Stripes!

I have been on a HUGE stripes kick.  Striped shirts, striped skirts, you name it... if it has stripes, I am loving it.  I am really in love with these striped tops and skirts from good old Banana Republic.

Source: Banana Republic
I bought this top in three colors.  Yes.  Yes, I did.  It's so flattering for one and for two, the scooped back is GORGEOUS.  

Source: Banana Republic
I literally bought this exact outfit.  Minus the shoes and bracelets.  I did buy the tank and a different pair of sandals.  I felt so... youthful! I love it.  

I will definitely need to do an outfit of the day picture, soon!

What are you loving?

Last. Day. Of. School. Where has time gone???

Holy crapthrowingmonkeys! Where has time gone???  

My baby is officially a FIFTH grader! 

It doesn't seem that long ago, I was putting her on a bus in a wheelchair and NOW she's heading into fifth grade! Waaaaaaahhh!!! 

She's made some good milestones this year and met a therapy goal or two! Yay Em!

Met:

Almost completely potty trained! She stays dry most of the day!

Helping to dress/undress herself!

Writing her name.

Walking on uneven surfaces UNASSISTED!

She's very proud of herself! 

I found a summer caregiver buuutttt... she seems VERY nice but I am afraid she'll be overwhelmed by Emma's mood swings and might take her outbursts personally.  I hope it works out! *crosses fingers*

Now... my sister and I have an idea.  Sister Salvage: From Trashy to Classy.  (Don't steal it!!! Ha.)

We want to buy up trashy/ugly furniture and fix it up to classy.  We're also trashy to classy ourselves.  Ha ha!

We're excited 

That's right, y'all.  It's about to get real fancy up in here!

I've started a few fitness goals! I really, really want to participate in the PF Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon in 2014.  Won't do the full but at least the half, right? Well, I've started sloooowly.  That way I won't quit too soon! Ease into this because I'm going to do this! So, I've been doing a squats challenge (I'll post the images I found with the details) and it's literally been kicking my BUTT! and I'll be adding an abs and leg challenge, too.  During my first AM break, I started walking and that walking has sped up to power walking which has sped up to a job.  It feels GREAT! The summer heat is coming here in Phoenix so AM is the only time to get out there and do it SAFELY.  I need to take a photo of myself ASAP and then keep taking them to monitor my progress. Cool part is my size 12 jeans are very, very loose! Whoo hoo! 

Just because this makes me laugh:

Tarte BB Cream Review

I am definitely NOT a beauty guru.  Not by ANY stretch of the imagination.  However, what I AM is a beauty hoarder.  Yes, I said HOARDER.  I will say that at least I hoard the good stuff.  I went insane when theBalm had their half off sale and I went crazy AGAIN, when they were on HauteLook.  What can I say? I love a good quality beauty product.  The funniest part of it all?  I didn't wear ANY makeup for three years and now I am going crazy.  

Speaking of crazy... I went bat$hit crazy for BB cream. I needed to try them ALL.  Yes.  ALL!!!   I read that BB cream is some kind of healing miracle and I went nuts.  Revlon's BB cream? TERRIBLE! My skin itched like it does with liquid foundation and it looked gray.  Then, I bought MISSHA's perfect cover and that was great but then... Heaven's Gates opened and the angels were singing.  Ok.  I will knock of the theatrics but Tarte's BB cream makes me a happy 30-something.  I love the silky feel.   I love how little it takes to cover my face. I am extremely fair with red undertones and I ordered the Fair shade. I love how lightweight it is on my skin, NO ITCHING or IRRITATION AT ALL!, and most of all, I love how even my skin looks without looking made up. I just look like I have decent skin. Let me add, I have pocks on my cheeks due to acne along with large pores (this aging process bites!) and this doesn't cover the flaws but it does minimize the look of both the scars and pores. I am starting to get lines by my eyes and again, this does not draw any attention to the lines. If I need to build on this, I can. If I have plans after work, I can easily have a flawless look by using Lancome's translucent mineral powder over it and I am very happy with how I look!






disclaimer: I bought this product out of my own pocket.  This review is mine and mine alone with no influence.  I am not getting paid for this review but if you click on the affiliate Amazon link above and purchase, I will make a small commission.  Please buy :)  It will pay for my way to the shaken baby syndrome conference.  

Single in the City....

Le sigh.

Being a single woman is rough. Being a single woman in her 30s is rough. Let's add being a single mother with a special needs child to that and we're getting to the good stuff. Ha. I've been single for a long time. It's been five years since I've dated. Not for lack of opportunities, my priorities were elsewhere. In reality, my priorities are still on my child, my job and my education but I am making myself a priority. Over the last few years, I let myself go. I gained weight and really, I didn't fix myself up very much. I'm working out again and am fixing myself up more. I have an opportunity to help instruct an online class. Well, more like an online TA and I am VERY excited. It's a great opportunity and I am excited to have this chance plus it will look great on a resume. To the point of the above images Carrie Bradshaw quote, you DO have to love yourself first. I feel the best I have felt in a long, long time. I figured hey, I feel good about me so why not check out the singles scene? Well, well, well... I decided to place an online ad for the first time in a few years. Previously, I'd been on Yahoo! Personals, Match and Plenty of Fish. Eh, like all things singles related- you have got the douchebags, the weirdos, the sluts, the married guy, and so on and so forth. It's become quite a talent to learn how to weed out the weird. I have not had bad luck with online dating. I actually had a great time and met some very cool guys that made great friends.  I find this to be a great way to get to know somebody on an intellectual/personal level.  Now.... Ho. Lee. ShitBalls, Batman. I first went to the big free: Plenty of Fish. Hello, Cesspool! Not so nice to see you again. Sure, there are a ton of attractive guys on there and they're there to get in the sack. That's fine and dandy if that's your thang. I have NEVER received so many pictures of dongs in my life.  Oh and let's not forget the sexy-time poses.  I am not there to play any kind of head games because in the words of Sweetie Brown "Ain't Nobody Got Time for Dat". Let's make this long story short- I pulled my ad. This single mother is wanting to meet somebody but this single mom isn't desperate. I can do bad alllllllllllllllllll by myself.

 Men, read profiles, take the time to actually type a coherent sentence, please spell correctly and put a shirt on. That is, these tips should only be taken to heart if you are actually wanting to meet a good woman.

 The Nickelback-loving douchebags are in full force on the online dating scene these days. Ladies and Gents... do you use any dating sites? Which ones do you like, don't like, and why/why not?

Desert Challenge 2013 - What's YOUR excuse?

Click here to view these pictures larger

Don't EVER have a single excuse in this world to NOT get up and do SOMETHING. Your back hurts? Bah. You're tired? Bah. You have a headache? Get over it. Look at these photos and tell me if you can find an excuse... I know I can't.  I feel overly emotional looking at these pictures. I feel so empowered and energetic.  Arizona Disability Sports' Desert Challenge.  Ah-Freaking-Mazing.  I did not take any of these photos, the amazing photogs are credited in this album.  No this is not my album either but I wanted to share this with my amazing readers.  I plan to attend the next one.  Next year, I hope Emma will compete in the Special Olympics and maybe someday, The Desert Challenge! 

No Excuses, yo.

Purex Tropical Splash Review

Dear Laundry,

Oh how I loathe thee.
You build up. I can't keep up.
You drive me batty.

Okay.  So a poet I am not.

I despise doing laundry.  Actually, I really don't actually despise doing laundry - it's quite therapeutic in a weird kind of way.  What I do despise is the fact that my apartment does not have washer and dryer connections and I have to go to the complex's laundry room.  It's small- five washers and four dryers that don't work all the time.  Frankly, I have some nasty neighbors who leave nasty messes.  I get up early on Saturdays and Sundays to do laundry.

Here is my routine and you will understand why I loathe the process...
I get up at 5 am.
I go to the laundry and because I am OCD, I take Clorox wipes and wipe down the outside of all the machines and the inside of the dryers, too.  I also wipe down the table.
THEN I run ALL the washing machines empty with just bleach.  I don't even like to use bleach on my clothing or cleaning my home because the smell is so caustic and gives me a headache.

Now you understand why I loathe doing laundry and let the crap build up. Wait. The piles build up. Haha.

With that said, I am a member of the Purex Insiders and from time to time they provide products and coupons for us to try out and give honest feedback.  I have always been a fan of Purex even before I joined. The two main detergents I use are Purex and Arm and Hammer.  They are solid detergents and their price points are great.  The Purex Tropical Splash is part of the Purex Natural Elements line of detergents.  I love tropical scents and always have been and this is a NICE clean scent.  There is even a matching Purex Crystals Tropical Splash.  The formula contains the Dirt Lift Action but honestly? Em loves chocolate so I am always using the Shout Advance spray so I don't even know if Dirt Life Action has any true benefit.  My clothes smell nice, they're clean and I am happy.  Enough said.



disclaimer: Product and/or coupons were provided to me free of charge by Purex Insiders.  This is no way effects my ability to give an honest review to the product at hand.

Lone Ranger

Have you seen the new trailer for the Lone Ranger yet?
From Disney:

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes.  Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. “The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

Eeks! I can't lie! I want to see it! I must admit, I am really, really loving the pairing up of Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp in films.  They are amazing.  Carter is rapidly rising to the top of my list of favorite actresses.  She does odd quite well! Love her!

disclaimer: Promotional materials provided by Disney but... I only share if it's something I feel is worth sharing :)

MyBlogSpark Totino's Pizzeria Rolls #Giveaway!!! Ends 5/25

Whoo hoo! Who loves pizza rolls? I have to admit, I am a sucker for quick fix stuff from time to time.  I do secretly like Totino's Pizza rolls as a guilty pleasure.  Not often but from time to time.  Totino's has a new line of pizzeria style rolls and I have to say, Em and I had the meatball marinara and they weren't bad at all.  As a matter of fact, Emma ate a ton.  She's a growing girl.  I think the new flavors are new and interesting with Meatball Marinara, Chicken Parmesan, and Cheesy Garlic.  

Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I get to giveaway a cool prize pack.  Three coupons for FREE Totino's and this super cute salt and pepper set with a four-tile handle tray! Are you down? ENTER BELOW! 

Isn't this set adorbs? I think so!

This is my first time utilizing raffle copter so please be kind :) I am trying something new and I love feedback, so speak your mind and enter away! Good luck! US addresses only! Please leave your email in a comment so I can contact the winner (one winner only).





a Rafflecopter giveaway FTC disclaimer: I was given a tray + salt and pepper shaker set and coupons to try Totino's Pizza Rolls for free from MyBlogSpark and General Mills and they are also providing the prize pack to the winner.  Although these are free to me, my thoughts are mine and mine alone.  With that said... enjoy!

Five Random Things...

Name five random things that you feel impart a bit about you without describing you physically.  It's Saturday so why not?

Can you do it? Tag.  You're it.

• Pantera
• Mr. Darcy
• Chai Lattes
• Indian food
• Anglophile 

I am a die hard Pantera fan.  I still get weepy eyed when I think that Dime will never be shredding his guitar for any of us ever again.  No song brings me to my knees like Cemetery Gates does.   Phil Anselmo's vocals are just.... goosebump creating.  It's so heartbreaking.  These two just as a duo- were power.  Pure metal power.  The band? Groove Metal Geniuses.

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found this.  If this is yours, please let me know so I can give your proper credit!

Do any of you watch  AMC's Mad Men? I haven't watched season six yet but the first four were amazing, season five was a bit different but not in a bad way.  I will be catching up soon.  I must admit I am a sucker for the fashion, the drinking, the sexuality, and watching the changing times.  Fabulous.

Discombobulation.

Whoa.

Just whoa.

I feel so out of place and out of my element.  The days seem so surreal.  It's quite funny, really.  I have had a huge amount of changes in my life over the last couple of weeks! I started my new position at the corporate office for the company I have been at for over three years.  I graduated.  Well.  Kind of.  I have one more class to take and I have to scrounge up the cash to pay for it.  All I want to do is SLEEP! I feel like my brain and body want to just catch up on lost time! Haha.

I have huge plans and goals for this summer.  Starting Saturday, I am going to start taking pictures of my items and listing on Etsy.  Just need to install some kind of plug in for my blog.  I am so giddy with excitement.  I am not trying to get rich but my goal is to (in the near future, my hope!) be able to work from home completely.  I love my job but I don't love being tied to it.  My best friend passed away a little over a week ago.  Her funeral is Friday.  I can't go.  I am not entitled to bereavement time because she is not immediate family (although, she was like my sister for the past 25 years of my life).  My father is sick.  His kidneys are not functioning well.  Actually, kidney.  He just has one left.  His cancer returned.  This sucks.  I need to see my father before it's too late.  I am goaling for this fall. My other dear friend is getting married in June.  I hate that I can't go to her wedding.   I am sick of having to stress over child care for my daughter in the summer.  It sucks.  I want to be able to attend events for my daughter's activities at school.  I am an absent parent.  I am not in some form of wonderland.  I know that working from home as a small business will be 24/7 but that still gives me greater flexibility than working 9-530, Monday through Friday.  I have studied enough business and marketing, I know I will be fine. Again, not trying to be some multinational corporation.  I just want to pay my bills and save for my retirement.  I want to be able to employ my child.  I am starting out with jewelry to help fund my next project: bath and body products.  I want to be able to support the non profits that mean so much to me (KEEN, Ballet Academy of Arizona, Never Shake a Baby Arizona, etc.) and create my own support network.

I want to start dating again.  I am finally ready to just enjoy being me and the fact I am a woman.  Ha ha. I don't want anything serious.  Just to date and enjoy life.  I want to travel more.  I want to go to NYC, New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle...  I am starting to exercise again.  I'd like to compete in a woman's body building/fitness competition by my 40th birthday.  Yep.  My goals are written.

I hope every mother and single father who is both mom and dad had a GREAT Mother's Day.  I did nothing.  I cleaned out storage closets.  I have taken out so much crap but it doesn't look like I did a single freaking thing.  That's terrible.  Deep cleaning is way overdue. I thought of my mom.  A lot.  I miss her. A lot. She was so beautiful.  RIP Momma

My baby will be 10 in August! Where has the time gone?  July 8th will be the ninth injurversary of when Emma's traumatic brain injury happened.

Crazy.

Discombobulation.

Oh yeah.  Grumpy cat and cats period make me giggle.