We need a new ride

Our friend Michelle took me and Ethan for a ride in her new red convertible. I'm thinking a red convertible should be our next big purchase. ;-)

Help!

Does anyone have any advice or books on how to get my kid to stop whining all the time?

I'm trying real hard to be on your side, Project Runway

There are a few things that didn't survive past the 90s (and for good reason):
You should see her now.
Those creepy Furbys were definitely a short-term fad.
If you didn't own a pair of Girbauds you did not exist in the 90s.
They tried to make a comeback with their 1998 hit "Cruel Summer," but record sales just couldn't top "The Sign's" success.
I got one of these in every Arctic Circle happy meal I purchased.
And finally, the one-sleeved asymmetrical mini-dress with lace-up sides.

But wait! This monstrosity earned Stella a spot in the top three on last night's episode of Project Runway. That's right, I typed "top three," not "bottom three." I was sure this unsightly cocktail dress would send the hard-edged 42-year-old Cher look-alike home. I have no clue what Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia were thinking. You could tell guest judge Natalie Portman was not a huge fan of this design, but I guess she didn't have much of a say. The real bottom three were pretty hideous, but don't you agree this dress is straight out of the 90s?

I still have sand in my ears

Have you ever been slapped by an ocean wave so hard that it spanked you backward, ground your elbows into the sand, then sent your feet flopping over your head? You finally jab your foot into the sand so you can stand yourself up only to feel the subtle undertow lure your knees back out into its next curling wave. Stinging salt water floods from your nostrils and mouth as you giggle, all the while trying to find those sunglasses somewhere in the churning deep and tug that swimsuit back to covering all the important parts. You spot your friends and family, equally disheveled and finding their footing in the water, gearing up for that next big wave. You scream and laugh and secretly hope it happens again.

Later, while drying off on your towel in the sun with a bag of Chex Mix in your hand, you watch your child with bewilderment, wondering just how long that sand will entertain him. But it does, for most of the day, and at the end of all the snacking, lounging and laughing that accompany a trip to the beach, you feel a little sunburned - and so satisfied.

Losing another friend to the dreaded move

Another good friend moved halfway across the country today and now I have an excuse to visit Kansas (because I promise you, I would never go there if she didn't live there). I am so sad to lose Rebecca. She is a great mom, a hilarious woman, a true friend and a thrift store queen (as evidenced in the photo below - Julie and Rebecca trying on some hot tranny shoes at our favorite thrift store). I will miss those big item pick-up mornings with you, Becc!

Utah

And I thought there was nothing to look forward to after my Utah trip

Two of my favorite things start this week! First, the fifth season of Project Runway begins at 9 p.m. Wednesday. It's going to be FIERCE (I couldn't resist).

And second, it's been a tradition in my family for all the females to attend the opening day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale each year. I am really going to miss those gals while I hit it up on Friday (I cried in the shoe section last year because they weren't there with me). So this is an open invitation to anyone who would like to join me! Call, e-mail or leave a comment.

Future best friends

Ethan is two months older than Chase, but our little guy is still terrified of his Vegas cousin.

Quote of the day

"Let's move to an apartment with a gym. I think if a group of girl scouts wanted my wallet, they could easily get it."
- Ryan Earl Roe

Heading to Aggieland

I'm headed off to Utah and I have made several plans for my trip. 1. I will devour the coconut shrimp tacos at Cafe Rio. 2. I will relish a ham and funeral potato meal at Juniper Takeout. 3. I will feast on a dish of my choice at Le Nonne (everything is good there). 4. I will consume a burger and raspberry shake at LaBeau's in Bear Lake. 5. I will make a trip back to Cafe Rio for a pork burrito or salad. 6. I will ingest that creamy chicken and mushroom fajita thing at that Mexican restaurant in the old train station (the name has already slipped from my mind). 7. I will maybe stop over at Firehouse and get my chicken cordon bleu pasta on. 8. I will enjoy a scoop of Aggie Ice Cream!

Just kidding family, my plans with you are more important than my plans for my stomach. And I probably won't eat all of this food. But I'm still super excited for all the culinary pleasures ;) that Cache Valley offers!