Wordless Wednesday: Sleeping Boatboy (in 3 color palettes)

meet the intentionally pennyless caveman blogger

Daniel Suelo lives in a cave. Unlike average American—wallowing in credit-card debt, clinging to a mortgage, terrified of the next downsizing at the office—he isn't worried about the economic crisis. That's because he figured out that the best way to stay solvent is to never be solvent in the first place. Nine years ago, in the autumn of 2000, Suelo decided to stop using money. He just quit it, like a bad drug habit.

I'm not saying this guy has it all "figured out." But, I do believe he does have several notions well cornered. It's worth the read and you asking yourself some questions about the role money plays in your life.

Do you allow it to serve others or do you serve it?

Click here for the rest of the story. Click here to read his blog.

down the rabbit hole you go

Click on the movie poster to watch the trailer. It wouldn't embed properly.

When something's crazy. Like really craZZZzzzy! How do you make it crazier (read crazier in this case as awesomer)?

Decide to remake Alice in Wonderland.

Hire Tim Burton to direct it.

Hire Johnny Depp as the Madhatter.

And, make it in 3D!!!

"I'm late / I'm late / For a very important date. / No time to say 'Hello.' / Goodbye. / I'm late, I'm late, I'm late."

eaves(ment)dropping

Ever sold your house? Ever tried to sell your house and couldn't. Ever tried to sell your house for a really long time?! The later is about where we fall right now. Mr. Blonde has written about this a bit before.

Trying to sell a house and not doing so begs the question: Why?...or...Why Not? might be more accurate.

In rhetoric response to said question, we wondered, "I wish it was just as easy as hearing them talk while they're in our house...hmmm...like when we listen to hear if Boatboy's awake from his nap yet...hmmm...WAIT A MINUTE!"

Commence Project House Monitor.

/ book next showing
/ ensure baby monitor is charged
/ ensure speaker unit is on in house
/ pull into neighbor's driveaway and hope client(s) don't see you and reception is clear

Imaginary conversations have gone as follows...

Client to his Wife: "This yard is incredible!"

Imaginary response from Mr. and Mrs. Blonde: "Yep. It sure is."

Client to her Husband: "This kitchen has a ton of cabinets!"

Imaginary response from Mr. and Mrs. Blonde: "Yes. There sure are."

Client to their Realtor: "You think this house is priced to high?" Realtor in response to Client: "Yes."

Imaginary response from Mr and Mrs: "Oh really? Have you pulled comps in the area? Our cost per foot is right on par and we've upgraded everything in the place since we bought it!"

Client to her Husband: "Gosh this master bedroom is small."

Imaginary response from Mr and Mrs: "Any smaller than the measurements you already saw on the MLS listing? We actually had that information drafted up in English language and used numbers that aren't fake."

Client to his Wife: "Oh, honey, this would be the absolute perfect house if only the crawl space entry was just 1 foot further south. Let's check out that cute little bungalow down the street..."
Imaginary response from Mr to Mrs: "I'm going to kill him!"

/ angrily jumps out of van sprinting for the front door with an open utility knife in hand.....

Alright, alright!...that's one's fake.

The jury is still out on Project House Monitor. We didn't learn anything. We haven't sold our house. But, it was pretty fun. Oh, and if we're showing you our house sometime soon -- We're listening.

an unexpectant gift

Tonight while playing frantically in the yard with Mr. Blonde, LA paused between walnut throws into the creek - hugged Mr. Blonde's leg, looked up at him and said, "I like to be close to you because I love you." Then, threw another walnut in the creek.

"What's that?...the WEEKEND I see?!"

caption this

(your caption here - and by "here" I mean in your comment)

Image borrowed from here.

Giveaway: Set of 3 Clean Safe Sippy Cups!

Get excited! I have found an eco-friendly sippy cup that is not made of toxic chemicals/dangerous plastics! And, it doesn't leak like a siv! Kid Basix has one purpose: Making kids' lives better.

The Safe Sippy is a stainless steel drink cup for all ages. It comes with handles perfect for my 1 year old and you can take the handles...which I do for my 3-year-old. This cup is very unique and way better than any plastic cup we have in our home. I always knew stainless steel was a better option, but never really saw any kid-friendly versions at the store. Why is it so much better than our plastic ones already in the cabinet you are asking?

It starts with the clean, non-leaching medical-grade stainless steel container. The cup has a sleek, modern look that comes in three bright colors: pink, blue and green. The spout is shaped like a straw because recent research has shown that wide, flat spouts can cause developmental and speech problems in young mouths. The handles are removable once a child is big enough to grip the bottle using the ribbed waist. The colorful protective sleeve provides insulation against cold liquids and acts as a cushion to protect the cup. Best of all, any plastic used on the cup is certified free of Bisphenol A, phthalates and DEHA.

“I created the cup because my wife and I had done extensive research about the toxic effects of
chemicals used to make many plastics,” says Bret Plate, C.E.O. of Kid Basix and creator of The
Safe Sippy™ cup. “Every morning, our son would wake up asking for water, and it drove me
crazy that I had to give him water in plastic sippy cups that I knew might be unsafe. One day I
thought, if I won’t drink out of plastic bottles, why am I letting my son do it?”

Thank goodness for people like Bret who have these ideas and DO them. I have often had the same thought when I am scrubbing a day old sippy cup, with rotten milk and then quickly pouring fresh new milk in it all while my child is pulling on my ankles screaming for his milk. -- "This cups still kind of smells like old milk and I bet it is not really clean." Not anymore. Not only do I love our new cup. It is so much easier to clean, it keeps our drinks cooler longer, the boys love it and it's SAFE! I will say it is a little pricier in the beginning, but it does grow with your child. I have 3 different stage cups x 2 in out cabinet. That is a lot of cups. I am happy to trade out 3 for 1.

Buy it: Head over to The Safe Sippy and get your child a safe cup. They retail for 13.00

Win it: The Safe Sippy cup is graciously giving one Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a set of 3 Safe Sippies. A $39 value. Leave me a comment letting me know why you must have these cups! Don't forget to leave your email address as well.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog publicly through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Follow me on twitter... mrsblonde1
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
6. Blog about this contest and leave the link in your comment.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I'll pick a winner on July 24th (my birthday!). Good luck! Thanks for stopping by.

a 2yr-old's pictorial lesson in driving

Like most male-female journeys, the drive starts out a lot of fun. Just the two of you. The open road. A good sountern rock album blazin through the speakers. Fingers poppin' the steering wheel as the wind blows through your hair.



When the time is right, he moves in for a moment. She plays hard to get.



Next thing you know she's flipped the tuner from the Black Crowes to the Black Eyed Peas! The nerve!



"Take a left at the dance studio. Our tango lessons start tonight! I'm SO excited!" I guess the monster truck rally will have to wait.

my husband is a weirdo

Video from last Tuesday afternoon's happening while the boys and I were sick and resting inside (animal activists beware)...

(video embed below)

Giveaway: Picaflor kids clothing

I have had the amazing opportunity to partner with a new company called Picaflor Kids. Not only do they have vibrant, beautiful knitwear designs, but they are strongly committed to fair-trade practices and they give back to a variety of organizations.

Picaflor uses thoughtful fabrics and a small scale production to create unique collections of knitwear that are designed for busy little wings. Nancy Coronado, founder and designer works directly with a family-owned clothing maker in her home country of Peru. How awesome is that?!

Picaflor Kids is available for boys and girls. They have adorable infant styles all the way up to 7/8 year-old's sizes. And they all cordinate. If you have a hubby like mine who refuses to let me dress the boys alike then you will also love this company. They have so many coordianting outfits for both genders! They are made of 100% rayon, a natural fiber that is made to be very soft and comfortable on the skin. Rayon is hypoallergenic, absorbant and wicks mositure away. And it gets better....all of their clothing is machine washable and dryer-friendly!

The 2 adorable outfits I was able to review on the boys were just gorgeous. The colors are so vibrant. The fabric is soft and shiny. I just loved these outfits. Knowing that this company practices fair-trade makes me smile even bigger as I dress my boys in their new outfits!

Buy a new piece: Picaflor Kids is offering every Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a 10% discount off their total purchase and FREE SHIPPING! Just enter "Offerblogfanss09" when checking out.
Win a new piece: Picaflor Kids is offering a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader to your favorite piece of clothing. Leave me a comment letting me know which piece you must have and what size.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog publicly through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Follow me on twitter... mrsblonde1
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
6. Blog about this contest and leave the link in your comment.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner July 13th. Thanks for entering!

Congrats to-

Brady and Jen said...

I love the Emmie Set, but if I win, I will have to get a coordinating outfit so that I have one for each of my twin girls. The turquoise one is my favorite in 18 months.

8:06 PM

Happy Birthday to my Husband!

Even though the day has passed, I am still celebrating you today! Your birthday weekend was kind of crazy and a bit challenging to say the least. With all of us getting sick, not being at home in our own beds, and a new environment.....you were so patient!

Thank you so much for taking care of our family the way you do and always putting us above yourself. I know that is often difficult, but you do such an amazing job. I am so blessed to have you as my husband and the father of our children. I love how you are striving to be a better man everyday for those around you and your family! I admire that in you!

Cheers to you and your 3rd birthday cake. You know LA has loved 3 birthday cakes! Love you husband! wt2f3s9rai

Giveaway: eco-friendly eyeliner pencils

As some of you know, I am a professional make-up artist. I have been doing this for a decade now. I started while I was attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. I was an assistant make-up artist for runway shows and then started at Barneys in Beverly Hills. After completing school in LA I moved to Chicago as a traveling make-up artist for Christian Dior. Since then, I've worked in every major specialty store and tampered with every line of products. I loved it then and now that I have my own business, it's even better. Especially since I carry what I considered the best of the best in my kit. Not one line has me tied down to any certain product for promotional purposes. Let's face it, the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day or a celeb wants before they going onto a green set for ESPN is a product pitch. I know the best. I use the best. And, I love it.

When I found Pencil Me In Cosmetics, I was really excited. 1) It is essential to have a quality eye liner. 2) I have extremely sensitive eyes and the "healthy" portion of their business model intrigued me. I have tried several "all natural" eye liners from high-end retailers to drug store and they just do not stay on. Once I read all the research behind Pencil Me In's pencils I knew I had to try them. Truth be told...I was intrigued but expected very little because of my past experiences.

Linda Eisner is the founder of the company and has been in the industry for 20 years. She believes that a pencil should visually enhance the eye area while promoting well-being. The nutrients in her products can be absorbed into the body through your delicate eye tissue.

These pencils are tremendous! They go on like satin. Smooth like butter! The color is vibrant and it actually stays on. The lid also has a built in sharpener. The ingredients are crazy good -- green tea leaf extract, pine bark, grape seeds, shea butter, aloe vera and vitamin C to just name a few that I get excited about. Check out why these are so good for you on the website. AND they are only 6.99!

Linda has also provided you with amazing tips on how and where to apply. Click on your hair color for more options as well.

Buy some: Get yours now. As I mentioned, they're only $6.99 each.

Win some: I have FIVE pencils to giveaway. Get to the website and leave me your email address with a comment telling me your favorite color.

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 me on twitter... mrsblonde1
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
6. Blog about this contest and leave the link in your comment.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.
8. Vote for Beauty by Crystal's A-list nomination.

The 5 winners are...

Blogger sweetsue said...

I am now following you on Twitter (ptowngirl).
smchester at gmail dot com

12:46 PM

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom
subscriber

count me in

Everyone have a great week!

Anonymous Miranda said...

I like the Amethyst eye pencil.
eponine367@yahoo.com

Jenna said...

I love black!! I have never entered so here we go!! :) Eye liner is a must for me!! It is my favorite piece of makeup!!

9:08 AM

Anonymous said...

I love the Nutmeg Eye Pencil! Thanks for the giveaway!

luckymegs1981 AT yahoo DOT com

halfway

July 2nd at high Noon. 182.5 days into 2009. 182.5 days left in the year.

What have we at BPM been up to...

* We elected a "minority"as President for the first time in our nation's history.

* Our baby boy turned 1.

* Our economy is as crapped out as it's been since the Great Depression.

* Our big boy got himself potty-trained.

* Mr. and Mrs. Blonde celebrated 5 years of marriage. And, as part of that celebration are training for their first ever 5k together.

* Today I even saw a cardboard bear cutout climb a tree. '09 just keeps getting better.

What has 2009 been to you so far? What's left on your checklist before we step into another decade of life on December 31st?

Would you do this for $1000?

The contest was simple -- Hang out in a port-o-let for an hour in 100 degree temperatures. The rallying of the troops and rules are below as written by an executive from the Indy Racing League...

Mr. G says he will stay in the port-o-let outside the business affairs trailer for 1 hour tomorrow for $400. I’m looking for funding to help underwrite this venture.

Rules:
1. No blackberry
2. From 4pm – 5pm Eastern
3. No fanning devices allowed
4. Must go in with only the clothes on his person
5. Cash to be paid upon completion of the 60 minute period.
6. The 60 minutes start upon backing the Dodge Avenger up to the door to assure no escape.
7. “Tapping Out” will signify an aborted attempt

Who’s in? Please feel free to consume as much pork, coffee, tobacco products, potato salad, Thai food, spicy chicken wings, braunschweiger, Mexican cuisine, White Castles, old broccoli and Guinness as you see appropriate. You have until 3:59 to purge.

After having gained support of several additional executives, Firestone, Honda and Tony Kanaan, the funding had been raised and more than doubled to $1000.

The emails and tweets flowed prior to the clock until well after. He succeeded! I'm pretty sure I would have done it too. Would you have?

Update (9:30amET 6/29) - The local media heard about it too.

Giveaway: customized photo necklace

So you might remember from last year when I reviewed Little Fish Designs. If you don't then let me remind you of this incredible company that allows you to wear your kids in a very fashionable, funky, creative way! Amy Baas, a freelance graphic designer and full time SAHM is constantly finding new ways to show off her kids, make gifts for friends and family and having fun while doing it!

Little Fish Designs "Wearables" jewelry was born January of 2008 while creating gifts for Amy's grandpa's 90th bday celebration. Her first trial run of necklaces and key chains were for her 7 aunts and uncles with photos of her grandparents. From there she has done over 65 custom orders. Necklaces come in 3 different lengths and can be made horizontal or vertical. Charms come in 2 sizes and can be purchased alone or be paired with a necklace. Each design is sandwiched between microscope glass and hand soldered using lead-free solder. Necklaces come complete with 18" - 20" of ball chain to give it that dog tag feel.

I have my favorite posted below! A wearables necklace is such an incredible unique gift. A year ago I gave each of the boy's grandmothers a necklace and this year for Mother's Day I was able to wear both LA and Boatboy. I love it! Not only are the prices great, but Amy is so incredible to work with! I also own a 1in x 3in and really like it too!

Buy it: Head over to Little Fish Designs and order a customized photo necklace of your little ones.

Win it: Amy at Little Fish Designs is giving one Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a personalized 1in x 1in charm. Go to her site and tell me which wearable you must have and who would you put in your charm.

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 me on twitter... mrsblonde1
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
6. Blog about this contest and leave the link in your comment.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.
8. Follow Little Fish Desgins blog

The winner is...Carley

carly said...

i really loved the 1' swallow bird! very fun! and of course i would put jayms and jahger in one! jayms would say "ahhhh mom your so sweet!" lol thx carly

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a drug addicted, self-disrespecting, baby-dangling music icon left us with what?

When Mrs. Blonde and I first began dating 6 years ago one of the first questions I asked her was "What do you want your legacy to be?"

Last night the aforementioned beautiful bride of mine and I were out to sushi with a couple good friends of ours when news broke on a nearby tv (yeah, a television in a sushi joint is weird, I know...but it's authentic Japanese cuisine without the American jacked up prices so it's "our place") that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, had died. I didn't believe it when the other husband at the table read the headline. Then, it settled in a bit.

"Michael Jackson is dead. Dead! This is a really big deal!" I thought (and probably said out loud). But, what does that mean? What was accomplished? What was left behind? In short - A LOT!

He is arguably amongst the Top 5 most popular worldwide music entertainers in history. Likely categorized alongside The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and maybe Madonna. He broke the color barrier on MTV. He invented musical notions and dance moves that will never be replicated. He's won every possible video and music award. Thriller is still the most sold album in music history at 65 million. He became a cultural icon.

And, he was a mess. So fixated on his lack of comfort in his own body, he'd had over 50 plastic surgeries. He was accused of child molestation. He was quirky. He was married and divorced. He was addicted to pain killers. He had debt in the millions.

He's left behind three children. Little is known of them other than the third having been draped over a European balcony over a few years ago in what he later referred to as a poorly decided prank. Ya think? I worry for those little ones.

The 2000 edition of the Guiness Book Of World Records honored Jackson for the "Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star." It's estimated that he gave over $1,000,000,000 to charity. That's 1 BILLION...with a B.

After our dinner was finished, we got to the car and I quickly scrolled through my iPod to play us a tribute MJ jam. Guess what? Nothing. My music-obsessed 8,000+ song-filled mp3 player completely vacant of anything King of Pop. A day later it's clear to me...Michael Jackson meant something to me. I just don't know what that something was.

The man brought shock. He brought awe. He brought extreme talent. He brought bizarrity. He brought confusion. He left questions.

I want my legacy to be something defined. Something sound. Something unquestionable. Something to laugh about. And, cry about. I want to be a man who constantly pursued the best for those around me by giving myself up. A brilliant husband. An unfailing mistake-making father who celebrates triumphs and leaves room for acceptance of error. Someone known and seeking to know. Someone replaceable only by a Love found not given by me but given through me.

What do you want your legacy to be?

-Mr. Blonde

Wordless Wednesday

Lillies from my sweet friend Lily!

celebrating Ahnu shape

5K trail run? Yes! I am training for my first 5k trail run with my hubby. It was part of the "5" gifts he gave me for our 5-year anniversary celebration. Because I'm a goal person (ex-jock) and I've never been signed up for a run, I've lacked motivation. But, now that I'm signed up, it's on. -- In addition to the entry already having been sent, I am trying to shed some weight before even thinking of conceiving baby #3. I don't know if it is the same for you but I feel better if I know my feet aren't barking while I am running.

I've hit the ground running with a sweet new pair of Terra Linda XTR's from Ahnu. And, I adore them. You know that they're-new-so-give-them-a-couple-weeks-to-feel-good notion that crosses your mind every time you're wearing a pair of new shoes? Not necessary with these kicks. They felt good from the first step. Ahnu believes that balance is vital in performance footwear. The balance between cushioning vs. stability, traction vs. flexibility, and comfort vs. durability is all considered in their engineering process. They make shoes geared for walking, hiking, pavement running, trail running, etc. They have some cool souls for men too.

I will say they are a little more pricey than we usually spend on running shoes. But, I would rather pay a little more and know that my money is going toward a company who preserves ethics as much as they care about their products. Ahnu is one of the few footwear factories in the world that is SA8000 certified.

SA8000 is an international standard for improving working conditions. Based on the principles of thirteen international human rights conventions, it is a tool to help apply these norms to practical work-life situations.

It's easy to not care about these things. You might think where/how a pair of shoes or a shirt are produced doesn't really matter. It does! Ahnu also uses post-consumer recyled fibers in their catalogs and packaging. Check out all the ways Ahnu is giving back. Way to go Ahnu for making a difference!

Head over to Ahnu and check out their collections. I am a huge fan and I can't imagine buying running shoes from any other company now that I've experienced them. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue training for our run as well.

HaPpY DaDdY DaY!

Thanks for being an amazing role model to our children. I can only pray that our boys will turn out just like you. I love you and so do our boys!

Giveway: Timepiece of your choice

I have found a great website to purchase Inexpensive Watches. I know I love a good trendy watch to dress up my outfit and a casual one to wear when I am running. Their website is extremely user-friendly. You can sort by price (they start as low as $15), gender, style, color and even go for the hot items with the best sellers selection.

Inexpensive Watches offers amazing customer service. You are able to reach someone immediately with any question you might have. And they try to ship product same day. I received mine the next day! It's a great place for gifts or to pick up a new timepiece for yourself.

Check out the deal they are offering right now! --- 15% OFF with FREE shipping!The Safari watch above is a must have to add to any outfit!

Buy a watch: Head over to Inexpensive Watches and get 15% off right now and free shipping.

Win a watch: Inexpensive Watches is offering a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a new watch to spice up your wardrobe. Leave me a comment letting me know which watch you would love to win and why time is important to you.

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 me on twitter... mrsblonde1
4. Tweet about this giveaway on your twitter page.
5. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
6. Blog about this contest on your blog.
7. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.
8. Sign up for the Inexpensive Watches newsletter (lower right of homepage).

I will select a winner June 27th. Thanks for entering!

And...remember when I did a review of Handbag Heaven. Same owner as Inexpensive Watches and Sunglasses Warehouse. They have some amazing summer bags right now for great prices. Check out my new bag.
Winner is....
ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I WOULD CHOOSE THE Daphne Oversized Rhinestone!
ZESTYWONDERLAND@GMAIL.COM

9:43 PM

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