Sasha Family Christmas

One of my goals for Christmas 2008 was to get a nice family shot- all four of us together, relatively clean and happy. How hard can that be?

We tried on Christmas Eve and couldn't coax The Wild Child into the shot.

But she was happy to "cheese" for me while she ate lunch.

Tried again on Christmas Day but I couldn't even talk Mr. Sasha into posing again at first.

And here, my dear readers, is as good as it gets. The Wild Child was squirming away, but by damn, it's a pic of all four of us. And no one is crying. Score one for mom.

Four Christmases

On Saturday Mr. Sasha's parents offered to come up and watch the kids for a bit so we could go to the movies and out for dinner and gelato for my birthday. We jumped at the chance since we don't actually remember the last time we went to the movies by ourselves to see something other than a Disney movie.

In fact, we don't even remember the last movie we saw at the theater together. The second National Treasure movie? Wedding Crashers? Friday Night Lights? Hell, who knows. At the very least, it was my birthday last year.

I chose Four Christmases. We've been Vince Vaugh fans since Swingers, and this was no disappointment. I also love Reese Witherspoon (my FIRL should already know this....).

Fabulous movie! We absolutely loved it! I will definitely be buying the DVD when it comes out. Because that's what I do- buy my favorite movies and TV series DVDs and let them gather dust on my shelf. But should I ever have some free time to watch DVDs.... I'm set!

I Must Have One!

Fellow Office watchers, how much do you want one of these Princess Unicorn shirts? I seriously do! Love it!

The Best Christmas Present Ever

Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of getting to have lunch with the oh-so-fabulous Holly. We had a great time chatting and catching up over Mexican food, and she brought me an awesome Christmas present- an Al's Koozie! I've been upset about not having one ever since I didn't win her contest. I am patiently waiting for her to create her Mamalicious koozies so I can get one of those too.

Anyway, that night I asked Mr. Sasha to take a picture of me using the koozie so I could post it on the blog, and here's the result.

Mr. Sasha can't take an in-focus picture to save his life.

And it's a Rebel, on auto-focus. How can it be out of focus? I just don't understand, but this is why I am never in any of the pictures. I'm the only one in the family who can take them!

But I am loving my new koozie and have used it quite a few times during this crazy holiday season. I'm using it to drink Wild Blue in the pic above, and it was utilized for Mike Light Hard Cranberry Lemonade during the Christmas Eve Present-Putting-Together Extravaganza that lasted until plum near midnight.

More later on the fabulousness that was Christmas at the Sasha house! Hope you all had a merry one!

NOTD: OPI A Ruby for Rudolph

Finally managed to repaint my nails. Love it! Also posted this over on Manicure Mommas along with a link to Katee's beyond-awsome nail tips.

PSA: Christmas Eve grocery shopping

Should you realized at 7:03 pm on Christmas Eve that you are out of the eggs you need to make the much-requested Neiman Marcus Bars for Christmas lunch (because that's just something that happens to you if your name is Sasha), the following places will be closed:

• Your neighborhood IGA
• Wally World
• Target
• Homeland

I was just about to stop at The Waffle House and ask if I could purchase 3 eggs, uncracked, when I spied an open store! Yay for Braum's!

But really, you should let your employees spend the holidays with family. People like me who forget about buying eggs deserve to have to think outside the box and head to the waffle house.

Where Did He Hear That?

That's what we are saying more and more around the Sasha household.

The Politician's teacher stopped Mr. Sasha the other morning to tell him this story:

On Tuesday, at the end of PE class, Ms. P asked the kids to get in line to say Merry Christmas to Coach K since it was the last time they would see her before the holidays.

The Politician was second to last.

When it was his turn, he went up to Coach K and said, "Merry Christmas Coach K. You're hot."

Fabulous.

A Lesson on How Hair Grows

Tonight I got home from my PTO (dinner and drinks and a Pizzoki, I love my PTO!) meeting, and The Politician was still awake, so I went in to kiss him goodnight.

P: Momma, Sissy made me fall in the playroom, and my head was about to crack open, but Daddy put some ice on it to keep it from cracking open. There's a bump there, but you probably can't feel it because it's under the barnacles.

Sasha: You mean the follicles?

P: Yeah, that's it. That's what our hair grows out of.

New Blog Idea!

I have totally become obsessed with nail blogs, and I would love to have a nail blog of my own!

But I realize that I don't actually get to paint my nails very much right now, since I'm chasing two small children around and trying to work full-time somewhere in there.

But what about a group blog for those of us moms who love to do manis? Each time we paint our nails, we can post our NOTD (or NOTW as it mostly like is) and banding together, we can be a nail blogger!

Let me know if you'd like to be a contributor! Hopefully I can paint my nails again tomorrow and snap a better shot for a header.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

One Last GDA- Dream Town items

Walmart has the Cherry Blossom Market for $15 with 97 cent shipping to your house! Hell of a deal! It says it will arrive by Dec 24.....

Oh Noes

I just realized something terrible. Absolutely frightful.

The other day I was laughing with Chic Runner about the fact that in just a few short weeks, I'll be crossing into a new age range for my 5Ks. I'll be moving from the 30-34 range into the 35-39 range, and we laughed about the fact that if I can't beat the 30 years olds, maybe I've got a better chance beating the 39 year olds.

But I was just on Sephora, and their age range for their reviewers is 35-44!

That's crazy! I'm not like a 44 year old! I'm just a baby! My beauty issues certainly aren't the same as someone in their mid-40s! That certainly needs to be recitified. You all know how much impact I have on companies and their websites. Come on Sephora, you need to change that. I suggest 35-39 and 40-44. Much better.

All of the sudden, I am realizing I am getting old.

NOTW

OPI Merry Holly-Days! (Ulta exclusive)

As crazy-busy and it is at the Sasha house, there's really no NOTD (day). Actually, it's more like NOTW (week). And there's no outside pic since we are sun-free for a bit as we deal with some actual December-like weather.

Yesterday I squeezed in enough time to paint my nails before I got on the treadmill. Of course, I once again forgot to get out my OPI Correct and Cleanup Pen before I got started, so I couldn't fix that spot on my middle finger. And my cuticles need some moisturization, but cut me some slack. At least they are pretty! I really like this color a lot. I felt the need for red since we are just 8 days or so from Christmas!

Notes from School

The Politician accidentally ran into E. He promptly said "Sorry" and gave a chaste kiss and hug.

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good boy, but The Wild Child hasn’t been tonight, because I was eating my food and she wasn’t and she didn’t get a treat.

I was hoping you could bring me some toys.

And the toy that I wanted was the Little Einstein rocket (check!), and the Diego mountain (check!), and the Tigger and Pooh Changing Tree (check!).

And these candies that I have in this thing (envelope): Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Absolutely Divine 70% cocao, Hershey Kisses, Hershey’s Miniatures, and Absolutely Divine 30% cocao. (For some reason he cut all these little pictures of candy out of the CVS flyer and that's what he is referring to....)

And The Wild Child would like her own purse (check!) and her own play makeup (check!). And she would like a Barbie house (got a Dora house). And a Princess castle (got the vanity- that should qualify as "princess").

Daddy needs a new shiny golf club that looks like shiny Christmas lights (he did actually just order a new set of clubs).

The Wild Child wants a pink oven (she already has the Rose Petal Cottage oven, so no new oven).

Momma wants new shiny makeup and a new purse that she can carry all her makeup in.

I want to give two of my firetrucks away and get a new one.

The fireman hat I have pinches off some of my hair so I need a new one.

We will have some of those peanut butter cookies with those chocolate chips on them.

Your friend,
The Politician

Mr. Sasha, You Can Deal With This

The other day I saw The Politician walking down the hall and he sort of had a hand cupped over his, well, boy area.

Being a mom, I said, "P, do you need to go to the potty?"

P said: "No, I'm just ticklin' it a little."

Anybody Want to Move Here?

Look at this crazy-ass weather forecast! And it was 19 yesterday when I woke up!

Amazon Movers and Shakers

There are so many good deals on Amazon, I can't list them all!

The secret is to check out the Movers & Shakers page at Amazon.

Hope this helps someone looking for those last-minute gifts like me!

Snow-Capped Volcanoes

You know when you see those posts on the BHB that say "My Christmas crack didn't set up right! What did I do wrong"?

Well, this is not one of those posts. My attempt at Red Velvet Cake Balls did not go well, but I don't need hints or suggestions because I won't be making them again. Ever. They are my nemesis. Yummy, but my nemesis.

You can see that I tried to dip the two balls on the right in the coating. (I'm 99% sure I got the wrong kind of coating, which is a typical Sasha move.) After that, I gave up and just slopped the coating on top of the balls. Hence the new name "Snow-Capped Volcanoes". They are a million more of those bitches and making them wore me plum out.

They still taste good, but they look like shit. We've had a good laugh over them at the office today.

My Very First NOTD

OPI DS Extravagance

Would you look at that? A NOTD (Nail of the Day)!

Now, don't look too close at my pinky nail- it needs some clean-up, but I realized after I started painting that I hadn't unwrapped my OPI Correct and Clean Up Pen and I didn't want to risk further mess-up.

But isn't that a pretty color?

Speaking of Nails

Keeping your cuticles neat and clean is one of the keys to making your manicure last longer. My mom used to use Delore on me when I was growing up and I hated the smell so much! I shudder just thinking about it. I'd sneak in the bathroom and wash my hands as soon as I could to get it all off.

My blog crush Katee uses CND Solar Oil, which I haven't tried.

However, I've been using Avon's Cuticle Oil Pen with Lavendar and I absolutely love it. It smells so good, nothing like Delore! And right now they are having a special and you can get two for $6! And free shipping!

Follow these steps to ensure you get your free shipping AND your ebates rebates.

1. Visit Valerie's site first to make her your default rep

2. Log into ebates to get 5% back and go through them to get to the Avon site

3. Once the Avon site pulls up again, you should see Valeri's name near the top of the site

4. Choose your products and then use code REPFS or FSANY to get free shipping (if one doesn't work, try the other)

Happy Shopping!

I Knew There Was a Reason I Didn't Like CEC

From today's Wall Street Journal:

Calling All Cars: Trouble at Chuck E. Cheese's, Again

Kid-Centric Pizza Parlors Become Stage for Adult Bad Behavior, as Mama-Bear Instincts Kick In and Fights Break Out

My New Blog Crush

Guys, I need to tell you about my new favorite blog, e-polishblog. I adore Katee and have a little bit of a girl crush on her, even though the only part of her I've ever seen is her nails!

Look how gorgeous her nails are- and they are natural!

OPI A Ruby for Rudolph

photo credit: e-polishblog

Recently I asked Katee about her nails and how she keeps them so fabulous-looking. She did a post on Katee's Nail Care Tips and Saturday I dashed out to Ulta to pick up the CND Cuticle Eraser and OPI Correct and Clean-Up Pen just because she recommends them! I even picked up the color above (and a lot of other OPI colors, more on that later!) because it looks so great on her.

So go check her out- promise you'll like her- she's cool like us!

Christmas Program

Today was the school Christmas program, which is always pretty entertaining. Most years The Politician boycotts the program because he's not too fond of costumes and the like, and typically he hangs out in the wings. This year, they somehow got a choir robe and some angel wings on him and he marched out like he was meant to be on stage.


The Politician was pretty funny. He and his buddies to the right and left cut up quite a bit- tickling each other with the feathers on their wings. He knew I was watching him and shot me this look.

The Wild Child pretty much stole the show. She's the oldest in her class by 4 months or so, and she knows all the words to Jingle Bells, and loves to sing loudly, so they stuck the microphone right in front of her and she pretty much did a solo.

We are off to watch the Big 12 Championship on campus (Boomer!). We are kid-free tonight since we sent the kiddos home with my parents after the program, so Mr. Sasha and I plan on having a good time!

Starbucks Craving

Today I am craving Starbucks, and I may try something different than my usual "Short Non-Fat White Hot Chocolate, No Whip" (180 calories, 3 grams fat, 4 WW points).

I may try a Short Non-Fat Peppermint Hot Chocolate, No Whip. (170 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 gram fiber, 3 WW points).

While we are talking about yummy holiday drinks, Hungry Girl says to stay away from the Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate. A Short Non-Fat Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate, No Whip is 6 points (270 calories, 10 grams fat, 3 fiber).

Oh, and here is where I figure WW points.

What's you favorite Starbucks drink, and is it worth the points?

Notes From School

On P's take-home sheet recently:

Our big angel fish, Angel, died during the night. She was too big to flush, so we had a funeral.

Yummiest 7up Ever!

Last night I was trolling (of course!) Target and look what I found!

Pomegranate 7up!

(to no surprise, there's no info on 7up's website)

Of course I got the diet version, and it is absolutely scrumptious!

Local girls, I've got a mission for you. If you see the diet in 12 packs, by all means, pick some up for me! Target only had 2 liters, which I hate, and were all out of 12 packs.

I NEED this. I have to have this. And I'll pay you back.

It's A Sickness, Really

Xhilaration Tan Stephanie Bow Pump - $19.99

Xhilaration Black Stephanie Bow Pump - $19.99

Mossimo Danae Peeptoe Giraffe - $26.99


Most likely I will be taking the Danae back because it shows a little much toe cleavage for my taste. But the Stephanie is adorable and quite comfy. And she matches my newest Coach purchase.

Where the hell am I going to wear all these shoes?????

Shoe Shopping and Black Friday Report

I picked up some great shoes for myself at Payless in the mall on Black Friday. Yes, I know most people were shopping for Christmas gifts, but that was too overwhelming, so I decided just to shop for me instead!

Champion Fury - $24.99

Champion Globe Mary Jane - $22.99

They are having their BOGO half off sale, so I only paid $11.50 for the brown mary janes (note: I wore a half-size smaller in those than the tennis shoes). If you happen to buying online from Payless, don't you dare forget to go through ebates- you'll get 3% back.

I also picked up some movies at Target: Season 3 of The Office for $14, Devil Wears Prada for $4, and Christmas Vacation for $4.

Before you judge me, I did do a little bit of shopping for others. At Walmart, I got a Cabbage Patch baby for $10, and princess fleece pullover for $4, and a princess backpack for $10. These will probably be part of WC's brithday present.

I should also tell you that my big toe got run over at Walmart at 5 am by a crazy lady and her cart. I haven't taken my polish off yet, but I'm relatively certain my toenail was somewhat damaged. We shall see......

Dear Shannon Twins,

(picture removed because it was grossing me out....)


I think you are pretty skeevy. In fact, this picture makes me feel like I need to go wash my eyes (and that's why it's so small- I hate to subject Sasha Says readers to such nastiness, but I need to make sure they know where I stand on this....).

God Lord, girls, you are SISTERS. That's just wrong on so many levels.

Also, if GND continues with you as the main characters, I definitely won't be watching.

Just in case you were wondering.

Good Deal Alert: Croc Endeavor

Croc Endeavor in Chocolate - $4.61 Shipped!

Instructions:

1. Log into ebates so you can get 5% back (and a $10 bonus if you've never used ebates before)

2. Search for Finish Line - today is free shipping day!

3. Item number is 10010A
4. Use code COMEBACK for 15% off

Sizes available: 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, 12/13. I got 12/13 for The Politician.

Edited: Looks like they are out of stock as of 9:13 am CST.......

Edited at 9:27 am... and now they are BACK IN STOCK.