set those piggies free...

MIA last week. We had so much going on, and my poors boys were sick (still are)...boo hoo. Time spent at the doctor, and constant Netflix kiddie shows and snuggles has been my world as of late. I admit to getting anxious and feeling a bit trapped when we are home bound for days on end, but seeing my little ones sick also causes my motherly instincts to hit hyper drive...all I want to do is stay by their side and hug them every second. Can we say smothering mother? Today there is a light breeze and clouds up in the Kona sky, and I think that is God's way of telling my household to continue to take it easy and rest. And watch Sesame Street and sing along!!! Happy Week to all!

5 More Things...

Another beloved Keoni shot. A bit of an odd pose, but I had to listen to my photographer.

 

A long, long time ago I wrote a post about 5 facts about me. I have been forever obsessed with US Weekly, and lately I love the 25 random "about me" of some of our beloved celebrities. What foods they love, or hate, their favorite movies or television shows, etc., etc...I guess it is best to say "I love me some celebrity gossip"...I could rant on in a whole separate post on the often shame I feel for following so closely the lives of the stars...I blame it on the daydreamer in me. Doesn't ever girl dream of living in a mansion and living the life of a superstar for a brief moment? I know many of their lives only "seem" wonderful on the surface level, but still a girl has to dream. I also wanted to be a princess for a while...and my hubby thinks I still do!

 

So, here we go...5 more facts...

 

1. I often take things to the extreme. I wanted to cut out all toxins from my skincare, makeup, nails, etc. and stopped wearing make-up and nail polish full throttle for almost 2 months. I became depressed, and instead decided to take baby steps. I have found an affordable skincare regime that is non-toxic probably 95% (check out Vitacoast.com)...I have invested in a handful of organic make-up and nail care products (some I love, some just don't work very well), but I have also gone back to a few drugstore faves...moderation is the key for me. My poor toenails were quite happy to get a few coats of nail polish the other day...as was I! I did purchase Mineral Fusion's non-toxic nail remover ($7.99 a bottle, got it on sale, but still worth the splurge)...I swear this stuff has some sort of ingredient that almost moisturizers your nails when removing polish. And it smells so wonderful!

 

2. I was a diet soda addict for many, many years. I felt so embarrassed, and I knew how horrible aspartame was for me, but I was an addict. I have almost fully quit this silly habit, and have replaced my need for the taste with a little gem from the health food store called Zevia (cherry cola is my flavor of choice)...again, moderation. These are pricey, but on sale often. I don't drink alcohol anymore, and if we are at friends or the hubby is enjoying a glass of wine and I feel deprived I reach for one of these. Enough said!

 

3. I have been secretly listening to new Miley Cyrus song "Adore" on repeat on my I Pod. Some of her antics drive me batty, but the girl is talented...and the song so pretty!

 

4. I want to run a marathon so freaking bad! It has always been on my bucket list, but my hubby says it is terrible for women's bones/body to run that long at my age...mid to late 30's...why is he such a know it all (love you Pali)??? Can I prove him wrong before I hit 40? I think so!

 

5. I was also obsessed with Pretty Little Liars and Hart of Dixie until recently...I know teeny-bopper...but come on, I am a stay at home mom living with 4 boys (sometimes men)...I need a girly outlet...I had to stop though because I was so disappointed with the storylines...can we say Team Zade? And why are making it look like Ezra is "A"? I just can't believe he is bad...I guess this could also interlude into a 6th random fact...my tv crushes besides Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules...Wade from Hart of Dixie and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars...too cute! Maybe this is why my hubby has removed cable from our house (love you Pali)!!!

 

I know these may all sound cheesy, but that is a part of me. I am very aware of the real news and issues pertaining to us today, but sometimes it is good to have other distractions. Looking nice, if you choose to wear make-up or not, taking a break to watch a silly show, exercise even dancing around with your kids, loving music, etc. are all things in my life that make me feel better. That is what is important. I have learned for me that being healthy, but also indulging a bit makes me feel the most grounded and at peace.

 

TAKE CARE ALL!

random pictures...

Keoni was a pro when he first began taking some of my pictures. Reminder...He is 3! Lately we have struggled, and recently I purchased a tripod for my wee little Coolpix camera. Still, I give such props to my munchkin for trying. These were taken over the week my husband was in Oahu recently, and I promised Keoni I would post some of these on my blog. Such a bossy guy! So, here we go... 

 

 

Pre park shots...attempting to pull off the oxblood look. I must say these were a steal at H and M, but dang their sizes are so odd. These are a size up from what I normally wear there...and they are still super tight. Huh?

My running Noa Bear...

Selfie...

Noa was so distraught that he couldn't hold the camera himself. A few tantrums on this day.

I got the camera away from Keoni long enough to sneak a shot in of my little "grom"...love him!

And finally his attempt at another modeling shoot. Is he ready to shoot for Vogue yet?

 

They may be a tad blurry and out of focus, but I will forever love my Keoni's attempt at photography!

That Broken Laptop...

 

I miss this little blog...It is just so difficult to pry my other family members off our desktop these days. I have tried staying up after the kids, but I am sure many fellow parents of toddlers (and boys for that matter) can attest to the full body break down and coma we often go into at about 6pm...especially when your kids wake at dawn and don't nap at all during the day. And why do they get another burst of energy right around 6pm when all you want to do is pass out?


Thus, this blog yet again is neglected...I am saving my pennies to replace the laptop as soon as possible, even looking into getting an ipad instead. I would love advice....Do some of you use an ipad instead of a laptop? Life and it's often baffling dilemmas. To ipad or not to ipad!

I did open a little instagram shop last week via my ipod...I have such an abundance of clothing from the past years...I love to online shop, but in reality I am a stay at home mom usually in shorts and t-shirts, maybe lounge pants or pjs intermixed on "bad days". I love being girly, wearing a dress, make-up, some cute little sandals, but that isn't my reality everyday now and purging my closet seems the best bet for me at this time. We are moving to Oregon in 2 years, which seems so far away, but in reality 2 years passes quick...And at that time I will be saying goodbye to dresses and sandals all year, and instead looking for down jackets and long johns...pink ones of course!

I have made a few great instagram purchases myself recently, and thought it was such a fun way to thrift. Great deals via social media is always exciting for a lady who loves to shop, but has limited money...So, why not spread the joy if I can to others and add in a few of my Merdy Creations. If you have a second...check out my shop @shopwithmerdy on instagram.

For now, I am off to take a walk with my boys...And maybe watch a few you tube beauty tutorials. My current obsession: YOU TUBE. It is so easy for me to watch a few quick videos rather than try and catch up on my favorite shows lately. I swear I get to watching all these make-up, beauty videos and I try to convince myself that I am going to conquer the world of cosmetology! Funny confession though, I still struggle to put on eyeliner...didn't even know what primer was until a few months ago...Two of my favorite channels: Le Musings of Moi (Summer is too cute) and Glamour Wonderland (Shannon is too cute also)...I love that they like being girly, but are also into Natural and Organic products and health as much as possible...

Take care all! Happy Week ahead...the week of love.

Hey, here are those cool earrings I handpainted myself...available at my new instagram shop!

I should probably figure out how to download a shop app soon. For now, I improvise.

Butterflies in the spring...top for sale!

gotta love peplum and stripes!

love this Zara tee, just a little long on me...Buy it in my shop!

Free stretch bracelets for my first five shoppers...You purchase anything and get one of these beauties for free!

 

I miss this little blog...It is just so difficult to pry my other family members off our desktop these days. I have tried staying up after the kids, but I am sure many fellow parents of toddlers (and boys for that matter) can attest to the full body break down and coma we often go into at about 6pm...especially when your kids wake at dawn and don't nap at all during the day. And why do they get another burst of energy right around 6pm when all you want to do is pass out?


Thus, this blog yet again is neglected...I am saving my pennies to replace the laptop as soon as possible, even looking into getting an ipad instead. I would love advice....Do some of you use an ipad instead of a laptop? Life and it's often baffling dilemmas. To ipad or not to ipad!

I did open a little instagram shop last week via my ipod...I have such an abundance of clothing from the past years...I love to online shop, but in reality I am a stay at home mom usually in shorts and t-shirts, maybe lounge pants or pjs intermixed on "bad days". I love being girly, wearing a dress, make-up, some cute little sandals, but that isn't my reality everyday now and purging my closet seems the best bet for me at this time. We are moving to Oregon in 2 years, which seems so far away, but in reality 2 years passes quick...And at that time I will be saying goodbye to dresses and sandals all year, and instead looking for down jackets and long johns...pink ones of course!

I have made a few great instagram purchases myself recently, and thought it was such a fun way to thrift. Great deals via social media is always exciting for a lady who loves to shop, but has limited money...So, why not spread the joy if I can to others and add in a few of my Merdy Creations. If you have a second...check out my shop @shopwithmerdy on instagram.

For now, I am off to take a walk with my boys...And maybe watch a few you tube beauty tutorials. My current obsession: YOU TUBE. It is so easy for me to watch a few quick videos rather than try and catch up on my favorite shows lately. I swear I get to watching all these make-up, beauty videos and I try to convince myself that I am going to conquer the world of cosmetology! Funny confession though, I still struggle to put on eyeliner...didn't even know what primer was until a few months ago...Two of my favorite channels: Le Musings of Moi (Summer is too cute) and Glamour Wonderland (Shannon is too cute also)...I love that they like being girly, but are also into Natural and Organic products and health as much as possible...

Take care all! Happy Week ahead...the week of love.

music for our weekend...

 

I think Bjork is a genius.

 

Many find her weird, odd looking, music a little bit out there, but I disagree.

 

I think she is beautiful.

 

A musical pioneer, and although I may agree with the weird part...you must know this about me. weird is better. I grew up with a mom who thought I was weird because I colored my hair purple and wore baggy levi cords...I wore my hair like Bjork sometimes (still do occasionally)...I listened to alternative music, and went to rock shows instead of football games. My mom wanted a cheerleader but I preferred Bjork.

 

I wanted to own a vintage clothing boutique after high school and play a lot of Bjork and indie music.

 

I will always put Bjork on my playlists, and embrace her futuristic and playful visions.

 

Happy Weekend.