Dressing the Part

I really want to become a great cook. And I am trying, I swear! And while I'm learning, is there anything wrong with me wanting to buy this darling apron from here and wear it around the house and play the part of a confident, brilliant chef?

How cute is the fact that the apron just happens to be named "Ava Fall Roses"? For that reason alone, I must have this apron.

Ian, if you're reading this...you now know what I want my birthday!

I Almost Forgot to Mention...

It's Nee-Nee's 5th Birthday Today! We love you Nee-Nee Roo!

Self Portrait

I made the mistake of thinking I should put highlights in my hair to cover up the many gray hairs popping up along my hairline. As soon as I had it done, I decided I didn't like it. Why? Because it looks fake...anyone looking at me knows I didn't grow honey blond streaks in my hair naturally. I have dark eyebrows, dark eyes and olive skin. And the dark roots of my natural brown hair grew in much faster than I could ever keep up with. Highlights are high maintenance! So yesterday I decided I had enough of my fake hair, and made an emergency appointment at my hair salon. By 4:30 pm, I was back to feeling like my old self again.

It's Halloween and still 92 Degrees Outside!

...Which of course will be great for all the silly (desperate) women going out in Scottsdale tonight dressing up in their sexy (slutty) costumes. Why is it that females only have a few choices in Halloween costumes anyway? We have the slutty black cat, the slutty devil, the cheap nurse, the cheesy police-woman, etc.

That's why I'm happy Ava is only 3 years old, and is still interested in dressing up like a classy Disney Princess.

Later this afternoon, Ava's Preschool is hosting a Fall Festival, which I guess means free food and games? Ava has gymnastics class on Friday mornings, and so I take her to school dressed in her leotard with a change of clothes for after class. Ava was fine with this until...we showed up to her class and she saw that everyone else was dressed in their Halloween costumes. Oh, the drama! Her lip started to quiver, a tear rolled down her cheek, and she looked to the ground. Before I could speak, I had to pick my heart up off the floor! Are you kidding me?

I said "Ava, Mommy will bring your costume for you to change into after gymnastics, okay? I promise you'll get to dress up today just like your friends." After a few more words to assure her that I would return at 11 am, we hugged.

Being the (desperate to please) mom that I am, I promptly returned to her class at 11 am and brought with me THREE costume options for Ava to choose from. Did she want to be Bell, Cinderella, or Minnie Mouse?

She chose Cinderella. So we quickly changed her in the bathroom and did her hair, and presented her to her classmates. The girls immediately surrounded her, touched her dress with ooohs and ahhhs and Ava just smiled.

All better.

My question--how on earth is Ava going to manage to take a nap in that dress with the crown?

Are we ever SATISFIED?

Buddhists believe in Four Noble Truths:

1. Suffering exists

2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires

3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases

4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path (if you want to know what these are go here: http://www.buddhaweb.org/)

I agree with their beliefs because we can never be truly happy where we're at, if we're always looking for something else. But how can we stop ourselves from desiring more? Buddhists will answer that question by telling you that must follow the Eightfold Path...but what if that's too difficult for people like me?

I want a simple life...but a beautiful one. I want Ava to grow up in a beautiful home like I see in these pictures, in a neighborhood with lots of other children, near a school that is known for excellence... Is that so wrong?

Perhaps I should focus less on what I don't have, and more on what I do have, because let's face it, I have a lot more than a lot of other people these days. I try to remind myself often of my good fortune and blessings, and deep down I am sincerely GRATEFUL. However, when will I feel satisfied and stop searching? What should be our priorities? These are the questions I ask myself each night when I close my eyes. If only I had a crystal ball.

My Motto

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few,

and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
-George Washington

Ava At The Fair

Ian decided that we needed to take Ava to the Arizona State Fair today. I hate Fairs. In fact, I hate Carnivals, Amusement Parks (except Disneyland), and most places that attract large amounts of gross people. However, I agreed to go to the Fair in spite of my feelings, because I guess when I had Ava, I realized that it's no longer about what I like or don't like...it's about making her happy. And she likes riding rides and eating gross food, and looking at the weird people all around her.

And we got to see dogs race around with monkeys on their backs! You don't see that everyday!

Look! I'm even managing to smile after having been at the Fair for close to 3 hours!

Ava was tired on the shuttle bus ride back to our car. And fell asleep as soon as her head hit the car seat.

Ahhh...a successful day at the Fair! And I don't have to go again for another year! Yeah!

Seasonal Changes at the Flynn Home

I'm really trying to force "Autumn" into my life--by decorating with colorful leaves, scented candles and pumpkins!

I even managed to put a wreath on our front door.

And best of all--I began my home makeover by cleaning out the laundry room and kitchen pantry! Look how organized we are! I actually know where things are now and won't have to listen to Ian complain that he can never find anything. And that alone is worth all the time I spent on these projects!

I didn't even bother taking "before" pictures, because it would have been too embarrassing.

I found the canvas bins at Target and they come in a few different sizes and colors.

When Ava returned home from Preschool this afternoon and looked in the pantry, she says: "Thank-you for cleaning up the food for me. It looks so pretty, mommy."

Well, I'm officially exhausted. Two projects down, at least 10 more to go!

"Say it isn't so, Joe."

I'm so proud of Sarah Palin! She redeemed herself tonight and held her own with Biden. In fact, I think she charmed him. Biden did pretty well tonight as well. It was an entertaining debate to watch and I'm glad they were both respectful. At the end of the day, we all want the same basic things in life--we just have different ideas on how best to achieve it all. We shouldn't let politics divide us so much--or make such personal attacks. Biden summed it up pretty well when he stated: "I don't question people's motives... I've questioned their judgement." We all have different life experiences that drive us as individuals and that shape our thoughts and judgements. Why despise someone based on the fact that they're a Republican or a Democrat. Those titles should only mean something on election day.

A Few of My Favorite Things

If Oprah has her "O" List, then I guess I'll have my "J" list. I love knowing what other people use every day to make themselves beautiful. I'm one of those "sick" people who reads InStyle Magazine and takes notes on different products. So, in case you're interested, here are a few of my favorite products (tried, tested and used over and over again).

Pureology Hair Products- Sold at select salons.
Best stuff ever--especially if you color your hair often or have damaged hair.

Cleansing/Make-up Remover Wipes. Sold at Target, Walgreens or Walmart.

I have crazy eyebrows! They grow wild and fast, (and these little hairs are now coming in white), so a good tweezer is important to me. I know $28 is a lot of money to spend on this little tool, but honestly--it's been worth every penny.

Patricia Wexler M.D.- sold at Bath&Body Works- $19.50. As I've gotten older, I need a lot more help to cover up the fine lines on my face, and dark circles under my eyes. And sometimes I need to cover up a huge zit on my face. This stuff works wonders!

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation. Sold at Nordstrom. It's good stuff. Try it, and you'll understand why. I love all make-up by Laura Mercier. Beautiful, soft colors and simple packaging.

SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 Plus. This is my favorite because it's not greasy and doesn't "white out" my face. After spending all of my life living in AZ and being exposed to the sun, I'm now seeing the impact of the sun's damage. Who knew age spots would show up at the young age of 33! And do you know how difficult it is getting rid of these dark patches on your skin? I know now. So, I'm big on wearing this sunscreen and wearing hats. No more laying out by the pool for hours on end, trying to get dark. Dark, tanned skin is out...pale, healthy skin is in!

I've been using Lubriderm lotion since I was a little girl. Ian will tell you that I practically bathe in this lotion everyday. He's probably right. But I'm convinced that slathering this lotion all over my belly while I was pregnant with Ava, is the reason I didn't get any stretchmarks.

And finally, does your child suffer from eczema? Ava did for a while, and I tried everything. The only product that finally got rid of her dry, red skin was this product:


So, tell me, what are your favorite products?