Boo.

Everyone was running scared of the Salmon clan this weekend. Luckily E was able to recover in time to enjoy some of the festivities that we had planned. I, on the other hand, was benched. I was so bummed to miss out on Halloween with my girls. I have not eaten in two days, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Here are some pictures from the Halloween parade on Friday. I know that I have sung her praises before, but did I mention that my mother-in-law is also a talented seamstress? She made the girls' costumes. While 99% of the population has no idea of who they are, these are some big characters in our house. E is Merliah Summers from Barbie and the Mermaid Tale and Anna is Toodee from Yo Gabba Gabba, of course.

A Fecal Matter.

WARNING.. Not advised to read unless you have a strong stomach, or are a Mom. The literature below is extremely.... well....gross.

Poor E- she had lice for 4th of July, strep for Labor Day, and we are really hoping that she is able to kick this stomach flu for Halloween. As most of you know, she started vomiting on Tuesday night. Well, yesterday we sent her to school for the first time because she seemed to be feeling much better. The girls' school also had their annual Halloween parade, which is a big deal to these kiddos. So, off she went.

Mike and I showed up at 4:00 for the parade, and all seemed to be fine. She had a great day at school, and was so excited for the weekend to come. After the parade, we headed over to Chick-fil-A with friends. All of a sudden, I hear that E is in the bathroom crying... I knew it couldn't be good. However, it couldn't be much worse. Poor E had thought she just had to "toot", but unfortunately, it was a lot more than a toot. The technical term for this is sharting. Whether or not they like to admit it, it happens to everyone at least once in their life. Back to E- let's just say I had to throw away her panties, go to the car to get her new pants (Thank God I had some) and complete a rigorous clean up in that bathroom stall.

I thought the worst was behind us, oh what a fool I was. We got her home, put her in the tub, and all seemed to be okay. We headed down to the basement as a family to watch Scared Shrekless, which was awesome by the way. Throughout the movie there was a little toot here or there, and with each gastric explosion I would jump up and ask her if she was ok. All was good, or so I thought. Then it happened. The shart of all sharts. It all happened so fast, I am still perplexed by the whole thing. First, the shart, then E started screaming and flinging her arms in the air. I saw her trying to get her panties off. As I screamed "No, no, no!", her soiled panties were flying through the air. Not my best motherly moment, but I lost it. I had been covered in vomit and feces for three days now, and finally broke. She got the couch, the dog, the rug, the pillows, there was even poop on her forehead. Mike heard the screaming and came running downstairs. We have a shower in our basement, so in it she went. And then the clean up began. I started the laundry and put E in clean clothes as Mike had to wash poor Bailey outside with a hose. After that, he left for a poker game that he had been looking forward to all week.

Now it was time for bed. I thought, this poor baby can't have any more poop left in her body... I mean she hasn't eaten in almost three days! I still had some Little Swimmers left in the linen closet, and surprisingly, she wanted to wear one. I read her two books and off she went. I crept into my bed, finished some e-mails and caught up on a few shows. I think I fell asleep around 12:30 or so. At 1:30 I heard the doors to my bedroom open and E was crying saying "it happened again!" I guided her to the bathroom, and put her in the tub. Her sheets were soiled beyond belief and she was crying hysterically. (Can we talk about how Little Swimmers don't work AT ALL!) I could not have her wake up Lou, so I texted Mike and told him that I needed him to come home. He was here within 10 minutes. This time I stripped the bed, Mike got E dressed, and took her to bed.

This morning she has eaten toast, and drank some water (the menu of a prisoner) and so far so good. We are keeping our fingers crossed, as we have so many fun events and parties planned this weekend.

Happy Halloween.

Pictures from Martha Stewart, Good Housekeeping, Southern Living, Google Images

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween weekend.

Take Another Looksie: LOFT.

The Ann Taylor Loft brand was established in 1996 as a more casual, more affordable version of the Ann Taylor brand. Up until last spring, I was unimpressed. Ann Taylor LOFT, now renamed LOFT has been bringing their "A" game as of late. Check out the fantastic fall items that made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Cascading Flower Cardigan- $59.50

2. Rosette Halter Cami- $54.50 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

3. Striped Merino Wool Blazer- $98 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

4. Gold Brocade Skirt- $69.50

5. Zebra Stripes Tank- $14.99 ON SALE

6. Pieced Jeans Belt- $39.50

7. Military Sweater Coat- $128 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

8. Open Cabled Cardigan- $69.50 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

9. Ruffle Bob Button Front Top- $44.50

10. Painted Stripe Boat Neck Tee- $39.50

11. Lean Boyfriend Jeans- $24.99 ON SALE

12. Percy Shearling Trim Leather Riding Boot- $198

It's Been a Long Day.

My day started at 3:30 this morning when E climbed into bed with me. I knew she wasn't feeling well, so I opened up the covers and wrapped my arms around her. When Mike is traveling, she likes to sleep on my side. She told me she was thirsty. I told her that there was a bottle of water on my nightstand that she could have a sip of. I heard one gulp and then "RRRHHALLLKKKK!" Projectile vomit all over my room. Not only was she covered- she got the sheets, the duvet, the bed skirt, the throw pillows that were on the floor next to the bed and worst of all.. there were chunks all over the white carpet.

I quickly sprang into action. Rinsed her down, stripped the bedding, the pillowcases and threw it all into the washer. I grabbed my can of spot shot (we keep a can on every level of our house) and kept applying, and applying, and applying... No dice. This stain was not going away (and neither was the smell.) Before leaving to drop Anna off at school, I hopped online to stanleysteemer.com.

Say what you want about jingles, but I had seen their commercials so many times, they were the first name that came to mind. I was able to schedule same day cleaning and I received a $25 discount for booking online. Within two hours I received a call that the crew was on their way. John and Rolando showed up at my door. I showed them the infamous spot, and a few others and they told me that they thought that they could get them out. I, on the other hand, was convinced we were going to have to trash this carpeting... but since we have a five year old, a two year old and a dog, I would really like to get a few more years out of it.

John and Rolando cleaned my entire upstairs and all of my area rugs within two hours. The stains? Completely gone. They also recommended a deodorizer to help with the smell... and now my bedroom is smelling like daisies.

Long story short- if you need your carpets cleaned, these are your guys... Ask for John and Rolando.

Nurturing Creativity.

When we finished our basement, I was sure to put dibs on a space to build a craft room. I think it is so crucial to foster creativity in our children. As art and music programs are being cut at record levels within our schools, it is up to parents to pick up where the school systems are failing our youth.

Since I entered the blogosphere I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Through the the virtual universe I have been introduced to new things and ideas that I never would have had the pleasure of experiencing without the miracle of modern technology.

This brings me to Margaret Norcott, Principal designer for Milieu Design Group. Margaret sent along pictures of this gorgeous Kid's Craft Suite that she designed for the Atlanta Symphony Show House and Gardens back in April.

This craft suite makes my little craft room look like a dump. Margaret has done an amazing job of mixing colors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Can you believe this puppet show booth? What little one wouldn't LOVE that?

I'm a big fan of a good window seat.

Here are Margaret's resources:

1. Duralee Summer Fabric- Pricing to the trade.

2. Trina Turk Zebra Fabric- Pricing to the trade.

3. Kravet So Chic Sherbet Fabric-Pricing to the trade.

4. Bertoia Chair-$481

5. Benjamin Moore Crown Hill Yellow -Price Varies.

6. Tube Top Table Lamp-$110

7. Jake Desk Chair-$179

8. Duralee Polka Dots Fabric- $25.98/yd

9. Knoll Womb Chair-$2,487

10. FLOR Carpet Tiles- $11.99

11. Knoll Lin Stones-$229

12. Knoll Risom Kid's Chair-$197

Thanks Margaret for sharing this special room!

Check out Margaret's blog here.

Smoke and Mirrors.

I think it's safe to say that everyone loves a good smokey eye. However, many women steer clear of this make-up maneuver for fear of 1. looking like a streetwalker and 2. looking like you slept in yesterday's make-up. Obviously, neither of these options are appealing.

Fear no more ladies... Follow these 6 steps to smokey eye bliss. You can even do it yourself! To ensure you have a clean application be sure to do your eyes first, clean up any residue on your face, then apply concealer and foundation. Also, to avoid looking like a street walker, make sure to keep your lips nude, with only a touch of gloss. And lastly, easy on the blush ladies....

1. Prep your lids. Also known as a primer, these products keep your make-up from melting off. I love Trish McEvoy and MAC.

2. Apply Eyeliner. Although I generally use liquid liner, a powder applied with an eyeliner brush is best for smokey eyes. You could spend a lot of money on different colors, but my girl Bobbi has put it all together for you here. Start at the inner corner and work your way out. Make the line a bit thicker in the middle of the lid, then bring it back down as you move outward.

3. Line your lower lids. Use the same powder on the lower lid, apply generously, then smudge with your finger. Tip: Powder will sprinkle your face. I tend to lick tip tip of a Q-Tip to clean up under eye area.

4. Apply base color. Pick a cream, shimmery color to apply over top lid. Start at the inner corner and bring it up to your brow bone.

5. Blend, Blend, Blend. Start at the lash line and blend upwards. Essentially, the eyeliner "line" should disappear.

6. Apply a TON of mascara. I always go with jet black. This is my absolute favorite mascara.

Talk about smoke and mirrors- if you are still afraid... there's always this. No matter your technique- smoke it up, then grab your clutch, put on your embellished heels and hit the town!

A Daddy Lost.

A few months ago I wrote about Summer Brown, and her "Daddy" Butch who was battling an aggressive form of lung cancer. So many of you reached out to this family. I am saddened to report that Butch passed away yesterday morning. As you can imagine, Summer is completely heartbroken. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. Card, donations, etc. can be sent to:

Mr. and Mrs. Nolton A. Bailey, Sr.

c/o Butch or Summer

2010 Maple Street

Morgan City, LA 70380

Desperately Seeking Suzani.

Suzani

(also siuzane), an embroidered decorative panel of white, more rarely, colored, cotton fabric or silk, widely used for interior decoration by the peoples of Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Characteristic designs for a suzani are rosettes, floral motifs, birds, and ancient magical symbols.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979).

I can't stop thinking about that gorgeous Donghia Suzani print that Rita St. Clair used in the Family Room at the WDC. In my opinion, this is a trend is not going away anytime soon. I think it's a great fabric to put in my guest bedroom (when I can acquire the funds to redo it.)

I love, love, love the bold colors and abstract designs in these prints. Are any of you with me? If you choose to Go Suzani this fall, here are the pillows that made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Suzani Jacquard Pillow- $295 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

2. Uzbek Cushion Cover- $69.50

3. Abstract Suzani- $72.80 ON SALE

4. Natori Suzani Bolster Pillow- $149.99 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

5. Mandarin Spice Suzani Pillow- $75 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

6. Ohara Suzani Pillow- $413 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

7. Mayan Embroidered Cushions- $52

8. Suzani Pillow Cover- $50 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

9. Gold Suzani Pillow- $195 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

10. Vintage Suzani Pillow- $350

11. Suzani Sun- $250

12. Folkloric Suzani Pillow- $132

Reader's Choice.

Ok ladies (ahem.. and maybe a few gents) I need your help. I need a cocktail dress for a few events that I have coming up. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good bargain, so know that I am not paying full price for either of these. (I have friends in low places.) Which do you think I should get? (Keep in mind that I am Italian, and I have the ass to prove it.) ;)

1.) Nanette Lepore Macrocain Dress- LOVE the lines on this dress. So sleek and sophisticated. Only worried about the straight skirt and how it accents my ASSets.

2.) BCBG MAXAZARIA Strapless Sequined Dress- So fun and frilly. This is typically the silhouette that I buy as it is most flattering for my body type.

She's Gone Country.

Mike and I dream of one day having a lake house. A cozy cabin where our family can retreat on weekends. Ahhh, to dream......

I am a bit of a freak in the fact that every time I walk into a house, I think of how I would decorate it. Well, this is how I would decorate my lake house. Rustic is all the rage right now. Perhaps we should all find a way to incorporate some of these products into our homes this fall. I bought this round mirror last year and have it hanging in our basement over the mantle. Love it. Here are the rustic items that made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Brown, White and Gold Raw Hide- $375 ON SALE

2. 5 x 7" Twig Frame- $139 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

3. Birch Bark Round Mirror- $305.80 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

4. Cast Iron Post Horse- $109

5. Pinch Twig Cube- $1,185 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

6. Naturally Superior Twig Chandelier- $1,337 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

7. Cast Resin Deer Antler- $129

8. 19th C. Belgian Sea Trunk- $1695

9. Cable Knit Throw Pillow- $59.50

10. Cast Iron Horse Shoe- $5

11. Sophia Arm Chair- $697 ON SALE

12. Jute Baskets- $39-$79

Take Another Looksie: Old Navy.

I started shopping at Old Navy when I was pregnant with E. They always had some great maternity clothes for a fraction of the price of other stores. After my babies were born, I continued shopping there for inexpensive children's items with a bit of flair. Occasionally, I would find some nice pieces for myself, that were so cheap that I wouldn't care if they got ruined, spit up on, etc.

Well, this fall Old Navy has taken a page out of the ole' J. Crew book... on the cheap! I just bought a bucket load of items to dress my family for fall. I also picked up a few key fall items for myself. Want the best part? Today Old Navy is offering 25% off of your entire purchase with promo code ONSTYLE25. And, as always you get free shipping if you use your Old Navy, Banana Republic or Gap card. While I couldn't swing ALL of these, here are the items that made it onto Kiki's list:

1. Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Jacket- $59.50 ON SALE ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

2. Embellished Tank- $16.50 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

3. Tipped Cardigan- $16 ON SALE

4. Ruffled Keyhole Top- $24.50

5. Tweed Mini Skirt- $22.99 ON SALE

6. Ruffled Leather Jacket- $199 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

7. Ponte-Knit Riding Pants- $24.99

8. Wool Blend Trench Coat- $99.50

9. Ruffle Wool Blend Coat- $79.50 ON SALE

10. Fashion Bracelets- $7.99 ON SALE

11. Studed Faux-Leather Flats- $16.00 ON SALE

12. Sliver-Wedge Boots- $44.50 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

Jackpot.

I always seem to have the best luck in the DSW clearance aisle. I end up buying shoes that I wouldn't necessarily pay full price for, but I get so many compliments on what I purchase. Last week was no exception. I went to my local DSW and check out what I bought for $185! With the most common shoe size among women (8 1/2), patience and persistence are a necessity, but nothing beats good luck.

Remember my Riding Boots post? Well I thought it was time to update mine, so I went for the Remmington Riding boot, which was my big ticket item at $99.95.

Here is the breakdown-

1. Remmington Riding boot- $99.95

2. Guess Carrielee4 Gold Heels- $29.97 (50% off)

3. Jessica Simpson Heidi Heels - $18.88 (70% off plus an additional 10% for a broken zipper that I need to get fixed.)

4. Madden Girl Kandel Pumps- $26.97 (50% off)

Tax- $8.79

Grand Total= $184.56

Now that's what I call a fulfilling shopping experience.

Mad For Plaid.

William Sonoma Home

Canadian House and Home

v&m.com

If you were smarter than I was and saved all of your plaid shirts, scarves and blankets- dig them out stat. Tartan is back in a big way. I love a good tartan plaid. It reminds me of being a little girl. Plaid taffeta skirts, wool kilts. a cozy cashmere blanket. I'll take any of them. While plaid decor will certainly not work in most of my home, I can certainly find a way to add a sprinkle of plaid, especially during the holidays. It seems that world has gone mad for plaid... and I like it! This is a trend that the entire family can get behind. Here are the plaid items that made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Royal Stewart Cashmere Scarf- $67.15 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

2. Stewart Plaid Pajamas- $29.99

3. Mack & Co. Ruffle Front Coat- $19.90 ON SALE ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

4. Scottish Kilt- $32

5. Tartan Bowtie- $26 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

6. Plaid Taffeta Jumper- $32

7. Vera Bradlet Tartan Passport Holder- $28

8. Women's Plaid Rainboots- $59.95

9. Tartan Dessert Plates- $48 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE

10. Plaid Shirt- $19.90

11. Plaid Penelope Coat- $54.99 ON SALE

12. Plaid Crinkle Scarf- $12.99

Gotta Love Mother Earth.

Images M.A. Belle, Designzz.com, Google Images, Google Earth

Most of you know by now that I am a bit of a Nazi about recycling. I have two children who I hope will be on this earth for a long time, and I'd like to do everything in my powers to keep it beautiful, sustainable and enjoyable for them.

Most of us recycle, but how many of us are well versed on the do's and don'ts of recycling? If we are not doing it correctly, then why even bother? Here are some facts about what you can and can't recycle:

What is Recyclable?

Paper Products.

(Must be dry) including junk mail, magazines, catalogs, office paper, shredded paper (should bag shredded paper), newspaper, cardboard and paper board.

Metal Cans, Glass Containers and Plastic Bottles.

This includes metal food and beverage cans, glass jars and bottles.

Types of plastics that may now be recycled include, clean plastic grocery bags, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags and milk bottle tops. Containers, bottles and cans should be rinsed out, and the lids removed. As many of you know, the lids to your water bottles are not recyclable and should be thrown away. Labels do not need to be removed.
Items that CANNOT be recycled:

• Foam (Try not to use.)
• Light Bulbs
• Window Glass
• Cardboard with a waxy coating (Frozen dinner boxes, paper milk cartons, etc.)
• Wire Hangers (Check with your local dry cleaners, they would be happy to accept these.)
• Styrofoam (Try not to use.)
• Packing Peanuts (Check with your local FedEx Kinkos of Post Office to see if they will reuse these.)

Thanks for listening to my little PSA. I am officially jumping off of my soap box now.