Pawn shop worker from Georgia, Phillip Phillips, takes the title of American Idol!! I've been a fan from the beginning, he had me at Hollywood week. Other bloggers are talking about the very modest wedding ring Mark Zuckerberg gave his new bride but I'm all about Idol. I've loved the show since season one. It's a standing date with my 9 year old, we watch every week and we're thrilled that our favorite one. J-Lo had it right, she said, "it's a battle of the opposites." They are 2 very different musical styles but Phillip was consistent throughout the whole season. The humble winner told reporters, "Honestly, man, I didn't even think I would make it to see the judges... I have no shame in saying that I'm not a great singer. I just love having fun up onstage jamming with the guys, and playing good music... I'm just a lucky guy."  I loved all of his performances, Volcano is one of my favorites... 

Jessica was hit and miss. When she was on, she was great. She has a power house voice but there were songs that she just didn't deliver on. But she will also have an amazing career and like the judges said all season long, unbelievable to have that talent and know how to use it so well at only 16. I was shocked that Josh didn't make it to the final two because he didn't have a weak performance all season long and he knows how to put on a show!

This season was great. They had more talent across the board than past seasons so it's surprising that the finale had it's lowest rating ever. They jerked the nights around so maybe viewers got confused. All season the show aired on Wednesday and Thursday then, this week it aired on Tuesday and Wednesday (as it has in previous seasons). For the most part, the weaker ones were weeded out in the earlier weeks but Holly overstayed her welcome. Strong voice but not enough strong performances, she just wasn't very entertaining. But with the right coaching she might get there.

It would be interesting to see how things would have shaken out had they not used 'the save' on Jessica. I wish Elise made it further, she is unique and entertaining and Skylar should have outlasted Holly, she, like Josh and Phillip knows how to entertain. Colton was robbed. I would have liked to see him in the final four. Some contestants, especially in past years can sing but they don't put on a quality performance. For me, it's not just about who has the best voice, it's who do I want to see in concert? Definitely Phil! Who was your favorite?   

How adorable are these sweet little chicks?! My kindergartener's class learned all 
about the process, from incubation to watching the chicks hatch. Such a fun and 
educational project, they were very excited about it! 

The New York Times hails it as 'one of the latest miracle ingredients in the beauty industry.' This wonder oil comes from the nut of the argan tree that is organically grown in Morocco. It is rich in vitamin E, polyunsaturates and fatty acids. Argan oil is incredibly hydrating so it’s effective at helping heal dry skin, psoriasis and, although it sounds counterintuitive, acne. It also helps smooth wrinkles, nourish cuticles and dry hair. Alexandra over at Becoming Audrey says it even helps with hyperpigmentation. I don’t have dry skin, in fact I tend to get oily in the t-zone but this penetrates and absorbs nicely without leaving an oily film on your skin. It's a great skin treatment before you moisturize and it's a nice moisturizer by itself. 

I love that it's completely pure, no toxins or chemicals. It’s important to use 100% pure argan oil. A little goes a long way so use it sparingly and pat it on gently. Josie Maran has an eco-friendly cosmetic line that is based on argan oil, it’s the main ingredient in most of her products. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it. I found wallet friendly organic argan oil at Swanson’s Vitamins, a 2 ounce bottle is only $19.99. Know a beauty junky? Send this her way and if you’ve tried it, let me know what you think.  

As I celebrated Mother’s Day, I found myself reflecting on lessons 
I hope to pass on to my children 

After we become moms, we can’t help but see our own mothers in a slightly different light. We have a deeper understanding of the love they feel for us and we appreciate the sacrifices they made. Unfortunately my mother is no longer with us. She passed away just over three years ago. I miss her and often wish I could talk with her and seek her advice on life, parenting, and how she kept her skin so smooth. There are moments when I think to myself how grateful I am for both the big and small lessons I learned from her while I was growing up.
Read entire article at Parent Society. 

The sweet handmade Mother's Day cards from my boys are my favorite but 
this one from my sister is the funniest and oh so true!

I wish all of you hardworking, nurturing, loving wonderful mamas a very Happy Mother's Day! 
I hope your special day is filled with joy, laughter and love. May you be pampered and
adored as you celebrate the toughest yet most fulfilling and
rewarding job in the world! 

My sweet boys... being their mommy is a gift and a privilege  ♥ 

"Children are the anchors of a mother's life" -Sophocles

I'm very excited about my latest writing gig for Parent Society, an awesome parenting site that has helpful info for all types of parents on every topic you can imagine. Please head over and read my first article for them, 3 Healthy Alternatives to Kids’ Favorite Foods. I've discovered some healthier versions to some of the junky food kids love. Versions that I don't feel so guilty about serving to my boys, I bet your kids will like them too so please stop by Parent Society, leave a comment and let me know what you think. Read the article here.

Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month have passed but supporting survivors, educating and bringing awareness is something that that needs to be done everyday 

I was chatting with my friend, Jamie, recently and she told me about a lotion she uses by Victoria’s Secret that she loves, it smells so good she gets compliments when she wears it. She is very health conscience and eco savvy so I asked if she was concerned about the parabens and chemicals in it. She had a great point. She said she’s so careful about most things she uses that she’s just not going to worry about it. 
That’s my philosophy, my own little 80/20 rule: 80% of the time I live as clean and healthy as possible and about 20% of the time I let things slide a bit. (Not to be confused with the 80/20 Principal suggested by business-management consultant Joseph M. Juran based on Italian Economist Vilfredo Pareto’s theory that in business it’s usually 20 percent that produces 80 percent of the total result.) 

I’ve often heard nutritionists talk about the 80/20 rule when it comes to diet: eat healthy 80% of the time and relax a little the rest of the time. I can live with that. It's doable and makes sense. I eat well but I gotta have some ice cream or frozen yogurt to give my sweet tooth a little satisfaction. Do I make sure my kids eat healthy balanced meals the majority of the time? Absolutely, but do I take them to McDonalds once in a while? Sure. How about you? Are you 80/20, 50/50, 100%? 

Most of my personal care products are clean and earth friendly but my favorite mascara isn’t. So, until I find a suitable eco replacement, it falls under that 20%. Hard core tree huggers might not be happy about this but you can only do what you can do. 10 – 20% of the time I’m more carefree, loosen up the ‘rules’ and live a little. As my mom used to say, “everything in moderation.”