Friday, July 31, 2009
Tricky Solicitors
I keep getting phone calls from Jenny's Steam Cleaners. Caller ID says "Atlanta" and Thankfully it's an automated call, I have no problem hanging up the phone. I was pretty proud of myself for spotting one of these phone solicitors last night.
The woman was very pleasant and asked if she could ask me a couple questions. "Sure", I said.
"How old is your home?" was her first question. I was skeptical of her motive, but knew she was trying to sell me something. "Are the original windows still in the house?" BINGO, she's selling replacement windows. I answered (lying) "Oh no, we replaced them all two years ago." "Oh, okay" she said. "So if you were planning on doing any home improvements in the next two years, what would it be?" I've had enough of these sales people roll up at my door so I'm pretty familiar with the fact that a lot of them also do siding and sun rooms, I quickly responded "Oh, I would LOVE to replace all the flooring in my house." She smiled, you really can hear that through the phone, and said "Thank You for your time" and hung up.
What tricks to you use to get rid of solicitors?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel ~ Review

Friday, July 24, 2009
Charity: Water

What would you do to insure your family had clean water to drink? Could you imagine living in an area where clean drinking water was not available? Would you help those without access to clean water...if you could? You can.
charity: water is a non-profit organization, founded by New York Socialite Scott Harrison in 2006, which focuses on bringing safe, clean drinking water to people in developing nations. All public donations go 100% to fund water projects.
$20 can provide one person with clean water for 20 years. $5000 can provide clean water for a community of 500. Charity: water proves every well built with GPS coordinates plotted in Google Earth. See first hand where wells have already been built and the millions that have been helped.
Currently, 1.1 billion people are living without access to clean water on our planet which equates to 1 out of every 6. Out of the 42,000 deaths that occur each week from the lack of safe water and basic sanitation, 90% are children under the age of 5.
Won't you do something to help? Whether it's sending $20 or getting involved with a fundraiser, surely there is something we can all do to provide this basic yet essential need to those without.
Eco Store Review and Giveaway

Ingredients
•Sodium Palmate (palm oil)
•Sodium Cocoate (coconut oil)
•Sodium chloride (salt)
•Vegetable Glycerine
•Tetra Sodium Etidronate and Tetra Sodium EDTA (antioxidants used to preserve the stability of vegetable oils in soap base. Derived from vinegar. Safe for skin)
•Cow's Milk (0.2% = 220gm to 100kgms of soap) Level is chosen to ensure those sensitive to cow's milk are not affected.
•Fragrance
This soap was perfectly scented, lathers really well and leaves the skin feeling clean without drying. I've been an Ivory girl since I was a kid and this ecostore soap has given me other alternatives. I've had problems with my face breaking out since my first pregnancy and have tried everything to minimize and reduce breakouts. In two weeks of using this soap on my face (as well as the rest of me) I have seen a drastic improvement. I would recommend it to anyone.
Herbal Fresh Pet Shampoo
Aqua (water), Coco Glucoside, Aloe Vera (certified organic),
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerin,
Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Panthenol, Botanical extract blend of
Chamomile,Calendula and Sage, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl,
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate,
Sodium Chloride (sea salt), Sweet Orange Essential Oil,
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Citric Acid.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
It All Makes Sense Now

7-11 Iced Coffee Nutritional Information
Serving Size 8 oz
140 Calories (25 from fat)
Total Fat: 3g (Saturated fat 2g, transfat .9g)
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 190 mg
Total Carbs: 26 g
Protein: 3 g
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Vacation Wishlist
I'm talking about all the vacation pics all my friends are posting and wishing we had a vacation of our own planned. We keep talking about taking one. Florida has come up, taking the kids to see the Grandparents in Michigan (which is a trip Hubster hates to do due to it being 13 hours in the car each way)has been discussed, but while we are discussing...everyone else is GOING!
I want a fun and adventurous trip of my own (with the whole family of course). I want to post exciting pictures for others to be envious of. I want to go to the beach, have picnics and walk along the promenade. I want something new. A first time trip for all of us. I want to take pictures like this one...
A visit to the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing in Missouri would satisfy all these wants. It would be someplace none of us has ever been. That's exciting in itself. With lakes, the theatre district, shopping and great restaurants close by, it would provide a well needed break for all of us. Located withing walking distance of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, I could actually post pics like the one above for all my friends to enjoy and maybe make them wish they were with me.
The hotel has every amenity imaginable and spending time as a family, lounging by the pool, would be a part of each day. Whether to wake up in the morning, or to relax before bed...we'd be there. The Hotel is beautiful and a stones throw from the new Payne Stewart Golf Course (my selling point to Hubster). This trip will be added to my wish list.
Unfortunately, we've had 3 "family" deaths in the last month and Hubster's vacation time is quickly dwindling due to travel and time off for the funerals. A girl still has to dream though...right?
.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Super Simple Chocolate Bark
We started with a package of quick-melt chocolate that we bought at the grocery store and decided we would add raisins and pretzels. You can use anything you like dipped in chocolate, sometimes we also add peanuts and marshmallows but we didn't have those handy.
Monday Mumbo Jumbo
The Job
I'm working part time (about 15 hours per week) at West Marine. They are a full retailer of pretty much "all things water". I have no experience in this field, am the only one there who doesn't own a boat, and love every minute of it. While it does cut into my wine time (I work Wednesday nights while the kids are at church for choir practice and this was always my time for wine and virtual socializing), it is a nice break from the craziness that is my life. No matter how busy it gets, no one is ever fighting and I don't have to be the "one in charge"...of anything. I also just found out that they have an affiliate program. I'm checking to see if I can get into that or if it's a conflict of interest since I'm employed by them. If you are into boating or fishing be on the lookout for those links (if I get in).
*** Approved
The Wine
Still on the hunt for great wine under $5. I actually picked up a bottle at the gas station (big gasps, I'm sure) yesterday on my way home from work. I stopped in for a cold drink and a cooler of wine caught my eye. being the label buyer that I am, I saw a unique bottle and without even knowing the price, purchased it. $5.25 at the gas station is the equivalent of $3 at the grocery store or wine retailer, right? It was in the cooler, and a little too chilled, but that didn't stop me, first taste was pretty bland, but I'll try again tonight at room temp and see how it fairs. Be on the lookout for that.
The Social Experiment
Glass Dharma sent me some of their pretty, durable, glass drinking straws and I'm going to give them a try tonight. Some (names withheld to protect the innocent) have suggested using these straws to drink wine to avoid the "purple stains" one might get on their teeth. I think drinking wine through a straw will alter the taste since I will only be using the taste buds on the back of my tongue, we'll see. The real experiment is to see how well these straws are received in public. I'm going to a girls night out party with a friend and know no one else. I'm taking my wine, stemless glass, and a glass straw to drink it with. I'll let my friend in on my experiment but will pretend (to the others) that I always drink my wine this way...at least in the beginning. Will I be the innovative woman with something everyone else desires, or will they snicker behind my back and wonder what the heck is wrong with me? Stay tuned...
~UPDATE The experiment didn't happen. I was ready with wine, glass and straw but everyone else chose to consume soft drinks and tea. I don't mind drinking alone, I just prefer not to do it with 12 other people. I also didn't think I'd get a good guage on what people thought of the straw. I'll be on the lookout for another opportunity.
Good for the Environment AND Your Teeth.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Back Yard Oasis

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bad Gal Says ~ Wine Reviews
There are blogs that I have visited since day one and other new ones that I find, and can relate to, daily. It's the first group that inspires me to be a better writer and always be on the search for new and interesting material.
I recently opened dialogue with one of those writers that have inspired me. I've visited her since I began blogging and have been in awe of her writing, her ability to explain every detail, and her "tell it like it is" approach. She doesn't hold back. She makes her opinions clear and reads right through the bull in any story (or comment). She brings us stories on a variety of topics and keeps us coming back for more.
When she offered to do a guest post I gladly accepted, I'm just honored to have her. So, I present MY FIRST GUEST POST from a Bad Gal I'd love to share some wine with...
Take it RE~
I Love Sparkling Wines - I prefer Muscat Varieties and absolutely fell in love with Moscato D'Asti. you can see it on the top shelf near the right end.
Recently I celebrated my birthday and since I love to celebrate, I decided to do a week of wine tasting. that's not unusual for me, but all of the same variety from different vintages, well now that was the trick.
I wanted to taste Italian Wines with sparkle and shimmer. wines that would delight my tongue and bring a smile to my face. I also didn't want to break the bank on this little late nite party. so I set some parameters
- No wine above $15.00 a Bottle even if on sale
- Must be Sparkling and Muscat Varieties
- Should be vintage 2002 - 2008.
now that sounds simple right ?
well lets let you try and pull it off using stores you normally shop at;
as well as exploring bottles and vinters you've never tried before.
now the task takes on some proportions.
First we decided to narrow our search down to the best places that we shop;
with great wine selections - easy for us. we shop at fancy fruit markets and
also Trader Joes. both have adequate wine selections and several Moscato D'Asti's. who woulda thought it.
next we pick one bottle eachtime we hit the store, to add to the tasting pool.
we decide to cap it at 4 bottles. yes there is a bottle still left in the fridge which we will be opening later for the final tasting - so it's not included in this review of The first three. if you'll be a lil patient we'll be adding it to the list later.
On My Birthday We opened the First Bottle :
La Serra Moscato D'Asti - vintage 2008
- $12.99 on sale pre-chilled in the cooler
Tasting Notes - Made solely from the Moscato grape, La Serra offers sensations of fresh exotic fruit. Intense, full, and harmonious on the palate, it is an excellent dessert wine with biscuits, dry cakes and fruit. Slightly frizzante

This is an absolutely delicious wine. Fruity, but not syrupy. crisp and bubbly. I enjoyed it late in the evening in a large chilled glass. it helped me get alot of ec dropping done : ) with a smile left over. the notes of strawberry and rich but tart grape were memorable enough, to prompt me to return back to the store in search of another bottle.. alas it was all sold out..
we got this one at our fancy schmancy fruit market - Western Market in Ferndale, Mi. (that's the pic at the top)
Day Three we Popped another cork -
this time it was Moscadoro Piemonte Moscato vintage 2004
- $12.99 on sale pre-chilled in the cooler
This is not an easy wine to locate - so when I saw it, there was pure joy.
Again we found this wine at Western Market in Ferndale, MI. - they have a great supplier.
When I saw it, my heart went pitter patter as my hands carefully removed it from the highest shelf, and gently placed it into my basket for it's trip to the fridge at my house. I know about this particular wine from my friend Frank who owns Marios; around the corner from my house in the D. it's on their specials list, and they sell it for $24.99 a bottle, in the dining room. Yeah..
this is the online review -
"MOSCADORO" MOSCATO PIEMONTE D.O.C.
I can tell you, this is a perfect wine for Sipping and as well a great Dessert choice. It went down like silk and honey. the bubbles caressing my tongue were like a decadent pleasure that one should only share with the most delicious of wines... or men.
"OOOOOOOO...." at $12.99 it was a bargain on sale. if I find it again, believe Me, this one will be added to my rack.
and finally for day three of my Birthday tasting I guzzled a bottle of Deliciousness,, well almost the whole bottle. .
Tintero Moscato D'Asti -Vintage 2004
- $ 12.99 on the shelf near bubbly @ all Trader Joes Markets
This is sooooooooooooo Delicious. it's sinful in your mouth..
This Fabulous sparkling wine tastes of Melon, Honey and Flowers. the grapes were lightly pressed to preserve the lightness and sweetness. the color is Rich and Golden; like honey. at $12.99 a bottle it was a real bargain. I can enjoy this vintage as often as I like; since it's easily located on the shelf at my local Trader Joes. I was so happy to find it and to know that I can get a delicious bottle of Moscato D'Asti without breaking the $20.00 barrier.
I prefer Sweet Wines. it's an aquired taste and many never get it. the color and the sweetness are enticing to me. I love the way they caress the flute and tickle your nose gently with effervesence. Summer, Spring or Fall this in a great choice






For Me, Sparkling Wines do it Best,
Bon Appetito !

BadGalsRadio.com // EntrePOD // BadGalSays
Monday, July 13, 2009
Week in Review
(Which you can read all about and get instructions for here)
I then tucked it into a box and shipped it to my parents who, I believe, are going to LOVE it.
Thursday, the kids and I had a lunch playdate and then played at home all day. The summer is just going by way to fast.
Friday, got a call that Hubster's uncle lost his long battle with cancer and is resting peacefully now. Arrangements have been made for tomorrow in North Carolina.
Saturday, I worked in the morning (at the job no one has figured out, I'm going to make it really easy for you here in the very near future.) and then took the family out for the Relay for Life (redo) Walk. The vision of all the survivors brought tears to my eyes. What brave individuals.
Sunday...the day of rest, I worked from 9 to 5:30 then came home, made dinner, and enjoyed some quiet, snugly time on the couch with the family.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
EC Drop List ~ New and Improved
For more information on how this can benefit you and to get on the list go to Traders' Hub.
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My Entrecard Drop List
(If you are in this list, copy the code at Traders Hub and embed this droplist in your blog! It will build up your links, improve your page rank and bounce rate, and increase your blog authority!)
1. Traders' Hub
2. CoolAdzine for Marketeers
3. AsTheCrackerHeadCrumbles
4. Confessions Of A Fitness Diva
5. Beyond Feron
6. Reality TV Soup
7. Conversations With Moms
8. Things About Computers
9. Wine At Five
10. Leomar's Den
11. Poetic Expression
12. Gems By Jerri
13. Gas Saver
14. WAHM Resource Site
15. Travel On The Tide
16. Femme Power
17.Adamok.net
18. Zorlone
19. Because Someone Cares
20. Adventures Of A Fitness Diva
21. Sexy Old Broad
22. Red Sox Mommy
23. Kapamilya Corner
24. The Erickson Looney Bin
25. Healthy Moms
26. JavaSwim
27. TV News And Reviews
28. Chapters Of My Life
29. A Mom's Note
30. Technochest
31. The Superficial Gallery
32. Random Ramblings
33. The Daily Planet
34. The Work From Home Mother
35. Work At Home Wealth
36. Limitless Adventures
37.Mature Not Senile
38. Juliana's Lair
39. My second Trial
40. Shiny Adornments
41. Sonnie Side Up
42. Renaes Crafty Corner
43. Seek No More
44. Traveling Suitcase
45. All To Read
46. Glitchline
47. Martial Arts Junkie
48. Denford Magora's Zimbabwe Blog
49. Easy Racing
50. Diet Secrets Online
51. Network Of Combined Ideas
52. My Ark
53. Lil Insights
54. The Frugal Housewife
55. The Path To Pegasus Letter
56. Laptops, Mobiles And Forex Trading
57.Where The Road Takes Us
58. Buy Tees
59. Woodworker Blog
60. Our World
61. Paperkraft.Net
62. Stock Market Bliss
63. All About Stock Markets
64. Blogger Templates Blog
65. Fresh Gadget
66. Born To Succeed
67. Fit, Fabulous and Forty
68. Lunatic Banknotes & Coins
69. Atniz Work From Home
70. One
71. Kaya Mo, Pinoy
72.Hello Kitty Gifts
73. Everyday Living
74. Digital Artisan
75. Slightly Sarcastic
76. Theme Today
77. TechieCardia
78. Personal Fit Coach
79. Exposed SEO And Internet Marketing
80. Screaming Me Me
81. Akila's Blog
82. Tracey's Blog
83. Sand And Sea Designs
84. Mama Flo's Place
85. I Love Hate America
86. Photo Journalist
87. 60 Were Enough
88. Jigsaw's Lair
89. Pregnant With Cancer
90. GewGaw Writings
91. Busy Little Elf
92. Swirling Thoughts
93. Nesting Buddy
94. JunkFoodAholic
95. Jill's Creative Cafe
96. Teacher Techie Says
97. Blazing Minds
98. Vanilla Seven
99. DB Comics
100. Search Engine Panel
101. Mom's Lifestyle'
102. Margie and Edna
103. Right Wing Nut Job
104. Show Me The Money
105. Mix It Up With Marc
106. Philippines and Beyond
107. Eddie's Blog
108. A Grateful Heart
109. Dedeandro
110. Is A Man's World
111. Caledonian Comment
112. Juliana's World
113. Kutenk Business & Life Success Center
114. Lucent Dusk
115. Ask Ms Recipe
116. BlogTactic
117. Slightly Drunk
118. Stalking Minds
119. Politekon
120. Anything Goes With Pahn
121. My Tangible Wealth
122. Mobile eBooks, etc.
123. Traditional Jewelry
124. The Certified Fashionable Chic
125. The Bad Blogger
126. Personal Budgeting And Finances
127. East Coast Life
128. Glamorous Sylph
129. Loving You
130. Turn U Off
131. TopClanz
132. The Virtual Dime Museum
133. Designer's Depot'
134. Muyin Jewelry
135. IWalkU2
136. LoL Factory
137. Small Town Mommy
138. Melissa's Humor
139. Melissa's Jewelry
140. First Door On The Left
141. Grampy And You
142. Indian Economy
143. Rosilie: My Blog
144. Lovely Purses
145.Chicago History Journal
146. Life's Journey
147. Rambling Thoughts In SM SERIAN
148. About My Pregnancy
149. Mommy's Little Corner
150. Airfare Now
151. Photo Dito
152. Mom's Check Nyo
153. Just Throw The Money
154. EZGreatLife
155. Serian Man
156. Thoughts Poetry Anything
157. Dogmaw Blog
158. Gadget Freaks
159. Biasasaja Dot Com
160.Free Stuff In Las Vegas
161. Wiggy's World
162. Barackoli Dot Com
163. Sacred Beginnings
164. Super Jenn Super Mom
165. Shalampax Speaks
166. Womens Self Esteem Blog
167. Nuke It Dot Org
168. Fashion Is Chic
169. The Dwacon Blog
170. Cornyman's Money Page
171. Laine's Abode
172. All Blog Contest
173. Window In The Web
174. Newsvids
175. Bloggerhitz The Power of Blogging
176. Fusion Investing
177. Corfu Chronicles
178. Barako Brew
179. A WOMAN REMEMBERS
180. Widgets For Bloggers
181. EMILIA'S ILLUSTRATED BLOG
182. Ultimate Blogging Kit
183. Mom From Manila
184. Quantum Indonesia
185. Journeys Of Cactus Jack
186. David's Musing
187. ALL THINGS VINTAGE
188. Modern Mom
189. Bulgarian Scrapbook
190. Spectrum
191. Melissa's Homeschool
192. Belleverlasting
193. Mathias Chronicles
194. LIFE'S SWEET SPICES
195. Living Life To The Fullest
196. Mutual Love
197. Computer Aid
198. Whatever Ebay
199. Mama's Sanity
200. Singapore Playground
201. My Meme Mania
202. Healthy Life Guide
203. Intelligience Is A Curse
204. Tips And News On Healthy Lifestyle
205. Living Well Naturally
206. My Library
207. The Cooling Stream
208. The Zoo Crew
209. Maria Mitchell's Fur Kids & Animal Rescue
210. My Reflections And Impressions
211. Whatever Comes To My Mind
212. A Fil-Am's Journey
213. Picture To People
214. Stock Recommendations
215. Blog Go Down
216. Chaos Tech
217. Sound Sans Sense
218. THE FLEDGELING BLOGGER
219. Dosh For You
220. Film On Air
221. Lifesign
222. Money Inspired
223. Weight Loss Surgery
224. Tech Blog
225. LOL Cats
226. Tips For Everyday Life
227. Thinks Free
228. Free Stuff In Las Vegas
229. Family Hotels For World Travel
230. Lalaine's World
231. Live Life 365
232. Wife of A Warrior
233. Add Yours
234. Montana Moods
235. Time Recursion
236. Nature Blessing
237. A Maiden's Testimony
238. Chismis Today
239. Family Health Avenue
240.Dream Of Jade
241. Remixmax
242. Are You Hungry?
243. Karen's Opinion
244. Karen's Road
245. Vegan Lifestyle
246. Life Marriage And Kids
247. Chizmosa Lounge
248. Coming Back To Life
249. Stuff And Nonsense
250. The Admaster
251. Stock Tips NSE BSE
252. The Journey
253. Not Your Typical Weight Loss Blog
254. Outlandish Obsevations
255. Finance For The Non Finance Pro
256. Free World Funny Pics
257. Baby And Kids' World
258. Nizhama2
259. Black Is Beautiful
260. Proud Mommy
261. Interblagmoney
262. CLEAR DAY
263. Mommy's Paradise
264. Republic Of A
265. Patsy's Word Of Wisdom
266. Go Take It To The Limit
267. A Rose By Name
268. Film Review
269. Blogger Rap
270. Atenean 101
271. More Fun Than Allowed
272. Bobski 101
273. Cornyman's Blog Review
274. Body And Skin Health
275. Dhark Anjhel
276. Movie News At Glance
277. Savage Nomad
278. A Second Cup
279. Life's Perfect Pictures
280. Young Urban Professionals Nook
281. Fort Thompson
282. Goo From Another Dimension
283. Beyond Left Field
284. Stunned By Stone
285. Here And Now 4 Angel
286. Singapore Draws
287. Legal Cat-astrophe
288. My Caddy
289. Gadget Spots
290. Sjeltur
291. Blackholes And Astrostuff
292. Prove Me Wrong
293. Blog De Manila
294. Forex Trading And More Online Opp
295. Amazingly Me
296. Autumnal Confessions & Sexy Advice
297. Intelligience Is A Curse
298.Make Money Online Wtih EJ Cooksey
299.Bisnis Humor Bendol
300.That Guy Over There Dot Com
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Marcus James Malbec ~ Wine Review

On immediate opening of the bottle the original aroma was grape juice and I was a little leery. I let it breathe for a few and on second sniff (yes, I am actually sniffing wine now) I caught an aroma of berry, cherry and pepper . A very different aroma from the first sniff.
It's flavor is a little lighter than other Malbecs I've tasted but enjoyable nonetheless. It was light and inviting and went very well with the spaghetti and french bread we had for dinner. The subtle spiciness complimented rather than overpowered the sauce, loaded with garlic and crushed red pepper. It also gained strength as it sat.
This bottle will last for the next couple days and I am eager to see how the taste changes over the course of it's short life on my counter. I'll update after the last glass.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy July 4th~ Sweetheart Style
Have a Great 4th of July!