Umba Box: My Review, Month 2

Last month, I blogged about Umba Box and indicated I would commit to at least three months with them. This month, I got in the mail a surprise collection of body products, all homemade and very generously sized.

Rinse Bath & Body are homemade body products, which based on this box, stack up with their chemical laden cousins. I have had the box for about 10 days, but did not have time to really focus on the contents until the other night.

The cute bath Truffle I am saving for this weekend but it smells divine as I sniffed it and I am dying to give it a try. We are huge fans of LUSH bath bomb in this house and I am excited to see how it stacks up. Price wise they are equivalent and the plus, they are wrapped like Hersey kisses, making them easy to store.

I have been loving the skin stick. Basically a giant sized chap stick made of shea butter and beeswax - with some essential oils. Fantastic. I have been using it on my lips, hands and elbows. I love that it moisturizes and isn't at all greasy. I also love that it isn't basically scent neutral. I am a light on the fragrance girl.

The item I was most skeptical about was the Cafe Mocha facial mask scrub. It smells like burnt coffee. I used water to form the paste, but next time I am going to try yogurt or maybe even soy milk. I made the paste, slowly adding small splashes of water and then put it on my face. I let it dry, for at least 10 minutes. It was good and dry by the time I got in the shower.

While I was not thrilled with the Starbucks like smell which at that point permeated my bathroom, I am sold on the results. My skin was noticeably smoother and brighter. In short it worked - it is salt free and no harsh chemicals. It is also not oatmeal based. I worry about oatmeal based skin products.

In generally, while I am very careful about what I eat, I am not as picky about my skin products and their level of gluten freeness. I probably should be. I am careful to avoid things at LUSH or other places which contain beer or oatmeal.

Rinse uses all natural components and they also have some vegan products.

The story card enclosed was very informative and again this is a woman owned and operated business. Heather started making soap as a hobby in 2002 and then expanding. According to the card Rinse products are available at over 200 boutiques nationwide and online.

I love this, a small woman owned business, making quality body care products.

I also love that I can pronounce all the ingredients, pronounce them and actually could probably buy most of them at Whole Foods. I like the back to nature skin care approach. More to the point, I think my skin responses well to gentle cleaning...

While when I initially opened the box, I wasn't completely sold on the idea of a coffee mask and a giant chap stick, after I tried them out, I am really enjoying the products. In terms of making a purchase, I am more likely to buy the skin stick. It is something I have never really tried before, but really like and the stick makes it the perfect way for me to take my lotion along in my purse or gym bag or writing desk for that matter.

So I wonder what Umba Box will have in store for me next month?

Music Monday: Beatles - Birthday

I know - I wasn't here last week and this week is a drive by! Happy 4th of July! Stay safe while you and your neighbors try to blow each other up with explosives. I mean really roman candles are fun and all, but perhaps you should opt for the more traditional cake and candles. Beer and fire never mix, ba ba baoom...

I will spare you  the civics lesson, but I will remind everyone, as a nation, a culture we are barely hitting our teens. As with all teenagers we are prone to an inflated sense of importance and are generally self absorbed.

That said tip your hat to those men and women, who have given their lives for your freedom. They have believed enough in freedom and the American way of life, to go to war and die. They fought for our freedoms, including my right to speak my mind on this blog.

Attention elected officials - get a clue - you are in service to the people at the peoples pleasure - it is high time you remember that... because on this great day, there are a great many of you, who I do not salute, who I think need a kick in the ass and so many of you make us as Americans look bad. While I am proud to be an American, I am ashamed to have you representing me in any way.

So go out, eat, drink and be merry! A birthday is a celebration of another year coming to pass and to all the future years yet to come. Today we will hit our communities parade and go to one of our favorite parks to see the fireworks.

Music Monday: I can ride my bike with no handle bars

well not really.

(Flobots)

I did take a great bike ride Friday, the first of the season. Went with a friend who is new to town and I was showing her the trails which wind through my area.

This song is one of E's all time favorites. When it first hit the airwaves, I think he was around 3 years old and he had shown us no signs of being music obsessed the way his sister was from birth. When L was a baby she refused to sleep without her CD playing. (Now she refuses to sleep with the CD playing.) E as a baby refused to sleep with a CD playing, now he refuses to go to sleep without his music.

I digressed. So one day sitting in traffic, this song comes on the radio and I hear his little voice, singing along to the song. Later, I would hear him playing with his toys, humming or singing the refrain to this song.

We generally bike a good bit in the summer. This summer I think will be the first summer we will not make use of the Burley baby carrier for the bikes. I suspect E will ride the bike attached to mine or will finally be ready to go under his own steam. (One can hope.)

Today my friend and I took a tour around the area and then checked out the O’Shaughnessy Dam. There is a new park and observation area. The heavy and sustained rains have filled the rivers and the water flowing over the dam was nothing short of awe inspiring. So much water.

We watched some cranes cruising the area, saw a lone Canadian Goose swoop overhead and then watched some small birds, maybe sparrows, race and chase and come very close to being swept away. With it being spring and all, they seemed rather amorous, and sadly, the joy of spring led to the death of one of the birds, I think. In all their flapping and dancing and picking what has to be one of the most dangerous spots to mate, one little bird appeared to be swept away by the rushing water.

Such is life I suppose.

Friday started out grey and raw but the afternoon gave way to some beautiful sun and crystal blue skies. It really was a wonderful day to break back into biking again.

And just in case anyone wondered - yes I can ride my bike without holding on to the handle bars BUT I am of an age to know that it is best I hold onto the handle bars.

Music Monday: Spoonman, the case of the missing spoons...

This has to be where all my spoons have gone...

Soundgarden - Spoonman

I always seem to be short on spoons. Even though the set of everyday flatware has both tablespoons and teaspoons. I am always chasing spoons. Even more frustrating, I have back up spoons, from the various random spoons I have accumulated over the years. My parents old flatware, random pieces from H's bachelor days, spoons left by friends after potlucks and unclaimed, spoons brought home on accident from the crash pad in NYC, spoons from the college dinning hall, and other random spoons. The long and short of it is, I also have a set of silver, which had dozens of spoons. My MIL was a huge fan of spoons it would appear and bought a set of silverware with ample spoons. I never use the silver. It is tucked safely aware for special occasions.

I am seriously short on serving spoons. I just broke a cooking spoon the other day, I am short on those as well. Let's face it in a house where Indian is prepared often, sometimes those spoons are multi colored too. One would think they would stick out, if they were, I do not know, stolen or misappropriated.

I went to raid my stash of plasticware yesterday, those odd left overs from take out and picnics and school events, where I am inevitably assigned to bring plasticware. I have knives and forks to feed a gaggle, but in the mess there is nary a spoon.
 
I do have a plastic spoon in my purse. In a pouch with tissues, lip gloss and other important items. I keep this for on the go snacks. Thus far I have managed to keep track of it and not lose it or break it. This spoon has saved the day more than once. It is like my super secret spoon weapon, which isn't so much a secret anymore.

I will admit, I got rid of all the baby/toddler spoons awhile a go. My baby turned 6 last week, so we really haven't needed those type of spoons for a long time now.

What I am not at all short on are measuring spoons.

I have three full sets and then a few random measuring spoons, left behind by old college roommates and given to me when my mother moved or saved when my MIL passed away. I could bake all day and not have to wash a measuring spoon. One of these sets, might actually be my grandmothers, come to think about it.

When we remodeled the kitchen, we invested in this type of dishwasher. (Ours is not this modern and angular looking, but same idea.)

 (photo from Fisher Paykel)

So I could wash smaller loads. With H traveling so often, it is often just me for most of the day or me and two smaller people and we were often running the traditional dishwasher half full, mainly because we were short on spoons or sippy cups. This gives us options and I chase spoons less, but still I seem to be spoon poor and fork rich.

So for E's family birthday gathering I was chasing spoons and yesterday at our Easter egg coloring brunch, I was also searching high and low for spoons.

All I can say is it had to be the spoon man's fault. Where else could all of these spoons have gone? It's not like they could have hopped away...

The eagle has landed...

Well we made it. I was up with H at 5:15 am yesterday and I got myself all set and ate before I woke up the little people. E was too cute. I asked if he was ready for vacation? He smiled and asked "Is she coming over?" I laughed and told him we would be going for her.

We picked up my mom and got gas and still made it to the parking area a bit ahead of schedule! I know it seems crazy, but I planned it out on a time line - that is one of my tricks when traveling with children. It pays to not have to run and to hurry. Thinking it through made the trek to Germany doable solo and yesterday was no different.

My plan all worked out. Everything was on time and I had planned ahead and built in potty time and sitting time and in ALT H met us for lunch and there was a small play area. Perfect.

The only hitch is in ATL they have not elevator - so I had to fold the stroller and carry it up 2 flights of stairs on the way in and then again on the way out. Ugh. Seriously. I am not the only one traveling with a stroller. So there I was - L's backpack on, my purse and computer bag and the stroller, whilst supervising E. I will say though the guy behind was kinda impressed. Perhaps he mistook me for a wilting lily and not the seasoned traveler that I am.

The house is fantastic. Great view, nice and roomy. I know most people would pack in more people, but the entire point of this trip is a nice vacation for my Mom and I would rather spend some extra money to ensure peace and tranquility and not be a sardine - no make that a grouchy sardine.

The car rental was a breeze, we hit the grocery and then got to our cottage. Ate a quick dinner and walked the beach before bed.

I promise I will share pictures later... but right now the priority is beach toys and beach time...

Happy Happy Weekend one and all...

Creativity like wine, gets better with age...

Last night we went to the Smuggler's Cafe located in the Big Dog Motorcycle showroom. The band playing was Paradox -a great cover band. The guys in the band seemed to be around our age and they were all really talented. The played well, sang well and the songs were tight. A great rocking experience!

H and I were discussing creativity last night and I told him I think we grow into our creative expression - at least I have. In my twenties I was so busy with the rat race and trying to be who I thought others wanted me to be - trying to be a grown up - that I forgot just how important my creative spirit was to me.

As children, I think we use creativity daily, to solve problems, to express ourselves. Children use art and the creative process to find what appeals to them most. They draw, paint, mold, build and design.

As adults I think some of that quest for knowledge, that desire to create and the process gets lost in the day in and day out struggles.

It is no big surprise then, that as we get older - in my case - entering my mid 30s, that we try to rebuild that process. Many moms I know make note cards with stamps or scrapbook. Take cake decorating classes or learn to sew. Knitting and other needle work are also popular choice. The hobbies are a way to tap that inner creative child. Creativity feeds the soul.

For me, I went back to something I had done since high school. I journaled, then I decided to do the public journal - my blog. Then I moved into stories and poetry. Now I am freelancing and pursuing my fiction.

H is talking about picking up with piano lessons or maybe guitar lessons - something he has not done since a child.

Being creative is soulful, enjoyable and challenging. Ultimately, I think it keeps us young.

13 Great things about my trip to Baton Rouge

1. I got to see my good friend N and L & E got to play with J & J. We have not seen each other since they moved about 18 months ago. Which was too long - but we picked up right where we left off and I just enjoyed seeing them and their new home so very much!

2. The weather! It was lovely the entire week. A bit cool a few mornings - but the sun was out every day and the N is right - the sky this time of year in Baton Rouge is an amazing shade of blue. The clouds were puff white and it was perfect. It is has been almost 6 months of very cold and gray at home and I reveled in the warmth and sun. I will however note: On Sunday it was very warm very early in the morning and it was humid and I can totally - totally see why the summer is oppressive on Baton Rouge.


3. Crawfish. Ok they are serious good eating. Yum-O! We had them for dinner the first night in Baton Rogue and they rock. They are boiled and then you break the tail away from the body and eat the tail meat and then suck the fat and juice out of the head. It was spicy and messy and flavorful and I loved every single bite. N's husband is a native Louisianan and he knows all about the crawfish and was so glad that we enjoyed the treat. Now is the season and they are plentiful. We also bought them at this fish market which was a fun experience - with the life catfish tank and all sorts of fish and shrimp. I will also own up to a moment of sheer denseness. Typically you boil the crawfish with corn and tatters. So we got home and N put a small pot on the stove and began to boil water. Now we had bought 10 pounds of crawfish. They were not going to fit in the pot. I was perplexed. So I asked about that and N laughed and said, well they are cooked already. Didn't you smell them in the car? Duh! They had smelled so good in the car as we drove home - they were all ready cooked!

4. Alligator Bayou. This swamp tour is a great experience and wonderful learning opportunity for everyone - young and old. It lasts about 3 hours and it is a great way to learn about alligators and the swamp and the eco-system. Also as we were coming back towards the lodge - I got great pictures of the sunset. The nature is breathtaking and it is sad that so much of the swamp is disappearing. It is a great harmony of nature and home to so many creatures. It was well worth the price of admission and I would certainly do it again.

5. Everyone is rather friendly. Very nice and kind. I would not go so far as helpful - but polite to be sure. As an example. when we arrived in Baton Rouge, I took both L & E to the bathroom - which is normal and necessary. So by the time we go to baggage claim, apparently they had decided my bags were unclaimed. Now - there are very few people working at the airport and no one really wanted to be responsible for finding my bag and it was a bit of a comedy of errors chasing them down, but can I just say that I was called Ma'am alot and thanked for my patiences. Which while not overwhelming helpful, it is polite. N shared with me that logic rarely enters the equation in Baton Rouge!

6. The new mall and shopping area where Whole Foods is located. Very nice shopping and very pretty and with the weather there - outdoor shopping is very nice.

7. My kiddos were so well behaved. They were very good - even being off schedule and lacking a bit of sleep. I was so proud of them. They each got a new book when we got home - and they so deserved it. We had a rough flight home (details in another post) and they rose to the occasion - big time.

8. The Royal Standard. What a fun place to shop. Rooms of nifty and interesting things. N and I went there on Saturday and it was a truly great place to shop! I bought a few neat things.

9. Relaxation. The pace is slower in the south and we took full advantage. This trip was peaceful and quiet and at a pace that suited both the kiddos, H and I. A real plus!

10. The State Capital building. It is very tall and we went up to the observation deck and totally enjoyed the view. It is lovely. The same about the Levy. It is very nice and like a park and offers a great view of the river.

11. N & R's back yard! Complete with a pond and lots of trees and flowers. It is a lush paradise and it was so nice to sit outside and enjoy the Spring! No coat required.

12. The fragrance of Spring. The orange blossoms, the azaleas, lilacs and honeysuckle. All combined to make for a wonderful spring smell. I loved it. It was sweet and light and just perfect.

13. Baton Rouge is off the beaten path and it is interesting and I am sure there is more to uncover and it seemed to me to be growing and developing and in time it will have all the amenities of large city - I just hope that it keeps it small world charm. I love going somewhere where the pace is a little slower and I can just be. Baton Rouge seemed like that kind of place. Another plus - it is very close to New Orleans - you could make it a trip of two cities very easily.

It is not easy being green...

I decided to make some changes to the blog - most notably a color change. Also I am now looking over the edge from the right side of the blog verses the left - change of scenery is good every now and again. (Make no mistake the change of scenery is in no way an indication of political sentiment change - oh no - we are still LEFT over here!)

Also - please welcome Felix my new tree frog, he was in need of a place to stay and well he is GREEN - so we have reached an arrangement - whereby he can stay for awhile.

I am also looking for some new items for my sidebar - I would like to find an achieve randomizer or something similar where you - my Beloved readers- can hop around and read some of my previous posts. Now that I have been blogging for over a year, there is a wealth of information on the blog and I would like to be able to highlight or spotlight some of my better blogs. Always trying to save my lovely readers time.

I also monkeyed with the comment options - It is even easier to make comments here on the Edge!

My pet Moji is also still with us - at the very bottom of the page. She is a sweetheart - my little emotional barometer of sorts!

So Welcome to our Newly spruced up and redecorated Home on the Web - glad you could stop by!

Somethings just REMAIN as they SHOULD be....

This is Tigger! He is my favorite friend from Winnie-the-Pooh. He is fun and bouncy and frankly as dense as I am from time to time. Our friends A & D came over last night and D told me and H and A backed him up that Tigger was killed off by killer bees and is dead. Disney wrote him out of the books. I was appalled - you just cannot kill Tigger!
Seriously - it is just not done - it is traumatic to soulful, thoughtful writers like myself. Some things in life just SHOULD not happen. My friend S told me this fall that they were going to kill Bert on Sesame Street to teach kids about dying - I was horrified then too!

I am 100% opposed to anyone hurting any of these creatures.

Now today - I do think, I believe my friends were just playing with me - because I am just that easy. I am a bit dense and gullible I guess. I do like living in my own mind-- it is a safe, warm-- albeit wacky place. Those of you that know me and know me well, you know I am confident and capable and totally grounded in reality most of the time - key word - MOST. A part of me remains firmly rooted in the world in my head - a place full of wacky ideas, weird rhyming sentences, warm safe clouds, storybook characters and a nonstop story wheel.

I did a little bit of research this afternoon and I have found that Bert is not dead. He is still living with Ernie - maybe wishing he were dead - but alive nonetheless and frankly Tigger appears to be fine also. I did find reference to this 1997 film where Pooh and his pals have an adventure - but it appears that no one was actually hurt in the making of the film!

So I am going to continue on my path believing that all is right on Sesame Street and that everyone in the 100 acre Woods is just fine - happy and somewhat well adjusted.

So things it seems - contrary to the reports made by H, A, D & S - all REMAINS just as it SHOULD in my world. Whew, I was really worried.

Year end Blog Contest

Ok- so we are in the home stretch of 2007! It has been a great year and I am offering you all a chance at winning something! So I am throwing a little contest! All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post or for those of you who are reading but doing so in the QT - just email me your comment and I will count it! Ideally I would like to have the comments - but hey I am a reasonable girl.

So here is the deal - I am trolling for writing topics again - I know I am creative and I can come up with them on my own - but sometimes it is fun to write about something someone else has suggested! I am open to almost all suggestions - so be creative, ask me deep dark questions, ask me questions you think I might not have an answer for, make me think - you choose! I would also be willing to create a short story - on the topic of your choice.

I will keep the contest open through December 31, 2007!

The prize will be a gift card to Barnes and Noble and the joy of having me write something especially for you!

Control

I am a bit of a control freak - actually I am a card carrying member of CFA - Control Freaks Anonymous! I am working on turning over a new leaf! I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot control the behavior of others - only my reaction to it.

I also happen to like being out of control in certain situations. I love to swing on the playground - losing myself in the back and forth rhythm of the swing. Unlike Bill Clinton I will admit to inhaling - once or twice. There have also been times when I have drank a bit too much. In theory I like the slightly bubbly tingling feeling I get from a bit too much wine!

I also like running for this reason. I get the best runners high after a great run.

But I digress from the topic of this post. I have learned it is very freeing to give up some control - without chemicals. The sheer power of just letting go - to surrender and acknowledge that life is full of challenges - you meet them and move on.

I spent alot of time in my twenties trying to make sure - frantically that all my ducks were in row, that my life was organized to perfection.

While I am still organized and I still plan things - I am open to a bit of chaos.

This weekend H and I went to party and there was alot of drinking going on. We were not part of that scene and as I have thought about it today - it is sad - people our age using alcohol as way to give up some control - to unwind.

I think in the long run - the best way to relax and to unwind is to trust in yourself - accept your limitations and celebrate your accomplishments and know that tomorrow is another day and you have the chance to start all over again - the chance to live yet another day to the fullest!

Riding in the Rain

Today H and I took the little people to an outdoor festival. We rode our bikes as it was not far from our house and I have become a biking junky. I love that I can combine outside time with my workout- it is fabulous!

So even with the threat of rain, off we went. We had a great time and then as we headed home the skies opened up and it was heavenly. The warm rain, gently pelting my skin. I loved it, it was as if the tears of heaven were reaching me.

I never used to enjoy the outdoors like I do now. I am drawn to the rhythm of nature. I like the feeling of the rain. I did not mind that my clothes were soaking wet and I did not mind that my hair was wet, in fact for the rest of the day I have enjoyed my soft rain conditioned hair and the smell of the earth, that I somehow absorbed during the ride.

There is something about rain in the summer time. It is cleansing and it gives everything a glow. When the weather is gloomy and rainy and cold, I am not happy to the see it rain. But in the summer, the rain is peaceful and soothing, it is warm and feels a bit like the shower.

100th entry contest

So, I am closing in on my 100th entry. Yeah me! So I have decided that I would like one of my readers, to pick the topic for my 100th post. Now, I know you are all out there because:

1. You tell me privately via email or otherwise that you love my blog, a particular post has spoken to you, and so forth. (Ok, some of you tell me in person or on the phone also!)
2. I have installed a counter, I know you are out there, cuz I am counting you. Just to see what is up mind you :)

So here is the deal:

1. Post a comment to this entry and tell me what you would like me to write about. It can be anything, something you want to know about me, an issue you would like me to address. Whatever. Readers' choice.

2. Do not want to post? Not feeling like an exhibitionist? That is fine by me, shoot me an email - with the same info and I will be happy to add you into the running for the prize.

And just what is the prize you are wondering? Well I am not sure. It will be small - maybe a poem or something equally creative and a token of my appreciation, like a drink (with me) or coffee (with me), or gift card. (Like for the Toasty one - I do not see myself flying down under any time soon. Bummer, really.) I am not sure.... but it will be from me and it really does mean that I appreciate you taking the time to visit with me and read what I have to say.

Deadline for your suggestion submission is July 21, 2007 at 10:00 pm EDT/EST. I will more than likely post this entry, around the beginning of August at the pace I am writing.

More Fun on Friday.....

Check this one out too!

Something fun on Friday

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Today I am in a creative mood. I woke up with a story on my mind. (Which I frantically made notes about - so that I would not lose it.) The seed of this story came from a conversation I had the other day with a friend. The power of words, of images is amazing to me. A seemingly normal conversation about nothing special - in my imagination - can morph into something very powerful and compelling.

But as I said - Friday is for fun, so I am posting this little Visual. It is my Visual DNA. By picking some pictures, this site "reads" your personality. It is rather accurate on some things and a bit off on others.

Enjoy. If you do it, make sure you comment so that we can compare notes.

A quick trip

Well, you know that sometimes real life is fun, so I will tell you about our last 24 hour adventure. H is home for 6 days, so we wanted to take the kids somewhere - anywhere. With all that has been happening in the last 6 to 9 months. We have stuck pretty close to home and since free time has been at a premium, we have not done much that has focused only on them.

So we checked out The GreatWolf Lodge located right next to King's Island, in Mason (northern Cincinnati, Ohio) It is brand new, in fact in a week or so they are planning their official Grand Opening Celebration. It isa huge hotel which features an indoor water park. Very cool, given that the weather here is ultra - cold! It has a rustic, hunting lodge feel. Black Bear sculptures, a large tree house in the lobby, a restaurant with trees and such inside and lodgelike/cabin like decor. Very kid focused and a big bonus - the entire lodge is smoke free. They have a kids club, with no water stuff to do and story time in the evening. (We skipped that - H took them to the free cookie decorating.)

The place is brand new, so naturally it was really clean and nice. It has a huge amount of water fun, in a relatively small area. Lots of slides and falling water and places to splash and a nice wave pool. Since we were there during the week, there were mainly families with young (pre-school and early school age kids.)

The only downside - was our littlest one decided he was not going to sleep and since the "suite" was not a suite in the traditional sense of the word - we had a bit of trouble. Which troubles me, as it always seems like that is our problem, someone not sleeping. But all in all, we plan to go back and everyone had a really nice time.

So often the restuarants at these types of places - leave a bit to be desired - however we really enjoyed the breakfast buffet today. Moderatley priced and with a huge variety - we really felt we got our monies worth. (Note: There was plenty for me to eat that was dairy and wheat/corn free!) We packed our dinner - so I cannot comment on the evening meal selections - but f it was anything like breakfast, I imagine it was good.

Then today we decided to go back to a place that H and I went to alot while at Miami University. Jungle Jim's in Fairfield, Ohio. Now, all of you who know me, know I love food. I have always been a foodie of sorts. Albeit, one with food issues, but I do so like food and I love to cook. In college, I took many a drive to Jungle Jim's.

Well in the 5 or so years that I have not been there, I have to say it has expanded in a big way. It is now an extravaganza. In fact H and I kept saying to each other - "Wow, this is a bit overwhelming." However, it was a nice time and we got some really yummy items that we will be eating over the next month or so and I think the kids enjoyed the trip too.

So, while the weather is chilly we managed to indulge in some water fun and indulge our inner foodie! Not bad for a weekday adventure!

Not bad at all!

I found this on a BLOG I just started to follow. Love her insight on books. Many on my TBR list come from her suggestions! Check it out. Maria put this up and now I am doing the same :) Give it a try. Cut and paste and do it in email or on your blog.

1. Cigarette: Disgusting
2. Sex: Connection
3. Relationship: partnership
4. Ex: co-workers
5. Power: House
6. Create: -ive
7. Job: Rocking Stay at Home Mom
8. Food: choices
9. Type: writer
10. Home: safe
11. Care: ful
12. Value: treasure
13. Eve: snakes
14. Jest: er
15. Religion: Episcopal
16. Thunder: God of War???
17. Fear: No
18. Marriage: our third child
19. Back: water
20. Spark: Sparkle
21. Tear: drops
22: Trust: Betrayal
23: Boredom: No anymore
24. Inside: Out
25: Fire: Fahrenheit 451
26. Game: Chutes & Ladders
27: Soft: as a baby's bottom
28: Ice: Cold
29: Hard: Ass
30: Because: I want to
31. Community: It takes a village
32. Wood: Carving
33. Theme: Not sure
34. Love: of my life
35. Hate: too much of in this world
36. Friendship: more valuable than gold
37. Money: clip
38. Heartache: opportunity for growth
39. Lust: mmmm, not going to share this one!
40. Time: Not enough
41. Divorce: not what I had thought when I was younger

Fun

My Fortune Cookie told me: The yellow apostrophes are pointing in the right direction. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

This is my husbands. His is better than mine I think!

My Fortune Cookie told me: The sandcastle and the parsnip are sleepwalking towards your submarine. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Also be sure to check out Alison Kent's Blog. (http://www.alisonkent.com/blog/) Her fortune was way better. Although I like parsnips!

Happy New Year. Be safe and Have Fun!

Just for fun

My friend sent this to me and I thougt I would post it just for fun.


1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Neither. I do not like real egg nog, even though my husnband makes it every year. A big production for something so vile. I am allergic to dairy, so I tend t skip the non-alcholic kind. I do love the SILK SOY NOG.



2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under

the tree? As a child they were unwrapped and in a grouping near the try. For our kids, we wrap them and put them by the fire place - not near the tree.



3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? white



4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, if I could buy some real stuff I would.



5. When do you put your decorations up? As late as possible. With an 18 month old, I get tired of saying NO



6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Do not have one. I change the menu every year.



7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Not sure.. I think I believed longer than the average. I still want to believe it is true :)


9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Christmas morning. Although my husband wants to make it Christmas eve.



10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Husband does lights, I do the rest



11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Does snow really have any redeeming qualities. MMM, I can think of none.



12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but not well.



13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I love all my gifts.



14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? None really. Cookies are fine.



15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We celebrate St. Nicholas on 12/6

16. What tops your tree? A lovely brass star hand made in India. I love it.



17. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving.


18. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Stille Nacht (Silent Night)



19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum! YUCK



20. Favorite Christmas movie? Not a big movie fan.