Dancing with the Stars: Gangnam Style.

Do you watch Dancing With The Stars?  More importantly, did you see Team Gangnam Style's dance from last night? It is awesome.

They are all (excluding Maks and Kirstie) great dancers. But WOW, Gilles and Peta are A-Mazing. And HOT. WOWZA.

Peta and Gilles

The dance was so much fun to watch.  And watch again.  Take a look.



I also loved Team Call Me Maybe's dance. It was adorable and fun. That's the "young" team I think. Apollo, Shawn, Sabrina and Melissa (though Melissa probably borders).

The other gang, Kirstie, Kelly, Gilles and Emmitt, 40+.  Interesting how the teams turned out that way.  Anyways, just a random thought I had when watching.

Back to the show.  Love Gilles & Peta. And Apollo & Karina. And Emmit & Cheryl and Shawn & Derek. And Kelly & Val are great too.  Hmm -this is getting hard.  Next to go, I'm thinking it has to be Kirstie & Maks.  And Melissa & Tony and Sabrina & Louie, both good, but not favorites of mine.

Thoughts?

Loving my new iPad.

I just got an iPad! I'm really psyched.  I originally didn't think I needed one, with my Mac and my iPhone.  I mean, when would I use it?

I was wrong.

I just got it yesterday, and already found a very good use for it ... I spent my (brief) lunch break watching last night's Gossip Girl on the iPad.  That definitely added some fun to my work day.

I think maybe this will become a regular plan of mine. Grab lunch, find a spot with free wi-fi and watch me an episode of a good soapy show.  Now sadly, there are only eight more eps of GG. OMF.GG.

I do need to find some new shows.  But that's for another post.  In the meantime, if you have an iPad, please share some of the ways you use yours! Apps? Shows? Games? Do tell.

Les Miserables: The Movie. Coming this Christmas!

I cannot wait. Les Miserables is being made into a movie. Again.  But this time, it looks incredible.

Take a look at the trailer:

It's breathtaking. If you've seen this show live, you know how powerful and emotional of a show it is. This film looks like it has the potential to do almost the same.

It's hard to imagine that a film could be as strong as a live production, but the director used a different method than used with most musical films. The cast recorded their vocals live on set while filming, instead of pre-recording their vocals in a studio months in advance and then dubbing it in.

By allowing them to sing while filming, the actors are singing IN character, IN the scene and WITH the other cast members, which makes it feel so much more realistic. In essence, it is how they do it in a stage production.

Take a look at the Extended First Look below, which explains this method and includes both film footage and interviews with the cast members.  It is a fantastic four minutes and thirty-three seconds.



How amazing does this look? And Anne Hathaway is incredible. I had no idea. I heard her sing at the Oscars once and I know she's a good actress, but WOW is all I can say.  That shot of her shaking and crying as she sings is so powerful.

I've never heard Russell Crowe sing - wonder how he'll be? Notice, he seems to be the only one not seen singing in the trailer! Someone that I know has a friend who was his vocal coach for this! That's less than six degrees of separation for him, right?

So, what do you think of the cast?

Cupcakes: Crumbs vs. Sprinkles.

Ok, time to talk cupcakes. I love them. All kinds.  And there are so many cupcake shops, but let's go straight to the big three: Crumbs, Magnolia and Sprinkles.

Which is the best?

I unequivocally vote for Crumbs.  If you've been here before, you'll know that I have raved about the Ba Ba Booey Crumbs Cupcake. It is divine. DIVINE.

Others prefer Magnolia, which I am not a fan of - at all. And many people love Sprinkles, so the other night, I was nearby, and decided to give Sprinkles a whirl.  I knew that I've had Sprinkles in the past, but I honestly couldn't remember.

Not a great sign for a cupcake.

I ordered the Carrot Cupcake and it was good, no doubt about it.  But it's no Crumbs.

So, since it was so long ago that I had Magnolia, I'd like to knock them out of this conversation and talk a little more about Crumbs vs. Sprinkles and the reasons why Crumbs wins my cupcake war.

What is appropriate to spend on a birthday gift?

We have a number of upcoming birthday parties and - this being my first foray into the children's birthday party world - I have some questions on birthday gift related etiquette.

I have some initial thoughts, but I have no ideas if I'm on target or way off! Take a look at the questions below and please let your thoughts!

Question 1: What is an appropriate amount to spend on a child's birthday gift?

I would think between $20 - $25 for someone who isn't a relative or close close friend is a good amount, but I have no clue! Is this nice? cheap?  Do tell me please! 

Question 2:  Do you try to be an equal spender or do you stick with what you believe is appropriate, regardless of what someone spent on your child?

Hypothetical #1: Someone spends $15 on your child. You are invited to their child's birthday party soon after. Do you:
a) Spend $15 and call it a day
b) Spend $25 because you feel that's a good amount to spend
c) Split the difference and make it $20

Question 3: If you cannot attend a birthday party, do you get a gift? If so, how much do you spend? 

a) The same amount you would if you had gone to the party
b) Less, since you weren't there
c) No need to get a gift at all
d) More because you feel bad you weren't at the party

Would love love to get some input! We have a birthday tomorrow and a birthday next weekend and these answers would be super helpful!!!!

Five ways to not say "no" to your kids.

Just read a good article today on "ways to avoid saying no" to your toddler. Ah, much needed advice. I often stop and think about the fact that I find myself saying "no" more than I'd like. I don't want to be a naysayer to my little guy, I just want him to be safe and sound.

But with a toddler who loves to explore and touch and feel and try everything, I'm finding myself saying no, no and no more than I care to do.

So this is a great read, and I actually found that I follow some of these tips already, mainly, #2 and #4.

I've listed the five tips and some examples below. And here is the link to the full article.

1. Steering Clear of a Difficult Situation
Anticipate; bring along stickers, crayons, etc. when going to a restaurant and move the knife away!

2. Distraction
Hey, let's line up the Sesame Street characters (instead of trying to climb atop the table).

3. Teach Them What They Can Do
If you want to hold the fork, we'll have to point it downwards and not near your eyes. 

4. Give Choices
You can hold my hand across the street or I can carry you --- let me know which you want. 

5. Use Danger Words
Stop! Too hot! Don't touch!

And, two personal add-ons;

1. Finger Wag
Sometimes, when I'm trying to teach the little guy something not to do and it's something that will come up on a regular basis, shaking my finger and showing him that it's a "no, no, no" often does help - said in a nice, sincere, calm tone.

He actually then repeats it -- just this morning, I let him walk next to me on the sidewalk, but when he wanted to get close to the curb, I did a finger wag, shaking my finger, "no, no, no, we can't go close to the cars, it's dangerous".  And then he repeated, shaking his little finger, no, no, no.

2. Stop & Ask Yourself
If you find yourself about to say "no", stop and think; "is it really a big deal?"  Sometimes, you may just realize that it's not a big deal if your kiddo is doing something or exploring.  It really just might be better to overlook and let them be!

Essie Bikini So Teeny.

Addendum to my "pedicure fun" post.

The official color of polish on my toes is Essie's Bikini So Teeny.

I'm liking it more and more - it is a lot of fun to look down and see those toes!

Essie Bikini So Teeny

Pedicure fun.

Blue toes! I treated myself to a pedicure the other day and after selecting six shades of pink as my options, I decided to be a little daring* and ended up choosing light blue! Since I do not know what the name of this color is, I have nicknamed it "Thomas Blue" because it is the color of "Thomas the Train", which the little guy is loving these days.

*I typically don't get pedicures, and when I do, it always ends up being in the light pink family.

Do I like it? 

Why yes, I think I do. It's fun to look down and see happy blue toes.  But every so often, I look and think I look like I'm twelve years old. (But actually, what's wrong with that?) 

I'm already eyeing my next  color - orange!! Essie's Fear or Desire.

Essie Fear or Desire

Do you like the current array of rainbow colors that are so popular this summer?

Just in time for Mother's Day: cute and free online cards.

If there are other procrastinators out there or people who just like to send online cards (a fun way to brighten someone's day) - I found a great online e-card site, punchbowl.com.

I still think an actual hard copy of a card is best, but if, like me, you sometimes get around to it a little bit late (meaning: tomorrow is mother's day and I still haven't sent out cards), this is a very cute, classy way to send an e-card.

Punchbowl has lots of free choices, tons of different categories and customization options (you can change fonts, wording, colors, etc.)

And it's sent almost like it's an actual card - there's an envelope with stamp and label, you click to take the card out of the envelope and click again to open the card . There is even customizable envelope liner!

Take a look at the two cards I just created for my sisters-in-law.

cute right? I especially like the choice of fun fonts. Makes it more my style. Hope they like them too! And if either of them are reading this, I'm sorry I didn't send you physical cards in time! 

Happy Early Mother's Day to all the moms!!

Summer Reading Challenge.

I like this. It's a reading challenge from a blog I just found, A Cupcake Love Affair. The challenge was created and is hosted by Megan at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life.

This sounds fun. But, I haven't exactly been reading a lot lately.  Don't get me wrong, I love reading. I can put away a 300 page book in one night if I get really into it, but I just haven't a) found the time or b) felt a strong pull towards that many books lately.

The Happiness Project

There have been a few - five to be exact - that I have read this past year and have really enjoyed and recommend:

-Happy Chaos (Soleil Moon Frye)
-Bossypants (Tina Fey)
-MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend (Rachel Bertsche)
-The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin)
-Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay (Stephanie Wilder Taylor)

cute covers!

And my choices have definitely changed; I used to be VERY into chick-lit. Especially with really cute covers, ie, all of the Shopaholic books, Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green books....

Now I'm choosing books that are either autobiographical/memoir-esque, but they still have that light-hearted vibe (and they also happen to have cute covers!)

Ok, back to the challenge. Here is the list of types of books you have to read:

•  One chosen for the U.S. 2012 World Book Night
•  One you were supposed to read in school, but either bailed on or Cliff-Noted
•  Memoir or narrative nonfiction book
• Examples: Friday Night Lights, When the Game Stands Tall, The Devil in the White City
• One in one calendar day (at least 150 pages)
• One you've always wanted to read but haven't gotten around to yet
• A pair of books that have antonyms in the titles
•  For example: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Boy in the Suitcase, or The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Heart of Darkness
• One set in a place you've never been but want to visit
• One written the year you were born and later made into a movie. 
• Read and then watch the movie; compare. Or find a movie released the year you were born that was based on a book and do the same
• Go to a bookstore or library and pick any bookshelf. Read the third book from the left on the fourth shelf from the top. (If it's not at least 200 pages, pick the next book to the right)
• One about which you’ve heard bad things
• A trilogy (or any three consecutive books in a series)

For full rules and information, visit here.

Sounds fun! I think I shall give it a try. Truth be told, I really don't need to be on the computer THIS much, right?

oh, and ps - I LOVE Danielle Steel. Always have, always will.  Can't beat a good Danielle Steel book!  What's your favorite?

Happy 20 month birthday buddy.

I can't believe that my little boy is 20 months old today. It is amazing how fast it goes. And in the past two months he has been doing so so many new things.  He is talking in multi-word sentences, repeating everything, loving sports, spending hours throwing balls around the house, dancing, asking for what he wants more and more and really having great association with things. He also loves trying to take pictures with my camera - seriously.

I'm trying to find a new class to take with him on the days I don't work.  We have recently tried Li'l Kickers soccer class and today, Little Gym gymnastics class. Both seem slightly advanced -- he isn't really yet following directions from teachers in a class (ie, kick the ball, jump up and down), but he is able to understand and follow directions one on one (ie, from me).

Some of his new words - hockey, basketball, football (or as he says it - oh-toe-ball), soccer, baseball, southpaw, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Go Sox, big sun, draw big sun, draw purple sun (he's very into the sun), outside, mama outside, dada outside (also into being outside) bicycle, motorcycle, park, swings, shadows, cowboy....

He is saying more and more people's names - and remembering their names later or in pictures.

And his little personality comes out more and more. He is really a sweet, funny, loving, happy little boy.

So happy 20 months to my little bestie. Much love.

Top ten in google search results.

Another milestone for the site.  I'm appearing on the FIRST page of a google search!  Organically! In the top ten results!

And the search was NOT me typing in "searching for sesame street".  Nor was it me trying out different words and phrases, hoping to show up.  It was a wonderful random person looking for new shopping websites.   Below, a re-creation.

Slowly but surely, traffic continues, comments increase and now - appearing in google search results NOT only when (I'm) typing 'searching for sesame street blog'. Yea! Thank you for stopping by - keep on visiting please!

1,000 page views.

Yea! Celebrate.  My blog has had 1,000 page views according to my blogger stats.

Now the number is quite different when I go to my google stats, but that's analytics for ya.

Thanks to everyone who's been reading my blog so far. I hope you enjoy your visit. I truly enjoy all of your comments and I welcome any feedback, suggestions, tips, etc.

So go forth, read, enjoy, comment and read some more. then come back again. and again.

Thank you!

Julie (the big reveal at 1,000 page views - my name!)

Simple pleasure: Ben & Jerry's 'What a Cluster'.

Trust me when I tell you this flavor is A-mazing.  It's A-mazing.  Ben & Jerry's 'What a Cluster' is anything but.

What it is -- pure bliss.  It was previously known as Clusterfluff, is basically impossible to stop eating and is just as tasty as it comes.

Here's the scoop :) on what makes up "What a Cluster":

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Caramel Cluster Pieces

Marshmallow Swirls

Peanut Buttery Swirls

Try it. You will like.

A good time to try it is on Tuesday, April 3rd -- because it's Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's! If you live near a Ben & Jerry's, that's free ice cream for you!! Enjoy.

Oh what a beautiful day.

Got to play and hang with buddy this morning...since he woke up at 6.30.
(too early for momma to get up)



55 degree weather, sun shining bright!
(oh how that makes me smile)

Able to leave the building for lunch.
(rarity)

Had lunch with my hubs.
(first time we're working in the same area in five years)

Had a cupake from the delicious Crumbs Bakery.
(the Ba-Ba-Booey, which I talked about in my post the other day)

Bought one bottle of water in the vending machine and two bottles came out!            
(yea for free water)

Viewership for this blog is up! Yea!
(thank you for reading)

Planning to walk home from work.
(brought my Toms to change into)

Spent the evening at home with buddy and hubby.
(my besties)

Yea for today.
(hip hip hooray)

I never finish anythi...

I came across a new blog today - "Becoming a Finisher." I just love the name of the blog, the term and the goal!

I myself would like to become a "finisher", having suffered from "Lack of Finishing" syndrome from time to time. Let's see, I've started (key word being started):

• scrapbook while pregnant - stopped after five months
• keeping a baby book - stopped keeping that after a few months
• an ongoing "baby memory" file system - kept it diligently for three months
• photo books for family members - a few pages designed

I've come across this pin on pinterest at least ten different times, but i have never pinned it, even though I think it's kinda funny. 

Pinning it feels like I am saying that this is me, identifying myself
as a non-finisher.  And I don't want to be labeled as such.

I want to be a finisher!

Source: s3.amazonaws.com via Angela on Pinterest

In fact, two of my goals this year are in line with this 'finisher' business:


1. To keep this blog
(shhhh - I must admit I have attempted other blogs in the past)

2. To participate in the entire p.52 photo challenge
(shhh - struggling to find a photo for last week's subject)

Now - let me go and finish up some work! :)

Cupcake ATM?

A-mah-zing. Sprinkles cupcakes is going to be launching a cupcake ATM machine in LA!

the cupcake atm

atm screen

24 hour cupcakes.  Please come to my town.  Pretty please - with sprinkles on top!

Hey Crumbs, you oughta consider this too.  How i would love a ba-ba booey cupcake at 4am! 

Take a look at the makeup of this decadent delicious delight:

ba-ba booey cupcake

Actually, I could kinda go for one right about now, looking at this photo! 

random oscar thoughts....

billy crystal
i like him. he's funny. clean cut humor, but with a slight 'ribbing' here and there. liked when he 'knew what people were thinking'. 

the show
always like the opening scene when they drop the host into the best picture nominees.  like the random funny peeps they brought in. chris rock. will ferrell and zach galifianakis. how funny was his own mispronunciation of his name. he is so funny. see his opening act when he first hosted SNL.   liked the 'wizard of oz' focus group. 

christopher plummer
love that he won.  yea!! such a classy guy. ever since he was captain von trapp, i've been a fan. 

swooning for captain von trapp

angelina
holy high slit in the dress. i can't help, but i just am not a fan of hers. she just doesn't seem that nice to me. but i do like her humanitarian and charitable efforts.

own wilson
that deadpan voice of his makes me laugh every time i hear it. can't help but think of him in, oh, every role he's ever done. especially in meet the parents.

natalie portman
does she know each of the best actors personally? i found it funny how she 'spoke' to them each....the tone as she said,  'gary'.  'brad'. 

when colin firth presented, he didn't use quite her tone and speak to them as though he knew them all. i think meryl was the only one he knew.

thoughts so far. i'm an hour behind. still got a ways to go.

Hello Precious.

I love pinterest. who doesn't these days? Anyways, one of my boards is "ha ha. smile. laugh. funny." Pretty self explanatory, right?

Just have to share one of my favorites. I laugh EVERY time i think of it. And every time I see this pin. And my husband laughs too, which makes me laugh even more.

It's awesome. Enjoy.

Hello Precious.

And if you want to see some of the other pins on my ha ha. smile. laugh. funny. board - take a look.  To me, none as funny as Hello Precious, but a few strong runner ups....

And please share yours if you have any funny pics or sayings. I love them!

25 words every toddler needs to know.

Came across this article this morning - 25 Words Every Toddler Should Be Using By Age Two.  I am happy to say that little buddy has 20 of them down already at 18 months (granted, milk is articulated as "mi" and more is "ma").

But as with all "milestones" - every child is different. some say more, some say less, but most of them are talking just fine when they hit high school. same with walking, eating, etc. For the most part, we're just on our own track.

Anyways, Here's the list of words (checked the ones buddy says):

1. all gone - nope. UPDATE: √ as of 2/28
2. baby √
3. ball √
4. banana √
5. bath √
6. bye bye √ 
7. book √
8. car √
9. cat √
10. cookie √ (as in the monster)
11. daddy √
12. dog √
13. eye √
14. hat - never tried to say it.  UPDATE: √ as of mid March
15. hello/hi - √ (new to the vocab)
16. hot - nope, but understands it.  UPDATE: √ as of mid March
17. juice √
18. milk √
19. mommy √
20. more √
21. no √
22. nose √
23. shoe √
24. thank you - no, do lots of two yr olds say that? excellent manners!  UPDATE: √ as of early April
25. yes - and a'no. has tried a few times - hard to say. AND, makes up for it with no, no, no, no, no UPDATE: √ all the time says yes