Minivans

I know there are plenty of people, Moms, or soon to be Moms out there that would never even think of ever owning a minivan. I used to be one of them as I thought having a "Mommy Van" was just not my style. Then I had a kid and witnessed so many other moms struggling less getting their kids in the car, groceries or other items tossed into it and having actual room to spare with their minivans. Once I saw that there were automatic side doors to these things by just pressing a button from a key ring...forget about it, the damn thing won me over.

After my husband (the car expert) did some research and shopping around, he brought home my beloved nearly fully loaded minivan, a Honda Odyssey. It had a DVD player, navigation and automatic doors on BOTH sides (some makes only have one automatic door)and I was one happy camper. I can honestly say that I love my minivan. Even if my husband and I won a fantastic lottery, I would still be sporting a minivan. When you're a Mom or when you actually come to grips with reality, when things become more convenient for you, you tend to appreciate it a lot more.

Sure I could of had an SUV. We actually did have one and it was a pretty nice SUV. It just wasn't as convenient. With vans you have better gas mileage, tend to have better pick up, more room overall, a passenger in the front seat can easily navigate to the back to help out a screaming child and you get those awesome automatic doors. How I LOVE my automatic doors. SUVs just can't compare to the convenience of that. Sure they are a little cooler on the cool scale and some may have better pick up if you pay for it. I am just over trying to look cool for the person next to me on the road and my van doesn't need to do 0-60 in 4 seconds. It has plenty of pick up so I won't be killing myself or anyone traveling behind me while merging onto a highway. Plus, we aren't running the quarter mile people.

What I am trying to get at, is if you're in the market for a new car and could use more room and more convenience then check one out. You may surprise yourself. I could not imagine myself loving a van five years ago, but today I can't imagine not having it.

FANTASTIC Find

For all you Northern Virgina savy Moms, I have found a great place for you!

Little Lords and Ladies located in Chantilly, Virginia is one of the most fantastic consignment shops I have ever been to and I have been to my share of consignment shops. The scale of the shop is rather large as it has a section for new items (with tags) and a section for second hand items such as clothing, shoes, toys, and other various items. The store is also divided by boy clothes and girl clothes. The girl clothing section is almost overwhelming with racks up on racks divided by size (this a good thing) but it also has a fair share of boys clothing divided by size, which for me is awesome! Another great thing about this place it has a nice play area for smaller kids that is gated off so while you do some quick shopping (keeping one eye on the racks and one eye on your kids), your kid isn't completely bored with store. From what I can also tell, is this is also a family run shop and the staff there is very courteous.

This weekend I was able to walk away with over half my child's fall wardrobe. We got Janie and Jack items, Gymboree items and even a Burberry t-shirt for my little guy. I also found a nice winter jacket that looks barely worn for $5 and its probably worth nearly $50 brand new.

Its a definably a must see and saves a pretty penny!

Inconsiderate and Rude

There are things that just annoy me when I am out and about in the world either by myself or with my family. I wonder why people have this "entitlement" to themselves where they feel they are most important and the people around them aren't. Perhaps its the area I live but seriously what gives?

I don't understand

...why people won't hold the elevator for you when they see you coming.

...why people can make off color statements and not expect to get a reaction.

...why more and more Moms or just bitchy people use their shopping carts as a tool to push people out of there way.

...why people pick their nose or scratch their balls in meetings. Do you think we don't see you?

...why some people think that heating some nasty smelling food isn't going to impact an office area. Don't heat up fish, sour krout, and whatever else smells like butt.

...why some people think they know more about your kid then you do.

...why some people think just because they knew you when you were young that you still have the same mind capacity when you're an adult.

...why people try to throw other people under the bus for no apparent reason.

...why people don't apologize when they have done something wrong. It makes a difference!

...why people think they can preach the word but not abide by their own faith.

...why people can still be so prejudice against a last name. I guess you have an issue with jews?

...why people aren't genuinely honest but know how to tone it in the correct manner.

...why people don't ask more if they can help when you've always helped them.

...why people don't hold doors for someone, especially when you need them too.

...why bike riders HAVE to ride on the road. They slow up traffic and its annoying. There's a path nearby.

...when people make comments that what you eat is fattening. Yes its happened and I was eating reduced fat Wheat Thins...

...why people categorize a person because of their culture and talk badly about it when they know so little about it. Educate yourself. You may be surprised.

I've said it. ITs things that just annoy me or I think are just plain rude and inconsiderate.

Fun Website

I found a new website called ToddlerToddler. If you go to the right menu under List of Activities, there are just so many fun and interesting things and crafts to do with your toddler! Check it out!