Ketchup With Us #30


In honor of Movember, Mel and I are talking ‘staches. And the amazing men who wear them. We like to make things easy around here so we’ll give you a choice. You can respond traditionally in word or you can just link a picture. It’s entirely up to you. Here goes …


So many soup strainers out there. From Chaplin and Gable  to Selleck and Mercury to Depp and Burgundy. How do I choose?

Easy.

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My dad (c. 1976).

That’s my brother in the picture with him. Those two have always been very close. And today, they are heading out together on the journey of a lifetime as they board a plane to see Africa. Would everyone please take a moment to send them some positive energy and, if there is such a thing, mental lion repellant?


For a QUICK EXPLANATION of this link-up, click here. In short, Mel and I will post a picture or video with a prompt on the 1st and 15th of every month. And, with each prompt, we’ll feature a linker from the previous KWU. Which reminds me …

Our esteemed Ketchup With Us Featured Writer for today is …

Dana @ Kiss My List


RULES? WHO NEEDS ‘EM?!!?

The rules are … THERE ARE NO RULES! Just guidelines. And we’d be truly honored if you posted our button on your page and followed us on Facebook (Michele /Mel), Twitter (Michele/Mel), Instagram (Michele/Mel) and Pinterest (Michele/Mel).

GRAB OUR BUTTON!

olddognewtits.com


‘KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 30

In 57 words or less … OR with just a simple picture … tell us about your favorite  mustachioed man.

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Because Sometimes Blog Posts are just about Goofy Stuff I see in a Store


I was dance store shopping with my girl recently when I came across an interesting product  I’d never seen before. And I’m guessing that, unless you spend the bulk of your days Capezio’d and legwarmer’d, you’ve never seen it before either. Of course, I took a picture and immediately began texting it to a few friends along with various one-liners.

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  • For when you don’t want your sock lines to show through your shoes.
  • For when you don’t want to free ball in your flip flops.

Oh, fine! Just one more …

Whatever.  I lied. But this is REALLY the last one …

  • Gayer than Peppermint Patty.  (I’ve been looking for an excuse to use that since watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving last week with Viv.)

Well, no. This isn’t the complete list. Not all of them were “technically” this genteel. With language befitting a lady. (cough) But that’s what makes them funny. (sweating) Right?


Now it’s your turn. Hit me with your best one-liner, tagline, slogan, etc. 

Foot Thongs for Men. And … GO!

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That Suburban Momma
I Don't Like Mondays Blog Hop

Funny Text Exchanges – Everybody’s Got One


So I’ve taken on a big writing project. Huge. At least by my standards. (We’ll talk more about that later. Maybe.) Anyway, in the meantime, several things are liable to take a hit. Like laundry, timely bill paying, my interpersonal relationships, basic hygiene and sometimes, just maybe, the blog.

I know. There are six people who are really upset right now.

Well relax, six people. I won’t let you down. My point, and I do have one * … is that I’ll just be trying  to make you laugh … or cry … or go hmmmmm a little faster these days so I have enough time to get to everything. Which brings me to today’s writing prompt, brought to us by MamaKat. It’s soooo easy. All I’m asked for today is “A funny text exchange.”

Fortunately for me, I am surrounded by a gaggle of half-baked lunaticscard-carrying nut jobs … sharp-witted comedians with which I often exchange my idiot brand of humor. You guys remember Vanessa, right? Here are just a few samples:

The Toe Circumcision series (Warning: nasty photo within) …

20131107-121420.jpgThree days later, when I was a little less shy about it …

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Two weepily nostalgic mothers looking at baby pics of their giant kids …

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… Or just daily minutiae.

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* The first book written by Ellen DeGeneres who, by coincidence, does a recurring segment on her show called “Clumsy Thumbsy” about funny text exchanges courtesy of auto-correct. Sadly, I text with the dexterity of a fifteen year old so I don’t encounter many of the errors. Don’t worry though. I’ll keep trying. 


I love you, Ellen. I assume you’re reading, right?

I Don't Like Mondays Blog Hop

Rafiki, George and even King Louie have Nothing on these Modern Monkeys


Once upon a time …

there was a little girl named Vivien. And Vivien had a mother who loved her very much. Vivien’s mother wrote a blog called … well, this is a fairy tale so we’ll just call it ODNT. And, on ODNT, Vivien’s mother wrote about all kinds of interesting people doing all kinds of crazy things in all kinds of far away places. But what Vivien liked best about ODNT were the product reviews. Because sometimes, when she was very, very lucky, the product her mother was sent to review was something unmistakably and truly magnificent. Something that she could keep for her very own.

One day, as Vivien was toiling through her daily homework, she heard the doorbell ring. “I’ll get it,” she said running to the door, completely unaware of the surprise that awaited her on the other side. Opening the door, Vivien saw a brown box. It was big enough to fit a basketball inside of it but, when she lifted it, she was shocked to discover it didn’t weigh any more than a loaf of bread. “Mama … Mama!” she called out. “You got another package.” Vivien placed the box on the table by her mother and turned to walk away.

Vivien’s mother smiled knowingly. She knew that Vivien had no idea what was inside. She knew that this time Vivien would be so excited that she might actually want to write the review herself. “Well,” she said to Vivien. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

Vivien’s mouth fell open. “What?” she said. “But YOUR name is on it. What is it, Mama?” Her eyes were simultaneously confused and excited. “Only one way to find out,” answered her mother, who wore a sly grin on her face as she pushed the box toward Vivien.

Vivien tore into the box like a child on Christmas morning.

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“Oh, my gosh!!! Sock monkeys! They are sooo cute! I love them both soooo much! Thank you, Mama.”

“I’m glad you like them,” said her mother happily. “But they’re not from me.” Vivien looked up, again confused but still ecstatically clinging to her new stunningly stylish simians. “They were sent here from a company called Patch Products. All the way from Planet Sock Monkey.”

Vivien laughed. “Is there really a place called Planet Sock Monkey, Mama?” she asked her mother. “Well, I’m not sure,” teased her mother. “But I’ll bet if there is, your two new friends, Star Harmonkey and Magenta Beetsch, are two of the coolest monkeys there.”

“I don’t know, Mama,” Vivien interrupted … politely, of course. “What do you mean?” asked her mother. “Well,” Vivien explained, “it looks like there are a whole bunch of crazy monkeys living on that planet. Besides mine, I see a pirate … and a zombie … and a rapper … and even a cute, little nerd!”

Mother and daughter laughed in unison.

“So I wonder why they sent us these two monkeys,” said Vivien’s mother. And she began examining the two adorable creatures. “Oh, that’s easy, Mama,” explained Vivien. “Really?” said her mother quizzically, looking up from her meticulous monkey inspection.

“You see,” said Vivien, “Star Harmonkey is a sweet girl who loves to sing and perform for people. And it says she has a sparkling personality.” Vivien’s mother nodded. “And Magenta Beetsch is a kooky girl who loves music and being a little different from everybody else. And she likes to make her hair weird colors.”

“I think I see what you’re getting at, Vivien,” her mother smiled. “They’re US!!” Vivien shouted. “Awesome!” she squealed, grabbing Magenta and turning to her mother. “I’m going to call this one Magommy. Because she reminds me of YOU, Mama.”

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“Wow. So the monkey and I are, like, Bennifer? Okay.” Vivien’s mom, laughed under her breath. “Benni-who???” Vivien asked. “Oh, nothing. It’s a grown-up joke,” her mother answered. And Vivien went back to playing with her tweenage perfection presents.

“Well,” her mother sighed, “I guess I need to start writing these reviews.” And she sat down at her laptop, fingers poised over the keyboard. “Know what, Mama?” Vivien said, hugging her monkeys and looking deeply into their expressive little eyes, “I think you already did!”

The End


Want to win one of these trendsetting little friends for the little monkey in your life? Mel and I are each giving one away right here. Our two lucky winners will get to choose from the six limited edition friends listed above. (More monkeys are coming soon to Planet Sock Monkey.)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Entries will be accepted until the end of Monday, November 11, 2013.

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Ketchup With Us #29


Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a stupid accident that resulted in an even stupider injury. I’ll bet someone actually just raised a hand that was holding a cup of hot coffee and scalded him/herself. (snicker)

That’s exactly my point.

I’m a proud spaz and am willing to bet lots of you guys are, too. Remember, as I sit here typing, I am now four weeks in recovery for one of the most painful, most bloody and easily most stupid injuries I’ve ever had. But the boneheaded accident with my foot was just the tip (pardon the pun) of the iceberg for me. (Sigh) I’ve got millions of them. 

“I don’t WANT to!”  I whined.

“Oh, come on,” they pleaded. “It’ll be fun.”

So I entered the cage, stood on the painted feet and waited. Already knowing what was going to happen. Whoosh! The ball sprang from the machine. Directly into my left cheekbone knocking the “protective” helmet from my skull.

“I told you,” I managed.

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This picture was taken right before the incident … even though my fat-with-youth face already looks swollen. (Vanessa calls the younger me Kelly Kapowski of TV’s Saved by the Bell.) After the incident, the  manager shut the batting cages down for a while. And I most certainly wasn’t smiling.


For a QUICK EXPLANATION of this link-up, click here. In short, Mel and I will post a picture or video with a prompt on the 1st and 15th of every month. And, with each prompt, we’ll feature a linker from the previous KWU. Which reminds me …

Our esteemed Ketchup With Us Featured Writer for today is …

Brain Tomahawk


RULES? WHO NEEDS ‘EM?!!?

The rules are … THERE ARE NO RULES! Just guidelines. And we’d be truly honored if you posted our button on your page and followed us on Facebook (Michele /Mel), Twitter (Michele/Mel), Instagram (Michele/Mel) and Pinterest (Michele/Mel).

GRAB OUR BUTTON!

olddognewtits.com


‘KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 29

In 57 words or less, tell us about your DUMBEST INJURY ever. (Or, if you’re like me, pick one of them.)

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The Ghosts of Halloweens Past (Friendly ones, like Casper and Patrick Swayze)


Six days ago, I wrote a post promising you guys an ODNT Halloween retrospective. And far be it from me to break a promise. (cough) But there were a lot of pictures to assemble. It was a real project. The first part of which was easy. I literally did it all from my phone. Then came the archaeological digging. I dove deeper and deeper, often using a miner’s helmet to light the way, into old, antiquated boxes of disorganized pictures and assorted memories. I even sent in a canary at one point and, when he flew back out, I deemed it safe to continue.

Once inside the prehistoric cave walls teeming with giant bats, poisonous spiders and dripping stalactites dusty photo boxes stored high on the shelves of my closet, I found pictures that were so old they actually predated digital photography. The photos were blurry and riddled with closed eyes, unready subjects and missed moments. There were even plastic strips of photo negatives in the little white Walgreen’s envelopes. (shudder)

Of course, none of this archaic nonsense means that *I* am old. It just means my kids are. Funny how it works that way, isn’t it?

Happy Halloween, everybody. Be safe tonight!

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2012

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2011

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2010

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2009

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2008

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2007

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2006

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2005

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2004

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2003

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2002

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2001

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2000

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1999


ODNT Tip for a Happier Halloween:

Remember, when given the choice between cheap, seasonal gummies or a chocolate bar, always go with the chocolate. Especially if it’s a Twix bar. That candy crunch has saved my life. More than once.

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That Suburban Momma

Because Even Alanis Morissette Knows It Takes a Village


Today’s post is all about saying thank you. To just about everybody within arm’s reach of my daily life.

As I wrote it, I couldn’t get this song out of my head. It’s perfect. So picture me singing it to you. But not naked.

That’s just tacky, Alanis.

I’ve been off the grid a bit lately. But with good reason. My friend and writing partner Mel and her husband Chris came to visit me in New Orleans this past weekend. And, as luck would have it, Dave was (characteristically) out of town. Additionally, my mom was (uncharacteristically) out of town. Even my brother was already entertaining visitors of his own. That left only my poor dad to help me with the kids. (I sure love that dude. We’ll get to him in a minute.)

The bottom line is … I was reminded of lucky I am to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people on a daily basis. Without these “sister wives,” the delicate, Jenga-quality house of cards I created for myself and my kids this weekend would not have been possible. Let’s take a look at some of these incredible people, shall we?

  • Thank you, Erin, for taking Dean to his school’s homecoming football game … and then overnight that evening … and then to his basketball game the next day … and then overnight again that next night. (Seriously, he was starting to look like you guys.)
  • Thank you, Tara, for sending me updates during Vivien’s volleyball games. Your texts made me feel like I was sitting right there next to you, eating those nasty concession stand nachos. Again. (When will I ever learn?)
  • Thank you, Mignon, for taking Vivien to her school’s Halloween Trunk or Treat festivities. Viv came home with so much candy that I suspect you may have stuffed some of your kids’ stash in her bag. (Somewhere, our family dentist is smiling.)
  • Thank you, Virginia, for bringing Dean home from his basketball game on Saturday … and for offering to be his “emergency contact” all afternoon … and for understanding we couldn’t drive carpool Monday morning. Especially considering I forgot to tell you and almost left your boy sitting alone on the front stoop all morning. (Oops.)
  • Thank you, Ashley, for chauffeuring Vivien back and forth to the birthday party. I’m pretty sure you brought home a carload of shaving cream-covered girls. And so I thank you. (As does my car.)
  • Thank you, Vanessa, for keeping Viv entertained all evening at your child’s birthday party. She had a blast. And I think she really needed it because she was starting to get a little homesick. (Plus there was cake.)
  • Thank you, Vicky, for inviting Viv over on Sunday afternoon. By going to your house, she managed to dodge both a small football party and her brother’s basketball game. (And I’m sure she was totally broken up about it.)

And before I forget, BIG thanks go out to my dad who …

  • picked up Viv early from school Friday and drove 20 miles away to her citywide volleyball playoffs
  • dropped her off to Mignon Friday night
  • received her after the event and had her over for a sleepover
  • hosted a four-hour homework marathon the next day
  • came back to my house Saturday to see Dean off to his friend’s house for the night and Viv off to her party
  • returned again on Sunday (now with my mom who was back in town … Thanks, Mom!) to take Dean to his basketball game
  • had the kids spend the night Sunday night
  • took Dean to school Monday morning while my mom took Viv

Thank you, Mom and Dad. But mostly Dad.

(I’m killing my mom right now. She’s typically there for me with bells on 24/7/365.)


I know families who employ this “village parenting” method all the time. And I don’t know how they do it. I, for one, am absolutely exhausted just recounting all of this careful and calculated choreography. One false move and the whole structure would have come crashing down.

Thank you, village people. I love you guys.

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I Don't Like Mondays Blog Hop

Pumpkin-ing Through the Years


I was scrolling through the camera roll on my phone recently and found a few recurring themes in my pictures. (Remember my first day of school series with Vivien?) Well, I thought it would be fun to post another set of photos. And since I don’t live in the country … or on a New England farm … or in the terrifying pages of a Grimms’ fairy tale, our annual “pumpkin patch” is created by a little church just around the corner. It’s been a nice place to watch my kids grow over the years.

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2013

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2012

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2011

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2010

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2009

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2007

That’s not a typo. I can’t find 2008. I am a flawed human being. Sigh.

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One of my favorites of Dave’s many creations. It’s always better when he’s in town to do the carving. I’m best left to seed roasting, Charlie-Brown-watching and costume acquisition.

Spoiler Alert – Expect a Halloween costume series if I can get myself together in the next week.

Just remember … I said IF! 🙂

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I Don't Like Mondays Blog Hop

Remember, I am neither a prude nor Andrew Dice Clay


I am a theater geek.

I’ve always been a theater geek and I’ll always be a theater geek. I’ve been going to shows since I as a kid. I’ve performed in classic musicals like Damn Yankees, Oliver and Company as well as more modern straight plays like Edward Albee’s Fragments and John Patrick Shanley’s Welcome to the Moon. I saw my first Broadway production (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) in NYC when I was 17.

Since that first trip, I’ve been hooked … and I’ve gone back to New York to take in as many productions on and off Broadway as my schedule and budget would allow. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see (and sometimes even meet) everyone from Sutton Foster, Bebe Neuwirth and Delta Burke to Clay Aiken, Hugh Jackman and Kelsey Grammar … and everyone in between.

Now, whenever a show comes out that makes a big splash on the Tonys or otherwise, I always make it a goal to see it. I have to, after all, live up to my reputation as a theater geek. Right? (Of course, right.) For that reason, I have season tickets for the Broadway Across America tour here in my home city of New Orleans. And, because a girl can’t get to NYC as often as she’d like, many of the shows I’ve seen over the course of my lifetime have been right here in the Deep South. The traveling companies used to draw some pretty big names back in the day (I’m dating myself) such as Yul Brynner, Rex Harrison, Sandy Duncan, Robert Goulet, Shirley Jones and even Sarah Jessica Parker (as a teen, mind you. She is older than me!).

Anyway, my point … and I do have one (to quote my beloved Ellen DeGeneres) is that tonight I add another show to my repertoire. Honestly, I feel sort of pitiful that I’m just getting to this monumental production for the first time. Since I call myself a theater geek and all. But it’s a very hot ticket to get and not at all child-appropriate (and my kids were with me on my last trip to NYC).

Tonight I take on The Book of Mormon.

I’ve heard some good things. I’ve seen some great clips. And I’ve also read some (ahemlyrics. (Here’s where my post title comes in.)

What do you guys think? Who here has seen it? What do you think? Will I like it?

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Kiss Bad Hair Days Goodbye (aka The Blog Post Where I Sing)


Mel and I met a lot of great people at the BlogHer13 Expo in Chicago last summer. And one of the biggest exhibitors there had to be Kiss Products. Their friendly experts passed the hours styling hair, sculpting nails and elongating lashes. You were guaranteed to walk out of the booth looking better than you walked in.

They make so many different products (see for yourself) that Mel and I are writing two reviews for them. Last time, we talked about their home gel manicure kit but this time we’re talking about hair dryers … specifically the Kiss Tornado 360. (Read to the end for a special surprise. Two special surprises actually. One of which might just have you moved to tears … delightfully entertained … laughing in shock at my idiocy.)

Now, I’ll admit. When I first received my review product, I had no idea what a unique hair tool I held in my hands.  Yes, it’s sleek. Yes, it’s powerful. Of course, lots of hair dryers can make those claims. Right? Right. But they don’t all offer this next feature.

Here’s where the whole 360 thing comes in. In Suuuuperrrr Sloooo-Moooo.

In addition to the standard concentration attachment, the Kiss Tornado 360 also comes with a patented rotating air nozzle attachment. To quote their website, “The rotating air booster creates spiral airflow movement that evenly distributes heat and prevents the risk of spot heat damage.” You know what that means, right? It means you’ll never again burn yourself (or your child) by lingering too long in one spot. So it protects your scalp and your hair from heat damage. (Somewhere my daughter just let out a huge cheer.)

And there are lots of other great features about the Kiss Tornado 360:

  • 3 heat settings
  • 2 speed settings
  • A cool shot button
  • Ceramic tourmaline technology reduces frizz & enhances shine
  • Thanks to the 360 feature, it dries hair three times faster because it covers an area four times larger leaving you more time to read quality blogs like AccordingToMags.com &  OldDogNewTits.com.

Honestly, my daughter and I love the Kiss hair dryer so much that I was inspired to put it to song. So I dusted off my guitar and got to work. Wanna hear? (I’m just going to assume you are all nodding in enthusiastic unison.) Remember, I love my show tunes. Here goes …

Alright, fine. Maybe you’re laughing at me. But I bet you still want your own Kiss Tornado 360 hair dryer. And Mel and I can make that happen. Right here. Right now. Beacause we’re giving away two hair dryers to two lucky winner. All you have to do is click the link below.

CLICK HERE TO WIN

Please note that, by simply clicking the ‘Tweet the Giveaway’ option,  you can earn TEN ENTRIES A DAY for this promotion. The contest ends on Thursday, October 24, 2013.

Good luck, guys!

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That Suburban Momma