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Our Girls Weekend has reached a turning point. A theme has emerged. We're getting old. Yet, not one of us is 40. That's *cough* next year. But, the conversation and actions have markedly taken a turn. Our first night in Ocean City and we all meet at Tequila Mockingbird's for margarita's and munchies. This is fine. Except that we were talking about our various medical conditions - gall bladder issues, constipation - like a bunch of old ladies! Ok, we are getting older. Bodies are starting to age. It's undeniable. But something else has changed. We're tired! One girlfriend mentioned it was past her bedtime. It was 9:30! The end of the week is rough, and a couple margaritas into it will tire anyone out when you're relaxed with your best girls. Yet, there's more.
We're exercising. AT GIRLS WEEKEND! Fighting age? Absolutely. Having tea at 5 instead of cocktails. We need the caffeine. Then, someone (me!) pulled out the latest crochet project. CROCHET AT GIRLS WEEKEND?! I'm pretty sure I heard a girlfriend say "oh dear" in response to a disappointment. OH DEAR? Like a bunch of f-ing old ladies! Unmotivated to get to happy hour at 3 pm - too busy sitting on the beach (sans cocktail) chatting. It was relaxing. And? Two girlfriends had to work a bit. Plus, here I am on the computer blogging. At least the time it takes everyone to get ready (forever!) hasn't changed.
It's funny. We're all laughing about it. But it's strangely and largely present. The change. We're getting older.
We're on our way out. Drinking will happen. Dancing will follow. Tomorrow will likely be painful. But, it's all good. That will never change.
The Girls Weekend
A long-standing tradition is upon me. My 19th Annual Girls Weekend. Needless to say, we've been doing this since elementary school. Look at our young, fresh faces and svelte figures.
The first weekend in May is the one weekend a year we set aside to spend together. Always in Ocean City, MD. It started when we all went our separate ways to college and other ventures. No boys allowed. No children allowed. No one else, but us. Occasionally, we've invited another girl to join, but when it's just the core group, it's the most relaxing, fun weekend of the year. They are the kind of friends you can be completely gross with, honest with, ridiculous with. We have known each other since we were 14 years old. We know each others flaws. We've been through boyfriends, weddings, break ups, children, deaths...you name it. We may not talk to each other frequently, but when one of us needs a friend, there's never any hesitation. We're there.
This lil' chick I've known since we were 4 years old. We are totally different. She's more mellow and low key. I'm not. But we're like an old married couple.
Kelly and I grew up with BreAnne who has been living in Dallas FOREVER and doesn't make it east for the weekend. She's always with us in spirit though. Hi Bre!
And, a heck of a lot of this...
But that's what Girls Weekend is all about. Letting loose with your best girls.
The first weekend in May is the one weekend a year we set aside to spend together. Always in Ocean City, MD. It started when we all went our separate ways to college and other ventures. No boys allowed. No children allowed. No one else, but us. Occasionally, we've invited another girl to join, but when it's just the core group, it's the most relaxing, fun weekend of the year. They are the kind of friends you can be completely gross with, honest with, ridiculous with. We have known each other since we were 14 years old. We know each others flaws. We've been through boyfriends, weddings, break ups, children, deaths...you name it. We may not talk to each other frequently, but when one of us needs a friend, there's never any hesitation. We're there.
This year, everyone is particularly in need of a break away from the status quo. We've been counting down the days. It's hard not to. It's a great weekend. We do a lot of this...
This...
And when that happens, this is bound to happen...
The Pour
I think most of us know the basics of proper etiquette when it comes to wine. White in tulip shaped glasses. Red in balloon. Sparkling in tall, thin. Decant, if you choose, it looks nicer and is better for flavor. Pour into the glass on the table, and no more than two-thirds full.
Now, I love wine, the more the better. I’m slightly disappointed when the glass arrives with a mere splash of wine. But this?
How it arrived at the table without having spilled I will never know. I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth, but this is a little embarrassing. And then?
I can’t help to think the food will be horrible. But, it’s actually good. Except the salads. Iceberg lettuce. Are you surprised?
Now, I love wine, the more the better. I’m slightly disappointed when the glass arrives with a mere splash of wine. But this?
How it arrived at the table without having spilled I will never know. I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth, but this is a little embarrassing. And then?
Communities: How many is too many?
I saw a logo for a site that I had joined a couple years ago, and it occurred to me that I belong to A LOT of sites/communities. Since I started blogging nearly three years ago, I've been randomly joining communities in hopes of making new connections. How many could I have possibly joined I wondered. So I did a little research into my old emails and found that I belong to 36 communities. 36! And that's not counting Facebook, Twitter or Flickr. I even created my own community which has long been abandoned. I'm sure I'm missing some too. How did I ever think I'd have time for all of them?
Here's the community breakdown:
17 Mom-related
4 Publishing sites
7 Totally Random
4 Fitness/Health
2 That I can't figure out
2 Bookmarking Sites
Here's a complete list in no particular order:
Moms Like Me
Mom Bloggers Club
We Believe Blogs
The Hood
I Heart Photography
MomSpace
Bookie Boo
TwitterMoms
MomTV
Blogamama
MommyCommunity
Divine Caroline
Helium
Examiner
CEO Moms
Blog Frog
5 Minutes for Moms
Posh Mama
Thirty Something Bloggers
Lady Bloggers Society
Theta Mom
RoleMommy
Living My Moment
SITS
DailyMile
Mom Blog Network
ModernMom
Twine
MomCentral
Kirtsy
Del.ici.ous
Stumble Upon
Weight Watchers
And as I was writing the list, I remembered even more: Blogher, Women's Health and one other that I can't remember the name of but it's like Just Right or something like that.
I think it's time to declutter my online life, don't you?
Here's the community breakdown:
17 Mom-related
4 Publishing sites
7 Totally Random
4 Fitness/Health
2 That I can't figure out
2 Bookmarking Sites
Here's a complete list in no particular order:
Moms Like Me
Mom Bloggers Club
We Believe Blogs
The Hood
I Heart Photography
MomSpace
Bookie Boo
TwitterMoms
MomTV
Blogamama
MommyCommunity
Divine Caroline
Helium
Examiner
CEO Moms
Blog Frog
5 Minutes for Moms
Posh Mama
Thirty Something Bloggers
Lady Bloggers Society
Theta Mom
RoleMommy
Living My Moment
SITS
DailyMile
Mom Blog Network
ModernMom
Twine
MomCentral
Kirtsy
Del.ici.ous
Stumble Upon
Weight Watchers
And as I was writing the list, I remembered even more: Blogher, Women's Health and one other that I can't remember the name of but it's like Just Right or something like that.
I think it's time to declutter my online life, don't you?
Barbie wears stripper shoes
If you have a daughter and she plays with Barbies, you know what I'm talking about. Little K received a brand new wardrobe for her Barbies as gifts for her 6th birthday this weekend. The other moms and I couldn't get over the STRIPPER SHOES and mega-sexy dresses. Look at the heels on these things:
Ok, I admit these are kind of cute. They are still way too sexy for a 6 year old.
Plus, one of the dresses looked like it was inspired by a burlesque show. Of course, we're not expecting Joan Cleaver-esque attire, but something a little more conservative and role-model-like would have made me a bit more comfortable. These are all fine. Don't get me wrong, I'm no uber-conservative prude, but my daughter is just 6. Stripper shoes? We can do better. Also? They are impossible to get on. It took at least 10 minutes to get on ONE plastic leg warmer. I don't know about you, but I don't spend that much time getting myself dressed in the morning (and maybe I should, but still!), let alone a Barbie doll!
Ok, I admit these are kind of cute. They are still way too sexy for a 6 year old.
Plus, one of the dresses looked like it was inspired by a burlesque show. Of course, we're not expecting Joan Cleaver-esque attire, but something a little more conservative and role-model-like would have made me a bit more comfortable. These are all fine. Don't get me wrong, I'm no uber-conservative prude, but my daughter is just 6. Stripper shoes? We can do better. Also? They are impossible to get on. It took at least 10 minutes to get on ONE plastic leg warmer. I don't know about you, but I don't spend that much time getting myself dressed in the morning (and maybe I should, but still!), let alone a Barbie doll!
Party at my Blog!
I can't believe this is my 3rd year attending 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party. I can't believe I still have a blog. I'll admit, I would love to have thousands of followers and the same success as The Pioneer Woman, but I'm happy with my 4 real followers. Sure it says I have more than that, but I know about a handful of you check in daily.
If you're new here and stopping in from the party, Hi! I'm Stephanie and this is my spot. Grab a cocktail. If it's early, a mimosa will do. And I'll give you the nutshell of what goes on here. Which is really just a lot of randomness. Sometimes we have a laugh. Sometimes we learn something. And every so often we wonder what the hell is going on.
Figments of a Mom is a venting grounds for things that drive me crazy, make me wonder and also random observances which you may relate to. You can find me fighting age, weight and gravity at The Thinning Chronicles journaling my attempt to look 20 years younger. You can also follow me as FigmentsofaMom on Twitter. I've been married for 10 years, I have two girls who are about to turn 6 and 8, and I'm a fulltime writer in advertising.
5 quick facts about me
1. I’m a homebody, until I get out of the house.
2. I’m a writer by profession, a wanna-be business owner, traveler, photographer and omnicient creative being.
3. I’m selfish, controlling, highly emotional and have an attention span of five minutes.
4. I hate monotony.
5. I want more out of life and that gnaws at me daily.
Take a look around. I hope you stay. At the very least, please say hi!
Now, let's get on with the party!
A party is not a party without wine. Since the weather is getting warm, it's time to break out the whites. A good party wine: Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc
The best parties have cheesecake. And I have the recipe for the world's best chocolate chip cheesecake. Copy this down, and make it for your next party. People will love you.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine butter, crumbs and sugar; pat firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan. In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk; beat until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 65 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool to room temperature. Chill. remove side of pan. Garish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Bask in the deliciousness.
LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT PRIZES!
And last but not least, the prizes I would love love love to win:
#USC17 $200 Apple gift certificate from CMomGo.
#39 $250 Hilton Garden Inn
#72 Your Shape for Wii from Kristie's List.
If I won anything, I would be thrilled, but especially: #105, 52, 32, USC3, 31, 11, 6, and 4.
Happy partying!
If you're new here and stopping in from the party, Hi! I'm Stephanie and this is my spot. Grab a cocktail. If it's early, a mimosa will do. And I'll give you the nutshell of what goes on here. Which is really just a lot of randomness. Sometimes we have a laugh. Sometimes we learn something. And every so often we wonder what the hell is going on.
Figments of a Mom is a venting grounds for things that drive me crazy, make me wonder and also random observances which you may relate to. You can find me fighting age, weight and gravity at The Thinning Chronicles journaling my attempt to look 20 years younger. You can also follow me as FigmentsofaMom on Twitter. I've been married for 10 years, I have two girls who are about to turn 6 and 8, and I'm a fulltime writer in advertising.
5 quick facts about me
1. I’m a homebody, until I get out of the house.
2. I’m a writer by profession, a wanna-be business owner, traveler, photographer and omnicient creative being.
3. I’m selfish, controlling, highly emotional and have an attention span of five minutes.
4. I hate monotony.
5. I want more out of life and that gnaws at me daily.
Take a look around. I hope you stay. At the very least, please say hi!
Now, let's get on with the party!
A party is not a party without wine. Since the weather is getting warm, it's time to break out the whites. A good party wine: Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc
The best parties have cheesecake. And I have the recipe for the world's best chocolate chip cheesecake. Copy this down, and make it for your next party. People will love you.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine butter, crumbs and sugar; pat firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan. In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk; beat until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 65 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool to room temperature. Chill. remove side of pan. Garish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Bask in the deliciousness.
LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT PRIZES!
And last but not least, the prizes I would love love love to win:
#USC17 $200 Apple gift certificate from CMomGo.
#39 $250 Hilton Garden Inn
#72 Your Shape for Wii from Kristie's List.
If I won anything, I would be thrilled, but especially: #105, 52, 32, USC3, 31, 11, 6, and 4.
Happy partying!
It's Party Time and You're Invited!
Tomorrow kicks off the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 - you can win amazing prizes and you don't even have to have a blog! You may be wondering, well first of all, what the heck is a Blog Party? The Ultimate Blog Party is all about meeting people and getting your blog noticed, or if you don't have a blog, finding new blogs to follow. And winning prizes of course!
Check out the prizes. Sooooo much to choose from! All you need to do to be eligible for the prizes is comment on the party post at 5 Minutes for Mom and attend some parties. In other words, visit and comment on at least 20 participating blogs – simply click on the blogs name from the links in MckLinky to party hop – and you will qualify as a party guest.
The UBP ‘10 will run for one week, from Friday, April 9, 2010 to Friday, April 16, 2010. The prizes winners will be announced by the latest Friday, April 23rd.
I will get my party post up tomorrow. God only knows what it will be.
So consider yourself invited! Let me know if you find any good blogs too!
Check out the prizes. Sooooo much to choose from! All you need to do to be eligible for the prizes is comment on the party post at 5 Minutes for Mom and attend some parties. In other words, visit and comment on at least 20 participating blogs – simply click on the blogs name from the links in MckLinky to party hop – and you will qualify as a party guest.
The UBP ‘10 will run for one week, from Friday, April 9, 2010 to Friday, April 16, 2010. The prizes winners will be announced by the latest Friday, April 23rd.
I will get my party post up tomorrow. God only knows what it will be.
So consider yourself invited! Let me know if you find any good blogs too!
The Unseen Raccoon
Little did we know, there was a large raccoon out there, waiting to make a rare daylight appearance. We watched closely from afar as it strolled through the brush, then scaled a tree and hung out in the branches. Wondering all along, when was it going to make a rabid dash for our hidden Easter eggs. Raccoons are nocturnal, after all, so if you see them in the daytime, they are typically sick.
Other Wordless Wednesdays. Check 'em out. They might be more...wordless.
Other Wordless Wednesdays. Check 'em out. They might be more...wordless.
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