Sibling Rivalry- Getting On My Nerves!

First, I need to say SORRY to my mom because we put her through some crap with all our fighting growing up. It is coming back and biting me hard in the ass. Karma I know. I was horrible to my brother from the moment he was born-sorry bro! 

Anyways, my kids are driving me crazy with the FIGHTING.  My daughter loves to pick on her brother.   My son is patient to a point then he just looses it and then it gets downright UGLY!  My daughter tries all of our patience every day and the "No, I don't have too, who cares, and blah blah blah" are her favorite phases lately plus the rolling of the eyes and the head swaying needs to STOP!  She is 7 not 17!  When they spend too much time together it is horrible.  They don't use their words (like I tell them all the time) but they hit and pick on each other.  Someone is going to get hurt someday and I keep telling them that.  I tell my son hitting girls is wrong...he comes back with "she is my sister not a girl"!  Plus its usually her hitting first. 

The older they get the harder to discipline them...it was easy to take away toys, video games, or just put  them in time out.  Now they don't care..."so what"  is what I get.  Luckily they don't do this everyday because I think I would have to become a drinker again.  I'm saying that with a smile :) 

How do you settle/deal with sibling rivalry? 

My kids and their Book Clubs

Loving the fact that they enjoy  READING!  As a big reader my whole life I'm a proud mama when my kids wanted to do these book clubs.

My 9 yr old son has 3 close friends and they decided to start a book club last month and their first book is Harry Potter.  The first meeting took place at a cafe and we kept getting these weird looks so I decided the next meeting we can do at the school. 

My 7yr old was at the first book club meeting but she isn't at the Harry Potter level so she didn't participate but played Angry Birds on my phone.  When we got home she came up and gave me a big hug and buttered me up with all love then she said "Mom I want to have my own book club and can it be a Dr. Seuss book"  Couple of the kids in Lil Man's book club has siblings so why not!  I told her YES.  She was so excited and even made invites to who she thought would love to the book club.

Today is BOOK CLUB day and so lets see how both clubs go!  I'm just there, the kids run their own meeting...I might step in and help lil mama's group but I'll see. 

KIDS AND READING ROCK!!!

Love My Kids BUT.....

I am SO HAPPY they are going back to school today.  They are at the age they need to be doing something every minute or I get to hear those lovely words I'M BORED.  As a mom I think WTF.. with all the toys/books/bikes they have how in the heck can they bored.  Oh yeah...its because Mom isn't playing with them or we aren't on an adventure.

I enjoy my kids a lot (ask anyone) but I need my space and they don't really allow that when they are at home.  I have work, housework, laundry, cooking to do on top of being my kids personal play-date.  Sounds like I'm bitching but I'm not its my reality.  I can't play with my kids 24/7!  Money doesn't grow on our trees in the backyard like my kids thinks it does.  Mama needs to make the money too!

This week I'm needing to regroup and get back on schedule.  I'm going to be setting up my home office with a friend of mine.  We are going to brainstorm and go into business together- just need to narrow it down and move forward. 

Off to make breakfast and lunches for my beautiful children that are going back to school...can you see the smile????

Kmart Deals ~ April 24th-April 30th

Buy XBOX 360 250GB with Kinect System, receive $60 Gaming Credit valid on next purchase 4/24-4/30

Online Only! Up to 70% off Fine Jewelry + EXTRA 10% off Jewelry orders over $75 4/24-5/7

ALL Furniture, Area Rugs and Accent Rugs on sale; 50% off Essential Home Voile Sheers 4/24-4/30

ALL Microwaves and Coffee Makers on sale 4/24-4/30

Online Only Savings! EXTRA $5 off $50 on Kmart.com with code KM2011 4/17-12/31

Online Only Save on Toys! EXTRA $5 off $50 code KTOYS5; EXTRA $10 off $100 code KTOYS10 4/3-4/30

Weekends...Loving Them

Wow.....I've been really missing out on FAMILY TIME when I worked on weekends.  The past couple weekends that I've been home (since quitting the cafe job of 12 yrs) we have got a lot done around the house.  It makes me feel good to see projects that I've wanted to be completed get done!!  The kids are a big help too.  They love spending time (well thats what they say now) with us and so when I said "Hey Ronnell lets go weed the garden" I got pure excitement and "Let's Go" from my 9 yr old who would rather play video games over any housework....wonder how long this will last.  Well however long I'm going to enjoy it! 

Yesterday,  I cleaned out the fridge....pulled out everything and cleaned all fridge pieces.  It looks brand new but now it looks like we have no food.  The kids BOTH cleaned their rooms with no talking back.  Then we just kicked back and had fun.  Later on we made cupcakes.  I also cooked a bomb a** spaghetti dinner, I felt like Suzie Homemaker. I need a cool apron though.  I think I'm going to design one and have hubby airbrush it.  Simple things..I know, the thought just came to me so I needed to write that so I don't forget.  Mom's Day is coming up.

Today I'm cooking breakfast and Easter dinner.  So Martha Stewart step aside Pam Allen is in the house!  Keeping fingers crossed that I get help with dishes (not my thing LOL).  Hint hint to hubby! 

Also on our schedule today is Easter egg hunt outside, bowling with friends, and getting ready for SCHOOL!  Spring Break is DONE kiddos....time to get back on schedule and Mommy can get some work done. 

Shout out to my readers!

Spring Break 2011

We have a BUSY BUSY week ahead of us and I'm already tired. 

Monday it was raining so we stayed in the house but I cleaned so no relaxing there- oh right it's not my spring break. 

Tuesday was fun filled full day at Lawrence Hall of Science http://lawrencehallofscience.org/

This was a big cement whale they could climb on outside

Floating Globe that showed all kinds of cool weather stuff

The view from LHS.  Little foggy but still beautiful.

The kids had a blast there were so many thing for the kids to do.  After 3 hrs at LHS we went and got pizza then headed to a park to play for 2 hrs.  It was a LONG FUN DAY!

Today we are going to OAKLAND ZOO with some friends. 

Tomorrow is Sahara's 7th Bday and she is hasn't let us forget it either.  For 2 weeks its been a countdown.  And this week all we have heard is "This is my bday week so deal with it"  OH MY!

So tomorrow the plan is movie, pizza, books, ice cream and then party at my friends house (her hubby has the same bday) and then a sleepover.

Friday I'm hoping CHILL DAY!  But with these two kids not sure if that's going to happen buy hey its there Spring Break.  What about your kids Spring Break?



Market Monday~ Mom Etsy Pages

I have a couple friends who have Etsy pages and I want to share their pages with my readers today! 

Mara's Maples: http://www.etsy.com/shop/marasmaples

Maple Curry Cashews these are my FAVORITE item to buy! I don't share with anyone either :)

Chewy Vanilla Granola with Spiced Pecans...  YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY...this might be my favorite too!

Mara's Maples where all the snacks are made with all natural ingredients, Real Maple Syrup, have no added oils or fats, and are completely vegan!  If your interested please visit her Mara's Maples Etsy Page or become a fan on her Facebook Page.  You will love her snacks!

*************************************************************

Mrs. Maintenance's Frames & More: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrsmaintenance



This art frame is titled "Autism Awareness." This is an 7.5"x9" photo frame, matted with a handmade art mat for a 5x7 photo. This frame has a theme of autism awareness, with a red, yellow, blue, and teal puzzle pieces, and a red heart on a linen background with subtle hints of silver, and framed in silver. This frame is a tabletop frame. I start with frames purchased at thrift stores, and give them a new coat of paint and a decorative touch to give them a brand new life as Rees-Cycled Art by Anna Rees.

25% of the purchase price of this frame will be donated to autismspeaks.org.


Please visit her Etsy Page plus 15% off anything in her shop using code POETRY.

Becoming a Server/Customer Service Consultant

Its been a whole week since I quit my job and I'm still floating on cloud nine! 

UPDATE: An owner of a cafe I go to weekly had a meeting with me on Wednesday and presented a short term project for me do for his cafe.  Several of my customers at the cafe I used to work at go into this one too so he has heard what an AWESOME waitress I am.  Well of course if you been doing this for as long as I have than you tend to be an expert. 
Anyways back on track.... we had this meeting and he wants to PAY (yes money not coffee- which I offered when he asked what I wanted in pay, lol) me to go in to the his cafe 4x- a morning, afternoon, evening, and brunch shift.  I would stay for a couple hours and observe what can be done better, what they are doing great at, and policies or procedures I think he needs to implement for the cafe to run smoother.  Wow, it took me back for a bit because he wants to pay me for my knowledge of something I do very well.  I wrote up a proposal and he accepted and no I didn't ask for a lifetime of mocha's, I need groceries so I did ask for a dollar amount. 

I did a morning shift yesterday and it went very well.  I did observe a lot and actually enjoyed doing it.  Tomorrow, I go in for a brunch shift.  Next week I will hit a evening and lunch shift.  Then I will write up an report, present it to the cafe owner, we will discuss it then I will present it to the staff at their staff meeting in May. 

I might be onto something for the future...Consultant to Cafe's!  I'll google and see what the correct title is here soon.  But YEAH me for landing a short term paid gig in less than a week of quiting....Go PAM! 

Side note:  Ran into another cafe owner today that wants to revamp her cafe and she wants me to come in on May 2nd to TALK....hmmmm lets see I might be on to something.  But I think she is more into hiring me as running the cafe on weekends.  I don't want to go back working weekends but family might because I've been putting them to work.  They used to play video games/tv all weekend but not these past 2 weekends but the house looks awesome :) but they are a lil pissy with me.

5 Silly Things About Me

Some might ask why only 5...well I don't want to look too SILLY, right!  Not sure why this post idea popped in my head but I'm going to ride with it! 

1.  The best part of going to sleep at night is...flipping my pillow over and feeling the coolness of the pillowcase.

2.  I only eat veggies raw...hate cooked veggies.  (Ok take that back I'll eat corn and green beans- they don't taste good raw)

3. Coffee is my choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I can drink coffee ALL DAY (probably not a good thing) and still fall asleep at 10pm.  Sometimes I throw in some food!

4. I'm 42 and LOVE PINK...oh wait you knew that!  I would so decorate my whole house in pink/black but Hubby says no!  Fine whatever- I'm only allowed (love how I phrased that) pink items on my side of the bedroom.  (who has "his side and her side" we do!!)  Someday I might even take a pic to show you the difference because you can really see how opposite we are.

5. Still thinks she can shake her booty like she is in her 20's!  I was a big clubber from 25-30 (yes my party days) I dance in my house when no one is around. I'm happy no one can see in...and if they could I'm sure I would hear them laughing their ass off!  My kids roll their eyes at me when a song comes on when I'm cooking and I bust out my moves.  My son has asked me not to dance EVER in public....wow a lil harsh dude!  I know I did this with my mom and her singing.

SECRET MILLIONAIRE- I love this Show

First, I'm a big Reality TV fan and probably watch too many of them.   I DVR most of them and watch while my kids/hubby are asleep at night- my guilty pleasure I guess.  Now when shows affect someones life it really tugs at my heart strings and yes I CRY and CRY!

This last Sunday I watched this episode http://abc.go.com/shows/secret-millionaire/episode-detail/ali-brown-venice-calif/749323 and cried my heart out!

If I was able to give back to my community in a big way I would love to open a cafe for the homeless just like the volunteers do at http://www.stjosephctr.org/bread_roses.html  they offer a sit down/take order cafe for the homeless.  I was so impressed because usually its like a cafeteria setting but this allows everyone feel good.  It was so beautiful to watch!  All the charities that were presented were awesome and I LOVE the fact that people are giving to people in need.  I hope this show sparks people who are able to help (in any way) to get out there and volunteer their time and help support their communities! I know it has in me. 

Feel good show!! 

Wacky Wednesday- Finger Lickin Good

OMG when I saw this last night my mouth was open and my eyes where a bit crazy and I think what came out of my mouth was EWWWW.  It was gross and funny but then it was just plain EWWW who does that- oh right Pam its a commercial, duh! 

Twitter Tuesday- Twitter Parties

Twitter Parties: Tuesday, April 12

#TravelTuesdays Chat, 5:30am and 5:30 p.m. ET. Description: "Join this weekly, international Twitter chat to connect with travel-minded tweeps from across the globe! Twice each Tuesday, to accommodate for attendees in different time zones." #TToT

#ZipListLunch Twitter Chat, 1:00 p.m. ET.

Twitter Kitchen Talk, 2:00 p.m. ET. Description: "Join this new weekly Twitter chat hosted by @fbkitchen. Fun conversation & often giveaways too!" #FBKitchen

#NUTS Twitter Chat, 3:30 p.m. ET. Description: "Join Twitter's 'Not-So-Usual Therapy Session with the MidlifeRoadtrip.tv crew. Hosted by @RickGriffin, @McMedia, and @Writerchick47 with different guests and lively topics each week!" #NUTS

Earthquate Preparedness Chat, 4:00 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PST). Description: "Learn how to protect yourself during an earthquake during this one hour Twitter chat presented by the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region & @CaliforniaWatch." #quakeready

#HomeSpaChat, 8:00 p.m. ET. Description: "Join host @ArtoftheSpa for a weekly chat to discuss how to create the spa environment at home! This week's topic: Spring Decorating." #HomeSpaChat

Multigrain Cheerios/Biggest Loser Twitter Party, 8:00 p.m. ET. Description: "Join MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and NBC's The Biggest Loser® to chat about how you can be your own Biggest Loser." #MGCheerios

Girls' Night Out / Frito Lay Twitter Party, 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. ET. Description: "Join the #GNO panel of experts as they team with @FritoLay to discuss food flavors." #GNO #FritoLay

#Holistic Moms Network Twitter Party, 10:00 p.m. ET. Description: "Join host @HolisticMomsNet for a weekly Twitter party. This week's topic: TBA." #holisticmoms

If you want to see what other parties are happening please go to http://www.tweeparties.com/.  I get a email once a week letting me know about all the parties that I might be interested in. LOVE TWITTER PARTIES!

Market Monday- Custom Art Work

Some of you know that my husband is an airbrush artist and now that I quit my job my main goal now is MARKETING Mr. Airbrush Hands (aka my hubby).

My hubby does a lot of T-shirt airbrushing but any textile that will hold paint, including jeans, denim jackets, leather apparel, pillow cases, and hoodies are always fun to do, well he says that! For Christmas one year we gave pillow cases to all the kids- guess what they loved them!  Here are some examples:

This is one of my favorite pics he has done (besides the portraits of my babies):

His specialty is PORTRAITS:





If you would like to check out more of his work please visit his website: http://mrairbrushhands.com/

Also can see more older work on PhotoBucket.

He does clothing, banners (birthday, graduation, sport, other events), or whatever you want to be painted.  We do take outside of California orders- shipping will be included in price.  If you want to get  a CUSTOM AIRBRUSHED item please let us know.  All Pinkmama's readers will get a 20% off- make sure when you order you let us know! 

Loving my Magic Bullet Deluxe

Oh we have been enjoying smoothies, icees, margaritas, and iced coffees almost everyday.  We bought this wonderful invention at Costco couple weeks ago and I've been loving it ever since.
I also use it everyday to grind my coffee.  I swear the coffee tastes better too.
I can't wait to try more recipes like salsa, pesto, egg salad, soups, oh the list can go on and on!
Magic Bullet Deluxe Rocks! 

Spin Art

My kids go through toys like they grow on trees.  This toy has got hours and hours (we have had this one for almost 3 yrs ) of playtime.  Phew finally a toy that has earned  its value and more.  

I Quit My Job...Now What???

I did something yesterday that I might regret maybe next week when I need to buy groceries.....but I QUIT my job!  I've been a waitress at this cafe for 12 years on and off (had 2 kids) but for the last 8 years straight!  It's been an experience I will never forget because I have gained some awesome friends and that alone is worth it!

I'm not going to bad mouth them because they treated me good in ways but in some ways it just wasn't right.  With that being said, I'm 42 yrs old and its about time I get out of this business.  I worked Sat/Sun and I wasn't able to move much when I would get back from work. So weekends sucked for the kids because we never did much. 

Now what.....good question!  I plan to throw myself into my social media project that I've been doing very little with and now I have a new refined spark so lets see what I can do!  Also my hubby and I plan to jump on the flea market/art show circuit and this is something we have wanted to do for a long time.  My hubby is a very talented airbrush artist...  http://mrairbrushhands.com/ please check him out!  I'll be doing a post about him soon. 

I'll be blogging more now!  I never could totally commit my time but now I can.  One of my friends said...NOW YOU CAN BLOG FULL-TIME.  Yes I can!

Loving my iPad!

I've been somewhat "GONE" this week because I have a new toy....yes I got my iPad last Friday.  At first I was scared of it...don't laugh its true, I was so gentle with it and put it in its box after maybe 15 minutes being on it.  I was scared of a getting "ATTACHED" so I only did 15 minutes here and there but after a couple days that went out the window, lol!

I LOVE books and read a lot so guess what app is my favorite...yep iBook!  Oh my I've read 4 books so far but I need to slow that down because I just get stuck.  I know iTunes are going to be in my pocketbook!  I did download some free books but.... just not what I want to read.

The kids are enjoying Angry Birds...that's all I will let them use it for now.

Hubby...well he was so nice to let me play with it for a couple days before he got on it.  I'm not sure what he is doing on it but I do see the DJ application.  He keeps asking about downloading Music...go ahead but not your whole iPod collection.

Loving my new gadget and it looks like its going to be fun for blogging but they don't have BLOGGER app...but maneuvering from one page to the next is smooth.  I've been able to comment on other blogs w/o any problems.

What is your favorite iPad app?

America's Next Great Restaurant- Who do you like?

Now I know not everyone is going to like this show but someone who has been in the "BIZ" for a long time (maybe too long) I really enjoy this show.  Not necessary for the contestants they have on there but for the challenges they are competing in each week. 

http://www.nbc.com/americas-next-great-restaurant/

My FAV so far is Sandra.  I like her concept it is unhealthy vs healthy dishes. But she NEEDS a new chef- the investors don't like the taste of the food but love the concept. Better do something Sandy or I foresee you leaving soon and I don't want that!

This week it was about designing their uniform and it was quite funny what some of  the contestants did but some of them did very well. 

Joey and his SAUCY BALLS (wishing he would change the name) was just silly.  He wanted to have a gun but decided to use a big bread stick. 

I was surprised who was eliminated because I like his concept (MeltWorks- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches) but he wasn't willing to listen to the judges which were giving him some great advice.  When your stuck on YOUR concept and someone else wants to change it has to be hard to accept change but still give it a try! 

http://www.nbc.com/americas-next-great-restaurant/bios/eric-powell/

It's a fun Sunday night reality show to watch.  If I wanted to open my own restaurant it would be FAMILY based...like a play area/video games/jukebox and then parents can eat while kids play...oh wait McDonald's and pizzerias's do this already, never mind! 

Do you have a restaurant concept that you would pitch to investors?

OH NO...a grey hair!

FINE....its official I'm old!  Damn, you know how long its been that I've been saying "but I don't have any grey hairs hahahaha" to my hubby who is younger than me and has a lot of grey (sorry).  No fun now :(

My bubble is busted and now I might have to color my beautiful red natural hair someday...just wrong!  I bet if I look longer I will find more.  In my head when I first saw IT (the grey hair) I told myself nah that just a blond highlight...really Pam! I guess whatever it takes...DENIAL DENIAL! 

This was just a lil bump in the road so no worries I'm not going to let this lil grey hair get to me!  Right...keep thinking that Pam...you still look good for your age. 

Getting older sucks some days!