A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Rancho Bernardo Inn for a morning at the spa. I chose an 80-minute. I totally needed it. Between our shitty mattress and the walking I've been doing for the 3 day, my back was a giant knot.

When it was my time to go into the treatment room I was giddy. After I got through my typical massage day freak out (Is my bikini line shaved enough? Will the salt scrub sting since I was stupid and shaved my legs this morning? I hope I don't have to pee. Please God, don't me let me pee or toot when she's pushing on me!) I settled in, ready to be kneaded.

My masseuse got started and I felt myself relaxing. But after awhile, my brain started whirring. I was going through my To Do lists, reminders, schedule, composing blog posts and thinking of what to make for dinner. I literally had to tell myself to STFU and enjoy the damn massage already! Several times.

Jen, Beth, Christine and Sugar

Here I was, in this gorgeous spa getting an awesome massage and I could. not. relax! If ever there was a time to sit back and enjoy the moment, that was it. I hate it that my mind is always working. I have white noise 24/7. There are nights when I can't fall asleep because of the whirring. It's exhausting.

I know I could do yoga or meditate to relax but I don't think relaxing is my problem. I think it's that I never feel caught up. If I'm not constantly thinking of what needs to be done and how to make it all happen I'll fall even more behind.

Perhaps my main problem is time management? Is this just a me thing? Or maybe an anal person thing? A mom thing? Have you ever had to tell yourself to STFU and enjoy the moment?

*Rancho Bernardo Inn provided my treatment, lunch and spa slippers. Katie of La Jolla Mom has a great review of the Inn itself. More pictures from the day are on Flickr.

Sailing: Wordless Wednesday

Taken with Kodak M580

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbok: Hot Deal on Amazon

I met Erin of $5 Dinners when I went to General Mills last year. Erin is one of the reasons I started taking couponing more seriously. I had been reading her blog for awhile and was excited to meet her in person.

Me and Erin in the General Mills Test Kitchens

Her first cookbook came out at the end of last year. I've been meaning to buy it and I'm glad I came across the great deal on Amazon today. It's only $5.42 and ships free if you have an Amazon Prime account (or if you're buying $25 in qualifying merchandise). Erin is a doll in person and I'm so happy for her and her success!

I try to be supportive of my blogging friends whenever I can, especially in ways that help their bottom line. Heck, I ordered The Pioneer Woman Cooks and I don't even read her blog. But I think it's amazing and wonderful that so many in the blogging community have been able to turn their passions into viable careers.

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook has a limited quantity at this price. At this price it's a great book to have on hand for the holidays as a hostess gift, teacher gift or an I-didn't-know-you-were-going-to-get-me-a-gift gift. Get it before it sells out! 

Other books by some of the bloggers I read:

Make It Fast, Cook It Slow: The Big Book of Everyday Slow Cooking  by Stephanie from A Year of Crockpotting

Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats by Angie from Bakerella (I got to meet her at General Mills too!)

UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging. by Scott Stratten 

Social Media 101: Tactics and Tips to Develop Your Business Online by Chris Brogan 

(I met Chris and Scott at Disney Social Media Moms. We sat at the same table during the sessions. It was one of the highlights of the conference for me.)

The Baking Bites Cookbook by Nicole of Baking Bites

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment by my friend Denene from My Brown Baby. She a rockstar and I totally want to be her when I grow up.

Have you read a book by a fellow blogger that I should know about? 

Let me know!

*All links are Amazon Affiliate links.

Cowboy Boots and Clogs: Yay or Nay? Fashion Friday

For a few weeks a year the weather in So Cal changes to cool and brisk and I get to wear boots and sweaters. Normally I like my boots knee high, pointy toed and with at least a three-inch heel like these I tried on at a local boutique in San Diego. 

Forward Footwear Pacific Beach

But lately I've been drawn to two types of shoe I'd never thought I'd wear: clogs and cowboy boots. The last time I owned a pair of clogs I think I was 8 years old. The Dr. Scholl's wooden shoe was just getting popular and I was so surprised my mom got a pair for me since she wouldn't spend the money on real Keds. I have never owned cowboy boots.

I was at Marshall's last weekend to look at boots and I saw these two pairs that I think would be good 'starter' shoes to see if I actually do like those styles and would wear them.

These are Frye. I don't think they're 'true' cowboy boots but they're Western-ish, right? I absolutely love the colors. I think I'd wear them with a dress or skirt. I might actually buy tights too.

Frye boots $149.99 at Marshalls

I feel like I shouldn't like these Sam Edelman clogs but I do. I know they're a little out there, but I can't help it. They're so cute! I've seen a few magazine pieces on how to transition a maxi dress from summer to fall and I have a brown dress that would look great with these.

Sam Edelman clogs $79.99 at Marshalls

So what do you say? Are clogs a good look for this season? What do you have in your closet that you never thought you'd wear?

3 Day Thursday: Video Pink Glove Dance - The Sequel

Makes me smile every time I watch.

Gee, Thanks Nate Berkus!

I've been catching up on my DRV'd episodes of the Nate Berkus Show. About two weeks ago, Tyler just happened to sit down next to me during one show that took a turn I wasn't expecting. We ended up having a conversation that made me squirm.

Viva Las Vegas: Wordless Wednesday

Girl's Weekend 2010

8 Gift Ideas for Your 3 Day Walker: 3 Day Thursday

After the closing ceremonies for the 3 Day, many friends and family like to bring their walker pink flowers or balloons. While those things are nice, I feel there are practical gifts that someone who just walked 60 miles would appreciate and be more able to use.

Here are eight gift ideas for your 3 day walker: 

Two years ago I found slippers like these EMU's at Boot World. I surprised Mom and gave them to her right after the walk. I had to take her shoes off for her because she couldn't bend over! She said the soft fur felt really good, especially between her toes. The sturdy sole makes them perfect for wearing out of the house. Mom wore hers to work every day for a week.

Last year, because I'm a good daughter, I let my mom use our foot spa first when we got home from closing ceremonies. Getting your feet into warm water with some soothing bath salts is priority number one after walking so far. I was eying it the way a starving person would a pork chop the whole time. This one from Dr. Scholl's is better than ours because it has a heater to maintain the water temperature.

My mom hasn't been documenting her walks very well but this year I hope to take a lot of pictures and put them together for her in a Memory Book to commemorate her 10th walk. 

Other ideas:

*Before the walk, give a scarf, hat and mitten set for the cold nights (it gets chilly where we camp because we're on the bay).

*A sleeveless vest. I was freezing in the early mornings! I wanted to layer but not take a chance on getting overheated. I wore a light down vest and it was perfect.

*Disposable cameras for anyone not on the digital bandwagon. No worrying about batteries.

*Gift cards to a coffee house. Many people go out of their way for a gourmet cup of coffee in the mornings. I don't carry my entire wallet in my butt bag. Gift cards save space.

*Certificates for a massage and/or pedicure are obvious but so needed! I think a massage would have helped me recover faster (hint, hint).

If you've done the 3 day walk, what was the best gift you've received? Do you have any other ideas to offer?  

*Affiliate links used

Low Tide at Ocean Beach Sunset Cliffs: Wordless Wednesday

Would You Turn Down Free Tickets Because of Your Child's Sports Practice?

I haven't done as well as I think I can at being a Yes Mom when it comes to sweets and computer time (though I have bought Tyler two popsicles). But I think Phil and I do kick ass when it comes to doing things with Tyler that make lasting memories. Last Friday, I didn't tell Tyler until after school that he and I were going to Disneyland. We stayed overnight, and the next day we checked out all the Halloween stuff in the park. 

I'm so fortunate with all the things this blog has brought me. I try to share my good fortune with friends and family whenever I can. I invited our neighbor's kids to go with us as a thank you for watching Tyler when I was in Vegas. They declined because they had a busy weekend planned. I invited my other neighbor. No, sorry, dance and karate. 

I invited so many people, and got the same answer each time. Everyone declined because of their kids' schedules. I have to say I was totally surprised. I literally could not give the extra tickets away! I agree that we have to teach our kids to honor their commitments to their sports. We've had that conversation ourselves when Tyler complains about being too busy. 

But the way I see it, Tyler has his whole adult life to be beholden to someone else and to feel the weight of commitments he can't ignore. Childhood goes by so fast. It won't be too much longer until, as far as Tyler is concerned, the only things Phil and I will be good for are rides, spending money and keeping him fed. Now is the time to make memories. Now is the time for bending the rules a little. 

We've taken Tyler out of school for fun stuff before and we don't feel the least bit bad about it. Tyler has told us more times than we can count, "this has been the best day of my life!" We're so lucky to be able to have given him that. To us, that's part of what being a parent is about. Even though we didn't have company, Tyler and I had a great time together. I just wish the friends I invited had been able to see beyond the missed practice to the potential for lasting memories.

What do you think? Is it OK to miss a class for something like this? Would you have gone? 

Powered by Whrrl

*Disney provided our hotel accommodations and tickets to the parks.

Video PSA - Save the Boobs! 3 Day Thursday

Trampoline! Wordless Wednesday

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: Book Review

About a year ago, I went to Numero Water Boutique, a spa and tea house in Little Italy. One of the spas owners, Daisuke Muira, recommended I read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. While he was preparing tea for us, I remarked on the decor in the tea room, and how much I loved the wood on the walls. 

Mr. Muira told me the wood was reclaimed from the Panama Hotel, the hotel that is the centerpiece of the book. He went on to tell me the story of the hotel and it was so fascinating I knew I needed to read the book. I found it at my library's used book store a few months ago. I'm so glad I picked it up. It's a great read.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is set in Seattle. The book jumps back and forth between present day (1986) and the 1940's during World War II. The story centers around Chinese Henry Lee and Japanese Keiko Okabe, two childhood friends. They meet at Henry's school, the all white school on the opposite side of town from where Henry lives. The tension at the time between the Chinese and Japanese should have kept the two kids from becoming friends, especially because of how Henry's father feels about the Japanese, but over the course of the story the two go beyond friendship and fall in love.

The story opens in the present. Henry has heard that developers are renovating the Panama Hotel, and they "found something" in the basement. Hearing this brings back memories for Henry and sparks a little bit of hope that he may be able to keep the childhood promise he made to Keiko after all.

What I like about the book:

The story has just enough history and politics (FBI roundups, Japanese interment camps and the Seattle jazz scene) to make the story come to life, but not so much that you feel you're reading something bordering in non-fiction.

Knowing that the book is based on fact makes it even more poignant. The Panama Hotel is real. Japanese families did hide their belongings in its basement. Families were taken to camps. The reality behind the fiction is heartbreaking but sucks you into the story even more.

What I have mixed feelings about:

Since I didn't dislike anything about the book, I'll phrase this as ambivalence. I understand why Ford told the story using the past and present. I think it was necessary to weave Henry's present relationship with his own son in with his relationship he had with his dad. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with the ages Henry and Keiko were during the jumps but knowing their ages isn't vital to the plot.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is such a good book. At only 285 pages, it's a fast read too. Be sure to read the interview with the author too. 

Have you read this book? What did you think?

*I posted pictures from my Numero Water trip on Whrrl. See what else I've read in my 2010 reading list.

Designer Name, Affordable Price: Fashion Friday

One of the fashion trends I've loved is high end designers producing affordable lines for stores like Target, H&M and WalMart. I think the idea really blew up when Mizrahi started working with Target. Since then Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and so many others have partnered with larger 'mass retailers' to bring fashion to us ordinary folk. 

So far, it's been mostly clothing, but designers are also expanding into shoes and accessories. That makes me a happy girl! When I heard about Jimmy Choo's line for H&M, well I just about died. I hope  the idea continues to catch on and even more designers hop onto the bandwagon. *bats eyelashes at Michael Kors*

Right now I've got my eye on  a few really cute things for fall by couture designers at Payless. No, that's not a typo. Payless. Look at how adorable these are!

Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm not sure why, but of all the handbags I own, I have yet to buy this wardrobe staple, a basic black clutch.

Lela Rose for Payless

I absolutely love these. They're a neutral color and the zipper on the back is a great detail. These would actually tempt me to try wearing them with a skirt and tights. And I hate tights.

Isabel Toledo for Payless

I'm not sure what I'd wear these with beside jeans but they're so much fun.

The idea that being fashionable doesn't have to equal dollar signs is nothing new, but having designers whose aesthetic normally lean toward high end materials get creative with their designs and produce lines that have a couture look is. And I love it! 

Have you seen any great affordable designer items for fall?

Listen To Your Body: 3 Day Thursday

Last Friday I dropped Tyler off and came home intending to go for a long walk. I did some dishes, started laundry, answered emails and a few other things. For some reason, I was ridiculously tired. I thought I'd take a quick power nap and still be ready to leave around 11 which would be plenty of time for 6-8 miles. I fell into bed, fully clothed, a little after 10. I woke up at 2:30. Obviously, my body was trying to me something. Good thing I listened.

Click image to donate!

The Breast Cancer 3 Day isn't a race. There are no prizes for making it to lunch before 11 or back to camp before 3. Pushing yourself is not necessary and it's not a good idea. I think the lingering injuries I have from last year's walk are in part due to me trying to keep up with my mom (I'll say it's because her legs are so much longer than mine *ahem*) and not listening to my body.

Since it was my first walk I put a lot of pressure on myself to walk all 60 miles. It can be a little disheartening to see pregnant women or someone my Gramma's age pass you by. It's also hard not to get caught up in the idea that as walkers we need to push ourselves as some sort of symbol. One of the mantra's for the 3 Day weekend is "I may have blisters but it's better than cancer." I took that to heart too. It's hard to see people walking who are bald from the chemo and not think, "if they can do this, certainly I can too!"

I thought taking a sweeper van was a sign I couldn't cut it or that it would take away from the experience somehow. Not true! There are so many things that make the 3 Day so amazing. Sure, walking the whole thing is a great accomplishment but it's not the goal of the event.

Rest when you need to, ride the van when you need to. Take advantage of medical. You will not be letting anybody down. I give you my permission to not be so hard on yourself. Listen to your body!

Disney California Adventure at Sunset: Wordless Wednesday

August 25, 2010 (taken with Kodak Easy Share M580)

Am I Overreacting? Advice Needed

I want to write a letter to Tyler's school but I want your opinion in case I'm making mountains out of molehills.

Tyler has been going to his school since kindergarten. On our first back to school night, his kindergarten teacher told us the school has a policy against sending junk food and candy in lunches. We were also not to send in sweets to celebrate birthdays. His teacher this year reiterated the point saying the school has really cracked down on the birthday treats and asked that if we want to celebrate we send in pencils or some other trinket.

This is an excerpt from the school's Policy and Procedures section on their website:

Students may eat a snack at the beginning of their morning recess and we encourage some type of healthy food, rather than what we refer to as “extra” foods, such as chips and cookies.

In accordance with this policy, we do not celebrate birthdays in classrooms with candy, cakes, cupcakes and sodas. Food and drinks are allowed at other celebration events, however they must follow the [school district] Food and Beverage Guidelines.

I haven't had a problem with either of these policies. I agree with both ad have tried to uphold them . I keep Tyler's lunch relatively junk free. I don't pick out the chocolate pieces in the trail mix and I have sent in Nilla Wafers or Teddy Grahams. I've never sent anything in for his birthday, trinket or otherwise. But, hearing the teacher strongly emphasize the point again at the same time the school brought back Popsicle Friday kinda pissed me off.

We parents can't send anything "extra" to school in an effort to keep the kids healthy, but the PTO can sell popsicles in front of the school every week? And don't even get me started on the crap the PTO allows at the Friday Assembly coffee cart.

I call Bullshit.  

It's not that I want to see Doritos and candy on school grounds every day. I'd also rather the kids get one small cookie or cupcake on a birthday rather than have any more of the Party City junk continue to clutter up Tyler's room (though I do realize multiplying one cookie by 30+ birthdays can easily equal sugar overload).

But, if the school is going to create a written policy asking me not to send in sweets, why should their on campus fund raising be exempt? Two weeks ago I bought a popsicle for Tyler just to see if at least they were selling sugar free ones. Maybe some were but not the kind I bought*.

I don't want to be the buzzkill who put an end to fun on campus but it feels like a blatant double standard. So, am I making too much of this? Should I let it go or send a note to the principal? 

What issues have prompted you to write a letter to your child's school?

*My frustration could also be over Popsicle Friday itself. I think Tyler has only had two because I always say no. I look like the ass who won't let her kid have any treats, which I'm OK with. But I've caught him sneaking money to school and that bothers me. I know I said I'd let up and be more of a yes mom, but I just don't think he needs the 'extra' sugar. There's plenty in his juice boxes, granola bars, fruit leather, peanut butter/jelly etc. etc.

Waste Not, Want Not

Tyler eats a lot. I mean A LOT. It bother's me that school has a morning snack, lunch soon after and that's all. I really think kids need an afternoon snack too, but that's another post. Anyway, because Tyler would be starving by the time I got through the pick up line, I started packing giant lunches. This way, he'd have enough for snack and lunch with a little left for after school while he waits for me to get through the pick up line. 

The system was working fine until around the middle of the school year when Tyler started getting wasteful. I'd go through his backpack and all the 'side' items would be gone but his sandwich, GoGurt or fruit would be leftover. I also found out he'd sometimes buy lunch and not eat any of the things I packed. So then we had to have a talk.

I told him we couldn't waste food. He needed to eat the things I sent him to school with, especially the things that would spoil. We went round and round and I got so fed up I even took money from his wallet one day telling him he owed me for the groceries he wasted. I know. But rational is not my strong suit when I'm trying to make a point. 

We got through the rest of the school year with no more problems. I didn't think we needed to have a refresher for this school year but I was wrong. Twice last week I had to throw away sandwiches and yogurt. I reminded him of last year and said again that we shouldn't waste food. He apologized and said he wouldn't do it anymore. Friday I opened the fridge and I saw this:

I think this time he got the point. 

Fundraising with Jess LC Jewelry: 3 Day Thursday

For me, one of the most challenging parts of participating in the 3 Day has been the fund raising. If you ever want to know how much of a social media presence you *really* have, ask people for money. Ha! 

Luckily, I have a partner this year to help with my efforts. Jessica Constable is the designer and owner of Jess LC Jewelry. Through her Pink Ribbon Ambassador program, Jess has graciously offered to donate 15% of all online purchases* toward my 3 Day goal!

My favorite piece

How you can help:

1. Place an order on JessLC.com.

2. After you order, send an email to jess@jesslc.com with the link to my 3 Day page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/melaniesheridan

3. Enjoy your purchase!

Easy peasy! Thank you, Jessica! I appreciate your generosity!

*Excluding the Soc Chic line

9/11: Nine Years Past But Not Forgotten

Ground Zero, New York, August 2010

 

What makes a nation's pillars high

And it's foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust

Of empires passed away;

The blood has turned their stones to rust,

Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown

Has seemed to nations sweet;

But God has struck its luster down

In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make

A people great and strong;

Men who for truth and honor's sake

Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,

Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation's pillars deep

And lift them to the sky.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why Didn't I Think of That?! : Fashion Friday

Even though I don't wear them often, I love animal print and red. I think it's because I don't know how to wear them, and certainly not together. Both are supposed to be part of the trends for this coming fall. This convertible handbag I saw in O Magazine solves my problem perfectly. 

The outer lining of the bag zips off and there's a great pop of zebra print underneath. The best part? It's on sale for $30!

(also available in black with leopard)

I definitely file this under 'why the heck didn't I think of that!' Think of all the color combinations: I see a purple bag with a Pucci style print or a camel bag with an orange safari-style print. The possibilities are endless!

If you're a Shop At Home member you can also get free shipping on orders $49+ and 5% cash back through 10/2!

Can you see yourself with this bag? What would you wear it with?

*Affiliate links used in this post