When I say "Yanni" what comes to mind?

This?

Or, perhaps...this?

And, we laugh. But, what do we really know about this Greek mustache man? As a professed lover of music, I must confess I know very little. Other than..that stuff's not for me.

A smidge of background...Yanni's been at it for almost 30 years. Largely instrumental work. And, quite acclaimed. Read more over at wiki's page on him for a quick overview.

The good folks over at One2One Network shipped Blondes, Poop & Mascara a copy of Yanni's latest album Yanni Voices for review.



(Look who tamed the lochs and shaved the stache)

After the first couple songs I realized Yanni was going to trash my preconceived notions. This album was a theatrical adventure for me. Beautiful melody and gorgeous voice. Lyrically, I don't gain much from it. Half of it is in language other than English. The words not requiring translation to my American ear didn't impress me much. I'm not sure they needed to. From an Italian starlit balcony to American Broadway to world beat to a sensual Latin beach - these tracks laid down a rich journey of melody for the taking.

I think what I like the most about this project is that Yanni teamed up with a solid (Grammy winning) producer in Ric Wake and just carried out a dream to put lyrics to his melodies. He took a major risk bringing four relative unknown singers (Nathan Pacheco, Ender Thomas, Leslie Mills and Chloe) to the studio with him. AND, told them to write the lyrics! 25+ years experience, played to 20+ million folks live, that's still a risk not often taken in the music industry.

There is some REALLY amazing music on this album. Preview most of them over on Yanni's website. Sure some of the lyrics are cheesy. And, I'm likely not going to load this on the iPod and jam out on my commute. BUT, as a live show, I bet this is truly outstanding stuff! Pick it up for around $13 or less most anywhere including a DVD. Heck of a deal there too.

Boatboy's first black eye

There comes a time in every man's life where gravity proves too complex a phenomenon. In a recent crawling attempt Boatboy tipped face down on our front room rug.



Cue the close up...



Sorry LA, your little bro's first shiner is better than yours was.

Giveaway: NEW HANDBAG!

The season is changing and I know you want a new handbag! Handbag Heaven offers designer-inspired purses and handbags online. Their handbags start at just $10.

Customer service is #1 to Handbag Heaven.

They have an 800 number and email that allows you to communicate with someone immediately. Imagine that?! A real person on the phone!

Shipping is the sameday if your order is placed before 2Pm. I received my awesome new handbag the next day. It was great!

I think so often we buy in a store because we can immediately take our product home. But here is a company that does not have a physical storefront with tons of overhead. Therefore they can offer the widest selection of quality, fashionable handbags at prices that you can afford. Whether you are looking for a special occasion clutch, a neutral everyday shoulder bag or a bold statement piece.

Check out my new handbag...

It is great as a diaper bag as well! I can still be a hip mommy! You would never know by looking how many diapers, wipes, toys and extra underwear are in this bag, now would you?

Buy a bag: Head over to Handbag Heaven and select your new Spring/Summer Bag. Every Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader gets to take 10% of your order. Use the code: SUNGLASSES

Win a bag: Hand Bag Heaven has graciously agreed to give away a Handbag of choice to one Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader. Leave me a comment telling me which handbag you have to have if you win.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
4. Blog about this contest on your blog.
5. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner on April 16th. Thanks for entering!

Giveaway closed. Little Miss Lexie Designs won a new handbag! Congrats!

Spring photo shoot

As any proud parents we want family photos on our walls, brag books full and iPods stuffed with studio quality portraits of our handsome little men. Despite our pre-conceived notions, for the past three years JCPenny Portraits has done just that for us. Being quite frank, we have had a couple visits that didn't go so well. But, in large part (guestimating 8 of 10 visits) they have been fantastic!

Thanks in large part go out to the photographers they hire. When you're quality of service hinges on 1) trying to please parents who all think their kids are angels and 2) ensuring that babies and toddlers produce enough photogenic moments to validify a financial spend it's no easy task.

Check out our selects from our visit a couple weeks ago with LA and Boatboy...

Price points are great! There are almost always coupons available in the mail, online or in parenting magazines. And, we're members of the Portrait Studio Club which includes free photo sheets, no sitting fees, free online viewing and more for only $40 a year.

JCPenny Portraits has the BPM stamp of approval. We won't say they can replace a personal photographer, but they're a fiscally sound 2nd place any day.

Boon: the perfect Easter basket idea

Bath time just became a little more fun in our tub! We have been scrubbing away together! Boon is my new favorite company for safe and innovative kids products. And they give back 10% of their proceeds to children in need. Everything Boon makes is PVC, phthalate and BPA-free. So, if any of these bright colored pieces of plastic ends up in your child's mouth you won’t have to worry about any of the health risks that have been linked to other not-so-safe plastic baby toys on the market. As you can see my little 10-month Boatboy loved putting every piece in his mouth.


These super fun Scrubble bath toys have interchangeable parts so your kids can mix and match in the tub. Scrubble comes in a set of 3 bulbs and textured attachments. Not only do they feel great on the skin, they fill up with water and sqeeze out. The parts are easy enough for my youngest to play with and endless fun for 2-year-old LA.

Buy Scrubble: A set of Scrubble only costs 9.99. These would make such a great Easter basket gift, since they look like eggs! I am sure your kids will love Boon products as much as mine do. Be sure to check out all of their other products as well.

I couldn't be more thrilled to promote such a great product line that cares about our enviroment and gives back to those in need! Check out their blog too. Thanks, Boon!

New Music Monday

Mat Kearney's new single Closer to Love...

A much more produced departure from Nothing Left to Lose (of my favorites in 2006), but not necessarily a bad thing...yet. I need to hear more of the album before I bring down a full judgement. Enjoy!

-Mr Blonde