Victory is Mine!

I closed "I want Fashion!Function can kiss my..." on the hunt for an umbrella stroller to compliment my beautiful AND functional carry on bag.

After a long search filled with strollers WAY outside my price range... I mean really people, it's a STROLLER not a CAR!! I finally lucked in.

I'd like to thank the lovely Craigslist seller from Battleground, Washington for my beautiful, extremely gently used and ridiculously functional UPPAbaby G-Luxe stroller. I got this amazing stroller for HALF the retail price and when I say gently used, I'm not joking. I think she used it once, maybe twice.

It contains every feature I could ever ask for in a travel stroller. It reclines, hopefully enticing Miss M. to take a few naps while we are on the move. It has a little storage basket, perfect for all our fun souvenirs. A cup holder for Mommy's Starbucks during our long journey. Large wheels for better shock absorption and handling on European cobblestone streets, and best of all, it weighs an astonishing 11 pounds! The lightest reclining umbrella stroller in the U.S.



*sigh* perfection!

No more hefting my monster of a jogging stroller in and out of my car trunk... I can lift this beauty with ONE HAND!!

So that clinches it. We are officially ready to go.

Watch out Europe, here come the Allen girls!!!!

Three more sleeps,

Mandy:)

Toddlers on a Plane!

You want a scary concept for a movie, forget snakes on a plane, just load the plane with tired, hungry, anxious and seriously bored toddlers. Now that is a guaranteed freak fest!

In an attempt to avoid this chilling scene I’ve been avidly researching toys, games and tranquilizers to help my darling daughter get through the 15 (yes FIFTEEN) total hours of flight time ahead of her. A challenge for any mature adult let alone a little person with more energy then the average worker bee.

In my search (yup lists and research, it’s always a party at my house!), I found this amazing site. If you are planning to travel with your children it is a must visit. Delicious Baby is a site dedicated to tips and gear for travelling with children. I found fabulous lists of toys, games and tips for keeping my Munchkin busy on our marathon journey.

Here is the result of my research. A busy bag any toddler would salivate over.



A new dolly, books, pipe cleaners (suggested by Delicious Baby, fun for twisting and making bracelets etc.), crayons, a little flashlight (fun for turning on and off), a fan that lights up… FUN FUN FUN!!

And of course a few surprises made by Mommy.

My little girl LOVES to look at pictures. She loves pointing to the people in them and talking about who they are. So I made her a little flip book filled with pictures of her family. I’m hoping it will be good for a least a half hour of fun time!!



Ms. M also loves looking at faces and pointing out the features. Eyes, nose, mouth. So I cut a bunch of each out of magazines and mounted them on magnets. Combine with a simple metal circle and you have a fun face building game. I also included a few buttons and flowers to play around with.



All in all, I think Ms. M will be delighted. Starting with the dolly I will dole out all these fun goodies a little at a time throughout the trip. Best of all, it packs conveniently into a cute little pink backpack that I got at Office Max for $10. As you can see the dolly didn’t fit, so in a moment of genius I grabbed the leftover shoelaces my Mom bought for me when I walked in the Breast Cancer 3 Day last year and strapped her on.



Cute as a BUTTON!

One more piece of gear to obtain and we are ready to go.

FIVE MORE SLEEPS!!!

Mandy:)

Life's Little Pleasures

Not much out there on the job sites these days, the dreary Fall rains of the Pacific Northwest have returned and Miss M was up all night last night. An early trip to urgent care this morning confirmed that my tingling mommy senses were correct; the dreaded toddler ear infection rears its ugly head.

Here’s your amoxicillin and have a nice day.

All in all it’s been a pretty CRAP day. So in an attempt to bring a smile to my face, I thought I’d dedicate this blog post to things that… well… bring a smile to my face.

Enjoy, and if you’re having a crap day too, I hope this helps.

My favorite time of the day is when my hubby puts the Munchkin to bed (and not for the obvious reasons known to all SAHMs). Bedtime in our home is Daddy Daughter time. Each night, Madeline blows me kisses goodnight and her Daddy takes her upstairs. They snuggle into her rocking chair, with her favorite blankie and chosen book, and her Daddy reads her a goodnight story. While they have their special time together, rocking and cuddling, I sit downstairs and listen to the man I love reading to our precious little daughter. I can hear them over the baby monitor. I can hear Colby lovingly acting the story out with enthusiasm and silly voices. I can hear his little girl squealing and giggling with delight over her Daddy’s cleverness. Then, when the story is finished, I can hear Colby carry her over to her crib, give her kisses and hugs and whisper “I love you Princess”.

Every night it brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is reading in the bathtub. I am a voracious reader. I love filling the bathtub with scalding hot water and reading until the water turns cold. Then I love filling it with hot again so I can read some more. While some children spent their allowance on candy and frivolous trinkets, I could often be found at the local bookstore looking for the latest installment of “The Babysitters Club”, or newest horror tale from Christopher Pike or R.L. Stine. My parents can attest to finding me many nights hidden under my covers, flashlight in hand, pleading to be allowed to finish one last chapter.

Not much has changed since those days. I can still be found hidden under the covers, with my book light, trying not to disturb my husband, while I finish that one last chapter.

I read for relaxation and enjoyment. When I pick up a new book I want to loose myself in the story. I want to laugh out loud when it’s funny. I want my heart to race when it is scary or action packed. I want to cry when it is sad or heartfelt.

While on a camping trip when I was thirteen, everyone else was asleep, and as usual I was awake with my flashlight finishing just one last chapter. I was in the middle of a particularly suspenseful scene in the story. I had completely lost myself in moment. I was so absorbed in fact that when finally the climax arrived I physically jumped in surprise.

It’s because of these types of stories that I am a slave to the written word.

I love life’s little pleasures…

• Sneaking tastes from the peanut butter jar while I’m waiting for my toast to pop.

• Watching “Wizards of Waverly Place”, “Sonny with a Chance”, “Hanna Montana” and various other Disney Channel shows meant for tweens, regardless of the dork factor.

• Using the excuse of having laundry to fold so I can lock myself upstairs to watch old episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” on Netflix.

• Occasionally spending my daughter’s naptime doing absolutely nothing but surfing the internet, watching TV and daydreaming.

• Video conferencing with my parents and seeing the love in their eyes as they interact with their granddaughter.

Finally, I love reading my past blog posts. I know there are lots of writers and entertainers out there who can not stand their own work, but I love remembering when and why I wrote each post. I get a thrill ever time I see my writing “published” for the world to read. I am thoroughly enjoying experimenting with this new creative outlet and I hope you are all having as much fun as I am.

What are the little pleasures in your life?

Trying to remember to find joy in the little things,

Mandy:)

Happy Birthday to My Littlest Sister!

Today my baby sister turns 23 years old. I can’t say I know that many 23 year olds, but I’m pretty sure she is the coolest one out there. We met when she was 5 and I was 12. My Dad and her Mom were dating and it was time for the kids to meet. I’d love to say we hit it off instantly, but that would be a SERIOUS lie.



Only having a brother I hade no idea of the complexities of a sisterly relationship. I soon found out when I was put in charge of babysitting Myriam and her 8 year old sister Emilie, that sisters have WAY more to butt heads about then a brother and a sister. They fought about everything!

At my wits end as to what to do about the never ending squabbling, I asked my Dad for advice. His solution was for me to immediately send them to their rooms whenever they fought. No matter who started it, what it was about… no excuses, no exceptions. And so I put it to the test. One night they began to bicker about a set of markers and I nipped it in the bud, sending them both to their rooms.

Soaking up the silence I went into the kitchen to tidy up from dinner. Suddenly I heard something, a quiet, whispering giggle, followed by a door closing. Putting down the dish I was washing I went into the hall to investigate. The giggling got louder as I approached their closed doors, and then I saw it. A yellow post it note on Myriam’s door. Here is what it said,

“Mandy has big boobs”

Please keep in mind that this insult was coming from a 6 year old. To this day I can’t recall this moment without laughing out loud!

Myriam is my beautiful, talented and creative little sister. Her creations inspire me all the time. I love seeing the things she imagines.



She is quick to laugh and that laughter is infectious. Her smile is always genuine and heartfelt.



She's a little bit crazy,



And a little bit quiet.



She lives her life outside the box, always looking to be a little different, a little quirky, and most importantly having a little fun!

She bucks trends for trends sake. She is rarely a sheep, always being true to her own personal beliefs and style before following the crowd. She might not know 100% who she is yet, but she is definitely working on it! Searching for what makes her happy and then making plans to chase it with all her heart and soul.



In short I think she is pretty amazing. She is full of dreams and ideas, and I seriously can’t wait to see what direction life will take her.

So here’s to my sweet little sister. I really can’t believe you are 23! I still picture you as the little girl begging me to watch “Grease” or “Thumbelina” with you for the 100th time. Wherever the time has gone it is chocked full of amazing memories. I wish I was there to have a glass of wine with you to celebrate the day, but since I’m not, be sure to have an extra one for me.



Happy, Happy, Happy, Birthday Sweets!

LOVE YOUR BIGGEST SISTER,

Mandy:)
XOXO

I want Fashion! Function can kiss my...

19 more sleeps til our big adventure across the pond and prep has already begun.

In my youth I was a card carrying member of the Procrastinators Club. I was always the student up all night before a project was due. I could be found busily knocking it out, often with unhealthy sugar infused food fueling my efforts. One time I ate an entire bag of Oreos while finishing an assignment. Just before dawn the assignment was complete, and I was experiencing a sugar rush that could easily rival any drug induced high on the market.

Any questions concerning how I gained my “Freshman 15+” are now answered, I’m sure!

Now, lists are my world. There is honestly nothing more satisfying then crossing something off of a list. I have lists for EVERYTHING! Needs, wants, to dos, don’t forgets… I’ll write a list and then re-write it. Condensing and expanding. Expanding and condensing.

I can see you nodding in ecstatic agreement Michelle, I know you would give me a high-five if you were here. Save it. I’ll be collecting soon enough!

So the lists for Germany have begun, and at the top for me was to find a great carry on bag. I wanted something big enough to carry all the paraphernalia I’d need to keep the Munchkin occupied, uber functional so I could grab and go whenever I needed and, perhaps the hardest part of all, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT!

I know when you are a mom about to travel an enormous distance with a soon-to-be-two-year-old, fashion should not be your #1 priority, but I just can’t help it. It physically hurts me when I have to settle for something that is functional, but ugly as sin. Is it too much to ask to have fashion and function without having to slap down a mortgage payment to get it?

The first stop in my search was Etsy.com, a fantastic marketplace for crafters, collectors and those searching for something just a little bit different. I figured maybe I’d get lucky and find a bag handmade to perfection, or maybe something vintage. As with my crafting, in fashion I love to be unique. My favorite haunt as a teen was my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. I’d spend hours combing the racks, looking for something different, vintage and one-of-a-kind.

After hours of searching I hit pay dirt. I found it in a shop called BrightWall. OMG! It was just too beautiful for words! I could instantly picture myself, chic and sophisticated travelling momma, with this vintage bag hanging over my shoulder.



Be still my beating heart! I showed it to my hubby, bubbling over with glee from my find, expecting a husbandly, “Whatever you want.” Instead I got a great big rainstorm drowning out my parade.

His questions of practicality and functionality made me want to scream! Couldn’t he just read my mind and see my vision. Me, posh and pulled together, serenely pushing our precious daughter through the airport, carrying THAT bag! Ultimately, the endless questions finished with a compromise. He said we would look at the mall that weekend, and if I couldn’t find anything else I liked, then I could get the DREAM bag.

Determined to prove him wrong, the next day I hit the mall with my partner in crime and soul mate in all things esthetically pleasing, Jessica. I knew surely she would commiserate with my plight, help me stage a search of the mall, thereby allowing me to skip home and order the bag I was meant to have!

Except… my fashion guru, my style icon, my lover of all things artistic and beautiful, is NOT about beautiful handbags where function is concerned. As our search began she confessed that although a big part of her world revolves around fashion, she is unabashedly about function when it comes to bags for hauling her kiddo’s stuff. Her diaper bag is a simple black Eddie Bauer model, and although it has zero going for it esthetically (except maybe being black) she loves it because it makes her life easier.

As we walked into Macys, she advanced on a display of luggage on sale for 50% off. I wish I could describe the bags on display in beautiful flowery terms, but the only thing I can say about them is that they were definitely functional. Pictured below is not the exact bag presented to me by my dear friend, but really, they all look the same to me, so it will do.



UGH!! It’s just so plain and uninspired! On our search we must have found a million just like it. “Dude, it will be so functional. It will make your crazy long trip so much easier. You won’t be tearing your hair out. Dude, I don’t want a bald friend…” Jessica reiterated all the reasons Colby had given me (and then some). I knew they were both right. But, MY bag. My beautiful, vintage, Kelly green duffel, perfect in its uniqueness and character, was calling to me. Pleading with me not to cave. Not to give in to the modern and mind numbing. Urging me to be inspired and impulsive for once. Screw function and practicality, just buy the gorgeous bag!

But in the end I caved. I listened to my friend, and my husband and did the practical and responsible thing. I bought the ugly bag.

Being a responsible adult really sucks sometimes!!

In a mope I spent the evening staring at the offending bag. The bag I KNEW I would never use again after my trip. Colby said he really liked it. It was perfect. I’d be able to fit everything I needed in it.

“FINE!” I snapped “When I get back it’s yours!”

I know, all this over a bag, grow up, right? What can I say, I’m a SAHM, and I can’t help but leap at any opportunity to feel stylish. Mac and Cheese, snot and diapers just aren’t sexy!

So, I bought the ugly practical bag and that’s the end right? Nope. My goddess of the shopping find came through for me!

The next day Jessica called me, so excited she could hardly contain herself.

“DUDE I FOUND YOUR BAG!!! IT’S BIG ENOUGH, AND HAS A TON OF POCKETS AND A SHOULDER STRAP AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL! I’M EMAILING YOU A PICTURE NOW!”

So sometimes you can have your cake AND eat it too.

One beautiful Sojourn Style Croco Weekend Duffle Bag in Merlot red, courtesy of Target for $39.99.



Now the search is on to find an umbrella stroller to match.

Wish me luck,

Mandy:)

Freaky Friday

Warning: This is NOT a crazy comedic tale about a mother and daughter switching bodies in order to learn more about each other! Think less quirky antics, and more blood and needles.

For quite some time I have held to one firm and unwavering belief.

If my blood was meant to come out of my body there would be a tap in place for it to come out of.

I think this belief stemmed from the first time I consciously remember having my blood drawn. I was seven years old and I guess I was pretty sick. I remember being in the hospital, and my Mom being told they needed to draw some blood. Lying on the gurney, a nurse put the rubber tie on my arm, and said, “Ready? It’s just going to be a little pinch.”

FYI PEOPLE!! A mosquito bite is a little pinch, a tangle in your hair is a little pinch, ripping off a bandage is a little pinch… a needle poking into your arm when you are seven years old is A LOT more then a LITTLE pinch!

The “little” pinch was way more then I was ready for, so it shocked me! It shocked me so much in fact that I jerked my arm away in outrage, thereby causing the needle to wrench in my arm.

OUCH!

Naturally then, ever since that fabulous introduction to the world of blood letting, I’ve been less then keen for any repeat experiences. I suffered through whenever it was necessary, but usually with a ton of psyching myself up beforehand.

Then I got pregnant and I had to get real friendly with the bloodsuckers in white. What’s the prize for the girl who’s not fond of the needle?

Blood letting to the EXTREME, but of course!

They took my blood at my first prenatal appointment, twice during my first glucose test, four times after I failed the first test and they had to do a second extended one. Not to mention the multitudes of IVs etc that I had while in labor.

Jeez, I know while I was pregnant I resembled a pin cushion, but really!

The upside? My fears were CURED.

So, when we were at the local Farmers Market the other weekend and the Red Cross lady gave us a flyer for a “Life Saving Luau” they were holding, it got me thinking. Maybe I should give blood. Being O+, the universal blood type, it would really be the most responsible thing to do. My Hubby, being a blood donor already, was planning on going. We could make it a fun family outing. Well, as fun as needles, tubes and blood bags can be.

What a great way to serve my fellow man, give back, be a part of the solution…

Yup, that’s me, always thinking of others. The thought of something new to blog about didn’t even enter my mind… honest.

At 5:00, we arrived at the local Red Cross. We were greeted with leis, there was music and dancing, decorations and festive food, and of course people in white lab coats collecting blood. Nothing says luau like rusty nail sized needles and disinfectant!

Here I am, waiting for my turn. My face is all smiles, but I ain’t gonna lie, my stomach was definitely nervous.



The Hubby went first. Away into the little room where they ask you all the personal questions about sex and drugs, then into the comfy chair, to face the really big needle. It all looked like no big deal. Piece of cake. Luckily, I was in the room answering my own set of questions when his vein stopped producing and they had to try his other arm. YIKES! I might have changed my mind IMMEDIATELY!

Finally, it was my turn. I answered all their questions and climbed into the big comfy chair, ready to get started. Across from me there was a young man, who I think was also a first timer. He seemed very interested in the whole prep process. Watching everything they were doing to me. Finally the moment came for the “little pinch”. He was all, “Do you mind if I watch?” I was like, “Buddy, go ahead. I’m not going to watch, so someone might as well!”

See, my fear of having blood drawn may be cured, but I still have so desire to watch myself get stuck. I turned my head to the right until the big moment was over and this is what I saw,



It’s not enough I am giving of my time and precious elixir of life; you want me to join too? Dude. But at least focusing on her got me through the pain. That needle hurt! It was way bigger then your average needle used to draw a blood sample! But at least it was over fast, and after that first uncomfortable stab, it was totally easy. Enjoyable even.

I know you’re thinking, WHAT? You enjoyed having someone pump the blood from your arm? You might consider seeking counseling! But, it was just all so relaxing. The chair was comfy, my hubby was watching the Munchkin, it was quiet, I was tempted to try and get a little nap in. Here I am, doing the deed,



And that smile is 100% authentic. No nervous butterflies now.

Sadly, it was all over in about 15 minutes, (apparently, I am a very efficient bleeder) and my mini holiday was over. Here I am in the canteen waiting around for the allotted amount of time to make sure I wouldn’t pass out or anything.



While I was sitting there, I decided to take a picture of the sticker they gave me when I was done. Yes, just like when you were a little kid at the doctor, at the Red Cross you get a sticker if you’re a good little bleeder. So as I sat there trying to line up the camera just right, while munching on cookies, and sipping on juice, a young girl who was also waiting looked over and said,

“You know what it looks like you are trying to take a picture of, right?”

Yup, I knew.

So here it is.

The picture of my boob… I mean stickers.



Hoping you will all make a visit your local Red Cross soon,

Mandy:)

I've Been Told I'm Crafty...

These days I’m all about projects. Anything I can do to feel focused and productive. I know there are lots of women out there who are 100% fulfilled being wives and mothers, but I am not one of them. I love my little family, but I need more. I need to be constantly moving forward, focused on a goal, and perhaps most importantly for me, coming up with new outlets for being creative.

Yup, I’m a crafty SAHM. I’m fully aware of the cliché, and I’ll thank you for not commenting.

Both my parents are creative people, but I get the full strength of my craftiness from my Mom. As far back as I can remember my Mom has always had her fingers into some form of crafting, often encouraging my brother and me to join in the fun. One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received as a child was a craft kit my Mom assembled. It was a plastic box filled with all kinds of fun odds and ends. Glittering sparkles and fuzzy pipe cleaners, google eyes of all shapes and sizes, yarn and felt and just about anything a young child could want to create and explore. I remembering being so excited. I couldn’t wait to sit down and create.

When she comes to visit we can’t wait to get to a craft store together. To be able to wander the aisles, ooo-ing and aah-ing and getting inspired. Just before Ms. Madeline was born, we took a very special trip to Joann’s Fabrics. My Mom’s current craft of choice is quilting, and I may be biased, but I think she is AMAZING! When I became pregnant, one of her first comments (after screaming in glee, through the phone, and rendering me partially deaf) was she was going to make me a baby quilt. So, when she came to visit, we took off to Joann’s to pick out the material she would use. I wanted primary colours, and wanted it to be different from your regular baby quilts. Something fun, but timeless. NO pastels, NO cartoon characters, NO baby animals.

Here is what she made.



If that’s not squeal worthy, I don’t know what is. EEK! Madeline has since outgrown it, but I think I might just hang it on the wall as art. Maybe, in my craft room where I can admire it all the time. I just LOVE looking at it. In fact, I even painted my pregnancy cast to match the quilt. See,



It was just too much fun finding ways to replicate the fabric patterns using paint and paper. Right now she is working on a Christmas tree skirt for me and I can hardly wait to see it!

I think one of things I enjoy most about crafting is the challenge. Finding a way to be unique and think outside the box. Recently, I challenged myself to come up with a fun and interesting personal calling card. Being on the search for employment, I wanted to have a card that I could give people with my contact info on it, but I wanted something more interesting then just your standard printed business card.

Here is what I came up with using paper scraps and Dymo Embossing tape.



Whatcha think? Does it make a statement or what?!?

If you’re envious and want some personal calling cards of your own email me at lulupumpkin@live.com, let me know the style you’re looking for and I’ll get back to you with some ideas and cost.

Thanking my Momma,

Mandy:)

The photos of the calling cards are by my own personal photographer, Jessica (of course).