New Years Eve!

I really liked this post by my good friend Addie at Kings Studios - I think this hits the nail on the head when it comes to the new year and a fresh start.

Bring in health, wealth, success and happiness with these 9 tips:

1. Now is the perfect time to define your objectives and goals for the New Year. A great way to do that is by using a vision board. On it, you can list the things you want to attract to your life with images, photos and words, plus reset your goals and involve the universe.

2. De- clutter and reorganize your home and office. You will feel better and that will help your focus. By emptying your closets and cabinets you will enable fresh new energy and opportunities to flow to you.Donate and give away to thrift shops, charities and neighborhood organizations. Or sell your old things on Ebay or Craigslist and donate the money.

3. Get your health checked. It is a great time to go visit your family doctor to start the year healthy and full of energy. Toss out old medicines and renew prescriptions.

4. Shop with abandon. Ensure your refrigerator, pantry, canisters, shakers are all full for this New Year. This represents abundance for the year ahead.

5. Review your contact list and ensure it is updated for professional and personal matters, with current phone numbers and addresses. Reach out to people you love to wish them a good New Year.

6. Respect the money in your wallet… and your wallet. Make sure it is not worn out or tattered. By keeping it full, It symbolizes having enough money all year long.

7. Get a new green plant or blooming flowers. They represent rebirth and growth for the New Year. They also symbolize health for you and your family.

8. Make time to dream big. Prepare where you want to go this year, your travels, your vacations, your career changes, even new classes you want to take.

Live Well, Be Well, Work Well.

Happy New Year, Blog-world!

INFO COURTESY OF Manoblue Design Blog

Wordless Wednesday

Photo courtesy of minnesotastuff.com - Minnehaha Creek in the Winter.

I'm Tracking Santa, Are you?

As of right now, Santa is in...... Lhasa, China - Next stop: Wulumuqi, China

Really, I can not wait until I am able to share this with Lucy Lu! To view Santa's progress all day today/tonight - go here.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merrrrry Christmas everyone!!

Enjoy your family and friends or whoever you plan to spend the holidays with. Take time to remember why we celebrate this day we call Christmas.

T'was The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.The children were nestled all snug in their beds,While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofThe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head, and was turning around,Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

From My Family to Yours

I Am So Giddy!

To open presents - or have miss Lucy open her presents

eeeeeeeeek! Only 4 more days!

This Weekend

I had an eye-opening weekend, this weekend. I realized that I do have a child who is a toddler, a boyfriend with whom I have been with for 7 years that I am very dearly fond of, my health that I need to keep a better tab on, amazing yet crazy "in-laws" that I can't control nor can I change - and that I am OK with that.

1) This weekend my daughter, Lucy, made me realize that she is growing up at an alarming rate. Before this weekend, I was pretty sure I had the "perfect daughter"...but I now realize, she isn't perfect and she is growing up very fast into a toddler. You know, the toddlers you here about that cry and scream for no reason at all? Ya, that was my Lucy this weekend. I felt so helpless! It was probably the worst feeling I've ever been consumed with. In this new year I will vow to let her throw her tantrums when it (if it happens) happens and take a breath. Stand up. And think and pray to myself that this too shall be over as fast as it happened.

2) Wade and I have been together for 7 years....8 years in May of next year. We've had our fair share of ups and downs, just like any relationship - but NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING can compare to what a child does to your relationship. The whole experience puts a big "swoosh" to your relationship. That swoosh I'm talking about is kind of like a wind gust that wipes everything you two once had to "nothing matters anymore except your child". That's not right and that's not fair. I've learned in the past week or so that I need to spent as much time on Wade as I do with Lucy and give him the same affection as I do Lucy (only in an adult way, of course...wink wink). I think that when (see above) a child has an episode as we did above on Saturday - it puts an extreme strain on your relationship and you end up being even more miserable than you were when your daughter or son is throwing a fit on the ground - crying and won't stop. In this next year, I vow to make a day/night every month that just consists of us - being together - just the two of us, the way it used to be...if only for a couple hours, I'm OK with that. Its important.

3) Oh boy have I slacked on my body image!!! I can recall the days where I was a size 2-4 and so in shape!! (Actually I can't recall them, I think I just blocked that part of my life out of my head b/c frankly it's just too depressing to think about)
The window is about to go down on what I call the - post baby slackness. Its been over a year since I had Lucy and it's officially time to get my body back to at least a respectable image where I don't feel so insecure to show my body to my best friend and lover, Wade. (HA!)
With recent light of (sigh) Britney Murphy's death at Age 32. I've decided I do not want to end up dead at 32. I have a daughter to think about!! I want to be the best mommy I can be until I grow old!! This is ridiculous that I've let my body go THIS far. It's absolutely disgusting!!
So in the new year, I vow to get back to at least a size 6. I can do that!! Piece of cake (minus the cake, of course)!

4) I have an amazing bunch of in laws. They are chaotic, messy, absurdly vulgar - yet - so unbelievably loving, caring - would do anything for anyone, selflessness and would put anything above and beyond their needs for you. I can not explain you to them unless you meet them. They are one of a kind and I love each and everyone of them for excepting me into their family every day. I vow to become more patient with each and everyone of them this year. To keep an open mind about their problems, their flaws, their uniqueness. I'm truly blessed to have all of them as my "Arizona family".

It was a tough weekend but I'm glad it happened. I needed it to happen. I'm a better person today because of this weekend. It was hell, but it was all worth it.

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year to you and your crazy families! Always remember just how truly blessed we all are!!

Wordless Wednesday, Snowmen.

Happy Wednesday!

YUM!!!

Its 7:43 a.m. and these still look DELICIOUS! I must make these this year. I'm sick of making all the basic - every year - cookies...this will spice it up alittle! I have to have one of these NOW.

Recipe:

Festive Candy Cane Kiss Centered Brownie Bites

1 brownie mix 9×13 inch size

18 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

1/2 Cup chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons heavy cream

3 original candy canes, crushed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and scoop into a mini cheesecake pan or mini muffin tin pan that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray, about 3/4 way full. Press kisses into center of brownie batter, do not push all the way to bottom, some of the tip should stick out the top. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until brownies are cooked through. Let cool completely.
2. Melt chocolate chips in microwave, 30 second intervals until smooth and melted. Stir in cream until silky smooth. You can place back in microwave for 10 seconds to smooth more if needed. Dip tops of brownies into melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Serve with a tall glass of milk.

Enjoy!!

Original Post can be found here

Brrr It's COLD in Phoenix Today!

Bundle up!

Sugared Pecans!

I have a man at home that LOVES Pecans, so when I saw this post with a family recipe for Sugary Pecans, I had to post this - in case you have one of those men at home who would do anything for Pecans.

I'm not a big pie fan, so this would be a great alternative to Pecan Pie - YUM!

The original post is here.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
2 egg whites
1 lb. of pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Melt butter and spread in a jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet). Mix all other ingredients together and spread in the pan making sure that the pecans are spread out flat. Bake at 25o degrees for one hour or until dry. Stir the pecans every 10 minutes during cooking so that the sugar mixture coats the pecans well. Be sure not to overcook them or they will taste burned. As soon as they look dry, remove from oven. Cool and store in an air tight container.

YUM!

Wordless Wednesday (Kinda)

Happy 1st Birthday (yesterday) to my little Lucy Pat.

Also, my horoscope for today:

Though it looks as if the next few months should be shaping up to be a great time for you business-wise, dear Pisces, today it might appear hopeless. Mundane, routine, unrewarding tasks may take up a lot of your time on the job today. Nevertheless, don't see this as being engraved in stone in the future. Don't let the frustration interfere with your outlook for the future. You are due for advancement in some way!

Phew...b/c I was getting a little bored with work.

Happy Happy 1ST Birthday Lucy

Dear Lucy Patricia,

Tomorrow you will turn one. I can't believe it's been a year since we started our journey to the hospital from Laveen to Chandler. I remember my life flashing in front of me while your dad was going slowly over bumps in the road because Mommy was going to deck him if he went over 10 mph over the bumps while I was having contractions.

In that long 20 min ride to the hospital, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what you were going to look like, I didn't know how much this was going to hurt, I didn't know how to be a mom, I didn't know how we were going to make this work.

At 2:55 a.m. (four hours after we arrived at the hospital) you made your appearance. You were so good to me throughout that four hours, which felt like 2 mins. I have never been so in love than I was at that moment. You were unbelievably beautiful. Perfect shaped head (not even a slightest cone head) perfect nose, perfect fingers, perfect toes. I couldn't have asked for a better baby. You were mine.

This year has been probably easier than I could have ever imagined. Of course we've had our ups and downs as parents...sleepless nights, poopy diapers ....but absolutely no hissy fits.

The way you look when you are sleeping will forever amaze me. You are so peaceful.

You have so many people in your life that love you so unconditionally and would do anything for you. I being one of them. I can't wait to see you grow up into a beautiful lady. I can't wait to see you go to school. I can't wait to see what you love to do. I can't wait til you go on your first date. I can't wait for your first heart-break. I can't wait to see you go off to college. I can't wait for your future husband to ask your father and I for permission to marry you. I can't wait for you to walk down that aisle. I can't wait for you to have a child of your own.

Lucy Patricia, you are amazing. you are one of a kind. you are beautiful. you are mine.

Happy Birthday Gergle Snerts!!!

I love you,

Mommy.

I Am So Unbelievably Blessed!

Although very exhausted and drained - I received a wonderful weekend thanks to a couple special people.

Wade and his uncle (best friend) Tim decided it was a good weekend to take a trip outside the valley and take a look at some land that his grandfather has in Dolan Springs, AZ. This left me with my cute, precious, amazing daughter, Lucy and I to get into some "trouble". HA! How much trouble can you possibly get into with an almost 1 year old? With Lucy's birthday coming up in a week (birthday party in less than a week), we had lots of errands to run to get ready for next weekend - party favors, plates, napkins, utensils, etc etc etc.....I have to say, Lucy was quite the shopping partner (as she grabbed mommies boobs and hugged me in the shopping cart!) I can't ask for much more in a daughter. My life-long shopping partner!

The second person I have to thank for my wonderful weekend is an old (p.s. NOT old in age, I repeat, NOT old in age - we are totally young still) long-lost friend, Jenny.

Its truly amazing how time doesn't matter when it comes to an old friend - regardless of the way you guys stopped talking (or as I like to look at it "a break") - it's like you picked up right where you left off. We've grown up in so many ways. We are both truly amazing people and I am proud of us. It was so good to see her, it was almost like a slice of home and I thank her for that.

So to Lucy and Jenny - Thank you for my awesome weekend! I'm truly a lucky girl!

Holidays!

Now that Halloween has come and gone (pictures of the little Lucy girl to come in another post), I'm in a sickening mood for ANYTHING Christmas. I am already listening to Christmas music. Yes, yes I am.

I can not wait to decorate the house for the holidays and smell the scent of Christmas (i.e. Baking, candles, turkey cooking, you name it, I want to smell it!)
I came across this YUMMY recipe on msn's "Healthy Holiday Recipes" that sounds sooo delicious. The photo speaks for itself. YUM!!







Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle(s) (750ml) Shiraz or red Zinfandel wine
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 star anise
• 8 Medium bosc pears with stems

Directions:

1. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat wine, water, sugar, and star anise just to boiling on high, stirring to dissolve sugar.
2. Meanwhile, peel pears, leaving stems on. With melon baller or small knife, core pears through blossom (bottom) end.
3. Place pears in wine mixture; heat to boiling. Cover and simmer on low 10 to 15 minutes, until pears are tender but still hold their shape, turning occasionally.
4. Remove pears to platter; discard star anise. Heat wine mixture to boiling on high. Cook 20 minutes, uncovered, to thicken liquid and reduce to 1 1/2 cups
5. Cover pears and syrup separately; refrigerate 6 hours or up to 3 days. To serve, spoon syrup over pears.

YUM!!!

TAX CREDIT EXTENSION INFO!

Info Courtesy of MVP Realty Team! Arizona residents, take advantage of this extension!

This Picture Speaks Volumes To Me

One of the first things I do when I get into work in the morning is go directly to foxnews.com - The headline picture this morning made me cry. I am not an Obama supporter, but he is our President, so I do have compassion. For some reason, this picture spoke to me. I can't imagine what was going through the service men's minds that are carrying these caskets and also, what President Obama was thinking at that moment.

It kills me and I am honored these soldiers died for me, my family and everyone else. I'm so proud - and you should be too.

My prayers go out to those 18 soldiers families.

Photo courtesy of FOX News

Photo Description:

Oct. 29: President Obama salutes as an Army team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Dale R. Griffin of Terre Haute, Ind. at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP)

Wordless Wednesday

Lawyer Joke

Lawyer Joke
10 Husbands, Still a Virgin
A lawyer married a woman who had previously divorced ten husbands.

On their wedding night, she told her new husband, "Please be gentle, I'm still a virgin."

"What?" said the puzzled groom.

"How can that be if you've been married ten times?"

"Well, Husband #1 was a sales representative: he kept telling me how great it was going to be.

Husband #2 was in software services: he was never really sure how it was supposed to function, but he said he'd look into it and get back to me.

Husband #3 was from field services: he said everything checked out diagnostically but he just couldn't get the system up.

Husband #4 was in telemarketing: even though he knew he had the order, he didn't know when he would be able to deliver.

Husband #5 was an engineer: he understood the basic process but wanted three years to research, implement, and design a new state-of-the-art method.

Husband #6 was from finance and administration: he thought he knew how, but he wasn't sure whether it was his job or not.

Husband #7 was in marketing: although he had a nice product, he was never sure how to position it.

Husband #8 was a psychologist: all he ever did was talk about it.

Husband #9 was a gynecologist: all he did was look at it.

Husband #10 was a stamp collector: all he ever did was... God! I miss him! But now that I've married you, I'm really excited!"

"Good," said the new husband, "but, why?"

"You're a lawyer. This time I know I'm gonna get screwed!"

Friday Fives

This weeks Friday Fives is dedicated to my dear, Wade and to all the MEN out there that have a need for diesel cars.

Top 5 (or 10 for that matter) Diesels for 2010:

1) Audi A3 TDI 25,361 to $27,270 before options - Beauty!



2)Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI $23,870 - I need THIS! Now.



3) Volkswagen Golf TDI - Again, Beauty.



4) BMW 335d - Classic.



5) Audi Q7 - $50,900 - Wouldn't mind this for a family car, thank you very much!


Info courtesy of Askmen.com

Are You A Canadian Looking To Buy US Real Estate?

Are you a Canadian resident looking to buy Real Estate in the U.S.? NOW IS THE TIME!
Phoenix, Arizona has always been one of the strongest markets in North America and has attracted 'snowbirds' and investors alike. There has never been a better time for Canadians to buy Arizona real estate.

Why Arizona? Many Canadian residents are drawn to Arizona because they are impressed with the minimal property taxes. While some other states such as California and Florida penalize investors and/or second home buyers by adding additional property taxes. Arizona does not. Arizona Property taxes run about 1.2% of the assessed value of a home (i.e. a $150,000 assessed home is around $150 per month)


Financing for Canadian citizens is extremely easy!!! Documentation needed for a U.S. mortgage approval is as follows:

Copy of Passport
Verification of funds needed to close
No Credit Report needed
No income verification requirement
(*subject to additional information*)

Hurry and take advantage of this great market!!!

To view current Arizona foreclosure listings not yet on the market click here!

Info courtesy of MVP Realty Team, Mark McIntyre

Backup Software

backup software


Info courtesy of payperpost.com & doubletake.com

Wordless Wednesday

It's chilly outside!

Photo found here

Friday Fives

Five things on my wish list for Christmas (I know, boring, but I still can't think of anything to write about!)

1) Michael Kors - Kors perfume. It's my favorite smell.




2) A Wii. One, for the Wii Fit - and Two, for the bowling. We are addicted.


3) Dooney Red & Black Large Anniversary Sac Bag. I can not find this ANYWHERE. It's big, which is perfect for me (being a mother and all) and the red is my favorite part of this bag.



4) A facial at Lifetime Life Spa. Only because they use Aveda product and my skin goes on the fritz if I use anymore than that.


5) This one is really really unrealistic, but I have to put it on my wish list. A savings with at LEAST $10,000 in it.


And of course a happy, healthy family. That really is the only thing that I really truly want.

What is on your wish list for Christmas??

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday My Sophie Girl!

Happy 4th Birthday to my beautiful niece, Sophia

Looking to Buy A Car In The UK?

www.BuyYourCar.co.uk is a unique car portal to any other in the UK. It focuses on all aspects of car research and ultimately purchasing your next vehicle. BuyYourCar.co.uk supplies independant car reviews and links to competitive loans and insurance rates.

The uniquenss in BuyYourCar.co.uk is that it allows consumers to search and inquire on New Cars, Used Cars, Car Leasing, Contract Hire and Van Leasing and even compares offers across all these routes.

BuyYourCar.co.uk ensures they have something to offer to anyone who is looking to buy a car, new or used, lease or cash. Definitely worth taking a closer look!

Info courtesy of www.BuyYourCar.co.uk & www.payperpost.com

A Part of Me Wishes.....

I was in Minnesota for the first snow fall of the season. My aunt Kelly took this picture this morning (I'm guessing it's by her house in St. Louis Park) and it is absolutely beautiful!

My dear Wade just emailed me and asked "I can't tell if you're getting the itch to move back there or not". I am however, come January - I will regret it to the max.

So for now, I will enjoy my 85 degree weather that we're expected to have today and live vicariously through my family.

Happy Monday you Minnesotans!

Have a teacher in your life that you want to use your creative thumb to make something for them for the holidays?

I found a GREAT idea on Today's Creative Blog for an excellent present for any teacher.

I'm going to attempt to make a replica for my mom for her birthday (hopefully she is not reading this).

Cute Cute Cute!!

Check out the above blog for more cute ideas. This site has TONS!

A Different Kind of 'Friday Fives'

I have been a bit busy this week and really haven't had time to think about a topic for today's Friday Fives..so I thought I'd take a different approach... 5 questions..for me. (Not that you care to know, but you may - who knows!) If you have any suggestions for next week's Friday Fives - let me know, I could use the help! My brain is whacky these days!!

1. What is your morning routine?

5:45 a.m. - first sound of my alarm on my cell phone. snooze.

6:00 a.m. - second sound of my alarm - snooze, sit and think what the benefits would be to get up right now and while I'm "thinking" I doze off again (usually)

6:15 a.m. - third sound. UP! Usually because I have a little stinker making cute noises in the baby monitor on my night stand. Best alarm ever.

Hop in shower, let Lucy pay for a bit in her crib if she's not whining or crying. Wash, lotion, brush teeth and hair - Go grab Lucy.

She loves to hang out with me while I get ready. Dry hair, say "no" to Lucy a couple times for banging on the toilet. Clean up Bathroom (or Wade will kill me), grab Lucy and bring her into the bedroom - Attempt to wake up Wader....for the first time. Get dressed - attempt to wake up Wade again. Put Lucy on the bed to WAKE UP WADE :) and I'm out the door.

2. What is your nightly routine?

Lucy and I walk for about 45 minutes to an hour at about 5:45 p.m. - ish. Once we get back, it's bath time for Lu at about 6:45ish. - and 7 p.m. is bed time. After that - We usually have a quiet dinner together, watch some of our fav shows, then it's bed time for me ...about 9ish. If I don't have 8 hours of sleep - I'm no good to the world (or at least the world of insurance and the people I interact with). I usually lay in bed for a good hour before I turn of the TV and actually go to sleep. This is my favorite time of the day. I love to unwind.

3. Do you like to listen to the radio when you sleep or have it quiet?

Quiet. I need silence. My parents always listened to talk radio when they were sleeping - not me, I need complete silence.

4. What do you like to sleep in?

I used to!! Sunday is my day to sleep in now. Wade gets Saturdays, I get Sundays. Amen for Sundays.

5. What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

Lucy!

Have an excellent weekend everyone! See you Monday!

CODE BLUE — CALL TO ACTION

CONTACT 13 SENATORS TODAY and FOR THE NEXT WEEK

The vote is coming within the next few days. NOW is the time to let these 13 Senators know how you stand:


NO government takeover of healthcare
NO public option, no matter how it is disguised
NO mandates (have to purchase insurance)
NO vote for cloture

Click here for more info - be informed!

Information courtesy of http://historyofourfuture.wordpress.com/

Fall Shoes Anyone??

09 Fall Shoe Update by sarahsfabday on Polyvore.com

All under $100. GREAT!

What's New?

What's new with everyone? I haven't had much of a topic to write about lately - and you're probably wondering why The Wiggles
have appeared on my blog. It's on almost 24-7 in our household, that's why. It was the first thing that came to mind when trying to figure out what to blog about. Yep. The Wiggles.

My wee little one, is absolutely infatuated with these guys! She will sit in what we call her recliner (her Dora comfy chair) along with her blankie and a good book and zone out.

So what is it about the wiggles? Wade & I were trying to figure this one out - he said he knows why they are such a big hit, but I can't figure it out!

Is it the constant singing? Constant dancing? Their voices? Do they put some kind of messaging behind their music to make you get sucked in (yes, I have also been sucked in and pretty much know every word of every song - sad, very sad!). Hmmm....

A good friend of mine, will not let her child get sucked into 'The Wiggles' due to the fact that they tour around the country and she doesn't want her child costing her an arm and a leg for a ticket to their show. I think I may have to agree with her. (Their tickets are going for $50+, yes, I checked) She went on to say, she never got into the New Kids on The Block, because her parents didn't let her. She grew up on the good ol' Eagles and Van Morrison. (Props to her parents for that!)

I just text my dear Wade
and asked why he wasn't online so I could chat with him - But he responded "Wiggles" (for some reason we can't have the Internet and the xbox going at the same time) and for an instant, I wished I was at home, watching 'The Wiggles'

Oh Boy.

Friday Fives

My TOP 5 favorites smells/scents:

1) This is the whole reasoning behind this topic of today's fives...The smell came to me while driving home from work yesterday and brings be back to my childhood. The smell of sculpting clay. My best friend growing up, Addie - her dad is an artist. My favorite past time is playing upstairs in her dad's studio and smelling that bitter smell of sculpting clay. I can't describe it, I just love it. And for some reason, I smelled it on my way home and memories started to flood back like it was yesterday - Listening to Paul Simon and playing with Addie upstairs at 5516 Queen Ave. I miss those days.

2) Anything and everything BABY. Not just any baby, MY baby. I think any mom can agree with me that their baby smells amazing. Their hair, their breath, their toes, their....yes, diapers (ew!), the way they smell right out of the bath and even their spit up. YUM! I crave that smell more than anyone can ever imagine.

3) My mom. She has been wearing Burberry perfume for years and I swear I go to Macy's or where ever they sell the Original Burberry, just to smell my mom. Even when she's not wearing her perfume, she always smells good. My favorite thing to do when I go home is lay in her bed. It smells of Burberry, clean sheets and breath. HA! It may sound gross to you, but it smells like my mommy and I love it.

4) Garlic and Onions cooking. You know darn well something yummy is being cooked up by someone who knows exactly what they are doing. The combination is intoxicating.

5) Christmas. Not sure if Christmas has a particular smell, but when I think of Christmas, I think of candles burning, fires going, monkey bread baking and Mrs Clark's Eggs. Its the most amazing smell. It smells like family. It smells like comfort. It smells safe.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a safe and FUN weekend!!

October is Here!!!

And I woke up to 65 degrees in Scottsdale, AZ this morning. Ahhhhhhhhhh! What a sigh of relief!
Most people throughout the country are dreading this weather but us in the southwest who have been dealing with 110+ weather for the past 4-5 months are more than ready for this fall.

I opened all the windows this morning to let in the crisp (well, crisp to me) cool air. Lucy and I starred out the window listening to the birds. I can not wait to share these mornings with her for the rest of her life. I am one lucky mommy.

Happy October everyone! Enjoy that cool air and mother nature. It's a beautiful thing!

Make it a great day!

Photo courtesy of http://media.photobucket.com/image/fall/likthelollypop/fall.jpg

Reuse!

No, not what you're thinking - Ketchup did not, I repeat, did not change it's color to white.

MSN posted a great article of 50 all-time new uses for old things and this was one of them. Put pancake batter in an old (cleaned, because I absolutely HATE ketchup and the smell of it) ketchup bottle and tada! No mess pancakes!!!

Check out the rest of the article and new uses for old items

here!

Movie Review

Shrink, 2009 - Starring Kevin Spacey & Mark Webber, was an excellent Indie film. Not expecting this to be any good, we sat down to dinner and instant played this from our netflix account.

Kevin Spacey plays a "shrink" to the stars with a horrible pot habit (literally smokes it every 5 minutes in this movie) who is grieving the loss of his wife - who committed suicide. (Irony at its finest)

As his life spirals out of control, Kevin Spacey's character takes on his first pro-bono case that changes his life.

Check this movie out, you won't be disappointed.

Read more about the movie here

HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN THREE PARAGRAPHS

Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the promised land.

Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel, this is the promised land.


Now Obama has stolen your shovel , taxed your asses, raised the price of camels, and mortgaged the promised land.

Friday Fives

Get ready........wait for it.....

FIVE WORST FADS

1) Mood Rings. This 70's sensation hollow glass bubble filled with thermotropic liquid crystals is just the stupidest thing ever. Like you didn't know what mood you were in already. Stupid Stupid Stupid, did I mention ridiculous? Why do they keep reappearing at every Claire's store???They need to just go away for good. I don't know about you but I don't need a ring to tell me what mood I'm in - that's why I have a boyfriend. Irritating.

2) Myspace, friendster - or any social networking site. Don't get me wrong, I have a facebook and myspace, however rarely use my myspace anymore because myspace just kinda creeps me out. Does anyone see where this world is going? What happened to just calling up an old friend and saying hello? Or even stopping by their house for alittle face to face action? We are becoming a world of non-face to face interaction. Are people really that lazy? Yikes. I dare anyone to give up their social networking addiction for a weekend - see how long you last. Its sad. Very sad.

3) EMO. Definition provided by Urban Dictionary: Genre of softcore punk music that integrates unenthusiastic melodramatic 17 year olds who dont smile, high pitched overwrought lyrics and inaudible guitar rifts with tight wool sweaters, tighter jeans, itchy scarfs (even in the summer), ripped chucks with favorite bands signature, black square rimmed glasses, and ebony greasy unwashed hair that is required to cover at least 3/5 ths of the face at an angle.
No need to explain this one - it's just bad. And where are these children's parents to knock them in the face with a kitchen pan? Seriously.

4) UGGS. I have a pair of these and I love them - IN THE WINTER. Many men that I've talked to have one question about these ridiculous moon boots we call uggs: Why?
I have no idea why. I like these - but I have no idea where the concept came from and why people are wearing them in the summer. They have to stink.
I remember people making fun of people in elementary school for wearing moon boots - so what makes these any different?

5) Skinny Jeans and the 15yr old boys who wear them. GROSS!!!! Where did this fad come from and how do we make it stop? I don't want to see a 13-15 year old boy wearing these ever again. First, how do they breathe? Second, WHY in the **** do you think those are attractive? Third...EAT SOMETHING you boys!!! Girls like something to hold onto and can you imagine what a task it is for a girl to compete with you and how skinny you are? SICK.
One last thing......are you wearing thong underwear under those or nothing? Manties? PUKE.

http://iheart612.com/2009/09/23/are-we-creating-another-real-estate-bubble/

http://iheart612.com/2009/09/23/are-we-creating-another-real-estate-bubble/

Shared via AddThis

Looking for Motorcycle Parts?

Now that the weather is getting spectacular, it's time to get out that fun toy you call your bike! I'm not talking about a stroll around the block on your beach cruiser, I'm talking about the real "bike". Need a new fender or brake pads for your ride? Or maybe you just want to surprise your beloved with a new set of tires for Christmas? Browse over 30,000 different motorcycle parts and accessories to fully customize your ride! Brand names up to 60% off - All makes and models, cruisers, Harleys, Sports Bikes and Goldwings! Browse sport bike parts here and make this a season for riding!


Information provided by cruisercustomizing.com

Wordless Wednesday - Beach Plums - My Breakfast - Yum

First Day of Fall

Bring on the delicious chili's, fire's in the fireplace, socks, blankets, cuddling, the smell of seasonal candles, cookies baking, turkeys roasting, christmas shopping, Lucy's birthday, Mom's birthday, sweaters, boots, hats, changing leaves, the smell of crisp air, pumpkin picking, seasoned pumpkin seeds and much much more.
I'm getting all cozy inside just thinking about fall....now only if it would cool down in the Phoenix area. Today's high: 106.
Ooof-da!

Fall Foliage in Arizona

One thing that I promised myself I'd do this year is catch the change of season from Summer to Fall in Flagstaff, Arizona. Something that I've wanted to do since I moved down here from Minnsota 8 years ago.

I found a couple articles here and here that tell you when and where to go up north to see the change in colors of the leaves. I can just smell the cool, crisp, fresh air right now. Give me my family, a hot coffee and a camera and I'll be in heaven.

Flagstaff, here we come!

Happy Fall!

Friday Fives

Today I picked 5 of what I call the most BEAUTIFUL churches/cathedrals across the world. Three of the five are just personal and dear to me, so I couldn't leave them off. The other two have amazing architecture!!

Enjoy!


Chapel of the Holy Cross - Sedona, AZ - Catholic


Mt. Olivet Luthern Church - Minneapolis, MN - Lutheran


Church Name Unknown - Madrid, Spain - Catholic


Las Lajas Cathedral - Colombian Department of Nariño


Basilica of St. Mary's - Minneapolis, MN - Catholic

Constitution Week USA!

If you're in Phoenix, please go out and enjoy the Constitution Fair in Gilbert this weekend!! Should be a GREAT time for the family!!

Starting at 6pm... More entertainment, more food, more kids action, more characters, and more fun for the entire family! Enjoy a wonderful patriotic program complete with the best fireworks show in Arizona.
Multiple stages will light up the night with family-friendly entertainment. You won't want to miss a minute of these fantastic performances.

(info courtesy of the Arizona Republic)
Sen. John McCain will join Gilbert's Constitution Week festivities this year.
The annual event started as an idea from now Mayor John Lewis in 2002 and has expanded to include a fair, tributes to military personnel, a naturalization service, music and historical stories.
"It's now possibly the largest constitutional celebration in the country," Lewis said.

This year's activities will be primarily on Sept. 19. The day before, on Sept. 18, McCain will tour Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center and one of the town's high-tech corporations. He will also speak at a Constitution Week luncheon hosted by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, according to the chamber.

"We are drafting a packed schedule of events for Senator McCain's visit and can't wait to show off our hometown," chamber president Kathy Langdon said in a press release.

The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trilogy at Power Ranch. The cost is $60 for Gilbert chamber members or $75 for nonmembers.

Constitution Week USA Website

I Love You Too

I really want to make one of these and put it in some random place around town. It would definitely put a huge smile on my face if I saw it!






(found here)

Fall Fall Fall

I'm SO ready for it. Arizona summers get the best of me - they make me crabby,hot and TIRED. I am ready to wear boots and coats and snuggle up in a blanket with my favorite people.

The coat to your right is SO cute and PERFECT for Arizona in the fall - and of course, just so happens to be on sale at Garnet Hill for $39.00 (Steal!)



I'm absolutely in love with this jacket!!! Last season I recall seeing one of these at Target, which I pondered getting and I'm kicking myself in the butt now because I know it was a lot cheaper. (I love good deals)

Hurry up Summer leave already!!!