memories – Aprons, Heels, and Yoga Pants

Rain, Giggles, and Exhaustion

Reason number 10,000 why having children keeps you young…..running in the rain. Today I was able to enjoy a spontaneous, special lunch with my two most moody children. This can change throughout the years – but currently they own the title. I don’t say this to insult my sweet babies, but to point out what…

Yes Mom and Donuts

We kicked off summer break with a sleepover last night and donuts this morning. I know….I rock. Being a single mom is really tough sometimes. (auto correct changed single to sinful and I thought that was quite amusing) It’s lonely. However, there are perks to being the only adult in charge, in a house full…

Awkward Partners

I need to be careful to not focus on only one age group of my children when writing. However…..sometimes there are stages in life with each child, which lead to constant comedic entertainment for their mother. That stage currently falls on my 15 and 16 year olds, Lily and Luke. Not a surprise since 13-…

Slow and Sexy

By: Melissa April 11, 2017October 19, 2017

nostalgia1970s, antiques, childhood, collecting, collections, memories, memory, nostalgia, rotary phone, vintageLeave a Comment

Sometimes all it takes is a little retail therapy…… Most of us have that one “thing” that makes our heart pitter patter when we walk into a store and see it. We want it, need it, must have it. Sometimes we spend hours window shopping on ebay, just to lay our eyes on our beloved obsession.…

Chlorine, Baby Oil, and Orange Crush

By: Melissa May 3, 2016October 19, 2017

nostalgiaantiques, baby oil, childhood, childhood memories, crushes, feelings, gym baskets, memories, nostalgia, orange crush, pools, suntanning, swimmimg, swimming pool, vintage6 Comments

I’m passionate about antiques. I’m quite sure I was supposed to be born in the early 40s. Nothing stirs me like walking through an antique store, especially one filled with vintage treasures that now remind me of my childhood. Guess that makes me “vintage.” It’s cool, right? I’m in love with these old metal gym…

Soundtracks

By: Melissa April 22, 2016October 19, 2017

Heelschanges, childhood, grief, loss, memories, midlife, mourning, music, Prince, soundtracks, teenagers, teens, youth4 Comments

It’s not silly to mourn the loss of an artist whom I never knew. The artist known as “Prince” died yesterday. Today I am listening to his music non stop, all day long. I am mourning this man I never personally knew….and I think it makes sense. I’m not literally grieving the person….I’m grieving a…

Mom’s Faithful Table

By: Melissa April 20, 2016October 19, 2017

Heelschanges, childhood, choices, friendship, memories, midlife, mom, mother, motherhood, red wine, secrets, tea13 Comments

It’s about six feet long, four feet wide, made of a sturdy, old formica….and it knows all of my secrets. If mom’s kitchen table could talk, I’d be in big trouble. It’s edges are lovingly worn from our elbows leaning, and our hands running across the smoothness as we share our hearts. My mother and…

I Was Toast

By: Melissa March 29, 2016October 19, 2017

HeelsBon Jovi, changes, childhood, concerts, entertainment, first time, friendship, memories, midlife, Motley Crue, music, rock concerts, Rock musicLeave a Comment

I recently wrote about my love for concerts, so now you have to hear about my “first time.” Two flat chested, big haired, 15 year olds dropped off by our mothers at The Metro Center in Rockford, IL to see Bon Jovi. (you know you loved Slippery When Wet!) Our moms were good sports. They…

Vinyl, Concerts, and Screaming

By: Melissa March 28, 2016October 19, 2017

HeelsBarry Manilow, Bon Jovi, concerts, dancing, entertainment, fun, laughter, memories, midlife, motherhood, nostalgia, records, rock concerts, Rock music, vinyl2 Comments

After countless concerts throughout my life, I have come to the conclusion that dancing and screaming to live music is absolutely my favorite past time. Over the weekend I went to see Barry Manilow. I know what you’re thinking….not exactly a crowd to rock out to. I assumed it would be a nice sit and…

Cherish The Mess

By: Melissa February 17, 2016October 19, 2017

Apronsbedrooms, childhood, children, chores, cleaning, exhaustion, memories, messes, messy children, messy house, motherhood, parenting, raising children, stay at home moms2 Comments

I have been in a couple scary car accidents, I’ve been through horrifying haunted houses, (like twice when I was very young – I’m not a big fan), I’ve had health scares, painful childbirth, I’ve watched my marriage crumble a couple times……but nothing, nothing frightens me like “spring” cleaning the children’s rooms. I know it’s…