Favorite dryer sheets of the moment: Bounce with Febreze Spring & Renewal
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Never-Ending Battle
Favorite dryer sheets of the moment: Bounce with Febreze Spring & Renewal
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Big Fat Check!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Countdown to Cabo (updated)
** Day One ... Not the best day to start my period AND a diet. Ugh! I ate my two bowls of cereal, and an extra 1000 calories or so. Not too bad for day one, but I definitely need to improve. The first couple days are always tough ... add an overdue period (I have an IUD, so there is no schedule there), and my crabby ass is HUNGRY!!! **
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wrappin' up December
Time to open presents!
Ready for Nana and Papa's house!
Christmas 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tried something new ...
This year, I took a different approach. I thought I would slow it down a bit, shop a little longer, and not wrap anything until Christmas Eve. Then, we got blasted with a freak snow storm!! Ugh!! No more complaining on that (you have all heard enough of that the last week and a half), but here I am all bummed out because gifts didn't arrive as they were scheduled. UPS cannot deliver in these 'adverse weather conditions', and SEVERAL gifts are not here to be presented to deserving family members. Sigh. I am glad that these specific people are understaning and don't have hurt feelings, and I am thankful that none of the said packages are for the kids. The little guys wouldn't understand why no presents arrived for them (although I could have probably delayed the actual date of Christmas being they are too young to tell time).
So gift giving will be postponed until next week for a few people, and I will try so hard to salvage the non-stressed holiday spirit that I love so very much!
Merry Christmas Eve!!
Cabin Fever
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Jodee emailed me her recipe card ... so cute!!
Mine took a little longer to bake because I added an extra half cup of banana, but it was so moist and made the house smell incredible!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New Blog!
Monday, December 22, 2008
This woman is NUTS!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tears Are Falling From my Eyes!
Weather Forecast for Oregon and SW Washington
Sunday December 21, 2008, 5:15 p.m.
Good Evening from the First Alert Storm Center
The Portland area is under a Winter Storm Warning until 10 am Monday for snow and freezing rain. Another 2-7" of snow will fall over the northwest Oregon and southwest Washington by Monday when the heavier snow will end and turn to snow showers. Highs Monday will struggle up to near 30-dergees in Portland where the east wind continues to blow, but should make the mid 30s farther south. After a break early Tuesday, a new storm brings more snow to the Portland area Tuesday night and on Christmas Eve. Temperatures will remain cold until next weekend.
Enjoy The Snow,
Matt Zaffino
Chief Meteorologist, KGW Northwest News Channel 8
Enjoy the snow? Are you kidding me? I have been put out of my daily routine for long enough now. I miss my gram, who I see a couple times a week for our lunch and shopping dates. Speaking of shopping, I still have things to get for Christmas! I am loooong overdue for my nail appointment! These suckers are getting so long and a bit irritating! I need my friend fix ... Starbucks with Betsy!! Sigh. Looks like I'll have another week of inconveniences. I am just hoping we will be able to make it to our families homes for Christmas (and it would be great if UPS can get me my packages in time, too).
Reading my sister-in-law's blog today, I was reminded to look at the positives. Watching the news reports this evening of stranded people at airports and bus stations, sleeping on hard floors, waiting and hoping for their plans to resume - I am safe at home, sleeping in my own bed. We have heat and electricity and our pantry is stocked with food. I have internet (thank goodness, or I would go INSANE!!!), and cable, and my family is together. As frustrating as it may be to be cooped up at home, I am thankful for what we do have. Not everyone can say the same, and I realize that all my rantings, while out of sheer stir-craziness, are pretty petty. Thank you to all my great friends and readers who listen to me whine and complain. Love you all!! :o)
Let It Melt!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
So True
"Whatever you give a woman, she will make it greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wash Your Hands
So being couped up inside the house due to our lovely weather, I have spent a lot of time online ... gotta stay sane somehow! My germaphobia isn't extreme to the point of researching, but I, of course, was intrigued when Yahoo posted an article on the home page. Germ Cesspools: The Top 5 Dirtiest Places. Public magazines, office computers, the gym, shopping cart handles, and subway poles were the top five on this list. Gross, but I already knew these ones! Took it one step further and found this list Soap Up! The 12 Germiest Places In Your Life. Your kitchen sink, airplane bathrooms, a wet load of laundry, public drinking fountains, shopping cart handles, ATM buttons, your purse, playgrounds, the gym, your bathtub, your office phone, and the remote control in a hotel room. YUCK!! Click on the titles to see why these places are on the list ... and go get your self some alcohol-based antibacterial gel!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Baking with Betsy!
Oat-rageous cookies by Betsy!!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Hersheys chocolate bar chunks (broken)
1/2 cup crushed Butterfinger bar chunks
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream butter, peanut butter and sugars; beat in egg. Combine flour, oats, baking soda and salt in separate bowl. Add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in candy bar chunks. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: about 3 dozen.
It's going to be a long year ...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I.Just.Can't.Stop.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Yummy!
And that my friends is what happens when I am snowed/iced in. I eat.
Great Giveaway!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Cyber Monday II
Kids Room Makeovers
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
Today, I sit inside our warm home and admire the beautiful snow and blustery winds. Sipping on a warm cup of tea, fighting off a lovely cough issue that left me with no voice yesterday, and lounging around in my sweatpants! What a nice Sunday! I have even done some holiday shopping through ebates!! We'll see how I feel in a couple days when we've all been couped up together with nowhere to go! Ha! Reports say this should last a little while ... hopefully not too long though!
I joined the club!
Of course, it happened at good ol' Target, but this time there was no longer any confusing construction issues. The lady just straight stole the spot I was patiently waiting for! And yes, I had my blinker turned on staking claim! I slammed on my horn and rolled down my window (I was mad, but not stupid enough to physically confront the woman!) - she rolled down hers as well to yell out that she had been waiting. LIAR! I watched her come around the corner, get behind someone else waiting for another spot, then zip around them and the truck trying to back out, and sneak right into my spot in her tiny little red car. I, of course, yelled right back at how rude she was and how I saw her every move! I even gave her a mini-lesson in the importance of using her turn signal! Do you think she cared? Ugh!! I ended up getting a better spot just up ahead of her ... the woman quickly darted past my Tahoe before I got out, which was smart of her. This little Italian girl has a mouth on her, and when I get fired up, it's not pretty!
I quickly calmed down and enjoyed shopping for more Christmas gifts with my mom and sister-in-law (and all 4 of our kids!! I know - we are crazy!!).
Have you had to deal with any rude-ass people lately?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Dear U.S. Government,
Where are the bailouts for the people losing their homes, their jobs, their businesses, their lives?
Let's keep giving money to banks who won't lend out, or car companies and their big-wig employees! Up until a few weeks ago, people couldn't even afford to keep their gas tanks full!
Yeah ... let's keep saving their butts. In the meantime, let our economy keep going down the tubes and watch more homes go into foreclosure, more people go into bankruptcy, and more lives be destroyed. Why don't you share some of the billions of dollars you're putting out there and help out the hard-working Americans that keep this nation running!
I'm just saying.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Oh my ...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
And The Winner Is ....
Drum roll please ...... the winner of my very first, Tea For Me Giveaway is ....... Miss Jennifer (JenWebb702)!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered and for those who re-posted on your own blogs! I was nervous to do a giveaway - I know how much I love entering them on other blogs, but I wasn't sure if I was cool enough to host my own - ha, ha! It was fun though and I am hoping to do some more soon!! :o)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Took a little quiz today ...
You Are a Life Blogger! |
Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And you make it as entertaining as possible. You may be guilty of over-sharing a bit on your blog, but you can't help it. Your life is truly an open book. Or in this case, an open blog! |
I was bored ... sigh. Kids were entertaining themselves, nothing on TV ... yeah, life is great! My results though are pretty acurate - and I swear I only took the quiz once! I will admit that I have taken quizzes a couple times to try to rig the outcome (hee, hee), but this test was a one time shot!
Today is the last day to enter the Tea For Me Giveaway!! Hope you are having a great day!! :o)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Calling all bakers ...
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tea For Me Giveaway
Green, white, oolong, rooibos, matcha ... I enjoy them all! I have aquired a taste for the loose leaf teas. Ones you have to seep in a pot and don't come in tea bags. Most people I know do not like the raw form being they have earthy, grassy tastes. I have grown to love them though - even without milk and sugar! The health benefits of tea are outstanding, and I love the high antioxidant levels! Those who know me know how obsessive I can be with antioxidants - I still haven't blogged about my acai addiction! LOL!
My favorite place to get loose leaf teas is Teavana. We have a store here in Oregon that I like to visit, and I love their website! Any questions you have, they are sure to have your answers! There are so many different flavors that you will definitely find a favorite or two.
In the spirit of my adoration, I am giving away (yes - my very first giveaway!!) a duo of boxed teas from the Dammann Collection. This French company blends Chinese tea with a variety of flavors. The winner will receive the mild and warm Vanilla flavor and the sweet candied apple 'Pomme D'Amour' flavored tea bag sets. Enjoy them for yourself, or give them as gifts this holiday season! Just leave a comment on this post to enter. If you would like a second entry, re-post my giveaway (on your blog) with a link back. If you don't have a blog, you can refer a friend - if they comment, be sure to let me know who you referred to validate your second entry! The winner will be announced Thursday, December 11th.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
That's My Girl!
Oh - and guess who is going to be in concert at the MGM Grand in Vegas on my birthday?!? Oh that would be so much fun!!! ;o)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ho, Ho, Oh No!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Oh what a day ...
Yes, I said this to my boys today. Sigh. Some days are crazy around here, but I am so thankful I am a mommy to boys!! They make me laugh, even when I am picking boogers out of my hair (thanks, Sean)!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Girl's Got Legs!!
Oh, and a follow-up on yesterday's Ugg post:
I wore my oh-so-comfy boots today and compared them with my sister-in-law's Uggs, and there is no height difference!! Apparently, I don't know how to measure the calf shaft of boots - go figure! Anyways, the difference we seemed to find was the tag on the back - mine are brown, hers is a lighter cream color. So go get yourself a pair (or two) at this great price!!! And yes, they do come in gray ... I may eventually have to get them in that color since the comments were such a hit for them (ha, ha)! I am posting a new picture of my CHOCOLATE Uggs. Can you tell they are brown now? LOL! :o)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Debate Is Over ...
So I found out a little trick to getting Uggs cheaper than their regular women's prices at Nordstrom's - you order the kid's boots! Say what?!? Yeah ... I know. I thought this was crazy, too, but follow me:
According to the kids size charts for Uggs, a kid's size 6 is equal to a woman's size 8 (my shoe size). How this equals still boggles my mind, but hey - the kid's shoes are a bit cheaper, so I thought I'd give it a try. I went through ebates and bought the kid's 'classic short' Uggs in chocolate for $89.95. Shipping is free with a Nordstrom's account, or your purchase can also be sent to your nearest store for pick-up free of charge. Ebates gave me an extra 6% cash back, bringing my Uggs to an awesome $84.55. Retail price for the women's Uggs are $129.95. I saved $45.40!!!
I received my new boots in the mail today, and they fit perfectly!!! The only difference I have found is that the kids size is about an inch and a half shorter in the calf shaft than the women's. Online, it states that the women's shoes are 8 1/2 inches tall, and mine measure at 7 inches. For an inch and a half difference, I am not complaining - I saved $45.40!!
So what do you think? Can I rock them? Do you notice the height difference? They are sooo comfy!! I am excited to get out wear them (even if they are tucked under my jeans - ha!).
PS. For whatever reason, my camera made the Uggs look gray - they are chocolate in person! :o)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Cyber Monday!!!
HURRY ... you only have a few more hours to take advantage of DOUBLE CASH BACK earnings when you shop online through ebates!! Sign up takes a couple seconds (really!), and if you add my email address aprilbaker23@yahoo.com as the person who referred you, we will both get $10 bonuses! I'm talking about cash back in the form of a Big Fat Check delivered right to your house!! There are hundreds of stores to shop from - Target, Walmart, Nordstrom's, Sephora, and so many more!!! Go on and start shopping and earning your cash!!
A HUGE thank you to my new friend Jodee who signed up and started shopping!! She referred me and we both received an extra $10!! Yay!!
A Fond Farewell ...
Wow! Is December already upon us? Good golly this year has flown right by! I have been a busy girl lately, hence the blog break. Unfortu...
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7 Beauty Bloggers have gotten together to bring you one fabulous CASH giveaway! You could win one of 3 amazing cash prizes in the first Summ...
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Who is familiar with the BEARPAW Shoe Company? I have recently been introduced to this brand and was given the awesome opportunity to try ou...