If you aren't feeling too excited about shelling out upwards of $15 for play date activities, head over to AOL City's Best and read my 4 picks for play dates that are $5 or less. You can read the article here.
My next article will expand the budget just a smidgen, I will cover play dates for $10 or less. So if you have any suggestions you think I need to include on that one, be sure to message me.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I'm Back!
So we went to LA over the weekend, which was fun. Especially the part where the girls wouldn't stop crying on the drive. That was so relaxing, and I can't wait to do it again. My ears have not bled nearly enough lately, so that was a relief. I wish I could do that every day.
Now, even though it was just a few days, I missed Las Vegas.
I missed the fact that when I blow dry my hair it stays the way I styled it instead of frizzing.
I missed the fact that the air quality is far better, and I missed being able to breathe easily.
I spent those days in LA with a stuffy nose because of my allergies. Within a few hours of arriving back in Vegas, it was completely cleared up.
Still, it was nice to see family and friends again, I had missed everyone.
We went to my nephew's 2nd birthday party, the kids all got to run around outside and eat cupcakes so it was a good day. My favorite part of that day was when Violet saw her dad from afar and went running full speed ahead to throw herself in his arms. Why was it my favorite part? Because - Phillip being the funny guy he is, when she got within arms reach of her dad.....
Don't tell me that isn't the best picture you have seen this week, because I will not believe you. Then it will be all awkward because I know you lied. So just admit it. It rocks.
Now, even though it was just a few days, I missed Las Vegas.
I missed the fact that when I blow dry my hair it stays the way I styled it instead of frizzing.
I missed the fact that the air quality is far better, and I missed being able to breathe easily.
I spent those days in LA with a stuffy nose because of my allergies. Within a few hours of arriving back in Vegas, it was completely cleared up.
Still, it was nice to see family and friends again, I had missed everyone.
We went to my nephew's 2nd birthday party, the kids all got to run around outside and eat cupcakes so it was a good day. My favorite part of that day was when Violet saw her dad from afar and went running full speed ahead to throw herself in his arms. Why was it my favorite part? Because - Phillip being the funny guy he is, when she got within arms reach of her dad.....
DENIED!!
 |
| He leaped clear over her... man, he got some air on that one! |
Don't tell me that isn't the best picture you have seen this week, because I will not believe you. Then it will be all awkward because I know you lied. So just admit it. It rocks.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Reality Strikes
So, I have to tell you all that I did not end up going to the Grammy's after party. I know, I know, you are disappointed in me. I understand. Maybe I should have gone. But I felt it was going to be too much to travel down there, come back on a Monday and have to leave to go back down on Friday. That would have put us at 16 hours worth of driving time, with a 2 year old and a 4 year old. Too much.
I had a back up plan in place to bring you guys all the juicy insider details of a party like that. My sister, Natalia, was going to go for me and then do a guest blog about it. But then life happened. She came down with the flu.
And so here we are, well into the weekday again and I have no glamorous stories to tell. I hope I haven't let you down too much.
I guess will have to come up with some crazy mom story to tell you instead, just to keep the drama alive.
UPDATE: I just got an email from one of the PR people who arranged the event. Wanna know who was there? Tara Reid, the Situation (Jersey Shore), Pauly D, James and Oliver Phelps (Weasley twins from Harry Potter). And THEN, Kanye West, P Diddy, and Justin Bieber tried to get in around 3am but the cops wouldn't let anyone else up the hill to the mansion!!
I had a back up plan in place to bring you guys all the juicy insider details of a party like that. My sister, Natalia, was going to go for me and then do a guest blog about it. But then life happened. She came down with the flu.
And so here we are, well into the weekday again and I have no glamorous stories to tell. I hope I haven't let you down too much.
I guess will have to come up with some crazy mom story to tell you instead, just to keep the drama alive.
UPDATE: I just got an email from one of the PR people who arranged the event. Wanna know who was there? Tara Reid, the Situation (Jersey Shore), Pauly D, James and Oliver Phelps (Weasley twins from Harry Potter). And THEN, Kanye West, P Diddy, and Justin Bieber tried to get in around 3am but the cops wouldn't let anyone else up the hill to the mansion!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Daddy-Daughter Valentine's Dance
So Phillip and Ivy went to a Valentine's Day dance at Black Mountain Rec Center, a dance that celebrates the tender love of a father for his little daughter. I dressed them both in matching pink and brown outfits.
It only sounds strange. I thought that the end result was charming. Don't you?
Phillip said it was really cute to see all those dad on the dance floor, some with several daughters. Ivy thought the music was way too loud, and was too intimidated by the volume to dance much.
"But was it fun?" I asked.
"A little bit fun," she said. "...and a lot of boring."
Awesome.
It only sounds strange. I thought that the end result was charming. Don't you?
Phillip said it was really cute to see all those dad on the dance floor, some with several daughters. Ivy thought the music was way too loud, and was too intimidated by the volume to dance much.
"But was it fun?" I asked.
"A little bit fun," she said. "...and a lot of boring."
Awesome.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Should I stay or should I go? Nivea For Men Grammy's Afterparty
So, as you may have read from previous tweets... I got invited to Nivea For Men's Grammy's afterparty this Sunday.
First of all, WHAT???!!!
Second of all, AWESOME!!!
But here is the thing - it is happening in Los Angeles, as any Grammy's party should. And I am here in Las Vegas. Nivea for Men is arranging a private shuttle to bring the Las Vegas invitees to this Grammy's party blowout. So transportation is taken care of. It's all settled, but something seems to be niggling in the back of my mind.
Hm, what could it be...? Oh yes, I remember now - I HAVE CHILDREN!
That makes it a lot more challenging. Phillip and I would have to travel down with the kids in tow (probably NOT on the party bus), just so I could go to this admittedly glamorous afterparty at a secret Bel Air estate, which will be crawling with industry insiders (it's co-hosted by Steve Riftkind from Universal Music Group), music stars, and who knows what other sorts of fabulousness?
What do you think? Should I stay or should I go??
First of all, WHAT???!!!
Second of all, AWESOME!!!
But here is the thing - it is happening in Los Angeles, as any Grammy's party should. And I am here in Las Vegas. Nivea for Men is arranging a private shuttle to bring the Las Vegas invitees to this Grammy's party blowout. So transportation is taken care of. It's all settled, but something seems to be niggling in the back of my mind.
Hm, what could it be...? Oh yes, I remember now - I HAVE CHILDREN!
That makes it a lot more challenging. Phillip and I would have to travel down with the kids in tow (probably NOT on the party bus), just so I could go to this admittedly glamorous afterparty at a secret Bel Air estate, which will be crawling with industry insiders (it's co-hosted by Steve Riftkind from Universal Music Group), music stars, and who knows what other sorts of fabulousness?
What do you think? Should I stay or should I go??
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ding Dong, the Kid is in Bed!
At. Last.
Violet is asleep.
I am sitting here with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate, feeling like my head is all floaty and light, like a hot air balloon... and feeling relieved. Today has been one of the most challenging days in recent history. While battling Evil Germ, I have also been battling Fussy Toddler, which as all moms know is one of the most difficult things to do - period.
I had to take Violet to the doctor to get a steroid shot. While we sat in the waiting room, I suddenly felt like I was fading away. The "darkness" started to encroach but I fought it off and took a few deep breaths. Maybe it was the long nights keeping vigil over the girls' breathing, combined with my own illness. But it was touch and go for a while there, and all I could think of was how utterly stupid and inconvenient it would be if I fainted.
Once we were in the exam room I warned the man-nurse that I may not be conscious much longer. "If I pass out, here is my cell phone on this counter top. My husband's number can be found under 'Beast'." Man-nurse laughed at my term for Phillip, but kindly asked if he could turn the AC down or perhaps bring me a sip of Pedialyte. To make a long story short, the cold air and 2 glasses of ice cold water seemed to help. By the time we left I sort of had my head back on my shoulders, so I felt ok about driving. Violet got a shot for her croup, and I am glad that is all the treatment anyone needed. Also, I was super glad I didn't have to drink Pedialyte. Because ew.
After we got home Violet napped, but she awoke in an awful temper. Every 5 minutes had her demanding a popsicle, and if I said no she would throw a fit and wail and flail. It was completely out of character for her. Any little thing was making her cry. She spent the entire rest of the day alternating between crying and pouting. 5 minutes pout, 5 minutes cry. Over and over and over again.
So as you can imagine, I am beyond relieved to have her be soundly asleep. Her breathing has improved, sleep is restoring her and tomorrow is another day.
I will leave you with this image of Violet, from this post. Back then the joke was about her hating water. Today we can take this picture a little more literally. And tomorrow I hope to have my funny, goofy, sweet little doll back.
Violet is asleep.
I am sitting here with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate, feeling like my head is all floaty and light, like a hot air balloon... and feeling relieved. Today has been one of the most challenging days in recent history. While battling Evil Germ, I have also been battling Fussy Toddler, which as all moms know is one of the most difficult things to do - period.
I had to take Violet to the doctor to get a steroid shot. While we sat in the waiting room, I suddenly felt like I was fading away. The "darkness" started to encroach but I fought it off and took a few deep breaths. Maybe it was the long nights keeping vigil over the girls' breathing, combined with my own illness. But it was touch and go for a while there, and all I could think of was how utterly stupid and inconvenient it would be if I fainted.
Once we were in the exam room I warned the man-nurse that I may not be conscious much longer. "If I pass out, here is my cell phone on this counter top. My husband's number can be found under 'Beast'." Man-nurse laughed at my term for Phillip, but kindly asked if he could turn the AC down or perhaps bring me a sip of Pedialyte. To make a long story short, the cold air and 2 glasses of ice cold water seemed to help. By the time we left I sort of had my head back on my shoulders, so I felt ok about driving. Violet got a shot for her croup, and I am glad that is all the treatment anyone needed. Also, I was super glad I didn't have to drink Pedialyte. Because ew.
After we got home Violet napped, but she awoke in an awful temper. Every 5 minutes had her demanding a popsicle, and if I said no she would throw a fit and wail and flail. It was completely out of character for her. Any little thing was making her cry. She spent the entire rest of the day alternating between crying and pouting. 5 minutes pout, 5 minutes cry. Over and over and over again.
So as you can imagine, I am beyond relieved to have her be soundly asleep. Her breathing has improved, sleep is restoring her and tomorrow is another day.
I will leave you with this image of Violet, from this post. Back then the joke was about her hating water. Today we can take this picture a little more literally. And tomorrow I hope to have my funny, goofy, sweet little doll back.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Texting Does Not Work
Hello again. Did you miss me?
Ivy and I are sick with some kind of evil germ or virus. Let's say germ, because it just sounds funnier. "Good evening, ladies and germs!" See? Funny. Also, it makes me think of that germ-looking thing on Sponge Bob. Also funny:
So, I know it is evil because it has hit us pretty hard. I am waiting for Phillip and Violet to fall prey to Evil Germ, it is inevitable. Ivy's breathing was not doing too well, and she was running a high fever. So I took her to the doctor (which took 2 hours, thanks a lot Foothill Pediatrics!), and by the time we made our way back home Evil Germ had taken hold of me and I started getting Evil Fever and Evil Chills.
Today was the worst by far, though, because my temp shot up and I had to get into bed and get into the fetal position. Eventually Ivy came looking for me and the sheer thought of having to get up to take care of someone else made me burst into tears. Ivy took the hint and left.
There was NO WAY I was getting out of bed. I was Evil Germ's captive, and I had that syndrome where you start to identify with your captors and try to protect them even though they are hurting you. I was incubating Evil Germ and his Evil Germy Minions, which were surely spreading throughout my poor system.
I didn't want to get out of bed even to get medicine. I weakly texted Phillip, "Need advil. And a tissue." No response. I texted again, "Just the thought of having to get out of bed is making me weep. In a dramatic after school special way, not in an ugly cry housewife kind of way." (It was totally an ugly cry but I didn't want to scare him off.)
Still no response. Where was he? When would it be my turn to be taken care of? I wanted my mommy. I couldn't make myself get up. Eventually Ivy came back in and I begged her to get daddy. He finally came in and brought me medicine. And the moral of the story is? Well, the moral of the story is that you can waste a good 5-7 minutes of your time reading the junk that I post on here. That is 5-7 minutes of your life you will never get back. But I appreciate you reading it anyway (and commenting, hint hint).
Oh, and also, the moral of the story is that you should not text your husband when you need help... you should just yell loudly, which would get a faster response. Also, modern medicine is awesome. The end.
Ivy and I are sick with some kind of evil germ or virus. Let's say germ, because it just sounds funnier. "Good evening, ladies and germs!" See? Funny. Also, it makes me think of that germ-looking thing on Sponge Bob. Also funny:
So, I know it is evil because it has hit us pretty hard. I am waiting for Phillip and Violet to fall prey to Evil Germ, it is inevitable. Ivy's breathing was not doing too well, and she was running a high fever. So I took her to the doctor (which took 2 hours, thanks a lot Foothill Pediatrics!), and by the time we made our way back home Evil Germ had taken hold of me and I started getting Evil Fever and Evil Chills.
Today was the worst by far, though, because my temp shot up and I had to get into bed and get into the fetal position. Eventually Ivy came looking for me and the sheer thought of having to get up to take care of someone else made me burst into tears. Ivy took the hint and left.
There was NO WAY I was getting out of bed. I was Evil Germ's captive, and I had that syndrome where you start to identify with your captors and try to protect them even though they are hurting you. I was incubating Evil Germ and his Evil Germy Minions, which were surely spreading throughout my poor system.
I didn't want to get out of bed even to get medicine. I weakly texted Phillip, "Need advil. And a tissue." No response. I texted again, "Just the thought of having to get out of bed is making me weep. In a dramatic after school special way, not in an ugly cry housewife kind of way." (It was totally an ugly cry but I didn't want to scare him off.)
Still no response. Where was he? When would it be my turn to be taken care of? I wanted my mommy. I couldn't make myself get up. Eventually Ivy came back in and I begged her to get daddy. He finally came in and brought me medicine. And the moral of the story is? Well, the moral of the story is that you can waste a good 5-7 minutes of your time reading the junk that I post on here. That is 5-7 minutes of your life you will never get back. But I appreciate you reading it anyway (and commenting, hint hint).
Oh, and also, the moral of the story is that you should not text your husband when you need help... you should just yell loudly, which would get a faster response. Also, modern medicine is awesome. The end.
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