A Time Where Something Sucking is a Good Thing

A couple of weeks ago I was vacuuming and noticed the little red light come on, the one letting me know that the bag is full.

I was out of bags.

Of course.

Then I got to thinking...I have never owned a NEW vacuum cleaner. Like, ever. Every single one has been a hand me down. And I'm not complaining, not even a little, because this girl loves hand me downs. Big time.

But I had been noticing I vacuum and vacuum and vacuum and there is ALWAYS still dog hair in the carpet. Nasty.

I decided instead of buying new vacuum bags, well, I was just going to buy a new vacuum. Always logical, this one.

After doing quite a lot of research (okay, I sorted by highest stars on Amazon), I settled on a Bissell Pet Hair Eraser.

Promising.

I ordered it up and waited (only two days, love that Amazon Prime!).

And it arrived a few days ago.

You know when the vacuum box has a picture of your pet, you've got a big shedder.

Vacuum Box

Carl - and honestly, I'm kind of pissed at him for holding out on the proceeds from that modeling job.

I know you're just dying to know how well the vacuum worked. (Okay, maybe not. But I'm still going to tell you.)

Ohmycrikey, DID IT WORK.

And? GROSS.

I got this much, out of an 8 x 10 area of carpet. Twice.

Barf.

By the way, this post was not sponsored in any way, shape or form by Bissell, but if they want to pass on Carl's commission check, that'd be fab.

This vacuum? It totally sucks.

Shrink-a-Versary Extravaganza!

There are some VERY exciting things happening over at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

I'm serious. VERY EXCITING.

Tomorrow we start our newest challenge - running from October 28 through December 16th. That's seven weeks to whip your heinie into shape before the Holidays!

And there's more. This challenge coincides with the Sisterhood's one year anniversary. There will be much celebration. And giveaways galore.

So, if you've been looking to drop a few pounds (or stone) and get fit with some serious Sisterhood (boys are welcome too!) support, make sure you visit the Sisterhood tomorrow for all the details.

Dude. DUDE. Dude!

So I just got home from a super freakin' long day. I'm talking up at the ass crack of dawn, driving my husband to meet a co-worker and shuttle to the airport (hey, at least I didn't have to actually go to the airport), a run, and then I packed up the kiddo for a family birthday party which included a ferry ride, several insane children and too much food. Namely Doritos.

I know. Doritos. I have identified my cryptonite. And it leaves nacho cheesy crap under my fingernails.

We literally just got home about fifteen minutes ago. Little dude went to bed without so much as a peep (thank you, Jesus). And I thought I should get on my email, check the Facebook, play a little Bejeweled (shut up), before I shuffle off to watch the perfection that is True Blood.

And boy, am I glad I decided to check the email.

Cause I got some freaking fantastic news.

And I can't tell you what it is, just now. Sorry. I know. I suck.

But I promise all will be revealed shortly.

You can guess in the comments, but I don't think you'll figure it out. And I'll save you the trouble. I'm not pregnant. And I haven't come up with the solution for world peace.

World Peace is next week and it is definitely going to include Doritos.

Bits n' Pieces

First off, the local news, they weren't lying. I took this photo yesterday at about noon in the Costco parking lot.


And I took this as we were entering Costco...let the hoarding begin!

The best part (insert sarcasm here)? I went on Craigslist and people were selling fans at double retail price. It's so heartwarming. I guess they can just deal with their bad karma later. Like when they need chains next time it snows, I hope there are NONE LEFT.

Ahem.

Clearly I'm a little hot and testy.

Let's talk about some nice stuff, shall we? Stuff I'm liking.

IT'S BULLET POINT TIME!

- Out and About With Kids in Seattle. I picked this up yesterday and already have a huge list of thing to do and places to visit. Concisely written, with great parent tips. I think there is one for Portland, Oregon as well.

- California Baby Bubble Bath. I claim to buy this for the kiddo (and he does use it), but I love it for me too! We are using Light & Happy (citrus and aloe) right now, but I also adore I Love You (ylang ylang, lavender and sweet orange) and Overtired & Cranky (citrus and chamomile).

- Fresh Tomatoes and Blueberries. No links here. Just YUM. Okay, one link. These Blueberry Sweet Rolls with Vanilla Glaze from Food Blogga. Are you kidding me? Heavenly.

- Jenny's Grilled Cheese. My friend Jenny entered this recipe into a Sunset Magazine contest and won! She is one of the best cooks I know, and this sandwich looks amazing. Onion marmalade? Drool.

- H Mart. The most fun I've had shopping for groceries since I discovered Trader Joe's. Beautiful everyday and exotic produce, impeccably displayed. Every Asian ingredient imaginable. Did I mention it was cheap? Yeah, there's that too. I walked out with three huge bags of produce for under $20.

- The Container Store. The Type A Mecca. I would buy everything in the store if I could. But, for now, I'm concentrating on my pantry. I found these great storage containers, which are a fraction of the price of my Tupperware. I love Tupperware, but could it cost more? The answer is NO.

- When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Few authors make me laugh out loud like David Sedaris. I'm a big fan of the personal essay, and he is the master. This is his latest, though it came out last summer. The paperback edition just came out this June...so that's why I just bought it. Yeah, I'm cheap...ahem...frugal.

- The Essential Michael Jackson. Like many, I got kind of nostalgic for MJ upon learning of his death. Then I couldn't find any of my old albums. Luckily, this collection has absolutely everything, starting with Jackson 5.

- Tacky Weddings blog. Dear Lord. That is all.

What are you groovin' on?

Today is the Greatest.

I must be easy to please. But today, so far (and it's only 10 a.m., mind), has been pretty fabulous.

Why?

1) The sun is shining and I'm sipping on a homemade iced coffee.

2) I got out for a run this morning to start out my newest mission (with my friend Melissa) - Couch to 5K. I have done it before, but it was B.C. (before child). Adding a stroller to the mix adds a whole new dimension. Considering I detest running, I felt pretty damn good this morning. And when I say detest, I mean, I used to hide under the bleachers during track practice during the group run. No joke.

3. When I got back from my run, I checked my email and I won this Cedar Plank Grilling Kit from Food Blogga. I can't tell you how excited I am to try grilling with cedar planks. Plus, it's just always fabulous to win things, isn't it? I won these ToeSox from the Sisterhood a few months ago, and I never knew how happy a pair of socks could make me. So, I'm thinking I may be on a roll with the winning. Now my fingers are crossed for this or this. No whammies, no whammies.

I am hoping the day continues on this path. I'm pretty easy to please. I 'd settle for a day when G does not swan dive off of the coffee table (I am seriously looking into a helmet). Or maybe my dogs can refrain from knocking over their water dish and then tracking it all over the house.

And maybe, just maybe, the laundry fairy will show up at my house and fold the three foot pile of clean clothes by the washer.

Cross your fingers for me.

Wish List

Five a.m. wake up call and I'm feeling a bit surly today. On top of that, I made the decision to spare both G and I the screaming, crying mess he would become if I forced him to go to Stroller Strides this morning.

So no workout, no sleep, and I'm slightly irritable. Okay, slightly is an understatement.

But I'm dealing. I know that someday, like when G is out of the house, I will eventually catch up on sleep, cleaning, bills and the like.

And speaking of time passing, tomorrow is my birthday. Thirty-one. How did that happen?

In honor of my birthday, and to make myself feel better, I am going to just list out what my dream gifts would be. This is purely an exercise in imagination, as we just dropped nearly a grand on our 1.5 year old car (thanks again, Ford!). And I'm going to indulge myself with bullet points, because I love a good list with bullet points. It's the type A in me, what can I say?

So here it is: Heather's Ultimate Birthday List.

- A jogging stroller. I was really interested in the BOB Revolution, but am now also interested in the Phil & Teds Dash. I like how it converts with an attachment to a double - NO, I'm not pregnant, just thinking ahead - and is so streamlined.

- A new camera. I love my little Canon point and shoot, but am ready for a big girl camera. A Digital SLR. I've been looking at the Nikons, though I've only ever owned an Olympus or Canon.

- A spa day. Not just an hour or two (though I'd take that, willingly), but a WHOLE FREAKING DAY. It would be heaven to just be pampered for a day. I can't even imagine!

- Someone cleaning my house other than me. Even better than that, one of those professional organizing services that come in and take away all your excess crap. If I was any good at organization, I'd start up my own organizing service - do you know how much they charge? It's crazy!

- A trip to Santorini, and I'd like to stay here (or somewhere like it) please.

- A shopping spree at Boden. Or, I'd just settle for this dress. It's called the Sassy Jersey Dress - I mean, come on. It's meant to be mine!

- These sandals. Because how cute are they? And they're pink.

- Books, books, books! I'm tempted to pre-order The Angels Game - if you've never read Carlos Ruiz Zafon, do yourself a favor. His other book, The Shadow of the Wind, is one of my all time favorites. A-MAZ-ING.

Wow. I DO feel better. It's amazing what some fantasy retail therapy can do for one's psyche!

That said, I know that I am lucky to have what I have. Seriously. And I am thankful. But it is so fun to just drool sometimes!

What's on your wish list?