she's my idol

...and my lovely and my best.

hunk

i like them funny...and slightly dorky.

am i a cougar?

Oh my god, I think I am. Here's the thing--I never see men that I think are attractive. I guess I am really picky or have weird taste or something. But when we saw the latest Indiana Jones movie I was like, "Hey, this Shia LaBouef dude's a cutie" even with the funky 50s hairstyle. And I think he even fits somehow into my type.

But there's a problem with this--a big one: I'm 38 and he's (gulp) 22...gross! It's all Demi-Astin and its creepy. I was driving when this kid was born! He was Louis on The Even Stevens for Christ's sake! This is the first time I have ever found a man that is younger than me attractive and it's freaking me out. I mean does it need to be over a decade younger right out of the gate? Why couldn't it have been a 36 year old, or even 32, but 22? This borders pedophilia, really.

I always said you know you're getting older when Miss America and Playboy centerfolds are younger than you. I've learned to deal with that. But this is scary. What's next? Do you have a boy-crush? Dish.

un-mom look | no. 4

I missed September and October, yikes! I actually put this look together for the September post, but never got around to organizing all of the sources and getting it posted. But it is so cute, I want to share it now. Some of the items may be hard to find or sold out, but the vibe should be easy to find. Enjoy!

1. Denim shirt dress in black :: bodenusa.com :: $88.00
why it works: One-piece dressing is the bomb—no worrying about matching. The denim is classic and super versatile, but the blue black steers clear of “school marm”. And the tailored fit looks great on most shapes. Machine washable, yay! One super plus about Boden is the great customer reviews—be sure to check them out.

2. Bauble Ballet Flats in Monaco Plum :: old navy :: $9.99
why they work: Luscious plum color helps to brighten the subdued denim while the little bobbles look like berries making these fun for fall. The bright color will work great in summer, too. Flats are great for those of us who can’t do the heel thing anymore or just don’t want to, damn it! Just right for work or play.

3. Scarf purse :: old navy :: these aren’t available online anymore, but there are several for sale on ebay (click here). Also try the stores—if you find one, bet it will be on super clearance and a super deal!! why it works: What it lacks in structure, it makes up for in fun. The stripes have all of the great fall colors going on. This is so different, I could even see it going as an evening bag.

4. Gray cabbie cap :: urban outfitters :: $15.00 & up. Again, this particular style is sold out online, but UO has tons of other fun hats with the same vibe. Betcha could even find some fun vintage ones at thrifts and what not. why it works: A great alternative to the baseball cap. We all have bad hair days. Need to run to run some errands, but don’t feel like showering? This is the outfit! And this hat will hide your rat's nest without making you look like a little leaguer.

5. Orange Lucite ring :: find similar at etsy.com :: $15 & up.

why it works: As you already know, I love accessories. This ring is so great. Color, check, shape, check. Adds some modern fun to the mix.

6. Cable knit tights in gray :: warmlegwear.com :: $22.50.
why they work: Remember wearing these as a kid? I loved them and for years you couldn’t find them because they weren’t hip. Well now they are back and I am stocking (no pun intended) up. I don’t know about you, but I am always cold once it hits November (and I live in California!). I don’t like doing the bare leg thing much past Labor Day, so if I am going to wear a skirt or dress I like to feel assured that I won’t be cold. Also, I am lazy and hate shaving my legs. Bonus!

a fresh look

I am feeling like the old blog-a-roo needed a bit of a facelift. So please bear with me while I get everything sorted out. For some reason, I can't seem to figure out how to get it done without doing it on the fly. So it may look a bit kwonky for the next couple of days. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the latest installment of the "un-mom look"--coming today...hopefully!

exercise your freedom

a happy halloween

Prepping for the big day--tombstone making.

O was particularly into it.

And I actually finished a project. I have to say that I am pretty excited about my Happy Halloween banner!

But Halloween is all about the costumes. This photo was taken after the crazy pre-candy begging party festivities ended, so the makeup was a little worn. But he was spooky just the same.

favorite moment | disneyland

click on the image to enlarge

Okay, so some moments are as simple and everyday as a remark made in the car or an expression on someone's face and others are the moments that make memories that will last forever. We took our boys to Disneyland for the first time last week and it was truly magical. I am not the schmaltzy type. I usually don't like things that most people like. I admit it. I am a snob. But there truly is something otherworldly about Disneyland. It is like a right of passage for little kids--and parents too, apparently. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

pumpkin time

In anticipation of the Halloween bash, we worked this weekend getting the house decorated. Although we got about 8 great pumpkins from our garden this year, we decided to take a trip up to Apple Hill for some more pumpkins, indian corn and, of course, apples. It was a great day, although Matt and I were pooped from our late night at the reunion (more on that, later).


Apparently, searching for the perfect pumpkin for their room was altogether too taxing for the boys!


But a little pony ridin' perked them back up. It was Owen's first time!

food for thought | can the government get it right?

This has to fall under the "WTF?" category.

You know, it's hard enough to teach your kids right from wrong and it's even harder when the government can't seem to figure out how to follow the rules--I guess those laws were only "suggestions". Well, I have a suggestion, let's get risky and try following the rules and see where that gets us, shall we? Maybe not into $700 billion pickles? And I don't know about you, but I kind of like it when the agency that decides if the food I eat and the medicine my kids take is safe exhibits a little integrity.

favorite moment | clouds

"What do you think clouds feel like?" a little voice said from the back seat. Jackson and I were on our way to soccer pictures Saturday afternoon when he asked this. We were just sitting at a stop light listening to the soothing sounds of "KidStuff" on the radio. He can be really loud and crazy in the car but more and more I find that he is quiet and contemplative--especially when it is just the two of us. His question really brought back into focus for me that, although he is a very sharp boy and can sometimes say and do things that are well beyond his six years, he is just a little kid still experiencing the world through a filter of wonder and innocence.

three weeks is just too long | mosaic of me

Busy, busy, busy. My life is getting in the way of my blogging, but I guess it is supposed to be that way. I have lots of fun ideas for posts, but between work, teaching, volunteering, and mothering I haven't been able to manage it. I did, however, run across this fun game on the SCOOP that I just had to try. It's called Mosaic of Me. It's like a visual answer to questions about yourself. Check it out:

1. What is your first name? (Marcy)
2. What is your favorite food? (bread)
3. What high school did you attend? (Sacramento High School)
4. What is your favorite color? (green)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Colin Firth)
6. Favorite drink? (champagne)
7. Dream vacation? (Greece)
8. Favorite dessert? (peanut butter cookies)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (a graphic designer!)
10. What do you love most in life? (being alive)
11. One word to describe you? (enthusiastic)
12. Your Flickr name? (m_wacker[at]sbcglobal[dot]net--boring)

Wanna play? Here's whatcha do: Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL’s into the Mosaic Maker (3 columns, 4 rows)... Enjoy!

Thanks! to the ladies at OrangeBeautiful and the SCOOP.

do you have a type?

clockwise from left: Colin Firth, Chris Noth, my husband Matt, George Clooney

Apparently, I do. And it looks as though I was lucky enough to marry mine.

I saw Mamma Mia! this weekend (and loved it by the way, despite my initial misgivings). One of my absolute favorite dreamy guys, I mean actors, Colin Firth, was in it. As I admired his gorgeousness from the front row, I started to think: "he has certain qualities that are definitely in line with the other men I find devastatingly handsome." So I decided to to do a side-by-side visual comparison, which included Chris Noth (a.k.a. Mike Logan, here) and the universal heartthrob George Clooney. Yep, I was right. They all have a little somethin', somthin' in common: dark hair, not too skinny (hate that), beautiful eyes and GREAT eyebrows (who knew?), and suprisingly, large noses.

Aha, I had a type! And then who should walk in as I was completing this exercise? My husband. He teased me of course, and then I saw it. He had all of these same qualities. I said, "Hey, wait a minute. You belong here, too!" So I grabbed that anniversary photo I posted a couple of weeks ago, tried my best to cut my mug out it (not very well, but we are cheek-to-cheek, afterall!), and added him to my trifecta of manliness. He matched: dark hair, nice manly build, great eyebrows (always admired those), and, yes, well, kind of a big schnoz. What a lucky girl.

So, do you have a type?

too much?

My 20 year high school reunion is in early October and I am starting to think about what I will wear. I love this, but is it too much for a reunion? Something more subdued perhaps? Help.

i want this

I could hang it in my office at work...now that would be ironic.

Find it here.

too funny

If you are so inclined, you can buy it here.

happy anniversary

Our wedding anniversary was last Thursday, August 14. We have been married for 15 years. It's hard to believe it. We've been through undergrad, grad school, countless jobs, three houses of our own and two wonderful boys (also our own). It has gone by in a flash. I wouldn't change a second of it.

food for thought | literally

Ever wonder how many calories that burrito has or how many fat grams are in those tacos? Well, the dudes over at Chipotle Fan have a cool interactive nutrition label that can answer those burning questions. You can punch in what you usually order and it will spit back all sorts of fun facts. Now there's a way to really bum yourself out.

Okay, don't be mad at me. On the bright side, the recipe for the cilnatro-lime rice can also be found there. Enjoy!

p.s. my secret? order only two tacos. you'll thank me.

photo courtesy of chipotle.com

i rock!

I just scored 30 out of 34 in the font game. Yay for me!

feeling a bit snarky

In a effort to keep the less, shall we say, candid posts (see Tuesday's rant) from appearing on SaucyMom, I have collaborated with lovely friend Dame Courtney on a new blog called Vive Helen! The blog isn't all about snark, however. Think of it as a virtual cocktail party with all your best girlfriends.

Dame Courtney (DC) and I have been plotting for ages to get a "girl group" together made up of all of our wonderful lady friends. See, she has tons of cool friends and I have tons of cool friends but none of them really know one another. The idea is that we would all meet on a regular basis at a fun restaurant for happy hour. Then her girls could get with my girls and we could all be chums. We've had a hard time pulling it off, though. I think we needed the proper inspiration.

Enter Vodka Has No Carbs. See DC wasn't really hooked on the blog thing yet. I kept telling her about all of the funny stuff I was reading knowing that since we share the same sense of humor should would get a kick out of them. A lot of the ones I look at have mommy humor and while I love it, she is still a saucy single with cute boyfriend so I hadn't found just the right one to get her in. Then I starting reading VHNC and I was laughing so hard I was crying and co-workers were peeking their heads into my office to make sure I was okay. I sent her the link immediately. Same reaction. She was hooked. That's what I'm talking about.

Okay, so the funny chicks at VHNC have a great post featuring Helen Mirren (okay, go look at it now, I'll wait...)

Can you believe that? Is she amazing or what. Is she something to aspire to? I love her. We love her. That was it. She was our mascot. She was what we needed to get this party started.

So there you have it. Vive Helen! is born. It's a place to hang out with your girls. Chat it up. Rant a little. You can even send us a problem and we'll run it by our virtual Helen and see what she comes up with for you.

And, if you are interested in authoring a post or two, shoot me an email at marcy[at]wackerdesign[dot]com and I'll get you the hook-up.

scary movies

Christopher Lee as Dracula

I was waiting for it. The scary movie aftermath. Jackson was very sheepish when I got home from work last night--quiet and slightly withdrawn. I could tell something was up. When it was time to go to bed he said he had to poop but didn't want to (why must my boys hold it?). I thought, "Aha! That's what it is." I said "do whatcha gotta do, kid" and left him to make his own defication decision. He decided against it.

He willingly got on jammies, listened to the story and the lullabies and kissed and hugged me good night. Just as I was shutting the door he said, "Mom, if I think about bad things will I have bad dreams?" I get a lot of last minute questions and comments just before the bedroom door closes at night, so I figured this was just another routine stalling tactic. I told him not to think about bad things, to think about good things and have good dreams.

"Okay, mama..."

Less than ten minutes later the bedroom door creaked open and he stepped into my office where I was doing some work at my desk. Without looking up, I asked him what was wrong.

"Do you know why I can't go to sleep?" he said quietly. And then he burst into sobs.

"Because we watched Goonie's today at summer school and it was really scary. I didn't want to watch it but they made me and there were bad guys and I'M SCARED!" I knew this wasn't a routine diversion. I looked through the streaming tears I could see his beautiful brown eyes with pupils as big as saucers. This wasn't stalling, this was terror. And it all came flooding back.

When I was about seven years old I watched a Dracula movie one cold and sunny Sunday afternoon. I remember sitting on the floor in front of the t.v. but not much else about the situation. I don't remember the plot and I don't remember why I was left alone and allowed to watch it. But I do remember Christopher Lee's terrifying face. That night I could not sleep and I am not sure that I ever did. I do remember lots of calling to my mom and back and forth to her room for comfort. I do remember vividly how scared and was. I could see that in Jackson's face last night and I felt for him. I absolutely HATED being scared. I think he gets that from me. Owen seems to like it, so we may never have to go through this with him.

I told Jackson he could stay up with me and watch The Colbert Report--funny always counteracts scary. He was so relieved. After the show was over I told him I would lay down with him in his bed until he fell asleep. He did in about 3 minutes.

Christopher Lee has been in many, many movies since that scary 70's Dracula camp. Everytime I see him, I always think of that day and night. To me, he will always be Dracula.

cute dress and new shoes!!

Check out this cute little dress from Ananya at etsy.com. And only $40!

Also, I bought these shoes yesterday and I love them!!

family modern?

I popped over to mydeco.com after reading about the style finder quiz on How about orange... for giggles and apparently my style is "family modern". I was slightly offended at first, but after I read this, I had to agree:

Your home confidently embraces the many needs of busy, family life. It's adaptable and easy to live with, reflecting your sense of style without having to banish the kids to the attic or basement. You're sensitive to elements of design such as colour, light and architectural detail, mixing items that are relatively disposable with other pieces that in time will become family heirlooms.

What style are you?

kidstuff | etsuko fuyura fabric

This fabric isn't just for kids, but I am thinking of the boys room. Owen's going to figure how to escape from his crib any time now and I am going to need to get him a bed. I've been pre-planning by trying to find some fun but not too kiddy-cutesy bedding for what will be their matching beds. All of the really cool stuff is way out of my price range. But then I saw this great fabric! I feel a duvet cover coming on. And another project. How do I get myself into these things?

stuff i love | linen covered boxes

I am totally into boxes right now for some reason. It must mean something: feeling boxed-in, needing boudaries, who knows? Anyway, these linen covered boxes from Netto look very fun. And they are helping me get my yellow and gray fix.

un-mom look | no. 3

I’m having a gray moment right now. I’m also jonesing for a date night. How about this lovely ensemble for a chic night on the town with your main man? Also works well for an evening wedding or a saucy cocktail party, should you be lucky enough to be invited to one. (Hint, hint to all of my friends!!)

1. Heather Gray Sweater Dress : : Old Navy : : $25.00
Why it works: Gray looks great on almost anyone and it’s a nice alernative to black; plus, it’s neutral so it will go with all of your colored accessories. Versatility, baby! You can also dress this number down: I’m thinking a long sleeved tee underneath, paired with a chunky belt and boots for fall. Additional plusses: you don’t have to iron or dry clean it. (Wow, is this your dream dress, or what? If only it could vacuum...)

2. Party Lounge heels in Platimum : : Unlisted by Kenneth Cole : : shoesonashoestring.com : : $30.00
Why they work: These are just plain fun and add some "sex" sans "kitten". Plus because they have a bit of the platform thing going on, they will be more comfortable.

3. Jewel-buckle grosgrain belt in deep peacock : : J. Crew : : $39.50
Why it works: It is just plain gorgeous. A timeless piece you can wear again and again over the years. We are going to ditch the self-belt for this evening and go with this beauty for a bit of Hollywood glam.

Long floral-print silk scarf in green : : Banana Republic : : $39.00
Why it works: This exquisite scarf adds a bit of needed print to all of the texture we having going on here. Plus, I am always cold, even in the summer. Since we are going with no necklace on this one, you could drape it across your shoulders or do a loose tie around your neck. Also, it’s long, so you could use it as the belt instead.

4. Translunar Oblong Clutch in black by Rolffs :: eBags :: $32.00
Why it works: Clutches are big and since this is a night OUT, we don’t have to worry about something that will accommodate wipes and sippy cups. The sheen plays off the satiny heels without being all matchy-matchy (hate that).

5. Forget Me Not vintage glass bead earrings : : flymartin : : $18.00
Why they work: So pretty...I like that these add some vintage appeal. They pair nicely with the glittery belt buckle without getting all Vegas. Plus they aren’t too glam for daytime.

Um...ya!

I am rushing to Target to get these right now, before they sell out.

renegade sf is this weekend!

I am so excited because the Renegade Craft Fair has finally made it to the west coast! Owie and I are taking off for it tomorrow and I am SO excited. I am hoping to find some Christmas gifts (vowing NOT to do ANY mall shopping this year) and some inpiration. Also get the low down on the craft fair scene. I would love to do this one next year. A goal, a goal!! I'll let you know what we find. Have a great weekend(:

more chairs | urban outfitters

Lulu Chair from Urban Outfitters

Ooo...look at this one! Much cheaper, too.

starting to hyperventilate | new chairs from pb

Madison Armchair

Can't talk now...drooling.

Yes, there is a new tag: "green."

tiny table

We're getting ready to do a little patio reno in the back yard so I've been browsing for a table to put between our two adirondack chairs. I just found this and LOVE IT!

(I know, I know, its green. Geez...)

must...have...shoes!

Okay, I'll admit it: I am a shoe slut (and don't even get me started on handbags!) I mean, I'm not the Carrie Bradshaw type--my tastes are a little more "beer" than "champagne". I don't spend $650 on a pair of slingbacks. I am, however, especially fond of these Penelope Peep-toes from J. Crew. Just wish I could get past the $225 price tag.

Anywho, I am all about accessories and shoes are the ultimate accessory. J. Crew has the best shoes. You must check them out.

Photo courtesy of jcrew.com.

a little weekend project: the porch

I needed a project this weekend and Matt was sweet enough to take the boys to his mom's to swim while I worked on it. He even went to the hardware store for the primer, paint and flowers: he's such a puddin'!

As you can see from the before picture the area needed a little help. It still had its winter clothing on:

A little spray paint, some flowers and a yard of outdoor fabric and the porch is reborn! Now, it's a sunny spot to come home to as well as a nice place to read and have a glass of wine. Still need to actually sew the cover (it's just wrapped around the cushion here) and get some feet for the pot (it's sitting on decking material samples) and it will be complete. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Ah, accomplishment. I needed that!!


The details:
1. The chair cushion was recovered in Greta Cinnamon Floral Outdoor Fabric from Hancock Fabrics. It only took a yard and it is on sale for $10.79/yard.

2. The table is the Lindved table from Ikea that I've had for a long time and repainted a bunch.
Was navy now it's a sunny yellow courtesy of Krylon.

3. I had the pot sitting empty on the side of the house and filled it full of shade tolent impatiens.

4. I'd like to update the welcome mat. I am thinking about this one. I have it in the back, too.

gorgeous

I love this bag. I want this bag. What is it you ask? It's the Hau Hauz Jive Bag I found at Huset. It will be going on the greedy slob list.

Question. Do I need therapy for my green obsession? Don't care.

very own ice cream...yum!

After a Sunday evening picnic, we took the kids for ice cream. Owen got his own this time. He liked it, as you can see. Ooof...

un-mom look no. 2 | 4th of July

Just in time for the 4th of July, I’ve come up with a new “un-mom” ensemble for your wearing pleasure. This time: shorts and a t-shirt. What could be easier or more comfortable? Here’s what we are looking at:

1. White Scoopneck Tee in True White Target $8.99
Why it works: Not just a plain old t-shirt, but a pretty fitted top with simple details at the neck and feminine sleeves. Remember, just because you’ve birthed doesn’t mean you should hide your somethin’ somethin' underneath a baggy top.

2. Madras Bermudas j. crew $49.99
Why they work: Nothing says summer like a little madras. Bermudas are nice because they are cool but long enough to hide a little thigh. The pattern is fun and goes with EVERYTHING. Also, if the little one splashes some Kool-Aid on you or (better yet) you spill a little red wine, no one will notice.

3. Beach Tote Target $9.99
A classic tote, it’s just plain fun and you can fit everything in it.

4. Tort Wedge Payless Shoe Source $17.99
Why they work. The bermudas are long enough that a little height in the shoe won't be too hoochy-mama. I love tortoise shell (the faux kind, of course). These are casual but also nice enough to wear to work with a skirt. Remember, the clothes must multi-task.

5. Bold Plastic Square Sunglasses Target $17.99
Every girl needs a little glam.

6. Turquoise Cabochon Bib Necklace Banana Republic $59.00
Why it works: I am all about accessories because they change everything. This beautiful necklace upgrades the outfit a little bit, nice if you are going to a more adult gathering. And again, I know I keep saying this, but versatility is key: turquoise goes with everything.

stuff i love | beauty products

Two beauty products that I am loving right now are Revlon’s Colorstay Nail Enamel and Jergen’s Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer. Here’s why:

The nail enamel is easy to apply--two coats of the bonding color and one coat of the clear sealing shine. Sounds like a long process, but the polish dries pretty quickly between coats and it seems very forgiving. Mess up one coat and the next coat seems to self-correct. The sealing shine is really shiny and hard. What I love best is that, while it will wear over time, it does not chip. I’m a graphic designer so I deal with paper and I spend a lot of time making mockups. I don’t usually wear polish, especially dark colors, because one false move and I’ve scuffed the paper with the edge of my nail and left an indelible mark. That doesn’t happen with this polish which means I can wear vampy red all I want!

The moisturizer is great for three reasons: it works fast, looks natural and, best of all, it doesn’t have that icky self-tanner smell. It actually has a subtle, but pleasant scent. I have pretty fair skin but I use the formula for medium skin tones because I didn’t notice a significant change with the fair formula. This stuff works the first time and lasts at least a couple of days. By day three you will notice a nice, natural glow. I usually stop at day three and coast for a couple of days because I notice if I do it too much it does start to get a little orangy for my taste. That may not happen if your natural skin tone is a little deeper.

the women are back!

I am so excited. One of my all time favorite movies, The Women, is being remade and will be released on September 12! And not only that, but it has a FABULOUS cast including my all-time favorite girl-next-door Meg Ryan in the lead role as Mary Haines. If you haven't seen the original, you must Netflix it immediately. It was made in 1939 but it stands the test of time. I hope the remake does it justice!

Check out the trailer here.

jackson's special gift

My brother Mike gave Jackson the most wonderful gift for his birthday...the gift of his time. My nephew Zack and my older brother spent a whole day and night with Jackson doing everything from having breakfast at the airport to riding the kiddy rides at Funderland. You name it, they did it...ice cream, pizza, movies, the whole schbang. My bro sent me these pics midway through the day. I know Jackson had a blast, but it means more than I can say that the two of them did this for him. Memories that will last forever. Thanks, guys. I love you both very much!

Zoo faces.

Jack + Zack on the merry-go-round.

Teacup madness.

Flume smile. (I love this one!)

The dragon.

Ice cream wave.