It’s Christmas Eve.  We’ve got our big dinner tonight (us Poles do it on Christmas Eve) and gift exchange.  So, I’ll say a big, fat Merry Christmas to you and spend time with the fam.  You’ll excuse me if I don’t post tonight won’t you?  I’ll see you soon.  Merry Christmas!  Hope Santa’s good to you!

Husband and Drake the Dog cuddling

Baby’s little puppy feet are sooo cute!

I don’t have a look for you to see today.  I know I’m sorry.   I’m working on a special project for you guys for the new year though.  So you’ll forgive me right?  But I thought I could at least chronicle my holidays for you.

We’re at my Mom’s house and it’s just a bunch of lazy, slow days filled with lots of Polish home cooking and cards.  My family is all about the cards – we play this one game that everyone gets really competitive about.  Husband and Babcia trash talk each other – through me.  I have to translate their various insults to one another.  It’s actually really amusing.  And the best part?  They trash talk, I win.  Boo-ya! That’s how it’s done.

Husband’s fabulous parenting skills.

 As I was writing this post, I went in search of Baby and Husband and found the above situation.  In case you can’t tell, he’s readying Vice Magazine – not exactly child rated.  She’s just sprawled on his lap looking at the picture’s.  This is a common scenario in our house – him reading with her sprawled on him, or squirming all around him.  I just stood there shaking my head…and then I got my camera.

  

Last night we at Movieola had a lovely Christmas dinner.  During that great evening the always fabulous Eileen McCurdy pointed me towards something oh so wonderful.  She introduced me to the wonders of Joe Make-up.  If you’re familiar with Joe, you know that it’s a cheepy brand that doesn’t always provide great quality.  And their make-up is hit and miss as well.  I tested quite a few of their products today.  And their blushes are fabulous (you’re right Eileen), their lip products – all of them – are great as well.  But they’re eye shadows and skin (powder, etc) are a miss.  Skip those.   Here I’m wearing a new purchase – their red lip crayon with clear lipgloss.  It goes on more sheer than lipstick but thicker than gloss.  I love that in between coverage.  And the best thing is everything is super cheap – which means you can try trends you’re wondering about, get out of your comfort zone, or just stock up on multiple colors all for about the price of one expensive brand.  So get your lovely selves to your local Joe and stock up on lig gloss, lip crayons, lipsticks, and liners!

Today was not a good day.  First off, I wasn’t feeling well.  And secondly, today was a day of spats with Husband.  So you’ll excuse me if todays post is not a detail filled as others.  No one needs to see my dirty laundry – we all have it – but it’s not something that’s shared for everyone to see.  But after much talking (some productive, some not productive) and a nap, I was feeling better and the day took a turn.  By dinner time things were much better in our household.
 

Baby and I wait for dinner

After dinner while I held Baby, Husband regrouped and jumped back into his own personal war:  Husband vs. The Mice.  You see we have recently been invaded by an army of these time rodents.  They scamper in and scamper out leaving only their droppings behind.  Gross!!  So a week ago we declared war and so far we’ve won a few battles but they learn from their mistakes.  Oh yes!  They learn…and as our enemy grows smarter so must we…

Husband prepping the ammunition

One battlefield is mined with traps

Invading their main stronghold

So far we’ve claimed a few of their soldiers, but the war wages on…

Oops!  My tea is ready.  Gotta go!  Goodnight, see you tomorrow.

Last night was my night away.  It was my night to rest and relax and to have time to refresh.  Thanks to Husband I was booked into The Sutton Place Hotel for the night.  The following was written throughout the night:

One last cuddle before I leave

As I left this afternoon, I felt a little pull on my heart when she looked at me with her sweet and innocent eyes.  But my resolve returned when I thought to myself, “A rest will make me a better mother.” So I kissed Baby and Husband and headed out.  

First stop: shopping!  Arriving at the mall I remembered why it is that I don’t go to the mall.  I know I said this before, but it’s because with time I forget, I go, and then I remember.  I hate crowds and I hate how the mall brings out the worst in people: greed and a lack of courtesy.   So, I immediately left.

I am currently eating my greasy spoon dinner: mango + pineapple chicken with fried plaintain and steamed broccolie on rice.  Yummy! 

My hotel room

View from my hotel room

Next stop: Checking in.  My hotel room is really nice, and clean and orderly.  I like that.  I appreciate a tidy room.  After scoping it all out I went for a run in the health center.  It was great to run without thinking about Baby or what I need to get done today.  Following a hot shower I turned on CSI (love it!) on the flat screen in my room.  And reached over to open my little bottle of wine – oh crap! – I realized that it has a cork and I have no corkscrew. 

First Indulgence

Second Indulgence

 I was not to be barred (pardon the intentional pun) from having my wine!  After 1/2 and hour of picking at it and destroying 1/2 of it, I pushed the rest of the plastic cork inside the bottle.  And Ta-Da! Wine! *and an entire bathroom splashed with wine from he ordeal*  But WINE!  And Chocolate!  And trashy magazines! I wonder how they’re doing at home a little.  It feels a little wrong to be away and enjoying myself so much.  I feel almost as if I’m going to get caught doing something bad.  But after a little too much wine (I’m a notorious lightweight) I cuddle into bed and to sleep.  

Coffee in the morning

Good morning!  Other than one interruption I slept 9 hours.  Oh glorious sleep! All you parents out there know what I’m talking about.  Coffee in the room, breakfast outside and then back to the hotel for another workout.  If you haven’t caught on, I like to workout.  It’s amazing how much energy I have – I forgot this is what it’s like when you sleep.

My facial at Pure+Simple is delightful.  The woman pampers me with a neck, head, and arm massage.  And my face feels refreshed, cleaned and mosturized.  The soothing sounds, and smells are almost enough for me to fall asleep again, except that I don’t want to miss a moment of this luxury.  

Heading home I was refreshed and eager to see my family.  I had missed them, but enjoyed the break.  Everyone was happy to see me: the Dog jumped on me, Baby squirmed with joy, and Husband kissed me. I’m glad I went away.  I’m glad to be home.   

Some of my favorite things

“I got a feeling, that tonight’s gonna be a good night.  That tonight’s gonna be a good, good night.  I gotta feeling!”  That’s right, tonight I’m checked into a swanky hotel thanks to Husband and I get a whole 24 hours to do what I want – which is mainly shop, sleep and relax.  I’m leaving just after lunch today, and coming back mid afternoon tomorrow.  In honor of the relaxing theme.  I chose the above outfit because it’s easy, comfy and relaxed.  Nothing bunches or pinches – no suffering for fashion here!

I’m going to enjoy my break from Baby.  Love her to death but if I don’t get a break, that “death” might happen to me sooner than I like.  I invite you to check back soon to read all about my exploits in freedom.