Don't judge me

It's time I confessed something.

Something I've tried to keep secret for far too long.

Something only a couple of my closest friends may know.





I like the "Twilight" series.

I've tried to deny it, even to myself!  I've made excuses for why I read all the books, and have watched all the movies (in my defense, only one was in the theater).  (And honestly, if I wasn't so embarassingly excited about "Breaking Dawn," I would skip watching that one in the theater, too.  I don't like listening to screaming fan girls...and fan women.)

For god's sake, I'm almost 30 years old.  I'm a feminist.  I'm cynical.  I HATE Valentine's Day, and my husband and I never celebrate it.  Why is it that I like to read about sparkly vampires and the weepy chick who loves them?

Don't get me wrong.  I think the writing is atrocious.  Bella is a horrible role model for young girls.  I think Kristen Stewart is mediocre at best, and I'm not attracted to Robert Pattinson (well, unless he's using his real British accent.  But that's not saying much, as I'm attracted to anyone with a British accent.)

But damn it, it's entertaining.  And I've already made plans with a friend to see "Breaking Dawn" over Thanksgiving weekend.  Though I may be wearing sunglasses and a fedora when I sneak into the theater, lest anyone spot me.

And even though I'm finally admitting this shameful secret, I will continue to make fun of the series and post things on Pinterest like this:

All pictures courtesy of Pinterest.


Now, I think "Twilight" is on FX.  I'm going to go curl up in bed with some insecure humans, sparkly undead creatures and peanut M&M's.

The Red Lipstick Challenge

A few weeks ago I came across something called The Red Lipstick Challenge.  It originated on the blog Fox in Flats (see link for more info).  Basically, she challenged readers to wear red lipstick, all day long, for 7 days.  I was game, so I did it.

I wore it to school.  I wore it to the park.  I wore it to the pumpkin patch.  I wore it for my daughter's first birthday party.  I wore it to drop my parents off at the airport.  I wore it on a trip to Whole Paycheck Foods.  I even wore it around the house, while watching college football (go Dawgs!)

(I actually thought I had taken more pictures, but apparently not.  Oh well, just take my word for it!)

It was really fun!  I found that if I applied it with a lip brush, it was just enough color that I didn't feel like a cabaret act.  I used a couple of different colors: Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Lipstick in Top Tomato, and Maybelline's Red Revival.  I liked the staying power of Revlon, but the color of Maybelline.  I've still been rocking the red on occasion-- it definitely jazzes up a boring jeans and t-shirt combo!

Halloween Costumes (On the Cheap)

I love Halloween.  Looove it!  I love the scary movies on TV (though I don't watch them), the candy, the days getting shorter, the chill that sometimes exists in the air here in south Texas.  And I love Halloween parties and taking the kids trick or treating.

Unfortunately, this year I have class on the night of Halloween, so no trick or treating (not that my kids will miss it; they're really too young to get the concept anyway).  So the only "Halloweeny" thing we did was going to a party with the playgroup we're in.  And since that was the only event, I didn't want to spend money on costumes.

So here's how to make fun costumes from the clothes you already have!

Punky Brewster

Pigtails, rolled jeans, a bandana and mismatched shoes-- DONE.  But I'm kicking myself for not having an awesome jean vest for her, or two different Converse shoes.

Clark Kent

Superman shirt peeking out of a button down shirt.  Add some glasses (these were sunglasses with the lenses popped out).  DONE.

Hipster

Sadly, I own all the pieces that make up a "hipster" costume.  Converse, check.  Skinny jeans (yes, even maternity ones), check.  Cardigan, of course.  Hipster glasses, is there any other kind?  Fedora, yes, for the bad hair days.  Ironic mustache?  Drawn on by the hubs, faded after hand washing.

Even though that was our one and only Halloween party this year, we had a great time!

Life with a 2 year old

A banana in the back of James's cart.

After a brief hiatus, I'm back!

Ty is laying with his head on my lap watching "Dino Dan" before bed.  My god, it's the cutest thing ever!  And he loves when I scratch his back.  If I stop, he says, "More, Mommy!" and moves my hand back.  A child after my own heart.

So in the month that I've been gone (meaning, studying like crazy, working on presentations and final exams, and reading all about the wonderful world of multicultural counseling and counseling theories and techniques), the kids have been getting cuter.  Here's proof.

First day of college football

Go Dawgs!

Ty's new time out spot...just kidding!

Double fisting milk and water/juice

Some post-nap reading

Lily turned 1!  (Cake by Sweet Karma)

My first graduate school quarter is over!  I think I know how I did grade-wise, but I'm not going to say anything until I know for sure.  And I get a nice, long break of 5 days before the next quarter begins on Monday. :)  I think I'm handling it well taking two classes a quarter.  Here's hoping I can still handle it when this next baby pops out in March...and here's hoping I don't pop out the baby during class!