I love my house, I love my nest...

First Steps, Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City 

Well guess who woke up inspired this morning?? Yes, yes mom its me. 

Its been so long since I've posted anything here I should probably ditch the whole enchilada and start fresh with a new blog but between you and me I am the least tech savy former blogger you're going to meet so here I am picking up where I left off. I hope you find inspiration (and maybe a guffaw here or there) from my current interests. 

So, what have I been doing over the last year or two you might ask? Well, to quote one of my favorite movies... "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up. Buttercup is marry' Humperdinck in little less than half an hour. So all we have to do is get in, break up the wedding, steal the princess, make our escape... after I kill Count Rugen." 

In my case I haven't been storming any castles but I have become an expert at all things superhero and Star Wars. I can recite Green Eggs and Ham as easily as I can my American Express number and I have a color coded kiddie activity matrix that puts my old political campaign events schedules to shame. Little Mister is nearly five years old and Baby Deux, three and half himself is completely mostly kind of potty trained. *skies parting angels singing* I can see it, I know it just around the corner. 

As I've started to have pockets of time to think about *gasp* myself and what I want to be when I grow up I've realized how much I love experiencing a piece of art and learning a bit about its history and cultural or historical relevance. 

My hope is to occasionally post about what pieces of art or literature is moving me or confusing me or simply making me think. I'm not trying to grow a readership I just want a place to keep track of what inspires me. I guess you could use one of those totally outdated words and call it a journal. 

It should go with out saying but let me repeat I am not degreed, certified or even gifted at art history or English literature, I am just an admirer.  However, I will try to do as much research on a post as a mother of two active kiddos can. 

If you think you might be interested in joining me please check in every once in awhile and share your thoughts, argue with me or just tell me how brilliant my thoughts are. Ya know, whatever. I'm breezy about it. 

Cheers, 
Ms. Ouiser 

*One note on the painting above. I chose it, not because I am particularly a van Gogh fan but it is the first piece of art that significantly struck me as a child and made me stop to think about its meaning. Do you remember the first piece of art that struck you? What was it? 

Blog Maintenance **yawn** I know I know...

Working on a "real" post for tonight or tomorrow but just wanted to say that I FINALLY figured out how to add a "subscribe by email" widget for the blog. OMG, didn't that sound so "techy"? I'm like so totally ready to go into IT, right? *giggle giggle*


So, if you'd like to get an email update when I post something new you can! Just enter your email address in the little box to your left.  Or if you're super fancy and have a "blog roll" (don't ask me specifics cause I still don't know what that means) you can do that too by clicking on the appropriate service you use ~ also on the left hand side. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

A Tale of Two Shoes

I must admit this, before beginning today's post... I used to be a shoe snob. 


And by "snob" I don't mean that I only bought designer shoes, although the incredible deal I got a few years ago on a pair of gucci flats and prada heels still make me all tingly, but that's not my point. No, I want to talk about my recent conversion to the world of wedges.


Until recently, I firmly believed that wearing wedges meant you were just plain lazy. If you want the height, put on your big girl panties and learn to walk in high heels. We've all suffered through the "growing pains" of wearing heels. I remember after seven days of wearing heals from 7am-10pm during a work conference I actually lost feeling in the balls of my feet for TWO weeks. Yes, it made me nervous and I wore flats to work for nearly a month afterwards, before I felt comfortable in heels again. But that one time aside, I genuinely liked wearing heels, the higher the better!


Now that I've spent the last few years in flats while playing mommy to Little Mister and Baby Duex I find that even the occiasional night out in heels is a painful one. By the end of whatever event we've been to -- wedding, reception, party etc I'm in agony and DH doesn't particularly like the snail's pace I'm forced to crawl so I don't keel over in agony. 


In an attempt to find a compromise I bought my first pair of wedges for the wedding we attended in Texas last weekend. Quelle Surprise! Despite the cobblestone, I was just as happy on my feet at 3pm as I was at 9pm! 


So, yesterday as I was taking full advantage of the gift certificate that DH had given me at my favorite neighborhood shoe shop, The Shoe Hive. I found two pairs of Tory Burch wedges that I think will be perfect for summer!

**for some reason I couldn't find a pic of the exact pair of brown wedges. Mine are slightly different and are open toe, just so you know!


What do you think? I love them both and will be wearing them all summer long!


And speaking of Tory Burch, If you haven't read her Mother's Day interview with one of my all time favorite mommy bloggers, Mrs. One Fabulous Mom, please do! You can click here to read the interview. She give some lovely advice about being a working mom and how she keeps her priorities in line. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Moms Who Are WAY Funnier Than Me

I recently stumbled upon two new blogs that I've fallen for! Seriously like head over heals. And to be fair, I didn't exactly stumble upon them myself I was led there by one of my favorite Twi-Mom tweeters, Mrs. TippL. Yes, you read that right, we are twitter friends and fellow Twilight junkies. **cue DH eye-roll**

If you're on twitter you should follow Ms. Tippy as well as the two brilliant bloggers I'm about to tell you about. You can click on their twitter names to follow them... @TippyL @onefabulousmom and @ipickpretty. 

As a stay at home mom, there are a million little things that happen every day that make me want to shed tears. Sometimes from happiness, sometimes from laughter and yes, sometimes from anger and frustration. 

Quick sidebar: That reminds me of the very first time I cried in front of DH. We were dating and I'd gotten in a tiff with one of my girlfriends. I actually told him "This is weird, cause I hardly ever cry." He's been teasing me ever since then. So, let me clarify ~  I. Am. A. Crier.

Well these two ladies are fabulous in every sense of the word! They are stylish, witty, creative, talented, fashionable and make me smile every time I open up their sites. 

Mrs. One Fabulous Mom lives in LA and in addition to recent celebrity sightings, divine dinners and parties has recently celebrated a milestone birthday. So if, err I mean when you go visit, please wish her a happy birthday!! And today's post is a hoot! Do you ever feel like like Captain Von Trapp? I know I do!

Her site is http://www.onefabulousmom.blogspot.com

Mrs. I Pick Pretty is a California transplant to my native Austin, Texas. Hey yall, give her a big wave and welcome!!! Her latest post about all the inappropriate and tacky things some people can't seem to help doing to pregnant woman almost made me tinkle I was laughing so hard. And I totally agree with the premise that while pregnant or toddling around with your little ones in tow, no mommy should be asked to add the liquor store to her list of to dos. It's just plain awkward for everyone! 

Her site is http://www.ipickpretty.com

Hope you enjoy these as much as I have ~ Happy Browsing!!

Cheers, 

Ouiser 

It's That Time of Year Again...

While some people have Valentines Day and President's Day on their February calendars, we have Feb. 17th marked on ours... What is the significance you might ask? That was the day that Cubs pitchers and catchers reported. Yep, Ouiser's clan is O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with Cubs baseball.

Author's Note: DH is actually at this very moment participating in one of four, maybe five fantasy baseball drafts. Sigh, and he makes fun of my fanfic reading. I mean really is one worse than the other? I don't think so.

Anywho, being the dedicated, loyal, loving and perfect wife that I am I try to make sure that I have at least a working knowledge of the Cubs. And until now, I'd either gotten my information from DH directly or from Baseball Tonight... again while DH is watching. Well, this year I'm taking the initiative to get all "in the weeds," roll around in the dirt and get the low down (are the kids still saying that? yes? Coolio.)

What was that? how am I planning to get said information? I'm so glad you asked... Apparently THE blog to visit for all the latest on the Cubs is ... www.wrigleyville23.com

Just took a quick peek and am now chalk full of fun little tid bits to toss out at DH to let him know how much I care...


1. Lou "no-last-name-needed" has a cold. Hey, Lou are you taking airborne? Cause that totally works. Also I use an aspirator and saline spray with my babies and they seem to love it. And by love it I mean absolutely HATE it but it works, so maybe you should try it?


2. Mets fans are super classy and are totally "into" Opera. That's awesome, cause I also want to be "into" Opera" In fact I regularly get "invitation only" letters from The Kennedy Center asking me to contribute to their foundation.  Obviously I'm someone special.

3. Former Cubs players (specifically Mr. Milton Bradley) are fluent in Latin. Which is totally awesome cause I had one year of Latin in 8th grade, so I'm also pretty much fluent.

4. Cubs Fans hate certain mean journalist. Oh. My. God. Meeeee tooooooo! As a political fundraiser in my pre-mommy days, those mean media types were always trying to make me look bad with salacious headlines like... "Nicole {lastname} arming Democrats with Guns". I kid you not folks, that was really a headline circa 2001.

So you see my point ... folks you really should be reading the Wrigleyville blog. It's witty and informative and it gives me just one more reason to remind DH how lucky he is that I said yes. And really isn't forced gratitude at the heart of any healthy marriage?

Cheers, 
Ouiser

PS Tony, hope you are okay with this... it's all in good fun! I did check out your blog tonight and really really like it. So much so I'm adding it to the blog roll! Cause you know I have TENs of readers every day.

Spring Has Sprung...

Considering the Ouiser brood have been trapped in doors for what feels like forever, the spring like temps and sunshine have sent us running with full force outside. We've spent all week either in the back yard or at the park. In fact as I type these very words I'm lounging out back as the precious one "tinkers" with his toy car and baby deux is snoozing in his baby seat. The only thing missing is Daddy and he's offered to fire up the BBQ this weekend. Sigh. Life is grand.

Okay... just a cute little something I noticed this morning for your Friday online shopping pleasure. Its from a post on Luxist.com. I also follow them on twitter, lots of fun posts! Check em out if you're online wandering today. Click here for the post and here for their site and here to follow them on twitter.

 I LOVE the one with three bands covered in feathers. I only wish I looked better in headbands. I think my face is too oval shaped to pull off headbands very successfully. Never the less I have several that make the occasional appearance when I tire of my hair clips.

Okay back to pushing the little one in his car, whilst listening to tunes and reading a little from my kindle. Jealous? *wink wink*

Cheers, 
(Contented) Ousier

System Wide Change

Hi Folks!


I am working on a recipe for today...promise... and will post later this evening once the darling ones are in bed, DH is fed and I have a glass of wine... or three.


Until then just some quick blog business. I've changed the web address for the blog. You can now find Le Coeur de la vie at....


http://ouiserb.blogspot.com


Hope I don't loose any one of my five (non-family) followers with this transition. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

A Few New ~ Old Things You're Going to Adore

You've heard me go on and on about "A Bloomsbury Life" Blog. Well today is yet again inspired by her blog.

I've always loved old things, of all kinds. I'm by no means a pack rat, in fact I really really detest clutter but there is something so inspiring about physically touching something that has seen another time. Not to get too deep on a Friday morning but it seems to connect me to the past. This is probably one of the many reasons I am enthralled by historical social behavior.

Anything or anyone can elicit this feeling ~ People, clothing, books and especially photographs. I can spend hours lost in old photos imagining what was happening just before or just after one was taken. What are people in the photos thinking about? What problems and joys did they face on that day? The questions are just endless.

okay, snapping out of it.... sorry... I could go for way too long about my weird fascination with times gone by. **le sigh**

Really, please do check out her post today. It is inspiring, enchanting and beautiful. Click here to see for yourself.

So.... if you're still with me. I found these two items on her blog and I absolutely LOVE them both. With all the rough and tumble my poor mac book takes I've been thinking it's about time I get a case for it. Well this one is PERFECT, I couldn't imagine anything better. I'm thinking the brown would be sublime.

And how quaint and a little quirky is this?! I'm old enough to remember using (okay more like playing with) a typewriter ~ it was my mother's and it was the 1980's so it was electric, all function no charm. Never the less I think this would be a charming addition to my laptop. It's backordered (clearly too many others agree with me) but you can sign up to be on the wait list.

Happy Reading, Browsing & (perhaps) Shopping!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

~ I love this Post ~

During my daily chat with Mamere yesterday she told me how much she was enjoying "A Bloomsbury Life"  blog that I'd recommended here and of course can be found directly to your left on the list of blogs I love.

Author Note:You'll recognize it because it's one of the few Non-Twilight blogs.

Anywhoo, I just read the utterly charming Ms. Lisa's post from Monday and I fell in love with her all over again. To say nothing about further fueling my already over the top obsession with all things British... sigh...

This post in particular is one of the reasons I love her blog so much. I just want to sashay my way into this picture and join in the fun discussions on literature and salacious gossip.... "Oh a cocktail for me? well yes please. thank you my dear."

I don't have much more to add other than to say please go take a peak at this blog! And of course feel free to curl up next to me on the sofa with your laptop and a cup of tea (or coffee in my case).

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Mea Culpa

Is that a chocolate bar I see? My computer must be depressed. 

Dear Sweet Blog,


I'm sorry.


I know I gave you fair warning I'd be ignoring you this week but that doesn't make it hurt any less does it? I promise I did often think about you.... All alone in my little laptop just hoping I'd open you up so we could play and laugh. It makes me sad.


So, the kids are napping and I'm sipping on my third cup of coffee, a perfect time for us to play! What do you say? ...

**Bing**

LeCoeur: Hello Ouiser.

Ouiser: Uhhhh, Hello? LeCoeur is that you? I was just writing you a note. **nervously looks around**

LeCoeur: Yes, I see that.

Ouiser: Sooo, whatcha been up to?

LeCoeur: Once I realized you weren't coming back I put on my big girl pants, poured a glass of wine and ventured off to meet some new friends. You know, I'm very likable! **glaring with both eyes**

Ouiser: Oh that's great LeCoeur, I'm so happy for you. Did you meet anyone famous? Any cute boys? Spill it!

LeCoeur: Don't patronize me.

***crickets***

Ouiser: I'm sorry?

LeCoeur: Okay, that's better. **sachets over to a pouffy chaise lounge and curls up** So I guess I'll forgive you but don't let it happen again. I mean you didn't even share a recipe this week and I KNOW you had two in mind.

Ouiser: **plants head on desk** I know I know. How about if I post two recipes next week? Now... can we get on to the good stuff. Who'd you meet?

LeCoeur: First, did you know that Watts is a judge on American Idol?

Ouiser: Makes sense given her talent on the drums but I think you mean Ellen DeGeneres.

LeCoeur: Are you sure?


Ouiser: I mean I don't watch the show, but I'm pretty sure.

LeCoeur: Interesting. Well then... *with an evil glint in her eye** Did you know that Rob and Kristen were spotted out this week? And I'm pretty sure there was some kissing going on.

Ouiser: *Sigh* Yes, I did. You know even though I fully admit to "noticing" his hawtness, I'm not jealous or even envious. I have DH after all and I wouldn't trade him for anyone!  Plus did I mention he's 10 years younger? kinda icky.

LeCoer: *Pouting* You're no fun you know that? No fun at all.

Ouiser: Thanks LeCoeur... So, **nervously shuffles and lowers eyes** ... so, are we okay?

LaCoeur: Yes, but just so you know I am fully aware that you've been online and just chose not to visit me ... does this look familiar?

Ugh, always comes back to Twitter doesn't it? 

Busted....


Thanks for sharing my warped world for a few moments.

Happy Friday!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

How Have We Not Talked about Amazon?

In the midst of being house bound over the extended weekend I did some browsing on other people's blogs and found this blog has a great category that I am unabashedly going to steal.... "How Have We Not Talked About This?" So great right? Especially because I'm pretty much always late to the party be it cultural references, tv shows, viral videos, and yes even blogs.

Blog Credit: Thanks for the tip G-man, wouldn't have found it with out you!

So with that in mind... How have we not talked about Amazon!?!?

For years I only used Amazon to buy the occasional book that I couldn't find at (or too lazy to check) my neighborhood book store. Apparently I didn't get the memo that you can in fact find anything and everything you need, don't need, think you might need one day and know you'll never need but better to buy it just in case... all conveniently located on your laptop. 

My DBIL (that's darling brother in law) mentioned one year that he signed up for free shipping on all of his Amazon orders for some ridiculously low annual fee. At the time I thought, well I'd never need that, I hardly ever order anything from Amazon. But now that I'm home with two munchkins still in car seats and only one that can walk, err toddle I'm all like WHERE IS THAT OPTION?

Does it work just to throw cash at my monitor??

So far this month we've ordered eight e-books for my kindle (more here), one "real" book, a sesame street toy remote for the precious one, some nursing-mom things (trust me, don't ask), DH's Valentines day present **giggle giggle** and a crib rail cover in the third round attempt to keep the precious one from eating his crib. Incidentally he's already gotten through the paint and into the wood. So if there are learning "problems" somewhere along the way I think we all know what (and not who) to blame. 

Wonder if my order is in there??

I mean other than my discovery of diapers.com which by the way is AMAZING! I think Amazon may be my most favorite store ever!

Best wishes that you find everything you never knew you needed and more! 

Cheers, 

Ousier

My (not so) Secret Love ~ Drug Store Shopping

Good Morning peeps...


I'm on a high this morning and not just because it's only 9am and I've already had three large cups of coffee. As I mentioned before DH is out of town on business (in Vegas no less!) so last night I was on my own with the two kiddies. I was nervous, like really nervous.


Baby Deux was a rockstar! He let me sleep from around midnight till almost 5am! Frankly this is a longer stretch than I get on a normal night. And not to be outdone, our older son slept through the night as well. Recently he's been waking up around 3am, nothing too serious, just needing some parental reassurance.


Obviously I'm mommy extrodinare! Of course you just know that tonight is going to be a total mess with tears, spit up and poo. 


Anyway, last night as I was trawling twitter while sipping on a great red wine and reading, reading, reading I stumbled upon this little post "10 (more) Best Drug Store Beauty Finds". After actually letting out a squeal I hurriedly clicked on the link. How did I miss the first 10? 


And then a warm feeling of realization washed over me... I'm not alone ... there are clearly others out there that LOVE to shop at the drugstore. 


Now don't get me wrong, you all know I love me some Neimans but I also adore wandering through the aisles of my local CVS browsing the makeup, nail care, hair care, lotions and especially the magazine sections. In fact I was just thinking the other day what a luxury it is when I can make a drugstore run with out the kids. Sadly when they are with me there is absolutely zero "browsing". It's more like a precise military mission... get in, get the absolute necessities and get out. A successful mission involves no blood loss, not having to pay for something "we've" broken and getting out with at least half of the items on my list. 


I'm already planning a Saturday morning at Sugar House, my neighborhood spa for some lady pampering once DH gets home. Did I mention I got an obscene amount of gift cards for Sugar House this Christmas. Is it that obvious?


So, I'm thinking I'll have to build in some time for a leisurely browse through my neighborhood CVS to check out all these suggested "Best Beauty Finds. You know for "research" purposes. ;) 


These lists were put together by the writers at The Frisky- Life. Love. Stars. Style. I thought it was a website but I think it's a blog. You can visit their site by clicking here and you can follow them on twitter (as I do) by clicking here. 

Okay enough with the credit.... Check out the first top ten list of beauty finds here and the second top ten list here. I can tell you that I've been using Rosebud Salve for more years than I can count. I think Mamere turned me on to it but I'm not totally sure.  Of course when in doubt its never a bad idea to credit ones mother for all the good things in your life!


Happy Browsing!


Cheers, 
Ousier

Blogs That Will Make You Cry ~ In a Good Way!

And welcome back to the real world...

I know it sucks a little bit doesn't it? My day is filled with laundry, groceries, cleaners and bills. ugh. Oh but I can tell you that my Comcast bill is already paid. Thanks to the fact that DH and I were denied the right to order 500 Days of Summer on Saturday night. After several failed attempts DH called Comcast only to be told that we were bad bad people who were too irresponsible to pay our bill on time and so we aren't allowed to order a movie. Gahh, what? All of a sudden I felt like my 22 year old self sweating bullets that my debit card would be declined at the corner market and I'd have to go home without dinner. Which at that time consisted of wine, cheese and crackers split amongst myself and my two roommates.

In a flash I closed out of the fanfiction I was reading (Emancipation Proclamation if you're curious) to pay our bill. Assuming that in today's high speed world it would update instantly. Sadly for us, no. "It will take 3-5 days for your payment to process." ho hum... maybe next weekend assuming I've paid the electricity bill.

Okay so that was totally not the point of today's post but since I spend the better part of my day talking to two boys under two years old I had to vent to someone!

Now that everyone's holiday break is wrapped up and we are all getting back into our daily routines I thought I'd share a few blogs that I've found (some new and some just new to me) that make me laugh so hard I want to pee... or cry... or pee and cry.

It's amazing how many really talented people are out there writing some hilarious stuff. It's even funnier when I realize that I've actually done some of the same crazy things. Take a break from the umpteen million emails you need to respond to and the two page to do list for a moment to visit some of these blogs. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Aiming Low is a blog that features a number of different authors. All are hilarious and remind me that I'm not alone in my crazy behavior.  Like when you want to kill your spouse for leaving the turn signal on while driving with no plan to actually turn for who knows how long. Or certain compulsions that you think only you suffer from. Fear not, someone else does as well. For example, do you prefer your toilet paper to unroll in a specific direction? I do, and so does at least one writer at Aiming Low. For the record the paper should unroll from the top down and yes before you ask I have actually changed rolls that were hung incorrectly when I am at a friends house. I don't bother in public restrooms mostly because I avoid  touching anything I don't absolutely have to. I mean come on that's not too crazy, right? right? anyone?

Barefoot Foodie is another blog I love. It's written by a mom with a wicked sense of humor and great writing style. There is always something going on in her life or the lives of her family that make me laugh until I'm in tears. And anyone that's seen me get to that point knows that it is quite a sight. And she even gives out killer recipes (note: this is not "foodie" website)... like this special little holiday kicker... Bourbon slushies... Umm, sign me up please!

Stuff White People Like. Wow, okay so apparently this one isn't new at all. In fact when I sent a link to DH thinking I'd found something he'd really like and would be totally impressed with me I was denied. I believe his response was "yeah, I remember that site from a few years ago. Its funny." Gee thanks honey. Anyway the site is a riot, that is if you don't already have it book marked "from a few years ago" argh! It's actually exactly what it sounds like... The author talks about all this stuff that white people are crazy to like. His writing style is absolutely hilarious and I'm not kidding I can relate to every entry I've read. I especially like the one about white people all going through a "bob marley" stage at some point in their lives between jr. high and college. For me it was 8th grade. I'm thinking tied-dye and some rediculous poetry cause I was like really deep back then. (insert belly laugh at the sarcasm)

Okay so there you have it, three blogs that will keep you laughing for the next few hours before you can leave work. You can thank me later!

Cheers, 
Ousier

1980's Flashback

Happy Friday... If you can get through the randomness of my post there's a delicious little video surprise at the end.

As I sit here watching my son press his nose to the television while watching his favorite show (Super Why in case you're curious) I can't help but wonder where this obsession with the television came from... (rhetorical question, it's ME of course)

I have after all made some pretty serious life altering decisions based on a current movie obsession.

Example #1 Dead's Poets Society. Afterwhich I became obsessed with the idea of leaving home (Austin, Texas) to attend boarding school on the east coast. About 6 months later, several long conversations with my mother and one trip to visit my options I was off to a very small town in the middle of Connecticut. God, you should have seen what I wore the first day, I was a preppy nightmare in jeans, brown suede loafers (no socks, natch), a purple & white polo with a matching purple blazer. And as luck would have it I curiously picked the only school in the tri-state area where preppy was decidedly uncool. I stuck out like a sore thumb that whole year. Thankfully I was returned to my rightful place in public school by my junior year with only a little bit of flannel and alternative angst to show for it.

Example #2 St. Elmo's Fire. Yep, Judd Nelson literally drove me to Washington DC. No it wasn't Rob Lowe... I always tended to prefer the unfavorable characters, think James Spader not Andrew McCarthy. Anyway, yes the degree in Poli Sci helped but it was Judd Nelson that I was in search of. As some sort of self-loathing Democrat I was in search of the adorably arrogant Republican (minus the whole cheating thing of course). And you might say that I found him in DH. (by the way I totally meant arrogant in a good way sweet heart!)

And then of course there have been a number of movies that have made me seriously WANT to do something... thankfully DH has been able to shake some sense into me on a number of occasions. Like when I decided I'd be the best NFL head coach after watching Any Given Sunday. Speaking of which why aren't their any female head coaches? I think that'd WAY more fun than being the President... but that's just me.

And then there was The Thomas Crown Affair (the remake). THUD... there went my heart. That is one HOT movie by the way. Anyway, where was I? Yes, Rene Russo....I thought for sure if I studied antique art appraisal I could become her character... basically an international bounty hunter with a designer wardrobe. I even went as far as to apply (and be accepted) into the Art Appraisal School here in DC.

I know this is long and rambling but if you've read any of my posts you've come to expect it... so here's my point, It's late on a Friday and I wanted to share the link to some fabulous clips of iconic movie songs and film clips from the 1980's. Think Karate Kid, The Goonies, Gostbusters and The Breakfast Club.

I can't take credit for putting the list together but I have no problem passing it along. This is from a tweet I received earlier today from the hilarious "our kitchen sink". You can follow them on twitter here if you aren't you should be! And if you are so inclined you can follow me on twitter here.

Here's a one video teaser... I'm going to sit back with my large glass of wine and enjoy. Wasn't Val Kilmer a hottie in 1986? With a jaw line like this one could even say he was the RPatzz of the '80's. Oh and have you seen the Saint? Umm, yeah not only did Val Kilmer make me drool, it also made me want to be an international spy.

If you like what you see you should totally check out the full post, 12 Songs That Define 80's Cinema from http://www.chicagonow.com/.







Cheers,
Ouiser

Amazing Beauty Deals ~ Thanks Alpha Mom

You're Welcome! Yes, that's right I said it, you're welcome... for not posting any of the things I've written over the past 72 hours. Just re-reading some of my would be posts and they are god awful!

I know you don't care about the crazy number of dirty diapers I've changed on a daily basis. Who knew newborns went through so many? Clearly I had forgotten. Nor are you interested in how brilliant I think my newborn son is for being able to slightly hold his head up for a second or two. Amazing right?! I'm already convinced that our older son is going to be the next Mozart but that's another post you'll never have to read. Again, you're welcome!

So what is a blogger to do when all she does is change diapers, feed her children and clean & sterilize bottles all day (and ALL night)? Well thank the good Lord for other MUCH more talented bloggers whom I can poach err, promote!

I was browsing through my favorite blogs this morning...after watching KStew on Regis & Kelly of course. Cute sweater and she sounded so great when talking about the process of acting and digging into the character but the rest of the interview seemed a little awkward. Of course I'm sure she's already tired of answering the same questions over and over again. And she's only 19 after all. I'm sure at her age I wouldn't have been half as polished. I probably would have said "umm" and "like" about a million times in a 10 minute interview. And God only knows what I would have worn. At 19 I was pretty much wearing Harold's exclusively. For those that don't remember this semi-preppy and more than a bit matronly clothing chain they went out of business a few years ago. But I donned quite a few denim vests and paisley velvet pants with my jon hart purses over the years. Okay enough about me.

Where was I?

Oh yes, "sharing" the sage advice from one of my all time favorite bloggers, Amalah. In addition to her own blog, she also blogs on Alpha Mom and today's post is PERFECT for all you ladies who are looking for some fun new beauty finds. Or for those out there that are trying to think of great gifts to give your girlfriends, nieces, mothers, sisters...or even your metrosexual male friend who cares as much about keeping his skin fresh and well moisturized as you do!

For my money, I plan to try out the Tarte Treasure Chest as well as the World of Kiehl's Holiday Gift Set. And I can think of at least three ladies on my Christmas list that I can take care of from this post. I don't want to name names or products though since there is a very good chance they are reading this!

Take a peek and discover some great new beauty products. Oh, and I can attest I LOVE the Laura Mercier line-- Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF) is awesome as is their loose powder and I'm totally hooked on their line of lip gloss. And if you've read some of my previous posts you know I'm a stickler when it comes to good lip gloss.

So enough of my ramblings, please check out Amalah's The Advice Smackdown Holiday Beauty Gift Guide post today on Alpha Mom!! And perhaps I'll have something worthwhile to share in the next day or two.

Cheers,
Ouiser

New Blog Find ~ Amalah.com

I stumbled upon this blog months and months ago after hearing something about it. I still don't remember who mentioned it but sadly like so many online sites I lost track of it and stopped checking it altogether. Thanks to a tip from DH yesterday I found my way back to Amalah.com and have been laughing so hard I've had tears ever since.

Are you a mom with an active little one (or two or three) running around the house climbing into the dishwasher, toilet, sink... really anything the little angel can get into? Have you been terrified by the lack of sufficient noise coming from the next room only to find your little one has climbed over the sofa and onto the end table to play with the remote control? Basically, do you have a good sense of humor and appreciate the foibles of other moms? If so, Amalah.com is the blog for you.

I was on the phone with Mamere yesterday when I pulled up the blog and we were both in tears as I read this particular post about her son's mischievous activities around the house. The fact that she actually has pictures of her son climbing into the dishwasher makes it even funnier, especially because I can completely relate to this and a number of other things her son gets into or onto.

Her most recent post details an attempt to make a microwave cheese and spinach souffle. Yes, you heard me correctly I said microwave souffle. As you might expect this is an utter failure but it is also absolutely hilarious. And best of all, she's not afraid to document her experiment with many many pictures. I don't even know this woman but I'm sure we'd be great friends. Is that weird to say? Yay, kinda I know.

If you are sitting at your desk avoiding the work piling up in your in box and bored with all the other websites you check out on a daily basis please give this one a try. You certainly don't have to be a parent to find her posts amusing but if you are her posts will either make you laugh till you cry because you've gone through the same thing or it will make you want to get down on your hands and knees and thank the good Lord that your child is so well behaved. My guess is, if your anything like me it will be somewhere in the middle. And yes if you're wondering I've caught our precious little angel sitting on our end table playing happily with the tv remote on more than one occasion.

Happy Surfing!

Cheers,
Ouiser

Fabulous New Blog ~ A Bloomsbury Life

Back from a morning at the National Gallery of Art Museum followed by lunch in their sculpture garden. Ahhhwww, Washington DC in the fall is really spectacular!! And before you start thinking my 16 month old son is some kind of savant I have to admit that he much preferred the noisy, smelly construction trucks and buses barrelling past us on Constitution Avenue than he did anything in the museum. I think he did enjoy the enormous fountain in the gardens as he seemed very content but then again it could have been the hot dog and chips I was plying him with.

Now that we're home and he is down for his nap (or at least I hope he eventually falls asleep, right now he is just playing in his crib) I'm back online checking out a couple of my favorite blogs. I literally, just discovered this fabulous gem of a blog. Despite my witty, playful, insightful and creative posts I'm really VERY new to the world of blogging. Honestly, last year when DH wanted to start one for our son so he could post videos to share with our family I was very uncomfortable with the idea and it took several months before I caved. Who knew that a matter of months later I'd be on twitter (you can follow me here) and have my own blog?! The power of the internet I guess.

Anyway, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti, Author of A Bloomsbury Life Blog is the guest blogger at W Magazine's blog, W Editor's Blog (also one of my "favorites" that you should regularly check out). Lisa has a fun and casual writing style that seems to invite you into her family's life. And of course her tips and finds on home and fashion are spectacular! In her own words, she describes her blog as "Sporadic posts about style, travel, food, literature, gardens, eccentrics and their foibles."

I can already tell that I'll be checking this site on a daily basis, and I'm willing to bet you will too! Check it out when you have a moment.

Cheers,

Ouiser