Oh we have been enjoying smoothies, icees, margaritas, and iced coffees almost everyday. We bought this wonderful invention at Costco couple weeks ago and I've been loving it ever since.
I also use it everyday to grind my coffee. I swear the coffee tastes better too.
I can't wait to try more recipes like salsa, pesto, egg salad, soups, oh the list can go on and on!
Magic Bullet Deluxe Rocks!
My kids go through toys like they grow on trees. This toy has got hours and hours (we have had this one for almost 3 yrs ) of playtime. Phew finally a toy that has earned its value and more.
I did something yesterday that I might regret maybe next week when I need to buy groceries.....but I QUIT my job! I've been a waitress at this cafe for 12 years on and off (had 2 kids) but for the last 8 years straight! It's been an experience I will never forget because I have gained some awesome friends and that alone is worth it!
I'm not going to bad mouth them because they treated me good in ways but in some ways it just wasn't right. With that being said, I'm 42 yrs old and its about time I get out of this business. I worked Sat/Sun and I wasn't able to move much when I would get back from work. So weekends sucked for the kids because we never did much.
Now what.....good question! I plan to throw myself into my social media project that I've been doing very little with and now I have a new refined spark so lets see what I can do! Also my hubby and I plan to jump on the flea market/art show circuit and this is something we have wanted to do for a long time. My hubby is a very talented airbrush artist... http://mrairbrushhands.com/ please check him out! I'll be doing a post about him soon.
I'll be blogging more now! I never could totally commit my time but now I can. One of my friends said...NOW YOU CAN BLOG FULL-TIME. Yes I can!
I've been somewhat "GONE" this week because I have a new toy....yes I got my iPad last Friday. At first I was scared of it...don't laugh its true, I was so gentle with it and put it in its box after maybe 15 minutes being on it. I was scared of a getting "ATTACHED" so I only did 15 minutes here and there but after a couple days that went out the window, lol!
I LOVE books and read a lot so guess what app is my favorite...yep iBook! Oh my I've read 4 books so far but I need to slow that down because I just get stuck. I know iTunes are going to be in my pocketbook! I did download some free books but.... just not what I want to read.
The kids are enjoying Angry Birds...that's all I will let them use it for now.
Hubby...well he was so nice to let me play with it for a couple days before he got on it. I'm not sure what he is doing on it but I do see the DJ application. He keeps asking about downloading Music...go ahead but not your whole iPod collection.
Loving my new gadget and it looks like its going to be fun for blogging but they don't have BLOGGER app...but maneuvering from one page to the next is smooth. I've been able to comment on other blogs w/o any problems.
Now I know not everyone is going to like this show but someone who has been in the "BIZ" for a long time (maybe too long) I really enjoy this show. Not necessary for the contestants they have on there but for the challenges they are competing in each week.
My FAV so far is Sandra. I like her concept it is unhealthy vs healthy dishes. But she NEEDS a new chef- the investors don't like the taste of the food but love the concept. Better do something Sandy or I foresee you leaving soon and I don't want that!
This week it was about designing their uniform and it was quite funny what some of the contestants did but some of them did very well.
Joey and his SAUCY BALLS (wishing he would change the name) was just silly. He wanted to have a gun but decided to use a big bread stick.
I was surprised who was eliminated because I like his concept (MeltWorks- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches) but he wasn't willing to listen to the judges which were giving him some great advice. When your stuck on YOUR concept and someone else wants to change it has to be hard to accept change but still give it a try!
It's a fun Sunday night reality show to watch. If I wanted to open my own restaurant it would be FAMILY based...like a play area/video games/jukebox and then parents can eat while kids play...oh wait McDonald's and pizzerias's do this already, never mind!
Do you have a restaurant concept that you would pitch to investors?
FINE....its official I'm old! Damn, you know how long its been that I've been saying "but I don't have any grey hairs hahahaha" to my hubby who is younger than me and has a lot of grey (sorry). No fun now :(
My bubble is busted and now I might have to color my beautiful red natural hair someday...just wrong! I bet if I look longer I will find more. In my head when I first saw IT (the grey hair) I told myself nah that just a blond highlight...really Pam! I guess whatever it takes...DENIAL DENIAL!
This was just a lil bump in the road so no worries I'm not going to let this lil grey hair get to me! Right...keep thinking that Pam...you still look good for your age.
This doesn't happen that much in my house but I let it happen this time. My hubby, he is a BIG GAMER and when I say big I mean we have a PlayStation 2, 2 Xbox's and now a PlayStation 3. Both kids have DS's too. I shake my head at all this because its not my doing and its a fight I choose not to argue about anymore. Okay I might say something smarta** here and there but I tend to let this be Dad's domain.
Granted my hubby does work very hard for his money (so do I LOL) and when he game home with the newest addition to this family (PS3) I was like really we really need that really! Love all those really's! But too see how happy he was to get this toy I was like okay whatever (rolling eyes). He knew I was a bit annoyed so he made his move..."Baby why don't we buy a IPAD?" My eyes and ears lit up real quick and I said "REALLY?" from that day I was on a mission. Does it make me feel better about his new toy...SURE DOES! Guilt Gift!
We are not rolling in money by any means but we did get our income tax back and we always buy one cool item for the house and this year it is the IPAD.
We tried everywhere by the way...Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco and NO LUCK! Sold out everywhere and don't know when they will be back in stock. I was a bit disappointed...why lie I was a lot disappointed! I was moping around like someone took my favorite teddy bear away, it was quite pathetic!
So after spending an afternoon looking and almost buying the Sprint Tablet (just because I wanted something) I decided to get onto Apple's website and see just how long it would be to get it from them. I was quite impressed (even though it was a bit hard to find Ipad 1 info) and found an refurbished Ipad (64) for a nice price and it ships within 24hrs. Woohoo hot damn so I bought it! Now sometime this weekend I will be a new Ipad owner...oh wait this was for everyone right? HAHAHA lets see who has it the most!
I sure did and I know in the mommy world that doesn't happen very often but it is NEEDED.
Last week was a rough one for me physically- I guess getting older means that monthly visit we get takes over my body and doesn't let go until its done. I was in PAIN for 5 days straight before IT actually came and then it was a fricken roller coaster for everyone in the house. I would say/do things and in my head yelling STOP because what was coming out of my mouth wasn't really me. My family bless their heart for dealing with me and thank goodness each month isn't like this (just every 3 months).
Then the kids had a four day weekend. They are 9 and 6 so they want to do everything. It's like if we don't have plans for the day they go on protest and just make my life crazy! They were actually pretty good. We went shopping, birthday party, friends over (2 days), movies, so they we busy but by Monday afternoon I could tell they were done spending time with each other and they needed to go back to school. I needed them to go back too...just being honest!
So yesterday when they went to school I looked at the house and said "I'll do it later" got my book and curled up in the comfy couch and READ for 4hrs. Finished the book! I did ignore all phones calls/emails and it felt good. What's 4 hrs right....geez do you know how much blog reading, blog commenting, facebook/twitter time, talking on phone, and the list goes on that I could have done in that time...LOL! But I know I need these breaks to keep me insane (opps I mean SANE LOL!). Reading is a joy of mine and so that will always be my first choice of ME time.
What do you do on your ME TIME or do you even take ME TIME?
Introducing....PinkGirl :) She is becoming her very own fashionista! Her new thing is layering shirts, has to have long sleeves under other shirts. I might be in trouble because she changes her clothes 2-4 times a day. She will 7 next month but she is more like going on 17. She has the rolling of the eyes down, pretty bossy, and everything has to be her way. After typing that I had a WOW moment...she got those traits from me! Oh noooooooooooo!
Today is the virtual event ....real soon! What cool items! There is a daily meal planner that goes on fridge, cool shopping list holder, reusable grocery bag and the free coupon for a cup of Yoplait Greek. If it wasn't storming out I would be heading to the store before the event starts in 30 minutes but its all good. Ill let you know how it tastes in a couple days.
Just arrived in the mail today. So excited to do this campaign! I will.post pictures later. Woohoo BzzAgent for another fun product to review and let others know.
I might have mentioned once or twice my hubby is an airbrush artist so I asked him if he would be able to do t-shirts for the kids who read the most in each classroom , as their reward.
I gave them out today and you should have seen the their smiles! They gave me hugs and the excitement was wonderful. I wish we could have done one for each kid.
Please check out this wonderful summer program for kids in New York.
You can change a kids life so please visit their site to see how you can HOST A CHILD
"We made s'mores and hot dogs over the fire. I've never cooked outside before!"
Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.
The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open, outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.
Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program. What do Fresh Air children enjoy?
Playing in the backyard
Laughing in the sunshine
Catching fireflies
Riding bicycles
Learning to swim
Running barefoot through the grass
Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
Building sandcastles
Making new friends
Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city
About The Fresh Air Fund:
THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2010, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
The strangest thing happen this morning that had me speechless for a second. My son got up and said "Mom I want to take a shower" the key word is WANT!
But the the strangest part was this would make it 2 days in a row. That hasn't happen since he was maybe 4 and LOVED bathes. When he turned 5 he was too old for bathes, he told me. So from that day on showers it has been but for the past 2 years (he is 9 now) its like pulling fricken teeth to get this boy to even shower!! We would have outright meltdowns in the morning/night and after so many of them I just gave up...he had to take at least 3 showers a week- no ands/if/buts dude! That was our compromise to stop the meltdowns. He got to pick the days- I know kind of a soft mom there but I wanted him to want to do this on his own instead of me threatening bodily harm (just kidding but you know I thought it). I would let him know he was stinking and left reminders but this was his thing.
So WOOHOO my boy took a shower 2 days in a row and I'm very thankful! Now family and friends don't share to him that I posted this because I know he would be sooooo embarrassed but hey isn't that what moms are for :)
Do any other moms have such a hard time getting their son's to take baths/showers?
Man I am burnt!! DONE...well done if you ask! I've been working real hard for a couple years now and I think (KNOW) its time to hang up my SUPER PARENT cape. The parent participation at the school is not the greatest but we get things accomplished. We just had a read-a-thon and raised $2400. For our school that is BIG. The sad part is all the money we raise is going towards a Music Program that was taken away last year.
The problem now is NO OTHER PARENT is wanting to be the Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer for next year. Our terms are 1 yr. Last year I was Secretary and this year I was Co-Chair. I've been involved with every event this year and I'm wiped out and we still have several more events to plan. We have a Spring Bazaar, Book Fair, Raffle/BBQ, Teacher Appreciation Week and the list goes on.
This is just my whine for the day. Now need to get ready for our Parent Teacher Corp Meeting.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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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!
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 someincredible 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:
Planning- list of topics, keywords, have a notebook just for blogging
Prepare- write blog post in advance (you know that day you have nothing going on but writing posts :) )
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.
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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/
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 :)
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!
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
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.....ParisTassin. I was rooting for her but she didn't do very hot last night and that was a BUMMER!
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?
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
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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. ****************************************************
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
WOW sounds like winner here. 
