Happy Birthday Patrick!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Really Small Piece of Yellow Plastic
Remember how I was talking last post about getting rid of stuff in anticipation of our moving later this month? How I enjoy the reducing of 'stuff'? Well this morning, The Man was pretty bent out of shape.
Turns out I threw out a piece of yellow plastic that was part of his table saw. Woopsie. As fate would have it, The Man realized it was missing after the garbage man had come and gone. Now I have to check with The Man before I clean out a drawer/cabinet or box. *Sigh*
Wait, I just had an Oprah-worthy A-ha moment. I'm going to empower The Man to clean out and pack his own assorted stuff. This way I won't run the risk of throwing out other stuff that looks like junk to me that he likes, or is actually useful.
So after that debacle, which occured prior to my first cup of coffee...
I took my bowl of potato salad which I made with our new Garden Veggie Dip and headed over to Anna and the B-mans school for the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.
Here is my Garden Veggie Potato Salad Recipe. I prepped the individual components last night and then mixed it all together this morning.
3 lbs washed and quartered yellow potatoes (skin on) boiled until they are fork tender
4 slices of Turkey Bacon cooked and crumbled. I made the turkey in the oven, that way the turkey bacon doesn't burn.
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 bunch of green onions white and about 3 inches of green chopped
2 tablespoons of Garden Veggie Dip Mix mixed with 1 cup light mayo.
Super Easy, Super Good and 1000 times better than store-bought tater salad.
Turns out I threw out a piece of yellow plastic that was part of his table saw. Woopsie. As fate would have it, The Man realized it was missing after the garbage man had come and gone. Now I have to check with The Man before I clean out a drawer/cabinet or box. *Sigh*
Wait, I just had an Oprah-worthy A-ha moment. I'm going to empower The Man to clean out and pack his own assorted stuff. This way I won't run the risk of throwing out other stuff that looks like junk to me that he likes, or is actually useful.
So after that debacle, which occured prior to my first cup of coffee...
I took my bowl of potato salad which I made with our new Garden Veggie Dip and headed over to Anna and the B-mans school for the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.
Here is my Garden Veggie Potato Salad Recipe. I prepped the individual components last night and then mixed it all together this morning.
3 lbs washed and quartered yellow potatoes (skin on) boiled until they are fork tender
4 slices of Turkey Bacon cooked and crumbled. I made the turkey in the oven, that way the turkey bacon doesn't burn.
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 bunch of green onions white and about 3 inches of green chopped
2 tablespoons of Garden Veggie Dip Mix mixed with 1 cup light mayo.
Super Easy, Super Good and 1000 times better than store-bought tater salad.
Monday, May 7, 2012
If I had a TV show
If I had a TV Show, I think this would make for a great theme song.
Of course I do not star in, write, or produce any half hour comedies. Though I'm open to it! I think if I could work with a team of writers I could manage something decent. Or at least I like to think so. How terrible was that last sentence, first I started with Or and then I ended with so. *shudders*
Here we are another Monday, and you know what that means? Tomorrow is trash day! I love getting rid of stuff. For me, the best part of the moving process is getting rid of useless stuff we shouldn't have been holding on to in the first place.
As I have mentioned, The Man is with us for the next few weeks to help facilitate the moving and so he can prevent me from pitching most of his stuff, especially what is in the garage. Most everything that is in there looks broken or pointless to move.
Tonight I am going to mention that we are having a garage sale this Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping he will see the light that he will need to help. The man doesn't like garage sales. I'm thinking most men don't.
Hey that could be a swagbucks poll of the day! Swagbucks is a search engine I use because I earn 'swagbucks' that can be redeemed for gift cards. I'm always surfing the web, might as well earn some gift cards for my time, right? I also earn points for referrals, so wink wink, nudge nudge, here is my referral link.
The daily polls that they have are submitted by users and are on any subject you can think of to ask an opinion. Today the poll concerns what is your second favorite way to eat potatoes. So you see asking about garage sales would be totally fitting with the tone of Swagbucks Daily Polls.
Of course I do not star in, write, or produce any half hour comedies. Though I'm open to it! I think if I could work with a team of writers I could manage something decent. Or at least I like to think so. How terrible was that last sentence, first I started with Or and then I ended with so. *shudders*
Here we are another Monday, and you know what that means? Tomorrow is trash day! I love getting rid of stuff. For me, the best part of the moving process is getting rid of useless stuff we shouldn't have been holding on to in the first place.
As I have mentioned, The Man is with us for the next few weeks to help facilitate the moving and so he can prevent me from pitching most of his stuff, especially what is in the garage. Most everything that is in there looks broken or pointless to move.
Tonight I am going to mention that we are having a garage sale this Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping he will see the light that he will need to help. The man doesn't like garage sales. I'm thinking most men don't.
Hey that could be a swagbucks poll of the day! Swagbucks is a search engine I use because I earn 'swagbucks' that can be redeemed for gift cards. I'm always surfing the web, might as well earn some gift cards for my time, right? I also earn points for referrals, so wink wink, nudge nudge, here is my referral link.
The daily polls that they have are submitted by users and are on any subject you can think of to ask an opinion. Today the poll concerns what is your second favorite way to eat potatoes. So you see asking about garage sales would be totally fitting with the tone of Swagbucks Daily Polls.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Mighty Fine, Movie Review
As I mentioned quickly yesterday, I was able to see an online premier of the movie Mighty Fine last night. Here is a short description of the story from the writer and director Debbie Goodstein:
The story of "Mighty Fine" is fictional, but it draws to a great extent on writer/director Debbie Goodstein's vivid memories of her childhood. "My father had anger issues, ups and downs, and living in his world could be a bit of a rollercoaster ride," says Goodstein. "He loved his family but had self-destructive impulses and a rage that made life with him unpredictable and sometimes very scary." Many of Goodstein's friends also had fathers similar to her own, and she contrived the character of Joe Fine as a composite. Goodstein sees Joe as a creature of his time, someone who couldn't exist today: "Joe Fine is the king of his castle, like so many men of the seventies. But even then, things were changing rapidly, and men like Joe, with all their bravado and patriarchal dominance, were poised for extinction. Today, with so many women in the workplace, that castle has become more of a stronghold of equanimity."
A good story, and a good movie more specifically, sticks with you long after the credits. Mighty Fine is such a story. The mother and two daughters are held hostage to the mood swings of the father played by Chazz Palminteri. One moment he is a doting father and husband lavishly spoiling his children and the next moment he is brandishing a shotgun. His unpredictability adds all the suspense this movie needs.
What sticks with me most, is that in this movie Debbie Goodstein is able to show us that the father, Joseph Fine, is not one dimensional. We know that financial difficulties and his own childhood are major factors in his deteriorating mental state. This insider knowledge makes it difficult to vilify Joseph and adds shades of grey to the film.
All of the actors gave wonderful performances. Andie MacDowell, as the mother and a holocaust survivor, plays a women who was rescued by her husband and therefore is deeply indebted to him. At the same time she has two teen daughters who need her strength. It is wonderful to see while Stella is bent by her wartime past, she is not broken.
The two teen daughters are played by Rainey Qualley, who played the older and most outspoken family member Maddie; and Natalie the writer played by Jodelle Ferland.
As a parent, this movie was a stark reminder of how harmful unpredictability and uncontrolled anger can be toward children of any age. While I am not much like Joe, I will certainly think of him often when I am tempted to lose my temper. Mighty Fine shows that most of the time, when parents are angry and take it out on their children, it's not because of anything the child may have done, but is due to outside factors.
The movie is opening up in select theaters on May 25th. You can see if it is playing by you here.
Disclosure: www.momcentral.com/mcc “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating”.
The story of "Mighty Fine" is fictional, but it draws to a great extent on writer/director Debbie Goodstein's vivid memories of her childhood. "My father had anger issues, ups and downs, and living in his world could be a bit of a rollercoaster ride," says Goodstein. "He loved his family but had self-destructive impulses and a rage that made life with him unpredictable and sometimes very scary." Many of Goodstein's friends also had fathers similar to her own, and she contrived the character of Joe Fine as a composite. Goodstein sees Joe as a creature of his time, someone who couldn't exist today: "Joe Fine is the king of his castle, like so many men of the seventies. But even then, things were changing rapidly, and men like Joe, with all their bravado and patriarchal dominance, were poised for extinction. Today, with so many women in the workplace, that castle has become more of a stronghold of equanimity."
A good story, and a good movie more specifically, sticks with you long after the credits. Mighty Fine is such a story. The mother and two daughters are held hostage to the mood swings of the father played by Chazz Palminteri. One moment he is a doting father and husband lavishly spoiling his children and the next moment he is brandishing a shotgun. His unpredictability adds all the suspense this movie needs.
What sticks with me most, is that in this movie Debbie Goodstein is able to show us that the father, Joseph Fine, is not one dimensional. We know that financial difficulties and his own childhood are major factors in his deteriorating mental state. This insider knowledge makes it difficult to vilify Joseph and adds shades of grey to the film.
All of the actors gave wonderful performances. Andie MacDowell, as the mother and a holocaust survivor, plays a women who was rescued by her husband and therefore is deeply indebted to him. At the same time she has two teen daughters who need her strength. It is wonderful to see while Stella is bent by her wartime past, she is not broken.
The two teen daughters are played by Rainey Qualley, who played the older and most outspoken family member Maddie; and Natalie the writer played by Jodelle Ferland.
As a parent, this movie was a stark reminder of how harmful unpredictability and uncontrolled anger can be toward children of any age. While I am not much like Joe, I will certainly think of him often when I am tempted to lose my temper. Mighty Fine shows that most of the time, when parents are angry and take it out on their children, it's not because of anything the child may have done, but is due to outside factors.
The movie is opening up in select theaters on May 25th. You can see if it is playing by you here.
Disclosure: www.momcentral.com/mcc “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating”.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Driveby Blogging
Hi all!
How is your Thursday going? Im getting ready to watch an online premiere of a new movie. I got the opportunity through Mom Central. Im very excited, I've got on an after 6pm formal dress. I'll let you know my review tomorrow.
Plus The Man is home for 3 weeks to help us move! Yippee!
How is your Thursday going? Im getting ready to watch an online premiere of a new movie. I got the opportunity through Mom Central. Im very excited, I've got on an after 6pm formal dress. I'll let you know my review tomorrow.
Plus The Man is home for 3 weeks to help us move! Yippee!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Is it Yogurt or Yoghurt?
Today was a yogurt day. First I received this email response to my email to the makers of GoGurt, one of Patrick's favorite foods.
First here is my email:
Originated by Consumer: I purchased 2 boxes of Spongbob Squarepants Go gurt Strawberry Riptide/Bikini Bottom Berry. My son loves the Bikini Bottom Berry and won't eat the Strawberry. Much to my dismay both boxes I purchased contained 8 strawberry and no Bikini Bottom Berry. The complete info on the sell by portion of the package said: 31MAY 2012 RCJ 0036 26525 I would like product coupons to purchase 2 replacement boxes as these are a staple in my household. Thanks so much! And thank you for making gogurt now without artificial colors!
And this was the response:
First here is my email:
Originated by Consumer: I purchased 2 boxes of Spongbob Squarepants Go gurt Strawberry Riptide/Bikini Bottom Berry. My son loves the Bikini Bottom Berry and won't eat the Strawberry. Much to my dismay both boxes I purchased contained 8 strawberry and no Bikini Bottom Berry. The complete info on the sell by portion of the package said: 31MAY 2012 RCJ 0036 26525 I would like product coupons to purchase 2 replacement boxes as these are a staple in my household. Thanks so much! And thank you for making gogurt now without artificial colors!
And this was the response:
Hello Ms. Hamel:
Thank you for contacting Yoplait with your inquiry.
The Go-Gurt product has had a reformulation. We have removed the artificial color from the product and replaced it with natural color. Due to this change, the Bikini Bottom Berry product is no longer blue. Please check the Go-Gurt tube to see what flavor is listed on the tube. If the tubes are all indeed strawberry, please reply to this email and let us know.
Oh the Irony!
And now I can't even check the tubes because Anna and her friend took all the Go-gurts, opened them and mixed them together in a bowl when they were playing "Cooker"
*Sigh*
Then I got an email with a link to get 30 cents off a cup of the new Lactose Free Yoplait Yogurt. So maybe I'll give that a try? Quite good timing for this coupon, Anna has been complaining about her stomach hurting frequently and we've begun to suspect she might be Lactose Intolerant to some degree, esp. since the Man is Lactose Intolerant.
Here is the scoop from My Blog Spark that sent me the link for coupons!
Lactose Free comes in four delicious flavors - Strawberry, Peach, French Vanilla and Cherry - and contains 50% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup. Lactose Free contains no artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes - like chocolate crème brulee and strawberry cheesecake.
Lactose intolerant or know someone who is? We wanted to let you know that you can visit http://bit.ly/IiJBKU to download a printable *coupon for $0.30
Lactose intolerant or know someone who is? We wanted to let you know that you can visit http://bit.ly/IiJBKU to download a printable *coupon for $0.30
Monday, April 30, 2012
May Day! May Day!
S'almost May! I love a good May, leaves on trees, warm breezes, not too many allergy days and my strawberries will soon turn red.
Yes I know, my strawberry patch clearly appears to need weeding. What I have found is that it thrives through benign neglect. There will be a bumper crop of fresh organic strawberries this May. I am sure of it. Patrick and Bryce are already petitioning to be allowed to set up a fruit stand out front.
Maybe we could talk Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, located just steps away from our house, into sourcing their strawberry margarita strawberries from our patch?
Maybe we could talk Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, located just steps away from our house, into sourcing their strawberry margarita strawberries from our patch?
Gratuitous Margarita Pic!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Recipe and Free Tea from Klout.com
Trying not to complain about the weather, am going to anyway. I'd like it to stop being cold and windy and go back to being 20 degrees above normal. Like it was in June, I mean March.
Being all cold I thought it would be a good day to try out a recipe I saw recently in the Chicago Tribune . As far as I can tell it isn't available online. It was in the "How to Pair Wine" section and was a vegetable stew. One of the suggestions to go with it was Savingnon Blanc.
Much to my dismay, now I can't find the recipe. So for what is worth here is what I remember being in it:
Can of Crushed Tomatoes
10oz frozen artichoke hearts
Can of small beans, I was going with Great Northern Beans
1 chopped shallot
5 cut up green onions, white and green parts
some tarragon
some chicken broth.
And a few things I don't remember.
No Vegetable Stew tonight for me. *sigh*
FREEBIE FOR TEA! I have a link via Klout.com that you can use to get free samples of the new Lipton Honey & Tea instant drink mix. It comes in those little packs you can use to flavor bottles of water. Click here to get your freebie!
Being all cold I thought it would be a good day to try out a recipe I saw recently in the Chicago Tribune . As far as I can tell it isn't available online. It was in the "How to Pair Wine" section and was a vegetable stew. One of the suggestions to go with it was Savingnon Blanc.
Much to my dismay, now I can't find the recipe. So for what is worth here is what I remember being in it:
Can of Crushed Tomatoes
10oz frozen artichoke hearts
Can of small beans, I was going with Great Northern Beans
1 chopped shallot
5 cut up green onions, white and green parts
some tarragon
some chicken broth.
And a few things I don't remember.
No Vegetable Stew tonight for me. *sigh*
FREEBIE FOR TEA! I have a link via Klout.com that you can use to get free samples of the new Lipton Honey & Tea instant drink mix. It comes in those little packs you can use to flavor bottles of water. Click here to get your freebie!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Socialpunk, and a Contest!
Having a bit of free time, and I use that term loosely as I really should have been cleaning, I was able to read a new ebook by Monica Leonelle*. I found myself lucky enough to have this book because Monica Leonelle, a fellow Chicagoan, contacted me and other bloggers who enjoy books and more specifically, Science Fiction-ish books. I was invited to participate in her 'Blog Book Tour' and as such I said I'd read her book and give an honest review. I did not have to pay for Socialpunk.
Barnes and Noble: http://monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkB
Socialpunk Description:
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.
MY REVIEW:
I was very prepared to dislike the book. There is so much Ebook drivel out there and I began the prologue with cynicism. However, the book was very enjoyable. It was a fast and quick ride. I am a big fan of books featuring a heroine with the "Can Do Spirit". These girls have doubts about themselves, but they don't let that stop them. They see the big picture and they move forward. Ima reminded me of a couple of my favorite protagonists of late, Sookie Stackhouse and Katniss Everdeen. The author did a nice job of catching me with the prologue and keeping me guessing as to what was real and what was virtual reality throughout the book.
My "Hey What a Cool Idea" moment occured when the characters slide down a pole (i.e a fireman's pole) to get from one floor of a high rise to another in this very 'green' world. I also enjoyed the social commentary of a society where it isn't money that matters, instead your worth is all about how much you can influence others.
Finally, I really liked the way the first book ended. The stage is set for the second installment and we had a character revelation that was unexpected--and a road less traveled.
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games and are looking for a good read for your ereader--this is a great choice.
READ ON ! There's a Giveaway!
Links to Purchase the Book:
Amazon: http://monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkABarnes and Noble: http://monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkB
Trying to figure out what is for dinner.
My plan: Make the Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto with our Roasted Garlic Infused Oil set aside. Get the water going for the pasta and saute a sliced red bell pepper, sliced mini portobella mushrooms, chopped up a shallot and asparagus. Then toss the veggies with the pasta and the Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto. Maybe I'll put some shredded parm on top. Mmmm. Yes that What's For Dinner!
And don't forget to take advantage of the last Tampax Tuesday!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Cure for a Case of the Mondays !
I just got an email from The Happy Money Saver's Blog that the Hunger Games Trilogy for Kindle is only $15. Crazy Low! So if you've been wanting to read this great series click the link above and get the set! As anyone who has spent time on Amazon knows, they change prices on a whim so double check the price before you click!
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming, I'm watching The Voice with Anna and can hear the boys arguing in the background. Good times. Good times.
Don't forget to enter my giveaway! I have lots of great Tastefully Simple to share with you!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway! I have lots of great Tastefully Simple to share with you!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Happy 10th Anniversary w/Tastefully SImple Giveaway!
You heard it right! Not only is today Earth Day, it is my 10th Anniversary with Tastefully Simple. It seems as if I joined the company last week, then I think about all the great hosts I've had, the awesome team members who've joined my team, and the great trips I've been on and it does seem like 10 great years!
A little photo montage of my Tastefully Simple Life!
GoodTimes! I'm looking forward to another 10 years! Woot! Soon I will have my first parties in North Carolina and Georgia, heck I'm going to throw Tennessee in there too.
Now about you! On to my 10th Anniversary Giveaway! Enter below and spread the word! This giveaway is all funded and created by me, so thanks for taking time to read my blog and enter. You are awesome.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday Night Surfing Dance Moms, Gnomes, and Mocktails
So it's a rocking Saturday night here. The man is out of town. My fav 7 year old girl is at a sleepover--and she didn't call for me to come get her! And the boys need to turn off the Netflix and go to bed.
What am I up to? Surfing the web and watching Dance Moms Miami. Yes I know, it's embarrassing. Why am I watching it? It's like potato chips. Wrong but you can't stop!
The one instructor with the tall hair is so 80s in his wardrobe, I might be watching it just to see his outfits. Comically, when I searched "Dance Moms Miami" on Swagbucks I won the most swagbucks (25) I've ever won for a search. I LOL'd. really.
I also checked in on Twitter and saw that a website Garden Gnome World retweeted a tweet I wrote about wanting a garden gnome and blaming it on a glass of Riesling. Clearly I had to go over to their website, and once there I found the funniest gnomes. Battle Gnomes. Maybe the children can pick me up a couple for Mother's Day?
And no I've not had more Riesling. I had a glass of Crystal Light Appletini(it's a mocktail) which is really good. I've never had an appletini-I was always preggo or nursing during the Martini Fad--so I don't know if their drink mix tastes anything like a real appletini. We all like the Crystal Light over here. The boys are big fans of drinks that are green.
Yes, of course it was on sale and I had a coupon, otherwise I wouldn't have given it a try! You can't find coupons on their website. They are part of the Kraft Brands, but it looks like they do release coupons if you friend them on facebook. Mine came from a tear off pad at the store.
What am I up to? Surfing the web and watching Dance Moms Miami. Yes I know, it's embarrassing. Why am I watching it? It's like potato chips. Wrong but you can't stop!
I also checked in on Twitter and saw that a website Garden Gnome World retweeted a tweet I wrote about wanting a garden gnome and blaming it on a glass of Riesling. Clearly I had to go over to their website, and once there I found the funniest gnomes. Battle Gnomes. Maybe the children can pick me up a couple for Mother's Day?
Yes, of course it was on sale and I had a coupon, otherwise I wouldn't have given it a try! You can't find coupons on their website. They are part of the Kraft Brands, but it looks like they do release coupons if you friend them on facebook. Mine came from a tear off pad at the store.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Im going to lose my Tree Hugging Accomadation from Al Gore.
We are on the cusp of Earth Day, and I have been a total EFG (Environmentally Friendly Girl ) Fail. Yesterday I had a one-on-one focus group downtown. Did I do the responsible thing and take public transportation?
No. I drove down and I loved it. I know it's wrong, but I was getting reimbursed for the parking garage fee and there isn't much traffic at 10 in the morning. Driving into Downtown Chicago is luxury and I enjoyed every minute of avoiding running over bikers, being tailgated by cabs, and all the red light tickets.
About focus groups and market research, I highly recommend finding market research companies online and entering into their database. If you use google, all your online info is being tracked by advertisers anyway, why not get paid from time to time for your opinions.
Yesterday was a really great survey opportunity, because I have my own business I qualified to interview with a company looking for consumer feedback on their small business accounting software. One hour of my time (plus commuting on a sunny spring day) and I was paid $150 plus $25 for parking. Woot!
There are focus groups and market research studies for many many things. If you breathe and you buy stuff, sooner or later you'll qualify for a study and get paid to share your opinion.
And back to my latest Earth Day Fail. Today I was about to get into the shower, so the water was on, and the phone rang. I answered the phone and then I checked my email. An indeterminate amount of time later I realized I was wasting one of our most precious resources--fresh water. *hangs head in chagrin*
I know, the environmental police are flagging this post right now for further investigation. I will try and do better, maybe get a grass dress? I do recycle, compost and reuse boxes that must count in my favor right?
No. I drove down and I loved it. I know it's wrong, but I was getting reimbursed for the parking garage fee and there isn't much traffic at 10 in the morning. Driving into Downtown Chicago is luxury and I enjoyed every minute of avoiding running over bikers, being tailgated by cabs, and all the red light tickets.
About focus groups and market research, I highly recommend finding market research companies online and entering into their database. If you use google, all your online info is being tracked by advertisers anyway, why not get paid from time to time for your opinions.
Yesterday was a really great survey opportunity, because I have my own business I qualified to interview with a company looking for consumer feedback on their small business accounting software. One hour of my time (plus commuting on a sunny spring day) and I was paid $150 plus $25 for parking. Woot!
There are focus groups and market research studies for many many things. If you breathe and you buy stuff, sooner or later you'll qualify for a study and get paid to share your opinion.
And back to my latest Earth Day Fail. Today I was about to get into the shower, so the water was on, and the phone rang. I answered the phone and then I checked my email. An indeterminate amount of time later I realized I was wasting one of our most precious resources--fresh water. *hangs head in chagrin*
I know, the environmental police are flagging this post right now for further investigation. I will try and do better, maybe get a grass dress? I do recycle, compost and reuse boxes that must count in my favor right?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Who the Heck Am I?
Yesterday I was inspired by a contest that the Cocktail Deeva is running to put together a Media and Sponsorship Page. You can click on the tab above to read it. Let me know what you think!
As a reader, would you like to see some giveaways? I am working on participating in a Mother's Day giveaway. For that I will be giving away the Chips and Cheese Please and a Sunny Strawberry Margarita Drink Bucket
As a reader, would you like to see some giveaways? I am working on participating in a Mother's Day giveaway. For that I will be giving away the Chips and Cheese Please and a Sunny Strawberry Margarita Drink Bucket
So keep your eyes peeled and subscribe to my blog and plus one me on google plus and pin me on pinterest and all that good stuff so you can see how my efforts to building this blog go in 2012!
This has nothing to do with the above but I just have to share because I know you, wise reader, will appreciate this. Upstairs waiting for me I have the first disc of Season 2 Downton Abbey ready to watch. Fresh from my public library it is!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
I bet you don't know what today is...
If you already know this...we'll you've got me. It's
Tampax Tuesday!
Yes that is right, Tuesday is dedicated to feminine protection. You may be asking, When did this start? Looks like it's going on all April long! I got the scoop from one of the blogs I subscribe to called Freebies for Mom . Now it is called freebies 4 Mom, but don't let that stop you--she has freebies of all sorts no mom card required to redeem.
Now back to Tampax Tuesday. You can click the link here and read about how you can get a Tampax Sample Pack free. Free is good!
And speaking of money related items, I completed my first month as a contractor for a home-based calling center and made $600 working about 10-15 hours per week. That would be about $150 per week. Not bad working in my basement!
Have you read The Hunger Games? I have read it and the second book Cathing Fire. By the end of The Hunger Games I had decided my favorite character is Haymitch Abernathy. What can I say, Im a fan of flawed anti-heros. Fingers are crossed that the movie is as fun as the book was to read!
Tampax Tuesday!
Yes that is right, Tuesday is dedicated to feminine protection. You may be asking, When did this start? Looks like it's going on all April long! I got the scoop from one of the blogs I subscribe to called Freebies for Mom . Now it is called freebies 4 Mom, but don't let that stop you--she has freebies of all sorts no mom card required to redeem.
Now back to Tampax Tuesday. You can click the link here and read about how you can get a Tampax Sample Pack free. Free is good!
And speaking of money related items, I completed my first month as a contractor for a home-based calling center and made $600 working about 10-15 hours per week. That would be about $150 per week. Not bad working in my basement!
Have you read The Hunger Games? I have read it and the second book Cathing Fire. By the end of The Hunger Games I had decided my favorite character is Haymitch Abernathy. What can I say, Im a fan of flawed anti-heros. Fingers are crossed that the movie is as fun as the book was to read!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Long Time No Post
Well I've not had much Internet time over the last two weeks because we are down at our new place in North Carolina and while we called to get Internet hooked up it hasn't been hooked up as of yet.
Me and the kids are driving back to Chicagoland tomorrow, so at least Tom will get the benefit of Internet and a home phone.
Arriving back in the Land of Lincoln will be a bit of a shock as we have just gotten used to warm sunny days in the 70s and cooler evenings. Now we will have to get reacquainted with rainy gloom and temps in the low 50s. Booo.
This pic is Patrick modeling his new robe on the deck which needs painting. This pic was take right after we arrived as you can see the trees are pretty bare. Today I can report that on many of the trees unfurling of leaves has taken place. Total Nature Splendor in every direction.
My friend K would be so happy if she was here, as my SIL found 2 baby snakes--which may or may not have been copperheads--We needed a herpetologist.
Now I am dreading the drive home for a few reasons, would you like to hear them?
1. It's a long drive all to be driven by me having consumed massive doses of caffeine.
2. The afore mentioned crummy weather.
3. The kids just got accustom to the move and the area, so there will be another adjustment period as we come back to finish the school year and another one when we come back down in June.
4. I have to pack up the house.
5. The Man is going to move all the stuff in our NC house around and I won't like the way he will organized stuff.
On the bright side we had an offer on our old house! Woot!
Me and the kids are driving back to Chicagoland tomorrow, so at least Tom will get the benefit of Internet and a home phone.
Arriving back in the Land of Lincoln will be a bit of a shock as we have just gotten used to warm sunny days in the 70s and cooler evenings. Now we will have to get reacquainted with rainy gloom and temps in the low 50s. Booo.
My friend K would be so happy if she was here, as my SIL found 2 baby snakes--which may or may not have been copperheads--We needed a herpetologist.
Now I am dreading the drive home for a few reasons, would you like to hear them?
1. It's a long drive all to be driven by me having consumed massive doses of caffeine.
2. The afore mentioned crummy weather.
3. The kids just got accustom to the move and the area, so there will be another adjustment period as we come back to finish the school year and another one when we come back down in June.
4. I have to pack up the house.
5. The Man is going to move all the stuff in our NC house around and I won't like the way he will organized stuff.
On the bright side we had an offer on our old house! Woot!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Some deals That I like
I have gotten this deal before, spend $10 and get $20 to spend at overstock.com . It's up again at Living Social and when I got it last I bought 4 super awesome pillows so now I can sleep without tossing and turning because my neck hurt. Set of 4 pillow from overstocks was like $37 after my discounts.
Also today is Friday which means people who search the web with swagbucks are earning lots of extra swag on Friday. They call it MSBD. If you aren't signed up with Swagbucks here is a code to get you an extra 70 swagbucks for joining! So you always get 30 when you join and if you sign up now and enter MARCHSWAG and it must be entered during registration! The code expires 11:59pm PT on April 2nd. You can click the pic here to sign up.
Why bother to use swagbucks?
1. Makes searching a bit more fun.
2. Free stuff. You can get trinkety stuff for as little as 30 swagbucks--so could be fun for the kids. OR you could save all your bucks to get gift cards! Nothing better than a nice amazon.com gift card for example. Gift cards start at the 500 level. I've been a member for about a month and we have over 1200 bucks. And that is without much effort frankly!
Why bother to use swagbucks?
1. Makes searching a bit more fun.
2. Free stuff. You can get trinkety stuff for as little as 30 swagbucks--so could be fun for the kids. OR you could save all your bucks to get gift cards! Nothing better than a nice amazon.com gift card for example. Gift cards start at the 500 level. I've been a member for about a month and we have over 1200 bucks. And that is without much effort frankly!
But wait...there is more. If you join Swagbucks and then go to One King Lane you should see a 10% off discount code pop up on the right hand side of your screen. You can couple that with my $15 off your order referral code and get some great deals (think even better than TJ Maxx or Marshalls!) on all sorts of great home stuff. I like to look at the awesome furniture.
On Google Offers there is a $20 for $40 at One King Lane available for 2 more days. I bought one and redeemed it last night.
This is one of the items I got a set of 4 rooster salad plates. It has an en francois motif. Cost before discounts on the plates $19.
Everything is closeout so sales are final. The products are grouped and sold for about a max of 7 days. All of it is great looking. Some is designer highend tag sales and/or antiques and some is for the stylish budget concious.
So those are my favorite things and my fav deal for today! I hope you have a great Friday, it's nice and rainy here which means the grass is going to grow. Not cool with Tom being out of town...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
If you put it on your timeline, does it make it true?
Facebook pleaded with me to add my University/College to my timeline. The reality of my attendance and subsequent Associates Degree is so boring, I decided to attend Oxford University and graduate with an English Lit degree. My favorite class was the impact of Jane Austen's novels on modern Chick Lit.
Good times, good times.
How about you? Is your Facebook Timeline or profile completely accurate?
Good times, good times.
How about you? Is your Facebook Timeline or profile completely accurate?
Victoria added University of Oxford to her education.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wordless Wednesday Counting Down to Season 2
Today I got all set up with HBOGO so I can watch the season premier of Game of Thrones Season 2.
Can't wait. Might have to lock myself in a bathroom to get some peace and quiet to watch it..but will be worth it!
Can't wait. Might have to lock myself in a bathroom to get some peace and quiet to watch it..but will be worth it!
Monday, March 12, 2012
I don't know about you, but I love Professor Snape.
So how was your weekend? I had a busy one! Saturday was a Relay For Life Tastefully Simple Fundraiser Party. Sunday Anna and I sold Girl Scout cookies at a local grocery store. We sold 71 boxes, I am not sure if that is great or not, but I'm going to say we did a great job. Last night I was on the phones for my work at home call center job. I made that a link in case anyone is looking for a work from home job that is legit!
Friday night Patrick and I watched Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Of couse we really enjoyed it, and it was so compelling Patrick didn't talk the whole time. Ever full of questions is how one can describe Patrick at any time of day, but more so during a movie.
As all the kids at my house know, my favorite character in the land of Harry Potter is Severus Snape.
I had to make a very concerted effort not to cry during Professor Snape's last scene and the flashback. Good Stuff. Give me an anti-hero in my fiction any day of the week.
Overall it was a prety good week in reaching goals. I am especially proud that I was able not to be annoyed at The Man for breathing.
This week what are you working on? I am working on:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Get kids to sleep on time for it is ISATS (state testing) time.
2. Ensure The Man and Bryce are up to speed on Cub Scout stuff they need to work on this month.
3. Review Bills
Personal Goals.
1. Run 8 miles 4x this week.
2. Read Clash of Kings --Only 18 days til Season 2 of Game of Thrones Premiers on HBO!
3. Track food and exercise on Sparkpeople.com
Home Management
1. Cancel thing The Man set up.
2. Take pics of bedroom furniture set to sell for $300. (King bed, nightstand and tall dresser w/mirror all mission style)
3. Make the Tastefully Simple Tonight Meals --using the freezer meals option. Then I won't have to have people ask me what is for dinner. Well, they will still ask but I"ll just point to the freezer and tell them to have a look.
Business Goals.
1. Team Email
2. Client Email
3. Check in with Upcoming parties
Goals from last week.
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Try not to be annoyed at The Man for breathing.
2. Sell Girl Scout Cookies with Anna on Sunday.
3. Work on better system for Bryce "Oh I forgot I have a project due tomorrow that I've know about for a month."
Personal Goals
1. Run 7miles 4x this week.2. watch all
the David Tennant Dr. Who episodes on Netflix :-D
3. Look into going to the
Joyce Kilmer
Memorial Forest. *Interesting note, Joyce Kilmer not a woman, actually a
man.
Home Management
1. Take pics and post bedroom set furniture.
2.decide if tiling the top of a cocktail table is a good idea or
not.
3. TCO Utilities.--don't 4get to sch. ATT4. Make the Tastefully Simple Tonight
Meals --using the freezer meals option. Then I won't have to have people ask
me what is for dinner. Well, they will still ask but I"ll just point to the
freezer and tell them to have a look.
Business Goals:
1.Host coaching
for my upcoming parties.
2.Send out Team Feb Incentive awards to
winners.
3. Put together ppwk for March parties and print recipes for Stagg Craft Fair.
Friday night Patrick and I watched Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Of couse we really enjoyed it, and it was so compelling Patrick didn't talk the whole time. Ever full of questions is how one can describe Patrick at any time of day, but more so during a movie.
As all the kids at my house know, my favorite character in the land of Harry Potter is Severus Snape.
I had to make a very concerted effort not to cry during Professor Snape's last scene and the flashback. Good Stuff. Give me an anti-hero in my fiction any day of the week.
Overall it was a prety good week in reaching goals. I am especially proud that I was able not to be annoyed at The Man for breathing.
This week what are you working on? I am working on:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Get kids to sleep on time for it is ISATS (state testing) time.
2. Ensure The Man and Bryce are up to speed on Cub Scout stuff they need to work on this month.
3. Review Bills
Personal Goals.
1. Run 8 miles 4x this week.
2. Read Clash of Kings --Only 18 days til Season 2 of Game of Thrones Premiers on HBO!
3. Track food and exercise on Sparkpeople.com
Home Management
1. Cancel thing The Man set up.
2. Take pics of bedroom furniture set to sell for $300. (King bed, nightstand and tall dresser w/mirror all mission style)
3. Make the Tastefully Simple Tonight Meals --using the freezer meals option. Then I won't have to have people ask me what is for dinner. Well, they will still ask but I"ll just point to the freezer and tell them to have a look.
Business Goals.
1. Team Email
2. Client Email
3. Check in with Upcoming parties
Goals from last week.
Family/Mothering Goals
3. Work on better system for Bryce "Oh I forgot I have a project due tomorrow that I've know about for a month."
Personal Goals
1
3.
1. Take pics and post bedroom set furniture.
2.
3. TCO Utilities.--don't 4get to sch. ATT
Business Goals:
1.
2.
3. Put together ppwk for March parties and print recipes for Stagg Craft Fair.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wordless Wednesday, Summer It's been too long
Children playing baseball barefoot with a wiffle bat and ball.
Woo Hoo Post 300!!
Below you will see my goals from last week of which I got 2 out of 3 in each category. I call that progress. How about you? Did you make a goal list last week? How did things shake out? This week I'll be working on some other things...
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Try not to be annoyed at The Man for breathing.
2. Sell Girl Scout Cookies with Anna on Sunday.
3. Work on better system for Bryce "Oh I forgot I have a project due tomorrow that I've know about for a month."
Personal Goals
1. Run 7miles 4x this week.
2. watch all the David Tennant Dr. Who episodes on Netflix :-D
3. Look into going to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. *Interesting note, Joyce Kilmer not a woman, actually a man.
Home Management
1. Take pics and post bedroom set furniture.
2. decide if tiling the top of a cocktail table is a good idea or not.
3. TCO Utilities.--don't 4get to sch. ATT
4. Make the Tastefully Simple Tonight Meals --using the freezer meals option. Then I won't have to have people ask me what is for dinner. Well, they will still ask but I"ll just point to the freezer and tell them to have a look.
Business Goals:
1. Host coaching for my upcoming parties.
2. Send out Team Feb Incentive awards to winners.
3. Put together ppwk for March parties and print recipes for Stagg Craft Fair.
***
Twas a lovely Tuesday here full of sunshine and crazy windy. All that in like a lion and out like a lamb stuff for sure. I am hoping that rain holds off until after dark tomorrow and we can have another sunny day in my neck of the woods.
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Make Patrick an end of the school year countdown.
2. Try not to be annoyed by The Man because he makes an annoying IMO sound
when he eats.
3. Work on Breakfast Offerings for the kids that they can quickly eat b/4 running off to school.
Personal Goals
1. Run 5
miles 3x this week and add on 1 -2 miles of walking at the end of the run.
2. Blog 3x3. Research Beekeeping, or raising chickens for eggs. * I know, I
know, really? Hey, I have a dream of living off the land. :-D
4. Do
something with the mop on my head! It's awful!
Home Managment
1. TCO misc. bills
2. Clean out the playroom
3. Try Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.Business Goals
1. Get everything set to start working on
Thurs as Independent Call Center Rep.
2. Client Newsletter
3. Team Newsletter4. 15-30 calls.
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Try not to be annoyed at The Man for breathing.
2. Sell Girl Scout Cookies with Anna on Sunday.
3. Work on better system for Bryce "Oh I forgot I have a project due tomorrow that I've know about for a month."
Personal Goals
1. Run 7miles 4x this week.
2. watch all the David Tennant Dr. Who episodes on Netflix :-D
3. Look into going to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. *Interesting note, Joyce Kilmer not a woman, actually a man.
Home Management
1. Take pics and post bedroom set furniture.
2. decide if tiling the top of a cocktail table is a good idea or not.
3. TCO Utilities.--don't 4get to sch. ATT
4. Make the Tastefully Simple Tonight Meals --using the freezer meals option. Then I won't have to have people ask me what is for dinner. Well, they will still ask but I"ll just point to the freezer and tell them to have a look.
Business Goals:
1. Host coaching for my upcoming parties.
2. Send out Team Feb Incentive awards to winners.
3. Put together ppwk for March parties and print recipes for Stagg Craft Fair.
***
Twas a lovely Tuesday here full of sunshine and crazy windy. All that in like a lion and out like a lamb stuff for sure. I am hoping that rain holds off until after dark tomorrow and we can have another sunny day in my neck of the woods.
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Make Patrick an end of the school year countdown.
3. Work on Breakfast Offerings for the kids that they can quickly eat b/4 running off to school.
Personal Goals
2. Blog 3x
Home Managment
1. TCO misc. bills
3. Try Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
2. Client Newsletter
3. Team Newsletter
Friday, March 2, 2012
Email notifications I really need to unsub
I enjoy the quest for enlightenment and self-improvement. I also enjoy social media and the big wide world of the Internet. Because of the mashup between these things I love, I get emails entitled:
1. From 43 things (a goal setting website I signed up for back in 2007):
RE: Take Family to Hawaii in 2008!
Here we are 2012, haven't done that, have never gotten even close to saving enough $$ to go there.
2. From Mint.com (a financial organizational website I signed up for back in probably 2009?
Did you know you are using too much of your total credit?
Yes. Yes I do. Very well aware.
3. From Sparkpeople.com (food diary website)
We miss you! You are only 18.8 lbs away from your goal of losing 20 lbs!
cringe.
4. From Zillow.com (a real estate website)
Your Hickory Hills Home Zestimate has decreased by 1.8%!
Thanks for the reminder that we bought at the height of the real estate bubble.
5. Every single Martha Stewart Daily Craft email.
Dear Email In Box:
Stop Mocking Me!
Thanks God the Internet is chock-full of LOLCATs.
1. From 43 things (a goal setting website I signed up for back in 2007):
RE: Take Family to Hawaii in 2008!
Here we are 2012, haven't done that, have never gotten even close to saving enough $$ to go there.
2. From Mint.com (a financial organizational website I signed up for back in probably 2009?
Did you know you are using too much of your total credit?
Yes. Yes I do. Very well aware.
3. From Sparkpeople.com (food diary website)
We miss you! You are only 18.8 lbs away from your goal of losing 20 lbs!
cringe.
4. From Zillow.com (a real estate website)
Your Hickory Hills Home Zestimate has decreased by 1.8%!
Thanks for the reminder that we bought at the height of the real estate bubble.
5. Every single Martha Stewart Daily Craft email.
Dear Email In Box:
Stop Mocking Me!
Thanks God the Internet is chock-full of LOLCATs.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Weekly Goals! 90% more likely to actually be reached
because I am going to put them here and that way I'll have them where I can see them and not in my little head. Do you make goals on a regular basis? How does it work for you? Im using the format from Money Saving Mom
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Make Patrick an end of the school year countdown.
2. Try not to be annoyed by The Man because he makes an annoying IMO sound when he eats.
3. Work on Breakfast Offerings for the kids that they can quickly eat b/4 running off to school.
Personal Goals
1. Run 5 miles 3x this week and add on 1 -2 miles of walking at the end of the run.
2. Blog 3x
3. Research Beekeeping, or raising chickens for eggs. * I know, I know, really? Hey, I have a dream of living off the land. :-D
4. Do something with the mop on my head! It's awful!
Home Managment
1. TCO misc. bills
2. Clean out the playroom
3. Try Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
Business Goals
1. Get everything set to start working on Thurs as Independent Call Center Rep.
2. Client Newsletter
3. Team Newsletter
4. 15-30 calls.
Okay there it is, a very do=able list if I do say so myself. And big bonus is that I already have my next 2 blog topics ready to go. If I am feeling crazy I may just go ahead and write them tonight and post them later in the week!
Yesterday I spent over an hour getting knots out of the back of Anna's hair. And I still couldn't get it all out. The stress of it all was enough to get Anna on board with short hair. Yes I know I am the Mom and I have final hair say since she is 7; nevertheless, it is good to have the buy-in from her.
SLOW COOKER RECIPE!
Originally from this month's Family Circle. It is called Soupe Au Pistou (Provencal Vegetable Soup with Pesto) I made some changes of course.
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 medium boiling potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium onions, chopped I used 1 large onion and 1 medium shallot
2 medium zucchinis, chopped
8 cups of water
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
2 cups cooked or drained and canned cannellini beans In the future I would use Butter Beans.
1 cup small pasta. I used Barilla Piccolini Mini Farfalle and I didn't mix it in with the soup--that way it stays al dente. I put a small scoop on the bottom of the bowl and then ladle the soup over it.
I also added about 1/2 a tbsp of chopped rosemary because I had fresh rosemary in the fridge.
I also added a tablespoon of Garlic Garlic as well.
You just take everything listed above except the noodles and the beans and put that in the slow cooker for a good 8 hours on low. Add the beans for 30 min and then it's ready to serve. You have to top it with prepared pesto. I, of course, made some Tastefully Simple Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto with our Roasted Garlic infused oil. The soup would be terribly bland w/o the pesto on top. I think if I make it again, I'm going to use broth instead of the water.
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Make Patrick an end of the school year countdown.
2. Try not to be annoyed by The Man because he makes an annoying IMO sound when he eats.
3. Work on Breakfast Offerings for the kids that they can quickly eat b/4 running off to school.
Personal Goals
1. Run 5 miles 3x this week and add on 1 -2 miles of walking at the end of the run.
2. Blog 3x
3. Research Beekeeping, or raising chickens for eggs. * I know, I know, really? Hey, I have a dream of living off the land. :-D
4. Do something with the mop on my head! It's awful!
Home Managment
1. TCO misc. bills
2. Clean out the playroom
3. Try Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
Business Goals
1. Get everything set to start working on Thurs as Independent Call Center Rep.
2. Client Newsletter
3. Team Newsletter
4. 15-30 calls.
Okay there it is, a very do=able list if I do say so myself. And big bonus is that I already have my next 2 blog topics ready to go. If I am feeling crazy I may just go ahead and write them tonight and post them later in the week!
Yesterday I spent over an hour getting knots out of the back of Anna's hair. And I still couldn't get it all out. The stress of it all was enough to get Anna on board with short hair. Yes I know I am the Mom and I have final hair say since she is 7; nevertheless, it is good to have the buy-in from her.
SLOW COOKER RECIPE!
Originally from this month's Family Circle. It is called Soupe Au Pistou (Provencal Vegetable Soup with Pesto) I made some changes of course.
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 medium boiling potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 medium onions, chopped I used 1 large onion and 1 medium shallot
2 medium zucchinis, chopped
8 cups of water
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
2 cups cooked or drained and canned cannellini beans In the future I would use Butter Beans.
1 cup small pasta. I used Barilla Piccolini Mini Farfalle and I didn't mix it in with the soup--that way it stays al dente. I put a small scoop on the bottom of the bowl and then ladle the soup over it.
I also added about 1/2 a tbsp of chopped rosemary because I had fresh rosemary in the fridge.
I also added a tablespoon of Garlic Garlic as well.
You just take everything listed above except the noodles and the beans and put that in the slow cooker for a good 8 hours on low. Add the beans for 30 min and then it's ready to serve. You have to top it with prepared pesto. I, of course, made some Tastefully Simple Dried Tomato and Garlic Pesto with our Roasted Garlic infused oil. The soup would be terribly bland w/o the pesto on top. I think if I make it again, I'm going to use broth instead of the water.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, Friday.
I have a migraine and no time to sit in a dark room. There is stuff on every surface in the house. Do you live with people who clutter counters? It drives me nutty. I'd take a pic and share it, but I don't want to have it out there mocking me for Internet eternity.
You may be thinking, Victoria isn't The Man currently unemployed? Surely with The Man home, the two of you have the place well organized. Pfft. He is the worst offender. I have come to the conclusion that there may very well be two types of people in the world. People who like flat surfaces cleaned off and people who like stuff on top of all flat household surfaces--especially counter tops. So sooner he finds employment, sooner I have less counter-clutter stress.
As I said above, I have a brutal headache, and perhaps that is 10% of the reason The Man is in The Doghouse. The rest is all him. Bah. Grumble, Swear Words. Plus we got snow. Double Bah.
Okay enough of that, I'm building a bridge, I'm getting over it. On to some food talk.
But before that, are you a member of Swagbucks? You use their search engine and you collection points and redeem the points for gift cards and whatnot. I joined about 3 wks ago and already have over 700 points. 450 points can get you a $5 gift card, so as you can see you can quickly rack them up. I like to save loyalty points for Christmas time shopping.
Want to join? You can click below and if you join today you get 140 points for signing up! Such a deal.
Today I made a product from the New Spring/Summer Line from Tastefully Simple . It is a Strawberry Buckle cake called Strawberry Swirl Buckle Cake Mix. All you need to make it is 3/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons melted butter. We've had buckle cakes in the past and I seem to recall that they called for more butter, so it is nice that this time around it takes just a wee bit of butter for an amazing cake. For your homework today, research what the heck is buckle cake.
You may be thinking, Victoria isn't The Man currently unemployed? Surely with The Man home, the two of you have the place well organized. Pfft. He is the worst offender. I have come to the conclusion that there may very well be two types of people in the world. People who like flat surfaces cleaned off and people who like stuff on top of all flat household surfaces--especially counter tops. So sooner he finds employment, sooner I have less counter-clutter stress.
As I said above, I have a brutal headache, and perhaps that is 10% of the reason The Man is in The Doghouse. The rest is all him. Bah. Grumble, Swear Words. Plus we got snow. Double Bah.
Okay enough of that, I'm building a bridge, I'm getting over it. On to some food talk.
But before that, are you a member of Swagbucks? You use their search engine and you collection points and redeem the points for gift cards and whatnot. I joined about 3 wks ago and already have over 700 points. 450 points can get you a $5 gift card, so as you can see you can quickly rack them up. I like to save loyalty points for Christmas time shopping.
Want to join? You can click below and if you join today you get 140 points for signing up! Such a deal.
Today I made a product from the New Spring/Summer Line from Tastefully Simple . It is a Strawberry Buckle cake called Strawberry Swirl Buckle Cake Mix. All you need to make it is 3/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons melted butter. We've had buckle cakes in the past and I seem to recall that they called for more butter, so it is nice that this time around it takes just a wee bit of butter for an amazing cake. For your homework today, research what the heck is buckle cake.
Now I am signing off as I am going to try and squeeze in 1 hour of quiet dark time before Anna and I have to head over to Glen Oaks School for Mother/Daughter night. We will be making Jewelry.
Next blog I'll be sharing a very simple Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mardi Gras
Here are a few ideas, just off the top of my head:
1. Give up doing dishes.
2. Give up making lunches
3. Give up putting other people's things away.
Right, I know, that's not what they mean when they say you should give something up for lent! Well all right, I've mulled it over and I am going with giving up all-things-fried. I was thinking of giving up junk food, but upon reflection, it seems to be too broad a category. For example, is a jelly bean junk food? What about a hamburger?
So there I go. No fried stuff. How about you? Do you 'do' Lent? What are you giving up?
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