Real Housewives ~ My Guilty Pleasure

I am TOTALLY obsessed with The Real Housewives on Bravo!  You know what I'm talking about....the backstabbing, trash talking, self absorbed women who live in New Jersey and Orange County.  

The OC Chicks

NJ's Finest...depending on who you ask!

Why am I completely taken with these shows?  I have NO idea....but I can't stop watching them!  I'm amazed that these ladies (and sometimes their men) are so obnoxious and are so out of touch with reality that it's funny!

Now, I know Bravo is paying them to put on these displays of immaturity, and it's more than likely not real at all, but they are just so darn entertaining.

Ok, take the fact that Teresa from RHONJ has done a complete 180 with her attitude.  She used to be so happy all the time and totally for her friends and family.  Now, she's a complete "mean girl."  Then again, I can't quite put my finger on her sister-in-law Melissa.  Is she the nice one or not? 

Then the OC girls...they are completely out of control.  It's like they are a gaggle of high school girls.  One minute they are friends, the next they are talking complete smack about each other.  I LOVE IT!

Don't judge me...you know you love it too!

What's your guilty pleasure?
 

Alexis

Better TV Shows Make All the Difference

Do you believe that TV can make all the difference in the world with your kids?   I am a complete believer.  

When my boys watched TV for the first time, I was very careful about what they could and could not watch.  Yes to anything educational.  You know, Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Super Why.  I feel those shows really helped my kids to not only understand sounds and their connection to letters, but also gave them lessons in manners and social skills.

I am not totally opposed to TV for my kids.  If I were, I would be a complete hypocrite.  I love watching TV to unwind and laugh and get away from the craziness of my life. 

My kids are in that age range that no TV show is a perfect fit.  The shows they used to watch, they have outgrown.  Then there is TV for bigger kids, but it is harder to find shows that will both appeal to them and me.  The cartoons are too aggressive or are geared toward teenagers.  Then the "live people" shows are also marketed for middle to high school aged kids and the story lines are too mature for my boys.   There is no happy medium for an 8 & 6 year old.

Have you ever noticed how TV can affect your child's behavior?  It's so strange that depending on the TV show that my kids watch, their demeanor changes completely.  For example, when they watch Kickin' It, they want to fight since the show is all about karate.  Not to mention, Little Ricky has such a great memory that he recites lines from shows all the time.  (It's really more annoying than it seems!)

Check out this infographic from Education News below.  Do you feel that better TV means better kids?  I would really love to know what you think about it. 
 

Do you allow your kids to watch TV?  What shows are your kids watching?  How do you help them make better choices?



*Infographic and information were shared by EducationNews.org.


Alexis

Why Is My Husband Out of Control?

I'm not sure what's going on, but my husband has been out of control lately.  It's not what you think...no crazy things...

It all started when I stayed with my family around the holidays.  My husband was home alone for 3 days.  In those 3 days he did some damage...to our credit card.  

We had this really old t.v. in our room.  I mean a huge tube t.v. that would fade in between black & white and color.  We knew that we would need to get a new t.v. eventually, but apparently eventually was sooner than I thought.  I came home to a flat screen.  He said he got it on a super sale.  Ok.

Then after two days at home, I went back to see my family for 2 days.  So again, he was alone.  This time he bought my birthday present.  An exercise bike for my room.  Before you judge, I did ask for a spinning bike.  But, it was still another big purchase.

It's not over yet.

This time I wasn't away per se...just at work.  I came home to a huge flat screen in my family room.  WTF?  In his defense our family room t.v. did just unexpectedly die, but why doesn't he talk to me first?

Does anyone else have the same problem?  I feel like when I want to make a big purchase like...I don't know, anything...he has to hear the reasons why, how much, where, etc.  But when he wants to make a big purchase, he doesn't need to even tell me!  Double standards?  I think so!

I'm not saying I'm not using all of these big purchases, I just want to at least be in the loop!  


Alexis

Look Mom, We're On TV!!

There's no denying, my kids love watching TV.  They are constantly reciting lines from their shows and from movies.  That's why when we were asked to film a Back to School segment for our local Fox news channel, I said yes.

The boys were beyond excited (and I'll admit so was I).  

We arrived at the downtown Miami Staples store where we would be filming and got a chance to look for some of the new back to school items that were on sale.  Of course the boys were enticed by the personal tablets and gladly demonstrated how to play games on them.  

 
















Then it was show time.

"The Nag" got shy and said he didn't want to talk.  "Little Ricky" was eager to prove that he was big.   

After the speaking part, we had to walk around the store and "shop."  The boys were such naturals and loved doing multiple takes with some actions.  When they were done, they would yell "and scene...." or "CUT!"  They keep me on my toes! 

Check out our finished product:



WSVN-TV -




Next stop, our own reality show....Keeping Up With The Prietos!
 

Alexis

Up All Night...Can't Wait!

T.V. is one of my ways to stay sane, so I can't wait for this show to come on!! It's as if there was a camera in my house!

Up All Night, which will air Wednesdays on NBC this fall is about new parents trying to have it all (sound like you?).  The show is created by Emily Spivey (NBC's "Parks and Recreation" and "Saturday Night Live") and executive produced by Lorne Michaels (NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock")...AWESOME!  The cast includes Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph.  They are all great...how can it miss?

The comedic takes on the everyday moments of parenthood help to make you feel like you're not the "only one."  I think it will be a must see for all parents!

I honestly can't wait for this show to start....there will be a series preview on Wednesday, Sept. 14th @ 10/9c.

I just hope that all the funny takes aren't just in the promo! 

Alexis

Some Things to Keep Me Sane....

If you can believe it, I am exhausted pretty much all of the time....
Just when I'm feeling overwhelmed and insane with all that is going on in my life, I look to some things to keep me sane....


1)  My computer.  I can lose myself on this thing....


2)  Guilty Pleasures.  I am obsessed with teenage drama TV.  I'm particularly fond of "Gossip Girl," "Vampire Diaries," and "Pretty Little Liars."  Yes, I'm aware that I am 30+ years old.....


3)  Real Housewives.  I know what you're thinking..."real?!"  But come on, it's awesome! New Jersey is my favorite! The craziness is the best part!  (I apologize to any fans, but the Miami cast is anything buy Miami....not to mention most of them don't even live here!)


4)  Starbucks Chai Lattes.  MMMMMMMM!


5)  Ice cream.  Yeah, I said it.


6)  SHOPPING!  They don't call it "retail therapy" for nothing!  I've asked my accountant if I can place this therapy under medical bills.  He wasn't amused.


What keeps you sane in this insane life?


For more ways to stay sane, check out Staying Sane With Housework.




Alexis