Love it or Hate it, It's the State Fair!

It's fair time again! It usually takes a little convincing to get Esthypop to agree to go. At best, I get him on alternating years. We are both excited this year, though. It's the babe's first.

I've noticed that most people respond very enthusiastically to the fair. They love it or they loathe it. 

I just don't understand how anyone can miss the magic! The lights, the heights, the chickens. Carnies. That one can put anything on a stick or create "Deep Fried Pepsi" is a marvel that only the fair can manifest! It's kitsch and community. An assortment of oddballs. An excitment of the senses!

If you need more convincing, you should check out the images here. They'll have you ready for the Gravitron in no time! 

Sure, Fall begins with the September Equinox but it hollers at the fair!

Little Red Caboose

Oh Ella! Your felt crowns are charming. To an Autumn lover like me, these are irresistible. 

Your blog is full of wonder and you are the nicest seller I never bought from. 

I have decided to wait until the babe's 2nd birthday (at least) when she can cherish the bestowal. Right now, her arms resemble a furious, chubby windmill when most things approach her head.

Nap Blog and Pin-up Make-up Tutorial

Some really exciting stuff on the horizon...lunch with old friends, dinner with new ones...,sometimes it seems like all I have to do is step outside of my comfort zone and great things begin to happen. Of course, I can only tease you mercilessly with these puny nuggets of info. When the time is right you will be the first to know more ;)

One thing I can say is that I have a gig, as an instructor, at the school where I learned esthetics. It won't be easy. Nothing rewarding ever is. Esthymom the educator? It's an exciting challenge, no?

My first class was make-up application and Wednesday we'll practice with false eyelashes. This is probably the easiest time to jump in.  

This video is the perfect shout-out to all the influences currently tumbling around in my psyche. Besides, it's a righteous make-up tutorial. Girlfriend even wrote your shopping list for you!

Tricked out tweezers

That design can transform a utilitarian object into art is what makes it great. Simply as eye candy, a common tool can charm a hum-drum chore. 

Anything that can make you look forward to yanking hairs out of your face is magic, in my book!

Nap Blog

Grammy came to town to spend Saturday with the babe so that A. and I could spend some time together. We took obscene advantage of the opportunity!  We went to an all day "summer solstice" show that was rocked by The Thirsties and So Hush Hush, among others. The sound was fantastic. In this case, learn from esthymom's mistake. Always take sunscreen to an outdoor show.

After that, A. and I went to an event for National Go Skateboarding Day. We got there for the last hour. There was a lot of sweat and scalded skin. Clearly, I was not the only person who forgot my SPF. It was a very positive event and it brought lots of attention to Pour It Now, a local non-profit who are working to fund and build skateparks in South Carolina. If you are in a position to support their efforts, you will be helping to make Columbia a place for the babe to one day shred safely.  POUR IT NOW

Minor Setback, Major Disappointment

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, I have resigned from the spa where I've been working.  

I was accepted on a part time basis and then, once I started, demands for me to be full time were constant. I struggled against it the whole time. Eventually, the store manager practically begged me to resign so that she could hire a full-timer. You can't fire someone for being a mother but you evidently can encourage her to quit. I could have stayed. Frankly, the positives just didn't outnumber the negatives. 

I find myself a bit overwhelmed now by all the possibilities and very anxious about our immediate need for money. This has become a quest for balance. How do motherhood and professional fulfillment coexist? Maybe I am getting ahead of myself. Still...

Mad props to moms. Navigating your life is never easy but once you have another person to think about it seems impossible sometimes. I am paralyzed by the myriad of possibilities. Day care, school, job. A. mentioned he would relocate which brings on a whole new set of doubts and fears. His job is our only stability. But, wouldn't it be nice to feel the California sun again...

Holistic health has always been an interest of mine. Unfortunately, I am taking a step back from esthetics. I am afraid the mother birdie of this industry that took me under her wing just pushed me out of the nest. Ouch. 

Nap blog

The babe and the buddy...behind bars

Our dog secretly rendezvoused with the busiest street in our neighborhood yesterday resulting in frantic hours walking the streets and questioning neighbors and, ultimately, a family trip out to a shelter in the country. I am grateful every five minutes for such a generous bundle of fortunate circumstances. He thought he had a grand adventure. I aged one dog year.  

The babe is finally contained. Her Grams had a play-yard delivered. It looks like a collection of baby gates all connected to form an orbit around her. It has devoured our living room floor. It gives us a little more piece of mind. Just a little, as she won't spend more than ten minutes on lock down before noticing she is alone and demanding parole.