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What I'm Watching on #Netflix

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

This week's picks from Netflix Instant Watch:

Movie:
Young AdultYoung Adult. Charlize Theron can make any movie watchable including this overwrought piece of dark comedy. In brief Mavis Gary is a divorced, alcoholic writer with serious depression who returns to her small hometown to reclaim her high school sweetheart. Standing in her way is the former boyfriend's wife and newborn baby, oh, and a sad but funny, classmate played by Patton Oswalt who acts as her conscience. Like its emotionally-stunted lead character, this movie has a lot of growing up to do.

The Kids' Log: February 17-23, 2013

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I hope you enjoyed your President's Day! Damon actually had the day off, which surprised me since he did not get MLK Jr Day. We made the most of the holiday with a trip across the bay to San Francisco. We originally planned to take the ferry, but they were on holiday too! So we took the train and then walked through Chinatown and Little Italy to Coit Tower. From this high point we could see the span of the bay, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked downhill through Filbert Gardens and back to the Fisherman's Wharf where we had lunch at Pier 23. I ate fish tacos made with charbroiled snapper that was oh so good that I am going to try to recreate the recipe today.

The remainder of the week was the usual. Chauffeuring Marlie to and from preschool and gymnastics and play dates.

Toddler Log: 3 Years and 27 Weeks Old
Poor Marlie has inherited my calamity gene. First, she pulled out a nice chunk of her with a comb meant for one of those stupid pony dolls. I found bits of her hair all around her bed and freaked out. I might have gone a bit overboard with the admonishment, but I had already warned her once not to use that comb on her own hair. SIGH. Yesterday, she woke up with a huge sty on her left eye. She looks like Rocky after two rounds with Drago!

Baby Log: 45 Weeks Old
Desmond called me Mom yesterday! It sounded more like maam, but whatever. He is developing so rapidly as he approaches his first birthday. My sister is flying in to help celebrate. I am not planning a big party, just a family outing somewhere like the shore.

The Kids' Log: February 10-16, 2013

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Please don't take notice of the conspicuous lack of pictures again. This week was kind of ordinary with the exception of a few instances of some extraordinary things that happened to me.

First, I applied for a job! This was one of the to-do things on my homework checklist. Another parent happened to mention an opening for a Communications Manager at a local private school so I submitted my resume on Monday. I am so proud that I was able to quiet that little voice of self-doubt and go for it.

The second cool things that happened is that I won a $50 gift card to REI which I used to buy gear for the marathon (now a half marathon). I bought two pair of walking socks with padded heels. They cost $30 but they are so worth the price because after I wore them on my 14-mile training walk yesterday my feet did not feel like pulverized meat for the first time since I started long distance walking.

The third nice thing that happened was our first date night since moving here. We set up a babysitting swap with our neighbors where we watched their girls on Friday night and they watched our kids on Saturday evening so both couples could enjoy a Valentine's outing. I'm not going to lie folks, it felt weird being out after dark. It hit me that I rarely go out at night anymore and that made me a little down. As Krissy said, we need to get a life! That's why we are going to try these date night swaps with our neighbors more often.

Toddler Log: 3 Years and 26 Weeks Old
Miss Social Butterfly attended two birthday parties this week, one last Sunday and one yesterday. She has a busier social calendar than me. I really, really need to get a life. I am happy to report that she was not kicked out of gymnastics class on Friday. She walked up to the teacher and told her she was ready to listen. She had a good time an was rewarded with a stamp. I also took her for cupcakes afterward.

Baby Log: 44 Weeks Old
Desmond came down with a cold earlier in the week. This was on top on the teething, so he was extra miserable. I spent most of the week wiping his face. It was hard to tell where the snot ended and the drool began. LOL!

Convos from the Backseat #5

Thursday, February 14, 2013

I'm still experimenting with this meme inspired by my conversations in the car with my chatterbox in the backseat. I really want to make it a link-up too, maybe once a month so we can share our best talks with our toddlers/preschoolers.


on the way home from preschool last Thursday, Marlie decides to start talking about color (as in race). Out of the blue, She blurts out...

Marlie: Mommy, I'm black 

Me: Okay (followed by laughter). 
Marlie: Why are you laughing at me? 
Me: I'm not. I am just surprised and happy that you know that. Where did you learn that you are black? 
Marlie: I saw a wormy squirmy today. 
Me: (Now I am confused, but I want to stay on topic). Is the wormy squirmy black? 
Marlie: No, he's slimy! 
Me: Okay. Is daddy black? 
Marlie: Yes. 
Me: Is mommy black? 
Marlie: No. You are yellow. 
Me: (doing a double take). Mommy is black too. 
Marlie: No! I want you to be yellow. 
Me: If you say so (shaking my head. no sense in arguing with her at this ages because apparently she thinks I am a crayon)

...to be continued

What I'm Watching on #Netflix

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

This week's picks from Netflix Instant Watch:

TV Show:
Family TiesFamily Ties. I grew up on Family Ties, but watching it as an adult has given me a new appreciation for this sweet classic family comedy about two former hippies who settle down, get "respectable jobs," and raise three kids in middle class comfort. As a kid I remember being in awe by the family dynamics. The parents' affection for each other and loving, but firm, way with their children made me wish to be adopted by them. And, I loved the playful banter/fights between the siblings. Now I get the wisecracks by their card-carrying Republican son Alex P. Keaton! The networks don't make wholesome television like this anymore, but they should.

Movie:
Queen of VersaillesThe Queen of Versailles.If you've ever wondered how the 1% lives you might not like what you see in this documentary about a time-share mogul, his trophy wife and their heirs. The family has not escaped the economic crisis of 2008, and Mr. Siegel is clawing tooth-and-nail to hold onto his empire and a 50,000 sq. ft. replica of the Palace of Versailles that is still under construction and mortgaged to the hilt. In the face of financial ruin Mrs. Siegel, a former beauty queen from humble beginnings, comes off surprisingly human even when she is pulling up to the drive thru in a chauffeured limo. It's worth watching to see if the bankrupt billionaire can make a Donald Trump-style comeback.

Massage Collection Giveaway for Ignite Your Senses Hop

Monday, February 11, 2013

ignite senses buttonJe t'aime, Te quiero, Ti amo. No matter which romance language you use to say I love you, don't forget that body language is just as important in communicating how you feel to your partner!

For the Ignite Your Senses Giveaway Hop February 11-25, I am self-sponsoring a romantic massage kit so that you send the right message! It's open to US/CAN entries too! The kit includes:
  • Ergonomic four-point massager ideal for deep-tissue massages 
  • Massage oil and lotion infused with acai and pomegranate from Girls Next Door Kendra's Lovephoria collection 
  • Deck of 52 Evolved Love Vouchers featuring romance-heightening suggestions
After you enter my giveaway, head over THIS POST and enter to win the SEVEN grand prize packages! Also, don't forget to keep hopping along the linky for more fabulous giveaways from other bloggers.

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Ignite Your Senses Grand Prizes Giveaway, 7 Winners!

Hosted by:
Co-Hosted by:

Looking for a Valentine's hop with "adult" prizes? Do you sometimes need reminding that there is a woman under the supermom cape? You've come to the right place! This Blog Hop Giveaway Event is all about you, me, us, and them!  We want our readers to feel great about themselves especially during the month of passion!  Since this is an "Ignite Your Senses" themed hop, prizes are anything related to the 5 senses - Taste, Touch, Sight, Smell, and Hearing.  

This is a long post so be patient as things load but get excited as you will see all the great prize packages we have available to win!  There will be 7 winners chosen from the Grand Prize Rafflecopter form found below.  Each will win one of the great packages found below all valued at at least $75 or more!!

Grand Prize Pack #1 - ARV $175
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
Dr. Denese - 6 Step Skin Care Pack

Grand Prize Pack #2 - ARV $115
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
Lucky Leaf -Gift Package
Sibu Beauty - Gift Package

Grand Prize Pack #3 - ARV $95
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
Maggie Bags - Campus Tote
Home Spa Shower Spray - scent of your choice

Grand Prize Pack #4 - ARV $95
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
Tortuga Rum Company - Rum Cake and Blue Mountain Coffee
Home Spa Shower Spray - scent of your choice

Grand Prize Pack #5 - ARV $80
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 


Grand Prize Pack #6 - ARV $75
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
Yum Earth - Gift Pack
Home Spa Shower Spray - scent of your choice
Mood-Lights - Mood Light of choice
Emerson Creek - Pitcher of choice

Grand Prize Pack #7 - ARV $75
(For more details, click on each link to read the review.) 
OWG Vinoliscous Wine Mixes - 3 Pack Assortment
Home Spa Shower Spray - scent of your choice

After you are done entering for the Grand Prize be sure to check out these other great giveaways offered by a bunch of amazing bloggers on the linky below the rafflecopter.

"Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own. Marlie and Me is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

The Kids' Log: February 3-9, 2013

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Welcome to another week in our lives. A lot has happened in the past seven days. We lost another buyer (Dallas house) and another quickly sprung up. Let's hope this one sticks! I have been diligently working on my homework. Some days I could only get around to brushing/flossing and praying but I'm making progress on reclaiming my joy.

Toddler Log: 3 Years and 25 Weeks Old
Last Sunday Damon took the kids to a play date with Marlie's classmates at a farm. Her daddy didn't see fit to comb her hair before leaving the house. I bet no one even noticed. They were all probably like, what a wonderful farther he must be to bring both little kids to the park by himself! I would have gotten side-eyes if I took her out with her hair looking like that. LOL!

Marlie got expelled from gymnastics class on Friday. She ran off twice and the teacher had to chase her down while she shouted "you can't catch me!" Marlie was shocked that she was sent home and cried so hard. She said she just wanted to play with the teacher. I did my best to explain that the teacher was trying to teach and needed her to listen and do the exercises. I could tell she was having a hard time processing it. I told her she could go back and try again next week and work on her listening skills. This is what worries me about her play-based preschool where the teachers routinely engage the kids in chase, tag and hide 'n seek. She doesn't seem to understand the switch between instruction time and play time.

In better news, I finally started planning her 4th birthday party. I am off to a late start, but preparations are officially underway thanks to a super-sweet daily deal for a mobile pony party and petting zoo! I am leaning toward a Toy Story Woody/Jessie color scheme for her cowgirl festivities.

Marlie at Tilden Farm

Baby Log: 43 Weeks Old
Baby boy has been keeping us awake all week and his daytime naps are sporadic. His appetite is off and he wants to nurse round the clock. Sounds like more teeth are coming, but they've been threatening to break loose for weeks and nothing. Oh, and did I mention he caught a cold this week too? Fun times!

Pink Galaxy S3 Flip Cover #ForgetMeNots Giveaway [WW]

Thursday, February 7, 2013

I am thrilled to bring you another Valentine's giveaway for you hopeless romantics who need a little inspiration in the gift-idea department. Welcome to the Valentine’s Day Forget Me Nots Giveaway Hop hosted by MamaNYC! In order to kickoff and celebrate Valentine’s Day, I have teamed up with a great group of bloggers to bring you some amazing giveaways, which includes lots of great Valentine’s Day gift ideas! This is a HUGE event with lots of prizes to be won that are worth $25.00 or more. This event will run until February 14th, which means you will have plenty of time to enter all of our giveaways. Good Luck and Happy Valentine’s Day!

My giveaway is for this official Samsung Galaxy S3 flip cover in PINK! Open Worldwide! Retail value: $39.99.
samsung S3 flip cover pink

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Valentine's Gift Idea: Galaxy S3 Case Review

Hey, you guys! Yeah, I'm talking to you. Valentine's Day is a week away and you don't want to be stuck ducking into the 7 Eleven to buy a cheap box of chocolates. Let me suggest a Galaxy S3 case for her Samsung phone. She'll enjoy showing off your gift long after the roses her friends received have wilted.

samsung S3 flip cover pink

I had the opportunity to review the official pink flip cover for the S3 from Samsung. I am electronically-challenged so I had to get tech support to figure out how to put the case on (tip: remove the original battery cover). My phone looks like it got a makeover, LOL! The pink color makes the bold statement...my phone is an extension of my fashion style.

I also like that the cover maintains the phone's slim profile and lightweight feel. Plus, the flip cover provides protection for the touchscreen. You get style and security for $39.99 retail!

Order a Galaxy S3 case for your sweetheart, she'll love your for it!

Come back February 7-14th for your chance to win one in the Forget Me Nots Giveaway Hop!

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I am the spoon

Monday, February 4, 2013

spoon bending
Source: iguana_nirvana14 under Creative Commons License
I have been struggling lately. I have been struggling badly.

Everything is a fight. I fight to get out of bed. I fight get through the day. 

I also fight with my husband and 3 year-old. 

I decided enough was enough. I am exhausted from holding onto to this pain. Mostly, I am deathly afraid that I am damaging my kids with my depression and fits of anger. I decided it was time to face my demons. 

 I had my first therapy appointment on Sunday. It was a revelation. She is not a therapist from the school of psychology/psychiatry. She is a spiritual healer, which is a laymen term for allopathic practitioner. She works with the body's energy field to stimulate awareness and promote healing. 

My first session was incredible. I learned so much about why I feel so shitty. In a nutshell, having kids brought up all the negative feelings I had swept under a giant rug. When I gave birth to my children, I also pushed out these suppressed emotions. While this theory was not an epiphany, her approach to addressing my problems was refreshing. I felt understood, safe, un-judged.

I left feeling hopeful that I could reclaim my life. I also left with homework. I like homework because it forces me to practice what I am learning, and what I am learning is that the spoon does not bend, I have to bend. I am the spoon.

One of the assignments is to list 10 things I was to do for myself in the next month and try to do at least one of them each day. So, in an effort to hold myself accountable I am going to write them on my blog and you all can keep tabs on me:

  1. Finishing reading a book
  2. Go for a walk by myself at least once a week
  3. Brush and floss my teeth everyday
  4. Drink a cup of tea before bed
  5. Buy new clothes so I can discard my maternity clothes
  6. Apply for a job and not get disappointed if I'm not contacted for an interview 
  7. Plan a girlfriends getaway
  8. Get a Mani/Pedi
  9. Reinstate spa Friday
  10. Pray

The Kids' Log: January 27-February 2, 2013

Sunday, February 3, 2013

I came bearing pictures! A round of applause, please. The weather has been cooperating here and that makes for wonderful play dates at the park on Friday. It's especially nice now that Desmond can join the fun since he got his own pair of kicks these week. He likes sand. a lot. He digs his fingers in it and sucks the sand off. ick. It gives me warm fuzzies to watch them together even if it last a millisecond (more on that is a minute).

my kids at the park
I needed cheering up after getting the disappointing news that the buyers have backed out of buying our home in Dallas. I am ready to be done with it come what may.

Toddler Log: 3 Years and 24 Weeks Old
Marlie at gymnasticsMarlie's challenging behavior continues. It's not just the extreme defiance that is draining, it's the all out meltdowns when I ask her to do anything. It's to the point I dread engaging her because I know what's coming. I even witnessed her do it at school, which is where is is usually on her best behavior. I arrived earlier one day just in time to see her crying over having to clean up the toys she'd been playing with. I try to remember the tips from the books I read, but honestly, in the heat of the moment when I have a nursing/crying/wiggly baby in my arms I don't have the brain cells how to communicate on her level. I just want her to eat her meal and brush her teeth without the push back. I feel like every interaction from eating breakfast to getting ready for bed has become a hostage negotiation. sigh. Someone suggested she's feeling displaced by her brother now that he's an active little person and not a sleeping blob anymore. I can see that, especially when she resorts to baby talk. We each spend as much one-on-one time with her as possible. What we are working on is getting them to play together but she's not having it. She wants all of our attention and all of the toys to herself (not possible). She even asked me if I could leave the baby in the car when we went to the park. How can I get her to see him as a playmate and not competition for affection?

On a positive note, she had a great time at her first gymnastics class. I am hoping this will be a good outlet for her and she will start acting like her normal self (which isn't an angel by any stretch, but she was not a mean girl).


Baby Log: 42 Weeks Old
Desmond new shoesBoyfriend received his first pair of shoes this week and he has been walking outdoors ever since. He also learned a new word this week! I am "Na Na." It's not mama, but I'll take it. It took a minute to realize he was calling me when he first said it, but there is no misinterpreting when he says Na Na while reaching for me! We embarked on the rocky road of transitioning him to his own sleep space. He starts out in a co-sleeper next to our bed and then his daddy moves him to the crib in the kids' room. It's going swimmingly! Yeah, right. On his worst nights he wakes up realizing he's not in our bed and starts screeching like a scalded cat. His best night was Friday when he slept on his own from 8 pm- 2 am, so there is hope!

Hallmark Valentine's Gift Pack for Kids Giveaway #CrazyCupid Hop

Friday, February 1, 2013

crazycupid 2 photo crazycupid2.jpgLove is in the air! Welcome to the Crazy Cupid Giveaway Hop hosted by Cheap is the New Classy!. All the blogs in this hop are giving away a prize package worth at least $25 to help you say, "I LOVE YOU!" 

Thank you for taking the time to visit Marlie and Me to see what I have up for grabs. Valentine's is generally considered a holiday for couples, but can also be an opportunity to show your child(ren) how much you love them. So why not include them in the exchange of greeting cards and other tokens of affection? 

Hallmark Pooh CardHallmark is sponsoring a gift pack that is perfect for the special little ones in your life. Read my review. It includes a cuddly bunny from the Until We Hug Again collection and an assortment of Valentine's greeting cards featuring lovable cartoon characters worth more than $40! This giveaway is open to US residents.


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