Green Jello

Cheap Plastic Stuff

 

I feel like I haven't taken many pictures lately, so I pulled my camera out today and took strange pictures of the sink and toys. I need to get outside or somewhere more interesting than my kitchen. We did make a trip to IKEA because it was raining and this week is our Spring break. I know I should take them to a museum, but they are full this week and you can still find interesting things in a store - like the battery recycling bin! Anyway, I was excited to shop for 1 hour alone because they have a little drop off site, but as we are driving my youngest informed me that he would not go in there because he got in trouble last time for throwing balls out of the ball pit. Little E is quite sensitive, but also doesn't listen. Not a good combination. If he is going to be the child who throws the balls out of the pit, then he has to get a tougher skin. They didn't yell at him, just told him not to throw the balls out. I just said ball four times.

I brought them to the play area and he refused to go it. I looked at the lady signing the kids in for help; a "hey it's so much fun in here!" instead, she just gave me a look that said, "You just want to go look at all our cheap plastic stuff without yelling at kids, I'm not helping you." After "trying" it while I watched for 15 minutes, he decided to stay and had a good time. I got my fill of looking at bins of stuff and then we had a nice lunch. Eating there is so cheap and not bad for store food. I'm still on the fence about shopping at IKEA with the kids. The 1 hour day care is nice, but checking out takes forever and then you have the dilemma of leaving your cart full of stuff or your kids. Kidding; but you have to leave your cart, get the car, pull it up to the loading area, and go back and forth stacking light bulbs in your car because you forgot to bring in bags. I actually told my kids to hurry because we have to leave the cart. B said, "Why is someone going to steal our stuff?" Well, no..but there was that elderly man standing there eying up the frozen meatballs! Ugh, museum next time. My cheap plastic stuff and Play-mobile people having a fine day;

 

  

 

Not Just For Toilet Paper

Have you noticed the new trend of larger stores trying to provide a one stop place for everything? You can do your banking, get new glasses, a haircut, and buy milk. Out here Walgreen's pharmacy is now offering a clinic. I would have to be pretty desperate to want to see someone for an illness next to the aisle of pantyhose and nail polish. But I saw the oddest thing yet at our local mall - teeth whitening. Yes, right in the middle of the food court people were sitting in dental chairs with some contraption blasting their mouth with ultraviolet light. The "dental assistant" couldn't have been more than 18 years old, and he was talking to his friends while his patients were in treatment. Can't you damage your teeth if this is done improperly? What's next? Pap smears at Wal-Mart for $19.99? Call me old fashioned, but I want medical procedures done in a medical office, with trained people, and a little piece of paper that crinkles, not by a mall employee that says, "dude" every other minute.

I can't stop thinking about Lost; I think you should watch the Orchid Orientation Video before the season finale. I also read this about a clue in the pilot episode; it's not a spoiler just a theory.

The Vintage Chica has a summer recipe challenge that I may join if I can find my recipes.

Knitting Iris scanned pictures from a vintage book, Ford Treasury of Station Wagon Living that you should look at for a good laugh or trip down memory lane.

Spend Money

I just received this print purchased from Marjorie; you can see it better here. I love this photo, and I can't wait to frame it. You should buy a print from her, go do it now. I am amazed at the photos I see on your blogs and perhaps you should take the plunge and sell them as well-I would buy a print or two.

I ordered one eye shadow from Nvey Eco, which is an Australian organic cosmetics company. The prices are high, but the color was very nice and lasted all day, and you don't have to worry about spreading plutonium on your eyelids. When I save some money, I may buy a few more items. I am trying to simplify my beauty regime - which at this point is taking a shower - well, I should say I am trying to have a beauty regime with a few items that are good rather than buying a bunch of cheaper items that don't work. Do you have any products that you can't live without?

It's never too early for Christmas

It seems that every year the stores bring out the Christmas merchandise earlier; Target has lighted reindeer on the wall directly behind the Halloween decorations - and it's been this way since the beginning of October. My mailbox has been loaded with holiday catalogs and I wanted to share some unique items:

Yes Johnny, go ahead and stick your head into that fireplace. I would light this candle day and night.

Practical & sexy!

Do you remember these? I thought they were banned? Remember all the bruises on your forearm and the mild concussions from getting hit in the head with one? Adult supervision is recommended.

My size throne. Think of all the fun your daughter will have sitting on this throne while her peasant friends come over to play. I hope they make one in my size.

The first three items can be found at The Vermont Country Store, which actually has some nice items. I noticed they are selling a kid's record player; for those who are looking to play some vintage records. Now I have to decide how many Click-Clacks to order.....

Moo Cards

I finally ordered a set of Moo Cards:

These are well worth the money and time spent loading the photos - now I have to stop hoarding them and send some to family and friends.

I also received a catalog for Chasing Fireflies, which has super cute kid's toys and clothes, but the prices are high. There is this pumpkin fairy costume:

And this tea set:

I know it's a little early to start thinking about Halloween, but my youngest is still at the age where I can "help" him pick a costume that does not involve a superhero...maybe a boy pumpkin fairy superhero? He also loves the Puss 'n Boots fairy tale, but I am not sure how I would put that costume together. Any ideas?

If I had more time

I am behind on my worry of the week post because there are so many new worries to choose from - I will post one soon. Meanwhile, I want to make these:

I found fabric that should work, but I have no idea how to make these or time to make them. You can buy them here  - yes, $100 for pillows is a bit much, that is why I have a fantasy that I can make them.

I also purchased this mobile for my son's new room here :

I want to create a calm environment for him with blues and browns and many owls (his favorite animal), I just hope we finish his room before he enters college. Yes, he is still sleeping in our room (long story), and we have ignored all the parenting books that we have read about kids and sleeping, but we just take one day at a time.