Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Free Pedometer!


Well, I finally clicked the Freebies button over at Absolutely Mom's blog. I'm glad I did because there listed in the freebies was a link to Bayer's Pedometer giveaway! I've always wanted a pedometer and goodness knows I need to be walking more so hopefully this will help.

If you too want a free pedometer then head on over to Absolutely Mom's freebie page! While you're there be sure to drop your card.

WoooHooo!! I can't wait to get my pedometer!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Entrecard Top Seven Droppers

Just wanted to send some Linky Love out to my top seven Entrecard droppers!

60 Were Enough
What Lies Within the Mirror
All in a Day
MamaFlo's Place
Easy Share
Pixelated Thoughts
Urutora No Hi

Thank you, folks!!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Looks More Comfortable!

When I hear someone mention work boots, I think of the big, clunky boots that look completely uncomfortable. I may be wrong, but these types of boots look so stiff. I know they have to be substantial enough to really protect your feet, but they still look like they would be hard to wear.

Well, not only are there big, clunky work boots available, but there are also ones like these shown below! Now, these look much more comfortable, don’t they? From what I’ve read, these work boots offer the same amount of protection as the “traditional” work boot.

I sometimes wonder if I need to don a pair of these boots to work around the house here…it can be dangerous cleaning up after boys! Better yet, maybe I should buy boots for them


Prince Caspian

Jake has been diligently reading Prince Caspian in hopes of getting it finished before the movie comes out on May 16th. I'm sure he'll finish in time because of his dedication. This is a huge thing for Jake because he really doesn't like to read. It's my hopes and prayers that he might just accidently find out that reading is not so bad after all!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

A Costume to go Along With the Yell

So have I told you all that I can do a great zaghreet?? I’ve been practicing for years and had no idea what I was even doing! I remember one time when I was talking on the phone with Pete and I belted out my shrill zaghreet yell….and then he informed me that I was on speaker phone! I’ve been much more careful since then! Lol!!

Anyway, I’ve never really been one for hot lingerie, but I might just need a belly dancing costume in the future. Seriously, since I’ve mastered the zaghreet, which is not an easy task, I need an outfit to go along with the yell! Lol!!

Over Board?

I love to take cruises, but this news about a man possibly falling over board completely scares me! The thoughts of a family member falling over board just makes me sick to my stomach. It's really sad to think that something like this could happen in the midst of what was supposed to be a fun vacation...a time to relax and de-stress. Of course, accidents happen all the time, don't they...even if you are on vacation....very sad.

Not Gonna Budge!

We plan on staying here in our little town nestled in East Tennessee…forever. If we were to move though, I think I would die five deaths, seriously! I hate packing, moving things, unpacking…all that just slays me. I guess maybe in order to spare my life, I could hire movers to come do all the work. Being the control-freak that I am, maybe that wouldn’t be such a good idea after all.

Now, if I were moving things around in New York City, I would probably just give in and let someone else come in and do the job. I would probably be so overwhelmed with trying to figure out how in the world I ended up in New York City that I wouldn’t have the ability to do anything else! Lol!! I’d just have to type “movers New York into my Yahoo search bar and pick a moving company. I would also probably beg them to take my things back to Tennessee! Lol!! I’m afraid New York City is far too busy and big for this country gal. I wouldn’t mind visiting though….

Doodlebug Designs Spring Special

Those of you who have e-mailed me saying that you really dig my blog design are going to be thrilled to find out about this Spring Special!! I've been trying to post this for some time but wanted to wait until I could get the button posted. Well, I finally was able to do so just a few minutes ago! Woohoo!! I believe this deal lasts through May 31st so you have a little more time left to place your order!

I know Judi personally and I know she is super easy to work with! Besides all that, she's just plain nice!! So head on over and check out her gallery!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Neat Watch

Look at this completely neat watch. It has a pop-up magnifying glass over the watch face! Seriously, this is such a neat way to keep up with a magnifier. People who are struggling with all those teeny, tiny words should be jumping up and down for joy right now! Lol!!

This one looks like it would be for a man. I wonder if there is a design for women??

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival


Ya'll do know it's time for the quarterly Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, right? I plan on spending a good chunk of my morning doing nothing but signing up for giveaways! I've poured the cereal out on the table, filled up the water bowl...the kids should be good for awhile!! lol!!

If you decide to check out the carnival, be prepared with a big cup of joe and lots of snacks. There are ton of listings this time around!! Cool beans!!

Monday, April 21, 2008

No Shoes Allowed

One of mine and Pete's favorite places to visit is Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. There is this really neat restaurant/bar type place called Foxy's and it's a blast. We traveled to the island and the restaurant on a catamaran....a barefoot cruise to be exact. Now, being barefoot is not something I like to do, but I had no other choice. The First Mate had gathered up our shoes before we boarded the boat! Seriously, if I had realized that "barefoot cruise" really did mean "barefoot", I probably would not have signed up to go! lol!!

We did have a good time though...even though my toes were exposed! Ack!! First we stopped by an area to go snorkeling and then it was on over to Foxy's for lunch. I thought we would get to put our shoes on to go to the restaurant, but no such luck! Foxy's is not like most restaurants and we were told not to worry about wearing shoes. Ok...I think. Well, actually, no....it wasn't ok because I ended up needing to use the bathroom and had to walk in there without shoes on...double ack!! Seriously, can we say travel health insurance?? I just knew I was going to get some kind of island cootie from walking on who knows what? I tried not to think about it, but it was impossible.

Even though I had to go barefoot in the loo, I still had a blast there at Foxy's. I figured since I was surely going to die of island cooties, I should at least go down having a great time! lol!! We both hope to go back soon...maybe Pete can get a travel nurse assignment on St. Thomas which is near by Jost...that would be nice!

Free Vintage Poster

I saw this neat offer over at Pink Lemonade and thought I would share it with my readers too...since I know ya'll like freebies just as much as me!

Redwood Creek is offering three different 18" x 24" vintage posters for us to choose from. I picked the one you see below! I'm thinking it might look good in my kitchen. I just love the greens in the one I picked...

Bejeweled

As Pete gets closer and closer to his graduation date, I can’t help but think about what kind of jewelry he will buy me! I mean really, it’s not been easy with him in school full time and working full time and I think I should be treated to something, right?! Lol!!

No, seriously, I don’t expect any such thing from Pete, but if he did want to buy some new jewelry I wouldn’t say no! This guy has a knack for picking just the perfect piece. I remember when we were looking at Engagement Rings and he chose the exact one I had been eyeing. We had looked at so many different Wedding Rings that our heads were about to spin. Not only had I tried on a lot of rings, but we had really been taught all about the 4C’s: Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity. This information is a must when you are shopping for Diamond Rings! It’s always wise to know all you can about the item you are buying and we did just that. I was, and still am, completely pleased with my set!

Pete has continued to buy me jewelry over the years. The frequency of the jewelry purchases has slowed down, but then again we've made other big purchases instead: house, vans, etc! Lol!! I remember looking at Emerald Rings for several weeks and finally coming to terms that I wasn’t going to get one. Well, Pete surprised me and showed up with a beautiful Emerald ring! It was perfect…just the right shade of green! Since then, I’ve been eyeing the Sapphire Rings and the Ruby Rings. I’ve got a nice pair of Sapphire earrings so maybe I should press for a Sapphire ring….hmmmm…maybe so!

Of course, my desire for beautiful jewelry doesn’t end there! I’ve let Pete know that I would love to have an Anniversary band in the future. In fact, I would love one of those Diamond Wedding Bands that are channel set! Well, actually, any setting would be fine with me! Lol!! And then there are Anniversary Rings and Eternity Rings that would be lovely too. Seriously, I’m just not that picky! Lol!!

Well, even though I’m not picky, it’s still best to make wise purchases and look for the best deals on jewelry. There are tons of places to look for the latest in jewelry and one of those places is www.sndgems.com. You’ll find a large selection of some of the most beautiful jewelry! I am really loving the ruby rings….(hey Pete…check out that half eternity ruby band! See it below?)

It’s important to be educated about the diamonds and other gem stones and that’s why I just love that this site gives you a lot of information about the stones. You even learn about the physical properties you need to look at when purchasing a certain stone. Now, like I mentioned earlier, I knew about diamond’s and the 4C’s, but I had never even thought that other stones might have a something similar! I love when I learn something new!

Now…I’m heading back over there to check out the Sapphire rings!!

Top Seven Entrecard Droppers

I love my Entrecard Top Droppers! Be sure to go visit these blogs...I'm sure you'll like them!!

  • 60 Were Enough ...You'll find lots of music here...a great way to discover some new artists. Right now, I'm pretty bummed because my speakers are messed up...sigh...
  • Easy Share...who is obviously too busy meeting Mr. Johnson because she hasn't updated her blog!
  • Diet Me!... lol! I've been reading this blog for awhile now, but I just got the blog name! lol!! It takes me awhile...anyway, head on over there and read a great post on the benefits of whole grains.



Thursday, April 17, 2008

Encouragement in the Hospital

So what do you think of when you hear "digital frames"? If you’re like me, you automatically think about a gift for a special occasion like a wedding, graduation or even an anniversary.

Well, tonight I was thinking about how a digital frame would be great for people who are in the hospital. It’s always encouraging and heartwarming to see photos of family and friends. It’s also nice to see photos of your favorite things like flowers, a nice sunset, etc. And since it’s so easy and quick to take photos and upload them, you could change them often…every day if you like!

Really, I think a digital frame would be a neat way to lift the spirits of someone who is chronically ill and unable to get out and about. Very neat!

Would You Walk on Old Glory?

Susan Crane, a Maine college student, created an art project that has stirred some emotions. For a school project, Crane laid American flags, in a maze formation, on the floor of the student center and then videotaped people...watching to see what people would do when they came upon the flag. She said that around 95% of the people walked around the flags. That's what I would have done too.

I think it was a very clever idea for a project, however, there are some people who think it's a disgrace. Local Vietnam Veterans feel that placing the flags on the ground is desecrating the flag and they are highly offended. I can certainly understand their view, however, I don't think that's what Susan Crane was trying to do. Really, I can see both sides.

What do you think? Would you walk on your country's flag??

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Remembering the Rooms

Lately, I’ve been thinking about taking photos of all the rooms in our house. Not only do I want photos of the rooms when they are clean, but I also want to have copies to file with our home insurance policy too. My cousin had taken photos of her home just a few months before it was consumed with fire. She lost her home but had proof of what she had lost. I would think it would have been almost impossible, under all the stress, to remember the amount she did if she had not had those photos.

I also think it will be nice to be able to use the photos to show my kids what I expect the rooms to look like when I ask them to clean them up! Lol!!

My Foundation

I just came across a post over at Freaky Frugalite about free makeup. Of course, I saw "FREE" and "MAKEUP" and I came to a screeching halt! lol!! The link takes you to a form to fill out to receive a sample of Maybelline's Mineral Power Liquid Foundation.

I have recently started wearing this foundation and I love it! At first, I had trouble with it because it made my eyes water. I was afraid that I would have to ditch it and try something else. This completely bummed me because I had found a perfect match for my skin tone. After a few weeks though, my eyes stopped watering!! Woohoo!!

You can get a free sample of my new favorite foundation by clicking here.

Dirtbag Pen Stealers

I’m a pen snob. Really, I’ve tried to overcome my pen pickiness, but it is very hard. Some pens are just too fat and write too chunky. Some pens are way too skinny and have a super fine point that makes me feel like I’m slashing my paper when I write. There have only been a few pens that I have loved.

A few weeks ago, Pete and I had to buy a new(used) van. As part of the “deal”, I told the salesman that I wanted one of his pens. Now folks, this was my dream pen…it wrote perfectly! The salesman smiled and said, “I can give you more than one.” as he passed me a fist-full of custom pens. Needless to say I was thrilled! I know, I know, they give those things out all the time for advertising, but really, these pens are the BEST!!

Now, that was a couple of weeks ago. At present, I can’t find a single one of those pens. My little sweet darling children have “borrowed” them…dirtbags. What does it take to keep a good pen around here? Lol!!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Spring Cleaning Improves Health

Just great! Seriously, this is NOT what I wanted to hear! lol!! I was hoping for a report more like, "Spring Cleaning Causes Mental Anguish...Better Not Do It This Year!", but no, Fox had to go and report that it is good for our health. Dirtbags!!

Seriously, the report says that physical activity can help with the prevention of certain diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity also helps with self-esteem and self-perception. Now, of course, we've all heard this before, but this report is focusing on physical activity, not exercise. There is a difference...sigh...

Ok, ok....I'll do some cleaning...sheesh-a-moley! I've made myself feel guilty now....bleh! Maybe I'll post some photos afterwards...I should be very, very healthy by the time I whip this place into shape! lol!

What Type of TV?

So what's the difference between plasma, LCD and DLP tvs? I was looking at tvs and seriously, I may have to add this whole subject to my list of "Things That Make My Eyes Glaze Over" because it is confusing to me. I know that the plasma tvs are supposed to be the best, right? Are the LCDs and DLPs pretty good though...I mean, we have a Phillips tv that is about a gazillion years old. I'm thinking that any new tv would be better, ya know?

Anyway, I do think it's neat that you can take a plasma or lcd mount and hang your tv in all sorts of different places! I really like how the tvs can be hung like artwork. I also like that hanging these tvs on the wall really frees up space. Very neat!

If you do know anything about these types of tvs, please explain...and use very easy words! lol!!

Vote For This Bag

Connie, from Easy Share, has designed a bag for Kroger's Reusable Shopping Bag Design Contest and I want you to go and vote for it! She has designed a nice bag and I would love for her to win the prize...which I think is a $500 gift certificate to Krogers.

So head on over there and vote for her bag...actually you can vote daily so be sure to do so!! Just click on the badge below...


If It's Numbers....

don't count on me! I am not a "numbers" kind of gal, at all. Sonya actually loves numbers and would gladly have a career in the financial industry...not me though...I think she's weird! lol!!

Seriously, I have to get over all this "number" stuff soon though because Nik is starting high school and since we educate at home, I am the one who will be teaching him all of his math. Now, don't get me wrong...I can do the math, I just don't like to! Just like I hate dealing with filing our taxes and dealing with term insurance, I hate to do Algebra, long division, multiplication...and yes, I hate subtraction! lol!! I'll just have to take a deep breath and go forth. I'll try not to show my dislike of math too much...though it will be really hard! There are local tutors and classes so I may look into that too. It will all be ok....

Wish me luck!

Sig is My Favorite

Yes, folks...it has happened. I got sucked into the Deadliest Catch marathon on the Discovery Channel. I just can't figure out how it happened...really, it's kind of the same thing over and over, but I am just glued to the tube watching the crews pull up the pots. I've even made the kids hoot and holler when the pots are really full...I know, it's sad! lol!!

Anyway, there are several things I've thought about while watching this marathon. One, these guys are TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH...seriously, I will not forget the hard work that goes into catching crab and I will savor them little ol' crabs even more from now on. Two, I dig the skipper of the Northwestern, Sig Hansen. He's a fourth-generation Norwegian fisherman and that is so completely cool! I think my second favorite is Phil Harris and his crew on the Cornelia Marie. Third, the Bering Sea scares me! I can't even imagine how scary it is pulling in all those pots of opilio crabs and having waves coming over the boats..ack!!

Sig and his boat the Northwestern


Phil and his boat the Cornelia Marie



The new season of Deadliest Catch starts this Tuesday at 9pm...I'll be there!!


Thursday, April 3, 2008

Brushes With Fame

Pete and I have stumbled upon several movies and tv shows being filmed on location. It’s not so hard to do that here in East Tennessee and the Carolinas…we have a lot of films shot here. I’m not completely sure why our area is so popular, but I would venture to guess it is because of our beautiful landscape.

When I was in college, Aerosmith came and filmed their “Ragdoll” video. I was friends with one of the girls who ran out of a house at the end of the video. I also knew the guy who owned the convertible that Steven Tyler drove down the Tree Streets!

We also know a family who did work for the Chuck Norris movie, Delta Force 2, which was filmed in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. They own an excavation company and did all of the “digging and dirt-moving” for the set. Not only did they get paid to do the work, but they also got to take home parts of the set: a helicopter and an outhouse. They are currently using the outhouse to hold all of their pool supplies! Lol!!

Of course, there have been other movies filmed in the area. These are just a few:

  • · The Bell Witch was filmed in Sevierville
  • · The River was filmed in Hawkins County
  • · Winter People was filmed in Carter County…that would be us!
  • · October Sky was filmed in Knoxville, Morgan and Campbell Counties
  • · Christy was filmed in Townsend

I think it’s really neat when movies go out and film on location. Right now, the Film and Television Location library is expanding and is looking for homes and businesses that would like to be included in their database. Average homes and businesses can expect to earn around $3000 a day when filming takes place. So you just might want to ask the question, “Does your home want to be in Pictures?” When I asked my home, she said no…she needs to undergo some repairs and such before she will be available for work! I don’t know, maybe we should be added to the database anyway. I think our house just might be the perfect place to shoot a natural disaster movie….

Chivalry Is Not Dead!


I've been out and about getting my news fix...I'm such a junky! lol!!

Over at Fox news, I read about a man who saved his wife from an alligator. Seriously folks, what a hero...and how romantic! lol!! I bet my dh would do the same thing though...he's tender like that.

I had to snicker at the end of the article though...the part where one man tried to save his friend from an alligator but ended up shooting his friend! I'm assuming the friend that was shot was not fatally wounded...then it wouldn't be so funny, would it?

Oh well, what a story this couple has to tell now! lol!!