impending doom of the first of the month...

So tomorrow is the first of the month and I have not even done any of my monthly planning for February.  Last month I took the time to actually plan out everything.  When I say everything I mean it too; I even managed to stick to half of it, which was not what I expected... I was thinking I would get around 10% of it done.  But I impressed myself, which I can only take as a good reason to plan out everything again for this month to keep me on track.  I even managed to up my pvs by 100 daily!!  Which is soo great so thank you to all of my readers, as a thank you I arranged a GREAT giveaway for all of you so don't forget to take the time to enter it.  

Now you are asking me, Eschelle... how did you manage to plan your month??  With a crazy-ass calendar, THATS how!  Especially crazy if you are my hubby, cause he thinks i'm insane for setting it up for hours... last time I think I spent about three hours figuring everything out.  Although last month I did it the same time as my daycare monthly calendar so it was a little bit different and clearly took a while.  Wanna see it?

See, crazy right??  I think so, but it honestly worked... MOST of the time anyways.  I have to admit that hubby hasn't worked out with me any of scheduled times he said he would but what can ya do.  I can say that I have been sticking to my workouts and their times too... I was really slacking there with the horrible weather and my non-winter-friendly shoes.  I can start to see the light at the end of the Winter tunnel though and I think we'll be okay!  I am sad to say that if it doesn't snow again, it will be another year of only one day of good snow... I didn't even get to play in it with my eldest either since youngest was sick at the time.  Not to mention I feel bad youngest didn't get to go out in it to play either, but I can't control everything. 

Do any of you have any great organization tips?  I would love to see links!!


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Man Candy Monday - David Boreanaz

How is everyone's Monday blues going today??  I can only hope that my monday is going to go well... *knock on wood*  I thought today that I would go for someone I used to love back in my Buffy days, this is for you Erin lol.

ooo so serious!

yes you run... run, run, run!

Well I hope that these pictures help you be a little more chipper this mild Monday.  I get to spend my week out of my house as much as possible to avoid my father who thinks it is a good idea to push his unwanted existence on us, even though we have clearly voiced we want nothing to do with him.  I just don't and if I did I would be the one to make contact... sorry dad don't know how many times I have to say that to you.  I am unwilling to watch another parent deteriorate in front of my eyes because of a life long of bad choices, and I'm unwilling to let me kids see that either.  Sad hurtful truth, but watching my mother die was enough... I can't do that again and I wont.

Does anyone else out there in the blogging world have issues with one parent??

ENTER TO WIN!!!

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What We've Hoovered This Month...

At my childcare I like to take the time to come up with some fun foods to eat and even themes to stick to.  This month gave us a unique opportunity with Chinese New Year!  We did a ton of different crafts, one of which was destroyed in a matter of moments with them running after it and wearing it.  We colored dragon masks and then I stapled streamers in red and yellow to it so they could pretend to be Chinese Dragons and dance around like the videos we watched that day were doing.  Needless to say it was quickly slayed by the toddlers.

I also don't want to toot my own horn here but I was pretty impressed with myself and things we had planned, especially with our newest addition coming into the mix.  Everyone needs to adjust to a new member and them to us and sometimes that can set back some of our plans but all the boys are troopers and managed swimmingly.

Back to the food here, sorry I have the attention span of a goldfish sometimes, especially after a long days work.  I wanted to share with you all the wonderful things we ate that I was especially proud of and that the kids particularly enjoyed.

The only photo blogger will let me upload

Alright so I WAS going to show you the photos of all the yummy fun things I have made with the kid-lets this week, BUT Blogger will not let me.  My upload whatever-it-is, is clearly on the fritz because, since this summer I haven't been able to upload anything whatsoever to Deviant-art and doing it here is the most painful experience and it takes for freaking EVER!  Regardless, after a few months of nagging, hubby is going to do something about forwarding the ports, whatever that means, and see if that makes a difference.  People say that technology improves our lives... does it really??  Or does it just give us other things to complain about??

Don't forget to Enter my amazing giveaway for $80.00 worth of Scrapbooking software from My Memories!
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Talking with Toddlers

I have noticed that I never write down the hilarious things that my children say or the what the children I care for say.  I always want to share them with you to show you just how much my sense of humor has clearly rubbed off on them.  You know I am the funniest thing since Roseanne you don't need to tell me, it goes without speaking hahaha!

~In reference to Hubby bothering me to no end lol~
Hubby: I'm just trying to make mommies head explode. *laughs*
Eldest: OOOH!! GOOD JOB DADDY!

~In reference to Eldest breaking this one toy about three times in five minutes~
Hubby: I dunno how you keep breaking it.
Eldest: Cause its a toy truck! Silly daddy!

~In reference to a book title~
Me: "Frank was a monster who wanted to dance...."
Eldest: uuuummmm..... THAT'S weird... *scrunch face*

~... too youngest~
Me: Who's cute?
Youngest: (pause, scratches head) ...DANIEL! (hubby's first name...)

~To our little Scotsman~
Me: Hey [Scotsman] say your name
Scotsman: Name....

~Eldest getting mad at me for computer usage~
Eldest: Daddy's gonna get real mad at you!
Me: Why is daddy going to be mad at me?!
Eldest: 'Cause you have no manners!! RUDE

These kids... never a dull moment in this house with these hilarious little beans, honestly the funniest kids EVER!!

I would also like to remind you all that I am running a contest that is sooo awesome $80 software for scrapbooking and there are low entries, ENTER TO WIN, cause you love me right!?!?


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Happy Robbie Burns Day

Today is Robbie Burns day, and that means it is a lovely day, in fact it has already stopped pouring rain which means we'll be able to head out that door after nap time and get some not-so-wet exercise!

Do you know who Robbie Burns is?? Well Robbert Burns was a Scottish poet and a lyricist; a very good one in my opinion.  In fact he wrote some of my favourite love poems like this one:

My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose

By: Robert Burns  (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796)

My love is like a red red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
My love is like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

For more information about Robbie Burns, check out online colleges  to find literature classes that can teach you what Robbie Burn’s contributions are to poetry and Scottish literature. Plus nothing is better than a day filled with bag pipes, beautiful poems/songs and some HAGGIS!  Freaking love HAGGIS, I don't care what any of you say... it is my one guilty pleasures... though I have yet to find another good provider of it.  My first stop is now unreliable in the yummy department.

Have a great one, and don't forget to enter my giveaway! 

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Giving Away Memories

So I have been lovingly approached by the wonderful people at My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking to do a review/giveaway for them.  I have to admit that I only accept things that I desperately want to try or have heard buzz about.  I couldn't say no to them.. I just couldn't!  The little crafter girl inside me started jumping and leaping!  "ALL THE SCRAPBOOKING WITHOUT ALL THE JUNK IN MY HOUSE!!!"  I nearly peed myself with excitement, I may have and just not be telling you out of fear of embarrassment but we'll just go with, but I didn't.  I jumped right in and had to start fooling around with it... when I wasn't surrounded by a group of screaming children.  Did I mention that I have a full house now??  Anyways, these are some of my "fooling around" screen shots that I wanted to share with you.

It is soo easy to use I think I was having far too much fun and you can even add video/audio, and I can tell you one thing.  I have yet to see a paper scrapbook do that, and lets be honest here, I can get supplies faster and easier online than lugging my children to a store (that can't accommodate strollers might I add... not a fan of my local scrap booking store AT ALL) and sorting threw a ton of things that cost a ton more.  But I don't want to sit here ranting and raving about all that crafting "drama" I want to give you a chance to get this program so you can enjoy scrap booking again without all the supplies taking over your home, the never ending existence of GLITTER or the tedious organizing and running around for things.  I can't do it anymore and you shouldn't have to either!! All you have to do is.....


a Rafflecopter giveawa


your coupon for coming by:

Just for coming by too, you can automatically get $10 off your software if you just can't possibly wait to see if you win or you want to tell your friends!!  Happy scrapbooking everyone!!


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Man Candy Monday - Godfrey Gao

Gung Hay Fat Choy everyone!! It is the year of the water dragon this year and I am oddly kinda into Chinese New Year this year.  I will update you on exactly what I have been doing this entire time but I wanted to start off this New Year with a hot sexy BANG!  And I hope I have done that for you with the divine Godfrey Gao... YUM!! 

Hope you all have a lovely Chinese New Year!! Get out this weekend and join in the festivities!  I am hoping too!

What do you do for Chinese New Year, if anything??  Do you do special things with the daycare kids etc...  Maybe go out for Chinese food at your favorite restaurant??  I am happy to say that I mastered the Chinese Sticky Bun!! I am sooo glad they were amazing and I filled them with Nutella!!

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Peaking at my painting....

I thought that I would take the time to show you another little look on some of the painting I have been working on.  I have to admit that I am slowing on my endeavors... I can't seem to figure out what to paint most days, my inspiration are lacking these days.  I think I need to get into a better book... figure out a way I can do art comfortably.  I can't seem to get my paint brush around this watercolor thing; but I wont until I keep plugging at it and keep trying.  The point is to keep trying, never get discouraged and don't worry so much about the outcome, rather... enjoy the process correct??   So in the spirit of not worrying about what I am up to I shall share with you my most recent works.

These are a few of my favs right now So i thought that I would share them with you all, you know cause I enjoy embarrassing myself publicly on the internet.  It is my fav pass time to be honest.  I hope that all of you are having a great weekend.  Mine is going to be filled with Happy Feet 2 OVER AND OVER AND OVER.  Not that I mind it is awesome and I managed to get a copy of it heehee.  I am magical like that, I know all the best places and I get everything first.  Apparently anyway.  Have a good night everyone!
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Since i'm turning into an old woman...

A few of you may already know, since I talk about it constantly in the real world over here, I am starting to go blind.  Not like hardcore I just clearly am in need of getting my hands on some glasses.   Knowing me though, you would also understand that I would be wanting to take advantage of this situation to get my hands on something super cute and funky!  Personally my hunt was making me lean towards the librarian look, or of course a classic 1950s style frame.  To think I could look super chic just by putting a pair of them on, and how much bigger my eyes will be?!?!  AWESOME!  My possibilities are almost endless, granted my budget doesn't get in the way.  I think I have a solution for myself though!

funky right??  VERY my style lol! (but those are fake...from high school, i know odd.)

When it comes to eyeglasses, I am not a complete expert.  I have to admit I see it as a LARGE expense that is daunting and inevitable to my future.  With my families history I am lucky i've lasted this long to be perfectly honest everyone is practically blind in my tree.  No offense marz lol, remember those HUGE glasses you used to have when you were a teen??  Oh the horror of the 90s!

look at how big those are!!

If you talk to me outside of this blog or even here you would also understand that I have a slight addiction to online shopping.  So you can understand when my first thought is to go hunting for online eyeglasses.  I mean, you know, once I figure out all the details of my blindness situation of course.  Browsing around I already began to notice the prices weren't nearly so scary!

To buy glasses, nice ones at that, was going to be completely possible in my price range.  Better yet I could find the styles that I wanted without having to pay some obscene prices, or you know give my soul to the devil.  I didn't even have to sign a deal with Rumplestiltskin either which of course is a big bonus cause we all know: "all magic, comes with price!"

Now I bet you are sitting there wondering what on earth I am talking about or where on earth this magically affordable place is.  Well, I will tell you it was the magical site GlassesUSA.com; amazing prices and again GREAT styles!  I mean just look at some of their stuff you'll be so happy about the cost and so happy about the quality, I even know EXACTLY which ones I will be getting, its a secret though for another post on another day.  I would hate to talk to much right?  Did I mention they are having a New Years sale!!
Take 20% off any pair of eyeglasses and get FREE US shipping with the code: New2012
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

Take the time today and check them out, you know granted you're going blind like me!

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Man Candy Monday - Colin Firth

This morning I was feeling like a little Mr. Darcy; someone classically handsome and hilarious.  I adore this man... even when he was in that girlie teen movie with Amanda Bynes, the name of which now escapes me currently.  Not terribly important as all of us are here for the same thing MAN CANDY! So enjoy!

that smile WOW!

lets face it, a man is beyond sexy while holding an Oscar. 

Have a happy Monday everyone!!! Wishing you all the best, and remember if you have a Man Candy request please feel free to e-mail them to me eschelle_w@hotmail.com!!!

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The snow has returned....

So as I sit here procrastinating trying to keep my eyes open before finally passing out I can tell you this.  It is snowing outside.  We all know how much I deeply dislike the stuff, especially with an under three year old in the house.  Such pain to go out, everyone gets so cold etc... etc... and most of all mommy gets really wet, cold and grumpy.  VERY GRUMPY. 

this evening

I have no idea how long this snow will end up being here, but the forecast is calling for all weekend.  We all know how reliable the weather man is though so there is no telling.  Prior to Christmas they were saying how much snow we were going to get etc... etc... I had about one evening like this one.  One filled with fear and impending doom of having to leave the house in the junk WITH the children.... those dang children! 

So this year it looks like, once again, we'll be having our snowy season during January and February, hazza!  I am just happy to be living a heck of a lot closer to some GREAT snow play areas, couple decent sleding hills... though no sled at the moment, my kids are rather young BUT we can do it welfare styles right??  Granted we need to.  I hope that this weekend will be filled with some fun, maybe a meet up with a gf or two, who knows.  When it comes down to it, it all depends on how I feel and whether or not this snow actually sticks around.  I'll be damned if I am going out with a four year old for a long period of time in the snow.  A long time close to home is one thing, a long time FAR away from my home is another.  I kinda hate leaving my house.  Strange like that... still on the fence if I should be worried about that feeling, but it isn't like I am afraid to or anything I just deeply dislike leaving the comfort and warmth... mainly warmth, of my home.  Only if I have to.  Any other moms have that issue??? Or how about the issue where you can't make new friends, especially mothers?  I just don't like them, I have yet to find someone I have met post-children that I enjoy the company of completely.  I think I hate new people in general.  Maybe I should be worried...

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daycare photos of the week!

Thank goodness it is Friday!  I have had a busy week with the kiddos with our "Exploring Poetry" theme this week.  We managed to get out ALOT and stayed nice and busy.  Our little Scotsman was down all this week, a little better than last week but he only just started to perk up again like normal yesterday really.  The week and a bit of Christmas vacation kinda brought back all that separation anxiety a little bit, but the little guy is a super trooper and always managed to have fun despite it.  I mean I'm not a morning person either so fair enough kiddo I get it!

Those have to be some of my fav shots of the kidlets this week!  I can't wait for next week to start cause I am hoping to have a few great things planned in prep for Chinese New Year.  No we aren't of any asian background but Chinese New Year has always been filled with great memories for me that just awed me.  So I want to make a point of celebrating it, why not right?  This city is so diverse I think it is respectful to enjoy yourself and learn something new about a culture we're unfamiliar with personally.  Not to mention I get jealous and I want to make some sticky buns!  I have no idea how, but this year I really want to try.... note to self I have to make a point of writing out what I need for this so I can get the ingredients before I go broke. 

I hate going broke.

Soon I hope that will come to an end.  We have a new client starting next week I am hoping/thinking and I can't wait for that.  Hubby of course is still out of work at the moment so we're just managing, thankfully of course for the little extra help our family gives us.  Nonetheless we're slowly getting things done and hopefully he will be seeing some job prospects in the near future.  Things are tough though so I have to be thankful for what we do have and the opportunities we're given in the meantime. 

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My latest online addiction

No it isn't a game... even though I do play those silly things on facebook, my interest never really lasts long but I still come out feeling slightly guilty.  But I didn't want to talk to you about facebook games, and how much I really like Castleville and think you should join it for the soul purpose of helping me out, NO!  I want to tell you about Pinterest.  Now I am probably one of the last few people to join this thing but I can't help it, it is the most amazing thing I have ever been on!  I have found so many things I can't even begin to share enough of them with you right now.  BUT, I will highly urge you to join!  For the time being I am going to make a point of sharing some things that I pin on my boards!  Maybe just to tempt you to join the bandwagon, who knows.  Point is you should and delaying the process only makes you feel bad once you finally cave into its awesome-ness.

Today we'll be doing a peacock theme, because they're freaking amazing... bottom line.  Don't you dare argue with me!

a watercolor painting

Source: Uploaded by user via Eschelle on Pinterest

Source: rebel5ive.lbbhost.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

Source: projectwedding.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen

Source: albino-peacock.blogspot.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

oh that is right, I would wear this, at the drop of a hat!

Source: promgirl.com via Eschelle on Pinterest

I hope you enjoyed that peak into my Pinterest inspiration.  I just love it and I can't get enough of it! I am sure that there will never be a time that you wont find something incredible there!  What are some of your fave Pins?!?! E-MAIL ME!

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petition to create a pause button for our children...

If I could make any random change even the most impossible thing, what would I change?? 

Why do I have such a hard time answering this question??  There are a ton of things that I would love to change in the world.  Such as the rate of inflation in B.C. I would give my non-existent right nut for that to happen; honest. 

How about the existence of mosquitoes?  I don't care if they are important I hate those little bastards.

Maybe I would choose to change the fact that my children, hell all children, don't come with a pause button... seriously mute buttons just wont cut it with my kids... not at all. 

Or the fact that weekends and break times are just never long enough.  It is torturous... maybe it is because I am only finally off the clock once my boys are in bed.  As all mothers know that never really even lasts, there is always something to clean, or a kid wakes from a bad dream or to go to the bathroom etc... Oh the life of a mother... guess that is why I make sure my boys stick to a strict schedule or 7am to 7pm. 

That vegetables have a bad rep. I can't compete with its bad publicity with my four year old, it is like negotiating with terrorists...

North America's view of what "beautiful" is, all we gotta due is go back a few decades easy peasy right!?!?!? 

The fact that HD channels cost so much extra EACH.  All I want to do is have my HD food network without giving you my soul, is that okay??

What would you choose to change??  Granted you had infinite powers and could literally do the impossible... like installing pause buttons for children lol. 

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the sea monkeys have my money!

So we have an addition to the home, for those of you that follow me regularly you would know that I was incredibly excited to get my boys this gift for Christmas.  I have never had them myself and I have completely fallen in love with them!  I already have third generation Sea Monkeys now!! I am so pleased I love them to death and they're the strangest things I have ever had the pleasure of owning.  I love watching them swim around though and I have even sent out for "equipment" for the little guys; including sea-diamonds.

Now sea-diamonds are supposed to be like a "beach-ball" for them to throw around and use to play together.  With that statement I can't even begin to tell you the excitement that I feel at possibly watching these things "play" with whatever this "sea-diamond" is.  My order form is in the mail and I can't WAIT to get my package!  It even comes with a sea-medic kit to give to the little things in case they get ill... how on earth do I know they are ill is beyond me but at least I'll be prepared in case something is amiss.. right?? 

Do any of you have any experience with sea-monkeys?? I would love some insight on what you do, etc.. etc.. are there forums???  I wouldn't be surprised... now I have to go out and find communities of sea monkey owners that is how insanely nuts I have clearly become.  Is it strange that I talk to them?  Just asking... not that I do it or anything.  Honest. 

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