Angry Julie Monday

I’m A Soccer Mom

September 3, 2011

At the end of the school year, one of my local friends announced that she was going to coach soccer and that I NEED to sign Angry Kid up. Angry Kid was excited because three of his friends were going to be on the team also.

Well, I thought I had recovered from t-ball last Spring, but here we go again. We had our first team meeting last week, and Angry Kid got to meet all of the other kids on his team. We set-up our practices and discussed games, snacks, etc. Of course, I was that sucker who signed up to be Team Mom. Which is fine by me, because I’m a total control, ahem I mean organizing freak.

I spent about two hours last Wednesday night making spreadsheets for all of the team’s information. I feel bad for those poor AYSO organizers, because I have already emailed them twice. The official game schedule doesn’t come out till next Tuesday, which is driving me a bit insane, because I want to get the calendar all done. Luckily, Shutterfly has a great set-up for teams and schools to have a share site where you can put the calendar, pictures, and other information for the team, all in one place. We used Shutterfly for school and t-ball last time, and it made everything much easier.

The funniest moment that I’ve had with all of this soccer stuff was the team name. The kids voted on “The Thunderbolts” as the team name. Although, Angry Kid wanted “The Predators”, go figure. But while I was typing the newsletter, etc. out, I kept typing, “The Thundercats”. If you grew up in the 1980’s, you would totally understand why I kept writing, The Thundercats. Oooops, my bad.

Since this was Angry Kid’s first time playing soccer, we had to go and get some new gear. Because of my Twitter influence, or whatever you want to call it, I received a $50 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. We made a trip there last week to pick everything out.

And of course, I just realized yesterday, that we need a duffle bag for all of this crap, I mean stuff. I thought we had an extra one, but somebody (me) went all crazy and cleaned out the garage last year. Plus, we had a little mouse problem. Our pet mice (not really, more like annoying mice), ate a ton of stuff in our garage. We had to toss everything.

So off to the sporting goods store, I go, again…

Disclosure: Thanks to Klout and Klout Perks for the $50 Gift Card for Dick’s Sporting Goods. From now until September 12, 2001, Dick’s Sporting Goods will donate $1 to the PACE Program every time you buy a pair of Athletic Sporting Shoes instore or online. I used the Dick’s Gift Card to purchase most of the soccer gear for my son.

Filed Under: Parenting 11 Comments

Carmex Review and Giveaway

September 2, 2011

As a member of the Carmex Blog Squad, I was sent a gift pack with some of their Moisturizing Lip Balms to try out. As I am always applying some kind of lip balm. I was excited to try some of Carmex’s new products. I have gone through way too many lip balms this summer, and was excited to try some new ones.

I recently received the following items in the mail: (1) Carmex Lime Twist click stick, (1) Carmex Vanilla click stick, (1) Awesome Picnic blanket, and (1) Carmex Moisture Plus® clear satin gloss finish.

I loved the picnic blanket that came with this gift set, because I can keep it in the back of my car for playdates at the park, or soccer games. It is the perfect size, and is also lightweight. It was a great addition to the Carmex products.

As I said previously, I was sent sample of some of Carmex’s products: (1) Carmex Lime Twist click stick, (1) Carmex Vanilla click stick, and (1) Carmex Moisture Plus® clear satin gloss finish. First of all, I loved the scents on all of the products. Seriously, the lime and vanilla were awesome. All of these went on smooth. I’ve always been a huge fan of the good old fashioned Carmex from the jar, but they have come up with some great new products. The Moisure Plus was clear, sleek, and shiny. It was skinny and fit perfectly in the pockets of my jeans.

Carmex Moisture Plus® clear satin gloss finish , Vanilla Twist Click Sticks and Lime Twist Click Sticks have these great features also:

Fun, fresh new flavors
Ultra moisturizing lip balm
Non-addictive and not tested on animal
Contains SPF 15 sunscreen
Available in .15 oz. stick

The best part is that, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway:

You will be receiving a Carmex Gift Package, exactly like the one I received with the following products:

(1) Carmex Lime Twist click stick
(1) Carmex Vanilla click stick
(1) Awesome Picnic blanket
(1) Carmex Moisture Plus® clear satin gloss finish

How To Enter:

1. Comment: Tell me what your favorite Carmex product is? (One Entry)

2. Follow: Follow me on Google Friend Connect (on my right sidebar). Leave a comment that you are a follower. (One Entry)

3. Twitter: Follow me on Twitter, @AngryJulie. Leave a comment that you follow me on Twitter. (One Entry)

4. Tweet: Tweet about the giveaway. Leave a comment that you tweeted about the giveaway with the tweet URL. (One Entry)

Rules:

1. Only US Residents can enter.

2. Giveaway closes on 09.07.11 at 11:59PM PST.

3. Winner will be selected via random.org.

4. Winner will be emailed and given three days to respond and/or another winner will be selected if no response after the 3rd day.

5. Giveaway prize will be shipped via Carmex.

Disclosure: I received a gift pack from Carmex for review. All opinions are 100% Angry Julie.

Filed Under: Reviews

Wordless Wednesday: I Hearts Faces, Dream Big Workshop

August 31, 2011

I had the privilege of assisting the founders of I Heart Faces with their Orange County, Dream Big workshop earlier this month. It was a warm day here in Orange County. We had the privilege of a beach photo shoot. I was running around like a crazy person, so I didn’t take a ton of photographs, but here are some of my better ones.

Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

If this your first time here, HELLO! I do a link-up every Wednesday! Post a picture(s) and link back to it here. Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed.

This week I’m focusing on “What I Wore Wednesday” but I always post random things mostly.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

Project Alicia, Better in Bulk, By Word of Mouth Musings, Dear Crissy, Five Minutes For Mom,Joy of Desserts, Live and Love…Out Loud,Parenting By Dummies, Seven Clown Circus, Supermom, The Divine Miss Mommy

(P.S. if you do a Wordless Wednesday or similar link-up, let me know. I will add you to my list above.)

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.

And, I can’t forget Krystina from Lollipops whom does “What I Love Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.

Filed Under: Orange County, Photography, Wordless Wednesday 30 Comments

Summer Education Via Aquarium Of The Pacific

August 29, 2011

Last week, Angry Kid and I took a little morning trip to Long Beach to visit the Aquarium of The Pacific. We were invited to a special event in the morning before the Aquarium opened. It was quite difficult to get up in the morning but we made it in time. I was quite excited to be able to enjoy the aquarium with no crowds.

This was not our first time to The Aquarium of The Pacific. We had been Annual Member Passholders for a few years. We got a little burnt out. This is what happens when you go to a place too much. We also used to have a 125 gallon fish tank, and I think my husband misses it too much. Every time Angry Husband goes to the Aquarium, he wants another salt water tank.

I was looking forward to this visit to The Aquarium of The Pacific especially because Angry Kid is really into science right now, even marine biology.

Even though I have like the most awesome DSLR camera, I chose to use my iPhone for photographs. Honestly, it can become quite difficult photographing aquariums because there is a wicked glare on the acrylic. And I was chasing after my son. Even though Angry Kid is six years old, he still gets over excited at things.

Because Angry Kid is getting ready to start school again, I thought that I would make this adventure a bit more educational. Of course, seeing pretty sea life is educational, but I wanted to incorporate some learning into this agenda.

While we were at the Aquarium, I had Angry Kid:

Read the sign to EVERY exhibit, and also other information if there was more to read.
Discuss the exhibit, fish, creature with me.
Participate in the “touch tanks”. I had him feel the plants and other marine creatures. Angry Kid also asked the employees/volunteers questions at each exhibit.
Teaching, Angry Kid did some educating of his own. He is pretty sharp and knowledgeable at his age. He told smaller children about the specific fish, etc. It was soo cute to see this.

It was a perfect morning adventure and we were able to enjoy the Aquarium and get out of there before it got too hot outside. Angry Kid is ready to go back again. I think we might be renewing our annual membership soon. Angry Husband actually told me that he missed going there.

I was looking at The Aquarium of The Pacific’s website today, and saw a ton of Upcoming Events that they are holding. They have some great Discounted Summer Nights, and Shark Lagoon Nights, which I know my son would love. And if I didn’t have plans already, the Photographer’s Night, on September 25, 2011 looks amazing. I could probably solve my camera glare issues if I attended those workshops.

Disclosure: I was invited to The Aquarium of The Pacific for a special mom blogging event. I was provided tickets. All opinions are mine. And the pictures were taken with my iPhone4, seriously. I used the ShakeItPhoto app to provide the antique look to my photographs.

Filed Under: Just Julie, Parenting, Photography 7 Comments

Team Sports In Our Life

August 28, 2011

Angry Kid is an only child, but always seems to be surrounded by friends. He is quite social. I’m not sure where he gets it from, totally kidding.. We knew that Angry Kid would be great in sports when the time was right.

Angry Kid played t-ball this past Spring, and loved it. It was his first opportunity playing team sports. It was great for him. He learned some life skills like taking turns, practicing to get better at a skill, being a leader, and also learning that you don’t always win. Plus, all of the health benefits…

This Fall, Angry Kid will be playing AYSO soccer for the first time. All of his friends are playing, and he asked to play. Angry Husband and I are happy to see Angry Kid with some much energy and zest for sports.

And besides all of these awesome skills that he is learning while playing sports, it also helps with structure in his life. Seriously, my son needs to know what is on the agenda next, and so forth. I’m actually excited for practices and games this Fall. I know, we are crazy, right?

As a parent, I think EVERY kid should have a hobby or something they are really good at. It also helps during those teenage years, when boredom leans toward trouble. We are letting Angry Kid stumble through all of these sports, and activities so that he can find what activity is “right” for him.

So as a reader, and big fan of Angry Julie Monday, answer the question “What life lessons do kids learn from playing team sports?”for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate for sporting equipment for your child’s team.

Want to help more children stay active by playing team sports? Go to SUBWAY® Baseball DeSIGNS Auction on Ebay. All proceeds go to the Little League Urban Initiative, which helps fund inner-city youth leagues and teams.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SUBWAY® Baseball DeSIGNS. The opinions and text are all mine. The $500 Gift Certificate Giveaway Contest runs from August 19 – 28, 2011. A random winner will be announced by September 1, 2011. Official Contest Rules.

Filed Under: Parenting

Project 365: Week 34

August 27, 2011

Where does the time go? We were quite fishy this week. Angry Kid did a ton of swimming, and we also went to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. My work week split the second half of the week. I’ve been purging our closets, etc. all week. I’m sure Angry Husband is tired of all the messes I’ve made.

Project 365 232/365: A bundle of mall balloons…so pretty!

Project 365 233/365: There is no peace in my house. I’m currently getting attacked by the @Nerf gun.

Project 365 234/365: Angry Kid and his friend on the lake.

Project 365 235/365: Angry Kid checking out the tank @AquariumPacific #aopmb

Project 365 236/365: Ya, that’s right. Julie CAN cook!
Project 365 237/365: Angry Kid came in the house and stated that his feet are filthy. He sat on the bathroom counter and cleaned them. He was showing me his clean foot.

Project 365 238/365: I’m organizing my dishes this morning. Cause I’m odd like that. I’m giggling cause I know how @jeannettg feels about Fiestaware.

Filed Under: Photography, Project 365 3 Comments

Back-To-School with Clorox

August 25, 2011

Last week, I came home to a package on my doorstep. As a part of the DailyBuzz Moms Tastemaker Program, The Clorox Company sent me a package of products to review.

I received a sample of a Brita Water Bottle, Glad Food Storage Containers, and Glad To-Go Food Storage Containers.

Brita 20 oz. Water Bottle with filter. This bottle is BPA-free, and top rack dishwasher safe. I love the size of this bottle. It is tall and slender. It will fit in my car’s cupholder with ease. I also like the rubber carrying loop on the top of it. I’ve already saved a ton of money with this water bottle. Since I’ve had this bottle, I haven’t had to buy any bottled water from the store. I just fill up the bottle with tap water.

Glad To-Go Food Storage Containers. Glad has came up with a great new product line to compliment their already awesome storage containers. They’ve added a small cup that secures to the interior portion of the lid. I’m always packing some kind of salad or chicken for lunch at work. I’m so excited because I can store the salad dressing or sauce in the lid. Honestly, my husband was pretty excited for this product also.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. We are already proud users of these Clorox wipes. To be honest, I hand my son one of these wipes, and make him clean his bathroom. There is nothing worse, than a 6 year old boy’s bathroom. These wipes do the job, plus they kill the germs.

All of these products are awesome tools for a busy working mom like me. Seriously, I can use all of the tools that I can get.

Now, if I can survive the next two weeks till school starts.

Disclosure: I received these items as samples for review purposes on behalf of the DailyBuzz Moms Tastemaker Program. All opinions are mine.

Filed Under: Reviews 1 Comment

The Treadmill Incident

August 25, 2011

It was a routine day at the gym. Angry Kid was in the kid’s club, and I was getting my workout on. This is the story of how an innocent jog on the treadmill, gave me a big fat bruise.
Once upon a time, Angry Julie wanted to get fit. She got dressed, and took Angry Kid along to the gym with her.

Angry Julie checked Angry Kid into the kid’s club.

Angry Julie worked out on the elliptical for approximately 20 minutes.

Angry Julie did some weight training for approximately 15 minutes.

and then, Julie hopped on the treadmill.

I had already warmed up, found the perfect music, and the moment was right. I moved the speed up on the treadmill to 6.5. It was a little fast but I was in my grove.

And then the “stomper” hopped on the treadmill to the left of me. I’ve seen this guy before. He was in his early 20’s, sweaty, and was heavy on his feet. He started his stride. I then saw his finger move towards to the speed on his treadmill. It kept moving up. He stopped it at 8.0. The stomping of his feet got louder. I had my earbuds on, with Metallica blasting. I could still hear the stomping. I could not take it anymore. I had to get off the treadmill, and move to another area.

I thought that I had hit that “big red button” on the dashboard area of the treadmill. As soon as the button was hit, I straddled the sides of the treadmill, waiting for the belt to slow down. It happened so fast. I thought that the belt was slowing down. I put my right foot down. And then realized, the belt was still moving at the speed of 6.5. I grabbed the handrail. And somehow got my arm caught. My left elbow got wrapped around the hand grip area of the dashboard. I was able to pull myself up with my right arm. And then I hit the “STOP” button for real this time.

There was a woman running on the treadmill to the right of me. I’m sure she witnessed my entire catastrophe. She barely blinked when I finally managed to drag myself from the treadmill. It was around noon on a Tuesday. Not one person stopped to help me. Not one person even paid attention. The gym was busy. I was on the second floor of the gym. I felt like the world was spinning. I had those cartoon stars and little birds flying around my head. I was somewhat numb and quite dizzy at the same time. But I managed to drag myself downstairs.

I went into the woman’s locker room to get my purse, and I walked to the main desk of the gym. By then, my arm was throbbing, and I was starting to freak out a little. I got an ice pack from the front desk. I then went to grab Angry Kid. Angry Kid told me that he had an ice pack on, approximately ten minutes earlier. A smaller kid hit in the face. Good times.

Of course, Angry Kid was dying of hunger, and needed food like ASAP. Somehow I managed to drag myself into a restaurant near the gym. I was holding up my arm like it was in a sling. I did not want to move it. We sat down at a table and I ordered an ice water. I managed to wrap my arm around the cold glass of water. It temporarily smoothed my throbbing arm. Yes, it began to throb. I then called my BFF Stacey, and told her that I might have broken my arm. Stacey told me that she would watch Angry Kid so that I could go to the Urgent Care. I told her that I would be fine, or something like that.

Instead of driving to the Urgent Care immediately, I drove home. Yes, I’m a bit stubborn. We changed our health insurance policy to a deductible style plan this year. We have not completely fulfilled our balance, so I knew that this trip to the Urgent Care would be over $500, especially if they took x-rays. I laid on the couch and nursed my arm with some ice. Angry Husband had me move my arm back and forth. He said that I probably bruised some muscles. True Story: I never went to the doctor. Kid, do not try this at home. Don’t be an idiot. Go to the Dr.

I was assisting the I Heart Faces Photography Workshop the next day, and the day after that, I was going to The BlogHer Conference.

My arm started to swell and bruise a little the first night. I marked the day of the incident, Day 1 in the photo above. I made it through the workshop, but my arm hurt and was a bit sensitive. Day 3, was Thursday of BlogHer. The bruising was getting dark. And Day 5, was on Saturday of BlogHer. By then, the bruising was getting black. The bruise is all gone now. It took 2 weeks to go away. My arm is a little sensitive to the touch.

I think I told this story about 50 times at BlogHer. I wore sleeveless shirts a few times, and the bruise on my arm was quite noticeable.

But the moral of this story really is, MAKE SURE THAT YOU ACTUALLY HIT THE RED STOP BUTTON ON THE TREADMILL.

Filed Under: Just Julie 22 Comments