My friend Jessica, who has worked in the fashion industry for several years, is going to survey my wardrobe and then take me shopping to infuse some style into my life.
I've always struggled in finding the knowledge and patience to dress well,' [...]
Number of comments: 2 I was very, very excited to discover The Introvert's Corner, a new column by Sophia Dembling on Psychology Today's website.
I doubt I would have bothered to read anything from Psychology Today if I hadn't noticed a link posted by a Twitter friend. "The inside scoop on'" [...]
Number of comments: 9 The whole Halloween thing is weird. I loved Halloween when I was a kiddo. I loved dressing up in a costume, and I loved eating candy. And yes, I still love both of those things.
Everybody I knew went trick or treating. We received admonitions to check our candy [...]
Number of comments: 2 Closed is such a funny word. Closed. Closing. closed. If I type it enough it starts to look incorrect, like maybe it should be "clozed" or "cloased."
Today is the last day of ghia, my store. I'm going to concentrate on being a full-time mom for awhile. Actually,' [...]
Number of comments: 3 For much of his short, little life, Ian has been on medicine for acid reflux. Originally I hated the thought of giving my baby medicine, but it provided him such relief that I learned to be grateful for the option.
The medicine is supposed to be given four times [...]
Number of comments: 6 My little guy has become a tall guy, and he's about to outgrow his infant carrier. Thanks to the generosity of family, we already have our next car seat. However, the search is on for a stroller.
Paul and I are both leaning towards a Maclaren Volo. I'm embarrassed [...]
Number of comments: 0 As pointed out by Nashvillest, this weeks is Contribute 2009, an effort to encourage consumers to support local businesses. If 100,000 people spend $50 at a local business this month, that's $5 million going into small businesses across the country!
Sounds like the perfect excuse for Castrillo's Pizza [...]
Number of comments: 7 Okay, ladies, what's your secret? Does an army of house elves clean your house every night? Do you plop your kids in front of a TV so you can fold laundry? How do you keep your home up and running AND find time to remember your name?
Number of comments: 4 Two books diverged on a library shelf....
I went to the library the other day to find some new reading material. Since I'm pumping milk for Ian, I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, and books are terrific distraction. I've been reading a guilty pleasure [...]
Number of comments: 6 It's been a rough day. Nothing terribly bad happened, I'm just very tired and a little lonely. Little guy seems to have his first cold, and I'm afraid I might be in for a rough night. Our family was going to check out a new church community group tonight, but' [...]
Number of comments: 3 So the U.S. healthcare system has some issues. Something needs to change. But what?
I'm pretty lucky as far as insurance and health issues go. I've always had great insurance policies through work or parents or husband, and I don't have any major health issues.
Number of comments: 2 On a recent sunny day I was out running errands. I watched people walking their dogs and whizzing about on their scooters, and I had a moment of gratitude for my awesome neighborhood. Suddenly, I saw a cyclist whip his bike around the left side of a car at a [...]
Number of comments: 5 So a couple of weeks ago I left my new-mom cocoon and took Ian on his first big trip. We decided to accompany Paul (a.k.a. Daddy) on a business trip to Texas.
However, I was terrified. What if I forgot something? What if Ian got sick? What if [...]
Number of comments: 10 So I'm trying to figure out what my "mommy" hairstyle will be.
I had visions of letting my hair grow out during pregnancy so that I would have long, luxurious princess hair when my baby was born. However, I failed to consider that a)cutting my hair short at the' [...]
Number of comments: 2 After the last post, a good friend asked me why I am so anti-advice. I think that's a great question, so here's a shot at answering it coherently:
I don't think I am anti-advice as much as I am anti-unsolicited advice. I think that view comes from a desire' [...]
Number of comments: 3 Does everyone sing to their kiddos this much? Pre-baby, I heard lots of friends sing to their babies, and my mom and mother-in-law both mentioned singing to their children. However, the past four months have taught me the amazing power of song. I mean, really, we should bottle this stuff [...]
Number of comments: 5 I was determined that this blog would not be a mommy blog. I wanted to write about all sorts of things, including motherhood, to keep it relevant to all my readers.
But as it turns out, if I don't write about mostly mommy stuff, it won't be relevant to [...]
Number of comments: 4 Before I delivered my baby, I received lots of helpful and not-so-helpful advice about motherhood and parenting. Now, four months out, I've found a few things I wish I had learned waaaaay back at the beginning of this crazy ride.
1. Two-week-old babies are more portable than four-month-old babies.' [...]
In a few minutes I'll be waking Ian for his last feeding of the night. I hate to wake him -- he's had trouble falling asleep today -- but this last feeding helps him sleep through the night.
Number of comments: 4 I'm learning some very important things in my first few weeks of motherhood.
1. Laura Creekmore was right. Don't ever try Pampers, because you will realize they are the best diapers and then will be stuck buying them forever. Actually, I use cloth diapers whenever they are clean, [...]
Number of comments: 4 So, I have a little boy now.
That is SO WEIRD!
Nine months apparently wasn't quite enough to prepare me. Being pregnant wasn't weird, but actually having a little person who is depending on me -- yep, that's weird.
Number of comments: 5 So I'm sitting in the waiting room at Baptist Hospital, waiting to be induced. Apparently it's a busy night, so I may be waiting for awhile.
I've been very grumpy and tired this past week. It was hard to cope with all the phone calls and e-mails asking how' [...]
In honor of St. Paddy's Day, we're going to talk about Chili's. And what does Chili's have to do with St. Patrick's Day? Absolutely nothing, except that it is a good place to hang out with friends, so you can go there if you are wanting' [...]
Number of comments: 1 As Paul pointed out the other day, one of the most stressful things for us right now is wondering when the baby will arrive. I mean, it's a good stress, a happy stress, but still.... nothing like the possibility of becoming parents at any moment to remind us how' [...]
Number of comments: 4 Three weeks and two days until my due date, and the doc says I may not go all 40 weeks. Woohoo!
I've spent the past couple of weeks eating, trying to sleep, and working on my business taxes. I'm hoping to finish all the business stuff before baby arrives [...]
Number of comments: 5 Now that I am entering my seventh month of pregnancy, I've experienced the social awkwardness of pregnancy that so many moms mention. Fortunately, no strangers have touched my belly yet -- that's good, because I don't want to start my criminal record now. I have had a lot of tummy-touching' [...]
Number of comments: 1 A couple of days ago my friend Jaxn twittered a link to Spouse 2.0 Day. Based on the name, I first wondered if this was a holiday to celebrate polygamy or second marriages or something. To my delight, I found that it was something much, much better -- [...]
Number of comments: 3 Cable/satellite TV is going to be so dangerous for me. Now that we have a TV that gets good broadcast reception, I keep finding fascinating programs on NPT at ridiculous hours of the night. (More about the TV later.)
I still can't have caffeine late at night. Even a' [...]
Number of comments: 2 So this Saturday is Sci Fi night at the Preds game. A friend of mine will be there as a semi-professional costumed character. I'm trying to decide if I want to dress up.
I am a really big geek and have never done the dress up thing, so normally' [...]
Number of comments: 3 Days like today make me think I should be a writer. There's just something about dreary, rainy days that make me feel like there is a meaningful story in me, just waiting to be written.
Of course it would be full of angst. Somehow dark, troubled writing feels like' [...]
Number of comments: 0 On the way home from a mini-vacation this weekend, Paul and I listened to Let Them Eat Cake on WRVU. I'd heard and enjoyed the show before then, but yesterday was the first time I really took notice of it.
The fabulous DJs had programmed a mix specializing' [...]
Number of comments: 2 I really do want to blog more, but I put so many expectations on myself for each post that am paralyzed by perfectionism.
I want to write a thoughtful rant (oxymoron?) about how the road can be shared among pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. So far, though, I haven't had' [...]
Number of comments: 4 Wow, there are so many options for baby items! Paul and I started our registry this week, and some of the options are overwhelming!
I tend to be a minimalist in my decorating, so I am having a hard time coping with the idea of my house being cluttered [...]
Number of comments: 2 Cats are strange animals. I think this particular one has been so coddled and spoiled by me that she developed a few extra eccentricities.
This morning I go downstairs to feed the dog. I don't bother to latch the door to the stairwell all the' [...]
Number of comments: 0 So today I'm hosting an online Mary Kay party. Online parties aren't nearly as fun as real parties with samples and such, but they save time and gas, so I thought I would give it a try.
If you are into that sort of thing, or want to try [...]
Number of comments: 6 Haven't blogged much lately, because most of my entries would have involved how sick and/or tired I feel. Paul and I are expecting a baby blogger sometime next March, so I am learning the ups and downs of a first-time pregnancy.
Number of comments: 3 Today is a great day to help out some homeless animals, especially if you live in the Goodlettsville area.
No-kill shelter Freedom Farm is holding their annual Pet Celebration from 10am to 3pm at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville. Admission is free, and there will be live music and [...]
Number of comments: 0 Tomorrow is Nashville Predators Day at the Nashville Zoo. From 1pm - 5pm there will be games and giveaways, including a giant obstacle course. Predators mascot Gnash will be there, and players Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Jones (new prospect/rookie) will meet fans from 2pm to 3pm.
Number of comments: 0 I live nowhere near the coast, so this post (fortunately) is not based on my own experience. It does, however, stem from my own feelings after seeing secondhand and thirdhand the suffering of pets in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Number of comments: 0 I'll be with ghia at CRAFT: a creative community this Sunday, September 7. We'll be behind the Lipstick Lounge in East Nashville from 11am to 5pm. Stop by and say hi!
Woodland Street at 14th Street Nashville, TN 37206 [...]
Number of comments: 0 So, super-cool geek chick Alison twittered about winning money from Sitening. I scrambled over to their SEO blog and found that the first 5 people who link to their 100th post get a $15 Amazon or iTunes gift card. I am SO there.
Number of comments: 1 So, apparently I haven't felt like blogging lately. Mostly, I've been really busy with this. Kinda busy with this. And then there are theseguys, who are great but constantly causing trouble.
If you need some great reading material, though, check out this article[...]
Number of comments: 1 I used to think I had insomnia. Then I discovered that whenever I couldn't/wouldn't sleep, I was just procrastinating. Not procrastinating going to sleep, but avoiding whatever was going on the next day. The theory is this: If I don't go to sleep, then I won't have to wake up [...]
Number of comments: 2 Hey, readers, time for a little self-promotion.
This Saturday, June 28, I'll be at CRAFT's Summer Extravaganza with ghia. You should check it out. There will be dozens of local artists peddling their fabulous work, plus a cookout to benefit East Nashville Cooperative Ministry.
Number of comments: 0 When I worked downtown, I used to wish I had a card with a list of resources for people down on their luck. I didn't want to give money to panhandlers, but I did wish for ideas to help people who needed a way out of their situation.
Number of comments: 1 My blogging seems to come in bursts. In fact, I'm writing several blog posts today (June 19) and then scheduling them to post once a day so I don't clog anybody's feed reader. But that's okay. As long as I keep the crowd happy. Or indifferent.
Number of comments: 0 I found a gem this weekend digging in the free bin at McKay's.
I already love the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook; it's been invaluable as I try to figure out how to cook, how long veggies stay fresh, and how to substitute [...]
Number of comments: 0 Haven't felt like blogging much lately. I think that means it's time for a meme. 'Cause it will stimulate my creativity and writing skills. Or something.
Amy tagged me for this on Facebook a few days ago, so I'll give it a shot.
Number of comments: 5 So, I ordered some new products for ghia. I've found a couple of fair trade companies that provide awesome products at very affordable prices. That's a hard thing to do when avoiding unethical manufacturing processes (sweatshops, child labor, etc.).
I've been trying to expand my inventory of items [...]
Number of comments: 5 An interesting side effect of my hockey fandom is an appreciation of team sports.
I never played sports when I was a kid unless forced into it by a mean gym teacher. My brother was quite good at several sports, and I wanted nothing to do with them after [...]
Number of comments: 5 One of my favorite blogs has posts about "Household Truths" from time to time. The posts generally provide pithy insights on the ins and outs of household management.
I've discovered my own household truth this week.
A household area in chaos will remain chaotic and accelerate [...]
Number of comments: 3 I have a logjam of blog posts in my head. I keep procrastinating writing this review, but I don't want to post anything else until I finish this. Thus, no posts for two weeks.
So, a few weeks ago I got an invitation to join the Bzz Campaign[...]
Number of comments: 6 I have a confession to make. Sometimes I am a very judgmental person. And there is nothing that brings out my judgementallyness more than your e-mail address.
Oh, yes, my friends. It's true. Your e-mail address reveals much about you.
Number of comments: 0 It's a frustrating time to be a Preds fan.
Hubby's work gave him free tickets to the game against the Capitals Tuesday night. Sigh. I don't think I've ever heard Preds fans boo their own team that much. The first period was really bad. They played better in the 2nd [...]
Number of comments: 1 Some days I wonder if I should be blogging more about my experience as an entrepreneur. A couple of people suggested that when I first started this endeavor. Honestly, though, by the time I have solved a problem, I really don't feel like blogging about it. I'm just glad it's [...]
Number of comments: 1 Thanks to everyone who advised me concerning WordPress as an engine for a non-profit site. I created the site, and it fits the non-profit's needs. The staff is learning how to add content, and it looks much better than the HTML site I originally created.
Number of comments: 1 There have been some tasty developments in East Nashville as of late:
Calypso Cafe -- Yes, the awesome Calypso finally has crossed the border, er, river. I'm excited about their new location attracting downtown business folk to the Eastside for lunch.
Number of comments: 2 FREE FOOD: So, do you have your tickets for the March 11 Preds game? That's free food night at the Sommet center, and all fans will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and soft drink. Plus, there will be popcorn through the first intermission. Hockey + free [...]
Number of comments: 2 Now that I have your attention . . .
We had quite the crisis on the East Nashville list-serve last week. Someone posted that A BLIND PUPPY HAD BEEN REPORTED MISSING!!! OMG PONIES!!!1!!!11!
Number of comments: 5 I've been working on a simple website for a local non-profit. They didn't have a web presence, so I threw together some HTML and made a small site, 5 or 6 pages. It works for now and is a decent way to communicate the basics: history, services, hours, location, etc. [...]
1. The Preds are pretty good right now. Yes, they have had some major rough spots this season, but right now they have a great shot at making the playoffs. (I believe this is because I took all the Preds off my fantasy NHL roster.) So if you go to [...]
Number of comments: 1 Like other bloggers, I was surprised by my reaction to Heath Ledger's death. Upon reading the news stories, I felt a profound sense of sadness.
I have never seen a Heath Ledger movie. In fact, I didn't even know who he was until a couple of weeks ago [...]
Someone posted on the East Nashville list-serve this afternoon an e-mail from Bless the Bullys stating that Senator Kilby's goal is not to ban pit bulls. According to the e-mail, the legislation was introduced to call attention to the problem of irresponsible dog ownership.
Number of comments: 1 So, the awesome peeps at Cognito Salon have a "Fun Friday" event each week. Sometimes they have a particular theme, sometimes they order lunch from a cool restaurant....
I just got this e-mail from them about this week's event:
Number of comments: 5 Hello, blog. I'm sorry that I've been neglecting you. I've meant to write you several times, and now I have backlog of blog entries in my brain. Perhaps that is why I am so congested today.
2008 is off to a rollicking start. I have a cold. I was [...]
Number of comments: 6 I'm going to be really honest with you. I had a hard time getting excited about this product. Maybe it's because I don't use teeth whitening strips as often as I chew gum, but I just wasn't motivated to share my thoughts about this product.
Number of comments: 6 Okay, ladies. I'm definitely not an expert, but I figure I have a bit of street cred on the beauty front due to my brief stints as a performer and makeup consultant and my current occupation in the fashion industry. Straight from my research, classes, and personal tribulations [...]
Number of comments: 1 To cut or not to cut? That is the decision looming on the horizon for me. My hair is the longest it has been in several years, and I am trying to decide what comes next.
I find that my inner fairy princess is battling my inner cool kid. [...]
Number of comments: 4 Why on earth would anyone write a song that mentions someone's water breaking? Ewwwww. I guess people write songs about everything, so the real question is, why would someone record it?
I heard the song last night at the movie theater while waiting for Enchanted to start. My [...]
Apparently I have some cheapskate gene in me somewhere that makes it inordinately hard to spend. Sometimes that's a good thing. I like not having to battle credit card debt and impulse buys. But sometimes my cheap gene gets in the way when I really [...]
Haven't been into blogging much lately. Not sure why. Just busy, I guess. When I get very busy and/or stressed, I often lose the introspection that makes for good blog posts.
Number of comments: 1 So far on my Halloween poll, the winning option is me giving out bouncy balls or some other non-food items to trick or treaters. That's good, because that's what I decided to do anyway. :-) Mel had some mini-tubs of Play-Doh that she wasn't going to use, so [...]
Number of comments: 5 All Hallows' Eve approaches. Neighbors are hanging plastic skeletons on their doors, and I took my dog to a Halloween party at Red Rover tonight (gotta love East Nashville).
I'm trying to decide what to do for Halloween this year. I loved Halloween as a little kid. Being [...]