Disney world part: Animal kingdom

Spent today at The magic kingdom.... Sooo tired..... only pictures of Animal kingdom right now....more tomorrow.... so much fun, stay tuned

A little bit of hair talk

I have hair blog... I never ever update it. Still hair is a really really big part of my day to day, So I just may blog about it right here... or it may never happen again.

As a hairstylist, I try to keep up with trends happening in the world and the biggest happening at the moment that seems to be affecting everybody is the economy. ( just typing it, I think i threw up a little in my mouth) Hair can be so unbelievably, ridiculously expensive. On the other hand you can get a haircut, at some places for the price of a cafe rio salad. The most recent 8 dollar haircut I tried to salvage was complete with what can only be described as "dog ears" and a line of sad little hairs that were thoughtlessly left behind on the perimeter.

What is a haircut worth? As a fellow "struggling in this economy"-er, I could see why a cheap haircut with no wait time could be enticing. The thing to know is that you can find a good stylist in a great clips salon, there are just a lot of limitations those stylists have put on them. Because it is a walk-in basis, they are generally expected to finish a haircut in 15 minutes. No shampoo, blow dry, no style and limited time. These things are essential to components to a great cut. Now, blowdryers that suspend from the ceiling, champane being served and amazing decor (all of which usually jack the price of your ticket up) are not needed to get a great cut. A shampoo is important so the hair can be easily combed through and manipulated. A style is important so your stylist can see how your hair will lay, and also instruct you on how to style your cut. A good haircut saves you time and I know that if my hair doesn't look good even after putting in the effort to style it, I just quit trying it's not worth the effort.

As far as color goes, Some ways to save on your yearly salon visit is to combine your haircut and style together, stretch it a week or two, and go a little closer to your natural color. By combining your cut and color, most of the time you get a discount. My womens cuts are $30 but with a color, the price is $18 dollars. My reason for that is, the style is always included in a color and with the haircut, by combing the 2, I only style once, that saves me time, that savings is passed onto my client.

By gettting your hair done every 5 weeks, you are in the salon about 10 or 11 times. By stretching your appointment to 7 weeks, you are in about 7 or 8 times. Translated into money, if you are getting your hair cut and colored and your eyebrows waxed, with tip, you may be spending around $100. That's $300 a year you would be saving just by dealing with your re-growth for a few weeks longer.

If you are used to a full head of highlights, a way to save money is to go a little closer to your natural color so you don't have to get it done as often. To keep that very blonde feel, make sure there is a good amount of blonde close to your face.

There really are a lot of ways to keep going to your favorite stylist and avoid having to buy a box of clariol while picking up you milk and eggs. Or gritting your teeth while asking if anyone is available while your 7 year old gets a buzz cut.... or out of desperation, grabbing the clippers yourself and pulling a Brittney Spears.

oh Halloween... how I love you!!

This month has seemed to be a bit of a marathon and has flown by like mad. I don't seem to have my head on straight most lof the time and I apologize to those of your who's appointments have or will be messed up. (You would think after 4 years of self employment, I would have it down) I brought out the sewing machine this year and although I am pretty much a novice, I did bust out some decent, 8th grade work.

Seems to be on a mission of sorts doesn't he? Please give me praise for sewing his cloak... I do not take after my mother... this doesn't come naturally for me.

Trick or treating was as fun for Steve and I as it was for our offspring. Sam just kept saying over and over again how this was the best Halloween ever and that he would protect us in case any ghosts came. Sophie would say a very soft "buh bye" after the door was closed, and treat was given.

SO glad the weather was pretty mild

Continued our Halloween tradition of visiting Grams (Great-grandma) and Grandma Buddy at work. Work that light saber Sammo!!

We invited some friends over for a grown-up party. It was great fun... I love Halloween

Steve and I dressed as a Trucker and diner waitress. Stevie got a little too into character and flipped the camera off for most every picture we had together... this was the end of the night when I no longer wanted to be concerned with a shortish skirt, and Steve removed his beer belly.

most of the guests. I love seeing what people come up with.

The Steves.... who knew when they were playing together at 2 they would some day grow up to be a yip yip and a trucker

Cheryl, enjoying our gourmet candied apples... Chase and Kristy.... Jamie and me.... Steve, contemplating a change.

Some of the decor.

Our costume winners for the evening.

Liz and Steve were best Couple, Kristy was best girl, and Colby won best guy.

So fun... I'm already thinking about what to do next year.

Dear new memory card.... and other grievences

....It's true, I didn't want you from the beginning. I miss my old memory card, the tried and true one that my laptop could read. I feel badly that I left it at Costco and picked you up to replace it. you make my life harder, not easier. The kids are in bed... (phew, darn candy) and Steve-o is watching the beloved Yankees and all I really want to do is upload all my great Halloween pictures.

Dear camera,

I really love you, and I'm sorry i have mistreated you badly. I, as your keeper, have not protected you from grabby toddlers, or crumby purses and in my neglegence, your plug-in for my camera cord is no longer working.

Dear candy,

Oh I love you so. Our relationship has been somewhat strained I know and I'm sorry I don't bring you home like the old days but I just can't help myself when your around. Especially not you, chocolate. You are my first love and only true love but what we have is just not healthy. I love you so much, but have you ever loved me back?

Dear poopy diapers,

There is no easy way to say this.... I hate you. Why do you always come around an hour after sophie has gone to bed? She needs her rest and here you come to irritate her bottom and remove her from her slumber and consequently her bed. I don't know that I will ever care for you but if you could just make your appearance before Sophie is all settled and down for the night I just may gain some respect for you. As I see it, the ball is in your court.... so, do the right thing.

Gardner Village

My sister Laurie Braved a trip across the country, toting 3 little girls by herself through several airports. I finally got some pictures up which too WAAAY too long so I will have to fill in the details another night. Here are pictures though

brush with insanity

the last couple of days I have gotten hardly any sleep. The boy was sick, then the girl, well, both together really, now the husband is letting me know that he is feeling rotten. I've been puked on, drooled on, sneezed on, wiped poor little raw noses and been sticky from refused tylenol. I am still in pajamas, my hair is still fuzzy from letting it air dry after dipping my head in the tub to give it a quick shampoo, while giving Soph a bath. I really would have liked to go on a play date, or gone to check out the sale on fleece at Shopko, the kids are in bed but for who knows how long really, and still in the deep part of my heart, I'm.....wait for it..... baby hungry. What the crap am I thinking? No it won't happen in the anywhere near future, but having my sweet and very active kiddos snug me all day and want to rest their heads on my shoulder just opened up that little biological want for a newborn. I 'spose that's how babies are made. Mommies get completley illogical and lose their sanity for long enough moments to get knocked up. Well lucky (or not lucky) for me, the husband is a little too logical for the both of us.

those who can't do... buy.

A small plug for my handsome cousin's beautiful wife. She and her sewing machine create some pretty great things. I love, love the high dive hat. Check Carolyn out, and her etsy shop, and her sewing blog.