Quantcast
PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

Monday, December 12, 2011

FREE BLOGGER SIGN UP~ $100 Amazon Twitter Blast


Need some twitter followers than you should sign up to be included in this awesome Twitter Event!

Makobi Scribe and Madame Deals are hosting a $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway that they have opened up to other bloggers to participate in for free- how awesome is that! So generous- THANK YOU!

If your a blogger and want to know more please go to: http://kobiso.com/event/100-amazon-twitter-blast/


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Blogging Guilt!

Wow I had blogging guilt yesterday!  I was doing so good this week blogging everyday and then Fri/Sat came and nothing!  Why you say~ well Fri/Sat I work as a waitress and when I get home the last thing I want to do is THINK about anything but laying my tired old body on the couch, LOL!  But the real reason is when I get home I have other responsibilities that take up my time- darn wife/mom duties.  Of course I'm going to take care of my family before I take care of my blog. 

The guilt came in when I was laying down after cleaning up (I'm still fighting a cold) and it took all of me not to get up and go to the computer.  STOP PAM- I needed rest because this cold has been hanging around all week. 

So I have decided to ease the BLOGGING GUILT and schedule posts.  I can write a couple posts to cover on those days I just don't want to blog!  I have to give it up to everyone that blogs everyday!!! 

What I learned this week is Blogging has become more than a hobby.  Wow- it took several years but I now have the blogging bug.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Twitter Tools Thursday- Tweepi

I love Twitter but sometimes I get a bit bogged down on all the tweets on my page that are not relevant to me. So at the end of the month ( or maybe every other month) I go to my FREE VERSION of Tweepi and do a major clean up! 

If you want to CLEAN UP your TWITTER acount then I highly recommend: http://tweepi.com/

This is is what my dashboard is telling me TODAY: 

Manage your Twitter account

You are following 731 tweeps who are not following you back. Flush »

420 tweeps are following you, but you're not following them back. Reciprocate »

Is your Twitter stream getting crowded with tweets? You are following 3665 users, why not unfollow some. Cleanup »

Follow new tweeps

Want to follow new users based on which tweeps they're interested in? Try following an @user's followers. Follow followers »

Got a role model and you want to follow who he or she is following? Follow friends »

Many interesting lists out there. Want to follow a select few users from a certain list? Tweepi's follow by list makes it super easy to do so. Follow list »

Want to copy/paste a comma separated list of Twitter users and analyze them in Tweepi's awesome table? Try this. Paste & analyze »

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Win It Wednesday~ List YOUR Giveaway!

I don't have a giveaway this week but I've been entering like crazy!

Here is a list of some COOL GIVEAWAYS I've entered:
I will enter every giveaway listed. No rules this time~just a place to list your GIVEAWAY!
If you have a giveaway please link

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tip Tuesday~ Getting Kids to HELP Around the House!

I know I struggle with this EVERYDAY.  I want the HELP of course but then I always say "no I'll do it" knowing I will do a better job and won't have to go over it.  Now what is that teaching my kids....absolutely NOTHING!  So now when I ask for help...I don't get it, I only have myself to blame (but don't tell them that!). 

I picked up this book from Borders " How To Clean Your Home Fast by Vicki Christian" a while back but I had it out and I was looking at it last night.  I came across a great chapter~ Chapter 3- Recruit Your Kids to Help. 

  1. Set a GOOD example for your kids "Monkey see, Monkey do". (sounds reasonable)
  2. Ease children into doing chores as they grow.  (don't make your 3 year old do laundry--lol..ok got it)
  3. Music- play kid's music/favorite songs and they might just surprise you by helping.  (not sure if that would work with my kids- they would be dancing and singing not cleaning- but I get the idea)
  4. Use a egg timer to clock each chore as a game.   Reward the kids with the fastest times (ummmm not sure if I like this one due to if they go fast they won't really do a good job. So maybe I can tweak this one into something else like: I can use the egg timer  to do a 15 minute clean-up,  we turn on the music and clean for 15 minutes.)
  5. Initiate a NO FOOD NO DRINK policy in the kids room.  ( I do have that policy but my son seems to FORGET that rule when we are sleeping- he is a night time food sneaker and then leaves the evidence either on kitchen table or in room)
  6. Plan your kids cleaning routine and STICK TO IT~! (I need to do that)
  7. Ask them to help wash, dry, fold and put away a load each day.  Doing this will cut down on the weekend mountain of laundry.  (simple request- haha)

Rewarding~ now I have my pro's and con's about this!  How I was raised is HELP MOM no matter what- You just do it!  A Happy Mom makes a Happy House- is my motto.  As for rewarding- okay if that is what is going to make them help, fine but it has to be something simple- not $$$! Because if I have to pay my kids to help around the house I might as well pay a housecleaning service and then I know it would get done properly.  But then I wouldn't be teaching them any responsibility!  Fine- chore chart with reward stickers will be a must do this week!



It's $ .99!

How do you get your kids to help around the house???

ALSO~ I was just entering some giveaways and came across this one that I would LOVE to win:

http://www.random-dealz.com/2011/11/chore-pad-app-review-and-giveaway-8.html   as much I want to keep the numbers down so I could win, as a MOM I have to share this giveaway.  If I don't win I will buy it :)



Monday, December 5, 2011

Market Monday~ Toothy The Tooth Ferry

My kid's school held a Holiday Bazaar this past Saturday and there were some AWESOME vendors there!  Several of them were moms so I wanted to do a little shout about their cool items.

My kid's FAVORITE was the Toothy The Tooth Ferry!  A pillow where you can place the tooth inside a pocket and then the tooth fairy doesn't have to pick up your child's head to find the tooth under their pillow. It's a win win situation- what a cute product!  Want to know more~ check out the FACEBOOK PAGE~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/ToothytheToothFerry and if you like their page can you let them know I sent you! 

Also WONDERFUL story about Tooth The Tooth Ferry~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/ToothytheToothFerry?sk=info

I have to admit I suck at being the tooth fairy- I've forgotten more times than I want to say and it has COST me big time!  I even told lil mama one morning I forgot to email the tooth fairy~ really... what I will say to stay out trouble with lil mama.  She got one of these pillows on Saturday and one of the first things she said was "Now that I have a "Toothy" the Tooth Fairy shouldn't have any problems finding my tooth".  Guess I better step up my game!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Is December Stressful For You Too??

Oh my!!!  My head always spins in many different directions during December- the most stressful month of the year.  My husband's b'day is Dec 6th, mine is Dec 13th and my son's is the Dec 15th.  As a mom and wife I tend to be forgotten during this time- which I will nod my head and say it's OK but deep down I'm thinking "REALLY ANOTHER YEAR!".  Now don't get me wrong I'm not bitching or whining- just stating a fact and probably a fact that a lot of moms go through.  We will sacrifice for our kids and husband and not think twice.  But deep down it hurts a bit!

Hubby is stressing on money right now (I am too) and then Lil Man wanting a b'day party and of course gifts.  I wish I could make it all better for my hubby and give my son everything he wants but guess what NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.  However, we will get through it and on Dec 26th we will remind each other how stressful this month was and make a promise to shop earlier next year, LOL!  And the vicious cycle begins again on Dec 1 2012! 

Don't even get me started on Christmas!  I told my hubby everyone is getting homemade stuff and airbrushed pillowcases.  I love the fact my hubby is an airbrush artist and I can fall back on him for gifts!





Sshhh...don't tell Lil Mama but she is getting a Justin Beiber one and Lil Man is getting Oakland Raiders pillowcase. 


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

X-Factor Top 7 Performances

Josh- He rocked the house but I was watching the dancers more than him.
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/josh-krajcik-top-7

Astro- Did a great performance!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/astro-top-7

Drew- I was confused with the chair but vocals right on!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/drew-top-7

Rachel- Not her best but good- loved her hair!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/rachel-crow-top-7

Marcus- He did an awesome sexy performance but his signing was just a bit up and down.
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/marcus-canty-top-7

Chris- Well he made it his own!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/chris-rene-top-7

Melanie- BEST PERFORMANCE of the night!
http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/melanie-amaro-top-7


Who will go home....no idea but Chris and Drew might be the ones on the bottom.  But you never know because these are MY OPINION'S only LOL!  I don't want Chris to go but I think he will be just fine- there is a record deal out there for him!

Day 4- Linen Closet (Completed)

Okay folding sheets is on my Top Ten Household Chores I Don't LIKE!  So my linen closet was so messy and disorganized. 

Before:


After


Wonder why my camera takes such different color pics. 

Anyway, I took out everything out then wiped down shelves (made a mental note I need to get shelf liners).  I folded the sheets nice and placed all my sheets together, the kids sheets on another shelf, then I was able to put my sewing machine/sewing box in there too! I also have my hair styling tools (I use them like 2-3x a year so no point in having them in bathroom, lol). 

Day 3- Tupperware Cupboard (Completed)


Before :                                                                        After:



What I threw away!

Now that felt GREAT!  Many mornings I've gone through that scary cupboard looking for containers and finding no lids or finding lids but no containers!  I threw away every lid that didn't fit something- wow I had a lot too!  I put all lids in a cereal box. Also found my FAVORITE CD that I thought I lost.  Just amazing what 20 minutes will do!  I feel horrible I even let it get that bad.

Day 3 DONE!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

REVIEW: The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookie


My kids GOBBLED these cookies up in a heartbeat.  After homework the other night they felt they deserved a TREAT so I just received these cookies to review so I popped a couple in the microwave and poured some milk. WOW what a yummy treat we had! 

Some Facts:
*wholesome ingredients
*free off added preservatives and artificial colors
*almost 2x the size of other cookies
*suggested price $2.79
*exclusively available at Kroger, Fred Meyer, and Ralph stores.
*sure to please the entire family

With the help of moms, Kroger specially developed a collection of products that are sure to delight your family every day.  Keep your family happy and healthy!

Other Products:
  • Kroger's The Truly Awesome Low Fat Yogurt Tube
  • Kroger's The Truly Awesome Low Fat Yogurt Cups
  • Kroger's The Truly Awesome Macaroni and Cheese
  • Kroger's The Truly Awesome Frozen Broccoli & 4 cheese
  • And many more options on the way
I have 3- $1.00 Coupons and the first 3 to email me at pamallen68@gmail.com I will send you coupon. 

Thanks!  I was able to do this review by being a bzzagent through http://www.bzzagent.com

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 2 - Computer Desk (21 Day Organizing)

This one isn't too bad since I did it last week.  But there are some things that could be done.  I got a bag of garbage and plus found a couple items I was looking for the other day!
Before:



After:


This is feeling good getting some junk out of my way! 

Meet Me On Monday




Came across this last night at http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/   I'm going to give it shot- why not!  Here are the questions she gave us  to answer:
Questions:

1. I really need to clean my _________?

2. What food makes you think of Christmas?
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
4. What was your first paying job?
5. Have you read the Twilight series?
---------------------------------------------------------------
My Answers:
1. I really need to clean my _________?
My son's room.  It's SCARY in there!  Now when you look in there is doesn't seem so bad but....lil dude has a habit of hiding crap he knows shouldn't be in his room- like food wrappers.  On the side of his bed by the wall- dirty clothes, toys, and garbage.  I've been very stubborn on doing this because HE DID IT and HE SHOULD clean it! 
2. What food makes you think of Christmas?
Ham!  I love ham and the only time we have it Christmas time. 
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
Wow what a question...maybe 30 that's when it really hit me that I need to do adult stuff and get my life in order!  However, I would love to do 21 over again but only that birthday!
4. What was your first paying job?
Does babysitting count?  LOL!  My first paying REAL job was a waitress at my uncles cafe. Can you guess what I'm still doing almost 30 years later...yep I'm a waitress!  I've had other jobs in between but I always go back to that. 
5. Have you read the Twilight series?
HECK YEAH!  Big fan.  I've read and watched the movies plus can't wait for the next movie to come out in November 2012.  ( I wasn't that impressed with Breaking Dawn Part 1 but it was good)

 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 1- Junk Drawer (Completed)

Day 1 DONE...woohoo- off to a great start! Junk drawers- I have 3 so I cleaned them ALL!

Drawer 1- misc JUNK so as you can see I got rid of or put away majority of what was in there.
Drawer 2- magazines/cookbooks and more JUNK.  Now nice an organized.
Drawer 3- kid stuff and of course just crap!  Now its pens, pencils and other kid items.

It felt GREAT dumping all the CRAP and the drawers look awesome now!  Plus it only took me 20 minutes.  Love it!  Whats Day 2????

Before:                                                                      After:









Saturday, November 26, 2011

21 DAY ORGANIZING CHALLENGE

I came across this cool CHALLENGE on Pinterest (my new addiction- sorry Facebook!) and here is the post : http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/04/21-day-challenge-revisited.html

She did her challenge awhile back so I'm on my own here (unless you want to join).  I look at my house everyday and wish I had more storage or why do I feel the clutter (clean of course) is going to attack me someday.  I do daily clean up but you know everyone has those "AREA'S" that you just cringe or cover up when guests arrive.  Well I have several, LOL!  So let's DO IT!

21 DAY ORGANIZING CHALLENGE
I tweaked a couple days on the list to reflect what I need to do around here.  Now some are small projects and some are all day projects.  I'm going to blog everyday too, so I'm going de-clutter and get in the HABIT of daily blogging!  I love when I can multitask! 
Anyone up to following my lead and doing this challenge?  If so let me know and we can keep each other in line!  I might really need that..BTW! 
I will begin Sunday November 27th!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011


Now I might not have all my kids in one location but I can do a scrapbook page as if they were all here together.  I miss you Nick!

I'm full and tired now so I will write more about this day tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

X-Factor Top 9 Performance

Last night was all about THANKS!  Everyone did a great job and some brought tears to my eyes.  My hubby enjoyed Rachel Crow, even said "she puts on a show and I'm sure her life is changed from now on"  Awwww- wasn't her story just so uplifting too- I want to say THANKS to her parents too! 

Well I picked top 2 and bottom 2 but tonight we will see who goes home- you never know and BTW 2 go home tonight- boohoo!

My Top 2:

LOVED: http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/rachel-crow-top-9

LOVED: http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/marcus-canty-top-9

My Bottom 2:

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/drew-top-9

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/lakoda-rayne-top-9

Win It Wednesday~ My Memories Suite Software- CLOSED

I'm going to admit I have scrapbooking material, books, paper, special pens, and stickers sitting in a drawer just WAITING for me to do something with them...umm they have been there for a couple years!  Now look at what I did in an hour with the help from www.MyMemories.com! Oh my gosh it was so easy and so much fun.  I have ideas just coming out of my head!  I even made a Thanksgiving Card that I will be sharing with everyone TOMORROW!  Also working on a XMAS CARD.  The things you can do are endless! 

These are just the FRONT pages of my kids digital scrapbooks. 


My Memories Suite is the #1 rated scrapbooking software and I totally agree they should be!  This software can be used by beginners and experienced scrapbookers. There are ready made templates and embellishments or you can custom design your own templates/layouts.  When I opened my software it already had pre-loaded design templates, embellishments, word art, and much more.  WOW!  You can also purchase additional scrapbooking kits plus they offer FREE ones too!
I was very impressed how simple it was to SHARE my new found hobby~ digital scrapbooking software!  I was able to print from home, save it to JPEG, send it to have printed on all kinds of products (xmas gifts people!), you can even send it to your iPod!  I saved as a JPEG and put in on Facebook and got so many LIKES. 
My Memories are giving ALL my readers a special deal : $10  discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software ($39.97 reg) and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) Please use my code: STMMMS73670 HERE to get this AWESOME SOFTWARE for $29.97. 
ALSO I'm GIVING AWAY a full version of the MY MEMORIES SUITE software please use the Rafflecopter form below. Thank you MyMemories!





My Memories Suite Blog
      
My Memories Suite Facebook
       

My Memories SuiteTwitter

I was provided with a free download of the My Memories Suite Software so that I could provide a honest review.


MY MEMORIES SUITE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK SOFTWARE WINNER: Kristin Wheeler!!!








Thursday, November 17, 2011

The X Factor- Top 10 Performances

Rock was the THEME this week and oh boy did some of them fail.  They did awesome performances but not ROCK PERFORMANCES and some of the songs they were stretching it.  Really the only one who ROCKED it last night was Josh Krajcik and he should have!  I'm not a Josh Fan but I voted for him last night because he deserved it. 

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/videos/josh-krajcik-top-10

My opinion on the other contestants:
  • Drew~ well she has a different kind of voice but its the same every week.  Kind of boring.
  • Melanie Amaro~ has a beautiful signing voice for sure- but not my favorite last night.
  • Stacy Francis~ Oh my what happen last night to her- she didn't take the criticism very well either. 
  • Lakoda Rayne~ They are good but last night wrong song choice!
  • Rachel Crow~LOVE LOVE everything about her!
  • Marcus Canty~ He is my favorite right now- he is an ENTERTAINER and I didn't care what song he sang, he did his thing!
  • LeRoy Bell~ I love him but I do agree with the judges- he needs to connect with the audience and do something different next week.
  • Chris Rene ~ WRONG SONG DUDE!  But hey he is so cute I hope he stays! 
  • Astro~  what can you say- he did his thing too!  But more ROCK would have been nice. 
Wonder who will go tonight:  My prediction in Drew, Lakoda Rayne or Stacy Francis but you never know! 





Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tip Tuesday~ Uses for Peppermint Oil

I've always loved smelly stuff and lately been using aromatherapy (thanks Mom). I like to use oils to help with different ailments and love the way peppermint makes me feel.

Anyways, I was checking out what different oils can do besides just smell good and I found a whole list of what Peppermint can be used for:
  • For morning pick up~ place drops on shower floor
  • Add a pep to your step by placing 2 drops on bottoms of socks
  • Place a diffuser at your desk and first thing in the morning put 2 drops in
  • Later in the afternoon inhale for a cooling boost
  • Put a couple drops in the car while you are driving- keeps you alert
  • To energize at YOGA: mix 6 drops per 1 oz water and spritz your yoga mat
  • Freshen the bathroom (or any room): mix 6 drops per 1 oz water and spritz in room
  • Inhale prior to workout routine to amp up the energy
  • Sore Muscles: add 12 drops per 1 oz of skin care oil and massage muscles- good as new!
  • Even helps with nausea on boat~ inhale and sail on.
  • Dilute and rub on temples when feeling the effects of a long day
  • Transporting Dog~ place 1-2 drops on floor of pet carrier- calming!
What do you use Peppermint Oil for or on?

BTW~ I got this info from www.auracacia.com

Also here are some Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html


Thursday, November 10, 2011

I Suck at Cooking!

So this is one of the wifey/mommy duties that I just can't get right.  I pretty much got everything else down but COOKING well is not my forte.  There is a couple dishes I can make that everyone loves but this day to day cooking thing is something I stress about every morning- what can I ruin tonight!

I go through cookbooks, websites, and even been getting recipes from Pinterest but do they come out like they should...nope!  I just don't have the cooking gene.  They kids even say "Daddy is a better cook, mommy"  "Thanks kids...I know!"  Now I just wish my hubby would cook but I can't ask him too because he works hard and shouldn't have to come home to cook. Plus I stay home M-F.  It's not his fault his wife sucks at cooking.  I even watch cooking shows to get inspired but it just doesn't work. 

Is my family doomed with crappy dinners for the rest of their at home lives (oh boy I feel sorry for hubby)?  I guess I can only hold on to the hope when he retires he will cook. Or maybe I will win a lot of money and hire one of these cool chefs and my family will eat like kings...I know wishful thinking plus I don't even play the lottery so winning money won't be happening either.  Sorry family! 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Lil Man Rolling His Eyes- Hate It!

My son is really into the ROLLING OF THE EYES lately and I just want to scream STOP IT- oh I think I have expressed my feelings on this matter to him.  This isn't really his fault since I am QUEEN of the Eye Rolling (ask anyone).  But now that it is done to me OMFG I hate it!  I am sorry to everyone I ever rolled my eyes at...oh wait never mind they all deserved it!  LOL!  Just Kidden Mom!

Yesterday I got a text from one of my son's teachers letting me know he rolled his eyes at her and they had a talk (I know the talk very well).  As mom I don't like that he has picked up this habit but as a person it's a lot better than flipping them off behind their back or talking back- they are all bad habits and shouldn't be done.  I had the "RESPECT your teachers, parents, anyone older than you" talk with him last night and DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES anymore.  As I was walking away found myself rolling my eyes...need to stop that, lol! I'm not being a very good example but at least he didn't see it. 

So what to do...not sure since this is my bad habit too.  Sometimes parenting sucks but it has to be done! 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Somedays I wish we were the Jetson's

Today trying to get my kids dressed and out the door was totally trying and with no coffee in my system I was having a hard time keeping it together.  I pick out the kids clothes at night, I let them see what I have for them and I get a nod or OK Mom.  When they get up in the morning its SUPPOSE to be stress free RIGHT???  Not with my kids!

This morning Lil Mama didn't like how the school pants fit her and then we couldn't find any other school pants (that she likes) to wear so she picks a dark pair of jeans (not school uniform).  She informs me that a lot of kids wear jeans.  Now I'm active parent that KNOWS you are NOT to wear jeans but I guess my kids know best because I turn around and Lil Man has on jeans too!  Ugh..its too damn early to fight and in my head I'm thinking well I hope you get in trouble at school so we don't have to go through this again. 

Then they are tired of cereal...yes I'm not the best morning person so making a big breakfast in the morning is not realistic in my world.  But they don't want toast or eggs they want a smoothie!  Really...fine guess that's not hard but still upset they are messing with me.  Okay so whipped up some strawberry, banana, OJ thingy and they drank it up!  They hugs made me feel better. 

I try to pack their backpacks but they are always emptying them and rearranging or whatever they do to their backpacks in the morning.  When we are walking out the door I ask...lunch, homework, paperwork all in bags...I get "YES mom" with of course the eye rolling and then off to the car.  I drop them off and head back home and walk inside and starting picking up and in my son's room I find his lunch and on the kitchen table I find paperwork that needed to go to school.  I had all that packed in their backpacks plus asked.  Ugh! 

I would love to be able to put them on a converter belt where they get dressed, backpacks packed, lunches made and OUT THE DOOR YOU GO- with no issues! 

Plus I would LOVE LOVE the Jetson's Maid!! Pretty Please!


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween 2011

Wow yesterday was fun packed full day!  The kids had to dress up as a book character and later in the day did a neighborhood parade. 

My Thing 1 and Harry Potter:



Then they turned into Zombie things for the nighttime Trick N Treat.



I'm just HAPPY it's over.  We stayed busy all weekend- going to parties, festivals, and events.  So after all that running around and doing this and that can you believe they gave me such a hard time when I asked for some candy.  Geez can I get a piece of candy for all the hard work I put in.  Guess I asked for too much. 

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bullied into going to the Pumpkin Patch

When I got home from working HARD on my feet for 8 hrs dealing with cafe customers on a Sunday the last thing I wanted to do is go anywhere.  But Lil Mama had other plans!

I came home and started to take off my shoes but Lil Mama says "Umm what are you doing?" I responded back " going to relax" she informed me "No you are not- we are going to the Pumpkin Patch- NO EXCUSES" and looked at me like I was the child and she was the mom.  I felt like I needed to give her the puppy dog look she always gives me and I got back from her "NOT GOING TO WORK"  wow did this little 7 yr old just used my words/actions against me?  She bullied us into going I swear!

Now this Pumpkin Patch is SAD:  where are all the pumpkins???












Also cost me $10 for 15 minutes of FUN for the kids to go on the slide.  Plus $10 for a small a** pumpkin.  They had pony rides ($7 per kid), face painting ($7 per kid), Jumper ($5 for 10 minutes) but who can afford all that??? 

But in the long run Lil Mama had a blast and that's what it is all about.  Next time though I'm finding a REAL pumpkin patch and it will be FUN for everyone. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Kid's Homework Is HARD!



Yes, it's been about 30 odd years since I've been in elementary school but dang the MATH homework is hard (for me).  I read the problem over and over and still can't get it.  Of course I have lil man looking at me like "WTF you don't know this MOM?"  I stare back and shrug my shoulders and than we both roll our eyes.  If I'm having this issue now just imagine what I'm going to go through in the years to come.  I need to go back to elementary school I guess.  My kids do math different too...I learned last year they don't CARRY anymore but TRANSFER. 

My son's class is doing their math homework online this year and the program is wonderful.  I had a get a couple problems wrong so I could have the site walk me through the process and my son got mad at me because I was ruining his quota...whatever dude!  I needed to know how to do it so I could help if needed.  Geez! 

My daughter is a whiz at math but younger than my son so when she tries to get in the middle of his homework I ask her to back up and do something else.  I can see my son getting upset that his little sister is telling him how to do his homework.  Someday he might want her help! 

What I do like about homework is we get to sit around the kitchen table and I cook all at the same time- wonderful family time!

What is like in your house with homework???  Or am I the only one who doesn't remember what I learned in 4th grade...LOL!


Monday, October 24, 2011

Our Earthquake Aftermath

Okay so last week the Bay Area had an earthquake around 4.2 and several aftershocks. I've lived in Cali for almost 15 yrs and every time a earthquake has hit I've been in a car or just didn't feel it. I felt this one and I'm still kind of shook up about it! It was the oddest feeling to have everything under you MOVE. My hubby and I were at home so we jumped up and ran outside along with the rest of our neighbors who were home at 2:30pm. The kids were at school and they were evacuated to their safe place.

  Later that night after 8pm another one hit and WOW those kids ran to our room so fast and the rest of the night was HARD. The kids wanted to sleep with us and that wasn't going to happen. We talked lil mama onto the couch (right outside our room) and lil man well he ended up all curled up in our chair in our room. I don't think we slept well that night because the next day we were all grumpy.

Now the next night I guess there were a couple small aftershocks that happened but we didn't feel them except for my son. He came in the room about 12:30 am waking us up talking about another earthquake. I snapped at him to go back to bed because there was no earthquake and he needed to go to BED! Wow, did I feel like a bad mom the next day when the news informed us YES there were a couple small shakes last night. Ugh! Gave him big hugs apologized for my behavior and told him I will believe him next time.

Lil Mama hasn't slept in her room since and I'm not sure when she will be going back. She has her pillows/blankets/stuffed animal friends all over the couch now! Keeping fingers crossed that we won't feel another earthquake for a LONG LONG TIME because that wasn't cool!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

No Cable....Blank Stare

That is what I got and more from my 9 yr old son last night when I explained that the cable is OUT. He looked at me like... WTF am I suppose to do now mom, I felt like I failed PARENT 101! Yep my 9 yr old is addicted to TV/Games. Do I take all the credit for that...nope but we won't get into that rant right now. Our cable is out because remember back when I wrote about switching to Comcast- oh my what a nightmare that was!!!! First, pretty much what they offered was a joke and we got charged anyways. When I brought up the agreement (on paper) what our DEAL was, they were like oh ...but pay the $265 (yes you see that correctly) now and next month we will give you the credit. No MF's...I want my $89 (plus taxes) deal NOW~! Let's just talk about their service...SUCKS! I hated it from day one but thought well for the price I can live with it but as the days/week went by...NO can't live with the old ass menu that is confusing plus just old! Oh yeah, how about only able to record 1 show on DVR while you watch 1 show. Nope..not happening for me on nights I have 2 shows I need to record and then watch something hubby wants to watch. Hubby has had to watch X-factor and Survivor the past couple weeks because I can't record them. I know..I know very selfish of me thinking about how horrible the DVR function is from our cable company when there is bigger issues in the world but hey in my world I'm the DVR QUEEN. So we called Comcast to tell them we no longer want their service and was told we had to pay $50 for them to disconnect the service but can't reinstall our original cable company's equipment. Ok...we will do that and save $50. HAHAHA! Now we have NO CABLE. As much as my hubby says he is techy...he really isn't but its hard to break that news to him. He was on the phone with the cable guy and getting no where! So the cable guy says we will send someone over tomorrow to reinstall our boxes and NO CHARGE. What...see that's why I love AT&T they appreciate their customers- even when we went behind their back and tried a new company. OUR BAD! Now back to last night. 8pm is the magical time we get to turn the TV on for the night. Usually we all go to our separate rooms and watch TV. Last night we were ALL looking at each other and wondering what we should do. Now no cable also means no Internet. We all went to bed early and everyone said they had the best sleep. I feel bad my kids associate so much to TV that we almost had a meltdown but we got it together and enjoyed each other. We are still without Cable (I have laptop connected to my sprint 4g card so I didn't have to go without Facebook and Pinterest) but no one knows that yet! We might have to reevaluate our night time but doubt it!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I Heart My iPad!

If you know anything about me you know I don't always think of myself first! Kids and Hubby always come first...I know i know, I've heard it over and over before. Anyways, back to ME...see I do think of myself, lol! This year with the TAX REFUND I bought a refurbished iPad from the Apple store online. Let me tell you, that was the BEST PURCHASE EVER! Granted when I bought it I used "OUR IPAD" a lot to make sure hubby was OK with me buying something like that. Even though, he just bought a PS3 it wasn't as expensive as the iPad but guess what gets used EVERYDAY...yep the iPad! Over the months "OUR" really turned into "MY" but still anytime he wanted it he can have it. I do all kinds of stuff on the iPad. My favorite APP's are ZITE and FLIPBOARD. I also have Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Kindle, Hootsuite, and many more that I enjoy daily. The kids have a couple games on there and hubby does too! My son and hubby plays a DJ Mixer Pro app all the time. I really like have Evernote on there because when I come across sites I want to bookmark to read later I bookmark them in Evernote. I have a couple apps I don't use that much but tend to down the road. I stalk FREE Apps all the time. When I first got it, the kids weren't allowed on it for months but these days I have to fight them to even get on at night. Lil Man does homework on there and Lil Mama she has a farm going on Farmville. At night when they are all done with homework they turn on the Pandora App and sing/dance to their favorite artist. They each have their own Pandora account and they get 15 minutes each to do their music thing. I'm very happy we (me) bought the iPad and maybe one day I might upgrade to iPad2 and they can have the old one LOL! What are your favorite Apps and what do you use it for?

Friday, October 14, 2011

My New Addiction- Pinterest

O..M..G! I spent some time on there today, making my pin lists and looking at this and that, LOVE THAT LOVE THIS! Someone invited me to this site awhile back but I was totally confused and left in a hurry. Well the other day I came across it again and I was WTH I've been missing a whole new world of WONDERFUL!

Here is a cute idea I found today.



You ask what is PINTEREST? http://pinterest.com/ Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard. Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests

How to sign up for Pinterest Pinterest is currently invite-only. You can request an invite from us or you can be invited by someone who is already a part of Pinterest. When you receive an invite, you can register via Facebook Connect or connect through Twitter.

If you want an invite~ email me at pamallen68@gmail.com and I'll send you one! If your on it already~ check out my pins http://pinterest.com/pamallen68/pins/



Follow Me on Pinterest

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Do you have Spotify? You need it!

I'm LOVING Spotify! Every morning this week I grab my coffee, get on Facebook, turn on Spotify and ENJOY! I'm having fun making playlists and enjoying a wide range of music. I can let my family/friends know what I'm listening to on Facebook- even saw that my mom LIKED Bruno Mars after I posted it. Got my hubby hooked too, maybe he will stop buying music and just enjoy SPOTIFY, lol!

Here is more info: https://www.spotify.com/us/about/what/

Create a playlist -Click on ‘New playlist’ in the left column, give your playlist a name and then drag and drop the tracks you want included.  You can right-click a track or album and select ‘Save to’ and then ‘New playlist’. A single playlist can store up to 10,000 tracks, if you have the time or inclination

Have fun! 

Now I can listen to whatever I want when I'm cleaning house!!!



. Follow me on Spotify

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

My Lil CowGirl



Look at my lil COWGIRL!  I wasn't able to go to her very 1st Parade but Daddy went and so that's all good.  Lucky for him he took some pics.  Her Brownie Troop/Girl Scouts were in the Black Cowboy Parade that Oakland has every year.  Lil Man didn't want to go at first but when he got there and saw all the cool cars, horses, fun stuff to do his frown turned into a smile (daddy said that).  My babies are growing up and enjoying LIFE~ got to love that!

This reminds me I need to get her a sash. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Couponing is Cool, Right?

WOW...I watched a program (Extreme Couponing) the other day about a lady who took her whole family into a grocery store and bought $2700 worth of stuff for $189.00.  If  I was in the store while she was doing that I would have been there with my mouth wide open, my eyes hecka big with a big goofy smile and just watching it happen.  They had enough sport drinks to last them for YEARS! 

Where would you store all this stuff?   People have separate bedrooms for all their stuff.  Couple people had store-like aisles set up.  It was amazing.  If I ever got that big into couponing you know my family and friends would be benefiting as well.  I would be bringing bags of crap over to them weekly- or just an invite saying "Wine, Snacks, and Shopping", I'm sure I would get a party started with that.  My family would kill me if I became a HOARDER though so I would have to share the wealth of goodies. 

Is this something I want to do?  I'm thinking HECK YA!  But on such a smaller scope.  I started this Sunday by clipping coupons and filing them away in a coupon binder (I had one handy).  I saw so many products that I use so I'm getting excited to use them soon. 

Do you clip coupons and what are your tips for beginners?

BTW~ while looking for images I came across a very cool site that gives some tips and coupons http://www.couponing101.com/

Spell Check doesn't like: couponing

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Comcast vs. AT&T

We have been a AT&T customers for a long time and they have been OK.  Over the years we have had a love hate relationship but it never got to the point (ok maybe a couple times) that I just wanted to QUIT their service.  However, last week we got notice that our bill is going up to $200- for Internet and Cable ONLY!  WTF!

Very odd thing happened the day we got THAT notice a Comcast door to door salesman came knocking letting us know he will give us a deal- $89 a month for Cable, Internet and Phone.  We haven't had a phone here for the whole 2years- we did have it set up but AT&T couldn't figure out why we couldn't get phone service and never came back to fix it.  We had cell phones so no big deal.  Well the kids are getting bigger and it would be nice to have a phone for them to use. 

We said YES we would give it shot- 30 days to try it.  Comcast came and did the install but I found out they are NOT wireless and we had to go buy a wireless router but that was okay because I think we should have done that awhile back for the video game players anyways.  Then when he set up the phone he said the phone line was cut...shame on you AT&Tfor not figuring that out!

Do I like Comcast better?  It has its pro's and con's!
Pros:
  • Picture is far better
  • a lot more channels
  • loving On Demand
  • have HD now
  • my hubby has more sports to watch
Cons:
  • I can only DVR 2 programs at a time
  • TV/Internet gets stuck sometimes
  • The channel guide and menu sucks
  • Very confusing sometimes (but that could just be me lol)
We have only had a couple days so not sure if I can say we LOVE or HATE it yet.  Who do you go thru and what is your opinion.


Thursday, September 22, 2011

X-Factor Show




My TOP 3...each performance made me cry plus give me goose bumps!    Can't wait for tonight to see who else will win my heart.

Simon wasn't mean....YET!  There were some bizarre acts though but overall enjoyed the show.  It's like American Idol (of course) but I like that it is open to wider age range and groups. 


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Netflix- WTH Did You Do??

Sticking my tongue out at Netflix for making me change my plan. When I saw my bank statement and how much I was being charged I was WTF!  I almost cancelled my membership all together but I'm going to give them another chance.  My kids love watching Netflix on the iPad and I love watching old TV shows so I don't want to give up so quickly..we've had a great relationship up to this point.

I changed my plan to 1 DVD at a time and unlimited streaming for almost $16 a month.  I figure this plan will work with us and it's almost $10 cheaper a month.  I thought it was quite strange they separated the DVD's and the Streaming but whatever, I guess they had a reason- just weird!

What did you do: change, cancel or just stayed the same? 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Our 5yr Wedding Anniversary

Wow made it 5 yrs..hot damn.  I've been with my hubby for 12 years-been  married 5 of them.  I must have grown up because this is my longest relationship EVER! 

I'm not saying we have the perfect marriage (far from it) but hey we make it work.  I've learned to choose my battles. I'm not a fighter but a lover so I tend not to fight too much.  Don't you think fighting takes up way too much time plus energy.  Yes, I mumble under my breath when I walk into the kitchen and he has left every cupboard open but I close them since its ME who it bothers not HIM.  Or when I look at his side of the bedroom and I just want to scream "CLEAN YOUR AREA MF"  Why don't I just clean his area up..you ask?  Because he is grown and can clean up after himself!  I cook his food, clean the other parts of the house and fold his laundry so throwing away his nightly beer bottles and putting away his clothes is NOT asking much in my world.  We all have our own way and this way works for us for now..lol! 

He deals with my monthly painful monthly attacks, my bitchiness, and all the other crap I put him through. Plus he makes me laugh daily.  I'm good and the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Sometimes we think it is but its not. 

So on with the next 5 years...lets see what we can accomplish and how much we grow.  Because I have GROWN a lot with my hubby and with that said I'm looking forward to the years ahead, I think LOL! 

Laughter- Love - Life !!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

I have FAT Calves!

Now don't laugh at the title because it's the TRUTH!  I don't mind having a fat butt and boobs but why was I blessed with fat calves too!  I can't wear all these cute boots I keep seeing.  Couple months ago I went boot shopping and nothing fit!  I went home and bought a pair online.  Guess what ...they didn't fit either.  I know I should have known but in my head I kept telling myself ... it will fit no worries.  Not sure who I was trying to fool, hehe!

I know I can exercise and get better looking calves and maybe someday that will happen.  But for now I have fat calves and it sucks.  So I was searching for places to buy plus size boots for my little feet and and came across a cool site~http://www.torrid.com  they even have a SALE going on with some cool promo codes. 





I haven't shopped there YET but I'm going to soon.  Mama needs some new shoes (or boots heck why not a whole outfit)!  I'm just SHARING info and hopefully someone can use these codes.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Back to Work!

Well I did it....I went back to the Cafe.  I know I bitched and moaned when I quit but I'm happy to be back.  I really missed my customers, making people smile is very important to me.  I like to make peoples day when they come in to enjoy food/coffee.  When you go out and spend money don't you want it to be a good experience- I know I do so I like to give that to others. 


Will things be different, no idea but for me I'm just not going to let the craziness effect me.  I can't change people and if customer service is not their main reason for working at the cafe- not my problem...I can only do ME! 
It feels SOOOOO GOOD having some money in my pocket too.  I was getting very depressed.  Having to ask someone else for money was not fun (even though it was my hubby).  He was okay about it but I could tell it was stressing him out. 
We got a bit behind on bills and we will be playing catch for a couple months but we did SURVIVE.  I feel very blessed to be able to go back to work.  So Waitress Pam is BACK!  Now I just have to convince my body it will be OK, I was so sore after working but I just have to get used to it again. 




Please Share

 
Blog Design by Cutesy Couture Designs