12K- WTH Did I Get Myself Into?

This is a question I've asked myself every day for the past month...REALLY PAM!  12k...I barley can walk a mile, just kidden but still!  I got pulled into this project by another parent that was super stoked about this and wanted to make money for the school and now he is moving leaving me with this in my lap.

A lil bit about the 12 K- every year San Francisco holds this event called Bay To Breakers and this year is its 100th race. Our school is going to use this has a fundraiser- each runner will get a sponsor/s for $150 ($50 to pay registration and $100 goes to the school) and the monies will go towards the school's MUSIC PROGRAM.  We have about a dozen people (parents/admin/teachers) that are willing to do this and so even though its not the biggest money maker we still are going to do it!  Our goal was to get 50 people but it just didn't work out.  Also I won't be running..this body only knows how to walk :)!

Our music program was CUT last year like almost every school and we have been having fundraisers (coupon books, cookie dough, holiday bazaar, and read-a-thon) all year long to help pay for a music program to return to our kids.  Well good news this week we got a music teacher but for only one day a week- better than nothing!! We have a couple more fundraisers left and I'm afraid it all goes towards the music program.  Even though a music program is what all the families want but its just sad that our efforts all year long have to pay for this- we can't do anything else for the school. 

This is our school: http://civicorpsk5.org/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/civicorpsptc
Donation Page: http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com//events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary (click the orange button if you care to donate- not the sponsorship button)

If you would like to donate,  I would be so elated and appreciate your kindness.


Now onto the real reason of this post...WTH to did I get myself into???? The person who hates to exercises. 

I have 2 months to get ready for this race and I kept telling myself March 15th is the DAY I start training.  That's TODAY! Now I've thought about it and what I would like to do but do I have anything planned out?  LOL...exercise is not my thing but it needs to be!  I went for a walk today and half way thru it starts raining, that was fun.  I have the Wii and a couple exercises games but I can't even do that.  I'm fighting against, myself and guess what I'm winning but not the right way.  Stubborn or just plain lazy- I say a little a both.  I've always hated physical stuff (except s*x) but this needs to stop!  I need to get in shape. Not just for this 12k run/walk but for ME and later in my life. 

Thanks for listening :)  BTW- just did spell check and misspelled EXERCISE each time LOL!

Could YOU Survive on SURVIVOR?

Well for me that would be a big FAT NO!!!  Ask my mom- she still gives me crap about camping and how much I hate it.  I wouldn't even last a day, just being honest.  Insects are the worst (for me) and to have them around me 24/7 that is so not happening. 

Reasons why I would SUCK as a survivor:

• HATE Insects...ewww
• Being outside all day..no I like my comfy house.
• Sleeping by people you really don't know...gross!
• I don't look good in a bathing suit AT ALL...I would scare everyone.
• The GAME itself would be too stressful...people are mean on there.
• Did I mention Insects??? LOL
• I could probably go on and on but I guess you get the picture...I wouldn't be able to do Survivor so my hubby needs to stop asking me LOL!  Of course he thinks he is funny every time I watch the show he points out I couldn't do it...PLEASE I know this! 

I know a goofy post but it was next on my TO DO posts! 

My Son Turns 21 Today!

First off...Happy Birthday to Nick for turning 21! 

Now on to me....man I feel OLD!  I remember the first time holding my baby, it was such a rush but so scared too!  I remember all the smiles and love. When he was placed in my arms my life changed forever- for the better that's the day I got the title MOM! 

What a beautiful gift I got 21 yrs ago!!  He is now a dad and a good one too!

My Knock Me Down Shoes

These suckers are so hard to walk in...wow!  They are hella high though.  I've been wearing flip flops, tennis shoes, ugg boots for probably last 12 years.  I used to be a shoe lover when I was single and clubbing but that was a decade ago.  I need to practice more before I attempt to go out in public again....almost broke my neck the 1st day I got them. 

Why did I buy them you ask (or maybe you didn't but oh welll LOL)...I had a horrible Vday so I ordered me some shoes to make me feel better...LOL (got to love my reasoning) and Steve Madden was having a 50% off sale and that was I all needed to pull the credit card out.

I feel so sexy wearing them but they fricken hurt.  I guess the price of beauty huh!  I warned you all I was doing 2011 different...its about ME.  Also my hubby LOVED them, even texted me later in the day telling me all he could think about is me in the shoes.  Woohoo! 

Ronnell-Brass Monkey

My Lil Beastie Boy

Stork Brokers- New BzzAgent Campaign

NEW BzzAgent Campaign:



Forget the garage sale. Join StorkBrokers and get paid for your kids’ old toys, clothes, accessories and more right from your computer. Plus, when you sign up for up StorkBrokers your first three sales will be commission free.

Why else do we recommend joining StorkBrokers?

It’s a simpler way to find and sell the toys, clothes and accessories you and other parents are looking for — there’s no need to wade through unwanted kid-related content like you may on auction sites
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? You can request it!
As a BzzAgent, you’re among the first people to check out and try StorkBrokers — show them how you can help get the word out!
StorkBrokers isn’t just about selling and buying — it’s about learning, too. That’s why the site also offers tips and advice to help you grow as a parent within a community of other parents

Oxy Clinical Freebie

Today's freebie~ Oxy Clinical Freebie

Facebook Friday

I got mentioned on Chronicles of a Crazy Mom blog- woohoo!  Please go check out the other blogs/facebook pages she suggested we take a look at:



Now on to Facebook Friday Blog Hops:

Blogger Organization- How do you do it!

I'm not an expert at this at all so that is why I'm writing this post.  I feel like I'm all over the place- here and there and around that corner too!  I struggle with this day to day in just my life so thinking I would be an organized blogger is FUNNY! 

My search came up with these useful tools:

The Niche Blogger Blogging Organizer Workbook: Keep Track Of And Organize Your Blogs  WOW sounds like winner here. 
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Cool online ToDo list: http://todo.ly/
Easy to do and I set up some projects on it so lets see if this helps. Also you can color code it! So far I likey!   I got this info from http://www.bloggingot.com/blogging-tools/become-an-organized-blogger-with-todo-ly/.  Besides finding this cool site on there- Blogging OT is filled with some incredible info for bloggers.  Wow, looks like I might be spending some time on this site!  See this is why I don't get stuff done- distractions always get me.

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HOLD ON...found a really cool site that might work better than the above because I can get it sent to me by email: https://www.rememberthemilk.com/  It also has some bells and whistles that I'm loving.  The one thing I really like it has a weekly planner that can be printed...AWESOME! 
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During my search today I came across some great tips and some well I just didn't understand but hey I've only had one mocha today so maybe its not their fault.  Anyways this is what I learned:

1. Planning- list of topics, keywords, have a notebook just for blogging
2. Prepare- write blog post in advance (you know that day you have nothing going on but writing posts :) )
3. Schedule/Routine- calendar when/what/where (I have a couple blogs)

Well lets see if this works!  If you have any other suggestions please let me know. 

Wordless Wednesday-My Favorite Snack

Civicorps Elementary School - Bay to Breakers Fundraiser

Okay so this is yet ANOTHER event I got myself involved in for the school.  I've been trying real hard saying that word NO but its difficult when I know it will help my kids. 

Bay to Breakers is a BIG 12K RUN that is held in San Francisco and this year it is the 100th race.  A parent got a great idea to use this event as a fundraiser.  So we are asking each runner to get a sponsorship of $100 plus $45 to register for the event.  Our Music Program was axed last year because of lost funding.  The kids and parents really miss not having a music in their curriculum.   
Our Parent Teacher Corp (PTA) wants to support the school by helping with the funding for the music program.  We have held a holiday bazaar, read-a-thon, and now this event to help raise the money.  We got maybe 15 runners/walkers (hoping for more) but hey its fine because its better than NOTHING right! 

On a personal note...because of this event I learned how to set up a donation page, also a  FBML page on Facebook, and plus signed up to do the race myself.  Those are some cool skills to acquire. I will not be running because my body is made for walking the 12K!

If you would like to support me (the kids really) please go here to donate (orange button)- anything helps!
http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com/events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary

Thanks for listening to yet another one of my projects!

Waitress Rant

Our cafe has been very busy the last couple weeks, which is AWESOME but with busy you also get those crazy customers.

90% of customers are just fine waiting because they know its worth it! Yesterday, we were jammed packed with no tables available plus about 8 people waiting to be sat when this one lady came in and when I told her 15-20 minute wait and she got irritated at me. She didn't understand I wouldn't be able to sit her in 10 minutes. She tried to get bumped up in the waiting list by asking other customers if she could have their spot. She kept saying how hungry she was. Lady... everyone waiting was hungry. I tried my best to smile and be nice but she was getting on my last fricken nerve! It took about 20 minutes for a table to open, she even wouldn't wait for us to clean the table she knew she was next and so when the couple left she sat right down, they weren't even out the door yet. I cleaned the table and gave her a menu and she told me she was ready to order. I told her it will be a couple minutes because we still have other people that need to order and to give us just a couple minutes. I brought her some coffee and she told me her order- w/o me asking because I just told her it would be a couple minutes. I took her order but I put it in after the others who was before her- she wouldn't know right. After 5 minutes she was asking me where her order was..LADY please give them some time they have to cook the other 10 tickets before yours. This is NOT FAST FOOD...they make each order individually and that takes time (I said this in a nice way). At this point she was just a joke and we all tried our best not to get pissy with her but if I was a major bitch I would have kicked her crazy butt out!

So what I'm saying is please be patient with waitstaff because majority of the time if there is a delay its NOT OUR FAULT and we really don't deserve attitude because I know we are trying our best!!!

Five Question Friday

1. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, I can but don't like to! Learned on a stick (poor car-sorry). Can I do it now...driving is like bike riding right?

2. What are two foods you just can't eat? Spinach...ewww hate the taste and texture. Mushrooms taste like dirt. Don't tell my kids mom doesn't eat her veggies!

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind? Do I buy girl scout cookies, heck ya! I track down the girl scouts even before they come knocking. Thin mints all the way but those coconut carmel ones are the bomb!

4. How do you pamper yourself? Well for several years I didn't, it was all about the kids but this year, I'm getting a pedicure every month, I'm buying shoes, and book store trip every couple weeks.

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it? Well Pami was my nickname growing up and HATED IT! My mom still calls me it (ummm I'm 42). I have a couple customers at the cafe who call me RED.

Well that was fun!

Bad Mom Confession

Is it bad that I'm jumping up for joy (in my head) that my family is going away for the weekend?   Darn I work on Sat/Sun so I can't go...can you tell I'm sooooooo disappointed ??? 

They are going to visit my hubby's mom.  It's the oldest cousins bday so the kids are looking forward to seeing him.  They will be gone until Sunday night. 

I get to watch what I want on TV plus be on the laptop all at the same time w/o someone telling me "that's not fair", my house will stay clean for 2 days straight, I won't have to cook big dinners- I can have whatever I want (chili and chips- oh yeah!), and the quiet- no fighting!  I love all these things but a day or two is nice to enjoy every so often. 

What will I do????  I have friends who will want to go out but you know just being at home in a quiet clean house is all that this MOM will need!  Did I say how quiet it will be LOL!!!

I wish I had some time to go to the book store but I do have Kindle on PC/Laptop so I do have something to read I think :)

I will find things to do but cleaning, cooking, refereeing, negotiating, and all the rolling of my eyes won't happen for 2 1/2 days.  Countdown is happening in my head for sure but I won't let them know that.

Okay done with my bad mom confession.

AllYou.Com- Cool Site

I really enjoy this site because you can enter giveaways, get freebies, coupons and just all around cool info!

http://www.allyou.com/
Just had to share :)

Thursday Blog Hopping

On Thursday morning I spend about 2 hrs visiting, commenting, reading some awesome blogs from these blog hops! Please click on button and it will take you to the hop!





I couldn't get the button to work on this one but go here because she has some great blogging/business info: http://jodishomebiz.com/

8000 Emails....REALLY!

I broke down the other day and went through my emails, it was up to 8000 so about time, right?  I couldn't believe all the emails I get in a day (over a hundred) and maybe about 1/4 of it is important.  Guess its time to unsubscribe to some... you think! 

I did it though and made more folders to keep the emails I need or want (not sure which is it).  It felt good until the next day and I'm up to close to 200 again.  What I need to do is do this on a daily basis (dreaming Pam) but to be organized and on top of it I will need to do that!!!!  GO THRU YOU EMAIL DAILY PAM! 

Let's see how this works out for me...tell you next week how many emails are sitting in my inbox next Thursday :) 

Any other suggestions on how to conquer EMAILS? 

Facebook Friends Giveaways/Sales

Sale at cobbledstone.etsy.com! Go to www.facebook.com/cobbledstone for the coupon code,15% off everything+free shipping


Tales of a Ranting Ginger: Giveaway - Disney on Ice Presents - Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3

http://talesofarantingginger.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-disney-on-ice-presents-disney.html
Looking for an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels and sponges? Enter to win a pack of 4 SKOY cloths! The Type A Housewife: SKOY Cloths Review and Giveaway - Ends 3/7
http://www.thetypeahousewife.com/
 
Mommies Playground mommiesplayground.com
Saky Sacks Giveaway Saky Sacks, Green Style On The Go, is a company doing their part to recycle and reuse.
 
Luna Savings http://www.lunasavings.com/ WHOLLY GUACAMOLE! Review and Giveaway!

Being a Waitress at 42

Is HELL on the body!!  It probably doesn't help that I'm a bit overweight either.  This past weekend was our busiest weekend I've had in 10 yrs.  WOW it was awesome but also WHOA all in the same breath.  I'm so happy that I have some good shoes.  I bought some new ones a couple weeks ago (Not Target brand this time) and I feel a big difference- so Thank You new shoes!  I tried to take a nap when I got home but I was on major caffeine overload so my mind was going 20mph while my body was dead to the world.  All good though after an hour of fighting the nap I got up and went shopping with my big tips I made.  Love TIPS!

Smiling all day is fine but sometimes I just want to say WTF to customers.  My biggest gripe is when you add things please except an extra charge...more ingredients people.  I tell people but the looks I get are just plain funny.  Now if you are swapping out one ingredient for another hey that's fine.  I had a customer this weekend add shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, pesto to a salmon scramble and I told him that would be extra and he said fine.  Now when he got his bill he was horrified that it was and extra $5....ummm dude shrimp alone is $4 so you got a deal! 

I love the cafe I work at because of the regulars!  They rock and I really appreciate them coming in every weekend.  They know about my life and I know about theirs...not personal stuff mainly about each others families!

American Idol 10 Group Performances- My FAVORITES

Last night was a rollercoster of drama, meanies, crying, bullies, but a load of talent!

My #1 FAVORITE of course was able to go through but not the rest of her group.  I need to watch the video again because I thought they all did a great job but judges booted them all except Lauren. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MEfV-sOam0  This is the CUTE girl group that sang to Steven Tyler.  The first singer Lauren Alaina is my FAV!

Night Owls...ROCKED IT!  Only Julia Zorrilla and Casey Abrams made it through.  Julia I think is Steven Tyler's FAV (wink wink).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjuq5smKQIo

Now what happen to Jacee Badeaux SUCKED.  He got kicked out of one group then had to go find a new one and time was ticking.  He found a group but he didn't know the song- poor kid's performance wasn't too hot but the judges put him thru anyways...woohoo!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mciWWsZy5Q8 

Four Non Blondes and that Guy had me bopping in my chair.  LOVED Carson Higgins!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPKqaDjGTpo

The Minors (Kids and the their Mama's) tore the house down.  WOW got standing "O" from the judges and of course they all went through.  Deandre voice was a piece of Heaven.  American Idol played "we are the champions" in the background while the judges were talking, lol!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nk9E0AsH3Q

Ashley Sullivan (a bit emotional lil thing) wanted to quit but her boyfriend talked her back into it and THANKS boyfriends because they did an awesome job.  I really enjoyed Ashthon Jones! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uvZ3WmA6bY

This group is the one who kicked Jacee out of their group but they did a good job.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiV7Zdg7CNs  All of them got through!  Scotty- the Country singer felt bad for kicking Jacee out.  Clint was the big meanie though but he does have a soulful voice. 

These were my favorites for the night but one of my favorite from the beginning DIDN'T MAKE IT.....Paris Tassin.  I was rooting for her but she didn't do very hot last night and that was a BUMMER!

Valentine's Day- Like or Not

I have to vote

on

I've been with my hubby for 12 years and I don't think I've ever had a GOOD (thats all I'm asking) VDAY.  I used to love this holiday now I don't.  I want it to end and it just sucks.  I try to like it and I go with the flow but this year was a total bummer and I just give up now!  My kids do make my day and they are the only reason I'm sane on this day.  I know I need to let go but as a married super mom I deserve a GOOD Valentines Day too!  Yes, sorry this was a vent but I felt like I really needed to say something and this is my blog so there! 

Do I have any other blogger/readers that cringe when Valentines Day comes?

Coupon.com- Print out coupons

Access and print coupons from the largest selection of grocery coupons online. I like to check this site before I go grocery shopping. 

This WEEKS DEALS:
$0.75 off Nature's Own Thin Sliced Bagels
$1.25 off ONE (1) CAN OF 3-IN-1 MULTI-PURPOSE OIL
$5.00 off Your $25.00 Order at Vistaprint
BOGO SOFT WOVEN COVER AND PLASTIC DROPCLOTH
$1.00 off (1) 59oz Simply Beverage™, any variety
25% OFF PAINTS & STAINS 15% OFF PAINTING SUPPLIES
$10.00 off BISSELL Machine RENTAL at Lowe's
$0.35 off one (1) Palmolive Antibacterial
$1.00 off Welch's Sparkling Juice Cocktail
$0.50 off 3 pkg or 1 BUNDLE PACK of KLEENEX



Free Printable Coupons! Get Coupons For Your Favorite Brand, Print Free Coupons and Save Today! Click Here

Winner of the Mara's Maples V'day Basket!

Number 31... Kellyr78 is the Winner...WOOHOO.  Going to contact her now. 

Mara's Maples Valentine Basket Giveaway

Mara's Maples Valentine's Day Gift Basket:

From Mara:
My mother loves Valentine's Day. I think it might actually be her favorite gift giving holiday. And I have to say that as a recipient of her Valentine's day love I do so enjoy the red hearts this time of year!
And so, this year, I am offering you all a little Valentine's Day love to send to your loved one(s)! Send one to your kids in college, or your parents who you are far away from. Take this opportunity to tell someone close to you "I love you". And what better way to do that than with a Mara's Maples Valentine's day Gift basket.

This basket is adorned with a big red heart and filled with five bags of goodies:

Spicy Maple Macadamia Nuts (3oz)

Spicy Maple Pecans (3oz)

Cinnamon Maple Almonds (3oz)

Ginger-rific Granola (3oz)

Cran-Almond Granola (3oz)

As always all of these goodies are made with real maple syrup and have no added oil, butter or egg and are completely vegan.
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Please visit Mara's Maples: http://www.etsy.com/shop/marasmaples

PRIZE –Valentine Day Gift Basket (ARV $40.00)

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Please let me know what item you would like to try from Mara's Maples.

EXTRA ENTRIES:  (must do mandatory first then post a separate comment for each optional extra entry)

* Like Mara's Maples on Facebook 
* Like Pink Mama's Place on Facebook
* Subscribe to Pink Mama's Place by email
* Subscribe to Pink Mama's Place by reader
* Post my button on your blog and comment with the link (2 extra entries)
* Follow @pinkmama68 on Twitter
* Tweet about this giveaway then comment with the link to your tweet- Tweet EVERY DAY!  Extra Entry per tweet :)
* Post on your blog/website about the giveaway and comment with the link (5 extra entries)
* Buy an item from Mara's Maples (5 extra entries)

This Giveaway ends February 14, 2010 at  5 pm Pacific Time. This is open for residents of the US & Canada only.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email notification with shipping info and claim prize and if no response we will pick another winner.
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I absolutely LOVE Mara's Maples.  My kids love all the snacks and my FAVORITE item is the Spicy Cashews...yummy!  It feels good to have healthier snack options and the granola has helped me actually eat breakfast.

Groupon.com- NEED to sign up!

LOVE Groupon- First thing in the morning I go to my GROUPON DEALS, I even have the APP on my phone. I have saved a lot of $$$! Today for example $50 for $100 worth of Lingerie at a store I love peeking in at because I know I can't afford it. LOVE LOVE GROUPON.COM!

If you haven't already please sign up and receive daily email with coupon for savings at up to 90%.

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 13 – Install Google Sitemap

I do have this already set up so that's cool I'm on top of something!

A Google Sitemap is a file which contains URLs and some additional information for all public pages or documents of your website. Google reads this file and adds the page to their index.

Please read entire post: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/13/30-days-to-a-better-blog-install-google-sitemap/  (They have instructions for wordpress and blogger)

Now I'm going to be honest I have no idea what it does but I'm sure its something very important.  I need to read up more on this feature.  TO DO!

Facebook Friday

Please click on above button and join the FACEBOOK FRIDAY Link up! Let me know too! I love FACEBOOK PAGES!

Ronnell- Beat It by Michael Jackson

This is my son and he is so damn cute! He wanted me to put it on my blog.

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 12 – Analyze Your Statistics

I have Google Analytics and I'm very happy with it!  It gives me a lot of information.  I do a weekly report and look at trends, it seems Wii and Build a Bear are my TOP KEYWORDS.  What do you look at when you check out your reports?

Items you’ll want to look at include:

■Bounce Rate: This percentage that shows the amount of single-page visits to your site. You want it as low as possible.
■Average Time on Site: You want this to be as high as possible! If it’s too low it means readers aren’t finding the content they are looking for, your navigation is week, or there are other problems with the site.
■Content Overview: This will show the highest single pages on your site for a specific period of time. You can look for trends and what your readers are interested in!
■Traffic Sources: Find out how readers are finding your site.
■Exit Pages: Are there post or pages with a high exit rate? If so, add better navigation and links at the bottom of the content!
■Keywords: Learn what keywords search engine users are entering to find your site. These may come as a surprise – either good or bad! If people are finding your site for the “wrong” reasons – your bounce rate and time on site will be low. This means you need to take a look at your keywords and up your SEO efforts.
■Number of Visits and Pages/Visit: This is your first indication of traffic and is best to track over a long period of time. Look for spikes and trends throughout the weeks, months, and years.

Please read the entire post from Blog World: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/12/30-days-to-a-better-blog-analyze-your-statistics/

Need Help with Read-a-thon

Well yet again I failed to say NO and I'm in charge of the school's READ-A-THON on Feb 14th.  How do I get myself into things like this...oh its because NO does not come out my mouth- well only to my kids and husband. 

I have never done a read-a-thon before and its a FUNDRAISER too- oh my!  It's a school wide event.  All day Feb 14th we will be reading and playing games then the kids have a week to read more and after Feb 21 they have to collect the money from sponsors. 

We are just winging it because of the short notice but I'm sure it will be just fine!  We are thinking about doing a pizza party for the TOP CLASS and some airbrush shirts for the individual winners of each class. 

Now my problem is getting families (we don't have the best parent participation) to actually get sponsors.  Does anyone have any ideas how I can make this happen?  I'm going to set up a table this Friday and I want to make this EASY PEASY for the families.  If you have any suggestions on anything about a read-a-thon please let me know by emailing me or commenting right here on ths post.  I would appreciate ALL HELP! 

We are doing this read-a-thon for our MUSIC PROGRAM...trying to get it back into the school. 

Lil Mama Singing a Martin Luther King Song

Yet another cute song for tomorrow

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Lil Mama Singing GroundHog Song I

She is so damn cute too! They are performing in front of the school tomorrow morning.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 11 – Break Up the Text Monotony

Text Tips

I'm going to start doing these tips for sure.  I capitalize a lot...maybe too much but its how I talk and when I want emphasize I want to emphasize.  I can't use my hands in a post so CAP's it is!  Now using heading tags- GREAT TIP, I will for sure look into doing that.  Bolding keywords- wow eye opener there!  Using Italicize...well I was using that but not the correct way!  I was italicising my words not others though so I just need to turn it around- so will work on that and even I used it in this post.  See I'm learning something :0  Using color....well I need to work on that because yes I use color but it never looks right but wait it might be the bright pink I use.  LOL!

From BlogWorld: Here are a variety of ways to use font tags:

■Use heading tags for your section headlines. This helps your reader identify the different sections of your post – and helps SEO too!
■ Use bold for keywords/key phrases. Not only should you interlink these, but bolding them helps draw the eye to the most important part of your sentence/paragraph.
■ Italicize quotes and titles. I typically italicize quotes from people and any book, periodical, or movie titles.
■Add color strategically. I rarely use color, but I see many bloggers use color effectively to really bring attention to specific words on the page.

Read entire article please go to:
http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/11/30-days-to-a-better-blog-break-up-the-text-monotony/

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 10 – Add Images or Video to Each Blog Post

Very good advice!!!  I started doing pictures/videos recently because my facebook page looked weird with all the PinkMama's Place buttons on every post.  I know that's a weird reason why to use pics but it makes my FB page look better. 

This is something I already started doing but will definitely continue! 

Read article here: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/10/30-days-to-a-better-blog-add-images-or-video-to-each-post/

Freebie: Free Gas X Prevention Sample

Today's Free Sample-Free Gas X Prevention Sample

Sign up to get freebies right to your email box everyday!  http://www.allyou.com/

Lauren Alaina : Don't Want To Miss A Thing : American Idol 10 Auditions !

Just AMAZING and when she sang with Steven Tyler I was crying. She is going places!!!!! LOVE HER!

Chris Medina- American Idol 10 FAVORITE

Very sad story but LOVE his voice and I hope he goes to the finals.  My fav for the night!

My lil mama and her mama

LOVE THIS PICTURE <3 <3 

No Kissing Sign

Well last night this was delivered to our bedroom. My husband and I was on the bed (fully clothed) watching TV and the kids were in the living room which is right outside our room. I had my head on my hubby and kissed him and within 10 minutes we got this sign.

We joked with them that this is better than fighting! Then I said...yeah we are in OUR room and can do what we want plus we didn't kiss in front of you. But daughter came back with....we heard ya! Oh geez kids, really! We just shook our heads and kissed AGAIN AND AGAIN! They of course made the puking sounds and told us to stop! Whats wrong with a lil peck here and there, we are not deep throating people!

Someday they will be parents and I hope they get this sign too!

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 9 – Establish a Review Policy

I haven't done that many reviews (WOULD LOVE TO DO MORE) but I guess this is very important and all of us who do reviews should have this on our blog.  I will!

Things to include in your review policy:

■Overview: State the objective for your reviews. Are you looking for the best products for your audience? Are you looking to provide well-rounded reviews for your readers?

■What You Look at in a Review: Tell your audience what you look for in the items you’re reviewing, and how you will write the review. Are you looking at content? quality? price? value? other specific factors?

■Items You’re Looking to Review: Make a list of the items you are interested in reviewing – and an example of the items you’re not willing to review.

■Whether You’re Willing to Accept Samples: A variety of companies look to provide bloggers with a sample that they need to return. Some bloggers are fine with that (this way they can review expensive items), while some find it a pain.

■How to Request a Review: Provide contact information for companies looking to send you a review product.

■How You Handle a Review: Tell potential companies how you handle the review. If it is a product that you don’t want to pitch to your audience or would review badly – do you still want to include the review? Will you let the company know? Will you send the product back or pass it on to another reviewer?

■Disclosure: Bloggers are now legally required to disclose if they received an item as a sample and/or were paid for their review as a way to provide transparency to the reader. You can find several sample disclosure on the web, or I found this interesting website that gives you a way to visually display your level of disclosure.

Please read more here:  http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/09/30-days-to-a-better-blog-establish-a-review-policy/

I know what I'm working on TODAY!  Thanks Blog World!

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 8 – Add/Edit Your About Me Page

What should you include on your About Me page? Any or all of the following: 

• Your name
• A recent photo
• Your education and/or work history (if relevant to the blog)
• Why you started the blog
• Your goal(s) for the blog
• A link to your contact page (and an invitation for people to contact you)
• Links to other blogs/websites you may write for or run

Okay going to add a picture, why I started the blog, my goals, and other blogs I do!  I don't think I want to add my education/work though, no need at this moment! 

 

Please read the entire Blog World Post~ http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/08/30-days-to-a-better-blog-addedit-your-about-me-page/

 

Always use you VOICE.  I might not be the best in the english language and my spelling sucks but I still write in my voice.

 

 

Paris Tassin - Temporary Home : American Idol 10 Auditions !

LOVED HER on American Idol last night! What a wonderful MOM too! She is my FAV so far!

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 7 – Interlink

Today’s tip is a short one, but an important one. Get in the habit of interlinking (linking back to your own content) within the content of your post. Your blog isn’t a place to be shy and self-effacing. If you have good, relevant content – link back to it!


I know I don't do this and I'm a bit confused on how to do this...but I think it is telling us to use our OWN links in our posts. 

Don't forget to do FaceBook Friday http://pinkmamasplace.blogspot.com/2011/01/facebook-friday-lets-link-up.html

More info here: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/07/30-days-to-a-better-blog-interlink/

FACEBOOK FRIDAY~ Let's Link Up!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR LOVELY HOSTS


SmookieStyle AND Mom vs The Boys!

The rules are simple:
1. Add your facebook page to the linky tool below
2. Like your hosts in the #1 and #2 spot
3. Like the person in the spot above yours and then like whoever else you want, the more the merrier!

Be sure to leave a little comment on their fb wall with a link back to your fb page so they can like you back**

Wanna help spread the word??

Write your own post telling your readers about Facebook Friday. Below/beside the linky, you’ll see “What is a Blog Hop? Get the code here”.

21 Ways I'm Going to Get My Swag Back

Over the years of being married and being a mom....I lost my swag (me)!  Guess what I'm going to do....get my SWAG back this year.  Who is PAM the woman?

What is SWAG: appearance ,style,or the way he or she presents themselves.The way in which you carry yourself. Swag is made up of your overall confidence, style, and demeanor.

Taking a good look in the MIRROR

1. Improve my diet. Chocolate and Chips ( not together) are my 2 FAV things and its so hard to give them up.  I really need to work on eating breakfast...like today its 10 am and nothing but coffee in my system.

2. Get a haircut. I want a REAL haircut...not a $15 one.  I want style and what do I do with my bushy, thick, curly hair anyways.  I want all the straight sexy looks! 

3. Update My Wardrobe. Throw out the torn jeans, raggy sweats w/stains all over, and the shirts with stains every where.  I need new clothes.  I LOVE long sweaters, nice fittin jeans that fit over my big booty! 

4. Get glasses.  Face it Pam...the eyesite isn't what it used to be :)  Wink Wink...go get ya some glasses so you can read more!

5. Shoes.....I want some SEXY shoes not tennis shoes.  Oh and please throw out the flip flops- get some sexy sandals.  I did buy some boots so I've been rockin those everywhere. 

6. Underwear. Granny panties please leave my house.  I want to wear cute, sexy ones because they make me feel good.  Now I'm not the biggest fan of thongs- don't like things riding up (LOL) but some cute boy shorts I will rock every day if I can. 

7. Stop comparing myself to others. This is easy to say and difficult to do, but it is essential. I am ME and I need to accept that!

Get My Crap Together

8. Align my priorities. Yes, kids will always be #1 but I need to fit up there too!  I need to stop buying them stuff...they have enough!  I need new clothes and shoes too, right? 

9 Set goals. Oh I have a lot goals and I need to write them down instead of them being in my head.  And make a plan for each one! 

10 Work: I would love to STOP waitressing this year.  My old body can't handle it anymore.  I'm so sore after a day of working.  I enjoy my customers so thats what keeps me going.  I want to focus more on my SOCIAL MEDIA plan and get some clients under my belt.  I need to have that confidence that I can do it!  Stop being scared JUST DO IT!

11. Organize finances. How about save money...never know what the future holds, need money though!  I don't have credit cards (thank god!) so I just have basic bills that I pay every month.  We do eat out 2-3 a week it would be nice to save some $$$ there!

12. Drop bad habits and develop good ones.  Bad habits....snacking at night, not eating breakfast, and man I could go on and on but I think I need to stop here!  I don't drink or smoke so I think I'm doing good in the bad habit box.  Develop good one...TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!!!

13. Cut dead weight. In all aspects of my life!!

Be More Active

14. Go on a TRIP...would love to go with my mom or by myself...is that bad? 
15. Exercising makes you look and feel better (duh, right?).  Well I can't afford a gym membership so Wii Fitness needs to be my friend!  I can do it!

16. Start walking. Running is out of the question!  I want to do Bay to Breakers this year and I plan to train for it...walking with a friend sounds like a plan.  Lake Merrit is the place to go!

17. Take up a new hobby. I want to be more crafty!  I would also like to learn how to cook.  It's about time right?? 
Get Inspired

18. Listen to more music...I have myself a ipod shuffle now and LOVING IT!  It took me awhile to figure out how to put music on it though. 

19. Write! Write! Write!  I've been journaling and of course blogging (some things belong in a personal journal than on the wide world web.  I can't tell ya all my secrets or desires...LOL!

20. Enjoy my family and friends more! 

21.  I actually would like to get back in Drama.  Something I've been thinking about for awhile now. 
I know there is more but hey at the moment this might be enough!!

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 6 – Tweet This

Do you have a TWITTER account?  I do and its @pinkmama68 (follow me please)!!

Now you want the TWEET THIS button on each post!  This allows people who like your post to re-tweet it and get your message out there! 

If you have Wordpress you can download any of the below plugins:

■Tweet This
■TweetMeme
■Twitter for WordPress
■Twitter Tools
■WP Twitter

If you have Blogger:  (my web page just came with it so I didn't install mine)

I did find one that has the steps:  http://www.solidblogger.com/add-retweet-button-blogger-blog-post/

Also on Blog World (link below they give a couple more sites to go to)


Read more here: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/06/30-days-to-a-better-blog-tweet-this/

WTF Wednesday

Don't get me wrong... I love my hubby but some days I just look at him with this WTF stare and I probably will get in trouble for posting this but....love you honey!   

Last night he brought home McDonald's at 5:30pm for himself and the kids (including sodas) and acted like it was fine.  Ummm HELL to the No is it okay....I was making a $15 beef roast, homemade mashed potatoes and green beans and he knew this.  I felt my whole body get all tense and before I blew my top I gave him one of those looks "Don't talk to me because you are going to get it", I don't like fighting in front of the kids.  So I kept my mouth shut but everyone in the room knew I was pissed.  Then on top of it...I realized he didn't even bother getting me anything (I hate mcd's food...but its the point right???)...like a mocha which he knows is the only thing I will have at mcd's! 

I stayed in the kitchen the whole night...lil mama and I made a red velet cake and then I finished dinner.  Dinner was going to be ready at 6:30 but since they just ate I postponed dinner a bit and we ate at 7pm.  Yes they did eat but I think everyone knew they HAD TO!  This roast was not going to be wasted!!!!

So lesson learned....NO MCDONALDS before dinner OK????

30 Days to a Better Blog: Day 5 – Keep Up With Your Comments

Keeping on top of your comments should be just as important as writing your next post. 

Thanks BlogWorld because that is some great advice and I really need to be on top of that. 

 ■Field Spam. I just FLAG the spam on this blog and on my wordpress blog I have Akismet installed which does an awesome job.  Some of the comments are funny and nothing to do with your blog or the post.  Don't let it get to you...just DELETE!

■Approve Comments.  I manually approve my comments but I need to do the follow thru....actual respond back.  
■Reply to Comments. I love it when I post on a blog and they respond back to me...LOVE IT! So I need to do the same here. I'm making a commitment to do that from now on and I will be going back and making sure I haven't missed anyone lately. I know I have this week to do for sure!
■Start a Debate.  So if someone doesn't like your post/blog still respond to them...ok I understand the concept and I will do that from now on.  Great advice. 

■Bring Comments Into Your Posts.  LOVE this idea!  I will be browsing my comments and sharing some in the future.  Also recommend a GUEST POST....ummm thats a great idea too.  I need to find a BLOGGING BUDDY. 

Please visit Blog World to get more details on this post http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/05/30-days-to-a-better-blog-keep-up-with-your-comments/

30 Days to a Better Blog: Use Your ‘Preview’ Button DAY 4

Hanging my head in shame because I DON'T do this!  I need too though.  I didn't know If someone is using an RSS reader, they are going to see the first published version of your post.  Well that's not good!  I always add /change/fix stuff so now I will do that all in PREVIEW mode! 

When you preview, look for the following items:

■Correct spelling

■Correct grammar

■Images are aligned properly

■Images are spaced and sized properly

■Any embedded players are working correctly

■Font tags close appropriately

■All URLs work

■All <><>and tags are properly closed so that you’re entire template isn’t skewed

Please read more here: http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/04/30-days-to-a-better-blog-use-your-preview-button/

Ok...I did it with this post LOL!

Got my BOOTS today!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Those are my in the house comfy ones and I also got some heel ones that have fur at the top.  I love them and I got them for a FABULOUS price 50% off a couple weeks ago through a site called: http://www.afaze.com/

I saw the deal on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Afaze/98881961755) and jumped on it!  It was simple and fast. Very pleased!