text:
You Belong in 1999
With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999!!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Frugal Tip Friday 8/29/08
Link your your own Frugal Tip Friday post back here and leave a comment here. I love reading all of your Frugal Tips!!
Today's tip:
Bargain shop when looking for services. There's no rule that says you have to go with the first plumber that you call. All companies don't charge the same amount. Checking two or three places will give you a good idea of how the prices stack up. Choose the one with the most services for the lowest price. If you are not sure, ask a friend who may have had the same need that you do now.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Touching Love Story....
An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world. It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half a century.
The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple's home for the last 50 years.
Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin..
In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.
At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing Municipality
In the beginning, life was harsh as they had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.
Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, 'Are you regretful? Liu always replied, 'As long as we are industrious, life will improve.'
In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years, to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.
Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps. Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, 'My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day. He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother's convenience, although she doesn't go down the mountain that much.'
The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife's hand even after he had passed away.
'You promised me you'll take care of me, you'll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?'
Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband's black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.
In 2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.
Even though I have need need to build 6,000 stairs for my husband I would love to be able to show my love to him in such a beautiful way. Can you imagine your home being turned into a museum because of your marital love?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I am thankful for....
Here 5 things that I am thankful for:
1 : My husband that works his butt off to provide for us.
2: My great kids!!
3: My neighborhood - I have great neighbors!!!
4: DVR -- yes I love TV... It's nice to be able to record my favorite shows.
5: Clean water to drink.
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Desert Flea Market
GO VISIT....... The Desert Flea Market!!!! She's a new blogger --- go give here some love!!!!
Here is my favorite antique..... I really don't know much about them like when they were made or anything but they were my grandma's. She gave them to me a few years ago. They were always in her china hutch. Now I keep them with my china in a rubbermaid tote... you know where all the beautiful things should be kept.....
Monday, August 25, 2008
This is exciting!!!!
Must be all the recent potty talk.....
First Day of Kindergarten and an update!!!
Micayla is so excited!!! Doesn't she look cute in her new glasses? She just got them a couple of weeks ago.
So I took my shirt back to the stupid store, if you don't know what I am talking about click here. I asked the guy if I could talk to the manager and he went and got a girl - not sure if she was actually the manager.... anyway.... I told her what had happened and she told me that they don't have a public restroom and that if they let one person use the restroom then they would have to let everyone. ** Oh yeah the only people in the store on Friday night were my friends Nicole and Aubrey and our kids --- the press was not going to get wind of the fact that they actually allowed a cute little girl to use the restroom.
I told her that I understood but that they really need to have an exception for emergencies. I told her that they may not be so lucky with the next emergency and they might end up with a mess to clean up. They did take back my shirt but they don't give refunds - I ended up getting Micayla 6 shirts so that I used up all my credit and I won't have to go back.
Nicole called both stores on Saturday to complain. At the clothing store she asked to talk to the manager and it was a guy.... hmm... He told her that they are getting sued over someone using their restroom and that is why they wouldn't let Micayla use it. Mind you the guy working there on friday night didn't explain any of this to me.... he just said that they don't have a restroom.... When she called the dollar store they said that another store of their's had been robbed the night before and so they were all freaked out and not letting anyone use the restroom. You know because me and my 2 little kids are so dangerous --- we may have actually purchased something there.
Oh well ---- what do you do????
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Contests and Awards.....
There is also another great contest at SITS!!!!
Mommies United is have a great back to school giveaway!!!
Bobbi gave me an award!!!! Bobbi is pretty amazing. She has SEVERAL blogs!!! I thought I was busy with 3....
The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated
Here are the 7 blogs that I am nominating ----
Texas Bangerters
Happy to be Three
The Ferguson's
Park City Girl
The Desert Flea Market
Update about my shirt purchase...
Friday, August 22, 2008
Dear _______ Store that won't let a child use the restroom,
I have been a faithful shopper of yours. You have helped me transform my wardrobe from Walmart to a little more stylish. I have always appreciated that you have a few shirts that fit a girl like me. Hell, you even have some pretty cute clothes for little girls.
Oh yeah, back to why I am writing you this letter. Next time someone asks you if you have restroom that a cute little 5 year old, who is crying and doing the pee- pee dance because and I quote - "My pee pee is starting to come out", can use and you say no -- I hope that said little child will just pee all over your floor. Where do you go to the restroom Mr. man that only works in a clothing store so that you can check out all the women? Do you go the strip mall to another store? Do you hold so long that your pee pee almost comes out?
What I should have done was not buy that cute shirt -- I should have just dropped in on the floor as we headed out the door trying to find a compassionate person in an other store that would see that this child was physically in pain because she was trying so hard to hold it.
Which brings me to the your next door neighbor -- the stinky store whose air conditioning was not working and it smelled like antifreeze -- This is the store were the lady that appeared to be nice looked at this child now bent over, with her legs crossed, eyes full of tears and holding herself and told me that there restrooms were for employees only. You sell buckets don't you? Maybe I should have gone and grabbed a bucket off your shelf -- buckets make great make shift potra-pottys FOR EMERGENCIES!!! No but instead I left yelling back at you that I would never shop again at a store where they wouldn't let a little child use the facilities.
Which now brings me to the next store --- THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Were the words that my happy daughter said to the nice lady at JoAnn's that let her use the restroom --- even though the sign said employees only!!!
Oh yeah and --- you may want to call the police about the guy dealing drugs in your parking lot.....
Micayla's Mom
Frugal Tip Friday 8/22/08
Link your your own Frugal Tip Friday post back here and leave a comment here. I love reading all of your Frugal Tips!!
Ask for a rain check. Some stores don't give them for certain sale items, but it doesn't hurt to ask. A rain check can save you money. Don't buy a six dollar case of water if you can get it for two dollars with a rain check. Buy up to the limit you are allowed to purchase and stock up.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Spa Day!!!
One of the best benefits that my mom offers in her company is SPA DAY!!! Yesterday was SPA DAY!! We went to lunch to talk business and then we all went to the SPA for pedicures -- Oh how I love pedicures!! I have the most ticklelish feet on the face of the earth and I cannot stand to have anyone touch my feet --- except when I am getting a pedi!!!
Thank you mom for giving me a job that I can work whenever I want/can!!! Thank you for being my mom and my kids grandma ----THANK YOU FOR SPA DAY!!!!
Oh yeah in case you are wondering --- we do clinical research --- we work with drug companies and doctors in studying new prescription medications.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Reusable Grocery Bags
This could be a great way to make your own eco-friendly grocery bags:
Take an old t-shirt and cut off the sleeves and collar. Turn it inside out and hem down where you just cut and use a secure zig zag stitch the bottom closed. Turn it right side out and you have your eco-friendly shopping bag.
You can also use an old tank top, and depending on the size of the neck hole you may only have to sew up the bottom. It's a great way to reuse old clothes you'd rather not get rid of completely and reduce your plastic consumption.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I....... Sherri
I WANT... To go on a vacation alone with my husband. I need a break!
I HAVE ... never liked scary movies..... or books.....this is why I am afraid to read Twilight.
I WISH I COULD ... play the piano or sing
I HATE ... folding laundry, actually it's not the folding par that I hate it's the putting stuff away.
I FEAR ... losing one of my kids..... I am a paranoid mom
I HEAR ... right now I hear my husband mowing the lawn.....
I SEARCH ... for ways to save money. I search for the best deal on almost everything.
I DON'T THINK ... we will ever be out of debt. Several years ago while I was in school and not working Matt fell off his bosses roof and cracked his heel. He couldn't work for a while and since i didn't have a job we lived on credit. Then just when things were getting better Micayla --- my million dollar baby was born.
I REGRET ... That I didn't try harder in school. I never understood math. I wish i could do math!
I LOVE ... My husband and my kids. I feel so blessed that I am able to be a mom and I am so grateful for the 2 great women who made it possible
I ACHE FOR ... Couples that are struggling to become parents
I ALWAYS CRY ... ALL THE TIME!!! Seriously!!!
I AM NOT ... A great housekeeper.
I DANCE ... Whenever I can. Although the only people that I ever allow to see me are my kids and Matt (only when we slow dance)
I SING ... In the car --- I always see people laughing at me!!!
I NEVER ... go a day without a Diet Coke!!!
I RARELY ... Go to the movies --- we are not movie people.... I think the last movie I saw in the theater was Armageddon
I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... Extreme Makeover Home Edition
I AM NOT ALWAYS ... nice --- I can be a bitch! I can admit it.
I HATE THAT ... The price of gas is so outrageous!!!
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... politics.... although I try to be wise about it!
I NEED ... Lose weight ---- I admit it.....
I SHOULD ... Go clean my house instead of sit here at the computer.
(This post was inspired by Stretch Marks)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Great Tips - Have you tried any of these?
I was wondering if any of you have tried any of these tips. Do they really work?
Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have
to pick the little 'stringy things' off of it. That's how the
primates do it.
Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.
To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.
For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.
Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.
Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!
To Reheat Pizza -Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
Expanding Frosting When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
Newspaper keeps weeds away. Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
No More Mosquitoes Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
Measuring Cups. Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car . When the window s fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Reopening envelope If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
Conditioner Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.
Goodbye Fruit Flies To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
Get Rid of Ants Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
This was a quote from someone else, this story did not happen to me...... INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of mesh material... I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well ... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free... that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box .well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very longtime (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Great Back to School Gift!!!
The Chalkboard Sampler: "In 5th grade, being called to the chalkboard often resulted in the sweaty palm and a dry mouth. Finally, being face to face with the �board is a happy place-this 8" Sampler is packed with Cheese and Caramel corn, alphabet pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, kiddy mix candies, gummy bears and mini gumballs. Whew!"
The sale price is 9.99 and there is a $5.00 off code.... 5JUAG shipping is $5.00 so your total is $9.99 - if you want to order more than one do it separate orders because you can use the code over and over!!!
Have A Happy Sunday
See you on Monday!
Another Award --- I AM A KICK A$& BLOGGER!!!
So, here are the rules:
* Pick 5 Bloggers that you feel are Kick A** Bloggers
* Let em' know in your post or via email, twitter or blog comments that they've received an award
* Share the love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to
Kick Ass Blogger Award
* Hop on back to the Kick Ass Blogger Club HQ to sign Mr. Linky then pass it on (which you can also get to on the above link)
Got it? Good... Now that we have all that in order, I pass this award on to:
The Musings of a Mom --- because she is so sweet. She has a beautiful old photo of her mom and her kids are so cute with cream puff all over their faces!!
Nonna's News --- because she is inspiring me to create my own Bucket List. Matt will be so proud of me if I do this --- see he's the dreamer and I am the realist. I am challenging myself to create a Bucket list of Dreams..... Oh yeah and go check out her recipe blog.
Park City Girl ---- because I love Park City!! And this girl can quilt!!! Note to self: add quilting to my bucket list..... Oh yeah go check out her music!!!
Jenny --- because she loves Donny Osmond. She's a great friend. She's new to blogging --kind of and she's doing a great job. I need to sing the "Happy Working Song".
Aubrey --- because I really hope that she will enjoy this award with a swear word in it.... hehehe I know she will!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Frugal Tip Friday 8/15/08
Yeah!! It's now super easy to link your Frugal Tip back here!! Look over the right sidebar and you will find a convenient box with the code giving you both the button and the link back!!!
My tip of the day is:
Buy in bulk only if it is something that you need. Buying everything in bulk is not necessary. Some bulk prices have a higher unit price than buying a couple of boxes of cereal or baby formula. Carrying a calculator to the store with you can aid in figuring up which is the best buy. Join a shopping warehouse if you frequently buy bulk items.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New Design!!!
In the change over however we had a little problem with my blog roll. I hope to get everyone added back in today. If you were there yesterday but you aren't today --- let me know!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just what DOES Sherri need?
I googled Sherri + Needs and this is what I came up with..........
Sherri needs a taller tripod.............. How did google know that I am short?
Sherri needs some soap in her mouth................... um yeah probably
Sherri needs help....................
Sherri wants to save Barbara................ clearly they have me confused with Sherri Shepard
Sherri needs a history lesson
Sherri needs to get her head out of the Bible
Sherri needs names of crafts people available to set up at FF Development Day in October..... I have no idea what they are talking about
Sherri needs a cheeseburger
Sherri needs to contact Patricia Tuck...................who?????
Sherri needs to continue seeking a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Sherri needs to come clean
Sherri needs the support of her fans
Sherri needs this slam dunk to show her constituents that she can prosecute a case
Sherri needs to shut up about ................ what???
Sherri needs to watch her dollars......................... hence Frugal Tip Friday!!!
Wow!!! The things we can learn on Google!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Updated.... I changed my mind!!!
Sweet and Sour Chicken
I will do it again for sure. One thing that I realized is that if you cook the chicken this way you can easily make the sauce many different ways. Here is my Sweet & Sour recipe. It sounds kind of hard but it really isn't. I prepped everything in the morning and then it took maybe about 1/2 to get everything cooked.
Coated Chicken (& marinade)
* 1 lb chicken (cubed)
* 1 tbs. soy sauce
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1/2 tsp. sugar
* Cornstarch
* Oil
Combine the soy sauce, salt, sugar, and chicken. Let marinate at least 15 min. – up to all day. Dredge chicken in cornstarch (put it in a ziploc baggie and shake to coat chicken). Cook in hot oil until cooked through. Drain well and set aside.
Sauce Ingredients
* 1/4 c. vinegar
* 1 tbs. ketchup
* 1 clove garlic (I used the pre-chopped garlic in a jar to save time)
* 1/2 c. pineapple chunks – reserve the juice
* 1/2 c. green pepper
* 1/2 c. red pepper
* 1/2 c. celery
* 1/2 c. onion
* 1/4 c. sugar
* 1/4 c. water
* 1 tbs. soy sauce
* 4 tsp. cornstarch
* 1/4 c. water
Heat 1 tbs. oil in a large pan. Stir fry garlic (30 seconds), add veggies & stir fry for about a minute. Add sugar, water, pineapple juice and vinegar and bring to a boil.
Combine soy sauce, corn starch, and water. Add to boiling mixture. Stir until thick. Add pineapple and chicken until coated. Serve over a platter of rice.
Here is a sauce that you could make for Ginger Chicken, then just add whatever veggies you want. I think baby corn, water chestnuts or bamboo shoots would be good. You may also want to add a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Ginger Chicken
* 2 tbs. Oil
* 1 tbs. chopped garlic
* 1 tsp. chopped ginger root or 1/2 tsp. dry ginger
* 1/3 c. soy sauce
* 1 tbs. sugar
* 3 tbs. chopped green onion
* 1 c. boiling water
Fun Things....
I am also super excited about this blog.... Good Stuff Maynard. I am so excited about this because I am actually a contributor!!
And last but not least.... after posting our adoption story I received lots of email from bloggers whose children have VCFS - like Micayla! So I started a new blog with an emphasis on our awesome VCFS kids!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
What do you do to keep your sanity?
Is there something that you do as part of your daily routine to keep your sanity and make yourself feel better about your house/life?
There are people that must keep their sink empty and clean, vaccum the whole house, do the dishes, make your bed, eat chocolate cake, bake, drink a Diet Coke, scripture study......
What do you do?
I would like to say scripture study but....... I can't......
One of the things I do is to put a little Pine Sol in the sink with some really hot water..... it makes my house smell clean. I try to make my bed - I think that happens 3-5 days a week.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Beef Stroganoff ala Sherri
This is an absolute favorite both at our house and at the firehouse. I will never make the stroganoff that my mom used to make again!!!
Beef Stroganoff
Round Steak - Cubed
Diced Onion
2 T Paprika
1 t fresh ground pepper
Brown and then simmer for at least one hour.
Add family size Can of cream of mushroom soup and 16 oz of sour cream and mushrooms (optional). Serve over noodles or rice. We usually eat this with green beans or steamed carrots.
I love being a mom!!!
Caleb says, "Au-goo" ---- that means Love you! He also gives me BIG kisses!!
My sweet Micayla.... says "I love to be your daughter." I hope she still feels that way when she is a teenager.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Drumroll please......
Megan...... Her kids are so cute and her daughter and my daughter are going to be in the same Kindergarten class...
Jaime..... what a cute blog!!!
Marrdy..... This is a blog that is new to me -- but I am already a fan!!!
Shanna.....Shanna has a couple of blogs --- but I am a sucker for some yummy food!! Check out this recipe for Chicken Enchiladas with broccoli!!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Frugal Tip Friday, 8/8/08
Link your your own Frugal Tip Friday post back here and leave a comment here. Keep those tips coming!!!!
My tip of the day is:
Don't shop on payday. This is when you have the most money. You haven't paid the bills or put money away for savings. In error, we believe that we have more money at our discretion than we really have. At the end of the shopping trip, we are a few hundred dollars in the hole and a bill goes without being paid.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fishing for Nemo..... We are not vegetarians.......
Matt and Micayla were the only ones actually fishing. Micayla has a super cute pink Disney Princess fishing pole. I didn't have a license and I was trying to keep Caleb under control. He played in the mud and was covered!! I am so glad that I thought of bringing extra clothes.
We had some nice neighbors, that probably thought that there was no way we were going to catch anything with our noisy rock throwing kids, that gave us their 2 fish to bring home. Then Matt caught 4 more -- one of which was to small to keep so we released him. As Matt put the fish on the stringer the kids started calling them Nemo. Nemo is a favorite at our house!
When we got home Matt was cleaning the fish and Micayla asked to see them. She asked what was wrong with them. We told her that they died and that we were going to eat them for dinner. She got so sad!! We tried to us this as a learning opportunity. We explained to her that there are some animals that are put on this earth to be eaten. We told her that fish is good for us.
Matt actually doesn't like to eat fish so I kept the biggest one to bake for dinner and took the other's over to the neighbors. As I wrapped the fish in foil and stuck him in the oven Caleb cried out "NEMO". Yes it was a little heart breaking. When it was time to eat Micayla decided that she wasn't going to eat fish - she had such a sad look on her face. Caleb just kept saying, "Nemo."
Note to self....... Don't tell them about #57 the cow that we ate at Grandma's house.....
The 15-Minute Challenge.....
I spend too much time blog surfing and not enough time on housework. So I have decided to implement a few 15-Minute Challenges into my days. I am inviting all of you to join with me ---that is unless your house is clean, your kids are fed, your laundry is caught up, you drawers and closets are organized and you already know what you are going to make for dinner tonight....... Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done. Come back and tell me what you did.....
Did you set the timer for another 15 minutes? How much more can you accomplish if you try to so it 15 minutes at a time?
Do you think this could work with your kids? Of course it can. I frequently set a timer for Micayla to get her to clean up the playroom faster. She has fun racing the clock. It's amazing what she can do in just a few minutes.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Product Testers / Word of Mouth Advestising *ETA
There is a new website that is just getting started from General Mills ----I am hoping that it will be something similar!!
I love doing this stuff!! Who doesn't like FREE things?
What have you been able to get for free?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Waitin' On A Woman.....
Friday, August 1, 2008
Am I the only one?
I don't like vampires!! I am THE biggest chicken on the face of the earth --- yes bigger than the San Diego Chicken, The Coronal's Chicken, the Chick-Fil-A Chickens all put together.
OK so I am not the only person...... am I the only female under 40 not reading them??
Frugal Tip Friday, 8/1/08
Link your your own Frugal Tip Friday post back here and leave a comment here. I love reading all of your Frugal Tips!!
Save Money at the Deli
1- Don't buy anything from the deli unless it's on sale (or you're just in desperate need of special deli foods), they are definitely more expensive!
2- Ask the deli attendant to slice meats and cheeses really thin, this will make them go a lot further!
3 - In most grocery stores the deli section is right next to the bakery which usually offers fresh baked loaves of bread for a little more than a dollar (French and Italian). The bread is definitely a good buy but sometimes I wonder if they're just teasing us with a low cost item so we'll come on over and spend a fortune on the more expensive items. If fancy cold cuts and prepared side dishes are not in your budget just grab the bread and run!
4 - If you like to have sandwiches often, instead of buying a pound of sliced meat from the deli consider cooking a half ham or turkey breast in the oven (cooking directions are often on the labels), then slice them up and divide into 1/2-1 pound portions and store in freezer bags. (Just keep one in the fridge for this week and freeze the rest until you need them!)
5- You can also save a lot of money on sliced cheeses by purchasing the prepackaged varieties when they go on sale. You can freeze cheese for up to several months.
6- Look for Reduced Price items that are near expiration and eat them right away or freeze them.
7- Watch for meal deals or one of my favorites is one of the store that I shop has yummy rotisserie chickens buy 1 get 1 half price.


text: A new generation of E-cigarette with multiple work modes, replaceable 18650 battery (or USB charge) and an 80w maximum output. Its ergonomic design makes it feel perfect in the hand and its pocket size means its perfect for when you are on the go! Available in a variety of colours, this is a fantastic kit brought to you by Uwell.

subset: commoncrawl


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Genomic Diagnostics is the nationally co-ordinated genetic testing service for Specialist Diagnostic Services, also known as SDS Pathology.
We're 100% Australian owned and operated, and we are the trusted partner of a number of federal and state government departments, including large public teaching hospitals and the Department of Immigration. Our paternity testing laboratory is used by more solicitors and legal aid departments than any other laboratory in Australia.
They trust us because of our credentials and our meticulous scientific approach. We can be relied upon to deliver results accurately and on time. We've held our Australian Government NATA accreditation continuously for over 14 years – longer than most DNA testing organisations. Our team of eminent medical and scientific experts includes some of the most experienced senior geneticists in the country. We co-ordinate our testing nationally through our pathology labs to bring you the best possible results. You can access our testing through: Abbott Pathology, Dorevitch Pathology, Laverty Pathology, QML Pathology, Tasmanian Medical Laboratories, Western Diagnostic Pathology, and all of their regional laboratories and collection centres.
To talk to one of our friendly customer service team today, call 1800 822 999 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm (EST) or email us.


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Art Deco Objects & Design
Art Deco Posters
Art of Polo
Automobile Art & Collectables
Aviation Art & Collectables
Cocktail Shakers & Barware
Country Pursuits
Dexter Brown Paintings
Dunhill Lighters
John Elwell Sculptural Models
Lalique Car Mascots 1920-1931
Louis Vuitton & Luggage
Marine Art & Collectables Militaria
The Art of Smoking
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Winter Sports
Duke of York's International Trophy, 1924
An important silvered-bronze winner's trophy, depicting a motorboat of typical 1920's form racing across the water, mounted on a swept oak plinth, edged with silvered-bronze dolphins and a presentation plaque inscribed:
Duke of York's International Trophy, Joint Winner 1924, "Miss Betty" and E. Johnston-Noad.
With a bespoke, chocolate brown calfskin presentation case.
Length: 16 inches (41 cm).
The Duke of York's International Trophy was presented by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, later King George VI, as an annual challenge for motor boat racing - the winner's trophy, as this is, being a replica of the original gold event trophy.
The 1924 winner, 'Count' Johnson-Noad, was an archetypal 1920s cad, who also won the 1928 event. A Bentley-racing, high-flying charmer, he ran through his inheritance at an impressive rate – to replenish the coffers, he planned and executed a Mayfair diamond heist in 1933, leading to his incarceration at His Majesty's pleasure for 7 years!
Reference: 6019


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FRIDAY, Sept. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Some things that you can do to protect your health take just minutes, so no more excuses! Here are 10 suggestions from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month. Yes, this is an addition to changing the batteries once a year.
Wash your child's toys just as you do your hands. (Think of how much time they spend on the floor.)
Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to avoid bacteria growth.
Put together a mini health kit and tuck it into your daily tote. Include adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, pain relief medication, hand sanitizer, a mini tube of sun protection and an instant ice pack.
Make that wellness appointment you've been putting off. Ask if you need a tetanus booster. It's a must every 10 years.
Put the poison control number -- 800-222-1222 -- on all phones, and make sure all family members know when to call it.
Before leaving the house do a double check for safety. That means putting on sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for a walk and other activities, or a helmet and other gear for bike riding, or looking at the treads of your shoes before a run.
Schedule a radon test for the air in your home. Have your water checked if you get it from a private well.
Change your contact lenses on the right schedule. Don't risk eye health by trying to extend their life past the prescribed usage, whether they're dailies, monthlies or anything in between.
Can't do a full floss after lunch? Use dental picks to get rid of food caught between your teeth and prevent bacteria buildup.
More information
Check out the CDC for more on these and other fast health steps.
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NEW YORK, N.Y. - Univision Communications said Tuesday that it is pairing with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez on the English-language El Rey television network that is geared to young viewers and scheduled to debut this December.
Rodriguez is a filmmaker whose projects include "From Dusk Till Dawn." The first scripted series for El Rey will be an expansion of that movie, with the extra time allowing him to expand the story and explore richer Aztec mythology, he said.
The company that runs Univision, the most-popular Spanish-language network in the country, said Tuesday it has invested in El Rey. Terms were not disclosed. It is set to begin in December with a national distribution agreement with Comcast, the nation's largest cable company.
The network is expected to have a mix of reality, scripted, music and sports programming, along with movies.
"El Rey Network will serve as a launching pad to satisfy the tastes of young adults looking for exciting, cinematic, action-packed content," Rodriguez said.
Univision has expanded over the past two years, creating several new networks. One partnership with ABC is called Fusion, an English-language news network geared toward a Latino audience.
The Univision network said it will premiere two new telenovelas during the next season. "La Tempestad" will star William Levy and Ximena Navarrete, a former Miss Universe. "Mentir para Vivir" will star David Zepeda and Mayrin Vilanueva.
Randy Falco, president and CEO of Univision Communications Inc., told advertisers Tuesday that the company is at the intersection of two big growth opportunities: the Latino market and digital.


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I'm still learning to eat well at restaurants. Especially vegetarian and vegan restaurants… it's not like I'm going to accidentally order a steak, you know? But fried falafels and the often oil-laden restaurant hummus can be just as unfriendly to the waistline.
My favorite question (suggested by both the healthy vegans and happy herbivore) for restaurant ordering is "Do you have a dish that can be easily prepared without oil?"
So I forgot to ask that one today. This is the potato and cauliflower bowl with brown rice. I had steamed veggies in my head, but they were roasted. It wasn't drenched in oil or anything, but it was a bit on the heavy side.
Tsom has a great cold buffet that I ate from last time that has a lot of light options, from greens to couscous salads to lentil stews. I do recommend that!
My brother ordered the Indian curry biryani special and yam chips. He can get away with this because tomorrow morning he will run 10 miles up some mountain peak… with his shoe laces tied together and blind-folded. Or something like that!
I'd be willing to bet my brother could eat just one potato chip. 🙂


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Brisbane, James (DNB00)
BRISBANE, Sir JAMES (1774–1826), commodore, fifth son of Admiral John Brisbane, and brother of Rear-admiral Sir Charles Brisbane [q. v.], entered the navy in 1787 on board the Culloden. After serving in various ships he was transferred to the Queen Charlotte, bearing the flag of Lord Howe, to whom he acted as signal-midshipman in the battle of 1 June. He was made lieutenant on 23 Sept. 1794, and served at the reduction of the Cape of Good Hope. He was afterwards moved into the Monarch, Sir George Elphinstone's flagship, and was present in her at the capture of the Dutch squadron in Saldanha Bay 18 Aug. 1796. Sir George promoted Brisbane into one of the prizes, and soon afterwards moved him into the Daphne frigate, in command of which he returned to England. The promotion, however, was not confirmed till 27 May 1797. In 1801 Brisbane was appointed to the command of the Cruiser sloop, attached to the Baltic fleet under Sir Hyde Parker. He was more particularly attached to the division under Lord Nelson, and on the nights of 30 and 31 March had especial charge of the work of sounding and buoying the channels approaching Copenhagen (Nelson Despatches, iv. 302-303). In acknowledgment of his services on this occasion he was promoted to post rank on 2 April 1801, and in the latter part of the year commanded the Saturn as flag-captain to Rear-admiral Totty until the admiral's death, when the ship was paid off. From 1803-5 he had command of the sea fencibles of Kent, and in 1807 of the Alcmene frigate on the coast of Ireland and in the Channel. In 1808 he was appointed to the Belle Poule, a 38-gun frigate, and was ordered by Lord Collingwood to take command of the squadron blockading Corfu. Whilst so employed he captured on 15 Feb. 1809 the French frigate Var, which had endeavoured to break the blockade. He was afterwards engaged in the reduction of the Ionian islands and the establishment of the septinsular republic. He continued in the Adriatic till the summer of 1811, during which time he captured or destroyed several of the enemy's small cruisers, and was repeatedly engaged with their batteries on different parts of the coast. In September 1812 Brisbane was appointed to the Pembroke in the Channel fleet, and the following summer was again sent to the Mediterranean, where he was actively employed. In 1815 he again served in the Mediterranean, and in 1816 in the expedition against Algiers. After the bombardment on 27 Aug. he was sent home with despatches, and on 2 Oct. received the honour of knighthood. He had already been made a C.B. in June 1815. In 1825 he was appointed commander-in-chief in the East Indies, where he arrived in time to direct the concluding operations of the first Burmese war, for his services in which he was officially thanked by the governor-general in council. His health, however, had suffered severely, and was never reestablished. He lingered for some months, and died at Penang on 19 Dec. 1826. He married in 1800 the only daughter of Mr. John Ventham, by whom he had one son and two daughters.[Marshall's Roy. Nav. Biog. iii. (vol. ii.) 400; James's Naval History (1860), vi. 337.]


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The U.S. Department of Energy aims to reduce the electricity used for lighting by 50% through converting to LED lighting sources by the year 2027.
A 20 watt LED fixture can produce the same lumens as a 180 watt incandescent – LEDs come in small plastic capsules and are clustered together to produce the desired light. Unlike compact fluorescent fixtures, LEDs can be dimmed with an external electronic dimmer.
LED Lighting Basics:
The heart of LED technology is the diode. This component allows currents to flow only in one direction. Light is created when electricity is passed through the diode, exciting atoms within a semi-conductor chip with a specific mixture of materials unique to each manufacturer. The resulted illumination is warm or cool light.
The performance of an LED lamp is comprised of 3 basic groups: optical LED components, electrical LED components, Mechanical & Thermal LED components.
Performance indicators are brightness, lifetime, and light distribution.
- Kelvin: The unit of measurement for temperature.
- Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Measured in Kelvin, a bulb's color temperature determines whether its light appears "warm" or "cool". Note that a higher color temperature means a "cooler" tone of light. A "warm" light appears more yellow in color and has the friendly feeling desired for home interior. Warm lighting typically ranges from 2000 kelvin to 3000 kelvin.
- Lumen: Indicates brightness. Lumens let you buy the amount of light.
- Watt: Watts indicate the energy use.
- Efficacy: Refers to the amount of light (luminous flux) produced by a light source, measured in lumens, as a ratio of the amount of power consumed to produce a desired output, usually measured in watts.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): Pinpoint how accurately color appear under the bulbs light. The CRI ranges from 0 to 100 with daytime sunlight and incandescent bulbs around 100. A CRI of at least 80 is generally recommended for interior lights, and differences of fewer than five points are insignificant.
Best when used in home lighting applications. This warmer hue will create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Color temperatures between 3000 kelvin and 3500 kelvin are cooler.
Color temperatures of 5000 kelvin and higher are ideal in office and classroom settings, and thought to enhance concentration.
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are the most energy-efficient lighting solution on the market; there are enormous advantages in using LED lights that can make a big difference in reducing carbon footprints and re-define the value of the environment. LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last longer and, because of the longevity of these bulbs, are truly cost-effective.
LED stands for light emitting diodes. The advances in LED Lighting since its start have been quickly improving; the LED lighting industry has made great strides over the years in regards to design, efficiency and consumer availability. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) use 75% less energy than halogen bulbs; each LED chip has a lifespan of 40,000 hours, which means that the light bulbs will rarely have to be replaced.
With the overall benefits of LED lighting and the continuous developments being made within LED technology, LEDs are already starting to dominate the market; the U.S. continues to adopt more stringent energy efficiency standards for light bulbs, hoping to embrace energy efficient lighting and the new technologies that come with it.
The more demanding standards mean incandescent bulbs must become at least 25 percent more efficient; the standard 100-watt bulb will have to produce the same brightness by using only 72 watts. This plan will provide consumers as well as the U.S. a lot in the long-run, increasing energy savings in a gradual period of time; although it is known that LEDs are more expensive than the traditional bulbs, as more efficient lighting becomes the standard, the prices of energy efficient bulbs will eventually decrease over the years.
LED lighting applications for residential lighting is still an emerging market with more research and work to be done; it is full of potentials and opportunities for consumers and manufacturers in the lighting industry.
Benefits of Using LED Technology:
- Longevity: LED light bulbs are ultra-durable and have a considerably longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs. While the incandescent bulb lasts about 1,000 hours, an LED bulb routinely lasts more than 50,000 hours – mathematically that is just about a lifespan of almost six years if left on for 24 hours a day, and a typical application would last about 17 years or more.
- Durable: LEDs do not have a filament and are solid bulbs that are known to be more shock resistant, holding up well under hard-wearing conditions.
- Efficient: These bulbs do not generate a lot of heat, operating at a much cooler temperatures, keeping your home cool and your energy bill's low; an incandescent bulb loses about 80 percent of its electrical energy in heat.
- Lucrative: LED light bulbs save electricity (using only about 2 to 17 watts of electricity), remain cool and allow for more savings on replacement costs and energy costs. Although LEDs are initially more expensive, the cost is meant to be recovered over time because of its lifespan.
Shop for LED Lighting in a variety of fixtures and styles.


text: Spanish King Felipe VI has been embarrassed at the opening ceremony of the country's newly elected parliament, as he became the target of a series of anti-monarchy protest actions launched by left-wing politicians. Members of the Unidos Podemos (United We Can) movement took advantage of Felipe's parliament speech on Thursday to show their disregard for the monarchy, holding up a flag calling for a "Third Republic", which many left-wingers would like to see replace the current constitutional monarchy. READ MORE: Spain's Rajoy wins confidence vote to be prime minister The bloc's 71 members - making up the legislature's third-largest party - made a point of not applauding the king during his speech and stayed seated during the playing of the national anthem. Several representatives of regional parties also joined the anthem protest. Spain's political deadlock throws socialists in disarray Other MPs, including union leader Diego Canamero, wore black sweatshirts with the statement "I didn't vote for any king", making sure they could be seen by members of the royal family. Earlier, several Podemos MPs refused to greet the king, Queen Letizia and their daughters Leonor, 11, and Sofia, 9 - as is customary. Podemos members also skipped a military parade that closed the opening ceremony. "Some people are heads of state because they are the son, grandson or great-grandson of a dynasty. With all due respect, we have more legitimacy because we were elected by the people," said Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias. OPINION: Change in Spain: Podemos or no podemos? In his speech, marking the opening of a new session of parliament after nearly a year of political paralysis, Spain's king urged an end to the corruption scandals that have long plagued the country."Corruption ... must become but a sad memory of a scourge that we have to defeat," Felipe VI said on Thursday. The matter is particularly close to the heart for the king, whose sister is on trial over the alleged illegal business dealings of her husband. The verdict is expected by the end of the year. Inside Story - What future for the monarchy in Spain? At the same time, ex-lawmakers and politicians from the ruling conservative Popular Party (PP) are on trial in one of Spain's biggest corruption scandals - the so-called Gurtel affair - involving alleged kickbacks, fake invoices and Swiss bank accounts. The parliamentary opening comes just weeks after conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy took power again after 10 months of political limbo. The period was marked by two elections that produced no clear winner as upstart centrists Ciudadanos and far-left Podemos upset the traditional two-party system. Rajoy's comeback was only made possible after the Socialist party decided to abstain in a crunch parliamentary confidence vote in October, instead of voting against him. But unlike in 2011 when he came to power with an absolute majority, the PP only has 137 out of 350 MPs, meaning Rajoy will have to negotiate every bill with the opposition. SOURCE: News Agencies Spain Felipe VI Europe Politics


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Ed Roehr featured in uniform trade publication.
General Order Inquiries: firstname.lastname@example.com Service Inquiries: firstname.lastname@example.com Requests: email@example.com
Hi-Tec Magnum is born through a demand from the FBI training centre at Quantico, Virginia, USA, for lightweight, athletically built black tactical boots. Until this point the officers were wearing the Hi-Tec Sierra Lite Hiking boot but the request came for an all black, high top version with a shineable toe, giving birth to the original tactical boot constructed using sports shoe materials.
In 2001 Magnum officially separated from Hi-Tec to become a stand alone brand. As the Magnum business grew, it became apparent that Magnum could stand on its own two feet as a brand, backed up by dedicated design, development, sales and marketing teams. Magnum had come of age.
Magnum is bringing its expertise to new sectors with the launch of an occupational collection. Now, professionals in all sectors can benefit from Magnum's experience with the brand new Magnum Work Collection featuring progressively styled, athletically inspired footwear designed for the food service, health care, service industry, construction and industrial occupations.


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A dieting app? As if there weren't any of those!
He wants $50,000aud (about $38k American) and he won't even tell us what the app does!
He's asking for money and telling us he can't tell us what it's for!
Whatever you do for a living, next time you talk to a customer, try this strategy! See if it works!
(If they don't look like they're going for it. Show them some photographs of a pale and hairless male torso.)