My ex rarely wore ties, but I have always found them a little attractive. I must admit that these take the cake:
Cake Ties
A post that is just in time for father's day. It kind of makes me wish I knew how to create with fondant. Then again, my father passed away and I am without husband now. That means I should get a break buying gifts right? No...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Lexi & Jordan
Monday, June 07, 2010
Fighting for Moms
Before I start, I need to say that this post has nothing to do with my ex-husband or lots of great fathers….
The number one reason, that my cousin’s divorce has stressed me out and turned me off of men is the custody battle. In California, there seems to a huge movement to view fathers as equally capable of taking care of kids (which I know that quite a few are). Like lots of ideals, the drive to force this equality often comes at the expense of people who don’t deserve to be penalized. In this case, it is the mothers. This topic really gets my blood boiling. While I can appreciate the role of a good father, I can’t stand the fact that great mothers have to give up 50% or more custody of their kids. I mainly see it as a way to rip out a mother's heart. Many men seem to fight for custody so that they don't have to pay child support. I wish California judges & lawmakers would wise-up. Here are some reasons:
**What does it take to make a baby? For a man, it simply involves sex during a fertile time. I am guessing that most men don’t even have baby making on their mind during this act. In fact, they do it hundreds of thousands of times without resulting in a baby. For a woman, it involves sex, pregnancy (9 months of discomfort and often many horrible symptoms), and many sleep interrupted nights to feed the baby (usually a task mainly handled by moms).
I found this interesting quote:
Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle
There is no question for mothers, who have about 9 months of carrying the little guy or girl. The bonding begins quite early for moms.
**What about the number of possible off-spring? Men are physically capable of producing 100s of babies in their life time. Average women can only reproduce during an approximately 20 - 25 year span and at most have 5 – 8 babies. (Mrs. Duggar is not normal.) Most women in the US will have 1 – 3. For great moms, they become the most valuable people in her life. I have learned that it is NOT easy to share them with anyone including grandparents, teachers, friends, etc.
I can also come up with lesser reasons why the bias should favor moms…
**Does equality in parental duties really exist? How many studies have shown that even when there are 2 working parents, the woman still does the majority of the housework and parenting tasks? I am not saying that men can’t do it, just that mothers tend to go out of their way to make sure things run smoothly while many men are happy to step back. I have been told by quite a few divorced fathers here in California (that have 40% or more custody) that they didn’t do nearly as much as they do now. …hmmm
**What about adding the little touches that mom's usually handle? I can’t count how many times I have seen a cute little kid with mismatched clothes and messy hair and realized that they were with their dad that day. I am not going to say that kids must look cute all the time, but they should be put together most of the week. Dressing for success is important for school too. People are treated according to how they present themselves. Quite a few men don’t seem to think that this is worth the effort. Let’s face it, dressing kids often involves an argument and so does brushing girls’ hair. I know this seems like a lame reason, but it used to really bother me when I saw what my sister looked like after spending the weekend with my dad.
**Is it even what the kids want? Most people I know have a closer bond with their mothers. I would like to know how many people out there would have picked their fathers if their parents split up while they were young.
I am not suggesting that kids shouldn't spend time with their dads. A good or great father is a wonderful thing for a kid to have. I just think that 50% is way too much. If you agree and you are a woman, avoid divorce in California. If you are a man & disagree, I guess this is the state for you.
Anyway, my arguments are not well though-out. This is mostly an emotional response to seeing the agony of a great mom (my cousin) who has to fight to keep her kids when her ex is anything but a good father.
The number one reason, that my cousin’s divorce has stressed me out and turned me off of men is the custody battle. In California, there seems to a huge movement to view fathers as equally capable of taking care of kids (which I know that quite a few are). Like lots of ideals, the drive to force this equality often comes at the expense of people who don’t deserve to be penalized. In this case, it is the mothers. This topic really gets my blood boiling. While I can appreciate the role of a good father, I can’t stand the fact that great mothers have to give up 50% or more custody of their kids. I mainly see it as a way to rip out a mother's heart. Many men seem to fight for custody so that they don't have to pay child support. I wish California judges & lawmakers would wise-up. Here are some reasons:
**What does it take to make a baby? For a man, it simply involves sex during a fertile time. I am guessing that most men don’t even have baby making on their mind during this act. In fact, they do it hundreds of thousands of times without resulting in a baby. For a woman, it involves sex, pregnancy (9 months of discomfort and often many horrible symptoms), and many sleep interrupted nights to feed the baby (usually a task mainly handled by moms).
I found this interesting quote:
Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle
There is no question for mothers, who have about 9 months of carrying the little guy or girl. The bonding begins quite early for moms.
**What about the number of possible off-spring? Men are physically capable of producing 100s of babies in their life time. Average women can only reproduce during an approximately 20 - 25 year span and at most have 5 – 8 babies. (Mrs. Duggar is not normal.) Most women in the US will have 1 – 3. For great moms, they become the most valuable people in her life. I have learned that it is NOT easy to share them with anyone including grandparents, teachers, friends, etc.
I can also come up with lesser reasons why the bias should favor moms…
**Does equality in parental duties really exist? How many studies have shown that even when there are 2 working parents, the woman still does the majority of the housework and parenting tasks? I am not saying that men can’t do it, just that mothers tend to go out of their way to make sure things run smoothly while many men are happy to step back. I have been told by quite a few divorced fathers here in California (that have 40% or more custody) that they didn’t do nearly as much as they do now. …hmmm
**What about adding the little touches that mom's usually handle? I can’t count how many times I have seen a cute little kid with mismatched clothes and messy hair and realized that they were with their dad that day. I am not going to say that kids must look cute all the time, but they should be put together most of the week. Dressing for success is important for school too. People are treated according to how they present themselves. Quite a few men don’t seem to think that this is worth the effort. Let’s face it, dressing kids often involves an argument and so does brushing girls’ hair. I know this seems like a lame reason, but it used to really bother me when I saw what my sister looked like after spending the weekend with my dad.
**Is it even what the kids want? Most people I know have a closer bond with their mothers. I would like to know how many people out there would have picked their fathers if their parents split up while they were young.
I am not suggesting that kids shouldn't spend time with their dads. A good or great father is a wonderful thing for a kid to have. I just think that 50% is way too much. If you agree and you are a woman, avoid divorce in California. If you are a man & disagree, I guess this is the state for you.
Anyway, my arguments are not well though-out. This is mostly an emotional response to seeing the agony of a great mom (my cousin) who has to fight to keep her kids when her ex is anything but a good father.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Loving Vi-Carrie-ously
Since I am still pro-romance and mushy love, I have decided to just enjoy chic flicks. In light of that… Could there be a better time for the latest Sex In the City movie to come out? I think not! I have already seen it twice, which is really saying something since I rarely see any movies at the theater, especially non-kid ones. I can probably count about 5 movies I have seen over the last 4.5 years.
I know some people were not impressed with Sex In the City 2, but I love it because:
I know some people were not impressed with Sex In the City 2, but I love it because:
2. The gay wedding only further goes along with why I support gay marriage – amazing weddings that would do wonders to boost the economy. Talk about over the top...
3. I can’t stop singing, “If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it!” I may have just become a fan of Liza Minnelli.
4. I am a huge sucker for the Middle East. I was afraid that it would be more Morocco than Middle East, but they pulled it off beautifully (hollywoodish of course). Now, I want to go back for a visit. I am also dying to go to Morocco, but that has been a fantasy for a while and is un-related.
5. The wild fashion has made me want to go into a shopping frenzy. To be honest, there were LOTS of outfits that I did not like, but those probably inspire me to go shopping too. Perhaps, I should just admit that I like shopping for clothes. Maybe someday I’ll have money for that kind of spending.
6. The men in the movie are hot. I have always loved the talk dark & handsome look that BIG and Aidan so easily qualify for in different ways. Samantha’s two flings are pretty HOT too.
7. I don’t have any friends out here and no real desire to make any, but it is so fun to think about hanging out with the girls/long time friends. Maybe I need to take a trip so I can hang out with one of my old friends. Then again, I have a good one planning a vacation here in July.
8. The movie is a nice escape away from some of my stressors. Once in a while, I love movies that take your mind off of your own life.
I guess I’ll end the list there. Eight is an odd stopping point, but those just came flowing out. To add more to the list, I would have to really think and it is Friday. Plus, I have been working way too hard.
For now, I will leave the love life to Carrie and other characters in movies. Unless of course, the stars align and I get hit on by….
Or even…
Dream on, right?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Lexi singing Hot n Cold
I have been crazy busy with work and also stressed out about a few different things. Fortunately, being a mom means that there is always some comic relief. Last night, we painted our nails the new "Who the Shrek Are You" color from Opi. Can you tell we are excited about seeing the movie? Anyway, Lexi took the opportunity to entertain us while hers were drying:
Friday, May 07, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wedding Crasher
Last weekend, I crashed my first wedding (that I can remember anyway). Before you write me off as a tacky chic, let me say that I can justify it a little. I promise that I didn’t show up at a random wedding and pretend to be a relative of Aunt Bertha. I also didn’t show up at a wedding where I was the long lost love of the groom hoping that he would call it off. Those two things, I wouldn’t do.
My cousin was the Maid-of-Honor in a wedding that was held here in San Diego. She stayed with us for the weekend. She invited Lexi, Jordan and me to go with her on Saturday. Normally, I would say no, but she had submitted an RSVP for her and her four kids. Unfortunately, she is going through a nightmarish divorce and last week the judge decided that her abusive (soon to be ex) husband should get the kids for the weekend. (That could launch me into several different topics, but I’ll refrain. It just gets my blood boiling.)
Anyway… we went to the wedding. I thought it might be a nice for her to have moral support and the distraction of my kids. Besides, this was the bride's fourth marriage and she is only 32. I figured that if it hadn’t happened before, it was time for someone to crash one of her weddings. What I hadn’t counted on was the fact that my cousin and I were seated at the bride & groom’s table. Oh well. Fortunately, the kids were all off at their own little party upstairs. I decided to play it pleasant, but quiet. I had a nice time, but still couldn’t help laughing at the bride when her nipple/boob popped out of her dress while she was on the dance floor. I turned my head and tried to hide my snickering. Now you know, I am not only a wedding crasher, I laugh at others during embarrassing moments.
My cousin was the Maid-of-Honor in a wedding that was held here in San Diego. She stayed with us for the weekend. She invited Lexi, Jordan and me to go with her on Saturday. Normally, I would say no, but she had submitted an RSVP for her and her four kids. Unfortunately, she is going through a nightmarish divorce and last week the judge decided that her abusive (soon to be ex) husband should get the kids for the weekend. (That could launch me into several different topics, but I’ll refrain. It just gets my blood boiling.)
Anyway… we went to the wedding. I thought it might be a nice for her to have moral support and the distraction of my kids. Besides, this was the bride's fourth marriage and she is only 32. I figured that if it hadn’t happened before, it was time for someone to crash one of her weddings. What I hadn’t counted on was the fact that my cousin and I were seated at the bride & groom’s table. Oh well. Fortunately, the kids were all off at their own little party upstairs. I decided to play it pleasant, but quiet. I had a nice time, but still couldn’t help laughing at the bride when her nipple/boob popped out of her dress while she was on the dance floor. I turned my head and tried to hide my snickering. Now you know, I am not only a wedding crasher, I laugh at others during embarrassing moments.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Lucky Book Winner
This morning, we held the contest to find out who won Palace Beautiful. The lucky winner is....(drum roll please) .... Shokufeh. Congrats!!!
For those of you who are interested in reading the book (but didn't happen to be the lucky one today), feel free to order one from amazon:
Palace Beautiful
The amazon price is only $11.55. They even have a used one for $7.22.
Barnes & Noble is another option:
Palace Beautiful
Monday, April 19, 2010
Blogger Love
For the past year or so, I have almost fell completely out of the blogging world. I cut back on the number of blogs that I keep up with and have lost most of my readers in turn. Fortunately, those who are left are all gems.
To my surprise, a few minutes ago, I actually got a blogging award. I swear it has been a decade since that has happened, so I am more than thrilled! THANKS Dayngrous Discourse! I am especially honored given the fact that you truly are the queen of social media.
The award looks amazingly mouth-watering, right? It is my turn to pass it on to five great blogs (avoiding a few that I like that Dayngrous picked):
1. Aerin's Cranberry Blog
2. The Diva's Thoughts
3. Relish, My Relish
4. Crazy Bloggin' Canuk
5. Gluten-Free Girl
Please check out the blogs above and if you own one of the ones I picked, go ahead and pass on the award.
To my surprise, a few minutes ago, I actually got a blogging award. I swear it has been a decade since that has happened, so I am more than thrilled! THANKS Dayngrous Discourse! I am especially honored given the fact that you truly are the queen of social media.
1. Aerin's Cranberry Blog
2. The Diva's Thoughts
3. Relish, My Relish
4. Crazy Bloggin' Canuk
5. Gluten-Free Girl
Please check out the blogs above and if you own one of the ones I picked, go ahead and pass on the award.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Book Contest
For many, tomorrow (April 15) is a stressful day. This year, I am quite excited about it because my friend, Sarah DeFord Williams, is going to be experiencing one of the most thrilling days of her life. Tomorrow, her book, Palace Beautiful, is going to be released!!!! (amazon link)
I met Sarah when we were 16 right after my family moved to Katy, Texas. We went to the same school and church. I was always impressed by her creativity, artwork, and musical skills. Of course, I had no idea that she would one day become an accomplished writer. We went off to different colleges and I think I only saw her a few times after that. Fortunately, through the magic of FB and blogs we have been able to catch up.
About a month ago, she received several galley copies (which I now know are advance soft-cover copies that are given out for people who write reviews). She decided to have a little contest on FB and somehow, despite the fact that I am usually unlucky, I won one. She even wrote a great note and signed it for me.
Of course, I could rave about what a fabulous book it is, but most of you would think I was just saying that because we are friends. Instead, I am posting a review from an unbiased party:
Review
I am also posting an article written about her:
Article
Besides the fact that I am very happy for her, I am posting about her book because I have decided to have a contest. I think someone else should get the thrill of winning her amazing book, so I am going to draw names on April 23rd. You can enter by leaving a comment or e-mailing me at frecklefacegirl01@hotmail.com. Please let me know that you are interested and provide a way for me to contact you in case you win.
I will print out the entries & put them in a bowl for Lexi to draw. Then, I will post the winner’s name (or blog identity) & contact them for their address so I can send a copy of this great book.
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