Stepmom Extraordinaire

(Nearly) wordless Wednesday - they say after awhile, humans start to look like their pets.

2012-02-01T10:37:00.002-07:00

I wasn't sure I agreed...

...but I think this photo verifies it.

Looking for some bored kid activities? Look no further!

2012-01-31T11:38:00.003-07:00

Lady and the Tramp activities for all! YAY!

And the peasants rejoiced.

Really, seriously, super excited.

2012-01-30T10:03:00.002-07:00

I can honestly say I'm more excited to see this in 3D than any of the previous releases. Finding Nemo is one of my all-time favorite movies.

See it in 3D September 14th!

February photo-a-day challenge

2012-01-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

Found this idea via Pinterest and figured I'd jump on board.

(borrowed from the original poster, fat mum slim)

Join me?

I'm on the crazy train. As if you didn't already know that.

2012-01-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

I went to Zumba last night for the first time ever. Why didn't you guys tell me it's like the funnest way to work out ever? Totally kicked my ass and I loved every oxygen-deprived second of it! My class was an hour long and it was over before I knew it. (thanks again for going with me, Arianne!)

Stepmom problems! I hate when people ask how many kids I have. I hate referring to punk as "my stepdaughter" because I don't think of her as my stepdaughter; I think of her as my daughter. But if I just say "daughter" they start asking questions and then I have to go into the whole "I'm just her stepmom and you can start thinking horrible things about me now" routine.

On a somewhat related note - the Husband and I don't plan on having any babies. I just plain don't want any. But we live in Utah and we're 27 and 26 and have been married for almost 5 years now, and people act like we're doing some gigantic injustice by not bringing more snot-slobbering stink bombs into this world. If I don't want a baby, that's my business. Why do people feel the need to try to talk me into how wonderful children are? I love kids, seriously. I'm a great aunt and a happy babysitter and a seriously excellent stepmom. I just don't want a baby of my own.

I'm addicted to conversation hearts. Just needed to get that out there.

I am officially a licensed insurance producer in the state of Utah. How cool am I? I know, super cool.

Why hasn't anyone cracked the CPK butter cake recipe yet? I went again and it's every bit as delicious as depicted in my dreams. But I cannot find the perfect recipe. It's got some sort of cheesecake-like layer on the top, possibly a baked custard? And a sugary, crumbly crust. I can't figure it out. I just know I crave it all. the. time.

Now I feel like baking.

Wordful Wednesday - future diabetic in progress.

2012-01-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

My absolute favorite Holiday is Halloween, followed very closely by Valentine's Day. But it has nothing to do with the sick marketing scheme of professing your undying love on that day with chocolate and roses and everything else expensive. Husband and I don't even do anything special.

It has EVERYTHING to do with the candy. I love me some Valentine's candy. And the fact that everything is pink and sparkly, which is right up my alley. But mostly the candy. Conversation hearts and cherry hearts are my favorite, and I found this adorable cupcake bucket in the $1 section at Target (which I am addicted to). Put the two together and you get my favorite addition to my office, currently. Cute AND tasty!

Lady and the Tramp is coming out!

2012-01-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Out of the vault that is; not the closet.

I love when Disney movies are released from the vault. We owned nearly every Disney movie when I was younger but my mom selfishly kept them all "for the grandkids". Sheesh. So, I am in the process of collecting all of them for myself and when Punk is older I'll tell her she cannot have them because I need them "for the grandkids". Ah, the circle of life. In Disney movies.

Anyway, Lady and the Tramp is being released on February 7th (that's a Tuesday, if you're wondering). But it's even cooler than the original - it's the Diamond edition. You can get new, never before seen bonus features on both the DVD and Blu-Ray discs. I will most certainly be adding this to our Disney collection. Who can resist the spaghetti scene? And the Siamese cat song!

I love that every Disney movie has so many childhood memories attached to it, and I can only hope that one day Punk feels the same.

So, remember, Diamond edition of Lady and the Tramp out February 7th. Get it or be square! Or something.

Real Steel is out on DVD tomorrow and you should go get it.

2012-01-23T11:46:00.002-07:00

I don't know how to describe this movie, other than to say it's really good! Real Steel is a movie about fighting robots, but it's also a heartwarming story about a deadbeat dad who comes around to love his son. That sounds cheesy. But it's accurate.

The story is cute, the robots are awesome, and the fights look real. It's been described as "Rocky with robots". How can it get better than that? I did not expect to love this movie as much as I do. It's really a good movie. I've watched it three times in the last two weeks - that's worth something, right?

My favorite robot is Atom. He stars in my favorite fight scene - Atom vs Zeus. Zeus is this gigantic, seemingly unstoppable robot who is not only undefeated, but no robot has gone more than one round with him. Atom is smaller and less experienced, but is also really good. Who do you think will win? I'm not telling. Atom also dances with Max (played by Dakota Goyo) and it's pretty much the cutest thing ever. Get to know Atom:

Everyone that's watched this with me has really liked it (especially the little boys!) so I think you should buy it. Through next Monday, Dreamworks is offering a $5 off coupon. Just go here and click on the link in the upper right-hand corner. And go get it! Oh, and make sure you watch the bloopers. They made me and Punk laugh, especially when Hugh Jackman mentions needing Wolverine to open a door. :)

**I was sent a copy of Real Steel for free but that does not affect the things I say about it. It really is good. So go get it.**

Wordless Wednesday - what I'll miss when I'm working

2012-01-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Every day, I sit down on the couch for lunch and to watch Grey's Anatomy (I'm addicted) and Turbo cuddles up on my lap and naps. I will totally miss this time. He's such a mama's boy (if a cat can be that, anyway).

I still haven't started my job, but I did pass my test and am now just waiting for the state to approve my license. I'm hoping it goes quickly, but who am I kidding, it's never quick when it comes to the state.

Turbo reviews MrChewy.com

2012-01-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Turbo and I were offered the opportunity to review MrChewy.com recently, and although I was reluctant, Turbo really wanted to try them out, so I said okay (Turbo can't type [no thumbs and super long claws]).

We hopped onto their website with gift code in paw, and ordered some of the essentials - cat litter, dry cat food and canned cat food. MrChewy.com offers all sorts of brands of food, but Turbo is a picky eater so we went with what he knows and loves (Friskies).

First positive - their prices are good.

Second positive - free shipping on orders over $50. Sweet!

Third positive - my order was shipped the day after I placed it. Fast!

Fourth positive - the order was correct, and it came quickly.

My overall opinion of MrChewy.com? Very, very good! I would definitely order again, and I would recommend them for any pet needs you may have. Turbo's overall opinion?

He's smiling while he dreams of their cat food. That's got to be a good sign.

**I was offered a $50 gift code to their website in exchange for an honest review, which is exactly what this is. Honest. My experience was completely positive, and so I gave them a positive review. This review was not at all influenced by the free-ness of the gift code. Kthanxbye!

Tangled Ever After. So freaking funny!

2012-01-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

Punk and I got to go see this on Saturday...

I will always love this movie. And even though I haven't seen it in quite awhile, I still knew all the words to all the songs. My brain is full of song lyrics and all of the important stuff (*ahem* math *ahem*) is all gone. What do you do?

Anyway, we were really excited to see Tangled Ever After, which is the short at the beginning of this one. The verdict? It's hilarious. I laughed like crazy the entire time. Go see Beauty and the Beast 3D, if for nothing else, for Tangled Ever After. (It's in theaters this Friday, January 13th.) Here's a clip.

It's really, really funny! If you go see it, let me know what you think - of Beauty and the Beast 3D AND Tangled Ever After. We loved them both!

2012? Already?

2012-01-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

I know everyone says this but I'm serious - where the hell did 2011 go? I was barely used to writing it and now it's 2012. I need things to slow down, for the sake of my sanity.

I don't really do resolutions. It seems like resolutions are destined to be failed at, and who wants to start a brand new year in failure? Not me. I have enough demons trying to drag me down without failing 3 days into a resolution, thanks.

I do have some goals in mind that I would like to hit, though, so I figured I would jump on the 'new year's resolution post' bandwagon.

My very first goal is to pass the ridiculously huge insurance licensing test. It's this Friday and I'm nervous, not only because it's so much information but also because I had to pay $108 just to take the test, and if I fail, I have to pay that again. Lame sauce. So I have to pass. I HAVE TO. I won't accept failure.

I don't know how many of you know it but I suffer from depression (pretty severe depression). Reading this post by The Bloggess nearly knocked me off my feet. I am currently on a study medication that's really helping, and that's a goal for this year - get my depression and anxiety under control.

I have a super nice camera that I love and I would like to use it more this year. More pictures, of everything, from the family to trees to sunsets. On that same note, I would also like to buy more lenses. A macro lens and a wide-angle lens are things topping the list.

I want to do a 5k. I can't promise that I'll run the entire time, or that I'll do it in less than an hour, but I will do one. I will finish, and I won't beat myself up, no matter how long it takes me. You have to start somewhere, right?

I want to keep my house in the clean state it's in now, even when I'm working full-time. I don't have children to help during the week, and the husband works a whole lot (basically two full-time jobs) so it's pretty much up to me. But I love a clean house. A clean house puts my mind in a better spot. It reduces my anxiety and helps me feel better. So it will stay clean.

I will fit into those jeans that are too tight on my thighs. Before summer.

I want to get another tattoo. Desperately. If I can find a design I'm happy with, and an artist to make it pretty, I will have another tattoo before the end of the year.

That got a lot longer than I was anticipating. But that's it, I think. My goals for 2012. Happy New Year, everyone!

2012 Disney movie round-up

2011-12-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

These are the movies from Disney coming out in 2012 that I cannot wait to see (so far).

Beauty and the Beast 3D - out January 13th

Brave - out June 22nd

Finding Nemo 3D - out September 14th

Frankenweenie - out October 5th

Haunted Mansion - release date TBD

What's on your list?

Things I learned on Pinterest: crock pot salsa chicken

2011-12-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Crock pot salsa chicken. This was really yummy, especially after mixing the corn in with it!

Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup *I used cream of chicken
1 cup salsa *I used picante sauce instead of regular salsa
1 package taco seasoning *I would do a half a package next time; it was a little overwhelming
1 cup sour cream

Directions
Sprinkle chicken with taco seasoning and put in slow cooker. Add the soup and salsa, and sprinkle taco seasoning over that. Cook on low for 6 hours. Remove the chicken breasts and shred, then add back to crock pot. Stir in sour cream and heat until everything is warm and combined. Serve over rice.

I topped with shredded cheddar cheese and avocado slices. Everything is better with avocado. Next time, I'll add corn in for the last hour and possibly some rinsed black beans. I will make it again for sure though, it was really good! If you try it, let me know how you like it.

It's almost Christmas! Are you ready?

2011-12-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am. All presents are wrapped and under the tree. All we need now is for Santa to grace us. I have a hunch it's going to be a good year, despite the incredibly lower budget than last year.

See this book? It's been filling my life for the last two weeks. I got a new job and I'll be selling renter's insurance. I'm seriously excited! In order to do that legally, I have to get my insurance license. So, I've been studying and taking quizzes and preparing myself for a 150-question, 2.5 hour test that I'll take in a couple of weeks. I remember now why I didn't finish college; I don't do well in a learning environment where I have to listen to someone talk and actually take in what they are saying. Wish me luck!

I have a cold that came straight from the depths of hell and is trying to drag me back down with it. My temperature yesterday was 95.5. Just a touch low. Not a wonder I was cold.

Our lovely heater woke us up this morning at 3 with a truly wonderful screeching, dying-squirrel noise. It was amazing, really. The Husband spent an hour trying to get it to stop. Successfully made it almost go away, enough for us to go back to sleep. Now it's just whimpering. Why is it that when things decide to go out, it's when it's most inconvenient for you?

I leave you with my favorite Christmas song, by Alabama. This song reminds me more of Christmas and being little than anything else. Love it. Merry Christmas!

Finished at last.

2011-12-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

I finished the 60-day workout plan. (I actually finished last Sunday but didn't get around to posting until now. I've been busy studying [more on that later]. That's my excuse.) I did every day without cheating. I did every day. That's astounding! I'm proud of myself for finishing and for not cutting corners. I haven't lost any weight, according to the scale, but my pants fit better and my legs don't touch when I walk anymore. That's good enough for me! Although in all seriousness, that last day nearly killed me. 100 jumping jacks, 1 hour jog, 45 reverse crunches and 50 sit-ups. It took me an hour and a half to finish it all, but I did it.

Have you tried this? How did it go or is it going?

I learned that I still don't like running. I get bored too easily. And after about 40 minutes, the bones in my feet start feeling like they are grinding against each other. Is that because I need better shoes?

I'm doing my own plan now. 3 days of cardio/week, 3 days of targeted strength training/week (core, arms/back, legs), and a rest day. I really want to try yoga out but don't really like the idea of going to a gym to do it. Any good DVD workouts out there I could try?

This is GOOD NEWS. And a welcome Christmas present, I would guess.

2011-12-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

I always have been and always will be supportive of our troops. It's thanks to them we are all here and alive and free. But that they are coming home, in time for Christmas? That is good news indeed.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! How something something are your something.

2011-12-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, I have no idea what the words are. How sad is that? I know you've all been waiting for this, so without further ado, I give you...

My homemade Christmas tree!

Supplies
bailing wire
wire cutters
tough-ass fingers
measuring tape

Start out by measuring four lengths of wire, all the same length. My bottom layer was somewhere between 8 and 9 feet, but that was three days ago, you can't expect me to remember. Then each layer was 14" shorter.

(pretend there is a picture here, k?)

Take the four lengths of wire and twist them together. Then, form them into a circle and connect the ends. I just made loops at each end and threaded them together, then smashed the loops down.

Keep going until you have all of your layers made. I did 6 layers total, but you can do however many you want. After you've got them all twisted and formed in circles, cut a bunch of 1' pieces to connect the layers. I did 4 for each. Twist them around the bottom layer, then twist them around the top layer. Keep going until all of your layers are connected.

For the top, I cut 2 pieces at 2' long, and bent them in half. Then I twisted them together at their half-points, and twisted them onto the top layer. We also made a star for ours, but you can't see it very well in this picture.

Then start adding lights! I started out by stringing them from top to bottom. It helped the tree hold its shape. I did four strands that way.

Then I wrapped them around the tree in a spiral pattern. Four more strands this way, although as soon as I can find more lights (if I can find more lights) I will be adding probably three more strands like this. The bottom isn't quite lit how I want it to be.

And there it is! My fabulous non-tree that I love and Husband loves so I think it's a total success. It took a few hours for me to twist the layers, and then Husband helped me do the rest. Overall, probably 5-6 hours were spent on this tree, and a total of $7.99 for the bailing wire (we had the rest of the supplies already). But, we can flatten it down and put it in storage to use again next year. We'll just have to straighten the wires out a bit, but it will work just as well.

I absolutely love it! What do you think?

Switched At Birth. The TV show, not me. At least, not that I know of.

2011-12-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

I had never really watched ABC Family before, except for their Harry Potter marathons. But one day, I was bored and Switched At Birth was on... one episode and I was hooked. Do any of you watch it? It's seriously good. Just enough drama to keep you watching but not so much you want to throw your remote at your TV. It's about two girls who were switched at birth and raised in very different environments, and when it's found out about the switching, their worlds collide in a violent (not physically, just mentally and emotionally) manner. So good!

Intrigued? Here's a clip:

Want to watch it with me? Season 1 was released on DVD today so go pick it up!

**I was sent a review copy of Switched At Birth, Season 1 but my opinions are all mine and are not influenced by the free copy. I loved this show before the free copy existed.

Christmas. It's officially Christmas time.

2011-12-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it's Christmas time. I love the holiday season, mostly for the Christmas lights. I'm usually the person who won't listen to Christmas music until Christmas Eve but for some reason, I've been listening to it for two days. Someone send help, because something is obviously wrong.

This Christmas is going to be a hundred times smaller than last Christmas (what with me not working and all) and for some reason, I am way more excited this year.

I have been busy adding Christmas scrapbook stuff to my shop. If you find anything you like, you can use the code 'FRIENDS10' for 10% off your order! Perfect for Christmas cards. Or just to buy and stack in your craft room like I do. It's too pretty to use, dammit!

I just did 55 push-ups and my arms won't stop shaking. I understand why, but I wish they would stop.

Why is it that the satellite people want to charge me money for their tech to come out and fix a problem with their satellite? If it's their problem, shouldn't they be fixing it for free? Not charging me to fix their problem? I think so.

Trans Siberian Orchestra rocks my socks.

Baskin Robbins' flavor for December is freaking hot chocolate marshmallow. Let me type it again - HOT CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW! I don't like chocolate ice cream but I had to try it. And it's divine. I am not lying. It's light and chocolatey with a swirl of marshmallow cream and chunks of marshmallow, but it doesn't taste like regular chocolate ice cream. It is very much hot chocolate flavored. Oh my. If they sent me a ten-gallon bucket of it, I'd die happy.

Punk bought me some boots for Christmas and she is so excited to wrap them and put them under the non-tree* but I just really want to wear them! I made her hide them so I wouldn't sneak them out before Christmas. They are SO CUTE.

*We are not having a typical Christmas tree this year - I refuse to pay what the lots want and I am not exactly a hike-in-the-snow type of girl so I can't get my own, and I cannot come to terms with a fake tree quite yet. So I'm making our Christmas tree. And I don't know how to explain it but it's going to be gorgeous, I just know it. I'll take pictures, I promise.

Beauty and the Beast. Out in January in 3D.

2011-11-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is another Disney movie I watched three hundred thousand times when I was younger. I babysat my little sister and brother a lot and they each had their movies they wanted to watch all the time; this was Shelby's. I can't wait to see it in 3D! It's being released for a limited time on January 13, 2012 (that's weird to type).

You can head over and like them on Facebook if you'd like!

I've got decorating on the brain.

2011-11-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Since we started the process of buying this house, I cannot get my brain to stop decorating. I've redone each and every room of this house three or four times, in my head. And I can't stop.

Pinterest does not help, either. There are so many pretty places and spaces on there, it just adds fuel to the fire.

My first priority is the downstairs family room. I want to turn that into our TV room. I can't decide on a color but I found all sorts of pink accent pillows that make me really want to do pink. And the best part? I think I could do it and get away with it! Husband never questions all of the pink things I bring home. What a good husband. :)

I also want to do built-in shelves with a spot for a TV wall cabinet in the middle. Basically so it looks like it was all built in and permanent. How cool would that be?

Husband recently decided we need a new TV, so I don't even have to try to talk him into that. Easy. We've been looking at all sorts of different TVs and I've kind of been thinking of doing a plasma tv wall cabinet that closes so when we aren't watching TV, we can kind of put it away. What do you think? Is that nice or does it just look cheesy when there is a cabinet you know is for a TV but it's all tucked away?

**This post was brought to you by the lovely people at Become.com but that doesn't affect anything I said.

Things I learned on Pinterest: creamy cheesy potatoes

2011-11-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

These are good. Like, dream of them and can't wait to heat up the leftovers in the morning good. And so incredibly easy. Also, fattening. But what that tastes good is not fattening? Not much.

Creamy Cheesy Potatoes. You'll thank me. Recipe, with my adjustments:

5-ish large potatoes (I used russets but red would probably rock in this)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Salt, to taste (I used very little salt, maybe a pinch)
Pepper, to taste (I used probably 1 TBSP pepper)
Parsley, to taste (maybe 2 tsp.)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Heat your oven to 400ºF.

Cut your potatoes into thin french fry strips (seriously, I think mine were a little too thick so don't be afraid to go thin here). Lay them in a glass 9x13 pan evenly.

Pour the cream over the top. Salt and pepper them. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Then, sprinkle parsley over the top of all that. Cover with foil, and poke a fork through the top of the foil 2 or 3 times to allow a little steam to escape (so the cream doesn't boil over - seriously, this is mandatory).

Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes on the middle rack, or until the potatoes are soft enough (this is purely up to you). If you want, for the last 15 minutes of baking, move them down one level in the stove. It will help brown the potatoes and add a little crispiness on the bottom. Just for the added texture and color.

Voila. YUM. I served these with dinner when it was just Husband and I, and then had enough leftovers for me to eat them for two more days for lunch. You could pretty easily half the recipe and use an 8x8 dish. If you make these, let me know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ha! Hahaha I love that.

Anyway. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Enjoy everything life offers you today. The Husband and I decided this year we are not doing anything with either family. It's going to be just me and him. We're doing mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing (ew), and deep-frying our turkey that's soaking in its brine as I write. We didn't want to make too much and have leftovers for three years.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I hope you do, too! Have a good one.

Being fit. Not skinny, but fit.

2011-11-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

That's why I started working out. I want to be fit. I want to be able to run and not get winded. I got these tips today and thought they were pretty good ones, so I'm sharing.

For Cycle House fitness guru and head spin instructor, Nichelle Hines, staying fit and healthy is a way of life. While many think getting in shape is impossible, Nichelle’s five simple steps can change even the laziest person’s view.

Nichelle’s DIY Steps to a healthy lifestyle:

1. SLEEP: At least 8 hours of sleep a night! Your weight is directly related to how much rest you get. With 8 hours of sleep a night cortisol and stress levels decrease while your energy level increases!
[my note: this is impossible for me since I have sleeping issues but I do try.]

2.It’s true, breakfast is the most important meal of the day; eat a healthy breakfast with a mix of complex carbohydrates, protein and fat! (Eat the yolk, it's the least of your fat concerns!) Nichelle’s personal favorite: whole wheat English muffin, egg, turkey bacon, and low-fat cheese with an apple. It will sustain you 'til lunch!
[my note: I have been trying to eat breakfast since I started working out. I'm not really a breakfast person but I'm trying to be.]

3. Interval training: keep your heart rate guessing by mixing it up. Slow, quick, slow, quick is my motto- always pushes your limits and forces the mind and body to engage and adapt. No matter the exercise this is something you can always practice to keep the body on its toes and always burning.
[my note: I do this! While I am jogging, I toss in a minute of sprinting.]

4. See ya, Sweeteners: no more artificial sweeteners! Sure they give you a fake sugar fix, but they keep you craving sweets and your body does not know how to process them. Keep it simple and natural. If you can't pronounce it- you probably shouldn't put it in your temple.
[my note: I have never liked artificial sweeteners so this is easy.]

5. Finally... Hydrate!!! So often when our body thinks it's hungry we're simply thirsty. Stay up on your H2O, stay low in weight! If I'm really craving juice (which is rare- high in sugar) I do half water, half juice; half the calories!
[my note: I hate water. HATE IT. But I have had at least 64 ounces a day since I started working out. When I feel hungry, I drink half a bottle of water and then if I still feel hungry, I'll have a snack. I'm almost as proud of the water drinking as I am of the working out.]

Bonus Tip
*Always take a moment (10 minutes if you've got the time, but a moment or two will do in a pinch) to calm down, breathe, smile and have a peaceful, grateful thought. It always centers the body and promotes positive decision making at any time in your day!

I generally agree with everything she said, so I thought it was good to share. Have a great Tuesday!

Something not felt often enough.

2011-11-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

See that? That's day 20 of level two marked off. That's 40 days in a row of working out and not cheating. That's jogging for 30 minutes without stopping. That's me, being proud of myself.

I'm proud to have accomplished what I've done so far. I've never stuck to a workout plan this well, ever. I've never jogged for 30 minutes without stopping. I've never loved the feeling of sweat so much as I do now. Something about this plan fits me, and I'm happy for that.

20 days to go and I know I can do it. Even the last day, which is a 1-hour jog, 100 jumping jacks, 45 reverse crunches, and 50 sit-ups. I know I can do it. And I know I will do it.

For the last time. (I can't promise that.)

2011-11-19T09:54:00.002-07:00

It comes out on Wednesday. Go see it!

Friday. Finally. This week was three years long.

2011-11-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Monday felt like Friday. Tuesday felt like Thursday. Yesterday should have been Saturday. I don't know what it was but this was the longest week ever.

When you can't fall asleep until 4am and then your body just wakes up at 6:45, the world takes on an entirely different color. I'm already bored with today and it's not even 10am.

Del Taco has the worst customer service, like, ever. (Well, they are holding a close race with Outback.) We went there two-ish weeks ago and my card was charged almost double what it should have been. I've now placed seven calls total, to both my local Del Taco and their corporate customer service line, and have not been helped one single time. In fact, three calls to their corporate line and not one time has it been answered. I've left two messages, both detailing what happened, and have not received a call back. Lovely. If their damn chili cheese fries weren't so good, I'd boycott.

Go see The Muppets when it comes out. It's so funny and so cute! Trust me on this one.

Less than three hours of sleep apparently renders me incapable of typing. This post has taken entirely too long to type out, due to required overuse of my backspace key. That sentence was the most coherent I'll be able to spit out all day, I guarantee it.

Do you like music? I found this site full of playlists for all sorts of things, and I do love it. The running playlist is currently rocking my world.

I started this 60-day workout plan (you can find the three levels on my Pinterest workout board) and it's the best workout plan I've ever followed. I am not a runner by any means, and I haven't ever really enjoyed working out. This workout plan changed me. I jogged for 30 minutes without stopping, for probably the first time ever, and I actually look forward to working out. In fact, I choose to run when I get stressed out now. Holy shit.

I am hitting the American Crafts warehouse sale today and I'm excited like a kid on Christmas. They have the best warehouse sales ever. (Related side note: I went to the DCWV warehouse sale last week and walked out without buying anything. I don't think they get the concept of a warehouse sale. You are supposed to sell things for cheapity cheap, not 15% off retail. I'll buy it with a coupon for less than that at the local craft store, thanks.)

Mirror Mirror - have you heard of it?

2011-11-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

I got the PR release for Mirror Mirror yesterday and up until that point, had never heard of it. After watching the trailer, I seriously cannot wait for it to come out. It looks so good, and it makes me happy that it's closer to the real, initial way the story was told, rather than the dreamy, unrealistic Disney version.

Check it out! Mirror Mirror trailer.

It comes out March 16th, 2012. Like them on Facebook, too, if you want.

Things I learned on Pinterest: chunky avocado salsa

2011-11-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

chunky avocado salsa. (recipe below, with my changes)

2 medium tomatoes 
2 avocados
 1 cup of sweet white corn (I used frozen)
1 can of black beans , rinsed and drained
 Garlic salt , to taste (I used about a tablespoon)
Black pepper, to taste (I used about a tablespoon)
Tobasco sauce, to taste (I used about a teaspoon)

  Dice up the tomatoes, and add them to a bowl with corn and black beans. Season with garlic salt, pepper, and Tobasco to taste. Mix everything together. Now, eat some to make sure it is seasoned to your liking. If it's not, add more of what it needs. Dice the avocado and add to the bowl, then mix everything together. All done!

sooooooo good! and so easy.

Silk almond milk. In your cereal. Plus, a giveaway!

2011-11-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

I know I've talked about almond milk before, and how I like it a whole lot more than I like regular milk (which is not at all) or any other type of milk, really. It's the only milk I'll drink straight, and it makes your cereal even tastier.

I know you can't see the cereal, but it's fruit in the middle frosted mini wheats with almond milk. In my freaking sweet Silk cereal bowl. And it's yummy. Plus, Silk's got 50% more calcium than typical dairy milk. All sorts of added benefits, right?

Want to give it a try? I know you do. Who wouldn't? Leave me a comment on this post about your favorite cereal and you're entered to win the following:

- super awesome Silk cereal bowl (has a part to keep your milk cold until you're ready to eat, plus a spoon. portability at its best)
- two coupons for free Silk
- a Silk chico bag to keep it all together

Make sure you enter before midnight MST, Sunday, November 27th. I'll pick a winner sometime after that using random.org and will post the winner here. US entrants only, please.

*I was sent a cereal bowl, chico bag, and coupons for free Silk for posting this. But my opinions are my own and were not influenced by the free-ness of the product. Also, you may not share my opinions. But we can still be friends.

Do you wear glasses? Get them cheaper.

2011-11-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

I wear eyeglasses. I can see well up close but far away, my eyesight goes to hell. So I wear them for driving, and for movies, and things of that sort.

The last pair of glasses I bought set me back $275 *choke*. It's never something I want to go through again. So I keep my eyes open for great deals. And this, my lovely people, is a great deal.

GlassesUSA.com.

GlassesUSA.com sells glasses online and has some seriously good prices. How does $38 for glasses sound? A whole lot better than $275, I know that for sure. They have a ton of frame choices and they are cute and very fashionable. Plus, they offer a price guarantee and a satisfaction guarantee, so you can't really go wrong!

Check them out on Facebook and like them for a free pair of glasses! That's a killer deal. Or, use code 'Fall50' for 50% off any pair of glasses (only good through November 13th, so hurry!) Or, use code 'blog10' for 10% off any order.

Next time you need to order glasses, check out GlassesUSA.com. I know I will.

Disclosure: I will be receiving monetary compensation for posting this.

My Memories - did you get it yet?

2011-11-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Remember when I reviewed the My Memories Suite software? Did you go get it? If not, I've got another reason for you to - digital freebies. I'll be posting them here every so often (at least a couple a month) and you can go download them for free and use them for your layouts. Sweet, right? I thought so. Here are today's freebies:

Go here to get this freebie.

Go here to get this freebie.

And if you haven't got the software yet, go here, and use the code STMMMS5671 for $10 off!

Have you ever had Extra Dessert Delights gum? It's ridiculous.

2011-11-03T10:40:00.000-06:00

When I was little, I read Charlie and The Chocolate Factory three hundred times. (That might not be an exaggeration.) One of my favorite parts is the gum that's a meal. I never in my wildest dreams thought that could really exist, but then I tried Extra Dessert Delights.

I'm not kidding.

The mint chocolate chip flavor actually tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. And I freaking love it. It's perfect for when you are trying to cut back on sweets but the cravings won't stop (only, like, every day for me). Pop a piece in and you get the flavor without all the calories. It's awesome.

So, they are holding a contest right now to pick the next flavor. Here are the choices:

Bananas Foster, Root Beer Float and Lemon Square. YUM! I most want to try the Root Beer Float flavor, so it gets my vote. Although, I really think they should do all three. They all sound delicious.

Want to vote? You can vote as often as you'd like, by going to their Facebook page, or vote on your phone via this link. Now, go vote!

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win an Extra Dessert Delights gum prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Halloween is the best Holiday. For real.

2011-11-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

When else do you wander around in disguise and get free candy? Plus, if I ever kill someone, I'll do it in the cover of a Halloween decoration. Just saying.

What did you dress up as? See if you can guess what I was...

Did you guess a new parent? Or a parent of 6? Both good guesses, but not quite right.

Wordless Wednesday - my cat is a crackhead, part 2.

2011-10-26T10:19:00.000-06:00

You thought I was kidding when I told you before. But he really is a crackhead, through and through. He'll sit in the windowsill where it's warm all day and then jump in the fridge the second we open it to cool off. What the hell, cat?

DIY Halloween Lanterns

2011-10-24T11:54:00.000-06:00

I saw something similar to these cute lanterns on Pinterest and decided I needed some. I didn't even look at the instructions because I already had a way I wanted to try in my head. I love them and will be putting them on the porch for Halloween and all six trick-or-treaters that will show up (stupid trunk-or-treat).

Supplies:
tissue paper
glass jars
mod podge
dark-colored paper (thinner paper works better!)
scissors

Instructions:
First, cut your tissue paper so it's about two inches taller than your jar. Center the jar on the tissue paper so there's about an inch over the top and bottom. Paint a stripe of mod podge from the top to the bottom of the jar, and stick the tissue paper down. (Start at the end of the sheet of tissue paper, rather than the middle like is shown in the picture. Trust me, it works out better.)

Keep painting another stripe of mod podge and sticking the tissue paper down around the jar, until you reach the end of the paper. You will probably go around the jar more than once; that's okay. Then, turn the glass jar upside down and mod podge around the bottom edge. Stick the tissue paper down to it. Set aside and let dry. Then, when it's dry, flip it over and do the same with the top edge.

Cut faces out of your paper. Make them look however you want!

Cover the area of the jar you want your face on with mod podge. Stick the face on, and hold down for a second to let it adhere. Then, cover the entire face with a good layer of mod podge.

Let dry. All done!

Helpful tips:
- start wrapping your jar at the end of the tissue paper rather than the middle
- the bottoms of my jars were kind of round, so I added rice in the bottom to hold the tealight candles. you could also use sand or flat-bottom jars
- any jars will work. I used chip dip jars, salsa jars, and pasta sauce jars
- try to avoid touching the jars when the tissue paper is still wet. it will stick to your fingers and pull away from the glass, making holes.

Wordless Wednesday - even more Halloween toes. I'm over the top, k?

2011-10-19T09:20:00.000-06:00

Yah, that's a spider web. I love it.

Spotlight on my big toe - I tried to do the super cool Dexter nails. Note to self: don't use sparkly red over sparkly black. Blood splatter will not show up well.

Somebody please make me stop posting pictures of my toes on the internet. I hate feet.

Me and fall, we're a love/hate deal.

2011-10-18T17:39:00.000-06:00

Reasons to hate fall:
cold
winter is coming
trees get naked
snow
life ceases to exist in nature

Reasons to love fall:
sweaters
hoodies
boots
Halloween
leaves changing colors
soup

Here's my favorite soup so far this year...

Cheesy Hamburger Soup

1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 tsp dried parsley
1 TBSP pepper
2 tsp salt
4 TBSP butter
1 can corn
1 cup sliced carrots
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups cubed potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream

In a large pot, melt 1 TBSP butter over medium heat. Add ground beef; brown. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Add broth and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender (8-12 minutes depending on how small you cubed them). Add the remainder of the butter and melt. Stir in the flour. Add the cream to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Add cheese, and allow to simmer until melted. Do not boil!

I love this soup. It's super creamy and delicious and perfect for a cold night.

My bracelets are cooler than yours.

2011-10-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

Because they're not bracelets. They're BRACED-LETS. Look:

Freaking awesome. For real.

I know what you're thinking - are those the little pieces from braces? Yes, kids, that's exactly what these are composed of. I was skeptical at first because after spending two years in braces, it's not exactly a close friendship we've got. More anguish than anything. But I love my BRACED-LETS. I find myself on their website wishing I had all the colors and thinking up new possibilities. I really want the rainbow ones, and the Halloween ones.

What colors are your favorite?

Wordless Wednesday - suffocating is fun!

2011-10-12T09:51:00.002-06:00

Is it just me or do these two look like they are having the time of their lives suffocating in the plastic bag?

DIY Halloween / Fall paper pumpkins

2011-10-10T10:18:00.002-06:00

I love these paper pumpkins. I think they turned out so damn cute!

I had seen a ton of different ways of making them all around the internets, and when it came down to it, I did it my own way. So, here's how:

1. Cut your paper down into strips (additional details below).
2. If you're like me, ink the edges so they aren't white. Or leave them white. This step is all personal preference, really.
3. Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the top and bottom of each strip.
4. Line up the bottoms and put a brad through, with the prongs on the outside (bottom) of the strips. (This helps the pumpkin sit flat when it's done.)
5. Take a piece of 1"x2" paper and roll it up, small enough to fit through the hole at the top of the strips. This will be your stem. [optional: roll a curled slice of paper into the stem. I did.]
6. Slide the strips onto the stem.
7. Pull the strips of paper around to make a circle.

TA DA! Pumpkin. Cute. (Told you.)

Helpful tips:
- Make sure your top piece and bottom piece don't line up next to each other. It will make a funny gap at the top of the pumpkin if they do.
- You can make them taller or shorter by pulling the strips out or squishing them down and holding for a second.
- You can use any variation of size for the strips. I tried a ton of different lengths and widths; these two are my favorite:

3/4" wide, 7" long, 10 strips

1" wide, 8" long, 8 strips

P.S. Yes, that's an old-school Nintendo. That's how you know I'm a cool kid.

P.P.S. You love that wallpaper, don't you? I'm having a wallpaper tear-down party when we close on this house. (Do you wonder why?) Wanna come?

Wordless Wednesday - seriously the best rainbow I've ever seen. Ever.

2011-10-05T09:52:00.000-06:00

A full double. I could see the entire arc of both rainbows. And the bottom one was BRIGHT! The camera phone pictures don't do it justice. It was incredible.

Damn you, Scuba Steve.

2011-10-03T12:52:00.000-06:00

I resisted.

I tried to fight the urge.

Then, I gave in.

Come follow me, and I'll follow you back! Pinterest. The internet's candy.

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween already has a hold of me.

2011-09-28T11:26:00.001-06:00

Orange glitter toes + Halloween rub-ons = cuteness.

I also did Punk's toes but didn't get a picture. Hers are the same orange, with a spider on one toe and a ghost on the other.

Farm Rich winners!

2011-09-27T10:18:00.003-06:00

The winners of the Farm Rich coupons are...

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-09-27 16:08:52 UTC

susitravl

Cheryl F.

jakell

I've e-mailed you; now I need your addresses back so I can get your coupons in the mail.

Thanks to all that entered!

Crest dental care package winner!

2011-09-20T09:05:00.000-06:00

I've got a winner...

Here are your random numbers:
5
Timestamp: 2011-09-20 15:03:30 UTC

And that is...

jakell

Congrats! I've emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond before I pick a new winner.

Thanks to everyone that entered, and especially to the sponsor!!

A little rough around the edges.

2011-09-18T09:59:00.000-06:00

I keep seeing this post popping up. The first time I saw it was on Von's blog and after reading it, it kind of changed my world up.

My sign: I am sick of being someone else to fit in.

Whether it's into the stupid little blogger cliques (if you don't think there is one, you're in it - sorry), or with people in my day-to-day life, or my neighbors; because even fake me isn't good enough.

I've been a bit MIA lately and it's been on purpose.

This blog is only partially me. The other parts are what I think people want me to be, and even through typing that's pretty damn exhaustive.

I'm not going away. Not by any means. But expect changes. I will probably lose readers. But at this point, I'm not really getting rich doing this so what does that matter? I'll apologize in advance for making anyone mad, or offending anyone; that's not my intent. But I have got to be myself before trying to be someone I'm not kills me.

I'll be back. Me, not the super cheerful person who doesn't swear and is kind of boring that's been writing this blog for the past four years.

My Memories - review PLUS giveaway PLUS discount!

2011-09-13T10:12:00.000-06:00

My Memories Suite is this super awesome digital scrapbooking software. I had never done any digital scrapping, so when they contacted me to do a review, I was all over it. I have had a ton of fun playing with it! There are pre-made scrapbook pages and kits that all you need to do is drop pictures in and journal. There are page templates so you can choose your patterns and colors. And, you can start with a completely blank page and do whatever you want with it. I actually made a super simple birthday card. The best part is that you can print it right out, and the software makes it very obvious as to what may not print because of margins, so that you don't cut off important parts. Their digital scrapbooking software is pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. I'm totally new to digital and it was very easy for me to figure out.

Want to purchase it? Go here, and use the coupon code STMMMS5671 for $10 off! Sweet, eh?

Want to WIN IT?! Of course you do. Here's how:

Go to their site and pick out your favorite scrapbooking kit, then come back here and tell me which one it is. Simple!

Want extra entries? Make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do or it will only count as one. Do any or all of these for the best chance at winning!

1. Head on over and follow their blog
2. Become a fan of their Facebook page
3. Follow them on Twitter

Make sure to do everything you want and comment before midnight on Tuesday, October 4th. I'll pick a winner shortly thereafter and will contact them via e-mail (make sure to leave your e-mail address if it isn't in your profile).

I did get a copy of the software for free, but I only posted my own opinions here for you to read. I was not influenced or persuaded by the free software to post positively.

Farm Rich stuffed pretzel bites - a review and a giveaway!

2011-09-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

I've posted about Farm Rich before. They are a good company that makes really yummy freezer snacks.

They just recently launched a new appetizer, stuffed pretzel bites, and asked if I would like to review them. Uh, yes please! They are little bite-sized pretzels stuffed with cheese. Yum? Uh huh. They are especially good when they are warm; when they cool down the cheese gets more solid and I didn't love the texture. But I've heated them in the oven and in the microwave and both ways were good, which is awesome. I love that I can toss a few in the microwave when I want just a few. Even more awesome is that every serving has only 110 calories and 3 grams of fat. Sweet!

Want to try them for yourself? Or have you been eying another Farm Rich treat you'd like to try? Well then, enter right here to win a coupon for a free bag! I've got three lovely coupons so three of you lucky people can try them out.

Just leave me a comment as to what you'd like to try from Farm Rich. Want an extra entry? Follow them on Facebook or Twitter. Leave an extra comment for each thing or else it only counts as one entry, mmmkay?

Enter through Monday, September 26th and I'll pick three winners shortly thereafter using Random.org.

[I did get a coupon for a free bag from them, to try out the stuffed pretzel bites. That didn't affect my opinion at all and I posted because I wanted to, not because I had to. Thanks.]

In the Salt Lake area? Here's a great opportunity to help.

2011-08-31T10:17:00.000-06:00

VOLUNTEERS! Help United Way of Salt Lake Stuff the Bus with school
supplies for 5,000 kids!

Salt Lake City – Join United Way of Salt Lake on Thursday, Sept. 8, to help stuff 5,000 backpacks with school supplies for low-income kids in our community.

What: Stuff the Bus Public Volunteer Project

Volunteers will work to:
• Stuff each backpack with pens, pencils, glue, paper, notebooks, rulers, crayons
and other generously donated school supplies
• Package stuffed backpacks into boxes
• Load backpacks onto school buses for delivery

When: United Way of Salt Lake’s Annual Day of Caring
September 8, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: The Gateway
18 North Rio Grande Street

Project will be set up outside in front of the Grand Hall (top of the stairs between Thaifoon and Urban Outfitters)

School buses will be parked on 400 West in front of The Depot

School buses will be on hand to be “stuffed” with backpacks and make deliveries to more than 15 area schools. If 500 volunteers participate, that’s only 10 backpacks per person. Come on community, our schoolchildren need you!

###
United Way of Salt Lake works to improve lives and build strong communities by uniting individuals and organizations with the passion, expertise, and resources needed to solve problems. Our focus is on education, income, and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. We invite everyone to be a part of the change. You can give, you can advocate, and you can volunteer. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. Join the conversation by visiting our blog at www.uwslhub.org or find out more at www.uw.org or www.211ut.org.
###

I am going to try to make it to this. It's not hard work and it's a great opportunity to help out. Meet me there?

Teeth brushing and whatnot. Plus, a giveaway!

2011-08-28T10:58:00.000-06:00

This was another one of those cool things I got to do recently that I have to thank the blogging world for. I got to ask questions to Dr. Jennifer Salzer, a widely renowned dentist, leading dental health expert and mother. (Thanks to MultiVu and Crest for the opportunity!) So, without further ado, here she is with the answers to my questions...

Getting Punk to brush her teeth is one of the hardest things we have to deal with, seriously. She's pretty much a great kid, but she doesn't brush her teeth unless I specifically tell her she needs to. It's weird for me because I love brushing my teeth. Yes, I'm strange, I know. After watching the video, we did get her a toothbrush just like the one at RealMom's house and little flosser things so it's easier to floss. Hopefully things start getting easier in the oral care division.

Now, want your chance to win your own dental health package? I need you to leave me a note and tell me your biggest struggle with oral care. That's all. But you need to do it by midnight MST on September 18th. I'll pick a winner shortly thereafter using random.org and will announce the winner right here on the blog. Easy peasy, yes?

And, I did get a really sweet dental care package from Crest for doing this. With all sorts of fun things in it, like toothpaste and toothbrushes for different ages, and flossers; it's pretty awesome. But you should know by now, my opinions are my own and are not influenced by free things. :)

Wordless Wednesday - my cat is a crackhead.

2011-08-24T14:11:00.001-06:00

He gets in EVERYTHING. Shoe boxes (which he is much too big for), luggage, shipping boxes, laundry baskets... if it's enclosed and you take the top off, he will get in.

I have the coolest and sweetest and best cousin in the entire world.

2011-08-23T14:08:00.000-06:00

You know those people who you envy? The ones who are crafty and fun and can do a 5k and also think about everyone else before themselves?

That's my cousin, Brandy. She is seriously so awesome, it blows my mind.

I won a giveaway on her blog, and as always, she sent me some of the greatest things ever. She's got a target on what's bouncing around up in my hollow head. Wanna see?

First of all, her wrapping is always so cute. It's half the fun of the package!

I bought a feather hair clip awhile back from her and still love it ridiculously, and she made me a longer one. This is going to be perfect for ponytails and doing my hair straight!

This is the package in all its glory...

And last but not even close to least, she sent me these...

Ohmigod. Finger monsters. FINGER MONSTERS! I promptly put them on and terrorized Satan. Then made Husband have a battle with me. Yah, I'm that mature.

Thank you, Brandy. Thank you! You astound me with your creativeness and your incredible heart. I heart you forever!

The coolest engagement photos ever. EVER.

2011-08-22T20:23:00.000-06:00

I am not sure I could ever talk Husband into something like this, but oh boy would I try.

Zombie engagement pictures. Priceless. Just follow the link because I'm not posting any pictures here without her permission. :)

Skin MD - new bottle, same great lotion.

2011-08-21T10:44:00.000-06:00

You guys may remember a long, long time ago, in a galaxy... wait, that's not my story. Quite awhile ago, I reviewed some lotion from Skin MD. You can check out the last review right here if you want.

Not too long ago, they contacted me to see if I wanted to review their lotion again. You see, they changed their look entirely and are also natural as well. Go green, right? Why should you use Skin MD for your skin care? Here's a look into the lotion, in words:

Skin MD Natural is a breakthrough in skin care that works to prevent dry skin in two ways.

First, it assists the inner layers of skin to absorb moisture. The humectant (an ingredient that attracts moisture) used in Skin MD Natural is unique to their lotion and has been laboratory tested to be 6 times more effective than any other ingredient you will find in common skin care products.

Second, a shielding lotion enhances the power of the top layer of the skin to resist environmental irritants while protecting the inner natural moisture.

This can be a big benefit for those who cook, wash dishes, garden, handle kids all day, etc. because Skin MD Natural helps skin retain its natural moisture and oils in the face of all those irritating soaps and chemicals.

Skin MD Natural has made a commitment to natural skin care by formulating products that contain more than 90% natural ingredients, are hypoallergenic, free of fragrances, parabens and colorants. All of the ingredients used in Skin MD Natural are 100% food-grade ingredients that are on the FDA's "most safe" list. Skin MD Natural brings you eco friendly skin care products that manufactured using solar power while also being vegan and cruelty free.

You can find lotion to purchase, as well as more information (such as dermatologist and user reviews) on their site.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love this lotion. You only have to use a tiny bit and it's moisturizing without being greasy. I use it on my face and that's saying something; I rarely use moisturizers on my face because it's got plenty of its own moisture. This lotion makes my skin feel good without making me shiny later. Plus, I use the one with SPF15 in it, so I'm protecting my face from the sun as well as keeping it happy. Win win.

I recommend it, definitely. If you've got eczema or other skin conditions, give it a go. It will work wonders for you. Oh, and the legal garbage - I got free lotion for posting about Skin MD Natural. But the opinions here are all my own and are not affected by free lotion. It just rocks all by itself.

Announcing... the ice cream winner!

2011-08-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

The winner of the Bunny Bucks from Blue Bunny is...

Here are your random numbers:
4
Timestamp: 2011-08-18 15:49:05 UTC

jakell

Congrats my dear! I'll e-mail you and you have to get back to me in the next 48 hours or I have to pick a new winner.

Thanks to everyone that entered!

Wordless Wednesday - the 'I'm allergic to everything' edition.

2011-08-03T03:27:00.002-06:00

click on it to make it bigger.

it's a mosquito bite. after two days. only about 50% of the bites I get end up doing this, but nothing any doctor has tried has made it any better. one was convinced it's because i'm itching them and causing infection but after two different antibiotics and no change, he changed his mind. i've tried benadryl and it just knocks me out. i've tried benadryl cream and while it does take the itch away, the swelling still happens. i'm open to any ideas at this point because i'm tired of them! my arm hurts where this one is so it's really awesome to bend my arm. ugh.

Mandoline? What's a mandoline?

2011-08-01T10:39:00.001-06:00

This, my friends, is a mandoline:

I would guess that most people have heard of Frigidaire, yes? But, did you know they have a whole lot more going on than just fridges? If you head on over to the Frigidaire online store, you'll see a lot more than fridges - cleaning supplies, kitchen gadges, grill covers, even air conditioner parts! Wow, eh?

So, back to the mandoline thing. I was contacted by Frigidaire to see if I aws interested in reviewing something from their store. And I was all like, heck yes! Okay, sorry, probably not so much like that, but I was in. They sent me over a $30 gift code to use and after much browsing I decided to get the mandoline. I've wanted one since I was little and that dude on TV made crinkle fries.

I got the order very quickly. I did have a problem with the order, but I contacted them and they were super fast and took complete care of me! It seems like customer service nowadays is out the window but not with Frigidaire; they really went the extra mile to make sure I was happy. Shipping = great! Customer service = great! Now, for that mandoline...

I really love it. It took me a second to get used to but once I figured out how to work the thing (seriously just me being a little difficult) it is sweet! It took me all of three seconds to cut this entire cucumber down to slices. See?

A plate full of cucumbers ready for me to chow on. And, as you can also see in that picture, everything folds out so clean-up is really super easy. The blade also comes out so you can toss that in the dishwasher to use again.

I would absolutely recommend Frigidaire as a good place to purchase from. It was easy and I was treated well. Plus, my mandoline is freaking sweet!

Legal mumbo jumbo: I received a $30 gift code to use on whatever I wanted. I did have to pay a little out of pocket for shipping, actually, but I was fine with that. The gift code did not influence my liking of Frigidaire or the mandoline; they are both just great on their own.

Oh, you want a title? I'll give you a title. ... Nope, not happening.

2011-07-29T08:48:00.000-06:00

I'm tired but my body is playing this fun trick on me where I sleep for three hours, wake up for two hours, then sleep for another two hours. It's so much fun; you should all try it! So instead of feeling like I got a night of sleep, I just feel like I took a nap. It's amazing.

We've had Punk since last Friday. It's been nice. She has to go home today and it's going to feel weird to not have her here. It's the first time we've had her for more than four days. Hopefully not the last, but we'll see.

I'm addicted to edamame. And I don't care who knows it. And I have no desire to change. They sell these boxes of cute little single-serving packs that steam themselves in the microwave. I don't know if anything better has ever been invented.

Spell check just made me try to change edamame to dammed. That is just plain rude. They are not dammed, they are soy beans. Get it straight.

Life tends to run in circles, and for 180º things go well and I am happy, and then for the other 180º I feel like the world is trying to kick me in the junk. If I had junk. Why is that?

My birthday party mini swirls are all gone. It's a tragic day.

I am ready for something new, I think. My life has become a bit monotonous and it's dragging me down into the outer darkness. I don't know what needs to change. I just know something needs to.

Really, honestly, the best thing I've ever received in the mail. (Plus a giveaway!)

2011-07-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

I kind of knew this was coming, but it didn't stop me from being any more excited...

...the suspense is KILLING you, isn't it?

Dry ice? What would come in dry ice?

OMG, is that... ice cream?

Oh praise the Gods above, I got ice cream in the mail!

I have to send out a gigantic thank you to the ladies over at BSM Media for hooking me up with this opportunity. Seriously, ice cream? You win.

I was lucky enough to get three different ice cream varieties to try - mini ice cream sandwiches, and Champ! mini swirls in vanilla and birthday party.

I can't go on any further without telling you how astoundingly good the birthday party mini swirls are. I can't even talk about anything else until you understand me. I am ADDICTED to these divine little treats. And they are small enough that you can eat one entire one without feeling like you over-indulged. And HOLY CRAP are they good. Sugar cone, with vanilla ice cream, with a blue spot on the inside (I don't know what it is, I just know it's good), and covered in a white chocolate-ish, frosting-ish coating. O.M.G. I have to go eat one.

Okay, I'm back. The vanilla mini swirls were Husband's favorite because he's a plain ice cream kinda guy. Sugar cone, vanilla ice cream, coated in chocolate. They are lovely! Total winner in my book as well. Just not as much of a favorite as those blasted birthday party cones.

Now, the sandwiches. Again, they are mini. I LOVE MINI. I can eat one when I need a small sugar kick and I can eat two when I need to indulge. The outside is almost cookie-like, with soft Blue Bunny ice cream inside. YUM.

Overall, I LOVED the entire thing. From the box, to the cones, to the sandwiches. Plus, the dry ice in the box to keep the ice cream cold made excellent dry ice bombs...

Did I say that? Forget I said that.

Go get yourself some of these tasty treats from Blue Bunny. Want help? How about winning some Bunny Bucks (a coupon) for the purchase of one Blue Bunny packaged ice cream or frozen novelty?

I'd say, go for the birthday party mini swirls. But that's just me.

Leave me a comment and tell me something that is mandatory for your summer. Anything. Just make sure you also leave me a way to contact you if you win. K? You have until midnight MST on Sunday, August 14th to enter to win. Then I pick a winner via Random.org and hooray! Someone gets free ice cream! Sweet.

Oh yah, here's all that lovely legal stuff. I got three boxes of treats, as pictured, for free through BSM Media. But the opinions I stated are all mine and are not at all influenced by the free ice cream. I'm just in love with Blue Bunny. And ice cream.

Wordless Wednesday - with a side of recipe

2011-07-27T09:06:00.000-06:00

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. Really easy! REALLY yummy.

1 box white cake mix
eggs, oil and water as stated on box
Pink lemonade powder mix

Dump some of the pink lemonade powder in the water. I wanted the flavor to be strong so I kept adding until I could tell it was near the point the powder wouldn't dissolve any more.

Add pink lemonade mixture, eggs and oil to box mix and make as directed on the box.

I told you it was easy. And they are super freaking good! Top with a cream cheese frosting, or try a pink lemonade whipped cream frosting if you want something light (take heavy cream, whip, add powdered sugar, whip some more, add pink lemonade concentrate, whip some more, add powdered sugar/whip to desired consistency). I didn't go with either of these options but in my opinion, my frosting sucked so I'm not posting the recipe. (I was told it wasn't bad but I could feel the texture of the pink lemonade powder and it totally ruined the frosting for me.)

My cupcake liners are behemoth and super tall for some reason. I thought they were normal until I put them in the cupcake pans. So, I baked them and frosted them inside the liners. It was actually lucky because the frosting was super runny. Hence why I have a marbled look to the tops instead of white and pink striped star frosting mounds. Yeah.

Anyway, the cupcake recipe rocks my socks so make it and love it. Kthanksbye!

It's Monday in my world. Yesterday was a pretend day.

2011-07-26T09:54:00.000-06:00

I've got a headache and three hundred things to do so I'm totally cheating my way through this post... Forgive me. Or not.

It's another round of getting to know yours truly. Take these questions and answer them or I'll send my zombies after you. K? They are weird questions and I like it.

What was your favorite food when you were a child?
Meal-in-one - a fabulous combination of everything you've got in your pantry. I think I'll make it for dinner tonight, now that I think of it.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
Right now, it's Get Up by Korn. I can't stop listening to it.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
"I am so not a raper!"

What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
Indoor: knocking boots (I'm just being honest, kids)
Outdoor: four=wheeling

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Putting the laundry away

What is your favorite form of exercise?
Riding a bike, if I have to choose. I pretty much hate exercising.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
WHOA! That's a cheater question. Three in one!
Time of day? Evening
Day of the week? Saturday
Month of the year? August

What’s your least favorite mode of transportation?
A public bus

What is your favorite body part?
Of my own or someone else's? My own - my boobs. They're pretty nice. :) Someone else's? I love eyes and arms.

What sound do you love?
The ocean, and thunder, and rain.

A butterfly award. You love me, you really do!

2011-07-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

My super crafty and very pretty cousin Brandy presented me with this award, so I figured I'd play along. Sort of. I'm not tagging anyone, no matter how hard you make me try. :)

Aww, so cute! Anyway... here are the rules:

1. Link the person back who awarded you (check)
2. Share 7 things about yourself (check)
3. Answer the questions below (check)
4. Award this to 15 bloggers (not happening, sorry)

Seven things about myself
1. I am ambidextrous.
2. I am double-jointed.
3. I wish I was as fearless now as I was when I was little.
4. I have a 36" inseam and shopping for pants SUCKS.
5. I am a sugar addict.
6. I don't really care much for meat, though I do sometimes get a serious craving for a good steak.
7. I don't want anymore children.

Questions
Name your favorite color - hot pink and turquoise

Name your favorite song - this all completely depends on the day. Get Up by Korn is a good one right now.

Name your favorite dessert - cupcakes, silly. Or ice cream.

What wizzes you off - I don't even know what this means... what pisses me off? Liars and cheaters. And people that are disrespectful to the people they "love".

When you’re upset you - punch stuff. Or listen to music really loud.

Your favorite pet - the only pet I've got currently; the Devil in a catsuit, Turbo.

Black or white - both and neither.

Your biggest fear - missing out on life because of fear. So I guess, fear itself.

Best feature - I hate questions like this. I hate talking about myself. I'm incredibly loyal, I guess.

Everyday attitude - I like Brandy's answer: "Thug life" (see, she's fun)

What is perfection - HA! The only thing I believe in perfection in is food. So, food is perfection.

Guilty pleasure - Reality TV. Sugar. Frosting that comes in the plastic tub. Driving super fast.

That is all. Thanks, Brandy! You're the bestest!

Wordless Wednesday - oh deer.

2011-07-20T11:50:00.001-06:00

Taken in the fast lane of the freeway. Car next to me, staring at me trying to take a picture. Punk and I laughing our butts off - I don't know if it's that funny but it was to us!

Butter Cake. The recipe.

2011-07-18T12:05:00.000-06:00

If you've been around for a few whiles, you know how big of an impact the freaking Butter Cake from California Pizza Kitchen made on me. I crave it like a pregnant woman craves ice cream and pickles. I searched and searched and couldn't find a total copycat recipe, but I did find something that is awfully close and will do in a pinch. (If I can't make it to CPK.)

Just writing about it, I can taste it. Now I want cake. Thanks a lot, self.

Anyway, here you go. Make it and love it. And if anyone finds an exact replica of that blasted cake, PLEASE send me the recipe. I'll love you forever.

Butter Cake (mmmmmm)

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 325ºF (165ºC). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, 2 cups sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Blend in buttermilk, butter, vanilla and eggs.

Beat for 3 minutes at medium speed (seriously, this step is important or your cake will fall in!). Pour batter into Bundt pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.

Prick holes in the still warm cake (I used a wooden spoon handle but I recommend something smaller. My skewers are MIA or I would have used those). Slowly pour topping over cake. Let cake cool before removing from pan (also incredibly important!).

Topping

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
3 TBSP water
2 tsp vanilla extract

In a saucepan, combine all four ingredients. Cook over medium heat until fully melted and combined, but do not boil.

Recipe originally found here.

Pirates of the Carribean. Because I love Johnny Depp in eye liner.

2011-07-15T09:05:00.000-06:00

They announced the release date of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - October 18th. Which happens to be my little brother's birthday. They put out a new behind-the-scenes clip to celebrate. It's about the Mermaids, who are one of the coolest things about the movie.

I will definitely be buying this when it comes out. If you haven't seen it yet, you should!

Wordless Wednesday - drool

2011-07-13T11:20:00.001-06:00

It's kind of like handmade Mondays. Only it's DIY instead.

2011-07-11T11:28:00.001-06:00

Do-it-yourself glitter toes. If you haven't ever had glitter toes, you're missing out. They really are cute. But are they worth $20-30? Eh, not so much. So I do my own at home. And it's super easy. Here's how:

1. Cut/file your nails to where you want them to be.
2. Pick a base coat. Any color will do, but it helps to match your base coat to your glitter color. If you like that. Paint one solid coat of your base color. Let dry.
3. Paint one quick coat of clear on one foot. Take the glitter and dump it over your toes, making sure they are well coated. [It helps to do this over a sheet of paper. Unless you want craft-herpes (my loving term for glitter) all over hell and back.] Then shake your foot or tap it gently or whatever you need to do to get the excess glitter off.
4. Using a clear top coat reserved for glitter toes, paint one coat over the top of the glitter.
5. Go back and repeat steps 3 and 4 on your other foot.
6. Lay another good coat of clear over the top of all toes.

Ta da! Cute glitter toes, that won't destroy your nails, at home.

Just a few side notes:
- it is hard to get this off. Make sure you come prepared with lots of cotton balls and acetone polish remover.
- you can find the glitter at Sally's for less than a dollar a bottle, or you can use any craft glitter you can find. The smaller the chunks, the easier to do.
- have a clear coat that you use only for going over the top of the glitter. Glitter WILL transfer back to the bottle.

But, in a moment of genius (those are fleeting around these parts) I decided to try something yesterday, and I LOVE IT! Get some cute rub-ons (they are a scrapbooking product, if you didn't know). Cut the design you want out. Over the top of the dry clear, run your design on. Then cover with another coat of clear. SO CUTE! Wanna see mine? (Sorry for the toe picture. Feet are ugly.)

They seem to be holding up well enough, and they add just enough cute. I love them.

And yes, for anyone also following my scrapbook blog, this is totally a double post. So sue me. Have a good Monday!

My quote of the day today was from Al Bundy. That's awesome.

2011-07-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

I need your help. Yes, dear reader, you. I bought this super cute dress from Target on the clearance rack for $3. Killer deal. But it needs something. It's not fitted at all so when I wear it without anything around my waist, it looks sorta mu-mu-ish. [See Example A and Example B]

Example A

Example B

(side note: do I look totally high in that first picture? I have no idea what that face is I'm making but it's not cute.)

See? mu-mu-ish. I've got this black stretchy belt that I wore with it once, but that just made it seem a little bland. [see Example C]

Example C

(there's that face again. I've got to stop taking pictures of myself.)

What can I do to make this dress live up to its $3 potential? I'm stumped.

Wordless Wednesday - check out this beaver!

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

I want you all to know I can't read the title without cracking up. Yup, still totally 13 years old emotionally.

We ran into this little dude when we were taking Punk's pictures, and he came right up to the water's edge. So close I could have kicked him. But I would never do that. It was the first time I had ever seen a beaver out in the "wild" before.

He's so cute!

Give me fireworks, or give me death.

2011-07-05T10:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, maybe not death, but I seriously love fireworks. It takes me right back to childhood. I want to give a big thank you to Utah for changing the fireworks laws this year, because driving around and seeing so many fireworks up in the sky is incredible!

We took a trail up to the top of the mountain on Saturday (original intent was to watch the Stadium of Fire, but apparently there was another big mountain that didn't want us to see them. Very rude.) and all over the valley below us were big, bright fireworks. I loved it.

Last night we took the chopper up and watched the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point. They put on a pretty good show. Afterwards, the cops were blocking off the freeway entrances and forcing everyone to the two frontage roads instead. Not sure how they thought that was a good idea.

Husband, Father-in-law and I are loading up the bikes (by that I mean motorcycles, not just pedal bikes, sheesh!) and going on vacation in August and I'm ecstatic. We are going to California for 10 days with absolutely no plans, other than to spend a lot of time at the ocean. YES! My perfect retreat. I may not come back.

Now, off to kick-start my brain into believing today has things that need to be done. Long weekends are hard to come back from, even when your job is at home. Really. The couch thinks I should be lounging on it right now. Hell, I think I should be lounging on it right now. That's the problem.

Have a fantabulous day!

My ten-year-old. Oh my.

2011-07-03T11:12:00.002-06:00

I decided since I have a really nice camera and I kinda (emphasis on kinda) know how to use it, I am going to start doing pictures of Punk for her birthday every year. A whole lot more fun than the school pictures they send home, with an outfit change and everything.

I still can't believe she's FREAKING TEN YEARS OLD. Ten. I shouldn't have a kid that's ten. That's scary.

Here are a few of my favorites. You can click on the pictures to make 'em bigger if you want.

Ten. Really? Really?

June couponing, YEAH!

2011-07-01T16:43:00.000-06:00

You have to say the title like Lil' Jon or it's just not the same.

Total retail value of dollars spent in June: $329.50
Total actual dollars spent in June: $195.94
Overall savings: $133.56 or 41%

Best trip of the month: spent $26.57, saved $36.43

But this right here is why I hate that Extreme Couponing show, and why I think they should take it off the air. All of the couponers out there are NOT like they portray but because there is a TV show about people like that, it's going to screw the coupon world over. It aggravates me.

Anyway, my goal for July is $160 for the entire month. I'm pretty stocked up and will start being more picky about what I buy and for how much. I really only need dishwasher detergent and cat food, and then I'll be well stocked with everything we may need. We even have enough chicken and beef for the next two months in the freezer. Sweetness!

Wordless Wednesday - my, what a big gumball machine you are.

2011-06-29T09:58:00.000-06:00

Oh, Blickenstaff's. You had me at Blic.

Side note: she's grown like half a foot in the last year. Totally unacceptable.

Handmade Mondays - painted utensils.

2011-06-27T10:01:00.000-06:00

I have a bunch of stuff to donate to DI, and while I'm there I am SO picking up some silverware and doing this. I love the idea. I found it on TipJunkie and love it! Here's the process, from DIY or Dont!.

How to Make:

Materials Needed:
Enamel spray paint
Painters tape
Plastic wrap

Instructions:
1) Take plastic wrap and wrap the end of the silverware that will come in contact with food.
2) Take the painters tape and tape over the plastic wrap at the spot on the utensil where you would like the paint to end.
3) Spray the handles of the silverware.
4) Wait an hour and spray on another coat. Let dry.
5) Flip the utensils and repeat steps 3 and 4 on the back side.

Easy peasy, yes? I really love the way they look. She also suggests finishing them with a clear coat so they are more durable. You can get matte clear in a spray can just in case you want them to have that dull finish. :)

Go see Cars 2! It comes out today and it's freaking adorable.

2011-06-24T05:27:00.000-06:00

Punk and I got to go see Cars 2 Monday night at a special screening.

I LOVE IT.

Honestly. It's nothing like the first one. It's funny. And cute. And focuses more on Mater, who I love to bits.

But, I was loving it before the movie even started. You want to know why?

I always love the cute Shorts at the beginning of the Pixar movies. But this one went above and beyond, because it was my Toy Story friends.

LOVED IT! ...sorry, I'll stop with the uppercase.

Cars 2 also brought out a new character, who is super hot. :)

This is Holly. Isn't she a sexy little car?

To wrap this up, Cars 2 isn't one of those sequels where it's exactly like the first one but in a different location (*ahem* Hangover 2 *ahem* not that it's a bad thing because it's still hilarious!). It's got a new plot and new characters and a new setting and you get to visit the world in Cars form. It's really cute. Punk and I both really liked it and it will definitely be one added to the DVD collection. (You heard me right, I said DVD. We're not one of those high class families that has a BluRay player, mmmkay? [Okay, so I know you don't have to be ~~snotty~~ high class to have a BluRay; I just felt like making it sound like that {are you still with me?}.)

PLUS (I thought I was going to stop?) it has a trailer for The Muppets and you all know how excited I am for that movie!

Anyway, really, go see it. You won't regret it. And just in case you somehow missed seeing this...

Wordless Wednesday - video style.

2011-06-22T06:29:00.000-06:00

This is my cat, a.k.a. the Devil (see, it's official 'cuz I capitalized the D). Possibly the most entertained I've ever been on a drive home from the dunes.

What to do with kids and what seems like endless days of summer boredom.

2011-06-21T09:52:00.001-06:00

I know tons of people out there are making lists for what they want to do with their kids on summer vacation. We don't have an actual written list, but there are things I really want to take Punk to do, like play in the water at The Gateway, and go to the aquarium, and Seven Peaks, and the Great Salt Lake...

I only have weekends to plan for so it's pretty easy to fill the time. If you aren't like me and are one of those 'full-time parents' (say it with a snotty voice, it's fun :), you might be looking for fun things to do while they are on break. Our friends over at Punchbowl are here to help, with a few really fun ideas for the littles! So you can keep them busy instead of them nearly setting the kitchen on fire trying to make shish kabobs in the oven with wooden sticks. Oh, that was just me? Okay then. Anyway... here are a few ideas from Punchbowl.

Stay out of the sun! Old-fashioned indoor activities

There are those inevitable days during the summer where the rain won't stop or it's too hot to be outside for an extended period of time. On those days, turn your house into a neighborhood hotspot by setting up these fun indoor activities that hark from the days before television and video games.

Have an Indoor Picnic: Gather a picnic blanket, basket, plastic plates and forks and serve lunch right on your living room floor. Make a variety of sandwiches, put chips into baggies and cut up a fruit salad and let the kids help themselves. Encourage everyone to tell stories, play "I Spy" or share riddles and jokes.

Play Hide-and-Seek: Organize a game of hide-and-seek with a group of neighborhood kids. Gather everyone in one spot and go over the rules: the seeker counts to one hundred and all the kids go hide (be sure to outline where hiding is acceptable and where it isn't). Set a timer for five minutes. The first child to be found is the next seeker. Count how many kids the seeker finds within five minutes and at the end of the game, the seeker to find the most hiders wins (good "prizes" are dollar store finds like water guns, barrettes, sidewalk chalk, etc.).

Put on a Puppet Show: Set up a craft table with lunch-size paper bags, markers, crayons, yarn, kid-friendly scissors, glue, old buttons, left-over ribbon, pipecleaners, etc. Demonstrate to the kids how to make a puppet using all of these materials and let their creative juices flow. Once the puppets are finished, give them a few minutes to put together a rough outline of their show and set them up behind a couch or chair so only the puppets are showing. Record the show on your smart phone or video camera and let everyone watch (and giggle!) at the finished product.

Want more ideas? Want to stay IN the sun? Check out this post for even more fun ideas for you and your kiddos this summer.

Just for the FTC: I am getting a free membership upgrade to Punchbowl for posting about this. That is all. I still think they are cute ideas, whether or not they gave me anything. Opinions are all mine. So there.

One of my favorite actors + one of my favorite actresses = how could it be bad?

2011-06-20T11:59:00.000-06:00

I love Jason Segel. I love Amy Adams. I absolutely love Muppets. I'm excited for this movie!

Oh, weekends. Why did they decide to only make you two days?

2011-06-20T10:38:00.000-06:00

Whoever started the weekend thing should have really considered how much more fun they would be than weekdays and made them longer. 4 days of weekend to 3 days of weekday would have been a much better ratio.

We had a yard sale Saturday, pretty decent success. I made the mistake of wearing sleeves and sitting in the sun for four hours, and now I have tan lines where I've been trying so hard NOT TO. Farmer's tan. Lame.

Finally decided to turn the A/C on, just in time for it to be a whopping 65º Sunday. Should've waited.

Yesterday was a pretty good Father's Day. We took Husband's dad with us to my parents for brunch, then hit up Boondocks in the rain. Played laser tag. I think it would have been more fun had I not been wearing a white long-sleeved shirt. I was glowing! Even the two foot tall kid could find me. Still super fun though.

When I was little, we always bought presents for every occasion we could think of but Husband doesn't. It was weird at first but then I realized that I buy myself everything I want, rather than having to wait and hope he buys it for me. It's so much better this way. Plus, when he decides to buy me a present, it rocks my world (see this post for my most recent present, or the Banshee he got me as my engagement present, or the golf cart he bought me for my birthday the first year we were together...)

How spoiled am I? Incredibly.

Because of the way I was raised, I love buying presents for other people. It's super hard to buy for Husband because everything he wants is $4,000+ (a turbo, or a computer for his truck, or a dragster - he's expensive) so I spoil the crap out of the kid. I realized I need to stop after going through her room to find stuff for the yard sale, and she has TONS of clothing she's never worn that's too small. Granted, she's grown like 6 inches this year but still, it's ridiculous. I need to stop buying her things.

Like that's ever happening. I like to buy for other people.

We went and saw Super 8 last night. It's weird. Very typical of J.J. Abrams' other movies, so if you like his style, you'll like it. I liked it but I think it was a little too far 'out there' for Husband.

Punk and I are going to a special movie tonight and she is so excited and I am so excited and I can't wait to share it with you but you're just going to have to wait. :)

Have a good Monday!

Tex Mex chicken. YUMM-O recipe I thought you needed.

2011-06-17T09:35:00.001-06:00

In the search for something to make for dinner, I came upon this recipe for Tex Mex chicken and rice bake.

As usual, I cannot follow a recipe without making my own adjustments. But I must say, it was delicious! Good enough that I had it Monday night for dinner, ate the leftovers for lunch yesterday, and would make it again tonight. That good! And it's really, really easy and there are hardly any ingredients. WINNING. So, here's how I made it.

Tex Mex Chicken
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cream of Chicken soup
1 1/2 cup Salsa
1 can water (filled the empty soup can)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can uncooked Minute Rice (filled the empty soup can)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup shredded cheese - I used Monterey Jack but I think it would be delicios with Pepper Jack over the top as well.

Preheat oven to 375º.

Cut your chicken into small pieces (mine were ~2" cubes) and layer on the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan.

Mix soup, salsa, water, corn and rice together and pour over the chicken.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 375º for 45 minutes.

When finished, sprinkle with cheese and let it melt. Serve, and love it!

That's it! This fed myself, Husband and his friend with enough left over for my lunch the next day. You could easily double the recipe and still fit it in the 9x13 pan.

To add texture, I crunched up some tortilla chips and poured the Tex Mex chicken over the top, which was pretty yummy if I do say so myself. I also read the suggestion to add taco seasoning to the mixture and then sprinkle it over the top as well; didn't try it because I was out of taco seasoning. :) If you try it, let me know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday - The bittiest little guy ever.

2011-06-15T07:58:00.002-06:00

I was going through my Sunday papers when I noticed something moving across the floor. I got in for a closer look, and saw this tiny, itty bitty thing:

CLICK on the picture to get a better view!

Isn't he the littlest praying mantis you ever did see? He was no taller than a pencil eraser is wide. That was the smallest field of vision my camera could get. I didn't have the heart to smash him so I asked him nicely to go back outside where he belongs. :)

Do you ever just want to say, 'screw it, I'm done!'?

2011-06-13T09:26:00.000-06:00

If there were ever a point in life where you could choose to use the restart option, now would be my time. I find myself saying 'whatever' to so many things lately. It's like life decided it would be fun to throw a ton of crap on top of me all at once and I've decided I'm not going to kill myself trying to get back to the top.

I know that's pretty vague but it doesn't need to be specific. I think you know how I feel. At least, I hope so! I hope I'm not alone in this feeling. I am just tired of feeling like I am the one putting forth the effort for nothing in return. Why try if things are not going to change for the better? What's the point in putting myself out there to get pushed to the side in return?

There's no point. And that's my point. Good point. Sorry, I just wanted to say point again.

Do you ever get this feeling? Like you just want to tell the entire world to "eff off"?

I lost my cat.

2011-06-10T09:41:00.000-06:00

You guys have to know by now, my cat is my baby. I am totally the cat lady. Feel free to throw stray cats at my house as you walk by. (OKAY, maybe not that bad, but still...) I understand this story is only going to make you that much more sure of that fact. I'm still telling it.

A few weeks ago, when it actually started to get a little bit warm in Utah, we were hanging out inside with windows open. Most of the windows in this house don't have screens, for one reason or another. Typically I won't leave windows open unless I'm in that room, simply because Turbo has tried to jump out of them before (yes, two stories up even). On said day, Husband called and said he was in dire need of parts for his truck and asked if I could bring them to him. Not thinking twice about the open windows, I jumped in the car and left.

Fast forward four-ish hours. We get home and it's two hours past the time I normally feed ~~Satan~~ Turbo. Usually he runs to the door and meows. No kitty at the door.

I went inside and called for him; no response. I started searching the house and could not find him. I walked into the kitchen and noticed the open window.

Shit.

I frantically searched every room in the house, praying he was somewhere to be found but nope, no kitty. At that point I was nearing hysteria. We literally live a parking lot away from Main Street, the busiest street in our cute little city. Not to mention, Turbo is not an outside kitty. I take him on walks on a leash; that's about as hardcore as he gets. I ran outside and told Husband I lost the cat, and ever-so-reassuringly, he says, "is he on Main Street?" Thanks, hun. But he grabbed a flashlight and started looking for him with me. I was in tears at this point (you would have thought someone shot my own Mother or something), running through our yard, picking up things he could be hiding under, with every second edging me closer to being fully confident he's dead or stolen.

What seemed like three hours later but was probably realistically only five minutes, I hear Husband yell, "he's over here!" I find Turbo under our neighbor's gigantic pine tree, scared as all get out, and apparently pissed at the world. I tried to grab him and pick him up, but he freaked out and hissed like a wild cat and injected all 20 claws into the flesh of my arms. I'm crying and telling my cat, "I'm so sorry!" (like he cares) and he's doing everything in his power to get away from this horrible devil woman who basically shoved him into the wild unknown (even though he chose to jump out the window).

I was literally hysterical. Honestly, you would have thought my entire family had been killed off by hoodlums while I stood watch. It was ridiculous. But now I think back on it and from the outside, it's pretty funny. Probably more funny to me since I was there, but funny nonetheless.

If you're still here, I'm proud of you for sticking it out. I'm not even sre this story has a point.

Oh yah - if you have a pet that likes to climb out windows, don't leave the windows open. Moral of the story right there, kids. And you don't even have to decipher it.

Have a good weekend!

Quest for Zhu - the trailer!

2011-06-09T12:08:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before but we are BIG ZhuZhu fans in our house. Really, all Punk asked for for her birthday was fake nails, clothes, and more ZhuZhu Pets stuff. They are so cute and they do the funniest things. Plus, they don't stink or poop. Win, win! And, Turbo thinks he is the Godzilla of ZhuZhu world and attacks the poor little creatures as they try to climb the tubes... it's hilarious.

Anyway, ZhuZhu Pets are coming out with a full-length film featuring the four original ZhuZhu Pets characters (Pipsqueak, Mr. Squiggles, NumNums and Chunk). It's set to debut this fall in 3D (of course). Here's a trailer if you would like to watch:

My Fotolia.com review

2011-06-08T10:27:00.000-06:00

As you may or may not remember, Fotolia.com came to me to and asked me to review their site for free for a month. I gladly accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to build my library of fun pictures and images and vectors that you can't get on Google. :)

What did I think? It was cool. It took me a bit to get used to how the site works, but after that short learning curve, things were peachy. I filled my cart up with backgrounds and fonts and images and all sorts of fun things to use for my own personal stuff. It was great! They have a huge variety of pictures and videos and vector graphics to satisfy the needs of anyone, really.

They have the option to buy a subscription, or just buy on a download-to-download basis. I've never used other subscription sites, so I am not sure how their pricing compares, but it's right on their site so you know what you're paying upfront.

Want free stuff? Hit up their Facebook page and become a fan, and get access to their free images area. Or, to try their site out, I've got a code you can use. Simply click here and enter the code CMSB55E8 and you should be all set.

Like I said earlier, I did get a month's subscription for free to try out their site. But my opinions are my own and not influenced by the free aspect.

I function better when I've got a lot on my to-do list.

2011-06-07T10:51:00.000-06:00

So I'm amping it up.

Starting today, I am going to try to do more with my time. I can do it; I know I can. I just have to set my mind to it.

I'm going to update both my boutique blog and my scrapbook blog. Let's set that goal at weekly.

I'm going to take pictures and post new listings in both my boutique shop and my craft supply shop. This is something that needs to be done daily, at least once.

I'm going to build the website for Husband's company (you can see it here if you're interested). I'm also going to create and maintain an inventory list for said company.

I'm going to blog. I cannot promise anything, but I am going to try at least three times a week as my commitment. I think that's reasonable.

My house is going to stay clean. In all honesty, this is the easiest task on my list. I don't hate cleaning. But I am going to make a list of things that need to be done that aren't necessarily easy or fun (scrub the baseboards, wash the windows inside and out, clean the insides of drawers and cupboards) and do one a week.

I am going to cook at least four times a week. It doesn't seem like that much but it is. What's the point of building my own personal store in the basement if we still eat out all the time? Duh.

After all that, I've got to make more "me" time. Even if it's just sitting down and making bows, or scrapbooking, I've got to do it. I've got to get myself out of this weird funk I've been in lately. That's high on the priority list.

I have to write it down so I feel the pull to actually do it. I downloaded a task list on my phone but I don't see it all the time so it's easy to forget. So, here I go. Wish me luck.

Parades are boring. I don't know if you knew.

2011-06-05T11:55:00.000-06:00

I cannot remember for the life of me why I thought parades were cool when I was little. They are actually incredibly boring. Punk walked/danced through a parade yesterday and I sat in the sun behind some of the most obese people I've ever personally seen in my life. Good times.

I really wonder if people realize what they are doing to their children. This family of four put away a 12" sub and three dozen donuts BEFORE 10AM! Jeepers. I wonder why you have to buy the camp chairs that are made for two people for just yourselves. Please stop while your kids still have a chance to correct their eating habits.

We spent the rest of the day at the carnival. That was pretty fun, but some random little girl that got put in our spinning strawberry ruined the day for us. She was the fountain of vomit that looked like cat food. Some sort of miracle from above was all that kept my lunch down (I am a sympathy puker [just another reason I don't want a baby {and no, it's not different when it's your own kid when you are as bad as I am, promise}]). We were done after that.

It's finally starting to feel like summer; yesterday was 80º+ and sunny and beautiful. My arms are sunburnt. Just my arms.

Punk's last day of school was Friday, and it's her last day with her friends there because they moved. She came out and got in the car, and I looked back, and she was just sobbing. Poor thing. I never had to move schools when I was little, but I did have friends that moved, and that was hard enough.

I am so glad she still chooses to hold my hand. I thought for sure that would be over and gone, but not quite yet. Also, I'm not ready for her to turn 10 this week. I'm just NOT ready.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Mine has been pretty great so far, other than being in the car for what feels like 5 hours. Oh wait, it was 5 hours. Alrighty then. Have a good Sunday and a wonderful week. I'll be trying to figure out what to get a soon-to-be 10-year-old who already owns everything.

My coupon post, for the month of May.

2011-06-03T06:04:00.000-06:00

Total retail value of dollars spent in April: $598.74
Total actual dollars spent in April: $349.78
Overall savings: $248.96 or 42%

I feel like there is some sort of pattern in my shopping. 42% saved for the last two months. LOL

I don't feel as good about May as I did about April, since it was my second month and savings didn't improve. BUT, I definitely spent less time - probably 6 hours total for the month. I am completely stocked (at least 6 months out) on toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, conditioner, tampons, pasta, pickles, body wash, lotion, razors and laundry detergent. That's pretty good! At this point, I know I can wait out the deals until they really hit rock bottom so the savings should really improve for June.

My goal for June is no more than $200 out of pocket for the entire month. Our stock is pretty built up so it shouldn't be hard to eat out of it quite a bit. All I really will need to buy at this point is chicken and things that go bad quickly (milk, bread, etc.)

Wait... what was that? It's WHOSE birthday?

2011-06-03T00:16:00.000-06:00

I love you like a sister. Oh... wait... you are my sister. Scratch that. I love you forever! I flirted with that old, sorta creepy dude so you could ride in his Shelby. Your FIRST ride in the car you were named after! That's got to count for something, right? I'll always be here for you, and I know the same goes the other way around. I get you and you get me like no one else. And I can interpret you for other people.

We'll always have the crab dance. :D

See you for lunch, biatch!

Today is I Love My Dentist day. It's also National Rocky Road day. Go figure.

2011-06-02T09:47:00.000-06:00

I don't like chocolate ice cream, or chocolate cake for that matter. Is that weird? And whose idea was it to make it I Love My Dentist day AND National Rocky Road day on the same day? Here, dentist, I love you but I'm rotting my teeth out eating ice cream with hard chunks in it. Just for you. Muah.

I actually really like my dentist. He's a little crazy and it makes it more fun going in. Plus he makes fun of my messed up mouth, which is awesome. Seriously though, good dentists are hard to find. We went to this one dentist who thought he was God's gift to dentists and I wanted to hit him every time we went in. He was awful.

It's Thursday today which means tomorrow is Friday and also Shibrolet's birthday and she is SO OLD! She's going to pass me up here soon.

I am going to mow the lawn today. For the first time ever. EVER. That was my Dad's chore when I was growing up and so I never learned how but since I don't work I figured it was only right of me to maybe get out there and mow but, like I said, I don't know how; and I have this irrational fear of cutting one of my feet off. Weird?

I LOVE babies. LOVE them. As long as they aren't permanently mine. We have a new nephew and he is adorable and he loves me, and I love that I can give him back when he stinks. It's the perfect scenario. Now if my bestie Dot (name changed to protect the innocent) would just hurry her pregnancy along I would be grateful. I cannot wait to find out what she's having because then I can start planning the shower and also making gifts and it can't come fast enough.

Over on another site I hang out at, we are talking about favorite ice cream flavors and I just wanted to tell you all to head to ColdStone, get either amaretto or sweet cream ice cream, and add maraschino cherries and cookie dough. Just do it. It's so good. Or hit up SubZero and get sour watermelon ice cream with mini marshmallows.

I need ice cream so bad right now it's killing me. Seriously, if there were any ice cream places open this minute, I would already be there. Oh, send help. It's going to be a rough day.

Nothing to do this weekend? How about going to see Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer?

2011-06-01T09:26:00.000-06:00

You can enter to win passes to an advance screening of Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, and keep your kid (it's only a two-pass, sorry!) happy for at least a couple of hours this Saturday. Here's how:

Details: Enter to win an admit 2 pass to see JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER by texting the word TOTALLY and your ZIP CODE to 43549 (Example Text: TOTALLY 80246)! You can enter once per cell number, so send in a text from all the phones in your household!

WHEN: Enter to win by Thursday, June 2. You will be notified by Friday, June 3 at 4PM if you are a winner. The screening will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 10AM in Salt Lake City.

WHERE: Winners will be notified which Salt Lake City theater

WHAT: Special advance screening of JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER! Here's more about the movie:

When her best-laid plans for a summer full of fun go comically awry, an imaginative young girl creates her own vacation adventures in Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Based on the beloved, bestselling book series by Megan McDonald, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer is an irresistible and delightfully funny treat for adventure-loving kids and adults.

This summer, Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever with best friends Rocky and Amy. Except that it turns out Rocky is going to circus camp to learn to tame lions, and Amy is headed off to Borneo with her mom to save a lost tribe while Judy stays home with her pesky little brother Stink and second-best friend Frank Pearl.

Just when she thinks things are as rotten as they can be, her parents announce that they will be going to California and Judy will have to stay behind with her Aunt Opal, who she’s never even met! It looks like Judy’s best summer ever has just become her way worst summer ever.

But feisty, fearless and ever-funny Judy Moody never gives up! With help from some unexpected sources, she’s headed for a summer full of surprises in this charming and spirited family film. Get ready, get set, get MOODY!

Opens nationwide on Friday, June 10th!

Lazy days are the best kind of days.

2011-05-31T10:11:00.000-06:00

My Husband is driven. He hates sitting around when there is so much he could be doing. So I really love the days when he decides just chilling all day is okay. They are good kinds of days. Especially when he takes me to Noodles&Co. Mmmmmm.

I hope you all had a good, long weekend. I hope you thought at least for a second about all the people out there, fighting for our freedom - whether you agree with it or not. We stopped by some graves; packed ourselves into the cemetery with the other hundred thousand people or so.

I've experienced quite a bit of death in my lifetime but yesterday was thinking back and I cannot remember a single burial ceremony, and barely any funeral services. I think I block it out of my memory or something. Probably not normal.

Anyway, back to reality today, where people have to work. Maybe since the snow cone stands and water parks officially opened yesterday, Mother Nature will realize it's supposed to be summer now and stop with the hijinks. Eh?

The weather screwing with me is causing me to be sick. And it's not fun. I've got this awesome cough that sounds like I am literally three seconds from losing a lung, and it HURTS! Like, all capital letters and an exclamation point and everything. HURTS.

Have a fantabulous Tuesday. I'll possibly be back tomorrow. If I don't die. I've got the black lung, Papa!

Off for the weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen!

2011-05-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

We are going to the sand dunes for the Holiday weekend (of course). So I am off to get ready and hit the sand. Have a lovely Holiday! Go set your memorials out or do a scrapbook page or SOMETHING.

Just don't clean all weekend.

I said a LOVELY Holiday, not a horrible one.

You're stuck with the design as it sits right now. There are things I need to change and fix but I've got other things on my mind. You're welcome to leave a critique in the comments - I'd like to know what's good and what's not at this point. See you next week!

Stop the Burn summer campaign with Skin MD Natural‏

2011-05-27T08:52:00.000-06:00

I think, eventually, we might start getting the summer weather that's typically here by now. I hope, anyway. And when that warmth and sunshine starts making it's appearance (seriously, fashionably late was three weeks ago) you need to make sure you take care of your skin.

I've talked about SkinMD Natural before and how much I love them. This summer, they are hosting a Stop the Burn campaign - you go pledge that you are going to not get sunburned and where sunscreen and take care of your skin. You can sign the pledge and/or read more right here. And to help people stay protected from the sun, they are going to randomly pick one person a week to receive a bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15. Sweet, yes?

Want to know some scary facts about skin cancer? Just 3 sunburns during a child's adolescence significantly increases their risk ofdeveloping skin cancer. Just 5 sunburns during the course of a lifetime can double the chances of a skin cancer diagnoses. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers and yet more and more people each year are being diagnosed. YIKES! Each week during summer Skin MD Natural will have tips available on their site, along with videos and other great content. I've dealt with skin cancer since I was little (runs in the family) and it ain't no joke, mmmkay?

Go check out SkinMD Natural and sign the pledge. And then, stay tuned for a possible giveaway from yours truly.

Pardon the dust!

2011-05-26T10:43:00.004-06:00

I'm doing my best to make changes all the while delaing with a cat in my face. And, let's be honest; I have no idea what I'm doing. So, if you'd like to point and laugh as my blog faces a rough patch, please do! Just do it behind my back, k?

Thanks! See you again soon.

***EDIT: A bit better now, eh? Still trying to decide what to do with the background, if anything. And I realize my new button is really hard on the eyes. It's just there for filler right now; once I get inspired I'll make a new one. I just don't know what to do for it yet.

And I'm supposed to type HOW?

2011-05-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

This is what I'm dealing with right now:

The cat is such an attention whore today. That's the furthest I can get him to go - a minute ago he was literally laying on the keyboard. At least now I am only screwed with the letters on the right side of the keyboard. Needless to say, this took a whole lot longer than it should have to type.

He is entertaining though - he watches the pointer move all over the screen and every few minutes attacks. That's pretty funny. What's not funny? He keeps holding the control key down so I try to scroll with my mouse and my screen gets REEEAALLLL tiny.

Wordless Wednesday - a peek into my mind.

2011-05-25T07:09:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite part of my kitchen - the glass cupboards. It's where I keep all my treasures that I want people to see but NO TOUCHY!

Certain Dri's 100 Days of Summer giveaway!

2011-05-24T15:22:00.000-06:00

Remember, like, 100 years ago when I did the Certain Dri review/giveaway? That was fun, wasn't it?

Certain Dri is doing a giveaway a day for 100 days - starting Memorial Day and going through Labor Day (summer, essentially). They are giving away... drumroll, please... Certain Dri antiperspirant! Who'd a thunk? Anyway, one random entrant will be chosen to receive a Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant (roll-on or solid) each day from May 27, 2011 to September 3, 2011. Every Friday at noon EST, all seven winners from that week will be announced on the Certain Dri Facebook page. You can also head on over there to see the official rules, and the entry form. Now, go enter, and be not stinky.