tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556493388932304752024-03-13T22:58:52.907-04:00Strollers and Stilettosi'm ChicMom, i love my heels and i blog from my iPhoneChic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00237009744493679652noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-22204414744495955132010-02-05T16:24:00.000-05:002010-02-05T16:24:06.262-05:00Walmart Cashiers- my unsung herosIt's no surprise I heart Walmart. I felt like I won the lotto when I find out there was a Super Walmart about 4 miles from my new home in Orlando. If you live in the area, you might have seen me. I'm usually the mom with one screaming kid in the shopping cart, and another running all over the store picking everything she could find. As a mom I've come up with strategies to make the trip a bit less chaotic. I usually let my two year old pick up a toy he likes and hold on to it. This pretty much is the only way to keep him from screaming. He'll usually look at it, inspect it and think that he is going home with it. I'm just happy I get a couple of quiet minutes to pick up most of the items on my list. Once I head to checkout, I have a plan. I usually signal to the cashier to please hold the t-o-y (<em>clearly spelled out</em>) under the register because I wasn’t getting it. Now I have done this more times than I can count, and to this day I have yet to meet an uncooperative Walmart cashier. They are even quite helpful and discreet about it. I then wonder, could they also be moms? or Are they just feeling sorry for a mom who looks in distress? Either way I'm always very appreciative and thank them. They have no idea the money and grief they save me. <br />
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So in a moment of gratitude, I dedicate this post to you, the cashiers at Walmart that help this mom keep her sanity and money in her pocket. <br />
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Thank you! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-90473234940210140402010-02-03T12:46:00.001-05:002010-02-03T12:46:14.815-05:00This is a testMy iPhones not feeling well today , so I'm doing a test. <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-14493573346451759882010-02-03T10:40:00.001-05:002010-02-03T10:41:31.644-05:0025 Books Every Latina Should Read | LatinaFound this on one of my favorite sites, and is going on my to do list..<br />
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<a href="http://www.latina.com/lifestyle/25-books-every-latina-should-read-0">25 Books Every Latina Should Read Latina</a><br />
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Reading does the body/brain good!! <br />
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Happy Reading! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-8317369308470314822010-02-01T10:50:00.000-05:002010-02-01T10:50:58.332-05:00Comfort Jolt!Just the other day I'm driving from my local Starbucks to pick up my daughter from preschool. I was a bit early, therefore able to whole heartedly enjoy my cup of jolt. I starting thinking what is it about this little cup of coffee that gives me so much comfort. For Gods sake we're still in a recession, why am I spending money for coffee. I then I got it!<br />
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You see, this has been quite a busy last year. I moved several times and yearn some consistency. It seems that the only constant in my life besides pampers has been Starbucks. Whether I in the Bronx, Long Island, Conneticut or my new home in Orlando, theres always one thing that I can count on. So while for others its just another cup of coffee, for me its a lil more than that. I some comfort jolt. <br />
So for me, I've figured out the obsession.<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
Cheers!<br />
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-- I heart blogging from my iPhone!XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-46909870632664891132010-01-24T11:54:00.001-05:002010-01-24T11:54:23.248-05:00My new homes best feature...<br />So I'm still settling in, trying to adapt to this Orlando lifestyle. So far I likes it but what I LUV even more is my pantry. My pantry is mom sized! I can actually step in, close the door behind me and hide from the lil ones. So I have stashed my goodies (twinkies and all) on the fourth self on the right. Now when it's time to take a break and have some comfort I step into my pantry. It's the lil things! <br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-18657236179258141512010-01-04T16:20:00.001-05:002010-01-04T16:23:22.561-05:00Dishwasher guilt....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5L_P2Sq6IhHfk8os2QUF1twZ-JDNuRS31sZcNu4H129CBEHyZk55YEIezOZgPezWbW8MR1IKYx9wHSvDgod_mUI3pYmLR7DO9bFYFjyhQB0-l0-Jr2F_a7-bBi0rNCgnmCz5KAO9UXKS/s1600-h/dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5L_P2Sq6IhHfk8os2QUF1twZ-JDNuRS31sZcNu4H129CBEHyZk55YEIezOZgPezWbW8MR1IKYx9wHSvDgod_mUI3pYmLR7DO9bFYFjyhQB0-l0-Jr2F_a7-bBi0rNCgnmCz5KAO9UXKS/s200/dishes.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Yes, you read correctly, <strong>dishwasher guilt</strong>. For many years I put off using my dishwasher. There was a tremendous guilt about wasting water. I was committed to staying "green". As I start my new year one of my goals is to -<em>get over it!</em> If I can take advantage of this mom shortcut, then why the heck not. But I did need some backup research to support my decision and help me sleep at night, hence<em> </em>I came across this wonderful article in <a href="http://treehugger.com/">Treehugger.com</a> called Handwashing vs. Dishwashing: The Winner. Great read that gives you better insight into this debate.<br />
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So go ahead ahead moms, turn on your dishwashers (wait until it full though) and go do your nails! <br />
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Stay Chic!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-63084683570430785612010-01-03T15:02:00.003-05:002010-01-03T15:16:38.985-05:00Starting the year off right<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu00WO9a7ZAfYXwCVPFZCyKUYcVuEnxrOOZBvWVF-XmpSGRUKDbsnKq666Op8IOhf6BcRUyk5tU708Im3gbOs_ppJgzoP2KsxnGDqhKhHenYmCSpIKii_GyPf24cWiyfMe_RE1PiFNxRs/s1600-h/visonboard.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu00WO9a7ZAfYXwCVPFZCyKUYcVuEnxrOOZBvWVF-XmpSGRUKDbsnKq666Op8IOhf6BcRUyk5tU708Im3gbOs_ppJgzoP2KsxnGDqhKhHenYmCSpIKii_GyPf24cWiyfMe_RE1PiFNxRs/s320/visonboard.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422610072067517042" /></a><br />I'm a big fan Of Carla White's <a href="http://strollersandstilettos.blogspot.com/2009/01/showing-gratitude.html">Gratitude App</a>. Practicing <strong>gratitude</strong> on a daily basis has the potential to change your life in a positive way. Now Carla has come up with the Vision Board app, which I truly heart! <br /><br /><strong>Some of its amazing features are:</strong> <br />*Create journal entries listing what you're thankful for. <br />*Search your journal entries. <br />*Bulleted lists make reading entries easy. <br />*Rate your day to see which are your best. <br />*Email an entry to a friend or yourself. <br />*Pick from six different theme designs. <br />*Passcode protected for your privacy. <br />*Month index for easy navigation. <br />*Add a photo to your entry. Chose something that inspires you. <br />*Inspirational quotes when you create a new journal entry. <br />*Flip through days to reflect on how cool life is. <br /><br />Carla is truly inspiring and helping transform the lives of many iPhone users.<br /><br />Check her out on http://happytapper.com . <br /><br />I'm was always skeptical about vision boards. After having one for a little over two years, I'm a firm believer that they work.<br /><br />Good luck people, and never let go of your dreams. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-47101229385770763482010-01-03T14:51:00.002-05:002010-01-03T14:59:53.556-05:00Happy New Year!Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. It came and went too fast. Right before the holidays I did my last move. I am now a proud resident of Orlando, Florida. It's gonna take this New York girl a while to get use to but the weather is definitely worth it, and how about those palm trees decorated with Christmas lights, if that's not culture shock then not sure what is. <br /><br />I'm hoping this year to write more about my new adventures in Mickey's land.<br /><br />Much love and prosperity to all!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-88915050564103437852009-12-11T14:35:00.000-05:002009-12-11T14:39:57.741-05:00Time to milk Christmas!With all the moving, the kids are outta control and I get it, its alot for them. My usual tactics this year have been threatening with texts and fake calls to Santa. This did work for a bit but now I was in need of a more drastic aaproach. Desperate times call for desperate measures, hence my new favorite app- Parents Calling Santa. I loves it!! <br /><br />It has three choices, from just a good call, to a warning to getting put on the naughty list. It's working wonders for my 4 year old. Not only is she being good but<br /> she is being helpful. So I'm milking this til Chrismas, after that well I'm gonna haveto find another app! <br /><br />Stay Chic! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/12/11/445.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/12/11/s_445.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-62530930254984277622009-12-07T17:10:00.002-05:002009-12-07T17:17:12.473-05:00Not so fast....Just when I thought I was all nice and settled in, ChicMom is on the move again. This time, destination Orlando, Florida. I cant believe it myself, but life has taught me that when opportunity comes knocking, you best open that door, cause you never know when it will happen again.<br /><br />I'm enthralled with a mix of emotions. My previous moves where in the tri-state area. This is completely new territory I headed to. I'm excited about my proximity to Disney, the nice weather and getting my house with a pool BUT my heart is still heavy. I will miss all my friends and family. These are relationships that I've built all my life. Everyone that knows me, knows what a New York Chic I am. This will be interesting.<br /><br />Brace yourself Orlando, Chicmom is on her way! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-82294751495443471432009-11-11T19:46:00.003-05:002009-11-11T19:54:40.734-05:00I'm back, I hope.....OK guys, its time I get back to some writing. I've been busy with life for the last couple of months. My move from Long Island to Stamford, Ct has totally consumed me. Its my first week as a resident of Connecticut and the only thing I have gotten acquainted with is boxes and a deer that usually visits during dinner time. <br /><br />OK I'm am so penciling you guys in......<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-2734690471024350332009-09-15T14:11:00.005-04:002009-09-15T14:15:30.295-04:00Who needs a therapist?It's September, many people view this as a new year, a fresh start. I know a few people who are turning to a therapists to help in the process. It seems to work for most, which have left me to wonder...should I venture? Their claims are of being able to vent, to let it all out. The weight of their burdens have been lifted off their back. How amazing is that <em>*sigh*</em> <strong>But what a minute!!! </strong>I do the same thing, just not with a "therapists". I vent to the world, my way is through blogging and Twitter. Whenever I complete a post I feel so light, so happy that I'm able to tell the world how I really feel. Ditto with Twitter, it has helped me keep my sanity many a days. The continuous positive feedback is nothing short of amazing. Tweeps I have never met have given me the encouragement and confidence that a good therapists may not have been able to do. <br /><br />Why not try it? You can buy some nice stilettos with the cash you can save. <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br /><br /><br /><em><strong>PS some people have asked me about how I blog on my iphone, I plan to do a post on this soon. stay tuned and stay Chic!</strong></em>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-35102123121785889512009-09-11T12:38:00.001-04:002009-09-11T12:38:23.632-04:009/11<br />Remembering that day as if it were yesterday. I can't believe it's been eight years since that horrific event. While walking with total strangers from 43rd street in Midtown to the Bronx, I remember thinking "our world will never be the same". With the same token I was never more proud to be an American. The way people, TOTAL strangers pulled together to help one another is what I held on to that day. <br />Yes, there are cruel people in this world but there are also amazing people that act in heroic ways to protect one another.<br />God Bless America! <br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-81472043092897742362009-09-10T13:12:00.003-04:002009-09-10T13:27:23.215-04:00Break in Case of Emergency!I have a 2yr old son who has a speech delay. At two he has just a handful of words. Teaching him language has been on priority list for awhile. I am eternally grateful to the two wonderful teachers who come to work with him every week. I'm also fortunate to have a "family trainer" A.K.A. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nanny 911</span> who is helping me with his behavior issues. It seems that because he is not able to properly communicate, he gets frustrated and this effects his behavior negatively. I been working with Nanny 911 for about 2 weeks now. She is giving me tips on helping Andrew get through this hump. Lots of wonderful helpful advice but it seems the key is <span style="font-weight:bold;">"redirection"</span>. Andrew is a strong willed little person. When he wants something, he will go to any length to get it. It could be punching, hitting, slapping, you get my point. Many a days have I left Target in tears because of him. It's that feeling where you want the Earth to swallow you, yeah you know. Well, she's been teaching me the art of redirection, which usually entails me keeping different things of interest in my bag when I go out, with a "break in case of emergency label". When he starts acting up and wants something, I "redirect" him by giving him something from my bag like M&Ms, or one of his favorite trains. Sound simple enough, yet I have found it to be very effective. He usually immediately transfers his attention to what I am offering him. Gosh this could possibly mean some peace for me, in the meantime I need to be <span style="font-style:italic;">redirected</span> to the Sangria.<br /><br />Stay sane and Chic everyone! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-59048027440098059122009-09-09T07:58:00.001-04:002009-09-09T08:00:22.979-04:00My New BFFSo I haven't been getting much sleep for awhile. It has alot to do with the 4 year old and 2 year old that sleep in our bed. I routinely wake up with an elbow in my ear or a knee in my crotch. Yes good times, will promise to delight everyone with those stories soon. Getting back to sleep, I feel like I need more than concealer. So I decided to pick up Nutritioniste Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller. I figure $12.99 was a small price to pay to eliminate the look of dread. So I've been using for a little over a week and can say that I do see a slight difference. Although the dark circles haven't minimized as I would like them to, I do see less puffiness. If anything it's also very soothing around that delicate area around the eye. Worth a try. <br /><br />One out of two problems solved, not bad. Now if I can get them in their<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/09/122.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/09/s_122.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /> own bed, OMG!! <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br /><br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-16025327772420778282009-09-08T10:27:00.004-04:002009-09-08T10:34:06.437-04:00There I said it "I want a do-over"Yes, I said "Do-over"! It's taboo to say amongst mothers who have it all, the kids, the home and the husband. <em>We should be grateful for what we have</em>- isn't that what mom would tell us? But here I am screaming it to the world, "<strong>I WANT A DO-OVER!!"</strong>. I have a right to feel this way. There are just those days when monotony takes over and you wonder "what if". I can't list all the missed opportunitites and sacrifices I've made for my family, they are endless. <em>(I know cry me a river!)</em> And it would not only be selfish but unrealistic to except the same in return. BUT I feel like I have the right to be upset sometimes. Our mothers taught us not to complain, to be happy with what we have. I can hear her clearly " mija, you know it can always be worse, just be happy". My mom, like many good Latina mamis (God bless her soul), devoted her life to her husband and her children. She never did anything for herself, which unfortunately is very characteristic of many old school Latinas. She lived to serve us. Now she lives in a nursing home suffering with Alzheimer's and I know for a fact she never lived life to it's fullest. She never did everything she wanted to do. I unfortunately have regrets for her.<br /> <br />So although I have some wonderful children and husband, i will be the first to admit that at times wanting a do-over does cross my mind. I want to make sure I make myself a priority, something my poor Mami never did. I will do it in her name, cause that's really the least I can do. <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-39427301057663049562009-09-07T18:47:00.002-04:002009-09-08T10:26:21.337-04:00Fall is in the air!There's something exciting about Fall. Not sure if it's the new trends or the leaves falling. There's something very euphoric about the cool air and walking on leaves. Maybe it's because it reminds me of a better time in my life, a time when my biggest worry was that my clothes matched for school or if I liked my new history teacher, a subject which I dreaded. Back then I didn't realize how good I had it, how simple and beautiful life really was. Now in my thirties life is so much more complicated and although my wardrobe is still important, there are other things that <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/07/399.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/07/s_399.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />have taken it's place. <br />I say all this just to say how important it is to enjoy the moment. It really doesn't get better than this, so why not live it up "NOW".<br />I'm a work in progress, but progress is the keyword. <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br /><br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-62638455319635566252009-09-04T16:14:00.003-04:002009-09-04T16:42:32.851-04:00Yes, you heard right $12.99Somethings are just guaranteed. <a href="http://www.target.com/dp/B0027SUADA/sr=/ref=br_1_5/183-5441902-0744027?%5Fencoding=UTF8&frombrowse=0"><strong>Target</strong></a> for me is a sure hit. I started my Fall clothing shopping for the lil ones. One of my favorite things to do is<br /><br /><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/04/459.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/04/s_459.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /> shop for little girls, I love my boy but they're a lil boring when it comes to shopping. <br /><br />Ok, so I managed to pick up a couple of ridiculously chic, tremendously adorable dresses at, yes you heard right $12.99. Seriously you can't go wrong, think I'm going back for a couple more. <br /><br />Happy Shopping!<br /><br /><br />-- Yes! I posted this entire entry using my iPhone. 3 apps and a bit of creativity is all it took. <br /><br />*did mention I heart my iPhone? <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-38515998163383486732009-09-02T21:41:00.004-04:002009-09-02T22:02:00.302-04:00What's in my bag...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdvGJk4PabTPZ2I6ZnTtLtS0y4qvoG35Vf3exr2_D0dBwWX1YCra21nGhgqRxEM78Uhx7riSWjYG0fLucdzm3SNlNg10MfiO6V4hZhjSXRF5SALwCqwcnoMPcP0wD2lyOesM9VXvkhb2/s1600-h/top5makeup.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdvGJk4PabTPZ2I6ZnTtLtS0y4qvoG35Vf3exr2_D0dBwWX1YCra21nGhgqRxEM78Uhx7riSWjYG0fLucdzm3SNlNg10MfiO6V4hZhjSXRF5SALwCqwcnoMPcP0wD2lyOesM9VXvkhb2/s200/top5makeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377055505607729362" /></a><br />I'm a mom, I need to keep it simple. I usually keep my everyday makeup natural, only because I don't have the time to spend on making my face up every morning. I also think this is a blessing in disguise, cause less can definitely be more.<br /><br />Here a 4 musts for my tiny makeup bag. Almost all you can get at your local CVS, with only one splurge...<br /><br />* Covergirl Trueblend Liquid Makeup- its light and yes it covers nicely. <br /><br />* Maybelline Superstay Gloss in Bleaming Blush, it a pretty natural pink and color lasts for hours and many kisses. <br /><br />* Maybelline Great Lash in Black, I'm a big fan just <em><strong>Google</strong></em> it.<br /><br />Lastly, <strong>Nars Orgasm Blush</strong>- its my splurge but it does last a long time and the color is really flattering on most skin tones. **a must in anyone's makeup bag**<br /><br />Looking Chic doesn't necessarily mean spending big bucks, and a splurge here and there never hurt a soul. <br /><br />Always looking for chic...........<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-23342737842890909722009-09-01T09:12:00.002-04:002009-09-01T20:59:26.797-04:00Andrew's Milestone....arghSpent a couple of days in Connecticut with the kids. Wanted to get to know Stamford, as I might actually be living there soon. I decided to check out Barnes and Nobles, as we frequent it for Storytime here in Long Island. Ava usually sits very attentively listening to the storyteller. Andrew on the other hand runs straight to the toy train tracks, as trains are his toy of choice. We had a successful first ten minutes until another boy decided to take his train. Andrew was not gonna take it. In a matter of seconds there were two boys intertwined and two moms pulling for dear life. These boys sadly over powered us. I didn't know which was worse the crying and screaming or the fact my two year old was stronger than me. We finally managed to go separate ways. I wanted the Earth to swallow me, as I was "that" mom no one ever wants to be. My son's first fight.....<br /><br /><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/01/182.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/01/s_182.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /> <br /><br />A milestone for Andrew, Sangria time for mommy. <br /><br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-28044784939169446692009-08-30T12:47:00.001-04:002009-08-30T12:47:08.773-04:00Practice makes perfect....sometimesI'm in the midst of a very stressful time in my life, aren't we all. I wanna say it's hectic but that's a tad bit mild. Relocating and everything that goes with it is overwhelming. Not to mention other things that are brewing in my life. Yes, when it rains, it surely does pour. I'm constantly waking up in the middle of the night figuring out, how am I gonna do this? Where will I find the strength? BUT I've also noticed that I've been lax on my meditative practices and my learning of living in the now. I'm a big Eckhart Tolle fan. He taught me to enjoy this very moment, because incredibly that's all we have. I have read both The Power of Now and A New Earth and can tell you that they transformed my life. By nature I'm a worrier, it's one of the characteristics my mom passed along to me (along with her great cheekbones) Is it productive? No! Do I insist doing it? Yes! <br /><br />Well, I've decided to rediscover my "now" practices. I'm back to reading my Power of Now and listening to my Oprah and Eckhart podcasts regularly. <br /><br />I'm a work in progress, the quest to improve continues.......<br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-54220693923264813682009-08-29T08:14:00.001-04:002009-08-29T08:15:53.671-04:00I heart "trends"- no not thoseYes, I am fashion obsessed. I am on the constant look out for the new and chic. But that's not the obsession I am rambling about now. The "trends" I am referring to are the ones on Twitter. I have a need to know whats going on right now. Breaking news gives me a euphoric feeling (I know I'm a lil kinda crazy). So now I find myself checking the Trends on Twitter constantly. Somehow information seems to be transmitting so much faster on Twitter than anywhere else. For instance yesterday while waiting for my movie to start, I took yet another peek at the Trends. Unfortunately, it was the death of DJ am. Not only did I get to read about it instantly but I also had first hand accounts from friends who knew him and tweeted about him.<br /><br />Someone very close to me told me Twitter was just a fad, hmm I doubt it.<br /><br /><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/29/109.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/29/s_109.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /> <br /><br />-- I heart blogging from my iPhone! <br />XoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-14941524194677932092009-08-26T13:07:00.001-04:002009-09-01T21:44:13.765-04:00The Kennedy's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig82UWVv-IaMI6VpbqJOS9dE0iOlcAEQSDPOUcSgyfbC9KFNY0GNmNR_uG_ANNtptfKuOWjfwAJDwHWm5he4FZQb6WH-VOOo0CuUcMbCvsZt16tbcICNMm3gG4FiT1Uba1BgGZEKP8e7hr/s1600-h/wwjd.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig82UWVv-IaMI6VpbqJOS9dE0iOlcAEQSDPOUcSgyfbC9KFNY0GNmNR_uG_ANNtptfKuOWjfwAJDwHWm5he4FZQb6WH-VOOo0CuUcMbCvsZt16tbcICNMm3gG4FiT1Uba1BgGZEKP8e7hr/s320/wwjd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376679886771030114" /></a><br />On this passing of this very important part of the Kennedy legacy most of us are reflecting on this generation of men and their contributions, and rightfully so. They are a large part of our history. But you see I always tend to stear to the other side. The side that was packaged with grace, style and it's own scandolous legacy. Yes, I am taking about Jackie. She has always been on the top of my "friends in my head" list. I didn't know her, never met her but know enough of her to admire her deeply. One of my all time favorite books is What would Jackie do? Written by Shelley Branch and Sue Callaway. It's basically an inspired guide to distinctive living. It's cleverly written to help you attain Jackie's elegance and pratical smarts. When in doubt I usually ask myself "What would Jackie do?" <br /><br />A "must read" for any Chic Mom! <br /><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhoneXoXo Merianne http://www.blogger.com/profile/03878725406334471053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-32293386999428770842009-08-24T15:42:00.006-04:002009-08-24T16:51:28.381-04:00Time to Vblog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40JjWxi7foik1WntNHjgvOn-WdKRRETcW_m7c93qb_ffIVOvbrNoK7JI1efOYQuSil86No2SVVwkIAeE2JtcPGfvn6of4l2xBMn-6yzBS2PT8Ca8hTugolCwno3-5R9T_uTXD0upe7Mo/s1600-h/posterous_logo1.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40JjWxi7foik1WntNHjgvOn-WdKRRETcW_m7c93qb_ffIVOvbrNoK7JI1efOYQuSil86No2SVVwkIAeE2JtcPGfvn6of4l2xBMn-6yzBS2PT8Ca8hTugolCwno3-5R9T_uTXD0upe7Mo/s320/posterous_logo1.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373622578100841442" /></a><br />So for my birthday in July, being the Gadget Geek I am, got the new 3Gs iPhone. Now to be honest, I don't see a major difference BUT the only reason I was super excited was because this one had video!! You see this would translate into VBlogging heaven for a mom. So, I started filming my little ones daily life. Before you know it my phone memory is filling up because of course I want to film them waking up, eating, in the potty, breathing and thinking. I decided to search the web looking for a place where I can post them and get them off my phone (because of course I need to make more room for pointless video). After extensive research my best choice was <a href="http://posterous.com/"><strong><strong>Posterous</strong></strong></a>. You can post almost anything on Posterous, pictures, video and MP3s. So simple you can even post by emailing it. You can also password protect these sites to keep them private. This is the perfect format for the newbie blogger.<br /><br />Posterous rocks!<br /><br />P.S. They now have an iPhone app!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00237009744493679652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755649338893230475.post-79779766798714169832009-08-24T14:11:00.005-04:002009-08-24T14:32:56.467-04:00Monday Morning Smile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcMclXmQKkIYRo6gocEVWS3MmMeJm6Y99RtRFelVxSEmQp3NKwhdgepM9kqASJAutxWtN7sZVspLJdNPl6VAx6jxUt_YXeFtxsQjlV339QK4835t9HhWn_SyZ67VQd8hKYNwIXz6gmRE/s1600-h/glamour+plus+size.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcMclXmQKkIYRo6gocEVWS3MmMeJm6Y99RtRFelVxSEmQp3NKwhdgepM9kqASJAutxWtN7sZVspLJdNPl6VAx6jxUt_YXeFtxsQjlV339QK4835t9HhWn_SyZ67VQd8hKYNwIXz6gmRE/s320/glamour+plus+size.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373599148607581730" /></a><br />So this morning as I sip my cup of jolt and go through my Google reader, I had a wonderful find in <a href="http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/08/21/the-girl-on-page-194-why-everyone-is-talking-about-glamour-s-plus-sized-model.aspx">Newsweek</a>. Surprisingly, I come across this model, this beautiful woman who I can finally say, looks s bit like me. Lizzi Miller, a plus size model is featured in this September's Glamour magazine. And guess what? She has a pouch belly, much like me and tons of woman all over the world who have had babies. I must say I did a double take, ok triple take. Was I in more disbelief that she would actually pose like this, or was I more amused that Glamour would feature her? Either way this is a win, win situation. Being a Latina, I must say that I have never and will never look like those runway models. When I skim through my Vogue, Elle and Cosmo, I never do with the intention of finding some commonality between myself and these models. Latina magazine comes close, but again Jaslene Gonzalez (of ANTM Fame) is a rarity. But you know what? I'm happy with that, and I must say I love my curves. Finally, after being in my mid-30s I can say that I am comfortable in my own skin. And my lil pouch, well that representative of the miracles that I birthed. <br /><br />My wish is that the media follow Glamour's lead and feature real women. <br /><br />My message to Glamour would be thank you...when will she be on the cover??<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/199/A8CE061118E56E4FF2EF8A600C368D56.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chic Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00237009744493679652noreply@blogger.com3