Russian Spies and Conspiracy~ What Should We Believe?

It's so hard to wrap my head around all the covert operations that go on in this country. I imagine it's pretty hard for those in other Countries to figure out our (United States) intent on their society once we show up and refuse to leave.

The recent arrests of the Russian Spy Ring is mind blowing to me. I guess it shouldn't be. With one of the couples right here in Virginia, I have to wonder how I would feel if they were people I had contact with. How betrayed would you feel if these were your friends? What impact would it have on you if one of these spies regularly frequented your place of business? Do you think you would get that gut instinct about them? Would you only get it after they were arrested? Would you go back each encounter with them in your mind to see if there was something that should have tipped you off?

Rubicon is a new show airing this Sunday and it follows intelligence analyst Will Travers who cracks codes for a living. Will's life is turned upside down by recent events and sets him off on a mission of his own to get some answers. This series taps into our collective paranoia and I believe will not disappoint.



AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET.

Check out the preview and then get the popcorn ready Sunday night for this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

SP

Who Wants Free Ice Cream?

I'm having a daily contest on Facebook this week. Each day, Monday - Friday I will post a random ice cream question on my wall between 7 - 8am (est). All you have to do is comment on that post (on Facebook) and at noon each day we will choose a random number and that commenter will win a coupon for a FREE box of Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice cream bars or sandwiches. Make sure your my friend on Facebook so you can play along. Winning free ice cream has never been this easy. The bars are my favorite and at 130 calories I don't feel guilty eating them. I can burn that off in 30 minutes with EA active.

Today's link is already up. It's like a lottery. No need to wait a month to find out if you win. You'll find out in a couple hours. Then you can come back tomorrow and try again.

What are you waiting for. Click here to play.

I Don't Give a Rats Ass What You Think

It's true. I don't.



Hubster was raised to impress people. Put you best foot forward with clean, pressed clothes, daily bathing, immaculate hair... I can't say that I was raised too differently, but my Mom stopped dressing me at the age of 5. If I pulled out a wrinkled shirt out of my drawer, because I had shoved them in there while putting my laundry away, then a wrinkled shirt I wore. No one took it off me and insisted it get pressed.


Hubster told me last night that he thinks I go out of my way to do things differently than other people just to prove I don't care. I really don't care enough to do that. I asked for specifics. He asked if I really thought it was okay for our 4 year old daughter to go out of the house without her hair being brushed. I absolutely do think it's okay. We're not talking about heading off to school or to church, we're talking about running out to play with the neighbor kids or running to the grocery store. I know some people would never dream of taking their kids out of the house without having them in pristine condition, and that's okay for them, I would rather focus on their character than their outside appearance.

Maybe it was in my upbringing. I remember, as a kid, having an 8 o'clock bed time. During the school year it was no biggie, but during the Summer when it was still daylight and all the neighbors were outside playing, it was excruciating. The first chance I had to make decisions on my own I did it. I made my own decisions, refused to let others influence my opinions and was hard pressed to be persuaded to change my mind. That's not to say that I made choices lightly. I (almost) always weigh all the different scenarios and consequences of my choices. Sometimes I make mistakes, we all do. I brush myself off, learn from my mistakes, and make some changes.

Everybody has heard their parents say "If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?" Actually, Mom, on a vacation you allowed me to go on with one of the neighbor families that's exactly what I did. Except I wasn't the follower. I found a bridge over water, making it perfect for jumping, and encouraged my friends to do it with me. I jumped first.

My house is unorganized and messy. I'll have time to fix that when both kids are in school full time. I stopped apologizing for it a long time ago. Firstly, because it made me sound stupid if you visited more than once (since it was still messy the second time) and secondly, I don't believe it defines me as a person. It says nothing about my inside character, the love I have for my family and friends or the desire I have to help others in all situations. It's just a messy house.

Basically my point is this. Life is too short to live it for other people. We all have to make our own choices. Ones we can be comfortable and proud of. If we do things to please others we can never fully please ourselves. I'm not saying we should set out to not please others, we should just worry first about ourselves. How the actions will make us feel. I should be able to walk out of the house with messy hair and no make up and know I am still a good person. I am respectful, considerate and kind, and if others are too shallow to look beyond my outside appearance than shame on them.

We judge by nature, but I think we should judge people by their character and how being around them makes us feel not by how they dress, how much money they have or how clean their house is.


That's me, and that's what I'm trying my hardest to teach my children.

Breyers Smooth & Dreamy~ The Good, The Bad, The Giveaway

Breyers Smooth & Dreamy line has added some new members to their family. We had the opportunity to give these bars and sandwiches a try so we could spread the word. Good or Bad.

















The Good

Oh my. You would never know that these have fewer calories than regular Ice cream. I couldn't decide which to try so I let the kids choose. Of course they couldn't agree so we came home with a box of each of these. Handsome wanted the sandwiches and Puddin Pop wanted the bars. After trying both, I'm picking the bars as my favorite. Chocolate Ice Cream with (tons) of bits of chocolate and dipped in the most delicious chocolate coating. Not the plastic, no flavor chocolate. This chocolate melts in your mouth and almost has a caramel taste to it. It was sooo good.

The sandwiches were yummy too. The cookie was firm but not super crunchy. It wasn't soggy, which is the most important. The ice cream was creamy vanilla with chocolate chips. It was good and Handsome preferred these to the bars. Puddin Pop and I are more chocolate fans, causing us to prefer the bars over the sandwiches. Plus...they have fewer calories. More a bonus point from me than PP. She's fortunate not to have to worry about calories.

The Bad

While I have nothing bad to say about Breyers bars or sandwiches, I will share my story to possibly save you the same grief...

As I said, we bought both bars and sandwiches. The thought was that each kid got to choose which they thought would be better and everyone would get to try both. By day 3 there were 3 sandwiches and 1 bar left. When it came time to have our ice cream snack, a war broke out. PP wanted the bar because she picked them out and Handsome wanted the bar because...well frankly, I'm pretty sure it was because it was the last one and his sister wanted it. I determined that Handsome should have it only because he had not had one of the bars yet. The battle lasted for 10 minuted before I declared that if they couldn't figure it out, I would eat them all myself. PP decided she would like to try a sandwich. She's a smart 4 year old.

The Giveaway

I pretty much suck at getting people to enter giveaways and this is a coupon. Actually, I have 5 coupons to give away. Each is for your very own box of Breyer's which you can choose to share or keep all to yourself. Blame it on the low calories and claim it's an adult treat. I've decided not to make you comment here to get it. Instead, you are all invited to be my friends on Facebook. Each day next week, between 7:30 and 8 am, I will post a link to this post and you must comment on it. I will pick a random number prior to posting and whoever is that number commenter Wins. It'll be fun. Promise.

So go send me a friend request and then look for me all next week.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

On Demand Saves the Day

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm not sure what I'd do without cable TV. There's always a TV on in our house. Whether the kids are actually watching something, forgot to turn it off, or it's just on in the background. I like my TV at night after everyone has gone to sleep. It helps me unwind and clear my head. I watch everything from Reality TV to Sci Fi thrillers. Different moods yield different shows. I rely on our DVR and On Demand to get the most out of my time (commercial free).

We use On Demand most Friday nights for our Family Movie nights. From New Releases to Classics, we can always find something the entire family will enjoy. Lately we've been watching all the Classics. The movies from way back that we get to share with our kids. It's like watching them for the first time all over again.

If you are a Charter member you can find out more about On Demand and add the service by going to the On Demand home page. It's definitely worth looking into. Movies and shows on your schedule for a lot less (or free) than the theater and most rental places.



If you are a Facebook user, You will ‘Like’ their Facebook page as well . Connecting with companies through social networking lets you get real time results. You can see if others are having the same concerns as well as learn what's making consumers Rave about their service.

I had an issue with a TV show that I had DVR'd a couple weeks back. When I went to watch the recorded episode the following day, I found that the audio was missing from more than half the show. You know when you get in that mode to relax and you know exactly what your in the mood to watch? Imagine realizing you could watch just fine...as long as you didn't want to HEAR the episode. Luckily, before I panicked and started throwing things, I checked On Demand. The episode was there, volume in tact. The night was saved.

What the Hell Wednesday

Another Wednesday. What the Hell? As a SAHM Wednesdays are pretty much like Mondays and Fridays, except I get to play along with the Blue Monkey Butt Sisters and talk about my weekly What the Hell moments. They even gave me a What the Hell? Gotta love 'em for making this so easy. Go check them out and play along.



For some reason the dog has chosen to sleep outside the last couple of nights. She's not really an outside dog. It used to be she would go out to "do her business" and come right back inside. I've noticed lately that when the kids start fighting, Ashley (the dog) goes right to the back door and begs to get outside where it's quiet. Sometimes I think it would be a good idea to join her but at night they are sleeping. Last night I even made a point to call for her, in case she felt like we were just forgetting about her. I'll admit I couldn't remember if she was in or out, but when she didn't come I assumed she was inside somewhere. This morning when I got up she was scratching to get in. What the Hell, dog? Is it really better outside?


Stacy (one of the infamous Blue Monkey Butt sisters) posted these shoes on Facebook.

I commented with "You crack me up with your shoes. Again, I would kill myself in these. You enjoy them:)" What I really meant to say was "What the Hell?" While I agree they are totally cute, who chooses to walk around in 4 1/2 inch heels? She's a total girly girl.

Speaking of Facebook. You know the status updates that your supposed to copy and paste, for at least one hour? What the Hell is that? What's the point of "at least one hour"? I found one yesterday that stayed up all day and it didn't even have the hour requirement...


Please copy and paste this to your status if you know someone, or have been affected by someone, who needs a smack upside the head. People who need a smack upside the head affect the lives of many. There is still no known cure for someone who deserves a smack upside the head, except a smack ......upside... the head, but we can raise awareness. Many won't copy and paste this. I did. Will you? :)

Isn't that great?

Actual conversation between Hubster and I Monday morning.

Me: Who's picking the kids up for VBS, you or your parents?

Him: What does it matter. It will be the same time regardless of who picks them up.

Me: Oh. Okay. What time will that be?

Him: I don't know. I'll have to ask my mom.

What the Hell? Am I the only one who thinks this is utterly ridiculous?

That's all for me. Head on over to Elle and Stacy's place and play along.

Buying Generic~ It's Cooler than it Used to Be

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

I remember years ago when my brother was trying to sell Amway. He gave me his pitch. I bought the "starter kit" to help him out and actually found that the items worked really well. I wasn't necessarily surprised, I didn't care. There was something about having all my household products carrying the same label that just didn't appeal to me. They've changed a lot...so have I.

I've never been the person who has to have all the name brand "stuff". I've had named-brand stuff, I just never had to have it. I buy store brand products all the time when grocery shopping. Occasionally I'll find something that just doesn't work or taste as well as other brands but it's very rare. I have no issue with all my pantry goods having the same "store" label. It actually makes me feel pretty smart and frugal.

Walletpop.com came up with a list of 10 Products to Always Buy Generic . It lists stuff like cereal, pantry staples, and baby formula. It's main reason for purchasing the store brand formula is that the Infant Formula Act insures that all formulas are certified by the FDA and are healthy and good for your baby. I'll admit I bought the most expensive for my first child. I wised up by the time the second came along. Talking with other parents and researching what I heard helped me disqualify the belief that spending more was getting a better product for my child.

How do you cut costs when shopping? Do you have to have specific name brands? How do you choose which brand to buy?

Eat So They Can ~ Fundraiser

I came across a new fundraiser from Global Volunteer Network Foundation. It's an easy and fun way to give back. The Eat So They Can campaign is slated for October 16th and 17th. Nationwide people will be hosting dinner parties for family and friends in the hopes of raising money for women and children in Africa, Asia and South America.

The funds will be split to help four different causes. You can decide where your funds go when you sign up to host a party.

Orphaned and Vulnerable Children

Funds raised for this cause will be used towards projects working with orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. By supporting this cause you will be giving children an opportunity to have a brighter future. Your funds will be used to support both immediate needs and sustainability projects at schools and orphanages.

Women's Empowerment

Funds raised for this cause will be used to assist projects around the world that are working to empower and enable women. By supporting this cause you will be giving women an opportunity to have a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Anti-Trafficking

Funds raised for this cause will be used towards our work to end child and women trafficking. By supporting this cause you will be helping to create a social movement as well as supporting specific projects around the world that are working in this area.

Emergency Relief

Funds raised for this cause will be used towards our emergency relief work around the world. By supporting this cause you will be providing emergency assistance to the victims of emergencies, such as food, supplies and tents. Your will also be providing long-tem support through rebuilding and micro-finance projects.


I've registered to support this fundraiser and think I will make it an hors d'oeuvres and wine tasting. Guests will be asked to bring a donation of any amount to be forwarded to the GVN Foundation. Fun and thoughtful. Won't you join me in this cause?

Apothic Red 2008 ~ Review

I was recently sent a sample of Apothic Red. I was very excited to find out it was a blend of my 3 favorite red grapes Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot. I couldn't wait to taste it...but I did.

The kids have VBS all this week (at night) and I found this to be the perfect opportunity to give this beautiful bottle a try. Yes. I'm a label person, too. This bottle would definitely catch my eye. It's sleek and sophisticated and what's inside is just as pleasing.

Viticulture Notes

Lighter yields in 2008 resulted from a dramatic growing season beginning with below normal winter rainfall, and extended April frost that reduced quantities in many regions of the state. Following this was an ideally mild Summer and Fall. The lighter yields and small berries resulted in an exceptionally high quality of grapes and complex, concentrated flavors and aromas.

Tasting Notes

The 2008 Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complimented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouth-feel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

I enjoyed this bottle with pan seared chicken breast and tomato-basil- Florentine rice. It went perfectly and enhanced the flavor of both the food and the wine.

This bottle retails for $14 and is available nationwide. I loved it! I would not only recommend it, I will buy this California blend the next time I see it on the shelf. Well worth every penny.

I was sent a sample of this wine but was not compensated in any other way. The opinions are solely mine.

Totally Random Tuesday~ Brownies, Breyers and VBS

It's Tuesday which means it's time to Random Up. Bits and pieces of thoughts in my head all being laid out in random order. It doesn't have to make sense. It's more of a cleanse of the mind. Jump in with The Un Mom and Friends and play along. Everyone needs a good cleanse once in a while.





I'm not a religious person. I spent my youth attending Sunday school and Confirmation classes. I think having a "base" of religious beliefs helps one make more informed decisions as an adult. My In-laws attend a Baptist Church and take the kids and Hubster along with them on most Sundays and Wednesday evenings. I make use of this time by working (outside the home). Each summer I am rewarded with Vacation Bible School. This is my week. Every night the kids and Hubster will be gone from 4:30 to 9pm. A week of me time, no dinners to prepare (except for me) and wine.

The power went out for a little over an hour yesterday. Right in the middle of 2 Grey's Anatomy episodes. I'm a little ticked. It left me with almost nothing to watch while everyone was gone.

I've got coupons (5) for a FREE box of Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice cream bars/sandwiches to give away. You'll need to be my friend on Facebook to enter. It's going to be super simple to win. Make me your friend now so you can play next week. One free box will be given away each day Monday through Friday. What are you waiting for?

Someone asked if I was actually drinking wine while the rest of the family was at church. Yes. I was. It was GOOD.

EA Active has been kicking my butt for a couple weeks now. Someone let Bob Greene and his trainers know that I would appreciate them calling me on days I miss. The brownies on the counter had no problem yelling at me to eat them. Bob needs to step up his game.

Why does spell check not recognize Breyer's?

I'll leave it at that for now. Now go cleanse you mind and link up.

Marriot Introduces "Nickelodeon Your Stay"

Travelling with children can be exhausting and challenging. Originally from Michigan (and now in Virginia) we try to make at least one trip "home" each year. It's a 12 hour drive if I do it myself, with kids and their need to pee it's more like a 15 hour trip. I've done it straight through and I've done it stopping half way. Driving straight through requires (at least for me) leaving at 3 am and having the kids sleep for the first 4 hours of the trip. By the time we arrive they are hungry and grumpy and not the children I wish to present to grandparents who only get two shots a year to spend with their grandchildren.





Marriott properties have embraced a new "Nickelodeon Your Stay" program for summer travellers. The promise of SpongeBob and Dora await lucky visitors. We were sent one of their gift bags full of goodies and I can see why these components would be welcomed by any parent.

First, promising your child a SpongeBob pillowcase to rest their head on once you get to your destination is an awesome bribe. Yes. I said bribe. I have two kids and would so use this to keep them from fighting in an already not-so-fun, long car ride. The activity book and reading book would be great to keep little ones busy while parents tend to the unpacking and when they need a few minutes to catch their breath. The book bag also comes with a bracelet, sunglasses, a water ball, and a 3d SpongeBob figure that the kids can put together. Promising this to children as a reward for behaving in the car just may make the trip a little less stressful on everyone.

If you are travelling this Summer make sure to look for Marriott properties on your route. A little suprise never hurt anyone and may just make the trip a little more enjoyable.




I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Marriott and received a Nickelodeon gift pack to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Are You Superstitious?

I'm not very superstitious.



As a kid I remember hours spent not stepping on cracks to avoid "breaking mama's back." I also carried around a rabbit's foot, but I think it was more because it was cool (dyed purple) than because I thought it was lucky. I had a boyfriend many years ago that had family in Croatia and he and his dad went to take money and other supplies during a full blown war. He had put a Cross on my rear-view mirror before he left. I'm not a religious person, but he was. I left it there until he returned home safely a month later. I wasn't messing with someone else's beliefs. That would just be WRONG.

As an adult I can't think of any superstitions that play a role in my life. No habits I do for luck or to prevent bad from happening. I imagine if I had always been unlucky that I may try to bring myself a little luck in anyway I could, or at least try and prevent the bad. As it is, I feel pretty lucky with all I have, and we all know it's a bad idea to mess with a good thing.


I had the opportunity to watch the preview episode for the new show Rubicon that starts on August 1. It's a thriller for anyone who loves action mystery films or shows. Based in New York, it follows an analyst who soon finds out that nothing is what is seems and his attempt to figure out what to do next. He is surrounded by quirky, superstitious co-workers of the highest intelligence who work to solve "codes" found in places you (at least I) would never expect to find them. They also have superstitions I've never even heard of. I didn't know to be afraid of a broom touching my foot (got you interested now, don't I). Are these shared only amongst the most intelligent of us?

I'm excited for this Rubicon to begin and will set my DVR to record it once it shows up on the guide. This is one you'll want to catch every episode of so as not to miss a single second of this fiction-thriller.




AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET.

SP

Twitter Hop Thursday

Need more TWITTER Followers? Here's a quick and easy way to get some and find some new peeps to follow. Join in!



Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The King’s Court IV, Little Yaya’s, and Review Retreat!

Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).

2. Click on the Twitter for the four hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they’ll know where to follow you!

Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you’ll see “Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code….” Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!

We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is Mommy Moment!! They will be in the #5 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.

Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!!!

WTHW~ Coffee, EA Active and Promises...FAIL

Another Wednesday and What the Hell moments to share. If you have one (or a few) of your own, make sure to visit Elle and Stacy and link up. They love when people play along.

I have to have coffee n the morning. HAVE. TO. I wake up, make the coffee, let the dog out, fold a load of laundry, let the dog in, feed her and then pour a cup. It is most beneficial (to all) when all this happens and the first cup in consumed before anyone else gets up. Today I had to open a new canister of Folgers and when I pulled off the seal coffee went all over the counter and all over the clean dishes drying in the sink. What the Hell? Not a good start. When I finished my other tasks and finally got around to pouring a cup there were grounds all in it. Sometimes the filter gets knocked over by the water. Strike two. Is this really how today is going to go?

I'm tired of people making promises that they have no intention of keeping. It's old. Why am I the only one who realizes these promises will not be kept? What the Hell? Just stop making them.

I'm doing the 30 day challenge on EA Active Personal Trainer. Monday should have been day 5 (20 workouts in 30 days). I was really dreading the workout. Okay, maybe not dreading but I just didn't have any motivation to do more than the bare minimum that day...but I made myself. That's the kind of person I am. After 22 grueling minutes and a lot of sweat it was showing 4/20 workouts done...What the Hell...I had accidentally repeated the day 4 workout. Crap. I got my unmotivated butt up and did day 5. I will complete the challenge in 30 days.

Now go visit the Blue Monkey Butt Sistas and tell them I sent you.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Unexpected Visitor

Checking out Preschools

I'm still on the fence. I want PP to get a fair shot before starting full day kindergarten but I can't seem to decide where that should be. Handsome went to a religious based preschool across the street but they didn't live up to their claims and I'm not a religious person and don't feel like portraying myself differently on the application. Money is also a factor.

I have fond memories of my preschool years. I don't necessarily remember specifics but I remember the playground outside and spending time in the kitchen baking with the instructors. School was always fun for me and I want it to be fun for my children. Puddin Pop is so social and I think she would thrive in a school environment. She insists she'd rather stay home.

KinderCare is one of the schools we'll be looking into this week. With locations everywhere across the country (We have 4 within 10 miles of the house) they provide daycare and learning programs for infants through school age children. The 3-4 year old Preschool offers a variety of theme based units incorporating language, math, science, creative arts and music, as well as time for developing motor skills and social development. The program works on not only developing the needed skills for Kindergarten but instilling the confidence and eagerness to learn before children move forward.

I contacted the location closest to us on Friday and received a response within an hour from the home site letting me know the Director would contact me within 48 hours. I actually heard from the director within 2 hours (email) of my original message being sent. Considering it was Friday afternoon, I find this impressive. If this is their level of communication than they already get two thumbs up from me. Now we will visit and see if they have any openings for a half day program.

They are also having a nationwide Open House on July 28th. You can RSVP through their site to the location nearest you.

I started thinking "What am I going to do with my mornings free?" It's been more than 6 years since I've had regular alone time. I'm already looking around the house at all the projects I want to tackle. Of course, I'm also telling myself I can wait a couple months because then I will have more time.

I will post a follow up after our visit


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Tie Dyed Shirts

I purchased this Tie-Dye kit several months ago on sale at Target. I thought it would be fun for a rainy day project with the kids. We broke it out on Thursday and got our creative juices flowing. The results (at least from the kids) were fantastic. I really like that everything except the t-shirts are included. I also like the precision the bottles allow for over dunking in buckets of dye. It also provides less clean up.



We chose to use two of the four included dyes. We'll save the other two for another rainy day. Purple and yellow were the colors the kids decided on. I asked them what type of design they wanted and they both wanted "targets". Handsome wanted three and Puddin Pop wanted two. I twisted and banded the shirts and then set them loose with the dye bottles.

Handsome (through some convincing) determined that less was better. I didn't want him to use all the dye before his sister and I got a chance. His shirt came out looking like this...

I think it's pretty cool. He probably could have used a little more color as we didn't run out, but I like the way it turned out. More importantly, HE likes the way it turned out.

Puddin Pop had a different method and wouldn't stop until she could find no white spots in her pile of shirt. I think she's onto something. Her shirt turned out like this...

Not bad for 4. She is also thrilled with her project which make me happy.

I tried to do a shirt like the one on the left side of the box. The blue and yellow one. Apparently I folded the shirt wrong because the one I made for Hubster (that I'm sure he'll never wear) turned out like this...

Who knew you could do Rugby Tie-Dyes?

The project was a success and we have enough dye left over for 2-4 more rounds. Very little mess and minimal clean-up make this a project I can't wait to do again. The box says it can make up to 14 shirts. If made like Handsome's I believe it would. If made like Puddin Pop's you might get 6. This would be a great play date project or for a sleepover. It suggests letting the shirts sit banded for 12 hours, we are not patient people and rinsed after 4. I think that was a fine amount of time as the shirts do not look faded at all.

What do you like to do for rainy day fun?

Follow Friday. 40 and Over

It's a beautiful sunny day and the kids need to get out of the house. We'll be heading to Water Country. Just wanted to participate in this new meme I found for us "older" folks. I'll be back later to hop and follow. Have a great day!


Please hop on over there to join in on another fun way to meet new bloggers and to make new friends. She has an awesome blog and I know you'll have fun over there!

The RULES to join in are very simple!

1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

Random Tuesday ~ Jellyfish, Personal Trainer and an Anniversary

Damn.

I can't get my days straight. I was just getting ready to do a What the Hell Wednesday post and then I remembered it was Tuesday. So in celebration of Tuesday, get you random on. Post bits and pieces and then go to The Un Mom, link up and make some friends.



Last week was a good week. My copy of EA Active Personal Trainer arrived. I'm hoping to open that box today. 9:30. that's when the kids have been told to be off the Wii. I also received a box of wine from Lost Vineyards of the World which you can read about here. We took a trip to the beach which proved to be more of a jellyfish expedition, but had fun nonetheless.

Does anyone know anyone who uses an electric cigarette? I'm curious to see one of these. I'm amazed with what technology experts spend their time on.

I'm not working all week. Maybe I'm fired. I've been told I'm not low man on the totem pole anymore so didn't have to work the Holiday but who knows. We'll see if I get scheduled next week.

I really want to find a pre-school for Puddin Pop for the Fall. Something a couple days a week to get her in the mind set of following directions and not distracting others. I have a couple places to check out this week. I'm wishy-washy on this one. Some days I think it's essential that she go. Some days I figure I could just work with her at home on numbers, letters and writing and she'll be fine. Handsome went to a religious preschool and while I would like her to have the same advantages I don't think I'm in a place where I can lie about my faith in an interview to get her in. Last time I just let Hubster do all the talking. They also didn't do much to impress me based on what they charged compared to what I witnessed. We'll see.

Tomorrow is our Anniversary. 11 years. Thursday will be 16 years since our first date. Just the numbers makes me feel old.

I'm outta random. Head on out and read some more.

Today is the Day!

Today is the day.

Last weekend I ordered Ea Active's Personal Trainer and it arrived on Thursday. Then the Holiday weekend snuck in and I'm ashamed to say that the box hasn't even been opened.

Today it will be.

I know many people that have different workout equipment. Rowing machines, stationary bikes and the ever-so-boring treadmill. The only person I know that uses theirs regularly is my Step-Mom. She uses a stationary bike to help with her MS. I know she uses it because she calls me while she's on it. Other people use theirs to hang laundry on. I would.

Video game platforms have come out with a way to work at home and I'm going to give the 30 day challenge my best effort. Coupled with outside play at Water Country and the beach I'll be looking for some results.

Now I just have to get the kids off the Wii...but I won't let that deter me.

Anyone want to join me?

Pink Lady Italian Rose ~ Review

We had a little impromptu Girls Night In. It was last minute so no big meal was planned. We just decided to share a pizza, drink some wine, and have a little Girl time. I didn't think I'd be able to attend since Hubster had been ill the day before. He came home feeling fine on Friday so I decided to pop in with this Pink Lady I received from Lost Vineyards of the World. We ALL loved it. Usually a red wine drinker (me), a sweet white and a dry white individually, we all were unanimous that this Italian Rose was crisp and bubbly with a light strawberry flavor. It wasn't overly sweet or bubbly and was the perfect compliment to the chocolate blackberry cookies fresh from the oven that were served as dessert.





This is the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day. It's light enough to be served alone but would also go well with any snack foods and, of course, desserts.

Lost Vineyards boasts the title of America's #1 Ultra Value Imported Wine. As a division of Brother's International Food Corp., a privately held company that does massive amounts of International shipping and trucking, they receive some of the best transport rates on the planet and pass those savings onto the consumer. This bottle retails for $4.99-$6.99 or may be purchased for $59.88 per case ($4.99 per bottle) through Lost Vineyards (click photo to order).


Distributor's Notes:



I love getting together with the girls. They let me talk about everything from Kichler lighting to stubborn kids and Husbands. With a family of talkers I sometimes feel I talk too much when out of the house, it's the only chance I get. If my friends are bothered, they're too polite too mention it and that's what makes them the best.

This Pink Lady was definitely a wine to share. It would have been perfect to serve at Puddin Pop's first birthday, being pink and all. I would suggest this for any backyard BBQ as it is easily enjoyed by a wide variety of wine lovers. I bet I could even get my non-wine-loving friends to enjoy this one. I may have to get a case to take to Nags Head with us in August. I have a friend who wants to like wine but hasn't found one she likes. This may just be it.


I was sent this bottle of Pink Lady to review. I was not compensated in any other way and the opinions are 100% mine (and my neighbors).

Buckroe Beach, Virginia is now known as Jelly Fish Field

Last week I took the kids to the beach. I've been bragging ever since about all the work that's been done to this particular beach since last year. They've really cleaned it up. Large rock walls have been put in to block waves for little kid friendly spots to have fun in.

Friday night I convinced our neighbors to join us for a day at the beach. The hesitantly accepted.

We got to the beach around 9:30 to get our pick of spots before the crowds showed up. This also allows for close parking which makes the dragging of all the "stuff" tolerable. Especially on the way out when everyone is tired and kids no longer want to help.

I really could have used some super powers. Not the leaping steel buildings kind. The kind that can repel these...




The beach was covered with them. Last week we saw a few little parts but nothing like this. It freaked me out a little. Then I walked into the water and saw this...

If you look close you can see two. One that looks like the one on the sand (lower left) and one that looks like the jelly fish Spongebob tries to catch (upper right).

I got close enough to get this..


...and then I got the heck out of the water. I'm ashamed to admit that the kids weren't afraid to get in the water...I wasn't so brave. My superpowers eluded me. I was a mere mortal mom.. far from the shore.

Once all the kids had claimed to be stung, one screaming and the others barely mentioning it (which I suspect means something rubbed up against them but probably didn't sting them), we decided to have a different kind of fun. Again us moms sat on the sidelines while the kids and dads did this...

Heads in the sand. What could be more fun than that. The day wasn't a total waste. The kids had fun. I was a little embarrassed for suggesting such a jellyfish infested beach (Yes Brook, you did warn me). Is there a jellyfish season? They just weren't there last week. When will they be gone?