Happy Saturday!

life beyond dot com

Where have I been? For the last 2 weeks I have been without internet. It has been quite hard actually. I have about 2.5 hours everyday for me time during the boys' simultaneous nap. Blogging. Cleaning. Laundry. Working out. Showering. Journaling.

Most days the laundry doesn't happen. Note: I wrote cleaning and laundry. Two different things. I don't have a problem with cleaning, but I do with laundry. I am terrible at it. And it drives my husband crazy. He doesn't say much about it though and he will just start doing it...you would think I would be jumping for joy! A husband helping with laundry and wanting too! But no, it eats at me that I can't ever keep up on it.

Well...since I have had no computer for 2 weeks I have kept on on laundry, spent quality time with God, prayed for my amazing husband more than normal, worked out and felt great about the home.

So what I am trying to say is I don't think it is that I am bad at or can't stand laundry. I think I have to work really hard to prioritize my 2.5 hour break. So, even though I really missed keeping up on bloggy and email things, it has been a great 2 weeks. I even did a load of laundry today with the computer on! Yes, I am very proud of myself!

I shall not forgot to mention we are in the midst of potty training LA. I decided it was time to try again. So we said bye bye to diapers and hello to big boy underwear. Oh, he looks so stinkin' cute in them! I just want to squeeze him!

We've brought out the candy, cars and Thomas trains for rewards. I decided to take and week and hunker down. Monday and Tuesday were tough. Lots of messes but many successes. Today being day 4, I am one proud Momma. It has definitely been work But, today was 4 out 5 peeing in the potty chair! YEAH! Yippee! I am doing a happy dance right now...the same one I do when he goes pee pee or poo poo.

Any ideas or suggestions from you Elite Moms of potty trained children? I would love to hear them!

Giveaway: The Wee Hat

With both of my children I wanted to find a simple angelic hat to bring them home in. Because we didn't find out the gender in advance of either of our boys, I searched HARD at many stores. I did end finding some that were 0-6 months and, of course, they were way too big...and I had chunkers! Because of my fashion design experience, I thought both times it would not be that hard to just whip one up. Never happened. So what hat fit perfectly on my boys' heads? That scratchy polyester "hat" (fabric tied with a piece of yarn at the top) from the hospital.

When I came across Wee Baby Hats I was very excited to have found these sheek and cozy hats.They are made of cashmere-like cotton sweater yarn, very soft to the touch. And, they are made in the USA!

The packaging is so super cute. I am telling you this would be such a great shower gift. Every Mom wants a hat to fit your babies head perfectly that is super cozy. That head has been through some trauma!

Buy a set of 3: 35.00

Win a blue set:

Wee Baby has graciously agreed to giveaway a blue gift set. Head over to Wee Baby and let me know what you love about these great hats! I will select a random winner on Feb.22. Be sure to include your email address.

For extra entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway on your site.

2. Become a follower of my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog
4. Grab my button!!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!

push-button westie

LA got Chloe with a heart sticker last week. Doesn't she look like she has one of those "push here and I'll sing Go Tell It On A Mountain" type buttons?

LA's HEMI

Remember that photo contest we won a couple months back? We finally reaped the rewards by taking LA and Boatboy to RideMakerZ at a local mall for Valentine's Day. It was an extremely good time!

Woah! ...so much to choose from.



After we picked "the orange one" (a Dodge Charger)... it was time to accessorize! We got chrome wheels and made it an RC (remote control, that is).

This store is a design wonder overall! Diamondplate, steel, chrome, tools, cars, noise...and as you see above even a setup area for putting the cars together with your own store mechanic. "Andy" tried with LA, but you can see the little guy's expression is clear..."I don't know you. Just put my car together and I'll be on my way."

Chrome and my boys!

Boatboy never got out of the stroller while we were there, but doesn't seem to mind. MEGAcuteness!

Does he look excited?

Calling Nana to tell her about the car

Only two complaints about the store:

#1 - It's really pretty expensive. Had we not had a gift card, we would not have gone. That said, it IS a destination experience (ie: Grandson is turning 3 and Grandparents take him there after building it up for weeks. It's the only gift he gets.)

#2 - There are no IndyCar chassis to build from! What in the world?!

...still...GREAT TIMES!

Infections and really big trees

We've been a bit quiet around here. Our home PC got a virus. And then some spyware. And then another virus. And then pretty much became a robot to all the evil hackers out there. Chances are our ip address ended up sending out "male enhancement" and "hot Asian" emails before we realized how bad it had really gotten. So, we're in the shop thanks to a really good friend of ours using his expertise to get us healthy again and better than ever. And, a really big tree smashed into the road last night during a storm and knocked our power out. But, never fear. Stay tuned for more megahertz, gigawatz and tiramisus to a BPM near you!

Eddie, U2 and a song about heaven

...caught on tape in a hotel lobby. Not a bad way to start the week off...

Vday gift ideas

As you already know we love the notion of giving gifts to those we love that give back to others in need. Oxfam's popular Unwrapped program has some Valentine's Day ideas that are well worth checking out.

And, because Mrs Blonde is an admitted lover of all things cocoa bean, we'll talk a bit about the chocolate that Unwrapped is offering...

Your gift supports work to teach small-scale cocoa farmers in rural communities how to defend their land against environmental threats and encroachment by mining companies. With your support, these farmers will learn how to protect their land so they can make a decent living from the cocoa they grow.

Giveaway: Dwink Box

Every time my oldest son and I walk down the juice isle at the grocery store to grab our juice in a BOTTLE...My sweet LA says, "Momma juice boxes in summertime?" I do always feel bad, but he is only 2 (alright two and a half) and they are messy. We do not like messes over here. (Especially not Mr. Blonde!)

So I thought if these really work and we can have juice boxes in our home I am going to be thrilled. 1) LA will be so excited! 2) There will be no messes. I have put the Dwink to the test and it really works! I have even tried squeezing the box myself. No squirting!

Some other great features:

• universal (standard juice box, soy milk box, juice pouch, etc)
• comfortable handles for little fingers
• non skid bottom helps prevent spills
• available in 4 colors
• made in the USA!

Believe me when I say...this product is awesome!


How can you get one?

Buy it: only 4.99 on the Dwink website.

Win it:
1. leave me a comment sharing a funny mess story
2. leave me a comment confirming you've added my button to your space
3. become a follower
4. become a subscriber

The winner will be selected randomly Febuary 10. Thanks for entering!

Papa's boys!

LA wanted Papa to go to the museum today, so of course he came with us. We had a blast! There was absolutely no crowd today due to 3 inches of snow, I guess! LA and Boatboy say, "Go White Sox!"

Winner: Eleven shoes!

Congrats to Shannon!







Wow, thanks to all 347 of you who entered my giveaway. If you didn't win you can still get own pair of awesome shoes from elevencollection.com!

In the next 24 hours stay tuned for the next giveaway!

LA's first 'real' snow venture!

LA and Dadda got out in the snow this evening for about 20 minutes. They had a blast!





Mush! Mush!

LA's favorite! "AGAIN! AGAIN!"
(VIDEO EMBED here)


LOVE our backyard!

...before dinner LA is looking pretty beat from the expedition

snowed in

Amos and I are home with the boys due to the beautiful snow. I love being snowed in! Where I grew up we used to get 20 inches or more at a time from lake affect snow. I miss that! So today is quite a treat being snowed in with the family. We are getting bundled up and taking LA out to play after Amos's work day ends! Have a wonderful day!



Watching Dada shovel outside



..for two hours to no avail. Good times!

the boys at bathtime

Turning My Back on the AFC (at least this weekend)

It's not because of some great disdain for Big Ben. It's not that I really loathe the Steelers (though I do when our Colts play them). In fact, I truly enjoy watching Pittsburgh's strong safety, Troy Polamalu, pick apart an offense. Almost as much as I enjoy Bob Sanders do the same (when he's not injured! He played what...like half the games this year?). Bob's actually two inches shorter, more muscular and probably a bit quicker than Troy. But, I digress...

I'm a Kurt Warner fan. Always have been. And, by always I mean since he took the Rams to Superbowl 34 and led them to victory in as nearly a perfect game as any QB could play. He threw for 414 yards against a talented Titans defense that year. Incredible.

But, not as incredible as his commitment to life off the field. Check out some of the projects his organization is doing right now. And, read through this note on Snopes in response to a widely circulated email forward regarding Kurt and his wife Brenda.

In addition to cheering for that guy. This Sunday brings us a truly remarkable underdog story. The Cardinals haven't ever made it to a Super Bowl. The Steeler Nation has had its day. Been around since 1933 and this marks their 7th visit to the Championship. They've claimed 5 of them. Move over. And, don't underestimate the Cardinals. Everyone else has this year.

Go Cardinals! Sorry Foust.
- Mr Blonde

Giveaway: Pair of Eleven Fall 2008 collection shoes!

Hello Bloggy Giveaway Carnival peeps!! I have such a great product to share with you!! Thanks for stopping by!

Eleven has launched their fabulous Fall 2008 collection. These shoes are innovative and fresh. They have a pair for every occasion and every style. They even added 2 new sizes to accommodate children up to 8 years old. Their sizes range from 9-3.

Co-founder and creative designer, Nancy Coronado says, “Our shoes are different. Our Pacific Northwest designs are independent and quirky, but always with an eye on making classic, functional shoes. We make our shoes for the little travelers who make every day a journey.”

I totally agree! We scored a great pair of boots for LA to try out. They are QUALITY, innovative, funky, adorable and easy for LA put on. The sole is so flexible. He started running around in them as soon as we put them on. They are so unique, unlike any other pair of shoes we have owned. I have such a hard time finding classic designs for boys. Having a fashion design background...when I saw their designs I totally fell in love with the whole line. The girl's collection is incredible as well. It's a good thing I don't have a girl yet, because it would be so hard to choose just one pair. This company is spot on with their classic vintage designs for the fall.

Buy a pair:

Eleven’s fall/winter 2008 collection will retail from $54 to $58.

Win a pair:

Eleven has graciously agreed to giveaway 1 pair of shoes. The winner will get to choose their favorite pair and size from the Fall 08 collection. Head over to Eleven and let me know what pair of shoes you must win and just love! Be sure to leave your email in your comment.

For extra entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway on your site.

2. Become a follower of my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog

Now head back to Bloggy Giveaway carnival and enter some more contests!

Happy Friday

If you don't laugh at this, you have no soul...

(Special thanks to The Onion for always keeping things interesting.)

Lysol Winner!

Congrats to PrissyGreen!

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:20
Timestamp: 2009-01-22 19:27:52 UTC

Winner of the Taggies Blanket!

Congrats to mom2anutball. She was the lucky number 17.



Thanks to everyone for entering!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:17
Timestamp: 2009-01-22 19:09:17 UTC

dog days of winter

(for those of you picking up this update in a reader, there is a video embed)

Giveaway: Taggies blanket

I love very soft luxurious blankets for myself and my boys. Anything soft to snuggle up with is great. Especially when it is negative 4 here in Indiana! As you can see below, Boatboy loves his blanket!

Taggies has a New Love Notes line that is ultra-soft and luxurious, it is the most comfy-cozy blanket imaginable! Each one is buttery-soft and is embellished with an embroidered tender message and appliqué in the corner; a “love note." Features 20 exciting NEW visual and tactile tags around its border! This $24.99 makes a great gift for any occassion.


WIN IT: I have a Taggies love note blanket to give away to one lucky Blondes Poop & Mascara reader. The love note says, "Thank heaven for little boys." Even if you don't have a boy it will make a fabulous gift! Leave me a comment telling me who will be snuggling up with this blanket if you win.

For extra entries:
1. Blog about this giveaway on your site.
2. Subscribe to my blog
3. Become a follower

I will select a winner on random.org on January 21. Thanks for entering!

Breaking COLTS News (from The Onion)

Oh Summer, Where Art Thou?

We're amongst the snow and single digits here. Missing scenes like this right about now...

Fashionthropic is featured on Skreened!

Fashionthropic is currently featured as a featured charity on Skreened! Cool! The notoriety is no doubt in part because of your support. Keep buying shirts and we'll keep giving the proceeds away!

Winner: Clingy Cord

The random winner of the Clingy Cord giveaway is Anonymous jjs1fan2002. JJsfan2002 became a subscriber of our blog and through her extra entry won. Congratulations! Thanks to everone who entered!

Giveaway: Lysol 4 in 1 wipes

I am very excited to share this exciting product with you! These wipes are great for all of your household needs. They are great for toys, door knobs and any hard surface. Since these Lysol wipes kill 99.9% of germs I use them everywhere to help keep as much bacteria and germs out of our home as possible. They have a very fresh smell that is not too overwhelming or chemically in scent.

The container is made extremely well. The wipes are easy to access and the lid stores them well; keeping them moist for the entire life of the wipes.
They're versatile too. They clean up tough messes on my stove stop without scrubbing my fingers to nubs and they're subtle enough to wipe down my boys' eating trays.

Buy it: Head to your local retailer and purchase Lysol 4 in 1 wipes. They sell for 3 or 4 dollars per container. Print off coupons here too.

Win it: I have two 35ct. Lysol wipes containers for one lucky Blondes Poop and Mascara reader. Enter by leaving me a comment telling me your biggest mess ever! Don't forget to leave your email address.

Earn an extra entry: 1) Blog about this on your blog (be sure to let me know via your comment) or 2) Become a subscriber or follower to my blog.

I will select a winner January 18 on random.org. Thanks for entering!

Sunday a.m. R&R