Puzzle pieces, screws, pieces of broken toys, thumbtacks, broken crayons, missing buttons, the part to that game you already boxed, the ends of Otter Pop wrappers, marbles, one earring, pen caps, pennies, broken sidewalk chalk, Polly Pocket shoes, a receipt, a sock, brads, a different sock, old binkies, gum wrappers, tissues that went through the wash and are now a linty ball, pony beads, paperclips, toothpicks, pony tail holders, Band Aid wrappers, expired coupons, dusty cough drops, mysterious keys, rubber bands, golf pencils, staple refills, a bouncy ball, a scrap of paper with a phone number, bobby pins, BBs for a BB gun, candy wrappers...
I am down to the dregs. They are in couch cushions, closets, junk drawers, under beds and dressers, the car, by the washing machine in the garage. Everywhere. And they are the kinds of things that take forever to find, sort and deal with. More moving fun!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Clothes?
I've been looking at my clothes coming to the sad realization that while I have plenty to fill my closet, I don't really like most of them. Not enough to schlep them halfway around the world.
This is a chance to reinvent myself, so why hold on to shirts I've had since college or those two pairs of jeans I bought at Old Navy? (With kids in tow, never tried on and never fit right but was too cheap to get rid of.) But what to take?
I love this post on Small Notebook that talks about having a small wardrobe- fewer clothes but better clothes. The point that really resonated with me is that casual clothes are often too casual and not cute. So true. I just don't feel as good about myself in my t-shirt, casual capris and flips and I do in a more fitted tee, nicer capris, and nicer sandals with jewelry.
She also has a "Rule of Three" that states if you are wearing a top and bottom, you will always look more put together with a jacket or cardigan. This wasn't something I'd ever really heard, but makes total sense to me now.
In the heat, scarfs are the answer to three piece dressing. Here is a fun site of about different ways to wear or tie a scarf- which I plan on studying. Someone at my mom's church gave her a bunch of scarfs to give to me, figuring we'd need them to cover our heads. So I have scarves to work with.
I think jewelry can also work for the rule of three. A chunky pendant necklace or string of pearls serves the same function- makes the outfit look more complete. Hip 2 Save had a great post about this and about frugal fashion.
I was also inspired by this post on Redbook, (not a site I typically read or recommend- was sent to the post a different route!) , but it showed how if you have the basics everyone typically has in their closets, (black dress, black pants, khakis, blouse, button up shirt, strappy heels, dress, white tee, black pumps, jeans, cardigan, bright tee, and flat sandals), and just add a few more carefully chosen pieces, you can end up with over 50 outfits. I didn't like all of it, but it sure gave me some ideas about how I can make my own closet work smarter and harder.
I've already done the first two wardrobe purges, but this time I am going to be brutal. I am hoping once I get my closet really weeded down, like to one suitcase, of stuff I love and fits well, then I can reward myself by shopping for those few extra things I really do need. Like a new pair of sandals that aren't dollar flip flops.
This is a chance to reinvent myself, so why hold on to shirts I've had since college or those two pairs of jeans I bought at Old Navy? (With kids in tow, never tried on and never fit right but was too cheap to get rid of.) But what to take?
I love this post on Small Notebook that talks about having a small wardrobe- fewer clothes but better clothes. The point that really resonated with me is that casual clothes are often too casual and not cute. So true. I just don't feel as good about myself in my t-shirt, casual capris and flips and I do in a more fitted tee, nicer capris, and nicer sandals with jewelry.
She also has a "Rule of Three" that states if you are wearing a top and bottom, you will always look more put together with a jacket or cardigan. This wasn't something I'd ever really heard, but makes total sense to me now.
In the heat, scarfs are the answer to three piece dressing. Here is a fun site of about different ways to wear or tie a scarf- which I plan on studying. Someone at my mom's church gave her a bunch of scarfs to give to me, figuring we'd need them to cover our heads. So I have scarves to work with.
I think jewelry can also work for the rule of three. A chunky pendant necklace or string of pearls serves the same function- makes the outfit look more complete. Hip 2 Save had a great post about this and about frugal fashion.
I was also inspired by this post on Redbook, (not a site I typically read or recommend- was sent to the post a different route!) , but it showed how if you have the basics everyone typically has in their closets, (black dress, black pants, khakis, blouse, button up shirt, strappy heels, dress, white tee, black pumps, jeans, cardigan, bright tee, and flat sandals), and just add a few more carefully chosen pieces, you can end up with over 50 outfits. I didn't like all of it, but it sure gave me some ideas about how I can make my own closet work smarter and harder.
I've already done the first two wardrobe purges, but this time I am going to be brutal. I am hoping once I get my closet really weeded down, like to one suitcase, of stuff I love and fits well, then I can reward myself by shopping for those few extra things I really do need. Like a new pair of sandals that aren't dollar flip flops.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Our new house!
Here are some pictures of what our house in Bahrain will look like that the school just sent over. I am getting excited! Less than two months now and we will be living there. the Nook
What do you do when "the other woman" is a small, portable electronic device? He is enamored. They are cuddling in bed right now I think. The Nook does it all- e-mail, YouTube, podcasts, books, games, music, etc. I can't compete! And he loaded the scriptures on it- so it isn't like I will have a Sunday break from it. Hopefully the intensity of this new love will die down soon- he just got it Thursday- and I can once again capture his attention. For long enough to nag him about taking out the trash. Because I am a fun wife like that.
Western Union
We now own a TV in Bahrain thanks to Western Union! It is waaaaay nicer than our TV here, which was a hand-me-down from some friends. My kids have broken the remote and we have super fuzzy reception. It is a LG 32 inch LCG that we bought from some nice New Zealanders that were leaving the school we were going to. It was $108 Bahraini dinar, or $280 US. Electronics are expensive there- so this seemed great for a newer secondhand TV. It turns out international wire transfers are around $45 vs Western Union's $11.99, so we went Western Union. I've never gotten one before- it is an experience kind of like riding the Greyhound. I felt like I should ask for a pack of smokes too, while I was at it!:) They will store our TV in our villa and it will be waiting for us when we get there.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Plane tips?
I've been trying to collect tips for flying with small children. I found a great post on Simple Mom. Almost as helpful as the actual post were all the reader comments. So my plan of attack is this:
My biggest thing was buying Edward his own seat even though he is under 2 and doesn't technically need one. And we are bringing his car seat in the cabin and hoping he will sleep the flight away. (We actually aren't sure about bringing Ev's car seat. It would just be one more thing to wrestle at the airport and during our stay in Holland. From what I understand, Bahrain doesn't have car seat laws- but we could buy her one there. While I love car seats and think they are important, she is almost eight, so I don't know.)
On the plane:
* Distribute earplugs to the other passengers and say "hope you don't need them, but ju
st in case..." with a cute smile.
My biggest thing was buying Edward his own seat even though he is under 2 and doesn't technically need one. And we are bringing his car seat in the cabin and hoping he will sleep the flight away. (We actually aren't sure about bringing Ev's car seat. It would just be one more thing to wrestle at the airport and during our stay in Holland. From what I understand, Bahrain doesn't have car seat laws- but we could buy her one there. While I love car seats and think they are important, she is almost eight, so I don't know.)
At the airport:
* I bought a new purse on sale at Freddy's that has the perfect size outside pouches for handling our itineraries and passports- I have actually practiced whipping them out! (A new purse is about a year overdue- when gross flower water spilled all over mine and there was no washing out the stench I was finally motivated to purchase one.)
* Make sure Ev can easily take on and off her own shoes for security. Have her handle her own carry-ons- a rolling suitcase and backpack. (She has gone through two backpacks this year- I need to find something more sturdy!)
* See if there are family security lines and priority family check-in or an airline meet & assist program.
* Use pa
cking cubes or Ziplocs so if our luggage does get opened up for a look-see, underwear and baby socks won't go flying!
cking cubes or Ziplocs so if our luggage does get opened up for a look-see, underwear and baby socks won't go flying!* The Chicco Capri Lightweight Stroller- comes with a bag so it can be checked under the plane and not be all gross. Supposed to be great for travel. Seems like a great combination of small umbrella stroller meets ruggedness and storage space of larger models. My umbrella stroller is breaking- so I am hoping to purchase this.
*Get a leash backpack and once we are through security let them burn off their energy until it is time to board.
On the plane:
* Distribute earplugs to the other passengers and say "hope you don't need them, but ju
st in case..." with a cute smile.*Buy headphones that will fit the kids for the DVD player, etc.
* Have an extra set of clothes for everyone in a Ziploc baggie in case of puke, leaks, spills, etc.
* PJs that look like clothes for the kiddos- (Edward no problem- Ev?)
* Comfy but dressy for the adults- wearing our bulkiest shoes! (I guess you get treated better flying internationally if you look nice- so yoga pants are a no-go as comfy as they are!)
* Tylenol for all just in case.
* Set up a trash sack right away.
* Have litt
le surprises up my sleeve, like these Lego Minifigures. You don't know which one you'll get until you open it up!
le surprises up my sleeve, like these Lego Minifigures. You don't know which one you'll get until you open it up! *Other toys? Matchbox cars, WikiSticks, finger puppets, paper and washable markers for Ev, stickers for both, small dinos or animals for Teddy.
*Wipes, wipes, wipes! (or wet washcloth in a Ziploc)
* Snacks: Craisins, Goldfish, yogurt covered raisins, Cheerios, animal crackers, gum, Dum Dums, Chinese cracker mix, beef jerky, yogurt melts, HandiSnacks, apples, and some chocolate for mom!
*Water bottles- which I will fill once past security. Edward is in love with his shark Camelback water bottle.
* Have Ev's hair tied back to avoid a post-flight rats nest.
* Go to the bathroom when we see them starting to get the food or beverage carts ready, before we get blocked in.
I am hoping for the best and preparing for the worst!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
One suitcase of ?
It looks like the best, most economical way to get us and our stuff over there is to each take one carry on of all the clothes we want and one checked bag of ?. Then we will buy anything else we might need there. I think shipping will be a hassle and hope to avoid it if we can.
The kids will each get a suitcase of toys- which I hear are pricey over there. I think that will fit a few of Ev's favorite Barbies, Polly Pockets with two little princess cottages and camper van, her Leapster, legos, two favorite stuffed animals and two anthology type storybooks. And maybe her sheets and blanket if we cram.
I am having a harder time figuring out Edward's because toddlers change so much. He has really taken to his Thomas train lately, but a bunch of Thomas moms have warned me lately not to let him go down that very costly path! He loves his little play kitchen and play food, but it is kind of big. We were thinking Playmobile because both kids could play with it. Roger votes for blocks. I think his Chuck trucks and Hot Wheels would be good. I have a NIB Hot Wheels track from our present closet I thought about taking for him- but I keep thinking it is too hard still and will be for quite a while. I need to buy him sheets and a blanket but might wait until we are there. He loves his puppy Pillow Pet, but it is so big. He loves his two little bears and small stuffed dinos. And he loves all his board books. Which take up a lot of space.
My suitcase? I have no idea. I was going to sneak my cookie sheets in our carry ons since they are flat and wouldn't take up much room. My pots and pans are nice, so is my silverware- so I thought about those two. How random though! I will need to make sure not to go over the weight allowance too- (purchased a luggage scale!). I thought about bringing the Settlers of Catan (with a few other small games squeezed in the box?). I was going to buy and take two new paperbacks- Persuasion and North and South or Cranford maybe. Or maybe At the Alter or Among the Shadows or The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. I was thinking about taking some card making supplies- cards are expensive there- stamp set and matching cardstock and envelopes? I have watched North and South, the movie, like an addict since I started packing. It just plays in the background and calms me instantly. I may need a new period drama to handle the stress of unpacking in Bahrain- so I might buy P&P or Under the Greenwood Tree!
Roger is getting a Nook- the perfect excuse as it is not worth shipping boxes of books when you can just download them all on a small device. (I was going to bring my BH&G cookbook, but Evelyn spilled milk all over it and all the pages are stuck together and no amount of patient steaming with remedy it. Roger said we could download it. I pointed out cookbooks are pretty abused as it is- maybe another paper version would be better!)
Roger has studied up on all the hacks to turn the Nook into a tablet computer. He assures me it will be the perfect plane accessory. He will have it loaded with a game for Evelyn, a Wiggles movie for Edward, and a few books for me. (I still need the paperbacks- for bathtub reading.) He will be the lightest packer for sure- he plans on getting most of his clothes new over there- all of his are pretty worn after the end of the school year anyway and he needs shirts and ties there, not polos.
I will gladly take his extra space!
The kids will each get a suitcase of toys- which I hear are pricey over there. I think that will fit a few of Ev's favorite Barbies, Polly Pockets with two little princess cottages and camper van, her Leapster, legos, two favorite stuffed animals and two anthology type storybooks. And maybe her sheets and blanket if we cram.
I am having a harder time figuring out Edward's because toddlers change so much. He has really taken to his Thomas train lately, but a bunch of Thomas moms have warned me lately not to let him go down that very costly path! He loves his little play kitchen and play food, but it is kind of big. We were thinking Playmobile because both kids could play with it. Roger votes for blocks. I think his Chuck trucks and Hot Wheels would be good. I have a NIB Hot Wheels track from our present closet I thought about taking for him- but I keep thinking it is too hard still and will be for quite a while. I need to buy him sheets and a blanket but might wait until we are there. He loves his puppy Pillow Pet, but it is so big. He loves his two little bears and small stuffed dinos. And he loves all his board books. Which take up a lot of space.
My suitcase? I have no idea. I was going to sneak my cookie sheets in our carry ons since they are flat and wouldn't take up much room. My pots and pans are nice, so is my silverware- so I thought about those two. How random though! I will need to make sure not to go over the weight allowance too- (purchased a luggage scale!). I thought about bringing the Settlers of Catan (with a few other small games squeezed in the box?). I was going to buy and take two new paperbacks- Persuasion and North and South or Cranford maybe. Or maybe At the Alter or Among the Shadows or The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. I was thinking about taking some card making supplies- cards are expensive there- stamp set and matching cardstock and envelopes? I have watched North and South, the movie, like an addict since I started packing. It just plays in the background and calms me instantly. I may need a new period drama to handle the stress of unpacking in Bahrain- so I might buy P&P or Under the Greenwood Tree!
Roger is getting a Nook- the perfect excuse as it is not worth shipping boxes of books when you can just download them all on a small device. (I was going to bring my BH&G cookbook, but Evelyn spilled milk all over it and all the pages are stuck together and no amount of patient steaming with remedy it. Roger said we could download it. I pointed out cookbooks are pretty abused as it is- maybe another paper version would be better!)
Roger has studied up on all the hacks to turn the Nook into a tablet computer. He assures me it will be the perfect plane accessory. He will have it loaded with a game for Evelyn, a Wiggles movie for Edward, and a few books for me. (I still need the paperbacks- for bathtub reading.) He will be the lightest packer for sure- he plans on getting most of his clothes new over there- all of his are pretty worn after the end of the school year anyway and he needs shirts and ties there, not polos.
I will gladly take his extra space!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Yay for me!
We have five boxes of books boxed up! We used to have double that number of books. I got Ev's box of memories all taken care of- with carefully selected special artwork and stories in page protectors in a binder, her baby book all done and four special baby outfits- christening dress, hospital outfit, Piglet and Christmas dress- all boxed up. Edward's will be cake after that. The rest of the house isn't looking great- but it doesn't look too bad either. Progress not perfection, right?
box of memories
A big "To Do" on my To Do list is to go through the three boxes of sentimental stuff I've kept over the years. After several moves, it is time to weed it down before it goes once again to live in my parent's basement.
I've worked on it for a little bit today and made good progress- I am now down to two boxes. I'm hoping to get to one, but all the hardest stuff remains. Cards, newspaper clippings, photos, brochures from trips, and a bunch of started then abandoned journals. At least eight. I need to consolidate those! But is there anything worth saving in them...?
The worst is the teenage stuff- "I am so in love with this boy and he doesn't know I am alive..." and "My parents won't let me do anything!" replaced by college "I just got end-of-the-semester dumped!" and "I'm sure I failed that final!" drama. (Note all of the exclamation points- my life was nothing but exclamation points from 12 to 21.) And so many melancholy journal entries. I may not have worn all black and listened to the Smiths all day, but I was a sad emo goth girl at heart! I was so silly.
I was talking to my dad and Roger about the stuff I keep. Photos of my car accident, a letter of recommendation that didn't recommend me for a NY internship, letters of fights with friends in high school, photos of dances best forgotten, rejection letters, etc. I especially like to keep stuff that reminds me of my past mistakes and failings. My dad said "It's a box of deep regrets and terrible memories? Why are you keeping that stuff?" I wondered that to Roger and he said "Because you are still 16 at heart." Maybe true.
So my gift to myself this week is that I will let it go. I will chip away at it until I am free of all that junk and just have one nice manageable box of happiness and love. I will rewrite my past so Evelyn will never discover my awkward years, teenage angst or boy-crazy drama. I'm sure she will have plenty of her own.
I've worked on it for a little bit today and made good progress- I am now down to two boxes. I'm hoping to get to one, but all the hardest stuff remains. Cards, newspaper clippings, photos, brochures from trips, and a bunch of started then abandoned journals. At least eight. I need to consolidate those! But is there anything worth saving in them...?
The worst is the teenage stuff- "I am so in love with this boy and he doesn't know I am alive..." and "My parents won't let me do anything!" replaced by college "I just got end-of-the-semester dumped!" and "I'm sure I failed that final!" drama. (Note all of the exclamation points- my life was nothing but exclamation points from 12 to 21.) And so many melancholy journal entries. I may not have worn all black and listened to the Smiths all day, but I was a sad emo goth girl at heart! I was so silly.
I was talking to my dad and Roger about the stuff I keep. Photos of my car accident, a letter of recommendation that didn't recommend me for a NY internship, letters of fights with friends in high school, photos of dances best forgotten, rejection letters, etc. I especially like to keep stuff that reminds me of my past mistakes and failings. My dad said "It's a box of deep regrets and terrible memories? Why are you keeping that stuff?" I wondered that to Roger and he said "Because you are still 16 at heart." Maybe true.
So my gift to myself this week is that I will let it go. I will chip away at it until I am free of all that junk and just have one nice manageable box of happiness and love. I will rewrite my past so Evelyn will never discover my awkward years, teenage angst or boy-crazy drama. I'm sure she will have plenty of her own.
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