Virtual Girls Night Out - "I Did The Macarena..." Edition

So I get the mail from my outside mail bin. I bring in a bunch of advertisements and nonsense. As I'm rifling through the pile of papers a yellow jacket smiles back at me from the Pizza Hut ad. AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! I throw the paper out the door and my dog goes chasing after it. I go after him so he doesn't get a stinger in his mouth, again, and, well, I believe I need a little Virtual Girls Night Out!!!

This is our Virtual Girls Night Out (boys welcome too). Our social evening without having to get out of our footie p.j.'s. We're here to blog-hop and play. The Virtual GNO is your chance to hang out with your blog friends and hopefully make some new friends as well! So sign Mr. Linky below and join in the fun!

Let's Dance!

U2 - Get On Your Boots


I'm going to be heading to Seattle with the family soon. It's just a 3 hour drive so that car ride shouldn't be too bad. (Ear plugs Ann... don't forget to pack the ear plugs) I haven't been in years. I'm excited!

Time For A Cocktail!

Seattle Manhattan
Ingredients:
For today's recipe, here's what you'll need - check it out:
2-3 ounces of top shelf whisky or bourbon
1-2 ounces of coffee liqueur
1/2 ounce to an ounce of Kahlua
1/2 ounce to an ounce of sweet Vermouth
ice
Preparation:
Fill your shaker nearly to the top with ice, and add in your liquor - two or three parts whiskey to about one part each of coffee-flavored liqueur, Kahlua, and sweet Vermouth.

Yowzaa!!! I don't think I'll even remember my trip to Seattle if a have a couple of those! I guess we'll just have to see ;->

Time For A Party Game!


Our dear friend Kat, that Sassy Irish Lassie, had a game that I just had to share. I'm going to call it...
"I Did What?!?"

Here is how you play: Pick out the appropriate phrase and use that to make the subtitle of your Virtual GNO post. (Or any post) It's hysterical!

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself

**'I did the Macarena with my science teacher sliding down a hill because I think I need some serious help'** I think I do!

Thanks again, my dear Kat at Sassy Irish Lassie, for this game. *puffy heart*

OK now, have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign Mr. Linky to join the Virtual GNO. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post A LINK to our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun!



And please remember to be kind to your fellow blogger.

"But I LOVE Him!"

I just couldn't get enough of my cousin Terek. Poor guy.


(I wish I still had that coat!)

Visit more images at Jen's Cheaper Than Therapy "A Thousand Words Thursday"

Is It Wrong?

Time for another installment of "Is It Wrong?"

Is It Wrong... To keep signing your children up for after-school activities because you just want those extra minutes of no screaming?

Is It Wrong... To take your hungry kids to Costco so they'll gobble up the samples because you're too lazy to cook?

Is It Wrong... To offer food to the neighbor kids that you know they're allergic to so they'll stop coming over to your house every day?


*Not that I've done any of these things. Just wondering.

The Pants

I finally lost the weight and was able to fit into a gorgeous pair of slate grey pants that I'd found at Ann Taylor. In my earlier attempts to wear these pants I found the pocket outline to show way too much. It drew attention where I did NOT want any attention at all, so I cut them out. (I think I saw Stacy London from TLC's "What Not To Wear" do it once.)

That was a while ago, so when I put the pants on yesterday to accompany my mom to her church service, all I was focusing on was the fact that I could actually fit into them. Finally! (The Wii Fit is workin' for me!)

The time came for us to walk to the alter for Communion. I was in front of my mother. Imagine her surprise when she see's her daughter kneel down at the alter only to have a bit of cheek show where once there was a silk lined back pocket.

"Ann!" She loudly whispered "Pull down your top! I can see your bottom!" I looked over my shoulder at her 'What?!?' It appears the pocket that I so recklessly cut out months ago separates when I kneel or sit. Oh-my-God. I've flashed the congregation!

The Father comes to me and places a wafer in my out-stretched hands "In name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost". I popped that wafer in my mouth so fast and grabbed the bottom of my sweater to pull it down to my knees.

The acolyte was next with the chalice of wine. What you are supposed to do is help them gently guide the chalice to your mouth with your hands. What I did was more of a nudge-with-the-chin-and-make-fish-lips to get the drink to my mouth. I was NOT letting go of my sweater!

As I walked away from the alter I apologized to my mom and silently prayed that no one else saw. Or, if they did see, maybe they would say "Hey, that Wii Fit is really working!"

Virtual GNO - Enough With The Economy Edition

Oh my goodness, I need this party!

I'm so ready to throw the t.v. out the window if everything is going to be about the economy. I can't take it anymore!!! I believe it's taking a toll on us all.

I had a situation with a driver who honked at me and I responded in a very unfamiliar way. The driver and I both ended up at the grocery store and I went up to this stranger and said "Excuse me. You honked at me?" And she went off! Yikes! I stood my ground and gave it right back to her. That is so-o-o unlike me. I blame the economy! ;-> Argh. I don't want to be angry any more. I want to laugh and feel good. Let's start now!

This is a Virtual Girls Night Out (boys welcome too), a social evening without having to get out of our cozy pajamas. We are here to blog-hop and play. The Virtual GNO is a way of meeting up with bloggers you know, and make some new friends as well. So sign Mr. Linky below and join in the fun!

Time To Dance!

Seal "Get It Together"

I love this man. I was going to play "Crazy", but this one fits for these days. "Crazy" fits too! Heck, just click the title to go to that link. You can never have too much dancing :->

Time For A Cocktail!

Mardi Gras officially begins on February 24th so let's warm-up with a cocktail.

Bourbon Slush
Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 cups strong brewed black tea
2 cups bourbon whiskey
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions
In a large bowl or container, mix together the orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, sugar, tea, and whiskey. To create a 'slushie' drink, transfer to shallow bowls or dishes, and freeze overnight.
Remove the frozen mixture from the freezer and let stand for about 10 minutes. Chop with a wire whisk or potato masher to make a slushy consistency. Place scoops of the frozen slush into glasses, and top off with the lemon-lime flavored soda.
For no 'slush', pour into glasses and enjoy.

Now that will get the party rolling! Yowzaa!!!

Time For A Party Game!

In honor of the Academy Awards that are happening this Sunday the 22nd let's play... "I Would Like To Thank". List 3 people/things/situations that you would like to thank.

1) I Would Like To Thank... my family for being some of the coolest people I know.
2) I Would Like To Thank... my car for not needing ANOTHER repair for a month.
3) I Would Like To Thank... that woman at the grocery store for not hitting me!

Your turn! I can't wait to see what you come up with :->

OK now, have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign Mr. Linky to join the Virtual GNO. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun!

While The Kids Are Away The Cat Will Play

While my youngest is busy at school our Maddy is keeping the Barbie's company.




And a sweet 'Thank You' to the "Rockin' Mama" Caryn who was my Valentine's Day Goody Swap partner from Kailani's An Island Life. Caryn sent these goodies and I can't wait to make these cookies. Thanks again Caryn!!



*****Go see other photos at Jen's "Cheaper Than Therapy"
A Thousand Words Thursday*****

Blogging Has Helped OUR Economy

Since I started spending time in the 'blogosphere' my husband has noticed a change in our checking account. The change is that there is a little more "change" in it.

Before I began writing my little stories, this was a typical family morning routine: wake-up to the alarm, make coffee, get my girls up, make breakfast, get everyone dressed, drive to school THEN go browse at Target, or Kohl's, or Michael's. You get the picture. There would always be a little something that caught my eye, or something that would look adorable on my girls. Nothing absolutely necessary, it was pure frivolity.

Well, now my browsing is done on the computer, meeting fellow bloggers and following their morning routines, or train of thought, or lovely creations. I've found that my shopping now consist's of the grocery store and Etsy. I know this doesn't help the nations economy however, it's great for our family's economy! And that's where my focus needs to be right now.

Have you noticed a change in your spending habits since you started blogging?

Tuesday Tunes - David Cook

I'm embracing my inner "Cougar" and showing David Cook once again. (I *puffy* heart David Cook. )
The story line part of the video has absolutely nothing to do with the words he's singing. Ridiculous. But I love the song.

David Cook "Light On"

More Videos

*That has got to be one of the dirtiest counters in town. That poor boy scrubs it for practically the whole video.*

When Did I Open A Day Care?

I don't mind when my girls have friends over. I'm happy that these kids seem to like being here. They're silly and funny and it keeps me on my toes. However, I think I've been making our house a little to inviting day after day and I'm getting burnt out.

After picking my girls up from Sunday School a little friend asked if she could come over. I wasn't surprised. Her parents and I did the nod of "Is it OK? Yea, It's OK" and the girls piled in the van. Then another little friend ran over and asked if they could play as well. Alright. That makes one friend each. That's fair. Come on over.

When we made it into the house the phone was ringing. When my youngest answered I heard her say "Let me ask my mom". Uh-Oh. It seems that a little neighbor friend had a play-date going but they were bored and wanted to come over and have the play-date at our house. I have no idea of what came over me when these words came out of my mouth "Sure!" Am I crazy?!?

I thought we would have a pleasant Sunday afternoon after a typical, crazy Saturday run-around-the-town. Now I had a house full of little girls. Tiaras, Juice Boxes and Tantrums OH MY!

I don't regret it. I want children to play and have fun. Just don't be surprised if you find me in a corner rocking back and forth with a bottle of Valium in one hand and Chardonnay in the other.


**** And guess what? Today I'm up at Beautiful! Fabulous!. "Funny Meeting You Here". (It's about my OB-Gyn. Yup.) I hope you make it over! ****

Virtual GNO - In Love with Love Edition

Gee... is there some kind of "love" thing going on? I'm being reminded everywhere I turn that love should be in the air. Thank goodness I love "love" or I'd be annoyed to no end right now ;-> . So yeah, I'm giving in to the hoopla and sharing some love at our Virtual Girls Night Out.

This is a Virtual Girls Night Out (boys welcome too :-> ), a social evening without having to get out of our cozy pajamas. We are here to blog-hop and play. The Virtual GNO is a way of meeting up with bloggers you know, and make some new friends as well. So sign Mr. Linky below and join in the fun!

Time To Dance!

The Cure "Friday I'm In Love"

The Cure - New Music - More Music Videos

Yes, their nutty, and terrific! Am I the only one who remembers The Cure? C'mon, be honest. Remember their video where they're inside a armoir tumbling down a hill? Ah, the '80's. If you remember it all your shoulder pads were too small. Let's drown out our mall-hair memories with a drink.

Time For A Cocktail!

Amour a Mosa

Ingredients:
1 chilled bottle of Champagne
1 1/2 oz. vodka, infused with orange
1 oz. chilled mango juice
1 oz. chilled orange juice
1 fresh viola, pansy or nasturtium flower, depending on your color mood (these are edible, but make sure no chemicals have been added)

Preparation:
Pour vodka and juices in a chilled fluted glass, and fill the rest of the glass with Champagne. Garnish by placing one of the edible flowers atop the drink.

YUM!!!

Have you had a box of Sweethearts this week? It's just not Valentine's unless I have some of these. While I was looking for my favorite flavor I was surprised by some of the sayings on these precious little hearts. We have "Touch Me", "Woo Me", "Kiss Me". Classics. But in this same box I found "Don't Call", "4Get You", "No Dice" and "2 Timer". 2 Timer?!? Hysterical. Which brings me to our...

Party Game!

Share 5 things that your hearts would say in 8 spaces, or less.

"What My Heart Says"

1.) Good Love
2.) 4Ever
3.) Date PlZ?
4.) More
5.) Kiss Me

Your turn! You don't have to be a fan of Valentine's Day to play this game. (That might make your answers even better!) I can't wait to see what you come up with.

OK now, have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign Mr. Linky to join the Virtual GNO. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun!

Oh My! I Need Some Good Vibes Today

Lordy, Lordy. I need some mercy today.

As you're reading this I should be at the dentist. *gulp*

I'm sad to say that I have some kind of condition that makes my nerves very, very difficult to numb. It takes everything the dentist has to get me to a point of not being able to feel the work being done. So, today I am being sedated for the first time. My glorious mother is driving me there and back and gracious friends are driving my children home from school. (My lovely husband will take charge in the morning.)

After many intense memory sessions, I remembered the exact moment my dentist "issues" began. I was 7 years old, at the dentist to get a cavity filled... again. (My genetics has left me with poor teeth. Darn my sweet-tooth parents!) I was lying in the dentist chair when something over-came me and I started to go into a panic about the novocaine. My dentist had no patience and put his hand over my mouth so I wouldn't scream. The thing was, he had his hand over my nose too. Forget the panic about the novocaine, I couldn't breathe!!!

Looking back I can't believe I didn't tell my mom who was waiting for me. At the time I thought I had messed up by freaking out and I didn't want my mom to be mad at me. (When I told her as an adult she was ready to go rip that dentist's head off! Oh well, he'd passed on to that big rinse sink in the sky.)

Side Note: This situation has really opened my eyes when dealing with my girls. I've shared my story with them with the hope that they will share any situation that has made them uncomfortable, or fearful. I'll never forget thinking I had screwed up when it was really his wrong-doing. And this is just a dental experience! My mind goes to nightmarish things that children go through and not tell there parents/guardians. I get how easy it is to think it was your fault.

While you read this I am hopefully high on sedatives, listening to my iPod, dreaming of glistening seas and sandy beaches. And I won't remember a thing. At least, until next time.

Good vibes please!


****And please come back tomorrow for our Virtual Girls Night Out!!! Share your blog with us!!! ***

Yes! Please Hold The Door!

I want the door held opened for me. I want the chair pulled away from the table for me to sit in. I want flowers! I want cards! I want appreciation! (Wait... I'm getting off topic here. Valentine's Day is coming soon Honey, if you're reading this ;-> )

Miss Manner's had a question today from a gentleman asking if he should continue to hold doors open for women. He was raised in the South however, when he moved North he found his gesture to annoy more women than he ever expected.

I kind of get it.

I asked friends their opinion and it created an interesting discussion. Some women think it shows weakness on their part to have a man open a door. Some feel very uncomfortable, they feel a stranger is getting too close. OK. I hear ya'.

But just to take the gesture for what it is, showing respect for your presence, that's what I go with. I do NOT feel that I owe a man anything other than a 'Thank You' when a door is held open. (I'm talking a stranger here, not my husband.) I don't need to strike up a conversation or, in turn, give him the grocery cart that I was going to use. He opened the door like a gentleman should and that's that.

I appreciate respect. I appreciate 'appreciation'. (And Honey, a nice box of See's Candy would do nicely, thank you!)

How do you feel about this issue?

Tuesday Tunes - Lily Allen

First things first!

The winner of the "He's Just Not That Into You" Soundtrack and hoodie...

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 52
Result: 22
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

That belongs to Creative Junkie ~ "Very cool giveaway ... and I'm loving that song now!" Congratulations to you!!!

I was so totally honest with this. No cheating, no peaking. I counted each and every entry. Thanks to all who commented and grabbed buttons and Twitted and posted and... whew. I appreciate your efforts so much.

And how about this... my dear friend Kat at Sassy Irish Lassie is continuing in the spirit by holding this give-away now! You have another chance!!! Please go visit her and enter to win :->

And now for the Tuesday Tune

Lily Allen - "The Fear"

Is He Serious?!?

So this guy makes a pair of jeans and puts his name on the back pockets. OK. That's fine. That's been happening since the beginning of denim jeans with Levi Strauss. HOWEVER I have to say, this guy has crossed the line. Have you seen Ed Hardy Jeans?



Seriously?
I mean, come on!

If you have these jeans, I don't mean to offend. It's just a fashion choice I find puzzling. I know that if I wore these jeans there would be more of Mr. Hardy then he intended. My back-side would show his full first name and his middle initial!

I think I'll stick with my little red Levi's tab, thank you very much.

** I hope you had a great time at the Virtual GNO! See you next Friday! **

Virtual GNO - Full Moon Edition

Oh yeah baby! The full moon will be here on Monday. I love it. You never know what kind of craziness will happen. And with next Friday being the 13th I think we're in for quite a week. Hold on to your hats!

This is a Virtual Girls Night Out (boys welcome too :-> ), a social evening without having to get out of our cozy pajamas. We are here to blog-hop and play. The Virtual GNO is a way of meeting up with bloggers you know, and make some new friends as well. So sign Mr. Linky below and join in the fun!

Time For Some Music!

To go along with my give-away this week from "He's Just Not That Into You" here's another great song from the soundtrack.

Tristan Prettyman "Madly"

Tristan Prettyman - New Music - More Music Videos

The movie comes out today. If you see it, let me know what'cha think. I know I'll see it but I'm focusing on seeing all of the Oscar nominated movies first. Guitar Guy and I try to see them all but we usually only make it to two. Life with young kids, right?

And that leads me to...

Time For A Cocktail!

Chocolate Full Moon
Ingredients:
2 Shots Tequila
1 Shot De Kuyper Crème De Cacao
1 Shot Cream

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with chocolate shaving if desired.

That will do it for me!!! My sister is allergic to chocolate (can you imagine?!) so if you needed to switch the Creme De Cacao with Amaretto that might be good too!


Time For A Party Game!

The Mighty Four:

*Four places I go over and over:
1. Fred Meyer
2. Target
3. Trader Joe's
4. (My van)

*Four places I would rather be:
1. Calistoga, CA
2. Calistoga, CA
3. Calistoga, CA
4. Calistoga, CA (Oh... the wine tasting... the gorgeous hills... the wine tasting)

*Four things I wish I could eat everyday (calories be damned!)
1. Cheesecake
2. Coconut Ice Cream
3. Fettucine Alfredo
4. Huge Taco Salad. I'm talking huge.

Your turn! I can't wait to see your answers.

OK now, have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign Mr. Linky to join the Virtual GNO. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun!




If you would like to meet more great people head over to Beautiful! Fabulous! My contribution today, "Picking My Seat". I would love to see you there!!!

Is It Just Me?

I feel odd when I pick-up my children from school. Am I paranoid? I get the feeling that the little clicks of certain mommies are watching me walk by and making comments after I've passed. How old am I again?

I didn't grow up in this neighborhood but I did live in the same town. When I was young this neighborhood had a bad reputation. But as time passed gentrification changed the area a bit. Yes, there is a Starbucks. And yes, there are cute shops locally owned by wonderful artists. The "old-timers" aren't happy with these changes however. And I think most of them attend my children's school.

I guess I represent this "change" and I'm not appreciated for the fact that I get out of my pajamas to pick-up my girls from school. I have big-girl pants and I'm going to wear them!

Perhaps I'm not appreciated for the fact that I like to give my children hugs and kisses when I see them, not a "What the hell took you so long?" (I just want to grab those kids and hug them most of all.)

Well, if I make those mom's uncomfortable, so be it.

Maybe I'll wear my pearls when I go to pick-up my girls today ;->

Give-Away "He's Just Not That Into You"

With the support of the One2One Network my "Tuesday Tunes" is having it's own give-away this week! Check this out:

Erin McCarley "Love, Save The Empty"

Erin McCarley - New Music - More Music Videos

I love this song. The piano just gets me. This is just one of the great songs on the "He's Just Not That Into You" Soundtrack. Also showcased is Maroon 5, Lily Allen, Corinne Bailey Rae, Wilco, The Ting Tings, Keane.... Man! There's a lot of great music on this soundtrack. You can buy it in stores starting today, HOWEVER, I bet you'd like to win it instead, right?!

WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!

Also included in this give-away is a super cute hoodie. A little black number, goes-with-everything style.

Cute!

Alright. Let's get it started. Here's what you do to enter to win this fun package.
1.) Leave a comment to earn 1 entry (Include e-mail address please)
2.) Write about the give-away on your blog to earn 1 entry (Let me know you've done this please)
3.) Grab my "I'm The Life Of The Party" button(top right of my side bar)to earn 1 entry (Again,let me know you've done this)
4.) Tweet about this contest... and in your comment please include the Tweet link to earn 1 entry

~~~That's 4 chances to win!

The winner will be chosen by Random.org.
*Contest ends Tuesday, February 10th.
*Open to US Bloggers Only

Whoo! Hooo! Music and a contest! Have fun and good luck!