Tricky Solicitors

I'm not fond of the door-to-door sales people. Whether it's magazines, new siding for the house, or Ft Myers custom doors, I try to say no, but it's usually really hard for me, especially face to face. When I see them canvassing the neighborhood, I keep everyone away from the windows and turn the volume down (on the music, TV and/or kids). We hide (sort of) and just wait for them to go away. Seriously, if my Husband is home, I make him answer the door. He's good at saying no.

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?

Wordless Wednesday~Happy Birthday!

(July 29, 2003)

Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel ~ Review

Being the "under $5" enthusiast that I am, I was pleasantly surprised to find a 50% off rack at the local grocery store. Actually Hubster found it, but he immediately called to inform me of the choices. I picked out 3 bottles and he brought them home.

My first selection was this Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel (2006). Regularly priced at around $9, we paid $4.74.

Coloring: Deep and rich. When held up to light it only slightly penetrated the garnet swirling in my glass.

Aroma: was that of a wood shed filled with pepper and raspberries.

Flavor: The first taste was similar to the aroma with an earthy finish and left my mouth tingling in anticipation of more. Half-way through the glass I was tasting more spice and berries and truly enjoyed this wine.

Vision: I can picture myself enjoying this at one of our friends Outer Banks rentals . Sitting on the deck with friends and family, enjoying a glass before dinner.

Taster's notes:

This Zinfandel pours a slightly translucent garnet in the glass, with an enticing aroma of spice and mixed berry. Raspberry, clove, and white pepper draw you in, and the interplay between fruit and spice changes and evolves on the palate, a tell-tale quality of a fine wine. Spiced blackberry cobbler and rich caramel come through nicely on the initial taste. The dried fruit character on the mid-palate reveals its old vine terroir, especially as the wine transitions to its gamey, sweet, and lightly tart finish, leaving a hint of black raspberry in its wake. With the wide breadth of flavors that this wine brings to the table, this sophisticated Zinfandel should please both the occasional wine drinker and the connoisseur alike.

For the money we paid as well as the regular price, it was GREAT. I will definitely be purchasing more of this.

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

Ecostore creates chemical free products at reasonable prices. From bath to cleaning to pet care, their products are top of the line and and made with "no nasty chemicals", making them better for your family and our planet.

Ecostore was developed over 15 years ago by Melanie and Malcolm Rands, and run from their home in an eco village in New Zealand. While their original customer base was fellow "greenies" the word soon got out about the health benefits of the ecostore products, children's allergies and eczema clearing up as well as reduction in respiratory and other chronic conditions.

The popularity of "green" and "chemical free" products has gotten them out of their basement and across the world. We now have ecostore USA, which features over 100 environmentally safe products, some which are now available at Meijer stores across the mid-west.

We were lucky to be sent some products to test in our home and are very pleased with what we received.

Coconut soap

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.

We recently washed the dog (Ashley) with this shampoo. Ashley is NOT a fan of water so bath time is tricky, fortunately she's only 14 pounds and easy to keep in the tub. She wasn't thrilled with the pre-scrub wet down, but as soon as we started massaging the minty/citrus smelling shampoo into her fur, she relaxed and enjoyed the experience. I think she was a little upset when we stopped. A great value and another perfectly scented product.

I'm impressed with both these products and want you to be able to try them for yourself so...

The Giveaway

ecostore USA is giving one lucky reader a $25 dollar gift certificate to sample some products for yourself. I've decided to give you LOTS of ways to enter, as this is a store I think everyone should try.

Mandatory first entry

As your first entry you MUST check out the store and tell me (at least) one product you would like to try (1 entry). leave a comment

Extra Ways To Enter

*Sign up for the "No Nasty Chemicals" Newsletter and get up-to-date info on new products (2 entries) leave a comment

*Follow this blog or let me know you are already following (1 entry) leave a comment

*Follow ecostore USA on Twitter (1 entry) leave a comment.

*Follow me on Twitter or let me know that you already are (Hunterzmom) (1 entry) leave a comment.

*Become a fan of ecostore USA on Facebook (1 entry) leave a comment

*Blog about this contest (5 entries) leave a comment with a link to the post.

*Tweet about this contest @hunterzmom (1 entry per tweet) leave a comment for each tweet.

Easy enough?

Contest ends at midnight August 15 and a winner will be chosen using random.org on August 16

Make sure to include e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the winner!

It All Makes Sense Now

This whole job thing had me a little perplexed until yesterday. Not the job exactly, just what I thought I'd be getting out of it. I thought I'd get some quiet time away from the kids, a chance to socialize with other adults, a chance to use my brain and learn new things...and I got all that. I also thought that being active and on my feet for 12-15 hours a week would cause me to lose a couple pounds...so NOT the case. I've actually gained five pounds since I started working. I was trying to figure it out yesterday...all day. 15 hours a week that I'm not munching on something, 15 hours a week on my feet, moving around, nothing strenuous but actively moving about. I'm not eating after work on Wednesdays when I get home around 9, so I don't go to bed on a full stomach...What is it? I racked my brain and couldn't come up with it...until I was driving to work. I don't need a weight loss supplement, I need to stop stopping at 7-11 before each shift to get a cappuccino or large Iced Coffee!!!



7-11 Iced Coffee Nutritional Information

(mind you I don't get the small, I go for the 20 oz)

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

Wordless Wednesday~ Not So Happy

My Vacation Wishlist

Facebook is Killing me. Other than the amount of time I spend socializing with all my friends, and the fact that I have really enjoyed re-connecting with old friends from my early school days, I'm very competitive by nature, so when I see a friend post a high score for a game, I immediately check out the game, and if I like it, try like heck to beat their high score. Childish, I know, it's just how I work. But that is not my big FB problem. It's A problem, but not the one I want to talk about here.

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?

.

Super Simple Chocolate Bark

I was in the mood for some chocolaty goodness the other night and decided to make some bark with Boogie. Here is a super simple recipe that only takes minutes from start to eating. Its fun for the kids and a great treat to snack on...if you like chocolate.

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.


Melt the chocolate. We used the microwave and cooked in 1 minute increments for the first two minutes and then did two times at 30 seconds, stirring in between to melt evenly and avoid burning.

We then added pretzel stix (any pretzels will do) you can break them up first for smaller pieces, but we found that the stix break up pretty easy while stirring so we just poured them in.

Then we added a healthy portion of raisins. Craisins are really good too.

Get one of the kids (or all of them) to stir up the mix...shirts are optional

When all add-ins are completely coated and you have a good mix of add-ins to chocolate, spread out on a sheet tray. The thinner the better as it's easier to eat that way.

Pop in the freezer or fridge and let it set. We put ours in the freezer for 5 minutes. Take out and break into random sized pieces and enjoy. We put ours into storage containers and keep in the fridge. It's just as fun to make as it is to eat...almost!

Monday Mumbo Jumbo

Leave it to me to let Summer Fun, Birthday Parties, a job, Facebook and every other social network to get in the way of blogging. I should have a LOT to talk about...but sadly...I don't. Oh wait, yes I do.

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.

I wish I could remember what I was watching, maybe an episode of Wife Swap? I just have a vision of a man and woman sitting down for their morning coffee...and sipping it through a STRAW. I thought this was a little odd. First, they must have let it cool considerably because a hot beverage shot to the back of the throat would really sting. Second,...why would they do this? The woman's reasoning was that it was to protect their teeth, which makes a lot of sense. There are a ton of teeth whitening products on the market and any one of them will tell you that coffee is one of the leading causes of stains on teeth. Hmmm, am I missing out?

I'm not a straw person. If I'm having the occasional fast food lunch with a drink, I will use a straw, but only because the cups are not all that stable and I would never consider taking the top off. If I'm at home or at a restaurant that serves regular glasses (or plastic), I drink from the glass even when straws are provided (which I know some people would NEVER do because they do not feel comfortable that the glasses are properly sanitized). Hubster and the kiddos always prefer straws, even at home.

So with all the straws that get used daily, at my house and at every where else in this country, how much plastic are we throwing away daily? Think about it. how many straws do you think the average fast food restaurant goes through daily? I worked at several "casual dining" restaurants and can tell you that we went through boxes of straws on a daily basis. That's a lot of plastic getting tossed into our landfills.

So...What do we do?

Glass Dharma!

Created by glassblower, David Leonhardt, Glass Dharma has a large variety of sustainable, reusable, elegant (if you want them to be) glass straws.

I was a little skeptical when they sent me a selection. I looked at the different sizes and thought "Will I ever really use these?" Before I could get them out of the boxes I was surrounded by four (mine and two neighbors) very excited and very eager kids who just had to try them out. The excitement and fun they had using these glass straws was enough to sell me on them. I also felt confident that they were safe and were not going to break. They are both microwave and dishwasher safe. They also come with a lifetime warranty and if one does break it will be replaced at no cost.

I have yet to use one, but being an avid wine enthusiast, have heard about drinking wine through a straw to prevent "purple teeth" while drinking. I'm going to embark on a social experiment. I have been invited, by a friend, to join a Bunko game this evening and (other than my friend) will know no one at the party. I'm taking some wine, my stemless glass (a straw would look funny in a stemmed glass, right?) and my very pretty straw that looks like the ones above. I will tell my friend (and no one else, at least in the beginning) about my experiment and together we will see how well these glass straws are received. Find out tomorrow If I make new friends, or get laughed at for such a silly idea. I think we might all get surprised.

Back Yard Oasis

This is what I want in my back yard. Attach some lights, add a nice table, chairs and an outdoor sofa and I'll have my own little outdoor paradise. I've been looking at different gazebos online. I know when I mention it to Hubster I'll get the usual response..."Dad and I can make one of those." Yes, indeed they could, but they are never on the same page on when to start and I don't want to wait 5 years. I was also thinking about using some of my synthetic wine corks and covering the roof. Wouldn't that look neat? I figure the synthetic ones would be water proof and would add a unique, 0ne-of-a-kind touch to my back yard oasis. It would also be a small enough project that I would be sure to finish and a good reason to continue to stock up on wine as I'm sure I'm a few 1000 corks short. Anyone want to send me some corks? Keep the good ones, I only need the plastic/rubber ones. Anyone?

Bad Gal Says ~ Wine Reviews

I've mentioned before that the BEST thing about blogging is the relationships you create with others. I don't know if it's the ability to speak your mind, uninterrupted, that gets others to listen or just being able to get a glimpse into someone else's life or passions that has us always coming back for more.

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

1. No wine above $15.00 a Bottle even if on sale




2. Must be Sparkling and Muscat Varieties




3. 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.

100% White Moscato from the hills surrounding the Canelli, Nizza and Monferrato

Soft pressing of the grapes to avoid crushing

Brilliant with a golden yellow color. Intense, fragrant, delicate aroma of Moscato with a very elegant bouquet reminiscent of orange-blossom, peach and honey

Pleasantly sweet, aromatic, round, it gives a creamy sensation on the palate

Excellent balance between natural grape sugar and acidity

Accompaniment: perfect for an extensive range of desserts, fresh fruit or by itself

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



Vintage 2006

Type White - Sparkling

Producer Azienda Agricola Tintero Elvio di Tintero Paolo

Variety Moscato

Designation Sori Gramella

Vineyard n/a

Country Italy

Region Piedmont

SubRegion Asti

Appellation Moscato d'Asti

For Me, Sparkling Wines do it Best,

Bon Appetito !

BadGalsRadio.com // EntrePOD // BadGalSays

Week in Review

Last week was crazy. I feel as though I ran around and did nothing. Ever have one of those weeks?

Tuesday, Hubster and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. We celebrated at home... sick (both of us) and with two stuffy, coughing kids. It was actually nice to all be sick together (not really) as we all had the same lack of energy.

Thursday, Wine at Five turned 1! I celebrated quietly with this (after everyone went to bed)div>

(watch for the review...coming soon)

I also tried my hand at a new craft project and made this earlier in the week

(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.

EC Drop List ~ New and Improved

Big Daddy Richard has updated his top EC droppers. He defines his top droppers as those who return drops, have easy to find wigets, have a decent load rate and like to drop as he does. If you are not already on this list you stop on over a Traders' Hub and get on the wait list. It is currently at 300 but updated regularly with non droppers and those who have left EC removed. It's easy to just drop from this list as I know I will always find a wiget on the other end.

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

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252. The Journey

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254. Outlandish Obsevations

255. Finance For The Non Finance Pro

256. Free World Funny Pics

257. Baby And Kids' World

258. Nizhama2

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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

Wordless Wednesday ~ Full Moon

Marcus James Malbec ~ Wine Review

In my infinite search for great wine under $5, I've recently become aware of and a fan of Marcus James. My local store must have been depleting their inventory of the Marcus James Merlot because, up until 3 weeks ago, a 1.5 litre (equal to 2 bottles) was selling for under $7. I think I may have bought them all. Yesterday I noticed a new label and and was excited to be able to try the Marcus James Malbec.

Priced at just under $10 for the BIG bottle, it is definitely a great buy.

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.

Happy July 4th~ Sweetheart Style

We've been getting ready for the last couple days. The kids and I made cupcakes and a cake decorated with red, white and blue frosting and Sweethearts(TM) Red, White And You candy Hearts. For the season, Sweethearts(TM) are extending their "language of love" conversation hearts to both honor the military and celebrate America's patriotism. The hearts are red,white and blue and have sayings such as "Proud of U", "Home Safe", "Miss You" and "Thank You". The USO is including these sweethearts in care packages to soldiers serving in the U.S as well as overseas. The packages are also available in stores nationwide and are perfect for July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day Celebrations.

The kids had a great time decorating with them and I must say that I was really digging the flavor of the new blue ones. Yum. Here's some pics of our creations.

Have a Great 4th of July!