Just Call Me Judge LA Blogger Gal!

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Okay, Judge Judy I am not.

judge judy

But I have been invited to be a judge for the 2009 .INFO Awards.

The .INFO Awards program was first launched two years ago and focused primarily on Germany. With the 2009 program, they’ve expanded the awards and are allowing .INFO sites from all over the world to submit for consideration.

If you’d like to submit your .INFO site, you have until Friday October 23, 2009. Judging will be open to the public starting at 9am November 2, 2009 and will close on Friday, November 6th. The top 3 winners will be announced on Monday, November 9th.

Prizes:

First place: US$7500
Second place: US $5000
Third place: US$3000

The .INFO sites will be scored on 5 criteria: presentation of content, functionality of the website, design, usability and originality. The full list of rules is available here.

This will be a first for me, but something I’m very excited about. With all the time I spend on the Internet, I’ve got to be a good judge of websites. 😉

You can follow along on Facebook or you can follow @Afilias on Twitter.


A Portrait of Tortured Love

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You know those little stuffed animals you get at the Hallmark store around Valentine’s Day?  You know, the ones with magnetic hands? I have a pair.

The year my now hubs and I were first dating, we picked up a pair. I kept one (Bo) with me in Albuquerque, and the hubs kept the other (Pinky) with him in LA. We’d bring them together when we met up.

Why yes, I do realize that’s incredibly cheesy, thankyouverymuch.

Well, today the husband thought it would be amusing to separate our furry little lovers* and leave them in a tortured lovers vignette…

Pinky and Bo: The Love Bears

Boys will be boys, I guess.

* I can only imagine the search results that this quote will bring in

Working On This Green Thing

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On the one hand, I’m totally on the bandwagon and have been for years.  I was raised recycling and making our own household products.  I’ve been refusing bags or bringing my own bags places long before it was all sorts of trendy and cool (I love my mini-Rume bag and keep one in my purse at all times – at the grocery store I just use my SXSW cloth bags).

But sometimes, I’ll admit it, I just can’t get into it.

Sometimes, the mere scent of a new bath or body product is just too tempting to walk away from because it’s not organic.  Or the killer laundry product that I can’t even begin to imagine walking away from – like the new Spray ‘n Wash Bright & White that gets my clothes amazingly white for the first time in I don’t know how long (but I do know it’s been years since I’ve not done my laundry at a laundromat).

I’ll admit it though, Kermit was right…it’s not easy being green.

Now that weather is cooler, I’m not going to have a window sill to rest my drying bottles and cans in (and I’ve learned the hard way, if I’m storing my bottles and cans inside, they MUST be rinsed out). I’m going to have to come up with a plan B here.

And while I have no problem spending a little extra for my organic health and beauty supplies, I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed in how they’ve been working.  So far, I think I’ve wasted more money and more products on things I didn’t like or that didn’t live up to the hype.  And I have to wonder, is it worth it?

I will say, there are some products that I’m trying that I love (keep in mind, they’re not all 100% organic or environmentally safe)…

  • Cargo’s Plant Love Organic Loose Powder – I’m pretty much a die hard Bare Minerals kind of gal, but I have to say, I love this stuff.  There aren’t as many colors to choose from, so it’s more challenging to find that perfect shade.  But…not having to deal with the BE/BM burn is awfully nice.
  • Mrs Meyer’s cleaning supplies – I’ve switched over to her cleaning products a couple years ago. While I know I can just as easily make my own cleaning supplies, I have to say, I’m addicted to the aromas.  I love that I can hop into my shower, close those icky doors, and start scrubbing off the soap scum without having to worry about fainting from the cleaning agents.  Always a good thing.
  • Dessert Essence Natural Roll-On Deodorant – who knew finding a natural deodorant that works would be so difficult.  My girlfriend actually picked this one up for me when she was perusing her co-op website.  So far I love it.  Since I also use their tea tree oil, I had a place an order for me so I could try some more of their products.
  • The Green Beauty Guide – Like I said, I’m having some challenges here, so I could use all the help I can get finding those new products to try.
  • Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm – I was given this as a giftie by a friend that works for Burt’s Bees.  Lip balm addict that I am (with a gazillion and one lip balms lying about), I stuck it in a purse that I rarely use and never gave it much thought.  I was using that purse the other day and whipped it out. Wow, I love this!  It’s got just enough color and it’s minty.  Very cool.
  • Josie Maran Lip Gloss – this baby sits in my concert bag (yes, I have a small purse just for when I go to shows – holds close to nothing, but it’s also easy to hold on to).  I keep this bag stocked and ready to go – toss in the ID and the Blackberry and all is good.  While I can’t attest to the color – I’m usually in the dark – I do love the scent, the taste and the last power.  It’s not too goopy and stays on through most of the show.
  • Laundry Tree Soap Nuts – I love, love, love these babies.  We were given samples in our BlogHer swag bag two years ago.  I loved them so much, I arranged to do a giveaway on ConstantChatter.  Basically, instead of using detergent, you just toss the nuts into the wash and let them work their magic.  I’d use them more often if I didn’t have to use a laundromat (feel like I’m wasting them since more than likely, the machine is already filled with enough soap residue to wash with water alone).
  • Dryer Balls – I also love to use dryer balls instead of fabric softener.  The roll around and beat up the clothes so they get soft and fluffy without the chemicals.  I will say, they don’t completely cut down on the static, but you can deal with it.

I can’t say I’m doing perfect here in my quest to go green.  But it’s not such a bad start.  I tell myself that once we move into our own place (and I no longer have to use the laundromat) or fight to get the recyclables taken care of, it will be much easier.

What are you doing to go green[er]?  What are some of your favorite products?

Why Didn’t Someone Tell Me Sooner?

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pile_shoes

I’ve said it before, but I’ve never been the kind of gal that goes crazy for shoes.  Flip flops maybe, but not shoes.  And certainly not heels.

I think one of the many reasons why I love my flip flops so much is that they don’t need time to break them in.  There’s no painful rubbing on the bone near my big toe (sadly, I’m beginning to realize that that might be a sign of age *ack*) And there’s no digging my achilles heel raw.

Thing is, I can’t wear flip flops to work.  You know, I have to be an example of a professional women and all that (no really, this what I was told).

Thing is, when I first got this teaching gig last January, I needed some new shoes quickly.  And I needed more professional clothes as well (read: no jeans or yoga pants).  So, I did what any bargain shopper would do…I picked up whatever I thought might work, as cheaply as possible.

I’ve realized lately though, that buying inexpensive shoes means you have to take time to break them in.  They’re not ready to go from time you cut the elastic holding them together (I told you I went inexpensive here).

In my case, every time I wore a pair of shoes, I either got a blister or rubbed something raw.  And needless to say, once you’ve done that, it makes wearing even more comfortable, broken-in shoes quite unpleasant.  Especially if you have to walk a few blocks from the car to the office and then have to walk around the room or stand for two hours straight.

I figured it was about time to grow up and be kinder to my feet.

So, today I did it. I headed on over to the mall and hit up my nearest Aerosoles store.  I picked up three new pairs of shoes: two flats (one black, one brown) and one pair of black heels (I’ll get brown another time).  Sadly, I only came home with one pair, but the other two should get here next week sometime.

Why didn’t someone tell me that when you spend more than $20 on shoes they actually FEEL BETTER?!?!

I can’t tell you how excited I am to find shoes that feel comfortable right out of the box (and there’s no elastic to cut to separate them!).  I’m actually looking forward to wearing my new shoes tomorrow. Assuming it’s not raining.  If it’s raining, I might have to hold off a day (or wear a different pair to the classroom) since they’re suede.

I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship!!

What’s Better Than a Free Mani/Pedi?

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I can think of two things…1) knowing that because it was free, I was able to make a donation to the Susan G Komen organization and 2) having a free mani/pedi that actually lasts longer than usual (by my mani-standards anyway).

The other day I received a fun little email from my teaching assistant.  Turns out the local Aveda Institute (who knew we even had one in LA – they’re just a year old now) was giving away free services for a mere donation to the Susan G Komen organization.  So never one to turn down a freebie, I jumped at the offer.  Then again, I love all the cool products that hit the shelves each October in support of breast cancer awareness and will pretty much buy anything if it supports the cause.

Overall, it was an surprisingly pleasant experience.  The place was crazy crowded (it is a school after all) and I think they had an all hands on deck policy for the day.  So it was loud.  Louder than I expected.  But it was still the Aveda experience we’ve all come to know and love: hand massages, back massages and their yummy tea. And that made up for it.

So what if an express mani/pedi took two hours.

Yes, you read that right.  My file, buff and polish (the express part) manicure and pedicure took TWO hours.  It would have taken longer still, but I had her skip the top coat on my toes.  This in turn turned out to be a great thing since I nearly forgot that I had booked a client call that was scheduled to start in 10 minutes!

I learned a couple things from my reaction to this experience (and possible life lesson):

  • I was pleasantly surprised by just how patient and understanding I could be.  This was something new for me, as in the past, I would have been going crazy and fidgeting up a storm (if not getting a bit snappish).  But this time, I was able to just sit back and enjoy the experience for what it was – even though it wasn’t in the most Zen-like setting.
  • This was indeed a school and the students are really just learning and getting their much needed experience.  My gal assured me before we even began that she’s great on her own nails and has polished friends in the past, but um…and she left it there.  Meaning, she either hasn’t done this in quite some time or she’s still in the beginning of her training. And it showed.  But she actually did a great job. Sshe also worked as slowly as she possibly could to cut down on any mistakes.  For the most part, the only mistake was when she knocked down my brand new, first time being used, bottle of polish and it spilled everywhere.  It’s okay, I’ve done worse and have made both bigger and more expensive messes. It happens.
  • I was able to quickly and easily adapt to the fact that I wouldn’t be at the number I said I’d be at for my meeting that was scheduled.  Again, this is a pretty big deal for me.  Instead of freaking out (and messing up my nails), I simply called the client to let her know that I wouldn’t be at the office, but would be on my cell instead.  Since she wanted to do a conference with her partner, we just postponed for the 30 minutes it took me to get home and settle in.  No stress.  No worries.

And hey, the good news…my nails still have polish on with very few chips.  This is a first considering in the past nail polish has been known to start chipping the very next day. Then again, I’m also showering with gloves on so the manicure will last longer.  Goofy, I know, but my nails look so pretty…I can’t help it if I want it to last a bit longer.

So all in all, it was totally worth the time and I’d do it again (even if it wasn’t free for a donation).  If you’re local, check out the school. I think you’ll be pleased with both the prices and the experience.  Just be sure to allow yourself more than enough time between your appointment and anything else.  And you can get two hours of free parking at the lot on Broxton.

Calling In Sick

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sick

I can’t think of the last time I called in sick.  Then again, I’ve been working from home now, in one form or another for the past 8 or 9 years now.  In which case, I’ve been in charge of my own schedule.  And if I was feeling under the weather and couldn’t make a meeting or client visit, I’d just reschedule.

Not today.

The hubs has been working some loooong hours on a relaunch and typically has been coming to bed between 2:00 and 4:00AM.  Mind you, on days I teach, I get up at 6:00. Some days I sleep through his arrival to bed, on other days I’m not so lucky.

Today shortly after he came to bed, I realizied that I was feeling pretty crappy.  It seemed like last night’s dinner wasn’t agreeing with me.  I tried to ignore it.  I worked on getting rid of it. About 45 minutes later, the chills and the metalic taste started in.

Not a good sign.

Needless to say (without boring you with the details), around 4:30 this morning, I emailed in to my boss and my teaching assistant letting them know that I wouldn’t be in.  I then emailed my kids part of the day’s assignment (emailing attachments) and went back to bed to shiver some more. I figured with all this talk about swine flu (whatever) and knowing that a friend of mine currently has the flu, that it would be wiser to avoid interacting with my students and stay home.  Well, that and I was a little fearful of that commute over the canyon to get to work and back should I actually get sick.

Turns out it was a wasted sick day.  I never actually got sick.  I woke up at 8:00 and felt just fine.  I guess my healing work worked after all – I’m not surprised as I’m getting much better at allowing it.

But now I feel guilty for calling in.  Like I was a slacker or something.

I will say though, based on the emails the kids sent me, my TA did a much better job with the assignment that I would have done.  I totally forgot that I’m not just teaching these guys HOW to do something, but WHY it’s useful out in the real world.  So I think they had a great lesson without me.  And I guess all is good.

Only in LA: It’s Prop-a-Palooza

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There are some cool, if not interesting things that go along with living in LA: you get to see movie and television stars doing totally normal things where you least expect it; anywhere you turn, they’re filming something or some place on TV looks like it was filmed up the street from your home (and it usually was); and even on the coldest of cold days, it’s quite warm and comfortable.

Basically, there’s something cool going on at any corner.

On Friday I experienced my first prop sale. Basically, it’s a movie and film prop house (think rentals for the industry) having a warehouse clearance sale. I mean an everything must go sale.

I went just to see what it was like. I had no intention to buy anything (and I didn’t). But that didn’t mean I wasn’t excited by a few things. For the most part though, there wasn’t much that I could get behind…mid-century furniture, sci-fi paraphernalia, night club furniture, lights, lights and more lights, and well, your basic round and heart-shaped beds.

Check it out…all things a girl can’t live without…

A jumbo popsicle? Sure!

A jumbo popsicle? Sure!

What's that mom? Oh sweetie, it's what we used before computers.

What's that mom? Oh sweetie, it's what we used before computers.

Greek Gods anyone? I swear I've seen the one of the left in a movie not too long ago.

Greek Gods anyone? I swear I've seen the one of the left in a movie not too long ago.

Remember when you actually called people from a pay phone and not something you pulled out of your purse?

Remember when you actually called people from a pay phone and not something you pulled out of your purse?

Halloween is coming, can I interest you in an alter for your virgin sacrifice?

Halloween is coming, can I interest you in an alter for your virgin sacrifice?

Everyone needs a giant, 6-foot leaping tiger, right?

Everyone needs a giant, 6-foot leaping tiger, right?

For those of you gals hoping to open your own beauty parlor

For those of you gals hoping to open your own beauty parlor

LA Mommy Bloggers Sure Can Cook

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Or would that be they sure can no-cook?

Today at my nearby Pavillions grocery store, local Mommy Bloggers (just writing that makes me cringe a little, but hey, it’s a niche, and I can respect that) got together for a no-cook cook-off.  Basically,  they had ten minute to shop, $25 to spend on groceries and then 25 minutes to cook.  I was there to show support for my favorite LA mommy blogger, Mar Vista Mom/Sarah Auerswald.

I have to say, Pavillions really had it together.  They added a few colorful touches at our normally, well organized and quite clean store, washed the ladies’ shopping carts down (or so my favorite express checker told me) and otherwise, put their best foot forward.  They had big wigs in from the main Safeway home office as well as from our nearby Vons home office.

They set the ladies up outside and thankfully, it was a gorgeous day out today.  Tara, the “lifestyle expert” (sorry, I didn’t catch more than that) they got to emcee the cook off was awesome.  She really kept up the banter during the 25 minutes of cooking time.  I love how in the end, while the judges were tasting everything and scoring the meals, all the ladies were passing around what they made and tasting their own meals.  No competition there 😉

All in all, it was great fun.

Check it out some of the photos…

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Let the Shopping Begin!

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Why Yes, There Was A Lot of Rotisserie Chicken Being Used

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Peel That Onion Sarah, Then Chop, Chop, Chop!

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Don't Those BBQ Sliders Look Yummy?

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Bloggers On iPhones...Imagine That?!?! Tweet Tweet!

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They're All Winners (though @eshachory in the middle won the big prize!)

I don’t have all the bloggers names and links that participated, but here are a few of their Twitter accounts: @SAuerswald @eshachory @coupongals @jessicagottlieb  @yvonneinla – you can take it from there.  They all said they’d be posting their recipes at some point, so be sure to follow along or pick up a copy of the Daily LA sometime next week.

Update: here are the bloggers that participated -> Coupon Gal, Yvonne in LA, YumGloss, Sarah Auerswald, Jessica Gottlieb, the LA Examiner article

Who Knew Gmail Issues Could Ruin A Day at School

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gmail

But more than that, who knew Gmail issues would still have an effect on my class tomorrow.

*sigh*

So last Thursday, whether you were even aware of it or not, Gmail was down for a bit. While I am just as addicted to my email as any other thoroughly modern Millie, it didn’t ruin my day in a way you would think.

You see, during Thursday’s class, the students were all to create new email accounts on Gmail. Only Gmail wasn’t going to have anything to do with that. Out of 15 kids with 2 kids already having Gmail accounts and 12 emails bounced back.

This was not going to bode well for class today. And it didn’t.

The good news, the majority of the accounts it turns out just needed to get their final activation. Only about four didn’t go through and had to start over. Then two kids couldn’t remember their passwords.

I have to say, I never actually expected this to be a tough task. I figured we’d breeze right through it. I mean we really take email for granted. We remember so many user names and passwords for so many different accounts. But the mere act of creating user names and passwords probably took most of the time.

Today, the big challenge was actually getting them to log into their accounts correctly and to send emails without typos in the email addresses. Some of the kids laughed at me for having them sign out and in and send me three emails but really, it took that long until they finally got the hang of it.

I think we did a pretty good job of making up for lost time. We shall see how replying and forwarding goes on Thursday. Should be fun, can’t wait!

Just call me a Bag Hag and Bring On the New Purse!

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Bag Hag

I’ll admit it, actually, I’ll admit two things…1) if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a plus-sized gal and 2) I love me some purses.

What does one have to do with the other? Well, as a plus-size gal, our fabulous fashion choices are often quite limited. This of course leaves many of us larger than life gals (ha! all those cuteisms for “plus size” drive me crazy) with shoe, purse or makeup addiction. I’ve heard it explained that accessories always fit.

Needless to say, I’ve always been good about reining in my purse addiction. I try to limit myself to one, pricier purse, once a year. And today was my lucky day.

I was in Costco of all places and over by the entrance, there it was. It was the perfect black hobo. It wasn’t too big, it wasn’t too small (though I wouldn’t mind if it was a tad bit larger). It had silver hardware and soft, supple leather.

I think I’m in love.

Having learned my lesson from missing out on other “perfect” bags, I bought this one, left all the tags on and tried it on at home. I figured if I didn’t like it, I could return it. But you know, for just over $100, I say it’s a keeper.

Thank you Marc of New York and Costco. You both made this girl’s day!