Home About this Blog Favorite Posts Giveaways Book Shelf Contact Me

Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday Fumble


This morning my son was sitting at the table eating his breakfast, when all the sudden the F bomb comes flying out of his mouth.

My teenage daughter who is always eager to tattle on him said "ohhh...your in trouble". I was close by when this happened, but not close enough to hear the actual F'bomb.

After my daughter came to me with my news, I thought I would attempt to be a good mom, called my son over and asked if he used the F word.

His reply was hilarious, he said yes, but I didn't mean it. What I meant to say was the word "funny"(as he batted his baby browns at me) and instead the F'word came out.

I asked him if he ever used that word before, he said no, so my next question was "well, then where did you hear that word", he said...you Mommy!!!

Whoopsie...well there goes the "Mother of the Year Award"....again!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

One mistake after another...


Last week and a few days back (July 20th) to be exact, I turned 35. I am officially a Cougar (except I am married and no longer on the prowl)...what ev, small detail.

I once heard you gain wisdom with age....not true! On this specific weekend I made one mistake after another...

To celebrate me turning the big three-five. Prince Charming and my sisters planned a fabulous surprise party for moi, which I showed up half in the bag for! (Whoopsie, is that looked down on?) Earlier that day, we celebrated my brother-n-laws birthday. The Birthday Boy poured us each a cocktail to toast our birthdays. It was only half past noon (way to early for this Chica to be drinking). I went against my own rule (not to drink when sun is up), accepted and drank to my toast. Mistake number one!

By the time I knew it, I had not eaten all day, it was now close to three o'clock and I was in full swing party girl mode! Mistake number two.

A few hours later, I arrived at home and was surprised with a party in celebration of ME! My neighbor then offered me a shot of Tequila, I accepted...Mistake number three!

As the night progressed I took a few more shots, drank a variety of cocktails and had a blast!!! The next morning I woke up with a bit of a head tingle, not bad...so I thought. A few hours later, my ear started to hurt, then it hit me like a ton of bricks....an extreme summer cold! Happy Birthday Party Girl!!!

Lesson Re-Learned: no drinking when the sun is up!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Aunt Nellies Stuffed Mushrooms


Aunt Nellies Stuffed Mushrooms

10 min prep/5 min bake

2 lbs white mushrooms
1 8oz pkg Cream Cheese
1/2 cup real bacon bits
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Clean and remove stems from mushrooms. In a 13X9 pan arrange mushroom caps. In a separate bowl mix cream cheese and bacon bits. Stuff mushrooms with cream cheese mixture and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 325 for 5-7 min or til cheese is completely melted.

Enjoy,
Mommysol

Book Review


Reading is a favorite pass time of mine. I have often thought about joining a book club; however I am never really interested in the books they read. So my next genius idea was to host a Sassy Chica "Bookshelf" on my blog.

This month I read a few good books; the one which stands out most is "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment", written by Steve Harvey.

You may know Steve Harvey from his numerous stand up comedy acts or his nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show. What I found intriguing was his reason behind writing this book. Steve says, he has met countless number of impressive women over the years who are successful in every area of their life, but just can't seem to figure out men or what makes them tick. According to Steve it's because they're asking other women for advice, when no one but another man can tell them how to find and keep a man.

My take on this book, in one word is HILARIOUS!

Having already found my Prince Charming, I was hesitant to read this book when I saw it being promoted on Oprah and The View. However, when I came across it at the local library and thumbed through the first few pages, I was hooked and checked it out. Having to later explain to my hubby why I was reading it. "To write a review on my blog of course"!!

If you have read this book or are going to, I would love to know what your take on the book is....

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Another Crazy Mishap

This past weekend was our neighborhood's 3rd Annual PigRoast. Let me start by saying...WHAT A PARTY!!! Every year tops the last. We live in a fabulous community filled with lively people. There are about eight couples through out our subdivision, who get along well and spend much time together (The Hubster and I included). My family use to give my hubby and I shit for living in Pleasantville and never really understood why we were always home; until they met our neighbors.

Anyways...back to the PigRoast, this year is one for the books...we went through 130+pound pig, 4kegs, and even had a D.J! We calculated amongst the eight couples along with friends and family there were approx. 80 plus people in attendance.

The highlight of the evening was when a good looking gentleman (I will totally keep his name confidential to protect the drunk), openly said to me "I wouldn't mind seeing you naked"! WOW!!! Now what the hell do you do with that kind of information?!?

In all fairness this person was drunk and had exceeded his limit, he was not being touchy feely or grabby McGrabster, so I was not creep'd out, but I was caught off guard (especially since I was somewhat sober). This gentleman has a beautiful woman in his life (again to protect the drunk I will not say if he was married or coupled). So I took the compliment, replied that there would be no way in hell and slowly made my way to a different group of friends.

It just cracks me up how crazy mishaps always seem to find me! This mishap is awkward enough to add to Tova's Totally Awkward Tuesday post. tovadarling.blogspot.com/2009/07/tovas-totally-awkward-tuesday.html

UPDATE: The gentleman in this story does not live in the community.

Summer Favorites



This Chica loves Summer, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends
2. Open-toed shoes/sandals and pedicures
3. Frozen Cocktail's
4. Barbecue...my hubby is a "Grill Master" (which means I don't have to cook)
5. Baseball...Go Chicago Cubs!!
6. My Birthday
7. Gardening/Planting Flowers/the color of nature
8. Reading in the sun, while working on my tan (with a drink in hand)
9. Camping/Swimming
10.Summer Sunsets

What are your summer favorites???

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Stay-Cation


Stay-cation is the new Vacation

For those of you who do not yet know what a stay-cation is, it's a home-bound or local Vacation!

This year Prince Charming and I thought it would be most economical to take a local vacation (stay-cation) and the kiddies are excited!

We live in the great state of Illinois, about an hour from the big city of Chicago. There are many tourist attractions and events we can plan to see and visit over these fabulous summer months.

Here are a few tips to plan a Stay-cation:
-Plan as though you actually are taking a vacation
-Research your destination
-Book a hotel
-Visit local attractions (for example): museums, wineries, zoo's, monuments, ball parks, amusement parks and water parks
-Finally, act like you’re on vacation (take pictures and buy a souvenir)

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Excercising Faux Pas


I've gone back and forth about sharing my endless efforts to lose weight. I've started many posts, only to delete them. The Goal 25 by 35...I aspired to lose 25pounds by my 35th birthday. Not gonna happen since my birthday was two days ago and I still have eight pounds to go. I extend goal date to end of month.

We have a fabulous workout facility a few blocks from our home(walking distance). The only complaint I have about this Fab Fitness place is, WHY the hell are the treadmills and bikes in the front of the room? They would have been much better placed in the back of the room!

Imagine this...you are sweating to the oldies or watching one of the numerous flat screen T.V's and everyone behind you has a picture perfect view of your assets. If that is not embarrassing enough, imagine tripping while getting the hang of a "new" treadmill. Yes I said tripping, I (almost) tripped...6times!! I have since then learned to pick up my feet and now have nightmares of skidding out face first!

This gym is the posh place to be. I see all types of people while there, the typical muscle head, (great eye candy and motivation). You may also run into the woman, trying to lose the baby weight, or making up for years of self neglect(that's me). The best is the flake, who stand in front of the free weight mirror with a Five pound weight,fixing her hair, answering her cell and applying lipgloss... yes, lipgloss, I can not even imagine where she is storing it?!?

Running into parents I know from my kids school, sports, PTO has go to be the worst. There is nothing like panting on the treadmill, sweating like a pig and the PTO organizer coming up to you and asking if you will be volunteering this year or if your kid will be playing sports this season? Seriously lady, please talk to me when I can catch my breath!

If that is not enough to piss you off, I have also had run-ins with the Hercules dad, who tries to compete with me on the treadmill. I start off slow, he starts off slow, I speed up, he speeds up, I build up the confidence and try to run...then this Jack A$$ has to run twice as fast, just because he can...nothing but good times at the Gym, can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

No Bake Banana Pudding Cake


No Bake Banana Pudding Cake
-10 min prep time : Chill for 6 hours before serving
-1 box Honey Grahams (14.4 oz)
-2 pkgs Instant French Vanilla Pudding (3.9 oz)
-1 Tub Cool Whip (8 oz)
-5 Large Ripe Bananas
-1 Milk Chocolate Frosting (16 oz)

Directions:
Prepare instant pudding as directed on package. When pudding has set, fold in tub of cool whip into pudding mixture; set aside. In a 13X9 pan arrange honey graham crackers to cover the entire bottom of pan. Pour 1/2 pudding mixture onto graham crackers and spread out evenly. Cut banana into round slices and arrange into rows to cover the pudding mixture. Repeat by adding a 2nd layer of graham crackers, pouring second 1/2 of pudding mixture onto the graham crackers. Cut and arrange bananas in rows covering the pudding. Cover the bananas with a 3rd layer of graham crackers. Frost the top of the graham crackers and chill for 6 hours before serving.

Enjoy,
MommySol

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Laundry Limbo


Seriously what gives...why is laundry such a chore?? Oh, maybe because my family thinks it's okay to change their outfits, numerous times a day!!

Let's start with my fashion forward son, what a Fashionista (or would it be Fashionisto)??? He is always looking to make a statement; even if it's his mom who has to wash the three outfits he wore in one day to make that statement.

When he wakes up in the morning, he picks out a cool outfit for the day, then showers and styles his fauxhawk. Later in the day if he gets dirty, the temperature changes or if he is just feeling spontaneous, he will change his outfit, again. At bedtime he changes once again, into his cozy pajamas and never wears them two days in a row....seriously this kid has issues. I try to explain to him that he only slept in the pajama's and unless he pee'd the bed or pooped his pants they are clean. My son is not having it and refuses to wear day old pajama's, all the while looking at me like I have some nerve to even suggest such a thing. By this time I give up, so Prince Charming puts him to bed.

Now the apple does not fall far from the Tree, Prince Charming (my hubby) also showers in the morning and changes into his work clothes, comes home from a hard days work, showers and changes into comfy clothes, then before bed changes into his pajamas, possibly showering again, if he worked on the yard or grilled dinner. Meanwhile, all this laundry ending up in the dirty laundry baskets. My Prince, however will spare me and wear pajamas more than one day possibly 2...3 tops and that is pushing it.

My Diva Daughter is the worst of them all; she is notorious for having clean clothes in the dirty laundry. And don't get me started on her towel factor. After each shower, Diva grabs for a new towel equaling a minimum of 10 towels a week!

According to a credible source(da world wide web), Laundry limbo is when you forget to switch over the laundry and must rewash it or when you forget to take it out of the dryer and it gets wrinkled, hence having to re-wash it.

Recently, I have made a valiant effort at cutting cost by conserving energy and not wasting clothes as often. Trying to avoid the good ol' Landry Limbo. So I came up with a few new rules...there are only two laundry days; Tuesday and Thursdays. If your clothes must be washed on off days, then you are on your own and must wash them yourself! Also if you want your clothes washed on the designated days, it must be brought to the laundry room and separated. Lastly, there is a towel limit that has been enforced.

The days of mom fetching your dirty laundry are ova!!! Today, marks week three and just between us, it's going much better than I had expected.

Open 24 Hours







My Son asks his aunt, while driving in a car: how long is 24 hrs?
Aunt replies: well, 24 hrs is from midnight one day to midnight the next day.
My Son replies: then the people at McDonald's must be really tired!?!

Oh, to be seven again!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Morning Greetings


Happy Monday Morning! This morning I woke up and greeted the day with a smile! Bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on my week (after my first cup of coffee, of course)!

Shortly after jumping out of bed, I walked outside to water my plants and enjoy a cup of Joe. I couldn't help, but to think of my list of ten.

My list of ten is a reflection of ten things I am grateful for, sometimes it adds up so quick that its a list of 20. I am a "see the glass half full" kind of Chica and find motivation in focusing on what I do have, versus what I don't. Here is today's list...

I am grateful for:
The gift of a new day
My faith
The beauty of nature
My health
My family
Peace in my life
Summer
Love in my heart
My friends/neighbors
COFFEE

Enjoy this Fabulous day,
Sassy Chica

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Sassy Saver


I love to shop and am always looking for ways to save a buck, find a deal, use a coupon or obtain a discount. Some may call me a penny-pincher; I say thrifty, sensible, frugal, a "Sassy Saver"! I will pay for quality over quantity anytime, I love the finer things in life, but I also love paying less for them!!

Now more than ever as a Domestic Engineer, I focus much effort to effectively and efficiently running my household; which takes some finessing on less than two incomes. I have recently found new ways to cut cost by following some sound advice "Plan your work and work your plan"!

Sassy Saving Tips:

  • Plan and set a weekly budget.
  • Pre-plan a week worth of meals before going grocery shopping.
  • Keep a running list on your fridge, of items you need or items you run out of
  • Designate one day a week to do all of your shopping.
  • Keep a running tally, while shopping to stay on plan.
  • Make your own snack bags.
  • Cut/Clip or download coupons.
  • Look thru store flyer's.
  • Be Vigilant, become a SCAN HAWK!
  • Buy in bulk, only when it makes sense.
  • Check out Generic and Store Brands.
  • PLAN your route.
  • DO NOT SHOP HUNGRY!!

I am working on a Sassy Saver Series to be posted this fall...stay tuned!

Friday, July 10, 2009

I Facebooked Your Mom



My Diva Daughters smartalec friend sent me this T-shirt and list after accusing me of being a Facebook junkie...the nerve!

You know you are addicted to Facebook if:

1.When you are talking to someone on the phone and writing on their wall at the same time.
2.You take pictures solely to post it on Facebook.
3.You stop talking to people who haven’t joined Facebook yet.
4.You break up with someone by changing your relationship status
5.when your kids are screaming 'MOM,I'M HUNGRYYY!' and you are too busy updating your 'what I am doing' Status!
6.You converse with other people more on their "walls" than in person.
7.When someone writes on your wall, and you respond in a matter of seconds.
8.You consider FACEBOOK as part of your activities, hobbies and interests.
9.You check Facebook daily, multiple times a day, or all day.
10.When you have over 300 friends,but you actually know 30 and only talk to 2.
11.You actually checked your Facebook a few times while reading this!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Fabulous Rendition





OOH-LA-LA...
What a Fabulous Rendition of Madonna for V Magazine!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Once in a Lifetime

It arrives at exactly 12:34:56 7/8/09!

For two split seconds the clock and calendar will count up to nine. At 56 seconds past 12:34 a.m. and p.m. on July 8, 2009, the date and time will read 12:34:56 7/8/09

This moment is significant because of the sequence of numbers, it will be the only time this happens in your lifetime!!

JIMMY CHOO Brings It


Shoes, handbags, jewelery, clothes, makeup...these are a few of my favorite things; oh and let's not forget coffee and cocktails!!

A few months ago I read a fabulous article about Jimmy Choo, that made my day and is sure to put a smile on your face!!

Mark your calendars Chica's, on November 14, British accessories brand, Jimmy Choo will bring it's international glamour, coveted shoes and bags to about 250 H&M stores around the world. To celebrate the collaboration, Jimmy Choo will extend it's design vision to create a women’s clothing range for H&M that will complement the accessory capsule. Additionally, this exciting collaboration will include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.

Enjoy this Fabulous Saturday!!

Press release found on pitch engine
Repost from SassyChica, originally posted: 7/8/09

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Goodbye to the King of Pop


Today the world says "Goodbye to the King of Pop", Micheal Jackson (1958-2009). The Memorial Service will be one of the most star studded events, filled with tributes from Music Royalty! Services began this morning at 10am eastern time.

As a tween I remember being in love with Micheal Jackson, I had posters, purses, albums and other items with this icons image on it! I loved MJ so much I wanted to marry him and have babies with him. Regardless of all the accusations over the years I have always been a fierce fan of MJ. May he find peace in his final resting and may God bring comfort to Michael's family, friends and fans!

The live coverage to Micheal Jackson's Memorial Service will be aired on multiple channels through out the day and it is no wonder he was a "Global Extraordinaire". Micheal is one of three people be known on every edge of the earth, the other two: The Pope and Queen Elizabeth!

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” ~Michael Jackson~

Farewell to a great artist, entertainer and pioneer of all time!

Beep Beep


I think it is hilarious when kids that don't belong to me repeat what they hear.

While driving around town a few months ago...running errands, my sister in law had my three year old nephew in the car with her, when a jerk of a driver cut her off, nearly running her off the road. Her defensive driving skills kicked into fierce mode, she beeped twice and verbally responded to the driver, while stay in control of the car.

Later that evening when my nephew was at home with his father, the windows to the living room were open and two cars beeped at each other, my nephew instantly repeated what he had heard earlier that day "BEEP BEEP A$$hole". My brother was shocked to hear his son swear and asked his son...what did you say?? His response was the same.....beep, beep a$$hole.

My brother explained to his little guy that swearing was unacceptable and when he heard a car beep he should say, "beep, beep, Nice Guy".

To date it is a hit or miss on whether my nephew remembers to use the polite response or crass response when he hears cars beep.

Note to self.....watch what you say around kids, they repeat everything!!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Go ask your father


Son asks: Mom what is a Hoe?
Mom answers: A what?? (stunned and at a loss for words)
Son: You know a hoe?
Mom(trying not to laugh)l: I'm not sure; where did you hear that word?
Son: In a music video..."she ain't notin, but a hoe"
Mom: I think you should go ask your father, maybe he knows...
Son asks dad: Dad, mom said to come and ask you what a hoe was?
Dad (creates diversion): hey son let's play catch

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Lucky Number 7


My son is not your average 7year old. If there was ever a prize for a ridiculously funny kid, I am confident he would win! He has an extremely charming personality, witty sense of humor, unbeatable streak of luck and these big brown eyes with amazing lashes, that when he blinks just scream "love me".

Before school let out, our Lucky Lad tripled his money. He asked his father for three dollars, wanting to buy Smencils (yummy smelling pencils) for a dollar each. The next morning he went off to school happy as a clam, with his three dollars. When he got home from school that day, I asked if he had bought the Smencils, with bright eyes and a grin on his face, his one word response was YES! I asked to see them. Now with a sheepish look on his face, he softly said "I don't have them". I asked back "what happened to them"?

Well mom, once I hear (Well Mom), I know I am in for a story..... A fourth grader and fifth grader really wanted a pencil and they sold out, so I sold one of my pencils to a fifth grader for $7dollars and one to a fourth grader for $2 dollars, the third pencil I gave to my girlfriend. Stunned and not sure what to ask about first, the money or the fact that he just said he had a girlfriend...I collected my thoughts and asked to see the money, he opened up his wallet and sure enough he had tripled his money. I told him it was wrong to overcharge for pencils, he said they are the ones who offered me the money. Not knowing what else to say and just about ready to bust a gut in laughter, I turned away and said "wait until your dad hears about this".

Later that evening Prince Charming (my hubby) and pals were sitting in our garage watching baseball, I told them our son was a hustler and explained his recent escapade and how he tripled his money...here is their sarcastic response "should we be mad at him"??? I went on to ask if we should have him return the money...before I could finish my sentence these grown Men shouted "NO"! The case was made that my son is not only younger in age, but smaller in size then both of the boys he resold the pencils to. I still contemplate that we should have had him return the money???

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Reading is Sexy


I love to read, maybe because I am not good at it. Okay, let me rephrase that I am a good reader, but a slow reader. Over the years I have tried to become a speed reader, I even read a book about it...that was a joke. I have come to terms that being a good reader takes practice and evolves over time. I enjoy reading books, magazines, blogs,etc.

In my opinion "Reading is Sexy"!! The trick to reading, is to read about what interests you. So I stared with steamy romance (don't judge), moved on to contemporary novels, self help books, spiritual and recently became obsessed with fashion/style/decor books. I also collect cook/cocktail books...I need another cookbook like I need another hole in my head.

I think it is important to make it a habit to read daily. During the summer months I tend to read more and am always looking for a great summer read. I take my kids to book stores and libraries to find books that will hold their interest. I also have a mandatory TV shut down daily. This is where my children and I sit and read for at lest an hour...if they don't want to read a book, they can flip through a magazine, but they have to sit and at least fake it.

I am looking for a great summer read...any suggestions???

Brie plus 3


Just in time for Fourth of July Festivities, here is a Salty and Sweet appetizer with a hint of Sassy!!

Brie plus 3

Ingredients:
8oz/4inch Brie Cheese round with rind
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, steamed and chopped
1/2 cup pecan halves chopped coarsely
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 loaf baguette bread


Step 1. Preheat oven 425 F; meanwhile mix chopped jalapeno and preserves in bowl.
Step 2. Slice Brie round horizontally in half, place half brie on baking stone or cookie sheet cut side up, spread half of the jalapeno/apricot mixture on top of brie, top with half of the called for coarsely chopped pecans. Place second half of brie cut side up and repeat by adding second half of jalapeno/apricot mixture and top with second half of pecans.
Step 3. Bake 8-10 minutes, while baking brie cut baguette into 1/4 inch slices.
When done baking remove brie from oven and let stand for 5minutes; serve with bread.

*To double the size simply use larger brie and double the ingredients:)
Enjoy Chicas!!*

Picture Faux Pas


I love pictures!! I love taking pictures, being in picture's, collecting pictures. One day I aspire to finish the two scrapbooks I once started(insert laugh here). The years fly by so fast, sometimes all we have left are pictures...that is if you take the time to properly store them.

Just a few years ago when my diva daughter took a class trip she begged me to borrow my camera. I was hesitant, but agreed. That afternoon she ran into the house sobbing as if life was over! At first I could not make out what she was saying, somewhere between the tears, hyperventilating and half words...it all came together... I LOST THE CAMERA!!! My eyes widened and I was in shock, I wanted to fall to the ground, instead I put my hand over my mouth to avoid saying something I may later have to explain to the authorities.

In all fairness I take part blame, it would not have been such a big deal if there weren't three years worth of pictures on the camera....yes, three years worth of pictures. I can kick myself for not properly storing all these great pictures...there were pictures of when our house was being built, my sons first days at school, family/friend gatherings, and the birth of my nephew...I still get a little upset just thinking about it.

Just when I thought I had learned my lesson and tried to avoid future picture faux pas, I did it again! I let a few months pass without downloading my camera and precious pictures were deleted. My curious son wanted to know what it looks like when you take pictures up your nose, so he took glamour shots of his nostrils. Being the sly child he is he deleted the evidence so no one would know that he was playing with mommy's camera. He not only deleted the pictures of his nostrils, but also the last few months. Crap once again pictures gone...this time from a fabulous wedding we attended on the Roof Top of Navy Pier in Chicago along with more parties and summer fun.

Lesson Learned: Avoid Picture Faux Pas by properly storing pictures!