The boy who ate it all

Zoe is not much of an eater. She really likes a few things, but even with those, she stops eating when she's full. It is a unique ability in our house. For example, the other morning we made a pilgrimage to Neil's Donut's up in Wallingford. Neil's donuts are probably the best donuts I have ever had. They are featured in several books including 500 Things to Eat Before it is Too Late and Road Food. Zoe happens to love chocolate frosted donuts with sprinkles and Neil's version is unequaled. It makes the Dunkin Donuts version look like amateur hour. We're all devouring our donuts and then halfway through hers, Zoe stops, wraps the remainder of her donut in a napkin and hands it to me saying she's full. I didn't know it was possible to stop eating a donut halfway through unless you were being forced to share! Imagine stopping eating something as delicious as a donut just because you were full? (OK, it was a huge donut.)

My nephew, Joseph, on the other hand is seeming bottomless pit. His ability to eat is equally as impressive as Zoe's ability not to eat. The other day my sister-in-law listed all the food he had eaten the day before and it is an impressive list:

• 2 eggs
• 2 pieces of bacon
• 1 piece of toast
• 2 glasses of milk
• peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• chips
• Wheat Thins
• fruit snacks
• apple
• donut
• hamburger
• french fries
• milkshake
• peas
• Jell-o with whipped cream
• piece of challah
• banana
• crackers
• raisins
• water
• 6 chicken dinosaurs
• 3 Oreos
• more peas
• half an apple
• 2 more glasses of milk

And no, he didn't throw up. And of course, he's skinny as a rail. I'm glad I don't have to buy the groceries for their house!

Deafness a.k.a. Selective Hearing

As many of you know, my father suffers from pronounced hearing loss. He has a very hard time in restaurants, at parties, and sometimes it can even be a challenge to have a face-to-face conversation with him. If there is any background noise at all it next to impossible for him to hear well despite the state-of-the-art hearing aids he wears. Because he tries with the hearing aids, with lip reading and now with texting I cut him a lot of slack and have learned to speak loudly when I am with him. Frustrating as it maybe be at times.

Zoe, on the other hand, suffers from a completely different kind of deafness for which I have zero tolerance. When the TV is on I can literally stand right in front of her and speak to her and she will have no idea that I've said a word. For example:

[I walk in front of Zoe and stand between her and the TV]

Me: Zoe! You need to go brush your teeth.

Zoe: [blank stare]

Me (again): Zoe! Did you hear me? You need to go brush your teeth.

Zoe: [blank stare]

Me: Zoe!?! Zoe! Teeth! Now!

Zoe: [blank stare] OK. [pause as I walk away] Wait, what?

Me: #$@&*"^$!($ Brush your teeth!


It's a real comedy routine.

I yell at her for it, I punish her, I turn off the TV, but the problem seems only to get worse. I'd blame the TV, but it seems to happen at other times too. Like when she's outside playing and I want her to come in for dinner or when it is time to feed the dog or one of her other 2 second "chores."

Perhaps I need to take her to an audiologist? It's that or a therapist for me!

The One Where Zoe Disappears

Since it is the last weekend of summer, I thought I would share one of my favorite summer memories ...

The Ankle Drama

The other day Zoe claimed that her ankle hurt. Since she had come running off and there was no ankle twisting incident or any occurrence that could have produced a hurt ankle, the source of the ankle pain was a mystery, but apparently she was in a lot of pain.

It hurt so badly that:

• she could not walk on it
  
• she wrapped it in a bandanna (not sure how that helped)
• she put ice on it
• she was sure to alert Rob or me each time we walked by her lying on the couch
• she would not let me touch it or even look at it

Both Rob and I were convinced she had a cramp, or what we like to call "fake sprained ankle" which is one of those debilitating ankle cramps that really hurt, but the only cure is to walk on it and move it around. Zoe would not believe our assessment or take our suggestion to walk around on it so we ignored her complaints. She went to bed convinced she had a broken ankle.

Morning came and there was no more mention of ankle pain, but later that next day I was putting some stuff away in her room and I found this note peeking out from beneath her bed.

(Translation: Sadly my [ankle] is still in pain. Hurts!!!! Lots! HELP!)

Tuesday Shoesday: Boots!

If you're shopping for new shoes these days you'd be hard pressed to find something other than boots. I thought boots were big last year, but this year it appears that boots are back with a vengeance.

I know I already mentioned my distaste for the open-toed boots so I won't revisit. (Even though I do hope that is a short-lived trend!) But speaking of trends here are some I've found interesting.

I love this folded over look from Boutique 9. These boots look like they would look good with skirts or jeans and would get worn to death. They are only available in brown suede, but that's OK. After all, what fabric says autumn more than brown suede.

I think I am ready to click "add to cart" on this pair!















Speaking of suede...

as a kid I used to love my desert boots. There are a number of desert boot inspired styles out there this year. I like this pair (aptly named Dessertt) from Steve Madden, but I am on the fence because they are a bit too trendy. I like the nostalgia of them, but I wonder if I would want to wear them more than one season or two.







And Speaking of trends...

The over the knee boot is not a trend you'll ever find me in mainly because I am short and curvy and I think these are really meant for those of you blessed with height. However, if I were to get a pair, I would go totally over the top with a pair like these from Joie. Wowza. I can only think of one person I know who could seriously pull these off. She'd have to beat them off with sticks if she did.












Thus ends my shoe-gasm for the day. Hope you enjoyed.

P.S. I have recently recently re-discovered my life and shall be returning to regular blogging.

Zoe's Guide to Getting What You Want

A couple of weekends ago my father (aka Papa) was babysitting for Zoe and when I picked her up they had just come from getting ice cream. From 2 different ice cream shops. When I asked her how she managed to get her Papa to go to 2 different ice cream shops she said, "I just asked and he said OK."

Papa is clearly a pushover.

The conversation went on to cover the ways in which Zoe gets what she wants from people. Here's her guide:

Papa -- we know, just ask and it shall be yours.

Ima (my mother) -- Say: "Ima, I love you. Can I please [insert request]? Please? " and it shall be yours.

Rob (aka Daddy) -- Say, "Please?"
Rob says, "No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"Alright! Now be quiet already."

Me -- say "Mom, can I please [insert request]? I promise I will [insert mom-desired behavior such as come in when you call me the first time, feed the dog, listen, etc.]"

I say, "Oh, OK, but you'd better [insert desired behavior]."


I'd say she pretty much nailed all of us. Clever, manipulative little thing.

Have you seen this: BeFunky.com

Check out this picture I found in my attic!


Doesn't it look just like someone I (and a lot of you) know?!



Ok, I probably didn't fool you, so I'll tell you how I got this photo to look this cool. But first answer these two questions:

Do you like playing with digital images? Do you have 3 hours to giveaway?

If you answered yes to both of those questions then you are going to love this site: BeFunky.com

BeFunky.com has all kinds of fun effects that are really easy to apply and adjust. In no time I created the above image and this one below:




Please don't say I didn't warn you about the 3 hours thing.

BTW, in the free version the images come with the watermark, but if you want to pay for a more expanded service you can get it without the watermark.

Seven Things I Have Been Doing Other Than Blogging...

1. Working. It is so awfully unfair that my work has to be so intensely busy during one of the best summers I can remember. I don't ever remember being this overloaded at work. I often find that I stare out my window like a kid looking into a candy store looking at the beautiful sunny weather and wishing I was out in it. And if I could get out more, I'd certainly have more to blog about.

2. Pilates. I've tried yoga, but I it doesn't do it for me. Pilates does it. It is a tough work out but also very relaxing and stress-relieving. I have especially been enjoying Saturday morning Pilates on the beach.

3. Reading. Since I have completely given into my desire to read trashy fiction, I have been reading a ton. I am sure I will break my record of 50 books read in a year this year. Problem is most of the books I am reading are so trashy, I'm embarrassed to write about them here.

4. Twitter/Facebook. I tend to get out the things I wish to share immediately via Twitter or Facebook. Somethings probably would make a good blog post, but since time is an issue for me and for everyone these days, Twitter/Facebook is so efficient.

5. Swimming. Last summer it rained just about every day of June and July. When it finally stopped and got warm in August, our pool heater had some kind of infarction and let loose with some strange substances into the pool that took weeks to clean. By the time it was swim-able, it was just about time to close the pool for the year. This year we are trying to make up for lost time and are swimming as much as possible. Plus I am trying to have "open swim" days where I let all our friends and family know the gate to the backyard is open, come on over. It has been a lot of fun.

6. Baking. When I'm stressed out I find baking comforting. Baking takes concentration so it gets my mind off of the things that are stressing me out. Plus the results (cookies, cakes, granola bars) are usually very well-received so that is motivating.

7. Convertible Rides. Did I tell you I got a new car? It is my new baby, a 2007 Beetle convertible in harvest moon and I have been loving going for rides with the top down. The neighborhood kids are always asking me for rides too. It is the first time I've ever owned a car that I truly wanted and it so much fun. I like to think of it as an early 40th birthday present to myself or my mid-life crisis car.



I'm not expecting to be a much more productive blogger over the rest of the summer, but I am hoping that things will improve in September. Until then, I will do my best, please stick with me.

Tuesday Shoesday: It is too soon but...

It really is too early to be thinking about Fall shoes or Fall anything since we've just barely reached the midpoint of summer, but you know I can't resist looking at shoes. It is especially difficult when I am inundated with emails featuring previews of Fall shoes. I'm not ready to commit to any purchases, but here's some shoes and boots I'm thinking about...


I bought a pair of menswear inspired black wingtip oxfords in the Spring which I love, but I think I love these more. My only issue with these and the wingtips I already own is figuring out the best way to wear them. I think they look cute with skinny jeans, but I am not really a skinny jeans girl. I might have to skip these, but they are really special looking.



Ah, the peep toe bootie. Can someone explain the appeal of this style to me? I don't get it. I don't think these will be making my shopping list this year.











These boots are another story. I love the classic riding style. I had a pair of these back in college and I wore them to death. I think I could get into wearing out another pair.









But seriously, it is way too early to think about these kinds of serious shoes when my feet are mostly in flip flops these days.

China Dina: A Restaurant Review

The other day Zoe and her friend Samantha were playing restaurant and I was invited to dine at their establishment, China Dina.

I entered and was immediately seated at a low, but cozy table for two which had no chairs, but instead a pillows for seating. My place setting consisted of paper folded napkins and a piece of paper plate. Table decorations were kitschy cool including a lava lamp drawing and a bottle of some kind of purple "goo."

Each menu was hand-crafted (mine is pictured to the left) and featured an amazing array of dining options.

Food:
Wheat Thins
Carrots
Celery
Apples
Fish
Lobster


Drinks:
Water
Milk
Hawaiian Punch
Coke

Desserts:
Candy
Chocolate bars
Cookies

With all those choices, I didn't know what to order, but I ultimately decided on Wheat Thins and Lobster with Water followed by Candy for dessert.

I cannot remember being served a more interesting meal.

Yes, it has been HOT

Record temperatures around ZoesMom's town this week, but as I promised all winter long while freezing to death and shoveling snow, I am absolutely not complaining. I am incredibly lucky to have A/C and a pool. When I haven't been in one, I've been in the other. Along with everyone else in my house, neighbors and visitors from near and far. Occasional trips out for ice cream have broken up the basic routine and except that work just keeps insisting on getting in the way, it has felt a lot like vacation lately.

So I say: summer, keep bringing it on!

Summer Camp

I am so jealous of Zoe these days. She's on summer vacation from school and going to daycamp. She comes from camp home filthy, exhausted and happy each day. Her big decision after the camp day is if she should play with the neighborhood kids or go for a swim. That is followed by dinner and then sleeping like a stone.

I absolutely adored summer camp when I was her age. I loved the swimming, the sports, the arts and crafts, the songs...everything. Even better was when I was old enough for sleepaway camp. The other day Zoe and I were discussing sleepaway camp and she told me she thought it would be hard to go. I told her she didn't have to go until she was ready or ever. To which she responded,
"I mean it will be hard for you. But I really should go."

She's probably right.

Toy Story 3

Over the weekend we went to see Toy Story 3. I'm not usually the biggest fan of kids' movies, but I have to admit I was excited for this one. I can still remember the night I went to see the original Toy Story movie and I was completely blown away by the graphics. I missed Toy Story 2 in the theaters -- probably because I didn't yet have have a Zoe in my life. However, once I did have a Zoe in my life, it wasn't long before we watched it on DVD and I was not disappointed.

Since it has been about 11 years since a new Toy Story movie has come out this movie opening was quite an event. I think I've been looking forward to it for about 6 months and I know Zoe and my niece and nephew have been looking forward to it at least that long. So, we decided to make a small party out of it and we bought advanced tickets for a Saturday showing of the 3-D version on opening weekend (this past weekend). Despite the fact that Saturday was a gorgeous, sunny day we all went into the theater loaded down with candy and other snacks and settled into our seats in the dark and cold theater. 3 kids in front and 4 adults sitting behind them.

From the moment the movie started the only movement from the row in front was hands reaching back to request more candy. The movie was so good that it made me cry as well as laugh -- a lot. It was really delightful and truly impressive in terms of animation. I don't know how those people at Pixar do it, but based on all the credits it sure takes a lot them to achieve a movie like this. And I'm guessing it took the full 11 years as well. But it was all worth it. I think this movie is as much a winner for kids as it is for adults. I like this quote from the NY Times review:

“Toy Story 3” is as sweet, as touching, as humane a movie as you are likely to see this summer, and yet it is all about doodads stamped and molded out of plastic and polyester. Therein lies its genius, and its uncanny authenticity.

My only complaint -- someone please tell me the point of 3-D. It really didn't add much in this case and those darn glasses give me a headache. My advice -- go see the non-3-D version, but go see it.

The True Confessions Meme

A new one from the Queen! I am so excited! (Queen's original post here.)

The Rules:
Think of ten books it seems you should have read by now but never have. Post them. Feel free to say anything you want about why you haven't read them. Tag others when you're done.

1. The following Shakespeare plays: Richard II, Richard III, Timon of Athens
   I lump them all into one to leave more room for other confessions. Having studies theater in college and graduate school you might imagine I read a lot of Shakespeare, and it is true, I did. But these three I never read and I think after all that school I just can't bring myself to read another one. Ever.
2. A Tale of Two Cities. I was forced to read Great Expectations in 10th grade. Swore off Dickens at that point and cannot convince my adult brain to give it another go no matter how much I'd like to.
3. War and Peace. It is a title someone literary should read, right? But in my mind it has so many strikes against it, not the least of which is the fact that it is Russian.
4. Anna Karenina. See above.
5. Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. At this point given how much the story has been retold in various ways, I don't see how I wouldn't be disappointed.
6. The Time Machine (or anything else by H.G. Wells) I have no good or bad reason. I just don't want to.
7. The Poisonwood Bible. Too many people have told me how much I will like it.
8. Three Cups of Tea. I want to care, I do. But, in fact, it seems I don't.
9. Mrs. Dalloway. I don't know. I probably would like it.
10. In Cold Blood. Now that I've seen the great movie version I know I'll never read it.

I almost put Ulysses on this list, but then decided not to because I've never felt I should read that one.

I'd tag, but Emily probably already has. If she didn't, consider yourself tagged.

Tuesday Shoesday: Sneakers

I've worn out my favorite pair of casual sneakers. You know the kind you wear with shorts or to the supermarket, not the kind for the gym. (If you're particular about those kinds of things, which, clearly, I am.) So, I went to my favorite shoe site, Zappos, to browse for some new ones.

At first I was considering something new for me, but with a retro vibe so I was looking at these:

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics

Then I thought maybe something a little more modern, something a little different would be good so I was looking at these:

PUMA Sky Lite Ballerina

But I wasn't sure I was crazy about those. Plus I haven't worn PUMA sneakers since I was about Zoe's age so I wasn't sure how they fit and I didn't want to go through the hassle of returning. I could go shopping and trying on, but sometimes I really do enjoy having new shoes delivered to my front door.

And then I hit on it. Of course, these would be the ones. They're classics. You can't go wrong with a classic. Plus they are just a little over-the-top preppy which I like. This is probably the 15th pair of my life. They arrived today and they are just as great as I remember them being. They are:

Tretorn Nylite Canvas

And in case you're interested here's some facts about Tretorn and these shoes:

• In 1891 Tretorn was founded by Henry Dunker in Helsingborg, Sweden
• The Tretorn Nylite tennis shoes, born in 1967, were regarded as the first luxury sports shoe
• The Tretorn brand was acquired by Puma in 2001

Am I a shoe geek, or what?

List of things for High School

Zoe has been into making lists lately. Lists of all kinds -- what she wants to be for Halloween, her friends, her favorite foods, etc. The most recent list I found had to do with when she gets into high school. Very interesting.

Here is a scan of the actual list:



And in case you can't read it, here's what is says:

Things I might get:
Jeans with howls [holes], tattoo
(henna) dyed hair four
pieces, dark Jeans catar [guitar] picks
elecktrick blue vw beatle
computer

Classes I might take:
Art cooking sewing club

To prom I might wear:
Long earings, small clutch
bag, ankle strap high
heels, gold anklet
long gown lose [loose] hair



I don't think this needs any further comment.

Tuesday Shoesday: Wedge Espadrilles

Earlier this spring I bought this pair of espadrille wedges from Banana Republic. I've tried to wear them 3 times now and 3 times they've been ridiculous. They just wont' stay on my feet. I know I bought the right size because the next smaller pair were really too tight. I tried heel grips, insoles and nothing works. After walking around like Frankenstein in them last night, I've decided I have to give them up. (Becky -- you have first shot at them, if you're interested.)

So, now I have to find something to replace them because I really wanted a wedge type espadrille sandal for the summer. Here are some options I'm considering:

Eric Michael -- Paloma

They look like good basics.



Kate Spade -- Candice

Maybe I could afford them if I saved.

Lifestride -- Sunny

These look cute and comfortable.

Decisions...

Have you seen this: Custom Food

And I thought custom jeans were cool (no, I still haven't ordered a pair), check out this site: http://www.createmychocolate.com/ where you can literally create your chocolate bar. You choose the type of chocolate, dark, milk, white or a combination of milk and white then you choose what to put in and on your chocolate. There is fruit, spices, nuts, candy, and grains (which includes fun stuff like cereal, pretzels and bacon -- yes, bacon!). You can choose up to 5 toppings, mix-ins, etc.

It is a little expensive for chocolate. I put together a creation for fun of strawberries, caramel and pretzels with milk chocolate and with the cost of delivery it comes to about $15. Probably a little much to indulge for yourself, however, they sell gift certificates and I think that would be a pretty cool gift to give.

Another site doing something similar is You Bar: http://www.youbars.com/custombars where you can create custom protein/energy bars. The best part of this site is that it gives nutritional information as you go along so if you're trying to stay within certain limits on carbs or sugar or fat, it is really easy. Plus you get to name your bar and they create a customized wrapper with your name on it for each bar. That's fun! Lately I've been into making my own granola bars, but when I get tired of that, I may just have to give this a try.

You Bar also has sites for Trail Mix, Shakes, Cereal, and Cookies.

Can you tell I'm hungry right now?

Easy Summer Make-up

Those of you who know me, know I am somewhat obsessed with make-up. I wear make-up every day, but most days I prefer a fairly natural look. Each season I try to come up with a go-to look for everyday that is just a little different. I am really pleased with what I've started wearing for summer so I want to share because I think anyone can do it and it is so easy. I admit that I stole a lot of this from Bobbi Brown's website, but my version is even easier.

OK, so here it is, ZoesMom's easy summer make-up:

Step 1: Use a light powder foundation or tinted moisturizer all over your face. I prefer products with an SPF of 15 of higher. I'm using Clinique's Almost Powder. (I also use under eye concealer for my dark circles, but if you don't need it, don't bother.)

Step 2: Apply matte eyeshadow in very light pink, light peach, or off-white from your eyebrow to your lashes -- in other words all over. One light coat. Make sure the shadow is matte and not shimmer. I'm using Cover Girl French Vanilla (matte) or Sephora's Eye Shadow in Porcelain.

Step 3: Apply 2 coats of dark mascara to your lashes. I'm using Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes or Maybelline Great Lash.

Step 4: If you have thick eyebrows like I do, brush your eyebrows up. You can also use eyebrow gel if you have it, but it's not necessary.

Step: 5: Use a somewhat bright pink to coral blush on the apples of your cheeks. Doesn't matter if it's powder or cream just as long as it is a little bright. I'm using Tarte's Cheek Stain. (This blush is a little expensive, but it lasts forever and it's organic.)

Step 6: Apply a sheer lipstick in a somewhat bright pink to coral shade. You can also use lip gloss in the same shades. I have about 10 lipsticks/glosses that fit this bill, but I just bought Korres' Mango Butter Lipstick in Peach and I'm loving it. It is organic and also has SPF 10 which is nice for summer.

And that's it, you're ready to walk out the door.

Tuesday Shoesday

Shoes I am currently lusting after:
These are the Tory Burch Caroline Ballet Flat. As my shoe wardrobe will attest, I do love a nice ballet flat. Doesn't that red just make these?

I am saving my pennies (and dollars and twenties...).










These are the Calvin Klein Cora. Not sooo expensive, but I'd need a place to wear them to justify the purchase. That has to be the biggest downside to working from home -- no getting dressed up for the office.
















Slipping over into total fantasy land for a moment, wouldn't it be fun to have the lifestyle, legs, and bank to warrant these babies...The Darcy by Jimmy Choo

I hope you enjoyed these half as much as I did. Perhaps I have found a new feature for ZoesMom?