Mrs. Princess Pookie's Social Calendar

Come back weekend. I'm not done!

Lots of sun (yay!), projects (never ending), cleaning (maid?), family (xoxo), friends (good times).

You decide. Yoga "cobra" pose or yet another tantrum?

Mattress Ranch~"luxury" outlet...hmm?

Little Lulu got her big girl bed this weekend. (It's darling~pics to come, I have to repaint her whole room first~yipee-that was sarcastic!) So, that called for a trip to the one and only Mattress Ranch. If you live in my part of the world then many of you will be familiar with the Mattress Ranch commercials. You know, the one where the crazy old man wears a Sponge Bob tie & a pleather vest and dances. What that has do to with mattresses...I'm not sure. RANDOM! But, I have to admit, they had the best prices. For those of you who aren't local, view THIS. It will make you chuckle.

And my toothless wonder has a breakthrough. Big teeth are on their way. I'm not ready! I adore the missing front tooth look. Stop growing my little man!

Make your Monday count!
What will you be doing this week?

It's FFF (Fabulous Fashion Friday)

Isn't FASHION fabulous when it's FRIDAY! Who doesn't adore FRIDAY? Pair it with a stellar outfit and you're bound to have a great start to your weekend. It's been a while since I've taken scary pictures of myself wearing my fashions so wait no more. "They're Back!":D Be scared, very scared.

THE MAXI DRESS

(No...not the maxi pad.)

Whether willowy or wide, skinny or short; no matter what your frame, every princess can feel feminine and glamorous in a versatile, always comfortable maxi dress!

Do's Of The Maxi Dress (just my silly opinion):
~Be careful with the cut and length. There is such thing as a too long maxi dress! Clue: if it gets caught in the escalator at the mall, it's too long!
~Wear with a T or tank underneath. Nobody likes to see TMB (too much boobie:D).
~Accessorize with longer length necklaces, chunky bracelets or an embellished headband. OR if you're really brave, a scarf on your head. Funky fun!
~Pair with an oversized handbag.
~If pairing with heels keep them girly, not too lumpy. If pairing with flip flops, again, watch the length!
~Buy a black one! You can't ever go wrong with BLACK~the flab disquiser!
~ Make sure your maxi dress skims the bod, not clings to the bod!
~and...DO wear it out casually (park, play date, grocery shopping, etc.). You'll never wear it if you save it just for those special occasions!

You'll love a dress like this but don't buy it from someone who looks like this crazy girl!

Ooh...now this is a bit of a sultry pose. I dare you to mess with me.

Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

Have I mentioned lately that I'm obsessed with accessories?
Conclusion: Maxi dress+hair accessory+flip flops= PURE comfortable, sexy fashion! Check your local Target for several extremely affordable Maxi dresses.

Fridays Are Fabulous!
P.S The B.P. department at Nords has a great black one for $58.

Lucky Ducky Day!

Simple things to be happy about {yesterday}...

*Rise and shine to the bright SUNshine

*Great weight lifting workout with an even greater friend

*Fresh berries to please my palate (Both my children devour these!)

*Peonies at Costco. Totally not in the grocery budget but peonies are definitely a justifiable splurge! I LOVE THEM! Costco and budget should NOT be used in the same sentence.

*Mailbox full of catalogs & magazines and NO bills~GREAT mail day.

*Taught a pilates class to people who welcomed the challenge. Sorry (sorta:D) if you hurt tomorrow.

*My lime Lobee Lover earrings. They just make me happy. Ya just can't go wrong with shades of vibrant green.

*A thoughtful gift left on my doorstep from someone who I really admire! THANKS for thinking of me. It meant a lot!

*Watching my children swing on the swings. Okay, okay so I just kind of watched them. I took my new mags with me. Hey back off, I at least took them to the park!:D

Licking the bowl! Fresh whipped cream for my berries. Berries + cream= a very satisfied Princess Pookie.

*A husband who puts the children to bed

*A new iTunes song download (playing) ~So:Lo by Kate Havnevik (Show Me Love is a goodie too)

*SYTYCD~the BEST reality show EVER!

*My pillow that is waiting for me to publish this post.

Do something that makes you happy today!

See you tomorrow for the long lost FFF (Fabulous Fashion Friday)

Princesses Rule!

If women RULED the world...

Have you ever sat on a toilet with the seat up? Wet bummy cheeks!
This is soooooo me!


Thank you Cheryl for passing this on. Hopefully all of you got a bit of a girly giggle out of it. In a lot of aspects I think women do secretly rule the world. Don't we? The men just haven't caught on yet.:D

Keep smiling today and be sure to share your princess smile with someone else!

p.s. I just went back a took a peek at yesterday's post and pics. I already want to change my bedroom. I need to get a life!

PPSC & TT

Let us begin with Princess Pookie's Social Calendar....

The majority of my weekend (Thurs.-Sun.) was spent at the Pantages Theatre helping a friend and colleague with her HUMONGOUS dance recital. Costumes, stinky tights:D, bright lights, nervous dancers, RED lips, fresh flowers, smiles and last but not least my "debut". (For the very last piece in the show I walked across the stage with my pretend son (Oliver) acting like we were looking at pics in a museum. He only picked his nose 1/2 way across the stage! Our "debut" was the big joke with the company dancers.) Being backstage watching, helping, encouraging darling little dancers is a lot of fun.

NEXT...

Ribs on the barb (sorry my veggie friends) and excellent strawberry lemonade.

Food, family, food, sunshine, food, baseball, food, dessert! (I was too tired to create much of a photo journal of the weekend.)

And because it happens to be Tuesday...we'll move on to Trendy Tuesday

It's a house decorating Trendy Tuesday! If you're anything like me the master bedroom is the last place that gets paid attention to when it comes to decorating. Why? Because nobody sees it. Except for the nosey babysitter who wants to count how many pairs of shoes you really have! My bedroom has been driving me nuts in the decorating department-mostly because I can't make up my mind as to what style I'm looking for. Plus, unfortunately I don't have unlimited funds to throw at master bedroom decor...darn it! However, if I did, without a doubt I'd hire Nate Berkus to come create my dream space. Not to mention he's pretty dreamy himself. Of course not at dreamy as my prince though! Anyway...here's what I came up with.

I took a road trip up to IKEA and was inspired by this $20 rug. Then I took a little walk around my house and garage and threw this (below) together. Wish I would have had a before pic~sorry.

This shelf above our heads has a bit of a funny story. Who do you think sleeps on the side with the glass bottles?;)

What you see is literally stuff I've had laying around my house. What is the "trend" in this you might ask? Well, at the rate I go, give me three months and I'll be totally over this look and on to something different. Isn't that how trends work? In today out tomorrow. Is it my ideal decor? Of course not. Will it do? For the price, yes! NOTE: Notice how my bedding is all white. Certainly comes in handy as a base when you get bored of a look. Just buy new pillows and accessories and you've got yourself a brand new room~almost!

Yesterday, I put on a coat I hadn’t worn since last spring. When I reached into the pocket, I found $20. I love that feeling! Found money! It made me think, what else is hiding around my house? I decided to look. I threw open the drawers and rooted through the closets. I even looked, again at the things I use everyday. Would the table in my bedroom be better in the den? Would the chair in the den be better in the entry? Next thing you knew, I was lugging furniture all around the house. Give it a try in your own home. And, make sure to check those coat pockets when you’re in the closet. You might just find a tip for all your hard work!~Nate Berkus

Take a walk around your house and create your own trend! I dare you.

Busy Living Life

Too busy dealing with this monster princess to blog today.
Really I just made the monster part up but I am a little consumed with life happenings right now. I just thought this picture was funny. I love the big fake jewel on her pointer finger. Just like her Mom. She's probably yelling at me for taking a pic of her bad side or something.
Crazy girly girl!
Sure hope you all have some time to rest during the Memorial Day weekend. See you Tuesday and FFF will be back next Friday.
Download this song for your weekend chill time: Hey Jude~Joe Anderson (playing)

Found Them!

"Flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for take off."

My New AVIATORS
Thanks Nords for putting aviators on SALE.
No, these are not the original ones I wanted but they'll do just fine!

So, I made it to the Nords sale with BOTH my little darlings in tow~What the crap was I thinking? Brain dead Mommy! Between Lucy running in and out of the racks "hiding" from her brother and Kelson dumping the crumbs to the messiest granola bar EVER all over the dressing room (with black carpet) it's a miracle the two of them made it out of the store with all body parts in tack.:) Lucy also made sure she demonstrated her "the world's coming to an end, flop like a dead fish on the floor" trick -TWICE-and Kelson was determined to get me to buy the Juicy Couture heart BFF necklaces for him and his buddy Evan~right! The whole trip was really quite comical and I'm sure served me right. Geezy~I totally needed a nap!

Blingity Bling Hoop Earrings

Warning: Will disappear into thin air if paired with Mom jeans!

I have been wanting these earrings FOREVER (like a couple years~for real!) Had a little cash left over so I picked them up for myself. Reg. $52 on sale for $29.90. (I'm sure some of you are thinking that's pricey for stupid hoop earrings but these babies are timeless and solid.) In fact, I'm sitting here braless and in my PJ's wearing them feeling awfully fancy. Told you they'd match anything!

What did you find?

P.S. Don't forget to watch SYTYCD tonight! I haven't been this excited about TV in a long time.

Where Are You Today?

The half-yearly NORDSTROM sale begins today. What are you waiting for...

Go! Go! Go!

A little funny for you. My friend sent this to me in an e-mail yesterday and I thought it was perfect and oh so pathetically true!

Nine Words Women Use...

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome', that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying ____ YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Happy Nordy Shopping!

It's Trendy Tuesday...Do You Dare?

I dedicate this flowering piece of artwork to my children who seem to think the world revolves around them at all times.

{The Green Thumb} ~ That I pretend to have. Today's TT has nothing do to with textile fashions for the bod but lively (literally) fashions for your outdoors. Container planting~ which it is quite hilarious that I'm doing a post about this because I'm a complete idiot when it comes to gardening. Gardening....what's that?

Plantings I can sorta handle: Home Depot was my one stop shopping for my colorful container gardens. I LOVE bright red geraniums paired with yellow marigolds, purple and/or pink petunias, mini white flowers (no idea the name of these) with ivy or some sort of other trailing-like plant. For about $20 I have found that this is an extremely simple way to add some life to my front porch. And, they're the perfect welcome to my not-so-perfectly-clean inside.

Anyone wanna crash this outdoor party with me? (above) This outdoor seating arrangement can be yours too if you & your checkbook make a stop at your local Pottery Barn. Some day I WILL live on the water! Someday!

I could handle a little "me time" here. I totally dig the black french doors.

{Yards + Me} I love to see pretty yards. I am envious of pretty yards. I hate houses that have pretty yards. I want to hire someone to make my yard pretty. I want enough money to hire a Gardner to keep my yard pretty. Pretty pretty pretty yards. I'm "pretty" sure I'd rather be shopping than doing yardwork!

Happy planting! Do you dare?

{Outdoor Dinner Idea} we had this last night

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches (holy crap these are tasty easy!)

Marinated chicken breasts on whole wheat buns garnished with fresh pineapple rings, tomatoes, lettuce and light mayo. Tip: we don't dig chunky hunky chicken breasts so we either pound them down ourselves (serves two) or you can buy "prepounded" ones. Serve with sweet potato fries (from Costco). Bon Appetit princesses!

P.S. You're all invited to stop by my house in the next week or so to enjoy my plantings with me because after that, I don't guarantee their lively status.

P.S.S. If you're an Anthropologie fan their big sale started today.

Mrs. Princess Pookie's Social Calendar

LUCKY DUCKY ME!
What a great way to start a weekend. I found $2 bucks in my pocket. It will barely buy a pack of gum but hey, it was $2 bucks I didn't know I had! Maybe I should put it in the aviator sunglasses fund.:D


Thank you MR. SUN, my BFF #2, for showing your face this weekend. I really needed it. Ahhh....

I'm a soccer mom!

Now that's serious action! First game of the season.

Sweaty buddy soccer head.

Lucy was totally into the game...obviously!

Congratulations Myles!
Please forgive us for having to miss all the festivities! Get this...in the last three years my sis-in-law and bro-in-law bought a house, had two kidos and finished law school with an MBA on the side. Now that's what I call an accomplishment! AMAZING!

(My bro-in-law graduated from law school this weekend!)

So, this ends the marvelous Mom's day gift week of menus but it ended with a bang. My Prince took me to THIS swanky new restaurant (If you live in G.H. try it! You won't be disappointed!) and to THIS movie. He even made the arrangements for the babysitter! I'm convinced that date nights are vital to a healthy relationship! Then why don't we do it more often?:D

My aha weekend moment!

There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way, do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try," but go and do something today.

Have I done Any Good in the World Today~Hymn #223

No pretending. Last week was not a fabulous week. How thankful I am to be able to move forward, make better choices and look forward to a new day/week. The lines in this Hymn can be interpreted SO many ways. For me, on this particular day, I am reminded to take my talents (whatever they may be:D) and go help someone else in need. May we all find what our "Do something today" is this week and act upon it. Happy Monday princesses!

It's FFF (Fabulous Fashion Friday)

Casual Summer Essentials!
Not that I know anything about this in the state I live in! Rain rain go AWAY! It has been such a blah week for me. Nothing exciting going on, energy drained, bomb of a mess house, children bored to tears that I get to entertain and a sun that won't show its face. For those of you who don't live in Washington you have no idea how lucky you are to see sun. Really! If you couldn't tell, this is the time of year when the weather really starts to take its toll on me. And, it will continue to be like this through June. No lie...it sucks! Anyway...

Who doesn't hip hip hooray for SUMMER months? Warm breezes, hot dogs & chips (I personally enjoy grilled dogs w/ relish, salt & vinegar chips and cherry limeade. I know, it will kill me), slip-n-slides, vacations, sitting outside and chatting about nothing with girlfriends, flip flops, denim with white T's, popsicles, summer camps, sun kissed skin, coconut oil scents (YUM) AND no traces of fleece, umbrellas, sweatshirts or ugg boots!

Sunglasses: The first item of discussion is sunglasses. A very important component to the summer wardrobe! I've been wanting a pair of aviators for the summer season. I found a pair I really like but I'll have to take out a second mortgage on my house to purchase them.:) So far I haven't been able to find a suitable cheapo version. Any suggestions?

Lobes: Hoop earrings. I think simple hoop earrings are so simply sexy for ANY summer outfit. I enjoy slightly oversized (1 1/2-2 in. diameter). If they're too small they'll match your mom jeans great and if they're too big, well, you might as well apply 2in. long neon green acrylic nails to match. (was that rude?) Suggestion: Buy a slightly nicer pair. The $5.99 ones at Claires are OK but when they turn your ear hole black I'll say I told you so! They'll look and wear much better for MUCH longer.

On Bottom: Boyfit or skinny cropped jeans. Again I have blogged about these before. Finally the much more affordable brands are catching on and you can find a super cool beat up aka "distressed" pair just about anywhere.

Up Top: The basic white T. I prefer just a basic fitted crew neck. V necks and scoops aren't generally my cup o tea but of course still cute! I like THESE and they can be found at the Rack all the time for around $7. THESE are super radical but at that price? Although, I'd rather pay that price once and have the perfect white T then buy 10 that look like crap and aren't comfy. In case you were wondering, no...I haven't ever spent that much on a T.

Toes: You deserve a good pedicure! Bright colors are never out of style. Check out this (pic left) glamour color from OPI. The girl next to me at the salon the other day was getting a shade close to this on her toes! Crazy fun color. Just don't get it on your nails? It will drive you nuts. Quiz question: Is it okay to have a different color of polish on your fingernails vs. your toes? YEP!



Dress Up: Summer dresses are so fun to wear. Princess Challenge: Throw on a casual dress and sassy sandals instead of your everyday denim shorts and Old Navy flip flops to the next playground playdate. Pair with a ponytail and your hoops and you'll look so put together. Showering not required!:D THIS dress is cute!

Protection: Let me be honest. I'm horrible with sun protection and I'm sure will regret it! (like tomorrow~wrinkles appearing fast and furious) However, I am getting better at protecting my face. I did just pick THIS up. Perfect for the purse! I don't believe in just throwing anything on my face {Zits vs. skin cancer..hmm} But...I guess something is better than nothing, right?

And last but certainly not least: GOOD TUNES! I'm working on a summer playlist for you. Coming to you in June!

SO...I think I better stop here for now. I keep getting side tracked finding things I want as I'm searching for items to post about. If I don't stop now I'll want to buy "something" out of my "virtual" shopping cart. I told you it's been a lame week. A new "something" from something.com would certainly be "something" I don't need. :D

Have a wonderful weekend princesses. Please pray for a little S&S (sanity and sunshine) my way!

Princess Pookie Question: What do you consider to be a summer essential? Humor me...answer the question you blog stalking non-comment leaving scardy cats! Kidding, I'm a blog stalker too!:D

Cookie Jar Time

Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? Momma stole the cookies from the cookie jar!

These are pretty much the only cookies I can make that my whole family will eat. My kids will take these over chocolate chip any day. They are delightful!

Gingersnaps

{Known as "spice" cookies at our house}

1 c. sugar

3/4 c. shortening

1 egg

1/4 c. molasses

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cloves

Cream wet ingredients and add the dry. Roll into balls and

bake @ 375 degrees for 8 min.

Tip: We like ours bitesize. Mini is always more fun!:D

Serve hot with a tall glass of milk!

P.S. I love this company's vintage T's for all ages. Fun to browse through and I'm sure they will conjure up some memories! We're a little addicted to vintage T's at my house. Target carries fun and very affordable ones for kidos. I like to give them as baby gifts. Pair it with some distressed jeans and you've got one stylin' babe!

{click pic.}

Lovely Little Lulu Part II

Just Breath! What is it with girls and the drama? My son NEVER did anything like this. I should start making her pay me every time she flops down on the floor and acts like the world is coming to an end. Poor picked on child!

However...SUCCESS!
When we were in Portland we went into the Disney store and Lucy fell in LOVE with this dress. Sparkles, princess, ruffles, poofy pinkness~of course she loved it! So, I came up with a grand idea and made a deal with her. (Not a bribe, a deal!:D) I told her I would buy the Belle dress for her but she couldn't have it until she went pooh pooh in the potty FIVE times. Let me repeat. She couldn't have the Belle dress until she pooped FIVE times in the toilet! She eagerly agreed, of course, because she was walking out of that store with a beautiful new dress.

Once we got back to hotel she immediately wanted to try it on~can you blame her? I agreed to ONE catwalk trial then back in the bag it went. Once we got home I placed it high (so I thought) on a shelf in her closet, made a pooh pooh tracking chart (apparently I've got nothing better to do with my time) and next we waited. Waited until she jimmy rigged rubbermaids to boost herself high enough to reach the dang dress! I don't know how long she had it on (she was hiding in her room) but she knew she was in trouble when she got caught. I threatened to put the dress in the garbage, that devastated her (bad mommy) but after a minor renegotiation and FIVE poops, she earned her dream dress! Good job Lulu...we're so proud of you.

Princess Pookie Question: How many times have you clapped for pooh pooh?:D

I am so beautiful in my new Belle dress.

I told her to "strike a pose" and this is what she came up with.

What's next? The Snow White dress patiently awaits its debut! I don't care...it's worth EVERY penny! However, hopefully by poop number 10 she'll have it down. If not, Sleeping Beauty where are you?