Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Exploiting the Recession, or Exploiting the Public?

3 Comments
     You learn something new every day, or so they say. Here's today's lesson, from me to you:

     You've seen this everywhere, I'm sure. They want to share the 'trick' a mom figured out for whiter teeth. Don't pay hundreds, even thousands, just use this simple trick. Strawberries and baking soda? No. Scam-o-rama? I think so.

     They tell you to go to http://www.karensteeth.com/  and check out the news. They make the page look like an official news site. "Consumer News Weekly" it reads across the top. They use every trick in their arsenal to make it look like it is a news site, or at least a helpful, newsy blog.  They tell you how you can even get the shipping for almost free. A mere 99 cents a site. Of course there are two sites because this  mom learned to use both products together for some unexpectedly great results. Just order both trial products with coupon codes for 99 cent shipping and you're in!


     You're in alright. In a trap. They will send you the free trial stuff, but you have to cancel within 10 days of ordering the product. How many days does it take to arrive? We shall see. Yes, I ordered it. As soon as I ordered (with a 'special' credit card number they can't abuse) I called them to cancel my order. They refused. I will have to receive the product and then call them. Then I will have to return it. This was pretty much what I expected. I ordered it 15 minutes ago. I just got a call from a lady verifying my order. I told her I had already called to cancel and had been refused. She said "Oh, some of them do that. They make you receive it and return it." Now, mind you, there are two such offers. Each offer is for a free trial. Each offer will bill you what will be hundreds of dollars if you do not cancel. If you are lucky, one of them will renew it and ship out the product to you at timely intervals!

     There is no mention of this on the http://www.karensteeth.com/ website. A real blogger would have told you all about the return/subscription portion of the deal and how to avoid it.

     Not surprisingly the comments are closed due to "spam".  I'm pretty sure that was a typo and the comments are closed because it's a scam. The referral links to this page are laced with special tracking so the 'right people' get credit for sending you.

Updates coming soon. We'll see how they behave when I call them again. Poor girl, she sounded ashamed of doing her job. It's no wonder. I bet their employee turnover is high.


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Slanket/Snuggie Update #1

2 Comments
     Here it is! To quote my mother on Facebook:
 Water damaged polaroid but proof, none the less, that you did indeed begin wearing robes backward by the time you were 19 months old!

     Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that I did indeed deserve the Slanket/Snuggie patent.


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Something Wonderful Has Happened!

7 Comments
     Since circa 1998 I have been without my trusty 9x9" glass baking dish. I took it to my Aunt Bonnie's house one time for a family gathering. I took it there and baked my used-to-be-famous hot fudge pudding cake in it. When I got it back a couple of weeks later it had shrunk to 8x8". I didn't even realize this until I made another hot fudge cake and it spilled out all over my oven. I asked about my 9x9" pan but was told it did not exist. Someone in my family has it, they must. 

     I have been looking to purchase another 9x9 pan all these years. Scouring the internet, factory outlet stores, discount stores, department stores, specialty stores. No luck. 

     Yesterday I was just minding my own business in JCPenney and what did I spy? A 9x9 ceramic baking dish! Close enough, pal! I can make my soon-to-be-famous-again hot fudge pudding cake again.

      It's a Christmas Miracle!

Snuggie/Slanket Tutorial

1 Comments
People, Auntie Kitten is disappointed in some of you. I really hate to be the one to bring a burgeoning industry to it's knees, but... seriously? A Snuggie/Slanket is pretty much wearing your robe backwards. I've been doing this for years. God knows I wish I had been the one to realize millions of people are not clever enough to realize this and capitalize on the dim-wittedness. I curse myself, really. Just not as much as I laugh at the millions of people who want a Snuggie/Slanket.

If you buy this - it's your own darn fault! Also, there's this bridge I want to sell you.

Don't say Auntie Kitten didn't warn you.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Why Yes, Yes We Are Spoiled - Northeast Ohio Edition

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      How many things can we possibly take for granted? Here's another one for me and my lucky neighbors. Our local grocer, Buehler's, offers quite a few services. There's a Kid's Park, for ages 3-9, where you can drop off your littles while you grocery shop. In fact, since there's an Ace Hardware in Buehlers, you can even get paint mixed while your kids are happily  playing away. There is also a Kids Club, which is totally free. Each time you take the children to the store with you they get a special treat, which changes with the month. This month it is a trial size tube of Crest.

     Enough about the kids. Buehler's also has a nice little restaurant in the store. And a bank. And a dry cleaner. Oh, and a post office. Plus, you can drop off your library books at Buehler's. They also have an award winning florist. Carry out? Well, not really. At Buehler's you aren't allowed to take a cart outside. Because they send your groceries out on a conveyor belt and you simply drive up to the pick up lanes and they load them in the car.

     Oh, they also have something called "Click, Load, and Go." Are you ready to be jealous? You simply go online and order your groceries, telling them when you want to pick them up. Then you drive up to the pick up lane designated for Click Load & Go and just pick them up. How nice is that? Don't want to drag yourself inside and pick up everything, lug it up to the checkout and plop it on the counter only to take it home and carry it in and put it away? You don't have to - you can drive up to the store in your pajamas and get all your groceries. You still have to take it inside and put it away, but I guess that is to keep you humble.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sending Out An S.O.S.

3 Comments
   While I readily admit that "Sending out an S.O.S. is a bit dramatic, what I really want is to "Save The Date" and a post titled "Sending out an S.T.D." seemed like it might garner the wrong sort of attention. 

   You see, a while back I decided to remove the dates from my blog posts. I can not remember why this seemed like a good idea at the time. Now I want to put them back, but I can't find the place to flip the switch. If anyone could be of help I would appreciate it.

Friday, December 4, 2009

All My Problems Are Solved!

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Hooray! All of my problems are solved! Remember how I told you about the Gucci sunglasses problems I was having? I got really brave and commissioned someone to put coke bottles my prescription in them! I decided to do it and then order new ones online for the plain sunglasses. When I went to the site to order them I realized it is now a dead site. You can browse, but you can't buy. Somewhere in there is a 'Hotel California' reference just waiting to be made. You do it, I'm exhausted.



P.S. If you think the dead site issue is a problem, you are wrong. Because I just told you all my problems are solved.

Monday, November 23, 2009

My Blog Spark?

6 Comments
**Updated at the bottom. Twice.**

This morning I was just sitting here minding my own business, which I hardly ever always do. I was reading my emails and came across an email from My Blog Spark saying everyone has to sign the new Terms & Conditions.

I was reading through them (my husband will be so proud) and I saw this:


"If you conduct any sort of giveaway of these items to your readers or others, you agree to do so responsibly and lawfully and you agree that you will be responsible for any resulting liabilities, injuries, losses, or claims, including without limitation, injuries to (or harm suffered by) yourself or others."

*
Highlights, bold, italics are put there by me.


DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!!

*Who amongst the bloggers can afford to take on the liability the manufacturer alone should carry? Not I, said this blogger.

*Seriously, I need an answer to this question so I know who can take me out on their yacht. Leave this information in the comments or email me a.s.a.p.!


Update:

I just now got this email from Melissa at My Blog Spark:


Hi Tammi,
We understand that you have some concerns regarding the updated terms and conditions and want to clarify one very important point regarding liability. Please note that MyBlogSpark members are NOT liable when prizes are sent to your contest winners directly by MyBlogSpark . If there is ever an issue regarding a prize fulfilled by MyBlogSpark, you are not liable.
You are only liable if someone is injured because you failed to properly prepare or store the product samples or warn of allergens from product/prizes we send directly to you and you send directly to others.
We hope this clears up any issues pertaining to the terms and conditions and please let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Melissa
Kudos to My Blog Spark for responding. I'm pretty darn glad to hear this. However, I did let them know I think the language in the first quote I gave needs to be fixed to remove unnecessary risk from the shoulders of bloggers. Better to be redundant than open to risk, right?

Wow - I'm impressed. Sometimes when the little guy points out a risk, they are heard. Here's Melissa's response to my thoughts, sent to me via email again:

Hi Tammi,
I’m a mom blogger myself, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. I agree that the wording could be misinterpreted and we just sent an email out to the entire network that I hope clarifies the issue and eases the concerns. We would love it if you would reconsider and remain a member of the network. I can have the terms and agreements resent to you if you’d like.
Thanks again,
Melissa
Next week: Getting husbands to listen. No, just kidding. That will never happen. Unless you are saying something you don't want them to hear. They are listening then.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Lost and Found

1 Comments
Happy day!

Lost: My mind

When a certain unnamed credit card company bought my ten year old account in great standing they immediately closed it. Never a call or letter to tell us, either. Just closed it. We went to buy a plane ticket and it wouldn't process. These glitches happen. We thought nothing of it and just paid a different way. Then we went to make another purchase and it didn't process again. We kept trying, checking online to be certain there was nothing wrong with the account. There was no unusual activity, the account still showed we had the available credit. We paid a different way and then called this bank. "Your account has been closed." You should be getting a letter shortly. Two weeks later, sure enough, the letter arrived. This was the big card we carried. Incidentally, they also increased our interest rate - to 31.99%!!!

It super-sucked because then the other accounts we had saw BigBank had closed our account. Domino effect, big time. We like rewards, so I usually dump most of every paycheck into an account which earns us great rewards. I dumped in the money and got a letter in the mail the same day. Due to your ratio of debt to available credit blah blah blah... they lowered our credit limit. This was an "Oh crap!" moment for me because I needed to pay my bills with the money I just dropped on that rewards account. Things were spiraling out of control.

Why do things never spiral into control?

Yesterday I got a letter from BigBank offering me a 'deal'. I worked some numbers and called today with a goal in mind. I talked to a guy who was apparently screening the callers for this deal. After several minutes he put me through to Lisa, who asked a few questions and came up with a number and a deal even better than the one I was hoping for when I called! Hello 6% interest! We just saved a ton of money.

The moral of the story is this: Hey! my stories never have morals to them. What are you doing hanging around here waiting for one this time? If there is a moral to the story this time it is "It can't hurt to ask."

Helpful hint: Make them give you a number. They asked me what payment I wanted. Had I answered I think they would have taken it. I would be paying more than I am now if I had named given my numbers.

At no point in this or any other blog post will I actually say I found my mind. My mind is much more settled than it was yesterday.

Found: Money



Weirdo Wednesday

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Yes, "Weirdo Wednesday." Because it feels comfortable like an old shoe. Although, truth be told, my old shoes are never comfortable. So scratch that. It feels familiar. Like an old, somewhat uncomfortable shoe.

Anyway... I'm still trying to find the sunglasses I want. Impossible. I mean, possible, but not from any place who will sell them to me as prescription sunglasses. If I am ever an eye doctor and you find what you want online? I will go to the website where you found it, get the frames you want, and put prescription lenses in them for you. Because that's how I roll. Come on 'rest of the world' - catch up! 'Cause it's rude when you refuse to help a damsel in distress.

It looks like I am going to have to wave goodbye to the idea of having prescription Gucci 2432/S sunglasses. It's a cruel, cruel world. Although... I did just drum up more than a couple hundred dollars of receipts I never thought to turn in to flex spend before. So maybe, just maybe, I could buy the glasses I want and bring them in for lenses. I want to spend it all from flex - to use up my flex. But I super-duper REALLY want those glasses.

So you don't think I'm just psycho or vain (Or is it too late? It may well be.) I will fill you in. I've been wearing a pair of 2432 Gucci sunglasses since April 2000. I know they block the mean old nasty sun. I know they are lovely. I know they fit comfortably. I have 'small features', which is some kind of optician code for 'freak face who can't wear sunglasses.' It is super difficult to find sunglasses which do not look as if they are eating my face.

Maybe we'll take some pictures today and if there is ever a "Sunglasses! Stop eating my face!" photo contest I will be able to enter.

Here they are, in all their sun-blocking glory. Mine are brown, not pink. The pink is pretty though, isn't it?

*Isn't it weird how we say "Isn't it?" when we would never say "Is not it?"

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Putting The 'Flex' in Flex Spend

1 Comments
Is anyone else obsessed with draining a flex spend account right about now? I have decided this is as good of a time as any to try acupuncture, get great first aid kits for the house and cars, get some prescription sunglasses, and let my son get those colored contacts he has been wanting. Sadly, his contacts are not available in colors.

Here are some other uses for flex spend monies which could be interesting:

Buying canes. Maybe I can make some kind of hall tree and we could use them to hang our coats.

Incontinence bed pads. The puppy does use potty pads, after all.

Ace bandages. These can be used for bondage, or so I read.

Did you know you can get GUM and CANDY with flex spend money??? You can. It's nicotine gum and candy, but hey, GUM. and. CANDY. people!


Dr. Scholl's inserts for everyone!! We're gellin'.


Sunday, November 15, 2009

Best Things I've Seen On The Internet This Week:

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I just read something on a facebook info page which inspired me to thrill you with a (short) list. Here is some of the best stuff I've seen on the internet lately: (You're welcome.)

"You need someone who buys Snickers for his mother and Godiva for you."

"God carries a picture of you in his wallet."

Okay, so it's a list of two things. Savor them.



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

So Yeah, I Made a Key Lime Pie

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My mother came over with a Key Lime pie for my husband's birthday. It was fabulous. We've had Key Lime in Key West, and hers was a solid '10'. It was tart and think and delicious. I knew she would never make another one in a couple of weeks. When we have something great it's all we can think about and within a couple of weeks we are jonesing (spell check wanted me to change 'jonesing' to 'jousting' - or indonesia- what the heck?) for it again.

As it turns out, I was out and about last Thursday when I spoke with my mother and found out she was indeed making another Key Lime Pie! Except she needed? Lime. Okay then, this is totally typical for us. I told her I would bring one on my way home. (Reason #7 why it's great to live around the corner from your mother - bringing stuff home to each other in a pinch.) I made the drop off. She made no mention of sharing the pie, but I had bought the stuff to make one myself, so I was only a little hurt.

Short story long? I made my Key Lime Pie. I started with a graham cracker crust pre-made from the store. I justified this by telling myself this way the crust was a sure thing - all I had to learn was the pie. I used the recipe from Mar-a-Lago, which was the same one mom used. I followed it exactly. I even set a timer for the whipping times.

Mine is a little more light and fluffy than mom's was. I bet she adjusted her mixer speed (lowered it) like the KitchenAid book says to do. I didn't because I expected the folks at Mar-a-Lago had a mixer at least as powerful as ours. My flavor was absolutely perfect. Next time I will do the crust myself. It looks like a no-brainer, and I have no excuse now not to do it.

Try something new and unexpected. You'll probably be glad you did.


Thursday, October 22, 2009

I Feel It Must Be Said: Way Too Old To Be Trick or Treating

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I've been seeing a lot of something I find troubling lately. On blogs all over this great internet of ours people are complaining about kids/teens who are "Way too old to be trick or treating."

I'm guessing the mothers who feel this way do not have kids old enough to fit into this age category. Because let me tell you something. If your kids are "WTOTBTOT" and still want to go out with a bunch of friends (who are also likely WTOTBTOT) for some innocent fun like trick or treating you will be grateful they are involved in such innocent pursuits. You will be kind of smiling thinking to yourself "Yes!" (with the 'yes' arm gesture involving a fist and pulling your arm down by the elbow like you want a trucker to blow his horn - you know the one.)

When I see the local teens strolling up to my porch on Halloween I feel so happy for them, for their parents, and for our community. I can't help but wish they could stay 'little' forever.

If your big kids are doing the rounds this Halloween send them to my house for a glow bracelet and some candy. They are more than welcome.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Decisions, Decisions...

1 Comments
Lately there have been decisions to be made. Some are simple. (I can't think of an example of a simple decision - maybe none are simple?) some are more difficult. (What to wear? Which purse should I carry? Should I buy this color nail polish?) Some are quite complicated. (What are we going to eat? What do we do about _______?)

Why did I start to write this post? Where was I headed? What was I going to say? I can't remember. They are having memory screenings at our local library on November 7th. I hope we don't forget to go.

Oh, Puppy, Puppy.

1 Comments
I love the sound he makes when he drinks his water.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

This Not So Little Light

2 Comments
I went today to check for new posts on this blog. Some people just shine, you know? Through the good things and the not-so-good things, they shine.

Did you go to Sunday School as a little kid and sing this song?:

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Shine all over

[name of town]


I'm gonna let it shine
Shine all over

[name of town]


I'm gonna let it shine
Shine all over

[name of town]

I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.


I don't know how some people do it. They don't have a light - they ARE the light.



Tuesday, October 13, 2009

From Co-pay to Co-insurance.

1 Comments
Suck: Migrating from great insurance with low co-pays to insurance which costs even more but offers pretty much nothing except protection from catastrophic medical bills. If you have an extra $12,000 laying around, that is.

Rock: Being stressed over big changes in health insurance means there is still employment. Employment = good.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Lost and Found

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Suck: Getting lost because you program your GPS for the wrong city. Missing the football game.

Rock: Finding a Sonic in Northeast Ohio while lost.

Super-Rock: Finding a Big Boy for a hot fudge cake dessert!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Pepsi Throwback To Be Back in December

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I just read a tweet from @pepsico saying Pepsi Throwback is coming back to stores in December. I have no idea if this is another temporary availability or a permanent one. Something is better than nothing. The wall was starting to come down. It is great to know we will be able to replenish.


Saturday, September 12, 2009

Mapleside Farms, Bruinswick Ohio

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Four of us went to Mapleside Farms. When we arrived we realized there was a Jazz festival going on in the back, so everything was busy. We were not deterred. It's difficult to get us to willingly walk away from good eats. Mapleside Farms has an applehouse and bakery, a gift shop, and a restaurant. We took our time in all three. Our favorite part? It's a tie between the applehouse and bakery and the restaurant. Very solid and worth the time.

The highlight of any trip to Mapleside Farms is the big caramel apple. These are so wonderful I will not eat a caramel apple from anywhere else. I used to be happy with caramel apples from candy shops and Carmel Popcorn stands, but now I am spoiled. (This will come as a shock to anyone who knows me - I should have made sure you were sitting down.) They start with giant delicious apples. The glob on the caramel so thick it makes me giddy. There are options, but I am a purist and go for one with chopped peanuts.

The dining highlight had to have been the barbecued ribs my husband ordered. They use apple butter barbecue sauce. Oh my ganache, I'm feeling faint just thinking about them! I didn't like the idea, but the sauce itself was out of this world.

If you are in Northeast Ohio this month (October) you are in for a special treat because Mapleside farms is having their 'Fall weekends" with horse drawn hay rides, apple picking, and a corn maze, among many other fun things to do.

Two college kids enjoyed it, and are looking forward to returning.

Four of us went - four thumbs up!

*I was only able to take pictures with my phone so the pictures of the ribs were blurry. I'll go back with a proper camera so you can see them.

P.S. Now I am hungry.

Mapleside Farms on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Oy With the Leonard Cohen, Already! AKA: Leonard Cohen, You Are My Sunshine

2 Comments
If you are a true Java Junkie, you get the "Oy with the Leonard Cohen, Already!" title. If not, I'm sorry.

Here's the rub: (another nod to Java Junkies) I want Leonard Cohen to sing "You Are My Sunshine" when he comes to Cleveland. I also want a recording of him singing it. Who can help? Does anyone know who I can call? I would work for free for a week, maybe two, just to get to hear him sing it and get to have a copy of him singing it.

Suggestions? Hints? Tips? Ideas? Anything?

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Jellyfish at the Akron Zoo

2 Comments
In my opinion, some of the most beautiful things at the zoo yesterday were the jellyfish.
I could sit and watch them all day.




Sunday, August 23, 2009

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Suck: Migraines again! (5 days worth) Especially when they make you super nauseous.

Rock: Relpax. Again. (5 days worth)

Just a Little Favor

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We're going to Little Italy today. Please come and clean my house while we are gone! Don't forget to do the laundry!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Now You Can Sleep At Night

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I know you guys probably haven't been able to sleep because you were concerned about the expense of the Leonard Cohen tickets I was drooling over lately. I want to put your minds at ease. I got tickets! They arrived in my lovely mailbox just this week. I was going to take a picture of them but I didn't. I had a good reason, though. You would have been able to see my seats. Then all of you would have tried to buy tickets to sit near me. Frankly, Cleveland theater doesn't need to be marred by the stampede which would surely be caused by your enthusiasm to sit by me. If you know me at all you know I am way too lazy to photoshop things so the idea of blurring out the seats was beyond me. I am not too lazy to do this, though:



Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Wife Stealing Singer to Visit Cleveland Ohio

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Suck: Another man is trying to steal my attention on the same day my husband has his birthday.

Rock: Leonard Cohen is coming to Cleveland!!! On the same day my husband has his birthday!

Leonard Cohen Comes to Cleveland Ohio!!

1 Comments


Here I go writing about Leonard Cohen on my blog again. Leonard Cohen is coming to Cleveland and I think he is doing it just for me!! The tickets are amazingly expensive, though. What gives? Seriously, $209 is the cheap seats. They go all the way up to $1400. I need some kind of corporate sponsor to go to a concert, now. I really want to see Leonard Cohen, though. I regret greatly never seeing Johnny Cash. I don't want Leonard to end up being another regret I have. Also? Pavaratti. He was in Cleveland, but I was in South America, or traveling there, that day. I am flipping my lid over Leonard coming to Cleveland! I guess I need to go seek employment so I can afford his tickets.

Anyone need a Girl Friday? Will work for Leonard Cohen tickets!


Saturday, July 25, 2009

A Cry For Help, aka Feedburner Hates Me

3 Comments


Okay, maybe "Feedburner Hates Me" was a bit much. Maybe. My feedburner does not behave the way I would like. I see lots of other people who are able to get theirs to practically do circus tricks. Can anyone out there tell me where to find the options? I have searched repeatedly, but it is just not happening for me. I would be so happy for the help I would bake cupcakes in your honor. You wont get any, because between me, my five children, and my husband they will be gone before they get a chance to fully cool, but they will be in your honor.




This is not a photo of a cupcake, I know that! It is one of my mother's home made cream puffs. Go see how she makes them at My Mom Makes Good Stuff.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Congratulations Betty, Big Winner of the Keurig B60 Brewer

1 Comments


The randomizer chose # 268,

bettycd said...

I'd try Green Mountain Summer Safari Blend and Green Mountain Perfect Peach


Hooray for Betty! She won the Keurig B60 Coffee Brewer!

I did the drawing on the 18th, emailed Betty for her information, sent her information to Joe at Shoffee.com, and got this in an email from Betty the morning of the 22nd: (How is that for
fast!?)

The gorgeous beautiful Keurig arrived late yesterday. Turns out the warehouse is less than an hour away. Shoffee Joe included a mixed bag of Kcups. Peach makes me think of tea - pretty sure coffee just shouldn't smell that fruity; makes me think of tea with every swallow. My husband had Summer Safari Blend - that one is superb. The variety he sent is a excellent way to figure out just which to order. My daughter is so thrilled - she now wants one to take to college.




Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Games Lovers Play

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Suck: Late night visits from the gas company, after playing a game (in the dark, no less) of "What's that smell"

Rock: They did not come in and see my basement with the mountain of laundry.

Time Flies When You're Inhaling Rice

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Suck: Time passes much too quickly, sometimes

Rock: Great lunches with wonderful friends.

p.s. ignore the utensils, I'm rebellious that way sometimes.

Honest Scrap: From Lorelia Gilmore to Cruella De Vil

1 Comments

Kendhal over at Stepmom Extraordinaire decided I deserved this, so here we go! I am supposed to share 10 things about myself you may not know, but are absolutely true. I am also obliged to pass this on to 5 bloggers.

1. I used to find making lists one of the most comforting things in life. I realized it did not matter how many lists I made, they didn't change a thing. Now they do not carry the same meaning.

2. I have erased three things so far because I decided they were too personal. I am only on #2. This can not be good.

3. I usually feel like the one in the group who does not belong. I can never quite figure out why people have me around. I feel like this pretty much anywhere I am, except at home.

4. I can not believe I made it through the first 30+ years of my life without my husband. I can not imagine living one day without him now.

5. I have finely tuned intuition. Ignoring it is always a mistake.

6. The two favorite boxed sets of dvds I own are: Upstairs Downstairs and Gilmore Girls.

7. Compliments make me feel uncomfortable at least 7 out of ten times.

8. I have never had a beer, although I tasted one. Once.

9. Someone has left a comment for me on Fuel My Blog today.

10. Sometimes I feel like Cruella De Vil. Not because I want to make coats out of puppies though. Because I want to yell at people for being incompetent. (But coats out of puppies would be warm!)


p.s. I wanted to erase #3 as well, but if I keep erasing everything I am not comfortable with I will never write out ten things.

p.p.s. I just erased #5. It had to do with swimming and baton lessons and gymnastics.

Now, on to five of you suckers:

1. Nicole

to be continued - I'm lazy/sleepy/lacking brain function.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Travel In Style Tuesday

1 Comments

Don't be jealous. This guy had way more room in his car than you did, but that's because he thinks outside of the
box
trunk. And besides, who needs to see directly behind them anyway? We had a really interesting road trip. This was just one of the things which made it so.

Why Can't Life Always Be This Simple?

1 Comments
Suck: Out of Chocolate. Out of my mind.

Rock: Someone made brownies!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

A Stolen Meme I don't know why I did.

2 Comments
Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Becky from Musings from the Sofa. She credits two bloggers for her theft, the Queen, and also Zoesmom. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The ABC Meme



A – An advantage you have – The best husband any girl could ever have.

B – Blue or brown eyes – Who? Me? Hazel.

C – Chore you hate – Yes! All of them!

D – Dog’s name – Tony Blair

E – Essential start of your day – Warm blanket time.

F – Favorite color – Pink. Or lavender. Whatever, I can choose two if I want.

G – Greatest thing you’ve ever done that made you feel really good – I don't know if I can just choose one thing. Giving birth. Many times.

H – Habit you have – Making jokes. Changing the words to music to fit my situation/mood.

I – Issue you hate that the world tries to make you pursue – Bad news. I do not think it is necessary or even good for a person to hear a lot of bad news from all over the place.

J – Job title – Carer

K – Kohls or Target – Target!

L – Living arrangements – I live in a house with my husband, four kids, and a shih tzu.

M – Music you like – Most music, but it varies depending upon my mood.

N - Nicknames – T, Tam, Kitten,

O – Overnight hospital stay – only when I gave birth.

P – Pet Peeve – Just one? How rude! Nah, I'll just add an 's'. When people don't lift up their feet when they walk. I think lots of women think it's somehow cute. It's not. I better stick to one. We could be here all day.

Q – Quote that you like most –

Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you - Mohandas Gandhi


R – Right or left handed – Right

S – Siblings – nope

T – Time you wake up – Exactly when my brain says "Wake up!"

U – Underwear – Is this a yes or no question? I don't get it. I like underwear?

V – Vegetable you dislike – Asparagus

W – What makes you run late – Goofing around and not starting soon enough, usually.

X – X-rays you’ve had – Hmmm... shoulder, does a mammogram count?

Y – Yummy food you make – Oh. My. Ganache! Don't get me started. Fried potato tacos. Migas, baby cupcakes, salsa, Fantastic cookies. Okay, I'll stop.

Z – Zoo animal – Penguin!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Age Appropriate Fashion: Mistake Onesie

1 Comments
Suck: Old people onesies

Rock: Wearing a polo

For the love of all that is holy, people, please stop pulling your shirt way way way down in the middle. Especially when you sit down. This does not hide whatever it is you are trying to hide. It just makes you look like you are wearing a giant scary onesie.

Diet Plan, Or Fat Storing System?

2 Comments
Suck: I am both hungry and lazy.

Rock: I have all the ingredients to make migas.

Last Night Around The Dinner Table

0 Comments
We were at dinner when Crystal, who couldn't keep from checking twitter to see if she won an iPhone, said "Michael Jackson is dead!" I thought she was joking or someone else was joking but she said she got it from a totally trustworthy source - TMZ.

The first thing out of my mouth was "The Thriller is gone"

Then, after the girls decided who was going to write that on facebook, I said "I guess he beat it beat it beat it." and they were happy because now they each had something to write.

Later I went to facebook and added that he is "Gone too soon" but I don't think they got it.

We are all going to hell. How can you help what pops into your mind?

King of Pop, R.I.P.

Also, say "Hi" to Elvis for us!

p.s Crystal did not win an iPhone from twitter. In light of this tragedy, your paypal donations would be greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Fancy Fortune Cookies Giveaway!

246 Comments


Oh boy are you lucky today! Fancy Fortune Cookies has offered one of my readers ONE HUNDRED personalized fortune cookies of your choice! I wish I could win!

To be fair, they did send me a couple cookies of a few different flavors to taste. Oh my ganache, they were so good! I loved the mint, and let me tell you I did not plan to love the mint. I really loved them all and really need to eat many more before I could possibly do them justice in a description. I don't even know if I can choose a favorite. They need to make these things into ice cream cones and then send me like a kajillion of them for giving them the idea. *hint*

Okay, now that I'm done with all my not-so-subliminal-messagin' let me get on with it.



































Want to hear something really fun? You can choose your own customized message to put inside the cookies! I think that is the bees knees!

I hope you checked out the site because there is all sorts of great stuff. They have a weekly giveaway from the people on their Friends List, which can be found on the left. There is also an impressive bunch of celebrities who love their forutne cookies, from Oprah to Dustin Hoffman.

Here is how you can enter to win:

Follow Fortuneaday on twitter. - 1 entry
Follow me on twitter - 1 entry
Fave this blog on technorati - 1 entry
Follow this blog on blogger - 1 entry
Follow my other blogs on blogger - 1 entry per blog
Subscribe to this blog via email or reader - 1 entry
Subscribe to my any of my blogs via email or reader - 1 entry per blog
Put my buttons on your blog - 3 entries per button
Blog about this giveaway - 5 entries
Add my Giveaway to a Mr.Linky, Sweepstakes site, etc. Leave the link. - 5 entries each
Make a drop on my entrecard -1 entry per day
Send me cookies 100 entries (just kidding)

And of course you can always earn daily entries by posting on twitter. - up to two entries daily
Here is one you can use:

Fancy Fortune Cookies giveaway at Funnel Full of Soup. Win 100 with your own personalize message! http://tinyurl.com/mmw9uj Please RT

*If you digg, stumble, kirtsy, share on a message board, email friends, or whatever else please let me know what you did and take another entry.

*Please be certain to claim each entry by leaving one comment per entry earned.

* You can find my other blogs listed across the top "If You Could See What I See" "Auntie Kitten" & "Suck/Rock"

*Click on my banner or the "Home" link to see a list of my giveaways and see what my friends are giving away.

There are more fancy fortune cookies to be won at News Around the Blogs.

Guess what? Mission Mommy has a giveaway for you, too.

Would you like another chance to win? Try Frugal Plus for a $50 gc to Fancy Fortune Cookies.

Mom Talk with Three Kids and Us has a giveaway as well. Check out her Giant and Fancy Fortune Cookies.

Diana Rambles about Giant Fortune Cookies with a giveaway as well.

Brea's Mommy is also having a giveaway for Fancy Fortune Cookies on her blog!

You can also enter to win Fancy Fortune Cookies from Pour Some Sugar on Me.

She Scribes also has a giveaway from Giant Fortune Cookies and Fancy Fortune Cookies!

Monsters in My House has Fancy Fortune Cookies to giveaway on her blog!

Know who else is giving away Fancy Fortune Cookies? I Like it Frantic, that's who!

Blessings Abound is also giving away 100 Fancy Fortune Cookies.

Oh boy! Here's Stepmom Extraordinaire with a Fancy Fortune Cookie giveaway.

Guess who else is giving away Fancy Fortune Cookies? Simply Being Mommy, that's who!


Giveaway will run through July 15th, 2009.




Tropical Tradtions Giveaway

12 Comments
Tropical Traditions came about because someone had a passion for doing things the best way possible. I'm not going to retell the whole story on the blog, but I really urge you to go see for yourself.


[We] extract the oil by grating the fresh coconut, extracting the coconut milk, and then letting the coconut milk stand in a covered container for about 24 hours. After about 24 hours, the oil naturally separates from the water producing a crystal clear oil that retains the full scent and taste of coconuts.

We L-O-V-E to make a great curry at this house, and one of my favorite things about a good curry is the coconut milk, coconut smell, and coconut taste. I have to admit we haven't made it yet (we just got back from vacation) but we will be using a lot of this bottle for our chicken curry addiction.

How else will I be using it? I will be using it on my hair. Yep, my hair. It can be used both pre-wash and post-wash. Hey, I'll try anything to make my hair strong and shiny.

Want to win this big honkin' bottle of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions?


In order to gain your first (mandatory) entry go Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter

Do these things to earn additional entries:
Follow Tropical Traditions on twitter - 1 entry
Follow me on twitter - 1 entry
Follow this blog on blogger - 1 entry
Follow my other blogs on blogger -1 entry per blog
Subscribe to this blog via email or reader - 1 entry
Subscribe to my any of my blogs via email or reader- 1 entry per subscription
Put my buttons on your blog - 2 entries per button
Blog about this giveaway - 5 entries
Fave me on technorati - 1 entry per day
Make a drop on my entrecard - 1 entry daily
Send me cookies 100 entries (just kidding - or am I?)
Add my Giveaway to a Mr.Linky, Sweepstakes site, etc. Leave the link. - 5 entries each
Tweet this giveaway up to twice a day for en entry each time. Here is a tweet you can use:

Win a Quart of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions, a $37 value from If You Could See What I See http://tinyurl.com/lvc62u


*If you digg, stumble, kirtsy, share on a message board, email friends, or whatever else please let me know what you did and take another entry.

*Please be certain to claim each entry by leaving one comment per entry earned.

* You can find my other blogs listed across the top "Funnel Full of Soup" "Auntie Kitten" & "Suck/Rock"

*Click on my banner or the "Home" link to see a list of my giveaways and see what my friends are giving away.

This giveaway is for U.S. residents. It will end July 15th, 2009

Find a retail outlet near you

You must enter in the contest entry form.
Comments are not counted as entries for this giveaway.


Entry type = tweet, following on twitter, blogging, posting a button, etc.



Monday, June 22, 2009

3 Comments


I do not understand why someone would hang a wedding dress from a tree close to the street. Especially when said street gets high truck traffic. Can any of you shed some light on the reasoning behind this kind of behavior?

Note: I took this video with my new Flip camcorder. My daughter got it for me as a birthday gift and it is fantastic!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Rubbermaid 20 Piece Set - Giveaway

367 Comments
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated. Keep entering for all the other great giveaways going on now on Funnel Full of Soup and at If You Could See What I See.

We have a winner! The randomizer chose #136 this morning. Congratulations to Kiddiescorner who said:

136. kiddiescorner said...

Your button is in my and even more blogs blogroll






Rubbermaid sent me this twenty piece set to try out. It has four different product types inside. Each one is so doggone nifty I could rave about them all.



I will start with my personal favorite: The Produce Saver.

I used to bring home cilantro and in two or three days it was time for the trash. Since I got Rubbermaid Produce Savers my cilantro has lasted a week and even longer. I think I used some two weeks after purchase! Unheard of pre-produce savers. Hooray!







The Easy Find Lids are truly what we have all needed since containers were invented. I don't know about you, but I do not live alone. These 'other people' tend to toss stuff in the cupboards when they bother to 'put them away' at all. I am constantly saying "This had a lid just two days ago. Where could it be?" Every lid should be an Easy Find Lid. The good news? The other types of containers have easy find lids as well. Thank you Rubbermaid!








I Love these! I can close a container and give it to anyone and trust them to carry it without the bottom magically falling to the ground. It's good for anyone who is not quite sure when their container is well sealed. Just click the sides into place on your Rubbermaid Lock-It, and you are in good shape.











Well hello, good lookin'! The Rubbermaid Premier line is as handsome as can be. They are a different kind of clear plastic which is somehow clearer. I don't make the news, I just report it! These are pretty tough little guys. Homemade pasta sauce may try to leave its' mark, but it will fail, I assure you.



Here is what the set looks like in the box: I've seen it at Sam's Club for an AMAZING bargain.


Rubbermaid was kind enough to offer a set for me to share with the class, as well.

Here's what you do to win a set of your very own:

Go to the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids site. Tell me what you would like to keep fresher this summer and which one of the products you would use to do it.


Extra Entries:


Follow Rubbermaid on Twitter - 1 entry

Follow me on twitter - 1 entry

Fave this blog on technorati - 1 entry

Follow this blog on blogger - 1 entry

Follow my other blogs on blogger - 1 entry per blog

Subscribe to this blog via email or reader - 1 entry

Subscribe to my any of my blogs via email or reader - 1 entry per blog

Put my buttons on your blog - 3 entries per button

Blog about this giveaway - 5 entries

Make a drop on my entrecard -1 entry per day

Send me cookies 100 entries (just kidding)

And of course you can always earn up to 2 daily entries by tweeting up to twice a day.

Here is one you can use:

A Rubbermaid 20 Piece Set will keep you fresher this summer. Giveaway @ Funnel Full Of Soup: http://tinyurl.com/lr7ojo



*If you digg, stumble, kirtsy, share on a message board, email friends, or whatever else please let me know what you did and take another entry.

*Please be certain to claim each entry by leaving one comment per entry earned.

* You can find my other blogs listed across the top "If You Could See What I See" "Auntie Kitten" & "Suck/Rock"

*Click on my banner or the "Home" link to see a list of my giveaways and see what my friends are giving away.


Giveaway will run through July 3rd, 2009.