate mix. You are missing a blessing if you pass that endcap and don't throw a few packets in your shopping cart.

I'm open to suggestions. Do you have a favorite tea? Do share, please!

Winkflash Photobook reminder

2009-10-12T11:12:00.005-05:00

****update- they extended this offer until next Tuesday 10/27/09

Don't forget Wednesday is the last day to create a 100-page Winkflash photo book for just $19.99!

I uploaded my pics...now I just have to create the book.

How much caffeine do you think I'll need over the next 3 nights to accomplish that creative task?

I might just become a coffee drinker yet....

If Winkflash doesn't float your boat or you don't have the time to create a book in the next 3 days, Snapfish has a code for you to save 35% off cards, photobooks and calendars. The code is good through November 2nd.

Use coupon code FALL2009

She's Movin' On

2009-10-08T11:14:00.004-05:00

I'm a Tea Room gal.

Love the food, love the iced tea, and especially love the company while I'm there.

I love them so much, I created an entire post, just about Rabbit Food and Fruity Tea awhile back.

So, I'm sitting at Flag Football practice the other night when a good friend texts me that my favorite Tea Room of all time, Idyl Hours, is vacant.

Sign down... empty....deserted.

I couldn't dial my phone fast enough. Texting wasn't going to do! I needed details. Stat!

After going through all the possible scenarios we could think of, we went to the world wide web to solve our mystery.

The answer was right there, front page, on her website.

Stella decided to write that book she's been wanting to write and focus on catering and delivery instead of running the Tea Room day in and day out.

Although my Thursdays will never be the same without her Tequila Lime Chicken Crepes, I'm so excited for her and her new season of life.

Thanks, Stella, for providing such a fun place for us gals to regain some sanity and enjoy some amazing food over the years. There is no one quite like you...and I mean that in the best way.

WinkFlash's Flat Rate Book Sale

2009-09-30T16:03:00.008-05:00

Last year after I went to Italy, I took advantage of Winkflash's amazing Flat Rate Book Sale.

I was able to make a 100 page book for $19.99.

Yep, you read that right..

And here is the BEST part.

I was able to enlarge most of my photos to a full page because I had 100 pages to play with. Enlarging pictures of the Amalfi Coast is the only way to truly see the amazing detail of that water and remember that kind of beauty.

Now, pick yourself up off the floor, find a reason to make a picture book and head over to their site. Use coupon code FLATRATE

I knew there was a good reason for procrastinating and not making a book from our fantabulous Florida trip yet.

Note: This great price is for the Classic Covers only...but seriously? A 100 page book of memories for $20? SOLD!

Offer expires 10/14/09

More Gift Markets, Festivals and Bizarres

2009-09-25T10:47:00.004-05:00

One great thing about living in H'town is there is no shortage of places to go and people to see.

A big thank you to the Houston Chronicle for compiling a gigantic list of Fall Bazaars and Festivals....their words not mine.

Who even uses that word 'bizarre' anymore?

I think my friend's Hubs put it best...Bizarre Festivals.

I think you can agree there is some unique selections of items.

I owe The Chronicle a big smooch because not having to hunt down show locations and carefully select the Northwest choices saved me tons of time ...which is muy importante because I'm in the middle of watching Flash Forward...which is a bizarre festival all its own.

I'm not usually a drama-show kinda girl..I'm the type that reads ahead in books because I often can't stand the tension that has been created.

What a WILD ride that show was.

I couldn't hang with 24...but I think I just might be hooked on this one.

Anyhoo...check out the list and let the shopping begin! Fall is here!

Make Wishes Come True at Cold Stone

2009-09-22T12:41:00.002-05:00

Thursday, September 24, Cold Stone Creamery is sponsoring the 8th Annual Make A Wish World's Largest Ice Cream Social from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

It’s all part of a fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Customers will get a free 3 oz serving of Jack's creation.... Make-a-Wish with a donation.

Look at the bright side....3 oz is much easier to work off the next day, right? And for all your loyal Marble Slab fans....one time won't kill ya, you know.

To Market We Will Go

2009-09-11T13:22:00.006-05:00

Save the Dates!

Here begins the post of all the wonderful Gift Markets, Craft Shows, Fall Festivals and other opportunities to buy some really cute stuff!

I'll be updating this as more shows come across my path. If you have a show to share, feel free to give me at shout at intheknownorthwest@gmail.com.

***updated 10/27/09

September 25-26th
9am -3pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fall Gift Market
15415 N. Eldridge

October 2-3rd
9am-5pm
Carousel of Crafts Boutique
Cypress Creek Christian Church
6823 Cypresswood Drive

October 3- October 4th
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church
Fall Festival & Craft Market
7810 Cypresswood Dr.
ignatiusloyola.org

October 10th
10am -2pm
Cy-Fest at Lone Star College CyFair
October 10th from 10-2
lonestar.edu

October 10th
10am -4pm
Forget-Me-Not Craft Fair
Heartland at Willowbrook
13631 Ardfield Drive

October 16th-17th
9am-4pm, 9am-3pm
Coles Crossing Fall Market
Coles Crossing Community Center, Barket Cypress at Jarvis

October 17th
Foundry United Methodist Church Holiday Market & Tea Room
9am- 4pm
foundrychurch.org

October 24th
St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church Arts & Crafts Show
6646 Addicks-Satsuma
832-213-6158

October 24th
11am-4pm
Christ the Good Shepherd Fall Festival
18511 Klein Church Road

October 24th
St. Dunstan's 38th Annual "Street of Shoppes" Bazaar
14301 Stuebner Airline Road
281-440-1600

November 6th & 7th
Junior League Holiday Market
The Woodlands Waterway, Marriott in the Woodlands Town Center
9-6 pm & 10-4 pm

November 7th & 8th
Jersey Village FFA
Home for the Holidays Craft Show
9-5 pm & 10-4 pm
CyFair Exhibit Center
11206 Telge

November 12th-15th
Nutcracker Market
www.houstonballet.org
Reliant Center
10-8pm and 10-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday
$10 advanced tickets, $11 at the door; 1/2 price 3 hours prior to closing

November 13th & 14th
Ravensway Craft Show
9-5 pm
12730 Jarvis

November 14th & 15th
Langham Creek FFA
CFISD Exhibit Center
11206 Telge Rd

November 29th
Northwest Forest Holiday Market
10-5 pm
12715 Telge Road

December 3rd-4th
10am-7, 10am-5pm
Longwood Gift Market
Longwood Golf Pavillion

Saturday, Dec 5, 2009
Ye Olde Gift Market 2009
8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Gleannloch Pines Golf Club
19393 Champion Forest Dr
Spring, TX 77379
(Gleannloch Farms subdivision)
Email: YeOldeGiftMarket@Gmail.com
Tel: 281-777-0859
Note: The proceeds from this event will be used to send Christmas care package for our troops who are serving overseas.

December 5th
Wee Wuns 9th Annual Holiday Market
9-3 pm
Cypress United Methodist Church
13403 Cypress North Houston

December 5th & 6th
CyFair FFA Country Christmas Craft Show
CFISD Exhibit Center
11206 Telge Rd

December 12th
10am-5pm
Rock Creek Holiday Boutique and Craft Show
14223 Winding Springs Road
Cypress, Tx 77429

December 12th & 13th
CyCreek FFA Cougar Christmas Market
CFISD Exhibit Center
11206 Telge Rd

Shop Till You Drop

2009-09-10T15:13:00.001-05:00

Craft Market Season is here again, Ladies!

Find your comfy shoes, dig out your birthday and Christmas money you have been saving and head over to the Berry Center for the Copperfield Womens Club's 'Shop Til You Drop' Arts and Crafts Market.

When? This Saturday, Sept. 12th from 9-4.

I know...short notice. It snuck up on me!

Did you know this is the first ever Craft Market at the Berry Center?

You gals know I don't do crowds...but I might have to make an exception.

I love me a good Gift Market.

Make a list of those you will be buying for and start shopping early for Christmas, birthdays or teacher gifts for throughout the year.

And not to worry...I'm working on a post of all the other Gift Markets coming this Fall. There are some good ones!

Cozy Doze- A New Kind of Nap Map

2009-09-10T10:44:00.001-05:00

I know I'm a day late and a dollar short on this post as most of your kiddos are back to MDO... but I came across this darn cute company called Cozy Doze and they make the darn cutest pillows that hold a full-size color coordinated blanket for just under $20 bucks!

Because of kid-friendly handles and overall kid-size (12"x12") and weight (approx. 1 lb. 4 oz.), Cozy Doze^® are easy for children to carry—so grown-ups are free to carry other things!

These are functional, durable and washable—quality that allows daily usage and multiple washings.

Check 'em out and see what you think!

Good Trade

2009-09-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

I am a reader.

I read all kinds of things.

Books, magazines, blogs, online articles....

I guess I have a need to learn about things.

I often wonder why my oldest son asks so many questions and NEEDS to know a lot of stuff.

I'm thinking if I looked in the mirror I might just have that answer.

Apple doesn't fall far, does it?

Moving on..

If you are a reader like me, you probably have bookcases filled with books that blessed you but need new homes.

Half Price Bookstore could help....but they aren't paying much these days.

You could donate them to your church library or even your public library, as well.

But, what if you could swap them with someone and get another great book in return?

Welcome to Paperback Swap.com

I heard about this site a few months ago from a neighbor friend but hadn't taken the plunge until today.

And plunge I did, ladies. I dove in head first and posted 49 books and already have 9 requests.

Awesome! When I ship these books and they receive them, I get 1 credit for each book.

1 book= 1 credit

And I already have 2 credits for signing up and listing my first 10 books!

Yes, you do have to pay the shipping (around $2.40 for the media rate) but isn't it worth it to get a few books you have already enjoyed out of your house?

I'm thinking, yes.

I mean, really, they have just under 4 million books to choose from. I can't even wrap my brain around that one.

Did I mention they have audio books, hardback books and textbooks too?

It's time to read....swap.....and save!

O-C-D....that's the way for me

2009-09-03T14:27:00.005-05:00

If you know me well, you know I'm ALL about the Purell and washings hands.

Heck, during cold and flu season, I've jokingly admitted I'd let my kids drink Purell if I thought it would help.

Ahem...I'm just joking, people.

I even caught myself getting all sicked out at the gym the other day thinking just how many people touch those machines and free weights.

That is 3-kinds of n-a-s-t-y.

In an effort to combat all of the nutty Swine Flu coverage, here are 8 places around your house that could use a swipe or two from the Clorox Wipes. A good saturating spray from the Lysol can will work wonders as well.

If you are eating, put your snack down before reading any further. I'm waiting....

1. TV remote

Many people watch TV while they absent-mindedly chew their fingernails, snack on food and flip through channels, leaving all kinds of bacteria on the remote. Make sure to sanitize the remote control regularly to prevent sickness. ***this goes for Hotels as well

2. Tub and shower

Your bathtub may have 100 times more bacteria than the trash can, according to an in-home bacteria study conducted by the Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community. The Hygiene Council recommends that showers and tubs be disinfected twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells left in the tub that can carry germs too.

3. Pet food dish

Most pet food dishes stay on the floor and do not get washed regularly.

4. Kitchen cloths and sponges

People frequently use sponges or cloths to wipe germs from surfaces in the kitchen. As a result, 70 percent of kitchen sponges in U.S. homes failed the hygiene test by having high levels of bacteria, according to the Hygiene Council. The council recommends running sponges through the dishwasher regularly and washing kitchen cloths on the hot cycle in the washing machine.

5. Microwave touch screen

This spot is notorious for not getting cleaned. Even though the food comes out cooked, the germs that can make you sick are left on the outside of the microwave for the next person to touch. It is important to wipe down the touch screen regularly, especially after cooking raw meat.

6. Light switches

Touching the light switch is practically unavoidable, but keeping it clean is not. The bathroom light switch can have as many germs as the trash bin. Disinfect light switches twice a week, or every day if a member of your household is sick.

7. Baby changing table

During diaper changes, the baby wipes container, the diaper packaging, the trash can and anything around the changing area get contaminated with bacteria through touching after handling a dirty diaper. The baby changing table area should be cleaned often.

8. Kitchen faucets

Typically people wash their hands after handling raw meat in the kitchen, but they touch the faucet to turn on the water and do not think about the bacteria that they leave. The Hygiene Council found more than half of faucets in American homes are covered in bacteria.

And to add my 2 cents....technology. I'm talking computer keyboards, mouses, gaming devices and the remotes that go with them.

And telephone and cellphones....cell phones are going places today that they were NEVER intended to go.

Ok, I'm done. I won't go into how I might have been known to turn off the water faucets in public restroooms with the paper towel that dried my hands and how I might just happen to open the door with the opposite hand that I eat bread and tortilla chips with....yeah, that would be going too far.

That might just be an overshare..

If I'd Known Then

2009-08-27T06:00:00.006-05:00

While reading a magazine article the other day, I was led to check out If I'd Know Then by Ellyn Spragins from the library.

Apparently there are 2 different books in this series. The first is What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self and the second, If I'd Known Then: Women in their 2os and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selves. Both books profiles the letters of highly accomplished women that includes counsel or encouragement addressed to their younger selves.

The interesting thing is their letters reveal even accomplished women have struggles—the same fears, concerns and shortcomings as anyone else. And in many cases they are still struggling...not wanting to conform to what the world wants them to be and a reminder that living life should be a joy...like playing in the sandbox, not wading through quicksand.

What would your teenage or early 20s have looked like if you had found a letter tucked under the mattress from an older-you? Maybe a few hints about friendships to treasure and relationships to steer clear of...advice about what really mattered and what didn't merit a single thought or worry?

At the ripe old age of 36, I'm not sure my wisdom is very profound...would it have really eased the heartache or fears of a younger-me?

I can't be certain....but I think that I'd have jumped at the opportunity to know these things a bit earlier in my life:

*Wherever you are, Be ALL there....don't dwell in the past or yearn for the future

*Don't allow insecurities to rule your thoughts

*Judgment and assumptions are dangerous territory.... Seek truth in all things

*Want what you have...true contentment brings incredible peace

Do I have all these mastered?

Seriously? Um..not a chance.

But my desire to leads me to the One that can make all those things a reality. You see, there was a greater story written long before me. I think He can handle whatever I bring to Him. He's certainly BIG enough.

What about you? If you could write a letter to a younger-you..what would you include?

Come on all you lurkers...don't leave me flapping in the wind all by myself here. You can even comment anonymously.

Back To School 2009

2009-08-24T11:19:00.007-05:00

Here we are again, Lord.

Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed

and their lunch accounts are full.

And I know you'll walk with them, Lord.

You always do.

But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them?

Will You whisper to them what they need to hear,

when I'm not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school

with the protection only You can give,

and will You keep harm far away?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn?

Will You help them understand that hard work

honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience?

Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there,

the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full,

the ones who feel alone?

Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish

and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home

just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and every day,

trusting them to Your care.

Amen.

***A Mother's Prayer on The First Day of School, received via email from a dear friend. Thanks M! Blessings to R & J today.

A New Party In Town

2009-08-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

The planning of a birthday party can sometimes take the actual fun right out of that party....Especially if you have already tackled all the major ideas like gymnastics, inflatable rentals, pool parties and laser tag.

And if someone asks if you've considered having the party at your own house.... You have my permission to tell them to go sell crazy somewhere else because you are all filled up at your house.

Yes, I did just say that outloud.

How 'bout a mobile video game experience?

What is that you say? A mobile man-cave of sorts?

Yessirreee!

CurbGames.com might just be what you are looking for.

CurbGames features the most popular video games from Nintendo Wii, X-Box 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. 3 mobile theaters are available, each developed to provide up to 24 multi-player stations.

And not to worry...they do have rating systems for what games are featured in the mobile theater that will pull up in front of your casa.

Inside CurbGames you will find an air conditioned "limo style" luxury Mobile Video Game Theater with 4 50" plasma TVs and 16 linked multi-player stations.

Outside you will find 2 50" plasma TVs with an additional 8 linked multi-player stations, all equipped with the latest fully interactive games such as Halo 3, Rock Band, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero 3, Wii Sports, Mario Brothers, Sonic and much more.

Something tells me this isn't going to just be for kids....once the men get wind of this, 40th birthday parties will take on a whole new look.

And we thought rollerskating parties were big stuff back in the day.

Ooops, I just showed my age.

Check out CurbGames.com. They are available for birthday parties, team parties, corporate events, family gatherings or neighborhood events.

Niftee 50ees Turns Back Time

2009-08-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever driven near 249 and Spring Cypress on a Saturday night and happened to see a Classic Street Rod or a 60's Muscle Car driving past?

Chances are they are either going or coming from the Niftee 50ees Classic Drive-in.

The Niftee 50ees Classic Drive-In is held each Saturday from 6-10 pm in the Kroger Shopping Center located at Spring Cypress and Champion Forest.

This is no small show....on any given Saturday, north of 100 classic cars can be found parked in this shopping center.

The show is geared toward models earlier than 1979.....classic Street Rods, 50's Cruisers, 60s & 70's Muscle Cars. You will be stunned at the selection and the amount of people that mill around during those 4 hours. These types of cars draw quite a crowd. It's a well known fact...avoid shopping at the Spring Cypress/Champion Forest Kroger on Saturday night if you can avoid it.

Grab an early dinner at Schilleci's (read some of their fabulous reviews here)and then take your time walking through rows and rows of amazing pieces of history. Feel free to bring your camera. And don't hesitate to ask the owners questions...they LOVE to talk about their cars.

Don't miss out on this local treasure! Their 2009 season ends right before Thanksgiving.

Free Poster offer from Walgreens

2009-08-18T09:40:00.001-05:00

Do you have a favorite pic from this summer that would be perfect as an 11x14 poster?

You are in luck.

Log on to Walgreens.com today and use the code FREEPOSTER when checking out. You'll pay just $1.99 shipping and get a fabulous larger-than-life memory from the summer.

Code is only good for today...so get to it!

Psstt.....Walgreens is giving away free stuff all week! Take a peek:

Wednesday - FREE Photo Clings (you save $9.99, pay $5.99 shipping)
Thursday - FREE 20 4x6 prints (you save $3.80, pick up in-store)
Friday - $0.99 Scrapbook Page 8x10 (you save $4.00, pick up in-store)
Saturday - 50% off Everyday Photo Books (you save $5.00 for 20 pgs, $1.99 shipping)

Sneak Attack

2009-08-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

As parents, we are always trying to stay one step ahead of potential danger lurking.

When a facebook post regarding internet filters appeared on my wall last week...I thought this would be a great thing to share.

But an internet filter isn't just to protect the kids in your house...let me explain.

A few years ago, a friend of mine shared with me a children's photograpy website called Chubby Foot Designs. When I went to check it out...I typed in Chubby Feet designs and let's just say that a lot of chubby showed up....but it was large ladies with not a stitch of clothes on.

EEEWWW!

I think I literally let out a primal scream of fear, shut down the site and immediately did several viral scrubs on my computer. I was so convinced this foul site had implanted their nastiness on my computer that I felt the need to warn the Best Buy guys, when taking my computer in for service over a year later, that if they found pictures of naked chubby women to please, for the love, remove them and that I DID NOT PUT THEM ON THERE. They assured me that had pretty much seen it all. And proceeded to laugh their heads off at the possibility of me having chubby girl nudey pictures on my computer.

Boy, would have I loved a filter right about then. Did I mention I also had another lovely site called Hot Lolita's imbedded on my computer?

Magical.

And you thought this would be a boring post about internet filters.

This is not your typical Monday post, Ladies.

A website called Top Ten Reviews has done the research on internet filters so you don't have to....To read reviews of 10 highly-rate internet filter software choices go here.

Two others that have been mentioned in the responses are I Am Big Brother and Covenant Eyes..but I'll be honest and say I've heard mixed reviews regarding the later choice.

After 12+ comments on that particular post, the filter most recommended is YOU. Keep your
kid's computer in a public place like the kitchen, as much as you can.

So there you have it. Check the meat and spit out the bones, if you will..but at least give it a glance for future use.

And stay away from chubbyfeet.com.

First Impressions

2009-08-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

The day is upon us. The day when you meet the person who will spend time with your precious angel from the Lord for 5+ hours a day, Monday-Friday, or some variation. Meet the Teacher is about a week away.

We waited and waited for those letters to come in the mailbox. That little piece of paper brought a range of emotions: happiness, frustration, disappointment, uncertainty. Will this teacher really be able to appreciate how smart, funny and special this child is?

Nothing like a new school year to get you on your knees. God knew who your child's teacher would be this year and know without a doubt, He has a plan for them. Remind me of that when I open my boys' teacher letters. Thank you in advance for reminding me, It is going to be SO fine...whatever the letters says.

My mom-in-law is the Queen of Susus. What are 'susus' you ask? Susus are little gifts that she finds and sends for no reason, just to say she was thinking of you. As a former teacher, I am very careful what I give or bring to the classroom of my boys' teachers. And as one would guess, I usually steer clear of bath products, coffee mugs, stuffed animals and wooden jewelry because I received a lot of it when I taught. So heartfelt, but still too much bath gel isn't a blessing. BUT, when my friends, Leigh Ann & Julie, let me in on their Meet the Teacher susu secret, I had to share.

Gourmet Apples and More is a little shop right in front of Champion Forest Baptist Church that sells chocolate-covered creations. They have chocolate-covered rice krispie treats, pretzels and as you would guess, apples! But these aren't just any chocolate-covered apples, they are works of art. To give you an idea, they have Plain Jane (dipped in caramel and then dipped in chocolate), Rocky Road and Heath Bar. The apples on their website are the large variety which run $14ish and the smaller size are $6ish. And when I spoke to the sweet man who was answering phones today, he said they will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. They open for the season on Monday and will be open from 10-6 daily. Bless his heart, he had been receiving phone calls from several spirited ladies that day, frustrated that the store had not been open for the private school meet the teacher events.

So as summer draws to a close and you have a bit more spring in your step, remember to bless those sweet teachers as they begin this new school year. Nothing says love like chocolate!

Freeze Frame

2009-08-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Back in December, I spoke of a Christmas Miracle.

You see, we took a family picture this year. I had good hair and all the people smiled.

And the heavens rejoiced.

Um....not really.

But I sure did...because I have 3 males in my home that do not find any joy in fancy picture taking.

It just is what it is.

But back in December, I had only scratched the surface when I described the many talents of our photographer, Audree Garcia. I didn't even mention the very cool 12x18 'interest and activities' collages she creates.

It's pretty great, right?

I'll be accepting donations to put towards the widening of his bedroom door frame, to accommodate his big head.

Oh, I kid.

I didn't order an afghan with his picture on it or anything.....

I love her creativity! She brings a unique edge to each collage she creates. Don't think it's just limited to boys or even sports...she can create collages for dance, cheerleading, scouts, drama/theater...heck, she can probably even do one for the speed stacker in your house.

There's really no limits! Make a through-the-years collage or the-best-so-far collage. Think of the hairdos and hair-don'ts that might appear on one of those babies!

What a perfect way to make time stand still.

You can visit her site here.

Operation Backpack

2009-08-08T15:50:00.005-05:00

You have one more week to participate in Operation Backpack!

YMCA’s across the Greater Houston area are gearing up to provide school supplies for children in our communities. The children you help through this project will be filled with hope, joy and excitement as they start the school year. Your investment will provide these children the opportunity to start school with the tools to be successful.

It's so easy! While you are taking care of your regular shopping, pick up an extra backpack and school supplies for a kiddo in our area that may not have the resources to begin school with the needed supplies.

Many willing hearts are needed to assist with this project. Help the YMCA make a difference in the life of a child. Donate a backpack filled with school supplies and change a life!

**JC Penny, Target and Walmart have lots of choices at such great prices...you could even donate several backpacks!

Deadline is August 16th

Snapfish Photo Adventure

2009-08-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

It's August... summer camps, activities and vacations are winding down and you feel like you just might be the poster child for Sunsweet prunes if you don't cut back on the pool time.

Soon.

Very soon.

Help is here.

Snapfish Photo Adventure

Snapfish has partnered with Leap Frog to bring you and your kids a fun photo adventure everyone will enjoy. It's easy to get started, just choose one of their four adventure themes (beach, fun around the house, camping or theme parks & fairs) and let your kids get snapping.

And it's easy to win prizes! Complete all 7 challenges per theme and get 50% off any size collage poster. Finish four themes and get a FREE 5" x 7" photo book!

The fun only lasts until August 31 so get started today. This photo op could be in your future!

Houston Restaurants Week 2009

2009-08-04T22:35:00.000-05:00

Are you a foodie?

Get ready to be dazzled.

It's time for Houston Restaurant Week 2009.

From August 10th-23rd, you have a chance to dine out to help fight hunger in Houston. The opportunity to enjoy a three course gourmet meal for $35 per person (not including beverages, tax or gratuity) awaits you. Participating restaurants will donate $5 from each special meal sold to the Houston Food Bank. This is a wonderful opportunity for diners to try new restaurants or re-visit old favorites while helping to fight hunger in Houston.

Need a sampling of restaurants participating? Here's a few....

Americas - Post Oak
Amerigo's Grille
Brenner's Steakhouse
Cadillac Bar Houston
The Capital Grille
Carmelo's Ristorante
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
Crave Sushi
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Denis' Seafood House
Downtown Aquarium
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The Glass Wall
Grotto
Jasper's
La Griglia
Masraff's
The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant - Galleria Area Houston
McCormick & Schmick's "Fresh" Seafood Restaurant
Mo's…A Place for Steaks
NOE Restaurant (at The Omni Houston Hotel)
Ouisie's Table
Pappas Bros. Steak House
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Pesce
Post Oak Grill - Uptown
RA Sushi - Town & Country
Rainbow Lodge
The Remington Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Smith & Wollensky
Strip House
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Truluck's
Vic & Anthony's
Willie G's Seafood & Steaks

Click here to check out the menus of many participating restaurants.

Best Kept Beach Secret

2009-08-02T17:50:00.003-05:00

When someone gets wind of a beach vacation to Florida, some of the assumed destinations are Destin, Ft. Myers or even Panama Beach.

I'm here to tell you that we discovered the best kept secret of Florida.

30-A

This county road, of sorts, holds the most beautifully quaint beach communities you have ever laid eyes on.

How could we have NEVER even heard of this place?

I had asked for assistance sifting through all of the VRBO listings and a sweet church-friend helped us narrow our search.

Our particular choice this time around was Seacrest, but we also visited Seaside, Alys Beach, Seagrove and Rosemary Beach...which was literally a 5 minute walk. Rosemary Beach is kinda like Seacrest's Siamese Twin..it's hard to tell where one stops and the other starts. What's Rosemary Beach like? Mayberry-Meets-The Hamptons, if you will.

Our beach house was smack in the middle of a darn-cute community called Seacrest North. This area is North of 30-A, which means you are not staying ocean-front. Not a problem for us as the beach was a short 5 minute walk or 3 minutes by shuttle.

Yes, you read that correctly. We had golf cart shuttle that would pick us and all our gear up and deposit us so close to the beach we could see sand and smell suntan lotion.

I'd be lying if our Beverly-Hillbilly-gear-carryin'-selves didn't love that part.

The sand is incredible- white and soft. The water? Clear as a pool. We could see stingrays from a distance and schools of fish swimming by. W always had the net ready for fish, shells or the occasional purple jellyfish.

The waves were great for boogie boarding and faux-surfing. Photo compliments of the continuous shooting feature on our Nikon D-40. You did not let me down....

The other kickin' part of where we stayed was access to a 12,000 square foot pool.

Did I mention it was open from 9am until 11 pm? And that there was a huge greenbelt area right beside the pool area for the boys to play wiffle ball each day with their new Fat Bat BFFs from Tennessee and Alabama? Those boys' accents were heart-slaying. They were absolutely darlin'.

The Seacrest North Community has a bazillion multi-colored houses that sleep anywhere from 5-10+ people. You'll see kids riding their bikes or scooters all over the area and down to the restaurants.

Restaurants, you say? You know this foodie had to discuss the food we found while we were there.

We were delighted to find outstanding Mexican Food our first night at Mi Cocina and the locals' favorite, Cowgirl Kitchen, was delish as well. We blazed a trail along 30-A and had dinner at The Shrimp Shack in Seaside and the Village Market Cafe in Seagrove. They've been serving deep-fried love since 1949. Be still my southern-fried heart!

Need a sugar fix? The Sugar Shak is the place to be from 10am-10pm. There is line out the door starting at 6:30 every night. Ice cream and vintage candy fill every inch of that place. It's sugar heaven on-a-stick. The chatter while waiting in line that week was of Obama passing a bill that outlawed the making of candy cigarettes. The Sugar Shak encouraged you to get yours while supplies lasted.

Need donuts? A quick to visit Charlie's Donut Truck is a must. It's just down the road, in Alys Beach. Be aware..the donuts are HUGE and there is a line there too.

I know 2 boys who will travel back to Seacrest, Florida in a heartbeat.

And a family that will never forget the summer they discovered 30-A.

Happy Birthday John Tyler!

2009-07-18T09:20:00.006-05:00

Nine year ago, we went from a couple to a family of 3.

They sent us home with a vinyl diaper bag filled with cold packs, formula and coupons.

Um...how 'bout a manual...NOT coupons.

We were sure we'd ruin him.

And there are days when we are convinced we have. The days when we see glimpses of 'us' in him....and not always the good 'us'...

And then there are those days when that same blue-eyed boy will say, out of the blue, the words that can't possibly be true... "You're the best mom and dad, ever."

John Tyler Mounce, thank you for having the patience to allow your Mom and Dad to learn as we go, and the grace to move on after we've blown it. You show us daily that kids really have a lot to teach adults about unconditional love, grace and forgiveness. You make us want to be the parents you truly believe we are.

Happy 9th birthday! Just watch and see what the Lord has in store for you over the next years!

We Interrupt This Blog...

2009-07-06T08:41:00.007-05:00

July has the potential to be crazy fun around the Mounce home. Full of camps and adventures...and just being 'all-there' with our kids.

I've also got a bee in my bonnet to do some purging throughout the house. The boys' rooms were the first victims last Friday. I find great joy in organizing and throwing things away.

I know, they probably have medication for that kind of thing.

During one of my recent cleaning-out-the-magazines-flip-through-marathons, I happened upon some unique and just plain fun ideas/things from Real Simple.

Who wouldn't want a Red Hot Mama pill box? A dandy gift for the menopausal lady in your life.

Need a way to make kids' responsibilities fun around the house?

Bee in your bonnet to rearrange/redecorate bedroooms this summer?

Looking for a new hip online network to connect with other moms? Try this one too.

Here's a way to make your to-do list while you have your morning coffee or tea.

Need to swap playlists and files between ipods?

How 'bout stickers to bring personality to common items around the house?

Looking for a way to dress-up the lunchtime experience? These sandwich bags are just the ticket.

Searching for a way to be relevant with teens? Fairy lights for their laptop are sure to please.

And last but not least.....did you know you can send a Pinata care package? Just stuff the pinata with items you want to ship, stick an address label on it and take to the post office to add postage. How fun is that?

May your July be filled with much living- See you in August!

Blessings,
Laurie

The Conqueror

2009-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

You may not know that I am a closet Hip Hop girl.

Word.

The unfortunate thing is that I have serious white-girl genes...sista' can't dance.

My man?

Yes.

He can run fast AND busta a move.

It's just not right.

That and he always wants me to act a fool with him at weddings.

Second Baptist Church just had their annual Beach Retreat and their JUMP dance team performed. Through the miracle of the internet and You Tube, you can see it!

Three songs were performed, the one below is by far my fave.

"Yes, in all these things, we are more than conquerors
through Him that loved us."
Romans 8:37.

Fireworks, Anyone?

2009-07-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

Let's talk Fireworks.

With the burn ban in effect, we are going to need to pull together and share where we go watch fireworks instead on relying on our neighbor's caveman-like need for fire.

Here is an article that talks about the Big Kahuna Freedom Over Texas Celebration. I have heard that is 3-kinds of fun.

We have been known to partake in the fireworks at Sam Houston Race Park once or twice. We just find a parking lot that is close by and bring chairs and bug spray.

You don't have to tell me that's Classy, with a capital 'K'.

Annie just also commented that Faithbridge Church will be hosting Celebrate Freedom. Food, fireworks and live music- Sweet!

How 'bout you? Where do you mosey to for fireworks fun?

Judy's Book

2009-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Who wouldn't want a book of local secrets?

Judy's book has over a million nation-wide write-ups, reviews and ratings on local businesses to help you make informed decisions.

For someone who lives and dies by reviews, I just found heaven-on-a-stick.

And probably just put my other blog out of business.

Good times.

Happy Hour

2009-06-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Weston is a lover of the Sonic Powerade Slush.

We all actually have a love affair with the ice at Sonic, but truthfully, who doesn't? Truly, I think we'd participate in Sonic Happy Hour more if we weren't submerging ourselves in a bathtub full of ice cubes at the moment.

No worries. One of us did not succumb to the Urband Legend regarding losing a kidney...it is just so dern hot in Houston right now that no one dares open any doors for fear of even a smidge of cold air escaping the house.

When it was time to pick out birthday gifts for Mr. Weston, I went in search of our very own Slushie Maker. Ah, the possibilities! We could make slushies out of whatever we wanted.

So today, almost a month after his birthday, Fun Laurie showed up and she busted the Slushie Express out of the box and made homemade slushies.

The boys were elated! Weston chose to make his out of Dr. Pepper and JT went safe with Ginger Ale.

Bleck.

I wanted to be more creative and try some fun fruit juice, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Not my day to pick slushie flavors.

I wish you could see them sitting on the back porch, looking like two old men at Dairy Queen swapping stories and tellin' lies.

Then, of course, they began blowing slushie at each other through their straws.

In an effort to fulfill our educational requirement for the day, I proceeded to offer a lesson about evaporation.

Um, yeah, sure I did...

You NEED a Slushie Express. 28 positive reviews on Amazon.com and more economical than a Magic Bullet.

Just don't try to make queso in it, K?

2 smiling boys can't be wrong, right?

Masterpiece

2009-06-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

9 minutes can seem like too long to sit and watch two silly guys talk about something we all think we know, but deep down have not chosen to really believe.

Can't find a quiet place, sans kids, to watch? Watch it together. The Skit Guys made this skit span over all ages.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

2009-06-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

Who knew it would be cooler in Mexico than in Houston?

Not me.

Must have been the Hurricane Ike-like winds. That will keep the temperature down for sure.

We had a wonderful time while our kids took Boston and New York by storm. I think Weston only got lost once....and he wasn't really lost. He was looking at the 'appetizers' or advertisements all around Time Square from the restaurant located at the top of their hotel.

Of course he was.

Some observations from our getaway down South:

1. Having a strapped wad of 100 1's in your purse will definitely earn a special security search of your luggage in a Mexican airport. Drat. Foiled again. Guess we'll have to try different disguises than our khaki-short-wearing-surburban-couple choice.

2. Man & woman can live on pico de gallo, guacamole and chips alone.

3. I am married to a man than finds it almost always necessary to skirt the rules, in some way, to achieve his need for adrenaline, daily. When told to drive the high-speed boat in a straight line, he zig-zags when tourguide/boat leader isn't watching. Rule-follower, sitting next to him, was SO not impressed.

4. Winds that rivaled Hurricane-Ike keep the bugs away, move storms away at rapid speed and make for amazing waves to ride, but squelch any dream of capturing the stereotypical couples beach picture.

Look at the color of that water! Would you believe those skies never dropped any rain?

5. Guests possessing 'liquid courage' provide for dandy entertainment around the pool.

6. High school Spanish comes right back to you when you watch Dr. 90210 and CSI Miami with subtitles.

7. The white-man's-overbite is still alive and well in the Mexican Riveria.

I can honestly say the beauty of Playa del Carmen was staggering. Many thanks to Annie H.and her sweet Mom for the wonderful recommendation! We would go back in a heartbeat.

And snaps to my man for offering a real smile to capture the needed couple picture of the trip.

Vacay

2009-06-12T13:18:00.008-05:00

Leaving on a jet plane with the hunky man I married
nearly 15 years ago
....be back next week!

Need some new reading?

Try these ...but promise to come back...Deal?

Our Best Bites

Stuff Christians Like

Traveling Mamas

Overheard At The Office

Needle in a Haystack

2009-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wish I had something new and exciting to brighten your Thursday, but VBS 2009 has sucked all the major brain cells and ideas right out of my head. That and the excitement and preparations of a pending vacation from life as I know it. Vacay baby!

Now....if I could just get over the drug cartels my friend happen to mention in passing, I'd be golden. I'm already over swine flu....now that's progress.

Moving on....Let's talk Father's Day.

It's a week from Sunday, you know.

As mentioned in my 3rd ever blog post almost exactly 1 year ago, I have the Father's Day tradition of taking a picture of me and the boys each year for Tray's office. I love to see how the boys have changed. If you only knew the bribing that goes on.

I still need to take our pic...I guess I'm holding my breath and waiting for my face to clear-up. What is an almost-36-year-old gal doing with acne? For the love.

BUT, if that doesn't happen, Laurie at Tip Junkie has some pretty great ideas of the homemade variety. I have to say that the D-A-D pic is my next plan of action if I can't get the money shot very soon. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, right? Face it people...nothing is new under the sun. Why re-invent the wheel?

Never checked out her site? You are missing a blessing! She posts a bazillion different ideas from lots of bloggers by category.

And on that subject..have you ever caught yourself hunting for a previous post on a blog and feeling like you are looking for a needle in a haystack? Are you aware there is a search function built into the blogs on blogger.com? Yessiree....just type in a keyword for what you are looking for in the box in the upper left-hand corner and hit 'search blog'.

It's saved me hours of searching when I was looking for this killer Italian Cream Cake recipe and this super amazing getaway I might want to visit some day.

I just added hours to your life. Now you can re-watch episodes of Lost in an effort to actually figure out what the heck that show is even about. I prefer NCIS....everything is solved, neat and tidy, in 60 minutes flat.

Don't judge.

A Deal To Be Had on Furniture

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Royce Home Builder is closing up shop and they are selling all their furniture and fixins from their model homes and sales offices.

Here is the scoop: They have five large storage units of furniture and accessories filled to the ceiling and they have leased 3600 sq ft of space next to a retail store in Katy called Model Home Furniture, 613 S. Mason Rd, Katy, Texas 77450. More furniture coming Tuesday the 9th, as well.

They are trying to price everything right so that folks will find something they can't live without. The sale started Friday, June 5th but I'm thinking there is still lots more to be seen and found.

The hours are Monday-Thursday 10-7 and the address is 613 S. Mason Road. The store is located about a mile south of the intersection of IH-10 and S. Mason Road on the east side of the road, adjacent to Fuzzy's Pizza.

Fill up the gas tank and head to Katy! There is a Chik-fil-A on Mason Rd...you can grab a peach shake for the ride home.

Yes, it's almost always about the food for me.

9 months later

2009-06-04T08:08:00.012-05:00

Heck NO, I'm not pregnant!

I'm talking about what kiddos look like when they exit school 9 months after they start.

Pardon the cheese for a moment while I show you a picture
from the first day of school...

And then yesterday, as they left for the last time
as the new kid in school and a 2nd grader

I feel like I need to check for facial hair....what in the world changes them so much to show such a change in 9 months?

Here's to making a ton of memories in the next 3 months
and not just listening with my ears, but my eyes as well.

We plan to be doings lots of this..

even if our 'Stros seem to be having one of those seasons

Now if I can just find a spanky new camera to capture all the fun. Our current digital is struggling and is just flat letting us down in crucial picture-taking-moments.

Any suggestions? So far, we have our eyes on a Canon. You know I'm a research and review-reader. Do you have a digital SLR that you love?

Happy Summer, Friends!

And remember.....Wherever you are, be ALL there.

Free Root Beer Floats

2009-06-02T15:52:00.005-05:00

Sonic is celebrating the last day of school by offering free 10 oz Root Beer Floats from 8pm until Midnight on Wednesday June 3rd, while supplies last.

Wish I could offer you a fun link to click on, but the Sonic site is currently so overwhelmed by interest in their bold offer of generosity, that the site is frozen.

Which leads me to my next point...

I don't do crowds. I've even been known to just go buy Ben & Jerry's at the grocery store on free scoop day, just avoid the crowds.

I have IBC and Bluebell in my freezer as we speak. Only time will tell if Fun Laurie will talk I-don't-like-mingling-with-the-crazies Laurie into going tomorrow night. That is precisely why I don't do the day-after-Thanksgiving sales. Crazy people.

Happy Summer!

Movie Mondays

2009-06-01T14:39:00.007-05:00

Summer brings a slower pace but the Type A in me still needs a plan and a wee bit of structure. Somewhere in the Woodlands, a family member is laughing her head off and praying that Fun Laurie would once again make a spontaneous appearance. I'm sorry, I don't really know the meaning of that particular 's' word.

I'm thinking my firstborn feels the same as he asked me what exactly we are going to DO each day this summer.

Apparently I missed the memo that I'm Julie, Activities Director of the Love Boat, for the next 3 months.

So, here's a start.

How 'bout taking advantage of RedBox's generosity and making Monday movie night? What a fun excuse to get ALL members of the family in the same room (not holding or connected to any technological devices) or an opportunity to reconnect with your spouse after the kiddos are in bed. They have tons of movie choices and lots of locations. You can even reserve a movie online. Seriously?

Today's code for a free rental is FM63H7. Just select “Rent with Promo Code" and enter the code above. You can click here to sign up to receive the weekly code via text. The Monday codes are only good through Midnight Monday, central time.

Might even be an excuse not to cook. Who really likes to even cook on Mondays?

Shoes You Can Use

2009-05-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

I can hardly stand it....my new favorite shoes are arriving today....and I just placed my order yesterday afternoon.

I know, right? You want to tell me to go sell crazy somewhere else, but I'm telling the 100% truth.

Big snaps to Endless.com for being a bright spot on a rainy afternoon in Houston.

I'd searched high and low for a specific pair of Volatile shoes and not a single store in my area had the hook up for me. What's interesting is the pair in question is a basic yet oh-so-cute pair. The stores I checked carried all their out-of-this-world animal print combos but not the basic croc variety. What?

Anyhoo.....I first heard 'bout these fabulous flops from my BFF in S'Port, Jenny J. Then a neighbor had some. Then a mom at baseball had them. Then another and another. And then I got to try them on today. MUST HAVE THESE FLOPS!

So I hunted and hunted today...but alas, no gathering to be done.

Until I went online. Ah, the wonderful miracle of the internet.

Not only does Endless.com have free shipping. They have free OVERNIGHT shipping AND free return shipping AND they have a 100% price guarantee.

Sold to the lady in the 2nd row!

I had to use major restraint not to order them in black as well. But I can't promise I won't after I experience the perfectness of these shoes.

Go here and look at all the styles. If your toes need to roam free, you'll be blessed.

Need to see them in person first? Head over to Dillards to take a peek and check your size.

PS- Still loving my Moszkito Red Croc Flops. So comfy and I get a ton of compliments every time I wear them!