Now, I want to puke...

There are very few things in this world that disgust me. Rap-metal aside, I can stomach just about anything. And when I mean anything, I mean...I can watch back to back Tarantino, Rob Zombie and Hostel movies like they are Care Bear movies.
Watching TV the other day with my 4 year old, a commercial aired that had me kind of grossed out.

"Creepy Crawlers Incredible Edibles."

Among the many great features, you can create "disgusting and delicious body parts like slimy and gooey brains, hearts, eyeballs and more!" And also, "gross out your friends and family as you slurp and gulp down your hideous creations!!"

No shit.

Mission acomplished, Mattel. And what's funnier, these are sold at Toys R Us. Guess the ouija boards weren't selling like hotcakes anymore.

Am I a conservative mother? Ha! Hardly. Obviously, I understand this is a toy. But, really?
I just cannot, for the LIFE of me, understand why children would want to eat body parts -- gummy or not. Why not just stick to the old time favorite (while still grossing people out) and just pick your nose?

Thankful.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

This past week has reminded me of all the things I have to be thankful for. I am indeed grateful for the personal strength I have, the family and friends who surround me. the second (and third) chances I've been allowed and the life and opportunities I've been given.

Mostly, I am thankful for the gift of motherhood and my beautiful, little girl.

XOXO,

And All That Jazz

One Proud Momma!

Check out my little munchkin. Like, seriously? I am overwhelmed at how amazing she is.

Am I bragging? You bet your sweet ass I am.

November.

November is a big bundle of feelings and emotions for me.

On the one hand you have: Thanksgiving, the beginnings of Fall, the anticipation of Christmas and, my birthday. All fabulous things, obviously.

On the other hand, it's a time of sadness  - there were two deaths (one 19 years ago, the other 14) that are still very poignant to me and make this month bittersweet for me, personally.

The death of a close friend who was a mainstay in my childhood, and, a musician who I'd loved for years; two people who I still think about a whole lot.

In remembrance of Stan Mason and Michael Hutchence ♥ Thinking of you both this November.

Update: A Boy Called...Lucy.

On Friday night, we made a startling discovery.

Our new little kitten, Lucy - is in fact, a HIM.

Glad we found out now. I would hate for him to have "issues".....

So, let's try this again.... Welcome Ash to our family! =)

My Week With Marilyn

By now, if you are a Marilyn fan -- or, you aren't -- you've heard about "My Week with Marilyn," the new film coming out November 23rd starring Michelle Williams as the late and great Marilyn Monroe.

What amazes me most is how much controversy this little film has stirred up in the entertainment world. People have gotten protective, vicious and judgemental real quick with any mention of Marilyn Monroe; or someone else portraying her. {Myself included.}

The buzz started real early on, with the casting of Michelle Williams and the age old question "Is she right to play Marilyn?" Honestly, who can decide that? Isn't an actresses' job to become someone else? It has everything to do with talent and less to do with the actual resemblance. Or did I miss something in Theatre 101?

I don't know a lot about Michelle Williams, acting wise. I liked her in "Brokeback Mountain" and obviously, knew she was the love of Heath Ledger's life before his passing.

Do I think she is a good Marilyn? Yeah, I do. But that's beside the point. There is MUCH MORE to being Marilyn than the hair, the fashion and the voice. It's about attitude and believability. Judging by some of the clips I've seen, I think she's got it in the bank.

My only gripe may be with the actual storyline of the film itself. It appears to be quite dramatic and sensationalized and frankly, the only "fictitious" film about Marilyn I enjoyed and felt did her some justice was "Norma Jean and Marilyn" from 1996 (must-see, by the way!).

I just hope this movie doesn't continue to propel the false beliefs about Marilyn and her life. But, if all else fails, it will surely be entertaining!

Our Halloween

Even though Halloween is naturally my favorite holiday {have you seen me?} - this year was extremely low-key.

Which, I am fine with. But I always hope that the next year will be crazy, over-the-top.  And it will be. Oh, just wait, peeps! But, it's a secret until then... ;)

For now, we did the pumpkins. Very anti-climatic, I might add.
And then the trick or treating.

That was it. No parties. No elaborate decorating. I didn't even have a "costume". Well, granted with my normal hair and make-up, people always think I'm "something or other." Halloween is the easiest day of the year for me to finally fit in!

Berlyn's costume was bought a good 2 months in advance. I had to hide it so she wouldn't  play dress up in it - it was fricking expensive!!! But it was worth it. SO CUTE!

I was especially excited about trick or treating this year because of our new neighborhood. We live in a historic district and the homes, trees, atmosphere is amazing for Halloween. We weren't disappointed!

 Until next year!

Write a Book! No, seriously.

I've been trying to do this for, like, 15 years. HA HA.

Here's hoping I actually make some strides (or strokes? teehee) this November!

I will post my progress for you all.....promise =)

The New Addition!

This was a little unexpected but, well....not really. When could I ever turn down a sweet, little thing?

Welcome LUCY to our family!

Parenting WIN

I have always been boy-crazy. Like, since the age of 3 or something. It's ridiculous.

I was curious when my own little one would start down that path. And, ladies and gents, I think it's starting....

Not only that, her taste seems awfully familiar.

Behold, Berlyn's first official crush:

And to show that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree? Here are MY first crushes:

 

Notice anything similar?