Are you Ready?

Apr 11th, 2012

After Spring Break it seems like the school weeks fly by at lightning speed and all of sudden it’s summer. The idea of summer should illicit thoughts of lazy days and lemonade on the front porch. Not so much for me. It has the tendency to overwhelm me. Because the kiddos are 3 1/2 and 5 finding summer camps that will work for both of them has been somewhat challenging (read:  ’what in the hell am I going to do with these kids all summer?!’ ) But I got a head start this year and have mapped out quite an amazing summer. Here’s how the kids will be spending their days….

Camps (10 weeks):
2 weeks of Drama camp
3 weeks of Nature camp
3 weeks of Vacation Bible School
2 weeks of themed Day School camps (these seem more like glorified daycare but whatever)

Athletics:
Evening Swim Team practice 3-4x weekly
Private Tennis Lessons (to be paid for by my MIL. Yay!)

Education (can’t let their little brains turn to jello):
5 week Reading Readiness program through University of South Florida

Fun (yes, I do allow for some actual ‘summer’ fun):

Lots of fishing with daddy
Endless amount of lounging by pool with mommy
Countless Popsicle afternoons with grandparents
A 10-day trip to Maine

I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself for all of my advanced planning. What are your summer plans for the family?

 

Written by Lea BarlowLeave a comment

Dear Jessica Simpson,

Thank you for being a big beautiful Pregnosaurus and not apologizing for it. And, I think I love you.

In an era when starlets are terrified to ruin their careers with excessive pregnancy poundage and stretch marks, you embrace all your new super duper curves. You are no bony-ass prego a la the other Jessica. You tweet about eating Poptarts smeared with butter.  Mac and cheese and Cap’n Crunch. You confess to binging on baking porn like “Slutty Brownies”.

You pose magazine-cover-pregnant-naked. Not because they asked you to, but you just thought you should. And all those diamonds dripping off of you?! Well done lady.

You’ve shared about your voracious sexual appetite and your spectacular pregnant O’s. Your “swamp-ass” sweat. And when I think OMG-she’s-gone-too-far, you talk about your dream where your “hoo-ha” ate an entire bag of Skittles. LMAO

While Us Weekly deems this oversharing TMI, I find it refreshing, hilarious and ballsy. You are starting a pregnant girl revolution Jessica, and American moms are listening.

I cannot wait to hear what crazy honest and sometimes crude sound bite will come out next, regarding childbirth, breastfeeding, being up all night with your daughter. Adding sleep deprivation to the mix will only make you funnier. I know you will bring your southern, self-effacing humor to all you do. Some days, my sense of humor is all I have left. You will find yours to be a useful tool as well.

I know you pop any day now and I would like to be the first to officially welcome you to the club, we are so happy to have you as a new member.

Bring it Jess. We’re ready.

xoxo the Moms

P.S. Now here are those fabulous slutty brownies from What’s Cooking Gaby

*Happy Friday*

 

Written by Alexis Novak2 Comments

Stock your (Organic) Bar

Apr 2nd, 2012

Transitioning your traditional bar stock to a greener and more organic selection is relatively easy to do. Here are a few tips to help you get started. And trust me, the integrity of your martini does not have to suffer just because it is from organic vodka.

Recycled Glassware is a must. Check out The Green Glass Company for some very unique options.



On to the liquor…Prairie Organic Vodka is my favorite.


I am personally not a brown liquor drinker but no bar is complete without a bottle of whiskey.


Garnishes and mixers should all be organic and made fresh.

I know it’s Monday morning but looking at those lemons really makes me want to have a margarita. You too?


I would opt for an old wooden muddler versus a blender. *Tip – raid your parents old bar. You may be surprised what you find in there.


Lastly but most importantly, you will need some crowd pleasing drink recipes.

*Cheers! Here’s to stocking your organic bar!*

 

Written by Lea BarlowLeave a comment

Hot or Not: Floral Jeans

Mar 28th, 2012

I thought these would just go away but to my dismay they seem to be here to stay. As you probably know, I am a hold out when it comes to trends. Last year, I went against my better judgment and bought wide-legged jeans. I wore them once and am still $200 lighter. BUT I am putting it to you.  Floral jeans – Hot or Not?

I will admit, the model looks pretty good here in this Petite Rose print.


7 For All Mankind channeling a Chinese restaurant, perhaps?


High Waisted AND floral! Double the…fun?


Floral jeans on the move.

Okay, I think the visuals I have shared will prepare you for the big vote…

 

Written by Lea BarlowLeave a comment