tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76175938681881112882012-02-16T00:20:43.874-08:00RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.comBlogger1001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-59169742221049380202009-10-21T21:48:00.000-07:002009-10-21T21:48:00.748-07:00

Formerly known as RVmamma.com,  I changed my moniker to SassyCityGirl to reflect a change in focus and direction, which means less focus on travel and more on humor.  Everyday humor that touches us all. Part of this process involved a narrow escape from the clutches of Yahoo, who held me prisoner for over 10 years, and a tentative friendship with Google, leading to the waiting arms of

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-34249507364948450842009-10-09T23:01:00.000-07:002009-10-09T23:01:44.414-07:00

Dear Driver on I-5, I'm sure you had an EXCELLENT reason for your erratic and dangerous driving patterns on the road last weekend, but I'd like to share a few driving tips that could save your life. For one thing,  the definition of  FAST LANE is simply that... the lane where you drive FAST.  In fact, you are expected to drive well OVER the speed limit, while simultaneously monitoring the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-56994539417639360032009-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:002009-10-02T10:21:33.334-07:00

I have been on the phone with Yahoo Tech support for an hour.  Here are some direct quotes from my perplexed Tech advisor: "Hmmmm...well, that's very strange." "No, I've never heard of that happening before.  That would be very unusual." "I don't know why this is happening. Let me consult with our engineers and try to figure out." "We are going to try to set this up from here since you can't

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-36590119817255581702009-10-01T08:09:00.000-07:002009-10-01T15:02:59.818-07:00

The common perception is that cigarettes are biodegradable, which is, of course, perpetuated by every smoker on the planet.  Yes, the paper and tobacco are organic, but let's not forget those nasty little plastic filters*, specifically designed to lessen the deadly impact to the smoker's lungs, but have no personal regard for anything else.   But then, who cares about the environment or any

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-80520430356519223982009-09-29T23:07:00.000-07:002009-09-29T23:15:31.424-07:00

Where does rude behavior start? Are people born with a genetic predisposition to be pushy and self-centered? Or, is it something our kids silently absorb over the course of a childhood, an uncivilized osmosis. The Nature vs Nurture debate rages. Last weekend, we were over near University Village at our favorite local shoe store, the Shoe Zoo, to replace my daughter's running shoes.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-44731229313289179512009-09-27T00:13:00.000-07:002009-09-27T00:13:09.033-07:00

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/ If you love fashion or appreciate brilliance in a pint-sized package, you MUST read this blog.  Written by a 13-yr old girl named Tavi, this remarkable, witty blog simply blows my mind.   Since she was recently on the cover of POP magazine and invited to Fashion Week, I realize I'm not making some new discovery here, but new for me, yes. And if the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-86188604140491848372009-09-26T16:23:00.000-07:002009-09-26T16:23:13.559-07:00

Sitting in Arosa, my favorite local coffeehouse yesterday, I was introduced to a revolutionary new term:  BUMP. Here's the context....my friend and I were entering each other's contact info into our respective iPhones, and she said that we should just "Bump it."  What???  I didn't know what it was, but I knew I loved the name, and that's good enough for me! So what is Bump?  It's an app

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-57743574754621221952009-09-25T12:15:00.000-07:002009-09-25T12:15:28.482-07:00

I love those snapshots of life that leave a deep impression, especially when that memory evokes a wash of gratitude and a belief in the core goodness of people. This week,  as I was sitting at a red light at the corner of Boyer and 23rd, right in the heart of Montlake, a potential fatality was averted right before my eyes. Anyone who lives around here knows that this intersection is extremely

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-12189451528669240142009-09-23T21:37:00.000-07:002009-09-23T21:37:38.309-07:00

Ridiculously cute.  Apparently, a pot-bellied pig in Germany was abandoned by its family, and this dog, who had puppies last year, adopted it.  It's that cross-species thing that's just so dang endearing.  My 9-yr old daughter just looked at these heart-melting photos and said, "awwwwwwwww, so CUTE.  What IS it???"  Who knew that a pot-bellied piglet could be so adorable? 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-11465269543523148992009-09-23T11:17:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:17:50.107-07:00

I posted a photo a few weeks ago of the Ann Taylor sign with the backwards "N". It was one of those little things that catches your eye, like a visual itch. Well, I just happened to be at Bellevue Square a couple days ago, and what did I see?  Apparently, it takes weeks to turn that "N" around? Or is the missing "N" a sign of something much bigger?..... Guesses anyone? 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-80860076262016180822009-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:07:11.369-07:00

My 5-yr old started school last week, which begins promptly at 9:00am each morning.  For our family, this is a dramatic change from the sleeping-in, lounging mornings we have enjoyed all summer, where 10:00am is the crack of dawn. On his first day, I tried to wake him at 8:00am, and he balked, hissed, batted and generally IGNORED my attempts to coax him gently out of bed. So, drawing from my

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-56619013993308132552009-09-22T09:40:00.000-07:002009-09-22T09:40:59.759-07:00

Does anyone remember Seattle last weekend?  It was partly sunny, partly drizzly and COLD, with the high on Saturday of 64 degrees. BBRRRRR.  The crisp smell of winter was definitely in the air.  Wait, did I say WINTER?  I meant FALL, of course....  I don't think I remember ever enjoying a warmer and more promising summer than this. Well, folks, live it up TODAY, because it's going to be 91

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-63497626371017452272009-09-21T23:26:00.000-07:002009-09-21T23:27:17.651-07:00

Last week an inspector from the Homeowners Club came to check out a leaky toilet, and discovered, to my horror, that we might have a leak in our sewer line.  Not good. To put this in perspective, our house is set up high off the street, with a large, landscaped rockery along the front of the house.  To access the sewer line would require a backhoe and a lot of cash, all uncovered by insurance.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-59870111085822362142009-09-21T08:02:00.000-07:002009-09-21T08:03:57.911-07:00

Looking for a plumber? Electrician? Need a fence built or ceiling painted? The trick is finding someone to do the work who is not only competent, but also reliable. Not an easy task. It's not that we don't have enough choices; just flip through the telephone book under Plumber, and you could drown in the myriad options beginning with AAAAAAA Plumbing. I know what goes through your mind:

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-43338341135793780722009-09-21T01:13:00.000-07:002009-09-21T07:56:33.437-07:00

(My 9-yr old daughter climbing at Vertical World in Seattle) I love Seattle for a million different reasons, but living 47.6 degrees north of the equator does have its drawbacks.  Take, for example, sunset ruthlessly striking at 4:18 pm in the dead of winter when your body is already starving for a little Vitamin D.  Newbies to the region stare incredulously at their watches as they emerge

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-61333562801411698342009-09-19T16:11:00.000-07:002009-09-19T16:14:19.176-07:00

A friend is considering cutting her hair really short, a la Sharon Stone, or pre-baby Halle Berry.  Absolutely hot, sexy and confident, to be sure.  She wanted advice on whether she should chop her straight, mid-length, brown, silky-fine locks and just go for it. As someone who sold all types of hair products to stylists for almost 5 years, spent countless hours sitting through hair color

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-81210511485422974262009-09-19T12:20:00.000-07:002009-09-29T21:46:00.916-07:00

I admit I love Costco.  There is something so gratifying about buying a year's worth of toilet paper all at once.  And really, who couldn't use a flat of bananas and 5-gallon jar of mayonnaise? In a country famous for super-sizing, Costco truly embodies the "bigger is better" (and cheaper) philosophy of America, and offers free samples ( =free lunch) to boot.  I could literally wax poetic

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-12465059786782204162009-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:002009-09-14T21:19:48.993-07:00

I first heard about Thrive, a vegan, raw cafe, from a friend who called it, "her new favorite place."  She didn't gush, the tone wasn't urgent, and the comment did not make me race up there for dinner.  A few weeks later, I happened upon Thrive after my trip to Whole Foods, and I vaguely remembered someone telling me something about a place near here that sounded like it might be this one.  Not

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-13371923030703640922009-09-13T22:52:00.000-07:002009-09-13T23:02:15.395-07:00

Often, in a rush of excitement and pure enthusiasm, people can create unrealistically high expectations that unintentionally leave a wake of disappointment. Only rarely, graced by that proverbial blue moon, do high expectations fall so far short of the sublime reality, that we cannot help but become heralds of that infectious excitement and enthusiasm ourselves. I am delighted to say that I

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-9789856204925210942009-09-13T02:32:00.000-07:002009-09-13T02:32:47.740-07:00

Some people subscribe to the belief that, "if you have to ask the price, then you can't afford it."  Others are embarrassed to mention when they have been overcharged and prefer to meekly absorb the cost with grace.  Of course, there are also the lucky few who simply don't care about the cost, because money is no object. The above-mentioned shoppers are every retailer's dream, and quietly

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-71521556752747009522009-09-11T01:53:00.000-07:002009-09-11T01:53:03.054-07:00

Really, there's nothing better than a perfect shot of espresso to kick your day into high gear.  Need an afternoon dose of invincibility?  Make it a double.  However, I've recently discovered that, in fact, there IS something just slightly more perfect.  Affogato.  Take your perfect shot of espresso and pour it, steaming and aromatic, right over a dreamy dollop of frozen vanilla custard. 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-15615109501216729082009-09-11T00:14:00.000-07:002009-09-11T00:14:20.584-07:00

Thought I'd share a gorgeous photo taken with my iPhone* last February at the USA Climbing Nationals in Boulder, Colorado.  (2/2009 Spot Bouldering Gym, Boulder, CO) Lamentably, the iPhone does not have a flash, so indoor shots are generally blurry and dark, but at this event, there were so many professional photogs surrounding the subject that I was able to steal this incredible moment. 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-50881979913672329552009-09-04T23:58:00.000-07:002009-09-04T23:58:16.976-07:00

...which apparently explains why everything in my life is coming apart at the seams.  Last night at 8:30pm: I received a text, confirming a playdate for my 5-yr old.  Life, as I know it, calmly sailed on smooth waters.  10:00pm: I began to feel nauseous, with severe abdominal cramps.  Thinking it would dissipate, I took a deep breath and focused on my happy place.  30 minutes later, exhaling

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-15027520020340016492009-09-03T01:06:00.000-07:002009-09-03T01:06:21.959-07:00

 (kid at the park drinking a can of Diet Coke...seriously) Folks, artificial sweeteners are unhealthy for your kids.  Period.  Pepsico may argue that fact, but I challenge you to find a SINGLE scientific journal to support aspartame as anything other than corrosive to your health.  If YOU choose to drink it, do so at your own risk, as you are an adult, capable of discerning the cost/benefit

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-24503118090195952702009-09-03T00:52:00.000-07:002009-09-03T00:52:40.551-07:00

STAY HOME!!! 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-43146599544832582662009-09-01T18:21:00.000-07:002009-09-01T23:40:45.425-07:00

This is my 5-yr old's dessert choice the other day.  Frozen yogurt with diced mango and rainbow sprinkles.  I truly could not imagine anything more repulsive. There's just something magnetic, irresistible about sprinkles that drives kids into a feasting frenzy.  Is it the attractive pastel coloring, surely derived from all-botanical sources?  Or that delightful texture, waxily clinging to the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-66586396776134542052009-09-01T02:13:00.000-07:002009-09-01T02:13:22.501-07:00

Dill Gorgeously Green Daintily Delectable Perfectly Pungent Naturally Naked Oh, the promise it holds! Richly Repulsive Distressingly Disgusting Horrendously Hideous Formidably Foul The reality unfolds.  -RVmamma 2009

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-40060999486491782532009-09-01T00:20:00.000-07:002009-09-01T00:24:17.518-07:00

(Yes, the shoes are enormous AND his toenails are blue) VANS slip-ons bring back fond memories of Socal, sun-bleached hair, the call of the beach. Here in Seattle, we may not have enough sun, nor the crash of waves, but the VANS company wants its salespeople to look the part.  Peroxide bleached hair, check.  Fake-baked to a rich mahogany hue, check. IQ maxed at 75, check.  Last weekend, my

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-58420970857228518682009-08-31T14:21:00.000-07:002009-08-31T14:21:10.768-07:00

I LOVE when I catch moments like these!  I happened to be at Bellevue Square Mall, when I looked up and noticed this signage on Ann Taylor.  Someone needs to be fired. 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-62517860592516003212009-08-26T23:15:00.000-07:002009-08-26T23:15:39.477-07:00

Great customer service gets me every time. I could overlook high prices and even mediocre products when the service dazzles. Fortunately,  you don't have to sacrifice a thing at Arosa Cafe in Madison Park.  The prices are average, the coffee is good, and the service is stellar.  The owner, Michelle, is the perfect local business owner, working behind the counter, greeting people by name,  and

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-66790673915284879142009-08-26T01:04:00.000-07:002009-08-26T01:04:48.614-07:00

If you exaggerate, equivocate and deceive long enough, do you start to believe the lie yourself? That is the question. Clearwire salespeople definitely buy into the marketing mania, spinning off the benefits with wild abandon. Yes, there are only 3 simple items in the Starter Kit: the modem, the plug, the ethernet cable.  Yes, you can walk right into the mall and take it home today! Yes,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-57495894766696377332009-08-26T00:04:00.000-07:002009-08-26T00:04:39.414-07:00

Here's my simple rant for B of A.  This is a photo of their ATM screen at the IKEA in Renton.  Look closely.  Do you see that the buttons don't align with the choices?  Is it really so hard to make it easier for your customers?  Lame. 

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-22985781991587494442009-08-25T17:53:00.000-07:002009-09-01T23:41:44.912-07:00

Here's a recommendation for all parents with kids at least 2 years old and ready to graduate from a tricycle to training wheels. STOP and read this FIRST! Having experienced the trials of teaching a 5 yr old to ride a bike sans training wheels a few years back, I can say with absolute authority that it SUCKS. My daughter was hell-bent on learning to ride confidently the summer before

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-37357716530135437162009-08-24T22:40:00.000-07:002009-08-26T23:33:24.565-07:00

It's a sold-out show, but the head chefs from Enotria and Rain Modern Infusion Cuisine are going head-to-head in an Iron Chef-style competition for fame and glory. Our 9 yr-old daughter LOVES Rain, chats up Takashi and Jenn, the owners/sushi chefs, and has had her manga sketches of each Rain employee posted on the wall behind the sushi bar for weeks at a time.  Needless to say, we'll be the fans

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-28933032334974654392009-08-24T22:18:00.000-07:002009-08-24T22:18:17.709-07:00

On my recent visit to IKEA, host of the world's largest and most colorful labyrinth, I stumbled across a most curious sight.  Proof that the assembly directions are NOT as easy as they claim. You never really think about it while navigating the passages of staged rooms, plastic and pressboard all tightly arranged to look like your dream home, but each and every component has been assembled by

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-13781769547279392142009-08-24T18:21:00.000-07:002009-08-24T18:21:15.680-07:00

Like all things internet/computer-related, it's always so much more confusing than it needs to be.  You can see that others have their blog entries posted on your wall, yet trying to figure out the trick is an exercise in frustration.  Here's the trick, wrapped in a bow.  Just for you.  Start a blog.  Why?  Because it's the cool thing to do, of course.   On your FB page, go to the upper

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-63279354739777531552009-08-23T12:14:00.000-07:002009-08-23T12:14:23.594-07:00

I've had Clearwire internet for the last two years and have hated it for nearly that long. I could recount the fluffy reasons I chose Clearwire, but they all seem so obtuse in retrospect. Certainly the most compelling reason was my desperate and immediate need to kick Comcast to the curb, but that's not an excuse to put up with mediocre service and slow internet speeds for TWO years. My

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-6705473615704062272009-08-23T01:30:00.000-07:002009-08-23T01:30:03.872-07:00

Set against a backdrop of blue skies above and Lake Union below, a photo of the Canlis Restaurant wine list, a venerable tome, roughly the length of War and Peace.  And reminiscent of my pathetic endeavor to study War and Peace in college, (thank you Cliff's Notes and a patient professor), I still have no desire to tackle anything as complicated as this wine list,  but instead, defer that

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-67219327452906416002009-08-22T22:50:00.001-07:002009-08-23T00:17:35.435-07:00

We were at our friends' house for dinner last week, chatting in front of the fire (yes, wood burning in AUGUST...and who was complaining about the heat a couple weeks ago???) while the kids were playing all over the house. Suddenly, we hear J, the 5 yr-old boy, yell, "I FOUND FRED!!!!!" OK, Fred was their beloved pet snake, who escaped the confines of his terrarium, like, 2 MONTHS ago. Well,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-56067821755922217902009-08-22T22:50:00.000-07:002009-08-22T22:33:40.384-07:00

Did you hear that PETA was protesting the Pike Place Fish Market, the seafood stall in Pike Place Market, famous for throwing the DEAD fish customers purchase?************************************************************************From the LA Times June 13, 2009:"Asserting that the practice of lobbing fish above the heads of patrons and tourists at the market and other venues is "disrespectful"

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-20337564466730054822009-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:002009-08-22T21:35:43.221-07:00

Nothing to really say about this little vehicle except that I want it. It's adorable. Look closely and you can see a full-grown bicycle in the back, along with sun-roofs and enough room to take a nap in the back. The top photo shows its length compared to a couple of small econo-cars, which really puts into perspective how tiny it is. It's made by Subaru and of course, it's imported from

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-2299223678041622922009-08-22T21:14:00.000-07:002009-08-22T21:47:50.006-07:00

No-Name Apple Beverage. Yes, it's on sale for 67 cents a quart, but do you really want to drink it? Perhaps pouring it into that old Treetop jug would make it more palatable by pretending to be actual JUICE?Even worse was the No-Name Bologna in the refrigerator section. Now, in my opinion, you are seriously scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of health and quality when you ingest ANY

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-48134334267575022422009-08-22T20:35:00.000-07:002009-08-22T21:22:09.136-07:00

Squamish BC is a strange little town. It's small and unwilling to promote itself, unfettered with the trappings of materialism. Downtown is outdated and plain, boasting a few quality shops that greet the street with tired and worn facades. The main drag, Highway 99, is blossoming with strip-malls and fast-food, probably to accommodate the waves of workers tackling the highway to meet the 2010

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-39433144838789350972009-08-20T02:43:00.000-07:002009-08-20T02:44:59.663-07:00

FAVORITE store in Seattle. Period. Gifts Galore. Purse Perfection.Best Books.Maaahvelous Makeup.Ass-kicking Accessories.Great Games.Cool Computer-bags.Shoes for Sure.Stellar Service.Word.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-20041480089136293542009-08-20T02:42:00.001-07:002009-08-20T02:42:46.191-07:00

Dream this. Warm, genuine greeting from a third generation chocolatier.Immaculately clean, inviting atmosphereFree samples every time you venture in. Delectable chocolates to suit your every mood. Exquisite, hand-made jewels of perfection.Hot, creamy chocolate drink not found anywhere else outside Italy. Gift boxes graciously wrapped. NOT a dream! Oh Chocolate is ALIVE! Go visit Margot, the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-26175890582181165862009-08-19T20:30:00.001-07:002009-08-20T02:46:47.771-07:00

The unappealing exterior, somewhat reminiscent of Holly Hobby, dissuades all but the most tenacious window-shoppers, but inside you will discover an array of charming housewares, gifts, it-bags, and accessories you never knew you needed.Walking down Ballard Ave NW, we had our sights set upon this cute, upscale doggie store (thriving in this economy, I'm sure) but were waylaid by a raucous

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-85479136960818983542009-08-19T18:34:00.001-07:002009-08-20T03:02:02.902-07:00

(Entirely apropos that this photo came out fuzzy and hard to read. It gives me a headache)Yes, I'm sick of Yahoo. Sick, sick, sick of it. But, the reality is that I'm still trying to figure out how to LEAVE Yahoo, which is slightly more complicated than I'm prepared to deal with right now, so the path of least resistance is to simply stay and bitch about it.Besides the fact that my Yahoo

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-37365463817751778742009-08-16T13:17:00.000-07:002009-08-17T23:10:48.082-07:00

On a climbing trip to Squamish with a bunch of kids this weekend, we decided to take a break from bouldering to hit the town with a group-game called "Bigger or Better". The object is to start with a small item (e.g. a toothpick) and trade up for something bigger or better at a local business. "Good afternoon. We are with the Pacific Northwest Climbing Club and we are playing a game called

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-45728835859401644362009-08-14T13:09:00.000-07:002009-08-14T13:51:34.515-07:00

(Hornets nest, the size of a basketball, made of masticated wood, stripped from fences and decks right in my neighborhood)You know it's scary when the Hornet Exterminator is nervous.Tom, our friendly neighborhood exterminator, expertly wields a can of poison and a 10-foot pole with deadly accuracy. (you know the phrase...wouldn't touch that with a 10-foot pole??)He knows the consequences of

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-47511002168279385762009-08-14T01:11:00.000-07:002009-08-14T10:25:04.433-07:00

....and not a drop to shower!After staying up until 3:00am in a writing frenzy, I was awakened at 7:00am by my husband, who calmly informed me that the water heater had burst and that our basement was consequently submerged in a warm bath. Not my best day.Bleary-eyed, I summoned the energy to call the Home Owners Club, and then awaited the calls from the water-damage company and the water-heater

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-76456639403228318952009-08-13T23:39:00.000-07:002009-08-14T10:28:57.956-07:00

This sign was posted in the heart of Madison Park, not your typical camo-wearing, rifle-toting kind of neighborhood. Guess the Cougars will have to move back to Belltown for fresh meat.Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-31740500483495395612009-08-13T23:00:00.000-07:002009-08-14T00:58:24.944-07:00

Does anyone else see the potential conflict of interest here? Representing the buyer AND the seller goes beyond greedy; it seems downright unethical.Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-29036594477818550182009-08-13T22:44:00.000-07:002009-08-14T10:35:57.195-07:00

We all cherish every single piece of artwork, homework and award each of our children brings home. We all treasure them forever, hermetically sealing each piece and storing them away in temperature-controlled rooms dedicated to the preservation of said memories.NOT!!If the above scenario were true, we would be living on the streets, our homes completely overwhelmed with the deluge of proof that

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-49418550531218920632009-08-13T22:21:00.000-07:002009-08-14T13:07:46.150-07:00

(Help Wanted sign for a Japanese Restaurant, written in Spanish)This is one of those random gems which begs to be photographed for posterity. I LOVE these moments of discovery!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-36159484938628831542009-08-12T01:20:00.000-07:002009-08-12T01:11:34.569-07:00

(Photo of ants, pouring out of their enormous ant-hill, desperately crawling over each other in piles to escape the inevitable collapse of their domain; searching, searching, searching.....chaos trumps order)Here's another iPhone tip, in case you pay for a Yahoo Business Email account (yes, I know you HATE it, but that's another story) and are becoming homicidal trying to make it work properly

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-81706732819826279032009-08-11T20:40:00.000-07:002009-08-11T21:33:31.970-07:00

Everything is better deep-fried.Little doughnuts, made on the spot, floating down a chute of boiling fat, mechanically flipped with pinpoint precision to produce perfect little golden-brown gems of delight. Choose them steaming hot, fresh off the conveyor belt, or shaken with powdered or cinnamon sugar. The greasy paper bag attracts the greedy eyes of all the local addicts mustering the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-76546405251453284992009-08-11T02:16:00.001-07:002009-08-11T21:08:03.335-07:00

I've heard arguments from all sides about video games. This is definitely one of the subjects self-righteous moms love to debate, quoting studies and stats from Cosmo magazine to the Journal of Psychology. How video games affect the obesity rates of American children; a study finding that surgeons who play video games perform better in the operating room; how our kids are spending too much "

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-47316753809081313762009-08-09T16:02:00.001-07:002009-08-09T20:01:56.713-07:00

(Photo taken on iPhone, cropped, then enlarged to show detail. Photo quality highly diminished...sorry!)Thought I'd share the final results of my latest permanent eyelash application. This woman's natural lashes are very straight and are about half the length of the silk lashes you see here.The full set takes about an hour to 90 minutes, depending on density. This application took 65

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-32216885988180278592009-08-09T16:01:00.001-07:002009-08-09T16:39:03.152-07:00

When you first purchase any new electronic toy, the learning curve is steep. Some people are content to know the basics, rarely venturing beyond that small, warm comfort zone. Others boldly go where no geek has gone before, reading the manuals, crawling the web, and using trial and error on the road to discovery.I definitely don't have time with two kids to fully embrace the latter, but I'm

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-52618131023686813992009-08-09T00:44:00.001-07:002009-08-09T16:52:00.764-07:00

Another brilliant find at Whole Foods. I'm sorry, but this challenges my ability to embrace the bizzarre. Seriously, the kid sucking on the nipple doesn't make me bat an eyelash, but BOOBY TUBES???? What kind of freak thinks a name like BOOBY TUBES is a good marketing decision? I'm embarrassed to even stand in front of it in the aisle.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-36602523701195239542009-08-09T00:36:00.000-07:002009-08-09T16:45:34.329-07:00

Does anyone else find this slightly disturbing? If you love Obama, it's odd; if you hate him, it's even more odd. Whole Foods will do anything for a buck these days.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-1369122317402015602009-08-06T22:51:00.001-07:002009-08-09T20:09:38.188-07:00

Have you ever remembered someone's birthday a few days prior to the big day, then promptly forgotten all about it until weeks later? Anniversaries are even worse.Here's a quick cheat. TextLater, the iPhone App you must have.Simple:Choose the recipientWrite the text ("Thanks for making me the happiest husband on earth for the last 10 years! You are the most remarkable woman and I'm so lucky to

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-76286939348382924092009-08-06T22:43:00.000-07:002009-08-08T23:52:48.528-07:00

The iPhone is standardly equipped with a pretty darned good camera. The photos are clear and vibrant when taken in good lighting, and no other smartphone on the market comes close to this picture quality.That said, the iPhone camera is desperately lacking in the Photo Editing department, most notably missing any cropping ability. I'm not talking about fancy footwork here, just your basic

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-28751505289018775942009-08-06T17:15:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:15:15.404-07:00

Not that I expect hand-crafted, exquisite sushi when a conveyor belt delivers my food at Blue C Sushi in U-Village, but the SUSHI BALL MACHINE???? It's the OC of sushi: pleasantly uniform, conformist and cost-effectively boring. The sushi Masters from Japan, the true purists devoted to the art, must be saddened at the mockery that is the Sushi Ball Machine. The irony, of course, lies in the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-39038729864083331572009-08-05T09:44:00.000-07:002009-08-06T20:38:58.717-07:00

Worst breakfast ever?I finally managed to schedule both my kids in the same place for camp, but because of their age difference, they start an hour apart. Not as bad as racing across town driving to separate locations, but does create this void in the day which compels us to seek shelter in any establishment that sells coffee. Yesterday we did Fuel on 45th, which hit the spot with good coffee

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-20724645281898625352009-08-03T23:11:00.001-07:002009-08-06T21:44:37.870-07:00

There is definitely a forward to this entry that needs to be written highlighting my marriage to my iPhone. Why I divorced my Blackberry Curve after a pedestrian but stable relationship of two years, and how I stormed out of the Verizon store after hitting the wall in customer-service negotiations and walked straight into the beckoning White Light of the Apple Store.That's a story for a

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-17393927300515213452009-07-15T22:31:00.001-07:002009-08-03T23:22:18.266-07:00

Vojito (n) def: mojito but with Vodka instead of Rum, served up.In my case, Grey Goose.Sadly, despite a better-than-good, solid dinner, the watered-down Vojito starter just set the wrong tone. Too bad.Should I expect more at a Tom Douglas restaurant? or should I expect less?THAT is the question.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-51328816504223435122009-07-10T02:15:00.000-07:002009-08-03T23:27:16.820-07:00

Definitely something perversely alluring about garishly ostentatious displays of consumerism. $200 for children's sandals? REALLY???Sorry kids, but Prada is for Mammas.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-63907968580302761382009-07-02T10:47:00.000-07:002009-08-06T21:51:08.729-07:00

Highway Food, as opposed to road food, which accesses the heartland of America through the gut, highway food is the cheap, fast meal that represents all things foul in this country...FatSaltFakeArtificialPackagedMarketedAddictiveRepulsiveThat said, after being forced to sit in the UFO-shaped McDonalds Playland in Roswell, NM, my memories of a Big Mac overwhelmed my better judgment, so I found

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-30196696041876882512009-06-24T13:06:00.001-07:002009-08-06T21:49:42.125-07:00

We happened upon this delightful and immaculate juice/smoothie shop right inthe Old Town section of Cheyenne. Everything is fresh and delicious, including the wrap sandwiches. We had a chicken Caesar and a veggie hummus, and both were stellar.This place saved this dismal venture into Cheyenne.Rubyjuice Fruitandsmoothies113 E 17th StCheyennehttp://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.134062,-104.814611&q=

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-28616700264887471632009-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:002009-08-06T21:52:39.369-07:00

Trying to imitate the iconic Wall Drug, this ersatz roadside destination falls far short.Lame, ignorant, lazy workers. Clean facility. 50-cent soft serve, worth about a 50th of a cent. Huge disappointment. The only value is in the decent playground that can wring out the wiggles for small kids whining in the car.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-12421427412009314782009-06-22T20:46:00.000-07:002009-07-06T18:49:57.234-07:00

Land of the Lost.Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. Bad.Not even worth renting. Seriously.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-14214725865992639642009-05-19T14:11:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:27:40.094-07:00

Why is it that 7-Eleven sells unleaded for $2.49 per gallon, and Chevron, right across the street, sells it for $2.61?Someone please explain to me three things:1). Who sets the prices?2). Why gas prices rise immediately when oil prices rise, yet lag behind when oil prices fall?3). Why Americans passively accept this?Are we all so relieved that prices have dropped below $4 per gallon that we

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-22118219328347710952009-05-17T21:02:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:28:55.204-07:00

When you live in Seattle, you expect good coffee. Anything less is uncivilized.But how often do you sit up and take notice of an exceptional cup??Such was my experience at El Diablo Coffee on the top of Queen Anne last week.Being a creature of habit, my gold standard is a double short Americano with an inch of cold soy on top. Not fancy and blissfully dairy-free. I have ordered this drink

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-60708606243870886032009-05-17T17:35:00.001-07:002009-05-17T17:35:49.393-07:00

Then don't stop for a beer on the way home!(taken outside Portland, in front of the pub): )

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-67875440881364715232009-05-14T09:43:00.000-07:002009-05-14T09:44:16.975-07:00

Yes, we all hate utility companies and service companies. That FOUR- hour time window insults our sense of efficiency.But LIARS plunge this whole scheduling business to a new depth.A & E. Go to dishwasher hell!!They say they will call 10-15 minutes before they arrive, and sometimes they do. But sometimes they don't.The asshole on the customer service line informed me that the service guy MIGHT

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-45176242044077092302009-04-03T10:02:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:26:43.696-07:00

Despite a previous complaint regarding the packaging of cleaning chemicals IN THE SAME BAG as food, this is what arrived IN THE SAME BAG today.It doesn't take a genius to know that animal crackers+cleaning chemicals=BAD

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-83139075716091512412009-04-02T22:02:00.001-07:002009-08-06T22:30:23.764-07:00

I couldn't help but stop to snap this delightful shot right in the heart of downtown Bellevue, which is the OC of Washington state.Need I say more?

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-52432389358250261222008-12-23T20:51:00.000-08:002009-04-02T22:05:49.287-07:00

Who thinks this is a festive xmas decoration???? Can you say Friday the 13th meets Jack Frost.....Merry Xmas from Socal! MSent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-216072651141273802008-12-19T01:03:00.000-08:002009-04-02T22:05:01.613-07:00

Didn't fit, then one broke. Here I am trying to fix it at a rest stop. Bad Karma to Les Schwab salespeople who sell the wrong sized chains to out-of-towners.Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-116438562185848612008-07-04T22:44:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:25:53.752-07:00

This is Debora. She works at m&m World in lovely Las Vegas.Why in the HELL was I there? That should be the first question out of your mouth.Blame it on the kids. There is something so tantalizing about an entire store, 5 floors no less, chock full o'cheap chocolate. A marketer's candy-coated dream. Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.So there we were, 4th of July fireworks ablaze outside,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-23187241480001115652008-02-14T00:42:00.000-08:002008-07-02T09:32:13.190-07:00

I admit that I love US Weekly.It's that seedy, superficiality that's like a secret smoking habit, with telltale signs of addiction like yellow fingers and bad breath. I may not have TV, but I know every actor in all the hot shows, as well as what they wear, where they shop and whom they are dating.Such embarrassing personality flaws must be embraced! Don't HIDE your copy of People magazine,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-37033157954076194922008-02-10T17:35:00.001-08:002008-03-15T01:14:05.915-07:00

Aaaahhh, the splendor of the Great Outdoors. The majesty of our National Parks. Nature preserved for generations to come. Protected and poisoned.Did you get a good look at the photo above???On our last excursion through Utah's glorious Arches National Park, we happened upon this guy, in an official truck, strapping on the Poison-Pack to "clean up" the unsightly flora (and perhaps fauna?....who

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-79978262529636254562008-02-05T18:29:00.000-08:002008-02-05T20:49:32.434-08:00

After a long day of skiing, nothing tastes bad.That's the one caveat that accompanies this review, which is entirely favorable.We spent the day at Steven's Pass, enjoying the perfect Winter Wonderland that puts all previous ski seasons to shame, and headed straight to our newest local restaurant, Le Cote.It occupies the space that was previously St Germain, and has been reincarnated into a

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-53389414740576159912008-02-04T23:18:00.001-08:002008-02-08T19:38:26.820-08:00

Jessica Simpson is lame and infomercials sell crap. We ALL know that.Well, sometimes, even pigs fly.Proactive Solution, the acne product that the Dumb Blonde pimps ACTUALLY WORKS.I had seen it work first hand with a cousin in California who was miraculously transformed in high school, as well as a few other people I have known over the last few years, though not to the same extent. But you

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-23540467179777738322008-02-02T01:01:00.001-08:002008-02-02T01:16:42.301-08:00

Kids like rocks. Kids like to climb. Rather than fighting millions of years of evolution, embrace it! Don't tell them NOT to climb, but rather, teach them to EXCEL at it. Check out Vertical World near Fisherman's Terminal, near the Ballard Bridge. The intro to climbing class is a great opportunity to learn the ropes, so to speak. They spend time teaching you how to climb safely, as well as how

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-20528951101921118392008-01-31T23:25:00.000-08:002008-02-10T18:00:37.418-08:00

We've heard it all. Eat bacon, lose weight. Pyramid schemes make you rich. Cure baldness with a vibrating brush. Well, it will cure SOMETHING, anyway.I always find it fascinating when otherwise intelligent, educated people fall prey to these illusory, sometimes fanatical ideas.On the other hand, when I get a recommendation from a trusted source, I can't help but become infected with their

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-66474874823027464842008-01-30T00:18:00.000-08:002008-02-02T02:12:31.063-08:00

For some, buying a new cellphone consists of looking through the ads, finding the best deal, perhaps grazing through the vast array of choices in the store, then signing on the dotted line. DONE!For me, the process is nothing short of epic.I have been addicted to Palm/Treo since the very first Palm Pilot released, back when the Motorola flip-phone was so Star Trek. Sure dates me.Then, when the

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-1845766245465806312008-01-21T22:08:00.000-08:002008-01-21T22:55:30.782-08:00

Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad.I hadn't been to this place in several years. Not that I had heard anything particularly unsavory about it, but there are so many great options in Seattle that I'm loathe to revisit restaurants that don't positively captivate me.So, we made reservations, packed up the kids, and headed downtown to the Columbia Tower.First off, the place was relatively deserted. Mind you,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-7893436914862238392008-01-20T17:58:00.000-08:002008-01-20T22:08:02.810-08:00

Nothing really beats the sensation....that first crack of an ice-cold can liberating a burst of tinkling effervescence, and that unique, factory-manufactured Coke fragrance. Aaaahhhh....better living through chemistry, I say!There are times in life, when nothing else will do. Morning sickness; a hot, grumpy day; a throbbing headache. Something about Coke; perhaps it's just the comforting

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-19793327155779694312008-01-19T23:52:00.000-08:002008-01-20T23:34:07.157-08:00

I'm torn between shouting from the rooftops and keeping this my own little secret.....Being the GIVER that I am......The best Date Night Destination for parents who can't stay up late enough to see a movie AND go out to dinner on the same night. You know who you are.Lucky for you, there is this perfect little gem, right in the neighborhood, where Cuisine and Convenience intersect with

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-41739368503240713532008-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:002009-08-06T22:39:42.672-07:00

Ooops, forgot to pay your bills before vacation? Mortgage payment lost in the mail? Identity theft??Admittedly, my M.O. for years, much to my husband's dismay, was to put the bills "someplace safe" and pay them whenever the envelopes started arriving in primary colors. You know what I mean...the YELLOW envelope with RED print is BAD.That's when I would thrash through my piles of junkmail,

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-48618468636879678472008-01-16T23:39:00.001-08:002008-01-16T23:51:54.185-08:00

I receive random emails daily from concerned friends who pass along bogus information regarding computer viruses, Amber alerts, and other such scares. Generally, a quick check on Snopes.com determines their veracity in under a minute (Note: verify before spamming your friends!).However, the email that is circulating on Ovarian Cancer is valid, and I included the information I found from the NIH

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-31908863120533546402008-01-15T22:36:00.000-08:002008-01-16T20:57:48.383-08:00

As you know, sunblock is one of my neurotic passions.I admit that I never walk through a cosmetic aisle without hungrily eyeing the newest and latest sunblocks, scouring the ingredient lists, sampling the tubes. As a result, I am the proud owner of the largest collection of "natural" sunblocks in the world. Call me a connoisseur.NOT to say that I don't appreciate the limited value of the sun's

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-32345697304252039072008-01-15T18:59:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:20:37.560-08:00

Damatra Roofing SUCKS.Aaahhh... the sweet satisfaction of a public forum from which to shout my curses from the top of the internet mountain for the world to hear!Of course, we go back to the old "if a tree falls in a forest" dilemma......Regardless, I feel physically compelled to forbid anyone I even remotely like from patronizing this business. Unethical, rude, scam-artists, camouflaged with a

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-28584039799291411642008-01-15T18:52:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:30:26.766-08:00

Good things come in small packages...Bella Cosa Foods: a diminutive gourmet food lover's paradise.It's rare to find a neighborhood store that carries such delights as Fizzy Lizzy soft drinks alongside Arugula, Pinenut Pesto. The cheese selection is amazing, albeit small. The long, narrow space lends itself nicely to a cozy, friendly environment where the service is top-notch.Hungry? Check out

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-45433943291835949962008-01-15T18:50:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:35:48.111-08:00

Burnt SugarFAVORITE store in Seattle. Period.Gifts Galore.Purse Perfection.Best Books.Maaahvelous Makeup.Ass-kicking Accessories.Great Games.Cool Computer-bags.Shoes for Sure.Stellar Service.Word.

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-81849697354938861212008-01-15T18:46:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:37:02.769-08:00

Dream this.Warm, genuine greeting from a third generation chocolatier.Immaculately clean, inviting atmosphereFree samples every time you venture in.Delectable chocolates to suit your every mood.Exquisite, hand-made jewels of perfection.Hot, creamy chocolate drink not found anywhere else outside Italy.Gift boxes graciously wrapped.NOT a dream! Oh Chocolate is ALIVE!Go visit Margot, the owner, and

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-65329752151855537022008-01-14T21:00:00.000-08:002008-01-14T21:21:44.771-08:00

Surprise, surprise, surprise.After a roof-crushing hail storm, we were blessed with a thick blanket of white within an hour. The kids and dogs, itching to get out and play, bundled up and raced out into the hushed darkness, crunching slightly on the hail substrata, and launched into a take-no-prisoners snowball fight! Whahoooo!!It's dark, it's late, and it's cold. But with fresh snow in

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617593868188111288.post-8379000966057889132008-01-11T17:32:00.000-08:002008-01-11T19:10:38.377-08:00

What's an opinionated Girl supposed to do? Keep my mouth shut and deny millions of people access to my prodigious wealth of knowledge?I think not.Who am I? Just your average Mamma, with two kids, two dogs, an interesting life and an ungodly obsession with certain quirky things in life. Sunblock for one. Electronics for another. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg.....My goal is to share

RVmammahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256993500905689553noreply@blogger.com0