must hear new music

You may remember me posting about an up and coming artist; Diane Birch. If not, check out my review of her when I checked her out live last month. I wanted to let everyone know her debut album just hits the shelves on June 2nd.

Diane's new cd Bible Belt is amazing! It is an all around feel good cd. Diane's voice is incredible and all of the songs are beautifully written. This girl is talented! Check out her songs on her website, myspace and facebook pages. Catch her tweets here.

She is also doing a Discover & Donate program. If you discover her tunes you automatically donate $1 to one of six charities.

"It sounds like an air compressor"

...said LA as he was flatulating loudly while defecating recently. Of course, this was followed by hilarious shock and massive amounts of laughter from Nana who was in the room with him at the time.

fresh | handmade | green | good for ya

I have found a fun, fresh, respondible, organic (often vegan) cosmetic company in LUSH.


NOTE: Exhibit A is how our dream cream started. Exhibit B is 3 weeks later. Think we liked it? Mr. Blonde says to "...make sure everyone knows this stuff doesn't smell too girly. But, it's not so manly that it's not girly enough either and it is not at all greasy..." Alright, I told you. Now, where was I...

Trash is a problem right? Where does it really all go anyway? I don't know. So, LUSH's approach to packaging is really quite cool. And, all too unique. LUSH has spent years asking themselves if packaging is absolutely necessary. If the packaging materials used are sustainable, reusable, recycled, and recyclable that's good. But, are there ways of getting the same products unpackaged?

The answers to these important questions has led LUSH to develop innovative products, such as solid shampoo bars, conditioners, bubble bar slices, massage bars, hair henna’s, body butters, deodorants, all of which don’t require packaging. As a result, last year alone approximately 3 million plastic bottles were not manufactured, transported and disposed of because customers chose to buy LUSH’s solid shampoo bars instead of a bottled product.

When LUSH can’t eliminate packaging completely, they look for the simplest packaging to do the job and use post-consumer recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials whenever possible. The total recycled content in all LUSH packaging is about 89%.

With a fantastic focus on customer service LUSH even has a forum where they answer people's questions.

On top of all that, they have an outstanding code of conduct dedicated to ethicals ways of doing business and they give to charities through their Charity Pot body lotion. And, they have some Father's Day ideas in case you haven't worked that out just yet for that special Dad in your life.

Head over to their website or stop by a retailer that carries them and pick something up. Sign up for their catalog here while you're at it. I have truly enjoyed these handmade products. Thank you Lush!

happy sATVrday

Wordless Wednesday

potty / train(ed)

We here at BPM we all have a special place for Thomas in our hearts. Remember those early potty training stories? Well, that little blue tank engine helped us through them. Anytime LA went "big poop" on the potty, he got to pick out a new Thomas train. Well, that worked! Swimmingly! So, Mr. Blonde and I love Thomas for what he helped LA accomplish in becoming potty trained at 2.5. So, our recent outing to the theatre was a bit of a potty training graduation celebration (2 months belated).

We dropped of his little bro, Boatboy, at Grandpa and Grandma's and headed to the northern part of the state to catch Thomas & Friends Live! on Stage: A Circus Come to Town. It's a 90 minute full production show with everyone from the Island of Sodor.


It was very creatively written with a lot of crowd interaction. Their was singing, dancing and confetti. Even Harold the Helicopter flew through the sky. And, that is a big deal as Harold is LA's favorite!

As most of you know our eldest is quite sensitive to noise. The only draw back to the show is that it was extremely loud at times. That is sort of to be expected at a live show. But, when your audience is largely composed of toddlers and their parents, this must be considered in production planning. That said LA is still talking about the very cool huge trains.

This is the first live tour for Thomas in the United States. You can find out when Thomas & Friends Live is coming to a city near you. Special thanks to Mom Select for sending us. We had an amazing time!

"clean" can be a verb

We've talked about this before. A few times actually. Here is an easy way to show your support for those who don't have access to clean drinking water.

I've just asked my senators to cosponsor the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 (S.624), which will help bring first-time, sustainable access to clean water and sanitation to a hundred million of the world's poorest people. I'm asking you to make that commitment, too, by adding your voice.

http://www.one.org/us/waterfortheworld/index.html?rc=wftwtaf

Together as ONE, we can make a difference!

Giveaway: Handmade Pottery

I have found a wonderful Etsy shop! The Brick Kiln is a handmade pottery shop run by a Momma and her daughter. This duo is creative and very talented. Incredible customer service. Simple packaging. Beautiful handmade dishes. You can't ask for more.

You need to check out the amazing Father's Day dishes and get one ordered for your Dad or child's Dad. They are simple and personalized at such a reasonable price.


I received a personalized "Dad you're my Hero!" dish with the boys' names on it. It is AWESOME and Mr. Blonde loves his early Father's Day present. He is putting it on his desk at work!


Buy it: Head over to The Brick Kiln and purchase a handmade dish.

Win it: The Brick Kiln is giving one Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a $20 gift certifcate for a dish of choice. All you have to do is head over to their shop and let me know your favorite item.

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. Follow The Brick Kiln's blog.
4. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
5. Blog about this contest on your blog.
6. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner June 10, 2009. Thanks for entering!
DesignherMomma won!

Mrs. Blonde: the gentle/kind/pretty/quick/adorable picker-upper

It's happening right now. She's doing it again. Balancing being a full-time Momma, pro make-up artist and agent-of-all-things-clean-and-tidy.

As you may or may not know, we've been FOR SALE at our abode for a few months now. We seek to live what I call the anti-American dream. Live more fully with less in order to give more away. We are living in equity we simply don't need to care for or pay for. Hence, FOR SALE.

Anyone who's been through being prepared to get a home ready in show shape in a matter of hours (especially with babies/toddlers in the house) knows how taxing this can be. Get the clothes put away (or jam them somewhere that won't be detected by the strangers snooping in all your knooks and crannies). Do the dishes (or put them in the oven and hope they don't look there). Mop the hardwoods (or have LA run the swiffer). Pack up the big toys in the minivan. Get the dog out of the house. And, on...and, on. Then...wait to hear back. Sometimes you do. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes, they even CANCEL ON YOU!

Confession: I'm bad at this. Very bad at this. I get frustrated. Our motivations are pure and selfless. So, why doesn't the Owner of all things just sell the thing already?! Those who know me, know I've confessed this. I'm just bad at it.

Adoration: My bride is brilliant at this! Not only do about 25% of these overhauls fall on her while I'm at the office, but she does it well, does it with a smile and endures this long process of home selling with patience and grace! Unbelievable and completely loveable!

As sad as we would be to part with our home for several reasons, it's time to move on to bigger and better smaller and lesser things. Today we have a second showing (meaning they've already seen the place once and liked it). So, cross your fingers, cross your toes, lob a prayer, make a wish, buy it instead of those coming in today...do something.

-Mr. Blonde

An "official" birthday wish

...to our Boatboy: Happy 1st birthday today! We love you!

To check out the birthday celebration entry from May 20, head here.

brotherly love

1) The "love" part:

Today while bra shopping with my Momma (She bought. Spoiled! I know.) and the boys, LA insisted on pushing his brother's umbrella stroller through the store. I thought, "Alright, I'll try this until it completely fails." Much to my proud surprise, it was a dream. They both laughed and had fun. On the occasions the stroller's front wheels got hung up a changing floor landscape, LA would walk around to the front of the stroller, adjust the wheels to a straight position and assure his brother with, "It's alright (Boatboy). I'll take care of you." I could have melted! These moments make me love being a Momma!

2) The "brotherly" part: (read cynically)

This morning, prior to the Nana shopping venture, Boatboy had pulled himself up on the couch in our main living space. LA happened to be sitting on that same couch. After seeing his little brother's accomplishment, he took a pillow and smacked Boatboy's head so he fell backwards and hit the floor. An immediate spanking of the eldest, followed by consoling the youngest, followed by explanation to the eldest, followed by exhausted Momma trying not to lose her mind, etc.

This is all very new territory for Mr. Blonde and I. LA has always been a very easy even-keeled dude. We're attributing his new tendencies to two things...a) Boatboy started crawling a month ago and can get into anything of his brother's he wants...b) jealous of not enough Momma time when the now mobile Boatboy is present. Good thing for an amazing supportive husband, my Mom's wonderful advice and an ice cold brew!

Other thoughts? Advice?

caption my "Wordless Wednesday"

Giveaway: personalized handmade necklace

I love giving personalized gifts and I really enjoy receiving gifts that are personalized. There is something warm and fuzzy about having your item personalized. Like a baby blanket. I know it takes thought, work and effort to have something personalized versus running to Target to get a baby blanket for a shower and taking a chance that somebody else might just have bought the same blanket.


I have really enjoyed my new piece of jewelry from Lauren Nicole monogrammed gifts. I received the necklace above with my boys' names and birthstones on it. It makes me feel even more proud to be the Momma of two handsome little men. People comment on it every time I wear it.


Lauren Nicole offers so many unique items from personalized silver hand stamped jewelery to pet collars. You name it and she has thought of it. (Except for beer openers..Mr. Blonde's sarcastic response to my everything remark.) You can certainly find a gift for any occasion.

Oh, I cannot forget to tell you how beautifully packaged it came. The necklace came in a flower tin can inside a cute little bag.

Win it:Lauren Nicole is giving one Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a hand-stamped silver Mommy necklace. All you have to do is head over to Lauren Nicole, check out all of their cool stuff and leave me comment letting me know your favorite one.

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. Follow Lauren Nicole Gift's blog
6. Sign up for Lauren Nicole Gift's newsletter.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner June 5th. Thanks for entering!


Winner!
"Jody Murphy said...
I have subscribed to your blog via e-mail (sjljmurphy@att.net)Thanks for all of the wonderful things you post on your blog. It's like Christmas everytime I check it!"

LA riding his tri-cycle

We picked up this beauty at a garage sale last year and just pulled it down from the attic a couple weeks ago. He jumped on it and pretty much just took off. Since then, it's almost a daily activity.

Fisher Price: If you're reading, we'll take our product placement check via PayPal if that's easierfor you.

fun, fashionable and functional kids shoes

I found some very funky new shoes for LA. Wait until you see these and the entire line of winter and spring/summer collections ranging from soft pre-walkers and comfortable indoor shoes to day and dress shoes for girls and boys up to about age 8. If you know LA you know he thinks he is a rockstar and these shoes just made it happen for him. Vincent shoes are made to be very fun and very functional.

The two Swedes, who have been in various areas of the fashion world, Patrick at H&M and Thomas as an international model, couldn’t find anything to suit their tastes for a little guy in their life. Soon, they were designing a collection of kids’ shoes. Patrick and Thomas derive their inspiration from global trends and the runway fashions of Paris, Milan, London and New York.

The shoes we chose were the LEO. The white and super shiny silver shoes are incredibly soft leather and have a simple Velcro fastener. They even have extra protection for the toes. As I mentioned earlier the LEO is a rockstar shoe in our home. LA wears them to play ground and when we get a little dressed up. They are a versatile shoe and wipe up fabulously!


Aren't they great!?

I know you think it would be hard to select a pair of shoes online, but Vincent shoes offers a shoe fitter. It really works. They are also having an incredible sale right now. Head over to Vincent shoe and check out their amazingly fun and functional shoes.

Three for #3!!!!!

He did it! Unbelievable!!!!

Get the rest of today's Indy 500 results here. They include Dan Wheldon in second and Danica Patrick in third.

GO Helio and Sarah!

Today is the Indianapolis 500 and we are rooting for Helio and Sarah Fisher! Even though we won't be there today due to the loud cars(LA is noise sensitive) we will be cheering them on while we are boating and hopefully catching lots of fish! Next year LA will be good and ready!

I am much looking forward to my husband tomorrow! An entire day at home!!!

#01 Boatboy

Today we celebrated Boatboy's first birthday race style at the track! It was an absolutely gorgeous day to celebrate his life with friends and family!

Part of the stroller brigade to start the morning.

Who knows...One day they might all pile into a station wagon together and head to the race.

The entire Blonde family. Mr got to squeeze out of work in 15 min. intervals a few times throughout the day.

The kids table getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday"

What was left of his first cupcake ever. Think he liked it?

The birthday boy with Grandma and Nana.

Mr. Blonde started a tradition of getting a photo with LA each year during the Month of May in front of the same row of bricks with the Pagoda in the background. This year, Boatboy gets thrown into the mix too.

Happy birthday precious son! We love you so much

A huge thank you to Indy Racing League Guest Services! You know who you are and we so appreciate your willingness to host all us animals over lunchtime.

shopping Manhattan without the traffic

Of course we all want toys that are both fun and aid in development for our children. Several times I've wondered if my boys should be playing with the toys they're playing with. Especially once Boatboy (11mos) got mobile and starting playing with LA's (2.5yrs) toys on a regular basis. It's also nice to know what toys are good quality age-appropriaate gifts to get for friends.

I have found a great company called Manhattan Toy. They are committed to providing quality toys and products that enrich our children's young lives and develop their minds. Manhattan Toy believes that playing in not only fun, it's essential to a child's cognitive, emotional and social development. Their website is so user friendly! It breaks every age and toy type into categories.



Boatboy loves his new Peek-Squeak Dog. This snuggly dog has great patterns and textures. It crinkles, squeaks and rattles. It even includes a little peek-a-boo bone. The teething rings have been a favorite for Boatboy. It even attaches to our car seat.

Manhattan Toy also has very high quality standards to ensure toys are both durable and safe. Prior to manufacturing, each Manhattan Toy design is thoroughly tested to comply with the most rigorous international standards for children’s products.

Additionally, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast back in the fall of 2005, Manhattan Toys sent 60,000 dolls to displaced little girls! Love that!

Head over to Manhattan Toy and browse around. Sign up for the email newsletter while you're at it. You may not need a toy right now, but bookmark the site for a later need.

Thanks Manhattan Toy!

a BPM sponsor gets reader's choice nod

One of Blondes, Poop & Mascara sponsors, Sleepy Wrap, has been listed in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards!

Go vote for Sleepy Wrap!

If you vote you will have the opportunity to enter the Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine Grand Prize drawing.

...AND as a special thank you from Sleepy Wrap...a 15% coupon code for the new Organic Sleepy Wrap. Just enter "ivoted" and it is good until May 31st when the Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine poll closes.

If you haven't ever checked out Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine you really should. Great content for Moms or Moms-to-be.

The Toot Bear

We've been through this before. You are aware that my funny bones are acutely honed in to anything having to do with poop and tooting. Even though I laugh out loud every time LA toots, I do make him say excuse me. My son toots, no joke, 15 to 20 times a day. Easily. He's been mega-gassy since he was born. I think we once held unspoken stock in Target's fake Mylicon.

Well, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. My mom, Nana, (well, let's not just blame her...Papa laughs plenty too) bought a "toot bear" well over a year ago for when LA got old enough to play with it. Of course, this is mostly for her enjoyment.


The concept of the bear is quite simple. Give someone the cute loveable teddy bear. Once they take him, push the remote and toot! Wireless flatulence on demand. Much to Mr. Blonde's liking, the toot bear resides at Papa and Nana's house.

Because of the toot bear LA likes to play his very own toot bear game at home WITHOUT the actual toot bear.

It started the other day when LA came up to me and not having been prompted in any way whatsoever asked...

"Mamma, You want to play the toot bear game with me?"

"Sure!"

"You take the fake remote (motions hand toward mine as though he handed the remote off), and push it with your thumb and I will toot."

I take the remote and pretend to push a button lunging the remote slightly forward. Then he audibly grunts and TOOTS ON COMMAND! A bit surprised, I begain laughing hysterically! So, of course he is too. And, we continued to play toot bear for a while that afternoon.

I know you are probably thinking, "Doesn't she have anything better to teach her children?" Evidently not. And, it was HIS idea anyway! :)

What a creative little "toot bear" I have. Oh, the joys of motherhood! I love it!

Wordless Wednesday

love at first wrap

Wearing your baby in a wrap is so comfy and soothing for your child. I've always thought of it as a post-utero womb sort of experience for my little guy. Not only is it a bonding experience, but it's comfortable for me as a mother too.

The good folks at Sleepy Wrap created their invention in the best way an invention can be created. Out of need. After the birth of their daughter, they really wanted to keep her close to them instead of just laying her down. They tried slings, but all seemed to put undue stress on their shoulders and backs. Wallah! Sleepy Wrap!


Why choose Sleepy Wrap over another wrap?

• gives great support for little heads and necks - especially when your baby falls asleep and when you are on a long walk and need great support
  
  
• custom fit- simply tie the wrap carrier snug against your body and no matter what body type you are, it will fit! They even having videos online to help you. Worried about your post-baby muffin top? (Good I'm not the only one.) The fabric (cotton/spandex blend) is so incredible it doesn't make it look like your oozing out.
  
  
• holds your baby high - the fabric bounces back unlike the t-shirt like material of other stretch baby wraps to keep your baby snug against your chest
  
  
• feels soft on your baby’s skin
  
  
• more snug than carrying a car seat
  
  
• grows with you and your baby - it's optimal for infants (even premies) yet you may continue to carry your baby with this wrap baby carrier as long as you are both comfortable
  
  
• evenly distributes the weight of your baby - much more supportive than carrying with your arms, on one shoulder or your hip.
  
  
• affordable- a great value seeing that your baby will probably begin to walk on his own before he outgrows the wrap.

Boatboy loves to be wrapped! He feels safe and secure and can look around. It allows me to be hands free to wrangle LA while he's running around. I wear Boatboy when I cook, walk at the zoo or children's museum, shop or any other time he is tired. He falls right to sleep...as you can see below. He is out like a light!

Buy it: Click here to pick up your very own Sleepy Wrap or purchase one as a baby shower gift. There are over 10 colors to choose from! Sleepy Wrap is offering a 10% coupon code to all Blondes, Poop & Mascara readers. Just type "BlondesPoopMascara" by June 13th to get your 10% discount.

Thanks Sleepy Wrap! I love wearing my little guy because of your amazing wrap!

Helio to lead the race; Boatboy does about-face

On Saturday, the boys and I headed to the track for the end of Pole Day. It was a great time watching the "VERY loud!" cars race around the track. LA's favorites were "the McDonald's car" (#02, Graham Rahal) "the green one" (#11, Tony Kanaan) and "the yellow one" (#67, Sarah Fisher).



So, it wasn't too loud, we hung out in the suite for about a half hour. Great times! There really is nothing like Pole Day. Those cars are so trimmed out to go as fast as possible for four laps. That's 10 miles averaging speeds of 223mph. Crazy! I'm glad Mr. Blonde just markets them and doesn't drive them.

To top the day off, my absolute favorite driver got The Pole! Go Helio! Great story here on Castroneves in the Indy Star from today's paper.



To celebrate Boatboy got to graduate to his new face-forward seat. Thank you garage sales! Five bucks! Wash it up. It's brand new. Love finding deals!

To our Momma on Mommy's Day

Today we celebrate you with a short list of things we love about you...

* we have your pretty eyes

* daily craft and school time

* your culinary expertise

* the way you dance with us

* that you teach us about Jesus with not just words but action

* your patience; especially when you're tired or when you potty-trained me (-LA)

* how you laugh over almost anything

* for keeping our clothes clean

* that you're consistent in guiding our behavoir

* for sacrificing your body to nurse and carry us in your belly

* for changing our diapers

* the way you love Dadda



(click on the montage above to enlarge)
Happy Mommy's Day!
We love you forever!
LA and Boatboy

PS - Dadda gave some money in your name to Love146 so other kids like us could be loved as well as you love us. See the card here.

A nite out with Diane Birch

After a very busy Tuesday Mr. Blonde and I headed out to a local venue to take in an emerging artist. Diane Birch. I had been listening to this soulful young artist online for a couple weeks prior to the show. I was very excited to take it in live. I love piano-playing feel-good music. (I've loved Sara Groves for many years.) Let me tell you how excited I am to share Birch's talents with you.



My hubby and I met up with my very best girly girls (Nicole of Little Miss Lexie & Emily the DesignHER Momma) to take in some new music.

Diane Birch's musical gifts began in the form of classical piano. And man, does it show! Bible Belt is her first album. From the opening track Fire Escape to the closing Magic View, Diane's voice bursts with rich soulful classical sound. The album was written entirely by Diane herself. You can hear five of her favs from the album on her website.

Not only did she put on a fabulous show, but she is touring with the superb James Morrison. It was such an incredible show. And a fabulous date night!

Thanks to One 2 One Network for allowing me to check out Diane Birch live.

Giveaway: pair of PZI jeans

Ready for an oxymoron? Post-maternity jeans that fit? Sigh. Alas, ladies...I have finally found a pair of jeans that fit!

PZI Jeans prides themselves in having no gap in the waist. Their jeans are created for women size 4-16 with an hourglass figure.

PZI has the science down. They have you measure your hips and waist and tell you your size.

You better believe I wanted to give them a shot. So for all of you ladies out there with a little curve...embrace it and love it!

Buy a pair: Head to PZI size chart and find your size then check out my new favorite pair. You can buy online or at Macys. They're also running a FREE shipping special for all U.S. orders over $100 right now.


Win a pair: PZI Jeans is graciously giving away a pair of jeans to one curvatious Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader. Head over PZI and select your favorite style. Leave me a comment telling which pair you would choose and why you need a new pair of jeans!

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 May 12th. Thanks for entering!