Domestic Divas

I've Got Some Dirty Laundry - Literally...

2009-03-19T23:14:00.009-07:00

I HATE (with all caps) laundry. I really do. It NEVER ends. Some weeks, I try to knock it all out in one day, then enjoy freedom for about one day, and then it piles up again. Other weeks, I just vow to throw in a load everyday, which leads to a never ending cycle. I will never beat it. It will always win. I give up.

In something near a miracle, I just had a FOUR day break from it. Why you ask? Did I forbid myself from entering the laundry room (hard to do since it leads to the garage)? Did I decide I needed to relax and stop cleaning all the time? Did I assign my husband laundry duty? NO!

My fancy smancy, six-month old, front-load washing machine DIED. Of ALL weeks for this to happen?! Kate was sick this week and I have blankets with throw-up on them that need to be washed! UGH! Gross!

The nice man from GE came out and took it apart, only to tell me that I need a whole new electrical system. Yey. Fun. How long does that take, I asked? About 3 days to get the parts. 3 DAYS?!?!? He actually said back... "I know, I understand." I don't think he really does. The Stoegbauer laundromat can't be closed for 3 days. The smell will permeate the house and ruin my life!

Oh well, 3 days later (today) he showed up and made miracles happen! Lucky me, I mentioned that the top panel had gotten scratched some how and he got me a new one! (made my day! I know, I'm weird like that) Thanks, Rodg!

I never thought I'd ever be SO happy to do laundry again. Let the fun begin! If you need me for anything, you'll find me in my laundry room for the next 72 hours. Will someone bring me a snack while I'm trapped in there?

PS. If you ever buy a front load washer, go with the Whirlpool Duet (left behind at our last house...sob :(. This one is a GE and I HATE it.

Spring Bag for my April Divas?

2009-03-02T09:52:00.003-07:00

Since the weather was getting so nice, I was motivated to make a spring bag. Here is the result:

The flower is actually a hair accessory I made but thought it would be a cute accent for the bag so it is totally removable and functional! Thought this would be a cute diva project. Really inexpensive too! The bamboo handles were $5 at Joann (only $3 after 40% off coupon) and the fabric was only $6 and I have enough fabric to make about three more! I used home decor fabric since it is heavier and would withstand my harsh treatment! It took me less than half an hour to make it. Any takers?

Oregano's Margaritas!

2009-02-22T11:12:00.004-07:00

It was so fun to have a "Divas" dinner out last week! Even though not everyone could make it, we had a great time at Oregano's. Although we all want to get back to crafting this year, it was very fun to just eat, DRINK, and chat! Well, I speak for myself when I say DRINK. Prior to the evening, Kristi & I even discussed a plan to take a cab home, if necessary. It's been awhile since we were both UN-PREGNANT, and enjoyed a cocktail (or five) together. And we NEED cocktails. It's not the same when you try to enjoy a glass of wine or margarita with your children running around at your feet. Anyway, I quickly slurped two margaritas, and ordered a third. To my surprise, I was DENIED. Apparently Oregano's serves up some strong margs, and upset as I was, I just ordered a Hefenwizen instead. Sorry ladies who didn't attend....you missed a lot of loud fun chatter, yummy food, strong drinks and most importantly....PIZOOKIE! (or whatever they call it now) Love you all....

{photo via lukehoney.typepad.com}

Divas Mix: Ready for More?

2009-02-20T23:20:00.003-07:00

Hello ladies! Are you all still enjoying your Diva Mix or are we about ready for something new? I've got a few new goodies up my sleeve, and then I'm thinking about bringing in some old favorites. Any special requests?

I hope you are all fans of NKOTB now, I know I sure am. Thanks Kristi for letting me know they were on Regis...I DVRed it and am watching now! :) It brings me right back to my insane fan days. I've got to pull out some pics, so you all can get a giggle.

Did Anyone Notice?! Jenn on American Idol

2009-02-11T23:42:00.006-07:00

So, I'm sure you all watched American Idol tonight, right?! I have seen this girl a few times on the show, and kept saying "Gosh...she looks so familiar!" but couldn't figure out who she was! Well, she was on tonight and I finally pinpointed it! Now, if I wasn't a mommy to toddlers, I wouldn't have noticed....but our little TV friend, Jenn from High 5 was on American Idol! High 5 is a really cute kids show on TLC. Unfortunately, Jenn got booted today. She was in one of those "Sing-offs" and the other girl had a better voice. She's gorgeous and seems to be able to carry a tune. Too bad, I would have totally voted for her. I know Tommy would have liked her....he has a thing for hot blondes!

PS. I LOVE DANNY GOSKEY!! My next DAVID COOK!!

OHhh to get a full nights sleep again...

2009-02-11T15:56:00.003-07:00

So it occured to me the other day that I haven't not had a full nights sleep in almost 3 months. This would probably account for my increasingly high number of brain farts and moody moments. When I started thinking back to when Kaylee was born, it occured to me that she was sleeping through the night at 4 weeks in her OWN crib in her OWN bedroom. Now that Marley is 8 weeks old she is still waking up 2-3 times a night and is still sleeping in MY bedroom! This has got to stop for my sanity! Anyone have a copy of Baby Wise I can borrow???

(image from z.about.com)

Kristi is learning how to BLOG!

2009-02-09T13:46:00.004-07:00

Hello Divas! Kristi & I are here doing a little lesson on blogging! It really easy and fun, and she is all set up now to contribute to the Diva blog! I'm going to get you all setup so you can post things here as well!

{image via fgagifts.com}

Domino Magazine is FOLDING!

2009-01-29T17:19:00.007-07:00

{photo via domino}

Okay, so I'm really bummed since I just bought you all subscriptions to my fave magazine, Domino and now the publisher is shutting it down! The reason? You guessed it...the economy! I'm sad because I really loved this magazine. Sorry guys, you'll just have to read my blog now.

PS. Valentine's Party is now 10:30am instead of 11:00am!

Divas Project: Clothespin Memo Hanger

2009-01-20T21:38:00.005-07:00

{image via martha stewart}

Does this peak anyone's interest for a Divas project? We could get a little crazy and decoupage scrapbook paper to the base to give it some style?

Kid's Valentine's Party!

2009-01-18T13:33:00.005-07:00

Hi girls!

I was thinking it would be fun to have a little craft party with the kids for Valentine's Day! I'm thinking Saturday, February 7th at 11:00am.

Are you guys free that day?!

Kimmi

{image via clarescupcakes}

Domino Magazine is on its way!

2009-01-09T11:41:00.004-07:00

Hi girls!

I checked and they were still running the deal on the gift subscriptions for Domino, so I ordered it for you all! It's my favorite magazine (besides US Weekly) and I hope you like it!

Lots of inspiration for decorating! Very appropriate for the Domestic Divas!

Love you all! Merry Belated Christmas!!

Kimmi

Divas, Diapers & Diamonds

2008-10-24T15:39:00.014-07:00

Since this blog may be like a Diva Diary that we can look back on and remember fun things we did, I thought I should write about our recent Divas & Diapers and Divas & Diamonds events! I designed the invites to 'match' since we decided to have both celebrations the same evening. Divas & Diapers was an evening soiree at my house, to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Kristi's baby girl, Marley Ava. All of the guests were asked to wear black, as well as the guest of honor, who was given a pink boa to enhance the Diva theme! All of the fabulous Divas brought delicious appetizers, including cheese fondue (Shannon), cucumber sandwiches (Tina), mini quiche (Stef) and we all enjoyed champagne punch and my favorite dessert to make, cupcakes! Kristi received amazing baby gifts, some handmade by the Divas of course! Thuy made an amazing diaper cake with a super cute bright pink flower with crystals on top, along with a custom onesie she made with "D is for Diva" on the front, plus a comfy blanket with a hand embroidered "m" on it! Tina made an adorable "pillow-case" dress for Kaylee, and one matching for Marley is on the way (Can this be a Diva project? I want one for Kate!)! With our obsession with personalized gifts these days, Kristi received the fabulous "name necklace" from both Taryn & Stef, as well as the gift guru herself, Kelly Franco! I guess Kristi gets her choice of something else from the great online store of The Classic Crib! I bought her a hot pink blankee and animal print burp cloths, embroidered of course with a "m"! Speaking of burp cloths, Gwen (Kristi's sister) got her some adorable embroidered ones from Inky Binky Baby, which sounds like may end up being the new Diva source for embroidery! (Sorry if I left anything out...I was handing out cupcakes during gift opening!) I came up with a "Diva"ish game, in which I printed black & white photos of famous Divas, attached a photo to each guest's back, and then set them all free to figure who their Diva was! Congrats to Jeanie & Shannon who received prizes for the game! The candleholder favors were from Ikea, and wrapped with a label that matched the invites! Tina took some great photos, here is the link to view them all: http://picasaweb.google.com/tple77/Kristiandamanda?authkey=_37nYAsDXzI

Divas & Diamonds was the "after party" to Divas & Diapers, celebrating the upcoming wedding of fellow Diva, Amanda! Amanda received some fun and sassy bachelorette gifts, before we headed out for a few cocktails! Tina got her two mugs, one that said "I Do" and the other "Me Too", and she got lots of fun undies & sleepwear & other girlie things! We gave Amanda a white boa and "encouraged" her to wear it out! Good thing she did, because it grabbed some attention which led to free drinks and shots! Here I am, enjoying a night out which never happens, and a guy comes up to me (I'm thinking.....hmmm...good, I still have it ;) and then he says "I know you, you're Tommy's Mom!" I'm officially a soccer mom (he's a soccer dad). Anyway, those shots mentioned above, suddenly hit Amanda and it was time to say goodnight!

Thanks everyone for a fabulous DIVA night!

No-Sew Summer Handbag

2008-09-23T23:35:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I'm excited that the weather is finally cooling off, but can we make this project next year when it's time for summer fun again?!? Straight from MarthaStewart.com, I received this in my inbox as the "Craft of the Day" and saved it for a possible diva event. She calls it the "No Sew Summer Handbag" and I think it's fabulous. Do you love it, or is it just me?

Domestic Divas Online!

2008-09-23T23:06:00.007-07:00

Hi Divas! I figured it was about time for us to get online and start blogging! We can all add photos and articles to share with each other and whomever else cares! So go for it.....start blogging! (Maybe we need a divas event to explain how to do this?!?) It's super fun. Just ask Tina...she's got her personal one going now and it's great (Click Here) And of course, I know you all subscribe to my real estate blog (Click Here). Happy Blogging! Love, Kimmi