Sniffles

It's official. I am so sad. And mad. How could they end without a proper series finale? It's too bad ... it really was a great show! I am glad I have season one on DVD - will they come out with the final, unfinished, second season?

'Lipstick Jungle' Canceled
After months of speculation, it appears that 'Lipstick Jungle' has officially been canceled -- at least according to its star, Brooke Shields. "It was going to stay, and we just were officially told it's finally not coming back," she told E! in an interview late last week. "It's very sad. I think a lot of people were really sad, but I think we hung on a really long time. It was three great years that we've been working on it."

Slumdog Millionaire

Awesome movie! If you haven't seen it yet, please do! And here is my fave girl bustin' out a hit from the movie. I can't wait to see her and the girls in a few weeks in Vegas! (Please ignore the lovely 10 second commercial - it comes with the higher quality video)

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Martini Girl

All About Ashley hosted a martini glass swap and I was paired up with the very sweet Am. It was so much fun getting to know my partner and searching for a fun new glass. Check out my new glasses - I couldn't help but get a glass for myself as well!

I found these cute glasses on Etsy through Hot Mama Glassware. The seller was awesome, and custom made these for me in the colors I chose. I got the pink one for myself, and the turquoise one for Am.

And this is the adorable glass I received from Am. The napkins are a perfect touch ... so fun!!

And what martini post would be complete without a fun recipe ... here's a favorite of mine!

♥

Pineapple Cake Martini

1/4 ounce vanilla flavored vodka

3/4 ounce pineapple juice

splash of grenadine

a maraschino cherry for garnish

Mix and enjoy.

What's your favorite drink? Please share! :o)

Rip City, Baby!

And that is how we do it here in Portland! Hubby and I went to this game tonight and watched our bad-ass Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns 129-109. Oh yeah!

Get Your Juicy On!

My beloved Juicy Couture is having a sale this week on select terry tracksuits ... they emailed me (of course), and I thought I'd pass along the promo code for anyone interested. Be sure to let me know if you found anything you couldn't live without ... Happy Shopping!!

For whatever reason, my email had to be saved in three seperate sections ... if you are having any issues reading it, please send me your email address and I will forward the original. Promo code for in-store use: JCTERRY. Online prices will be adjusted accordingly, no code needed at juicycouture.com

Here's your sign ...

Say It On A Sign has hit 100 posts and is hosting a really great giveaway ... go check it out! I stumbled upon this cute blog through Grosgrain Garage and am hoping to win one of the adorable signs! :o)

Not-So-Patient

I am getting very antsy. It is the end of March, and I have yet to see any sign of Spring. There are no sunny, warm days, no bulbs sprouting from the ground, no pretty flowers to ooh and aah over. I am jealous of all the bloggers down south who are having 70 and 80 degree days, while I am dodging rain showers just to fetch the mail. (Sigh.) I love living here in Oregon, but our winters are just too darn long. They are wet, gray, and depressing. They make our state nice and green and pretty, but to be honest ... this sucks!
I may have to go buy some spring blooms to stick in the yard. I can at least pretend that we have been having gorgeous sunshine to sprout up the tulips and daffodils.

Tweeting once again ...

I haven't been committed to Twitter, although I have been on there for months. Watching the local news program tonight, and seeing all my blogger pals tweeting has confirmed that I need to be cool like that, too. So check out my sidebar ... it'll update my tweets. If you are already on Twitter, look me up (or just click on the birdie above) and follow me as you do here. If you aren't signed up yet, join the bandwagon. Your friends are jumping and so should you!

Reader's Block

Okay girls ... anyone reading any good books lately? I have been debating reading the Twilight series beacuse they seem soooo large and I would be afraid of getting bored (plus Edward the movie is way hotter more entertaining to watch - hee, hee). So any suggestions? I love to laugh, love gossip, light-hearted fun. I am feeling much better now, so I will be off to the bookstore this week! Hopefully the kiddos stay sick-free. My littlest one slept 4 1/2 hours this afternoon! He seems fine now. We'll see.

Muah!

Thanks, Emily for thinking my blog is special!! Right back at ya! If you all haven't seen Em's blog yet, check it out!! Not only does she do amazing photography, but she can be found cooking up all kinds of yummies in the kitchen!

Along with the Honest Scrap award, there are a couple rules when accepting ...
A) First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) Pass the award on to 8 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

I am all about honesty ... I keep it real, people!

I love all my hubby's tattoos and I encourage him to get more! I am not a fan of all tats, but any that aren't death or demonic related, I think are pretty hot.

I love going to bars/clubs to dance! I am not a clubber, so don't even think I am into all that techno stuff, but I love getting out and doing my thang! I didn't go to college, so I didn't get to do the whole party scene ... therefore I get cravings to go out. I only get to go dancing a few times a year (usually only when we go to Vegas).

I am seriously considering Botox in the future. Ain't no shame.

I have to sleep with firm pillows. Most people I know prefer the down or feather varieties, but mine have to be able to support my neck. I always have to have 2 pillows, and I put them in a triangular position so if I turn on either side (I am a side sleeper), I will have a pillow there to grab.

I love to be warm, and prefer to vacation in the heat! A favorite vacay spot of ours is Palm Desert, California - we have been there in 126 degree heat! I was 7 months preggo and enjoyed soaking up the sun!!

I am all about antioxidents, and that is one reason for my tea obsession. I also love Acai (ah-sigh-ee), which I will soon be blogging about!

I love babies! I love the beginning stages and milestones, and I love watching them grow. I do not love them enough to have another one though. Ha, ha.

I hate roller coasters and thrill rides. There is absolutely nothing fun about feeling like you are going to die. No thank you.

I love getting dressed up (probably cuz I rarely ever get to). Even if it's just jeans with a cute stiletto, there's nothing that makes me feel hotter.

I am so blessed to be in a house of boys. There are times when I feel as if I am going crazy trying to keep all three of them in line, but I absolutely love their sense of humors. Fo' Sho!!

There's some honesty for ya! Now to pass this along to just 8 others is not do-able, since every one of the bloggers on my blogroll deserves this award. So, if you are in my side-bar list, consider this for you!! Accept it and re-post to let your readers know that I think you are awesome! :o)

Betcha Didn't Know ...

Auds over at Barking Mad is having yet another awesome giveaway that I am really, REALLY wanting to win ... so here is my post for my entry!

So I am sure you all know by now that my all-time fave movie is Dirty Dancing. I first saw it at my gram's house in South San Francisco when I was 8 years old, and fell in love! I betcha didn't know that I used to pretend to be Baby and dance around the house acting all sexy, and quietly role playing with my pillow, aka: Johnny. Oh yeah ... I had mad skillz, yo!

Hot Mess

Yeah, that would be me right now ... although I am wearing my oh-so-comfy and cute Juicy sweatpants, I look like death has paid me an arse-whooping! My new love affair is with the germ killing Clorox wipes, and anytime the sun comes out, I open up the windows! My nose is raw, my body hurts ... did I mention how much being sick SUCKS!? I try not to complain too much. Afterall, I seldom get sick, but I so can't wait to be over this. Humidifier is running, trying to keep the fluids going, and absolutely loving all the get well wishes!! Thanks girls, xoxo!!

Ugh.

Sick. Really sick. Fever, body aches, stuffy head, pressure, no voice, sore throat. Ugh. Bleh. No fun. I may or may not have found an antibiotic that is still within its expiration date. I may or may not be self-medicating with said antibiotic. Hubby and mom-in-law are also sharing in the misery. Hoping the kiddos don't catch this lovely crap.
To the winners of the giveaways ... I'll be shipping next week, and don't fear - items are all being kept in a germ-free, quarantined container. Promise.

Good Luck Day!

Posting a little green so I don't get pinched ... Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Huh.

Apparently Target now needs to card you when trying to purchase Nyquil. While I was a bit annoyed at this when buying my cold-busting, sleep-inducing miracle drug today, I was slighty confused that the girl ringing me up had to be sure I was over the age of 18. I mean, really? My 2 kids running around the check-out stand and asking a grip of questions didn't spark an idea that I had to be old enough to have them? I may look young, but not that young!
And, by the way ... you only need your ID if you are purchasing cold medications that induce sleep. No ID is required for sleeping pills themselves. (???)

My kind of Miley

Gotta love Miss Cyrus, really!

Giveaways are now closed ... Drumroll, please .....

Here are the winners of the giveaways - thanks so much to all who entered and took the time to follow me and re-post on your blogs! If you have won, please email me your address so I can ship off your goodies! aprilbaker23@yahoo.com
Giveaway One (Tea for Two) ... Emily @ Photos, Fingerprints, Crayons & Coffee
Giveaway Two (Lotion Set) ... Theadora @ Chalkboards & Crayons
Giveaway Three (Peach Scrubby) ... Amy @ The Seifert's Diary of Life
Giveaway Four (Mascara & Lip Care) ... Nicole @ The Springer's
Giveaway Five (Stationery set) ... Cassie @ Sassy and the Boys

♥ ♥

Stayed tuned next month for a very Juicy giveaway in honor of my birthday!!

Looking for the giveaways?

Scroll down a bit ... there are 5 of them to pick and choose from! I am drawing winners on Monday, so be sure to enter! Hope you all are having a great week!! xoxo

Oh Miss Dora

So Dora the Explorer is growing up, and she is getting a new makeover that is causing quite a stir. Complaints that the new image of Dora is going to give young girls body image issues are simply retarded. Come on, people! Really? So what - her hair is longer, she has gotten taller, and she traded her jungle sneakers for some pointy flats. And oh no! She is moving to the city and may even wear lip gloss! Gasp!! I highly doubt Miss Dora in her tween years is going to cause any controversial self-image issues in the little girls who watch her. It's not like she's making out with boys, or dancing on a pole! Ugh. I wish people would focus on more important things, like why Dora repeats herself hundreds of times, or walks around a jungle talking to animals without adult supervision.
I'm just saying.

Fun night out with my man ...

My hubby's favorite sports team evah is the Portland Trail Blazers. His life can revolve around these guys at times, and when they lose Tim goes into a minor depression. When the NBA season starts each year, my hubby's season tickets get delivered to the house, and you would have thought that he'd won the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka's factory. He glows. Like when I get a new outfit.

So being with my man for 10 years now, I have developed a love for the game. The Blazers are my boys. I love going to the games and cheering them on. I have a fondness for Brandon Roy (B-ROY!!!) ... and I absolutely cannot stand the arrogant and cocky Kobe Bryant. So anytime the two of them go head to head, I am right there yelling and screaming!

Tonight, Tim and I went to the Blazers - Lakers game, and had a blast watching our team BEAT L.A. 111-94 (aww-yeah!!). One of our guys was injured pretty badly tonight and was carried off on a stretcher. Watching our boys get all up in the Lakers faces and ready to throw down showed just how much heart and passion they have for their team and for the sport.
I personally found it pretty hot. Ha!

It's time for some giveaways!!

Let's Celebrate! Since starting my blog back in June last year, I have posted 200 ramblings about the things in life that amuse me. I've met some wonderful new friends, and I have become addicted to the blogging world! I absolutely love all the comments I receive, and I always return the favor ... once I know you are reading my blog, I add you to my favorites and check in often! I am not a status-seeking blogger, I simply do this because I enjoy writing and meeting new people. It is fun. It gives this stay-at-home mom something exciting to look forward to when I log onto the computer.

To say thanks and share some love with all my readers and friends, I have put together some giveaways - nothing big or fancy, just a few little treats! You can pick and choose which ones you like, or enter them all!

Here's how to enter:

1. You gotta follow me ... add yourself to the 'Follow Me' box on the sidebar, and leave a comment on each giveaway you are interested in.

2. For second entries, re-post this giveaway on your blog.




<a href="http://aprilbaker23.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/abaker23/Easter102-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

So, if you want 2 shots at each giveaway, then do both 1. and 2. Get it? If your blog doesn't link in the comment form, please be sure to include an email address so I can contact you if you win! Winners will be chosen on Monday, March 16th.

Thanks again girls for all the love and laughs!!

♥ ♥
April

Giveaway 1

Tea For Two! You all know about my obsession love of tea. This giveaway is for 2 cute mugs, green tea, and Betty Crocker mini coffee cakes ... yum!! A nice little treat anytime of the day!

Giveaway 2

A fun little set - Boots Fresh body wash, lotion, and lip gloss in yummy chocolate and strawberry scents, wrapped up in a cute polka dot bag.

Giveaway 3

Pamper yourself with Soap & Glory's Peaches and Clean body scrub and loofah! This spa strength scrubby will have you glowing!

Giveaway 4

A couple of my faves and must-haves for your make-up bag! Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara plumps up barely there lashes, like my own, and Nivea A Kiss of Relief lip care, which I recently discovered and am loving in this chapped lip season!

Giveaway 5

I couldn't resist this fun stationary set - a spunky little red-head full of sarcasm! Pina Colada and Margarita scented body butters accompany this set ... adding a little bit more fun!

Taste of Summer

Sick of winter (who isn't?), I thought I'd give us a little reminder of what's ahead - the good ol' days of summer! Check out what we had for dessert this week ... Strawberry Shortcake!! So simple, and strawberries are just starting to roll into the supermarkets! Yum!

Gossip Column

In today's celebrity news ... yep, I do have my opinion!

Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together. I'll be opening a can of worms here, but I am glad that the two of them are trying to work things out! I am in no way condoning Chris Brown for beating the girl up, but he needs help. He is going through counseling and trying to better himself so that anger will no longer lead him to such violence. He will need a lot of love and support to get him through this. If Rihanna loves him enough to stick by him, then so be it! Now if this happens again, then Run, Rihanna, Run!! Everybody deserves forgiveness and a second chance. Let's just hope he has learned from this experience and never lets it happen again.

Miss Britney has kicked off her Circus tour (oh yeah!!). And while most are saying she is making a phenomenal comeback, there are complaints that Britney is lip synching through most of her show. My take? If you wanna hear Britney sing, go buy her album! The girl gives kick-ass performances and her energy levels are crazy (I know - this will be my third concert of hers)! There is no humanly way possible to give that much effort to entertain the audience, and keep control of your breathing to hit all your notes. You try running around for a couple hours all over a huge stage and sing at the same time. She'd be a hot mess, let me tell ya!

And in TV news ... anyone seen the new Fox hit, Dollhouse? I am a huge Eliza Dushku fan, and she rocks in this show. The series premiered just a few weeks ago, so you have time to catch up (full episodes are online at hulu.com). The first episode is a little hard to follow, but the more shows you watch, the more you understand. Check it out (or DVR it, as I do) Friday nights, Fox, 9pm.

Rumor has it, something fun is coming this way on Monday! Dot...dot...dot... will be a hot spot, so be sure to check it out!!

And that's the scoop! Comments, anyone?

Tasty.

Love this great little drink, although it is a bit sweet. Fuze Black & Green Tea with Acai. Mmmm.

Ciao Italia!

I am honored ... I was looking over my little map tracker, and just saw that I had a visitor from Italy!! Wow! How exciting is that?!? This Italian girl feels extra special that someone from Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige dropped in (even though it was probably just a random fluke that they ended up on my blog page)! Ha! :o)

Grazie! Venire ancora presto! Molto amore!

♥

Hitting the gym ... potty training ... what a week!

Oh yes ... went to the gym on Wednesday and got my work-out on! Did my cardio, worked on my arms, attended the Amp'd Abs class, busted out a couple sets on the squat machine, and sweated it out in the sauna! Oh yeah! I think my hubby was proud. I was a little tight the following day, but nothing to complain about. I am excited to get back into a routine ... I am trying to convince myself to hit up the hip hop class on Monday nights. I love to dance, but am not so hot at learning choreographed routines (the brain doesn't work on that kind of level anymore). I am trying to talk my sis-in-law into trying it out with me - if anything, our abs will get a good workout from all the laughing!
And on another note, my little guy has decided to start potty training! He is 2 years, and 4 months old! I have not even started to try with him - his older brother was poop trained at 2 1/2 and completely potty trained by 3 years old. I learned with my first that you really can't pressure them ... they have to want to do it on their own. I guess I was just shocked that Sean was ready this soon. So after noticing dry diapers after shopping trips and naps for a couple days, we made a big deal about this new milestone. He picked out a new potty seat, and got some cool new Batman under-roos, and runs around the house all proud of himself! Throughout the day he does great - I don't trust public outings yet without a diaper, and he still wears one to sleep, but he is doing awesome!! I will admit though that I am already exhausted with the constant bathroom trips for the little tinkles, but hey - at least the dribbles aren't running down his legs! Ha!

Too Sweet!!

The very sweet and funny Sassy Cass passed along an award to me and I am tickled pink! There's nothing like feeling the love from my fellow friends!! You all know how much I love blogging and making you all smile and laugh, and I appreciate all my wonderful girls that I check in on each day for their awesome blogs!!

Along with this award, I get to share 7 things that I love ...

♥ Shopping - it's what I do.

♥ Eating - this little Italian girl loves food!

♥ Traveling with my family - getaways are necessary, just do it!

♥ Juicy Couture - my designer splurge.

♥ Photography - nothing professional, I just enjoy taking pics of my family.

♥ Blogging - cuz you all know how much I like to talk!

♥ Las Vegas with my man - oh.so.fun!!

And here are 7 more deserving girls for their Kreativ blogs ...

All About Ashley - a new blog I just recently found - she had me at martini, ha!

I Need A Martini Mom - another vodka girl - and so funny!!

The Creative Mama - Miss Angie defines the Kreativ award - so uplifing and talented!

Babies ... Belly Laughs & Bare Feet - my sister-in-law and coupon princess!

Barely Keeping It All Together - Sasha is awesome at finding and sharing great deals!!

A Girl Named Timi - even though she is addicted to Bejeweled, I still love her!!

Musings of a Housewife - the blogging queen ... she always has great posts!

More fun ...

Check out this great giveaway!! :o)

Check it out ...

Want A Martini? Go enter this fun swap at All About Ashley - this vodka girl did!! :o)

Please cover up!

Breast-feeding in public protected by Washington bill
by The Associated Press
Tuesday March 03, 2009, 11:57 AM

OLYMPIA -- It could become illegal to discriminate against women who breast-feed in public under a bill that has passed the state House.
Women who breast-feed in public are already protected from criminal charges for public indecency. But lawmakers want to extend those protections.
Movie theaters, parks, shopping malls, concert theaters, libraries and schools are just a few examples of places where discrimination against breast-feeding mothers could be prohibited.
Supporters of the bill say breast-feeding is the healthiest way to feed young infants. They say women who breast-feed in public have been stigmatized in the past.
The bill was approved by a unanimous vote Tuesday, and now goes to the Senate.
-- The Associated Press

I have no issues with breast-feeding. I personally chose not to nurse either one of my boys, but I give kudos to those women who do nurse. I am totally fine with public breast-feeding as well. It is not uncomfortable for me to see a mom, with a baby concealed under a blanket, nursing in public. It does, however, bother the snot out of me when I see a mom walking around a store, or sitting in a restaurant with her boob hanging out of her top, baby latched on, and NO COVER-UP!! Yes, people, I have actually seen this - several times! There is nothing natural about strangers seeing your boobs and swollen nips! Have some class! Seriously! I am all about protecting women's rights with their children, but I also have the right to be in a public place with my own children and not be offended with an inappropriate visual of body parts that are supposed to be covered up!! There's nothing like turning down an aisle in a store, or eating a meal out, and running into a bare boob!

Look what I can do ...

I am probably one of the last few people who know how to type hearts, but yay for me that I learned!!
♥ ♥ ♥
Super easy ... type the following without the spaces:
& hearts ;

Show me the ♥ by leaving me a comment! :o)

More personal things you probably don't need to know about me ...

I have an IUD ... the 5-year Mirena. While I absolutely love not having to worry about taking a pill every day, (cuz you all know my brain is totally shot and I can't remember what I had for dinner last night let alone remember to take my birth control pills!), I never know when I will be getting a period. Sometimes I will have one, sometimes not. When I do get one, it is very light and only lasts a few days, but my symptoms can be just as big as anyone else's!

Here are the top 5 reasons I know Miss Monthly is paying a visit:

1. I retain water like a whale.
2. I go from happy to get the hell outta my way in a matter of minutes, with no warning.
3. Patience? What's patience?
4. My Siberian Husky and I would be a great match in a hair shedding contest.
5. HUNGRY is an understatement ... I binge!

It is this time of the month when I get the motivation to hit the gym because I feel like a cow. Energy levels are sucked out of me though, so all I can do is talk about how I'll get there when this time passes. Afterall, no girl wants to get her arse kicked at the gym when she already feels like she's been sucker-punched! Hubby has been a peach at trying to motivate me (and dealing with my bad-ass attitude), so maybe I'll meet him there after he gets done with work. The boys love the kids club and would appreciate the break away from me - ha! If anything, maybe I'll just go sit in the sauna and try to de-bloat.

Latest cravings ...

... and no, I am not preggo! This has been my favorite lunch the last few days: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ham, and peas. Don't knock it 'til you try it! I have also been drinking only green tea and water - oh yeah!
I have hit the dreaded time in my life (that I was hoping would NEVER come) where my metabolism is slowing. I can no longer skip a meal or two, and wake up the next day with a couple pounds missing. Sigh. Turning 28 is apparently my cue to start hitting the gym on a regular basis, instead of the 'once every couple months when I feel motivated' routine that I have been in the last year. I am not gonna lie - I am slightly depressed with this new dose of reality! Second guessing what I eat, and fighting late night cravings is a bitch (pardon the french, the description is accurate), but I'll adjust. I'll have to find some sort of enjoyment in working out - any suggestions??? - and cut out all the crap I have been eating. No more Krispy Kremes, pecan-praline ice cream (it's rare that I eat ice cream, but when I find a flavor I love ... oy!!), and frozen Totinos pizzas (don't judge - my boys love them, too!).

So, here's to a healthier, fitter, leaner lifestyle ... ugh!