Confessions of a shopaholic…Boots

Ladies, Need I say more?

I think maybe I should change these segments to Obsessions of a shopaholic
I do become obsessed quite easily.
I find something that I adore.
And will stalk that particular item on the internet.
My mind will race thinking of which stores may carry this particular item.
Then I have to make sure that I'm making the right choice.
If I find an actual name of an item (for instance JLo’s wedge sandal-Janelle)
Then that item has no chance to escape my clenches.

I will search coupon engines for coupons to the websites with the best prices.

And just to ensure that I’m getting the best price,
I will then actually drive from store to store, to store, to store just in case there’s a sale that’s not posted online.

Too bad boots don't have a sweet little bunny to boil.
Unless they're boots with the fur! (as The Boy would sing)
Ahem, excuse me.

Fall is upon us.
Wind is kicking up.
And it’s getting ch ch chilllly!
Which means Mama needs some new boots!

Yes, I do NEED new boots.

I currently have 2 pairs of black boots, however since they are pointy, the points are rubbing off.

I think this is there 3rd fall season, so it’s time they retire.

They’re tired.
And Mama’s tired of wearing them.

I NEED new boots.

So in my quest, I will lay out the requirements.
1. MUST be within my price range. (Which I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but with 3 kids and a motorcycle accessory lovin’ husband, it’s not high.)

2. MUST be stylish. And by stylish I mean detail-stitching, quilting, buckles something.

3. Comfortable would be nice. I’ve learned that I do need to have a sole. Shoes without soles hurt.

4. Height. I like my boots high. The heel that is. I’m short, and I don’t want to look more round. So height is good. My current pairs are knee high boots, but I think I may do away with that this season.
The Dr. says the high heel screws up my sciatica, but hey, a girl’s gotta make sacraficies.

I first begin by window shopping.

Check out these beauties…

I know the peep toe bootie is in this year, but not sure if I really want my toes out all winter. I mean this is the time of year that I get to save on pedicures. But they are gorgeous!!

Velvet Angels Peepshow Peep Toe Bootie $215.04

I did have a pair of Nine West like these sassy things (without the buckles) They are so comfy.

They are have awesome soles. Ass kickin soles. Report Loring Bootie $239.90

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these cowboy boots. Jessica Simpson Abilene $197.95

I so want a black pair of cowboy boots, but I haven’t mastered the art of tucking my jeans into the boots, so the details I’m afraid would go to waste.

If you're experiencing sticker shock, remember I said, I BEGIN by window shopping.

These are all outta’ Mama’s price range.

I’m also contemplating a pair of rain boots. Being that we probably live in one of the driest parts of the US, it’s probably not a practical buy, but oh how I do desperately want a pair of these. Are these not the most fabulous rain boots you’ve ever seen?!!

O B S E S S E D

I’ve also found an amazing website http://www.shopstyle.com/
All you have to do is type in whatever your little heart desires,
let’s just say “Black patent boots” and viola, everything on all of the internet pops up.
It searches all the sites for you, so you don’t have to go from store to store like I do. (hmmm…then why do I do that, duh?!!)
You can even filter your search by your size, color, store, price range, etc.
It’s awesome.

I did find some great deals that I’m contemplating.

Well when I saw these I actually heard bells!

They're patent. They are perfect. Guess Kalani2 Ankle Boot $95.99

But then again I second guess every decision.

Because so are these. Spiegel Lace Back Tall Boot $59.00
Oh, and then there's that part where I feel like I want to throw up after I spend money
That makes me a little shy to hit the trigger.

Because I went back to shopstyle and found some other great finds within my ideal price range.

Off to run to the store
(just in case they’re having a better sale)

or to the toilet to puke.

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Hey good lookin, whatch’ya got cookin?

Well I don’t know who taught my kids to be such DIVAS.
As soon as Teen 2 turned 3 yrs old, I was no longer allowed to fix her hair or get her dressed.
She would do fancy up twist in her hair, spray hairspray, she knew how to put clips in better than I could.
She refused to wear anything but ankle socks.
A pure Diva.
But she’s a girl, so that’s understandable.

Somehow, my boy is a Diva too.
He refuses to wear anything but jeans outside of the house.
If you try to put sweatpants on him, he will ask a thousand times over if he’s going anywhere first.
He insist that he gels and combs his own hair and will choose either shark hair (Mohawk) or spikey.
He likes to floss his own teeth.
He knows his Vans, from Nikes, and Jordans.
Shall we call him a Divo?
I’m still allowed to pick his clothes for him though, I think this is because he’s too lazy to wake up in the morning. So as I’m getting him dressed this morning, he wakes in horror as he realizes that I’ve put skinny jeans on him.
I HATE SKINNY JEANS!!!! He demands.
(they were on clearance and all I could find at Christmas, his sisters love to put them on with a skater shirt and his Vans)
Uggghhhh, of course that was all that were washed.
I don’t have time to argue over clothes in the morning.
So he got to choose skinny jeans or shorts.
He tore off his skinny jeans with fury and happily put on his shorts.
Of course, it’s 20 degrees cooler today than it was yesterday,
he’ll be cold but he’ll be happy!

To make my morning even more fun,
I’m reminded that tonight is International Dinner Night at preschool.
Thank goodness Grandma is staying with us.
For the first time in a month, I’m asking her to cook.
She’s making adobo.
It’s a Filipino dish.
If you’ve had it, you know it is mmmm, mmmm, GOOD!!!
It’s very simple to make and feeds a lot of people.
Perfect for the upcoming cold weather.
Give it a try:

Ingredients
4-5 lbs. chicken thighs
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp. black peppercorns
3 bay leaves

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Cover and marinate chicken for 1-3 hours. Bring to boil, then lower heat. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer until sauce is reduced and thickened, and chicken is tender, about 20 more minutes. Serve with steamed rice.

Enjoy!!
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How this week FLU by...

Monday 1:30 pm – ring, ring…Hi this is Jane from XYZ Jr. High, your daughter is very sick, can you please pick her up.

Being that it’s 1:30 which means school lets out shortly after, plus the fact that she mentioned that she’s very sick, I figure it must be true and start freaking out on my way. What if I get there and she has a fever and sore throat?
How do I know if this is the H1N1 (yes, I can be a bit of a hypochondriac)
Sure enough when I get there, Preteen has exactly that!!!
Since I’m freaking out, hubby suggest taking both Preteen and The Boy to the dr. since he’s been coughing again for the past few weeks.

A short trip later, sitting in an office full of sick kids, and $20 paid in co-payments, Preteen just has a cold and The Boy’s nasal allergies are flaring up.

Tuesday 8pm- I get back from an evening of shopping for 3 different outfits for The Teenager’s choir performances this week and notice that the boy is feeling pretty warm.
I take his temperature and it’s normal.
By 9pm I have to pick up The Teenager from rehearsal and hubby text me that he does indeed have a fever.
By the time we go to bed he’s up to 101.

Wed- stay home from work day. I bleached the heck out of the house, lysoled all the door knobs, remote controls, computer keyboard & mouse, pillows, everything I could think of.
Friday was Preteen’s b-day party which officially made her Teen 2.

Thursday- all seems good in the heavily lysoled household.

Friday- I’ve been fooled by that horrid flu bug.
The Teenager calls at 8:50 and says she’s not feeling well.
Of course being the suspicious mother that I can be, I tell her she needs to stick it out one more period, if she comes home no computer or going out with friends.
By 10am, ring ring… Hi, this is Joan from XYZ High School, your teenager is in the office with a fever of 100.6 and needs to be picked up!!!
Another sick day.
More bleach, more Lysol, and now antibacterial pump by the front door.

Friday night we had a great scary 13th birthday party which officially makes me a mother of two teenage girls!!!
Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

Followed by dentist appts, show performances on Sat.

Sunday was day of relaxation…

Until Teen 1 came to me with the thermometer at 7pm reading 100.5

Where’s the fly swatter, I need to kill this bug dead??!!

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Who's Arguing?

It’s funny to watch the way 4 year old brains try to figure out what people are saying.
They translate bigger or unfamiliar words into words that are in the vocabulary.
If you know the The Boy, he questions E V E R Y T H I N G.
To make it even more fun, he’s stubborn so he always believes he’s right.

He would come home from school and tell me the kids at school had “Case of C” for lunch. I thought he was telling me the kids were having quesadillas. So for months, I would grill quesadillas for his lunch. He always seemed a bit confused when I’d wrap them up in foil and put them in his lunch. This week, I finally figured out what he meant.
Case of C = KFC

This kid loves to sing. He will listen to the radio and try to copy what they’re saying. He’ll ask me to sing the songs to him so he can understand and repeat the words.
He loves to teach you how to sing songs too. Whether it’s a song on the radio or one that he’s learned in chapel at pre-school, just ask him.
The Boy’s favorite song is the “I wear Captain Ears” song.
Another favorite is “Why you doing sesame?”
I wear Captain Ears = (Taylor Swift) She’s cheer captain, I’m on the bleachers. She wears high heels, I wear sneakers. Put it all together and “I wear Captain Ears”
Why you doing sesame = (Mariah, of course) Why you so obsessed with me.

In his true Benjamin Button fashion, he swears he’s lived in another house (we’ve lived in the same house since I was 5 months pregnant with him).
Lately he’s really been on this kick.
He tells people we’ve moved.
Or he walks around saying he doesn’t like this house, he liked our other house better.

We pass by office buildings and he always asks his Dad about working in that building.
He remembers going there.
Hubby is utterly confused and will tell him that he’s never worked there before.
He jokingly said, “That was your dad in your other life, not me.”
The Boy responds, “NO, it was you!” so matter of fact.

Right after that dispute, we’re on the freeway and The Boy asks his Dad “Who are those people on those signs. The ones that fix them”
Hubby still a bit confused, says “I don’t know Son. I’ve never done that. It wasn’t me.”
“No Daddy, those signs. Look right there.” As he points to the billboards along the freeway.
I could feel the frustration.
So I jumped in with the technical term “Those are billboard people, billboard hangers…” as my voice trails off cause I really have no idea what they’re actually called.
“Yeah Daddy, Mommy got it right”
Apparently we were in the middle of a game show.
I won.

Then he asks, “What’s that thing in the sky there Mom”
Now Hubby’s playing the sleeping game as I drive home.
“That’s a blimp Son.”
“A Limp? Do people ride in it?” he asks.
“Yes, they ride in the bottom part.”
“Is it soft?”
“No, I don’t think so”
“A Limp, a limp, a limp.” He keeps repeating.
“It’s a Bbbblimp”, “starts with a B, Blimp.” I reply, as I’m trying to emphasize the on the correct pronunciation.
To which he quickly corrects me “A Limp, that’s what I said. Why do you keep arguing with me?”

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Friday Night!!

Just got paid, Friday night
Errand hoppin', feelin alright
Booties shakin', pickin up the kids all around
Pump that jam, while I'm gettin' down

Check the mirror, lookin' fly
Drop off the posse, get out my ride.
It's Kid's Night Out.
Mama and Daddy are goin out!

Feelin so good, rockin to the beat

Movie hoppin, feelin right!

Grooving yeah, grooving....

(oh, i know you're singing along)

Happy Friday!!

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One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

So things have been pretty stressful these past weeks.
With working full time, trying to raise these 2 Teenage girls.
Attitudes, Incosiderate actions, want, want, want
The 4 year old who’s getting independent and testing his limits.
Telling me I wasn’t the goodest mommy cause I say mean things like “Go to sleep!”
Dr.s and Dentist appts. practically daily, for myself, the kids, Grandma.
Holding a screaming, squiriming boy down only to have him pull a filling out and have to do it over again.
Trying to be the helpful hand for someone then being criticized and fighting for it.
Sleepless nights over worry and wonder.

It’s hard to be the caretaker, the peacemaker, the reliable one.
Sometimes, a lot of times, I don’t want to be that one anymore.
But my heart won’t let me.

I don’t want to have any regrets when they’re gone.
I don’t want to wish I did more.
Had more conversations.
Helped when I could have.

I have inner struggles with myself daily, hourly.

In order to brush it all off and clear my mind,
I went on a drive yesterday.
Rolled down the windows,
opened the sunroof,
had my iced coffee in hand,
and Mariah’s “I don’t want to cry” blaring on the radio
Sun shining down on me, feeling and enjoying the heat of the day,
Singing at the top of my lungs
Then I realized, the kids were right!!

Damn it! I hear that your voice changes as you get older though, that must be the reason!

Happy Friday, Have a good weekend!

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A hard learned lesson in picture taking

Ok, so I get back from vacation in Paradise.
Just me and the hubs.
We had such a great time.
Can't wait to look at all the pictures and think back on all of the fun times...

Ummm...well that doesn't look so fun.

But that was after the hike, so I guess that's understandable

Maybe it was just a bad picture.

Maybe I didn't realize he was taking a picture.

Oh really?

Well how about this time.

When you're enjoying your fresh coconut milk? you ask

People you don't even understand my level of excitment over this stuff.

I've been waiting for this fresh coconut milk since I was in 4th grade!

I was litterly jumping up and down in excitement over the fresh coconut.

But this look, is just horrendous!

Oh, how fun, you went to a luau too?!

Yes, we did.

And we had free drink tickets!!

I'm enjoying this awesome Blue Hawaii

My level of enjoyment is written all over my face, wouldn't you say?!

Awww...Look at everyone, all dolled up for Mom's nuptials on the beach.

Apparently, all the other girls in my family know that you're supposed to put on the overly excited smile for pictures. Why didn't I get that memo?

Really?!
No wonder that girl in 8th grade wanted to kick my ass for giving her dirty looks!

I blame this one on the angle...

What a perfect way to start a Sunday morning.

Sailing the open ocean on a catamaran.

Breakfast and drinks included! whoohoo
Oh, maybe not?!
How about on a bus?

Nope, still haven't quite pefected it... If memory serves me correctly- I actually thought I was smiling in these pictures!!

Getting closer... There it is!

You big goof! (still working on the lesson with Hubby)

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Volcano Conquering

Stress + Anxiety + Frustration =

pimples

(volcano sized in case you were wondering)

(taken from seafood punch's photostreatm at flickr)

and sleepless nightsI should be all set for Halloween...no costume needed!

Ok, enough whining...

in usual Janelle fashion, I will dust myself off and laugh at life in the face

Bwaaahhhaaaahhaaaa!

or in honor of Halloween - put on my Dr.'s cap and prescribe positive outlooks for today:

"Even too much sunshine can be devasting, while only with rain can growth occur. Accept both as part of the growing process in the garden of life."Donald S. Neviaser, from The Inner View

"It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it."Hans Selye

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." Author Unkown

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." Benjamin Franklin

I will also share our real volcano adventure with you, maybe that's where these craters on my face came from, are these things contagious??!!

Our first adventure in Hawaii.

6am hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater

yep, 6AM

(But with the time change, it was like 9am our time, that's ok for a hike, right?!)

Hubby wanted to take a "before" picture.

Apparently, I looked over-joyed to hike a volcano at this god forsaken hour.

This is about the halfway point.

The point where we're thinking...Isn't it beautiful.

Oh Wifey, you're so great for thinking of such awesome things for us to do together!

(yes, i know that's what he was thinking)

The 1st set of stairs Huffing

Puffing

wheh....ok, we're almost there

That was kinda rough.

I read about this part though.

99 stairs to the top.

We're good.

What they actually meant -99 stairs to the tunnelWhich leads to another 99 stairs.

Then a set of metal windy stairs.

Then into an old army bunkerwhich has a couple more stairs. Oh and don't hit your head on your way out cause you only have about a 2 foot clearance

Am I the only one wondering why there's noone passed out on the side of this here crater?

Am I gonna be the first to pass out?

Will they have to airlift me out of here?

Why is hubby on his blackberry?

Whose idea was this again?

Oh that's right, my idea.

Look. at. these. views.

Spectacular.

It was well worth every huff, every puff, and each and every step taken.

(and the week of tremendous pain felt in my legs for the rest of our vacation!)

This is the "after". Not so chipper, huh?!

We came,

We climbed,

We conquered.

Oh wait, now we have to get down?!

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Random Ketchup…

Catch up…
Whatever, it’s random…

I’m back.
Vacation was spectacular. HOT and humid.
We did tons of stuff, I have tons of pictures.
So many damn pictures that I screwed up my iddy biddy laptop.

My computer genius husband keeps promising me he’s gonna get all the pictures on the big computer for me, so soon, I’ll be able to post some awesome pictures.

Back to reality
Cooked dinner EVERY SINGLE NIGHT since we’ve been home.
Did you get that?!! Every Single Night
Actually it feels good to eat home cooked meals after eating out every meal for a week.
Plus we’ve saved some money, I think?!

The pre-teen is gonna be 13 in 2 Friday’s so we’re throwing her a Friday the 13th party
I’m so clever, I know!
Funny thing is, she hates scary stuff.
She probably hates surprises too
So this should be fun for her! Hahaha
I hope she doesn’t read my blog
This was actually The Teenagers idea (the surprise party part)
She called me and asked if instead of doing a big 16th bday party for herself , we could throw her sister a surprise party.
Gosh, this girl makes my heart melt sometimes!
Yes, I know I’m a sucker.
But hey, when your kids are teenagers and they do something that’s randomly nice, it makes you feel good.

Speaking of b-days, The teenager and I have been talking about being born on the same day again since that’s coming up soon too. And we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a good thing she was born on my b-day instead of her due date (1 day before) because I only would’ve been 14 and that sounds a hundred times worse than 15. Even though in reality it was just 1 day.

Random I tell you…

Grandma’s still with us.
Hope the water settles soon in the P.I.
It's been a bit stressful, but I am glad that the kids are having this time with her.
Not many kids get to spend time with their great grandparents.
She's old and crazy, but that just means that she's still witty and fiery, and catches onto all the jokes.
Oh yeah, and repeats herself over and over and over and over and over...

My shoulder’s been feeling better, but I’ve been going to the chiropractor every 3 days or so.
He's actually been adjusting my ribs too.
Yes, I looked it up.
It’s legit.
(They even adjust TMJ, I read that too! crazy I know!)
Even though sometimes hubby thinks he’s just copping a free feel!
He uses this crazy looking adjusting tool.

My ribs have felt tight for at least 6 months,
and sometimes if I stretch they make a popping noise.

Apparently, that’s not good!



And since I used it, did you know that Whatever was voted the most annoying word?!

Happy Monday!

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