me moments | The Angel Forever

Category Archives me moments

Shoe shopping woes

Posted on June 4, 2010 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Let me start by saying that I am not the kind of girl that likes to go clothing or shoe shopping. If I find something that fits and I like it, I will buy several of the item to last and call it a day. On Sunday, I went out to look for a dress to wear to a family wedding coming up soon. Nothing that I had worked for a number of reasons, so shopping was a necessity. My mother and father took me to look in places that they had seen dresses. After no luck at Kohls (no dressy items at all), we went to JC Penney. My mother had bought her outfit for the wedding there and knew that they had a good plus sized department.

We got to the department and there was a lot to browse though. Of course, any two piece items were automatically out. My top and bottom are much different in size. I could technically go to the non-plus size for pants and skirts, but not tops. *sigh* There was a large display of summer dresses without sleeves. I was ready to dismiss them when my mother talked me into trying them on. She reminded me that I could always something to put over my arms if I wanted it.

The first dress I tried on left me without words. It fit, almost too well. The length was perfect, the sides were high enough to cover my bra and the girls were in place nicely. My mother asked why I never wore sleeveless items. I think this reminded me why. Most items are not made to fit like a dress and show off too much bra or even more that should not be seen. I kept trying more dresses on and fell in love with another dress. My mind immediately went to the cocktail parties at BlogHer this summer. I walked out of JC Penney with two new dresses at 50%. A quick call to TechyDad made me realize I was lucky not to be home.

Now the hunt is on. I need a pair of shoes to match my dresses. If at all possible, I would like silver wedges so they can be worn with both. Thursday, I spent the day on a shoe hunt. Talk about frustrating! Thanks to a high instep, cute shoes are hard to find that fit. Shoe after shoe did not work. I really liked a pair of silver wedges at Macy’s, but after 3 minutes the leather left a nasty looking rub mark on my foot.

Looking online is great, but I really need to try something on. Not sure I have enough time to order something in case it doesn’t fit. I did find a great looking pair of shoes called Cupcake from the YOU line by Crocs. Before you roll your eyes, check them out here:

So my question to you this week:

Do you like to go shopping for dressy clothing and shoes and why do you feel this way? If you are a shoe expert, any suggestions on where to hunt would be greatly appreciated.

Update: About 30 minutes after I typed this on Thursday evening, I was talking to my mother on the phone. She was near another shoe store and asked me to meet her there. Thank you Super Shoes! I found several pairs of shoes that fit, were cute and worked with my dresses. Not the best photo from my cell phone, but it will do for now (modeling shots were on Twitter last night).

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.

Aloha #102

Categories:
BlogHer family me moments shopping TechyDad vent

WNYT Today’s Women segment featuring Mom Bloggers

Posted on May 10, 2010 9:30 am by TheAngelForever

Last Thursday, I mentioned that Christina from Cutestkidever and I were going to be featured on the local news. At 5:30, we sat down and watched the news. I was not sure if the piece may be delayed because of two big local news stories (Joe Bruno sentencing and the fire at the Lark Tavern). Just before the 5:30 show, Elaine Houston did her teaser that brought back fun memories of the experience. Yes, I said fun. Then, at 5:30, the news started and before I knew it my two year old son, JSL, was yelling there’s Mama!

Here is the piece that was on the news last Thursday evening:

I have to admit, I really liked it! Sure, the one part that I had mentioned I hoped would not be there was actually the start of the piece, but still it was done extremely well. Elaine Houston took 30-40 minutes of interview/footage from her time here and masterfully put it together into a two minute segment that was chock full of information. For me, it was an educational experience. I was able to see the filming of a piece for the news from inside out and I loved it. Both of the boys were jumping up and down, especially my little guy when he saw his photo of us with Minnie Mouse from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in February.

Now I best be off, must get in touch with Christina. We have a lot to do as we work on our big projects that should be revealed shortly – including a blogging day conference in the Capital District.

Categories:
bloggy friends DisneySMMoms interesting me moments real world news video

Being interviewed for television

Posted on May 6, 2010 10:53 am by TheAngelForever

Today is the day that I will be coming completely out of my bloggy shell! *gulp* Why you ask? I suppose it begins with the fact that last Wednesday, this was in my living room:

To those of you here from the WNYT broadcast, or their website, welcome! I wanted to take some time to explain to my readers about the events that happened the last few weeks leading up to the segment you saw.

________________________________________________

As I have written in the past, I was hesitant to come out of my bloggy shell. New opportunities have presented themselves and I think I am pretty much ready. For three years, I never mentioned my name on my blog. You still will not find it specifically mentioned. When I went to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in February, I came partially out of my shell handing out my bloggy business cards to people. My name was right there for all of my new friends to see. This was my first step.

Then, when we came back from Disney, Christina (CutestKidEver) and I started some larger projects together. These projects would focus their attention on local items and a blog conference to be hosted in our area. When I asked people about their interest, I finally revealed that I was in fact living in New York State. Not that it was a secret, I just did not specifically mention it on any posts up to this point. Locals certainly would know that the Six Flags park that I often wrote about was The Great Escape in Lake George, NY.

About three weeks ago, I received a message from AlbanyMommy to giver her a call. When I got in touch, she wanted to know if I was interested in being interviewed by a local television reporter. I was very intrigued and agreed to talk with the reporter. I immediately knew the name of the distinguished member of the local media and called her later that evening. It was soon after she had gotten off the air, so I expected to get voice mail. Much to my surprise, Elaine Houston answered the phone.

We talked for a little while. I was asked how long I had been blogging, why I started to blog and a few other items. During the brief chat I mentioned blogging conferences. This was something new to Elaine. She was intrigued. She asked if I could be interviewed the following week, but our schedules did not work. So we set a tentative date and I told her I would get back to her. The only item I was not sure about….the camera and Elaine would be coming to MY house. Yikes!

A week later, while talking to Elaine Houston, I was getting some cold feet. I will admit, I was still not too sure about someone coming into my house. Sure I post photos on my blog, but that is just different. At one point, she said something about other blogging friends. When I got off the phone, I had an idea. What if I had my partner in crime come to be intereviewed as well? She could interview both of us and see how a friendship was born from blogging and social media. I pitched the idea to Elaine Houston and she agreed.

Last Wednesday, Elaine Houston and Michael (camera operator) came to my house for the interview. It was surreal seeing a large television video camera in my house. We immediately got to work doing interviews. I was up first. I was seated on my couch and Elaine Houston sat across the way on the loveseat. Meanwhile, Michael had all of the lights on (camera included) and it was pointed at me. I was told to look right at Elaine and just chat with her.

The interview was probably 10 minutes of questions about different subjects. They were mainly about why I blogged, how I started, what we do at conferences and what the future of blogging holds for me. To all local people that find out you are going to be interviewed by WNYT reporter Elaine Houston – consider yourself lucky. Elaine really puts you at ease. After a few seconds, you forget that the camera is there. I was able to focus on Elaine’s question, smile and interviewing style. Next, the camera went to another angle to get some shots and then Christina went to the couch to be interviewed.

What Elaine Houston may or may not be aware of, the two of us were Live Tweeting the events! Christina and I blogged, but we were sending out a lot of Tweets during the time she was here. When Christina was done being interviewed, we were asked to get some camera shots of us blogging at my dining room table. We did this and then they wanted to see some photos from Disney Social Media Celebration. I cued up some on my blog and described a few of the events that I had already blogged about.

When this was over, Elaine Houston noticed that I had my camera out. I told her that as a blogger I always have my camera at the ready. It was not everyday that a camera and reporter are in your living room. I asked if I could take some photos of them to use on a future blog post. They both laughed at the tables turning a bit, but were gracious and agreed.

I would have to say the only awkward moment was when I was asked to do something around my house for the camera to see be doing. My house was pretty clean and I had no clue what to do. Thank goodness a stack of blankets that had been on the couch needed to be put back up and my son had a few Winnie the Pooh characters scattered on the floor. Admission – this was painful to do and I really hope it is NOT in the segment.

I know that I am excited to see how all of the interviews and other items are meshed into the final product that will be seen tonight on WNYT at 5:30. So to anyone here via WNYT welcome! Please sit back, click around and get to know me and The Angel Forever. More local item links will be coming soon as I finally fess up to the names of places that I go to with my family. Stay tuned as a lot more exciting things are to come as I continue my bloggy adventure.

A big thank you to Elaine Houston and Michael. The two of you were amazing to work with and kept us at ease. Elaine, your interviewing style is even more impressive in person. I also loved learning about you and seeing your great sense of humor. I look forward to seeing your future endeavors and appreciate all that you are doing to spread the word about what women in the Capital District are doing (Today’s Women). One day, I hope to work with you again. My dream as a teacher was always to have you in my classroom because you do so much for the world of education. Michael, just an FYI: The Dinner Impossible that we were part of during our conference will be aired the first week of June.

Categories:
bloggy friends decisions DisneySMMoms me moments photos real world news

Denial of the 3 year old kind

Posted on May 4, 2010 8:44 am by TheAngelForever

In less than two week, I will once again be the mother of a three year old. My baby is going to be three and it is hitting me hard. When I turned thirty, there was too much going on in my life. A pregnancy scare distracted me from the realization of the milestone. Now, as my youngest turns three and our household is getting ready to leave being two year olds for good, I find myself sad.

Sure, for three years we have known that our family was complete, but I guess it never really hit until recently. It has just hit hard as we weed through baby clothing/toys and things to give away. In addition to this, JSL is signed up for nursery school next year. We took the plunge since both TechyDad and I believe it is important for his developmental and social growth. As much as I have looked forward to some time alone where I can go to NHL’s school and volunteer without my toddler, I am going to miss my little adventure buddy. I think it really is true, you do not appreciate what you have until it is gone or almost over. I have told myself to stop, enjoy and cherish these moments, but have I? I am not too sure about that really.

So excuse me for a little while. My two year old is grabbing my arm to head outside into the beautiful spring day that awaits us. I must make the most of these last few days with my two year old before he continues to three and many more milestones ahead of him.

First, I will wipe my eyes, give him a big hug and be so very thankful that I have had these almost three wonderful years at home being his Mommy.

Categories:
birthday jsl looking back me moments milestone photos sahm vent

The real life Twitter Block button

Posted on May 3, 2010 3:07 pm by TheAngelForever

If you are on Twitter, no doubt you have had a few (or many hundred) sketchy people follow you. Of course, you click over to check and see who your new follower is. Then you see it is a spammer, or worse. . . a person with a rather revealing photo for an avatar. Yikes! Kids look away from the Twitter please. . . nobody needs to see that.

The other night, I was talking with my friend Kristine McCormick (@KristineBrite) on Twitter. She mentioned that she was being bothered by people telling her not to be so serious with her Tweets. Hello, it is her Tweets! If you do not like something, then do not follow. Nobody tells you who to follow and you have the freedom to pick and choose your Twitter family/friends as you wish.

When I saw my friend’s Tweet about the people pestering her, I was angry. These people have no clue. They are not only rude, but tacky given the events in her life. You see Kristine’s precious daughter Cora died at just five days old – just four months ago. Kristine has done so much with her angel Cora and Twitter has been a vital part of that campaign to let people know about CHD.Back in February, Kristine also did a guest post called My angel forever – Cora’s Story in honor of congenital heart disease awareness week. It is am absolutely beautiful piece, please read it if you are new. You can also read more about Cora’s Story and what Kristine is working on by clicking the button below.

To try to make her smile, I asked if it was therapeutic to push the block button and get rid of those people from her Twitter world. She said it was and I told her I had done the same with spammers/trolls. Of course, this lead us into a completely different direction. I mentioned how nice it would be if there was a real life Twitter Block button. We both joked back and forth about some people that would be on our list. Of course, the nice part of this dream was we could just as easily unblock anyone that we wanted to after a break from them. Ah, if only it was that easy – right?

So fess up. . . who would be on your list for the real life Twitter block button?

Do not dare to say nobody, I know there has to be someone. Whether it be your boss, in-laws, best friend or spouse – everyone has someone that would be on that list. Leave a comment here, it will be therapeutic and I won’t charge you for a visit!