Ultimate Blog Party 2011
Mar 31st
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Welcome to the PAR-TAY! If you’re here because of the Ultimate Blog Party OR you have no idea what that is & you’re here because you can’t believe I actually updated your feed … either way, that’s something to party about!!
I must admit I’ve been a little MIA on this here ole’ blog. But that’s not because of a lack of blogging. I’ve actually been blogging more than I ever have. It’s just for a new little project of mine. In November of last year, I launched a local blog. And it’s keeping me busy. But in a good way. I’ve found a little niche in this big bloggy world and I’m enjoying it!
You’ll find me here occasionally. But you’ll find me even more on Twitter.
My favorite thing about blogging is getting to know so many wonderful people. And my MOST favorite thing about blogging is when I get to meet those wonderful people in real life! Case in point?
As part of today’s party, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite bloggy friends! The #Sisterchicks! There are 10 of us who each have a word photo included in their post. These words make up a sentence. We will each link you up to the lady who has the next word in the sentence—but keep in mind that I might not have the first word in the sentence!
Once you have the sentence, e-mail it to sisterchickies@gmail.com with “UBP11″ in the subject line. Each person with the correct sentence will be in a drawing to win a $100 Target gift card! The winner will be announced on all of our blogs on April 11 and the winner will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hours to respond or we’ll pick someone else.
So … my magic word??
"PERSON"
Now, go visit the lovely Jen of 4Tunate to get the next word in the sentence!! You’ll be that much closer to a $100 Target Gift Card!!
Works for Me Wednesday – Charts
Mar 12th
Goals, Charts & To-Do’s
I’m always looking for new ways to track and organize the many lists I have running around in my head! These days those lists mostly consist of the dreaded To-Do List for me and the many areas of my life. I was recently asked to review a website – goalforit! And my first thought was – “Where was this when I needed it!!” Last summer we tried several different types of Chore Charts and Behavior Charts for Evan (our then four year old). Some worked and some didn’t. Thankfully he’s starting to mature so much (we interrupt this post to say that related to that, I am so proud and THANKFUL at how much he is growing up!! Behavior is just not the same battle as it was 2 and 3 years ago).
But just when I think “where was this when I need it”, I am reminded that I will need it again!! Because that 2 year old little sister is a HANDFUL! She tests me every single day. And I know we’ll be in Behavior Chart mode very (very, very, very) soon!!
So I really am excited about this site I was asked to look at.
After setting up a free account, the program walks you through creating a list or chart! You can choose from a Goal List, To-Do List, Chore Chart, or Behavior Chart. It’s a step-by-step tutorial that asks the gender & age of who the list or chart is for! From there, you can select a theme so it’s personalized for each person in your family.
Because, really isn’t a chore chart more fun when it has a fun design?! And don’t you think a wild child might like her Behavior Chart more if it’s pink & purple with lots of hearts?! Ok, so that’s what I’m hoping for at least!
Point is, though, there’s lots of options & possibilities!!Post linked to Works For Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family.
Disclosure: I was compensated through BSMMedia for my review of this website and follow up post. But all opinions are still true & mine!
Watson!
Mar 1st
Watson! Somebody Call Watson!
A little over a month ago, I was in a hotel room at the lovely Opryland Hotel. I was there for the Blissdom Conference and I was rooming with three other perfectly normal adult woman – Amanda, Becky & Staci. Or, perfectly normal for the most part!
Until there was a problem.
We had a raccoon in our room!
But it wasn’t just any old raccoon.
Because that would be incredibly strange.
It was Watson!
Watson didn’t make us scream in fear, but rather he made us squeal in complete laughter. He made four perfectly normal adult woman laugh until we cried.
It all started when Staci, won Watson from the Hallmark booth at Blissdom. Watson is part of the “Interactive Story Buddy” series from Hallmark. He’s an adorably cute stuffed animal that literally comes alive as he chimes in and “talks” as you read key phrases from his book. And there’s four phrases that he’ll respond with for each key phrase that you read. So from the same story, you get four different combinations from Watson. It’s really a lot of fun.
And by a lot of fun, I mean it kept the four of us in stitches!! We tried to stump Watson. We tried to see how fast we could get him to speak. We tried to surprise our friends with him. We laughed at each other and we laughed at Watson. We had fun. Lots of fun!
Oh, but it wasn’t for 30-something year olds?? I suppose not.
But, judging by the picture below, it was made by someone that approves heavily!
Megan and Evan both love reading the story a lot. Their eyes still light up when Watson starts talking and interacting with the story. And Megan? Well she also likes carrying him around wrapped up in a blanket!!!
So do you have a little one that might enjoy a little “Watson” in his or her life? (Or do you have some girlfriends that are easily amused and in desperate need of entertainment??) Thanks to Hallmark, I’m giving away a little Watson and one of his Interactive Books on my local blog … visit here to enter!
Grab the Savings Challenge
Feb 15th
I was recently asked to participate in the #GrabTheSavings challenge to create an ethnic dish. And I immediately knew what I would make.
I love almost all Mexican dishes – especially chips & dips! And one of the easiest is the nine-layer dip.
I’ve also heard of the seven-layer dip as well. And actually this time around I ended up making an eight-layer dip.
That’s what happens when you forget to get olives!
I headed out to my local Kroger – for me, it’s the store I go to when I need to get in & out in a hurry. You know the grocery store where you know their layout and you know which direction the bread is in versus which direction the milk is in? That’s my local Kroger for me!
I made my list of ingredients which included:
- 1 (8oz) can refried beans
- 1/2 head lettuce, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (8oz) sour cream
- 1 c cheddar cheese
- 1 container guacamole
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 can sliced olives
Then I took a little inventory & I was happy to see that I only need a few things – refried beans, tomato, onion & olives.
So it made this dish incredibly cheap & used up some things I already had on hand.
Of course it would have cost a tiny bit more had I remembered the olives – oops!
Other than the taste, my second favorite reason for loving this recipe so much is because of how easy it is!! It isn’t called the layer dip for no reason!
Simply heat beans & then layer in this order – refried beans, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and olives – oops!
Check out my whrrl adventure where I shopped & made the recipe!
*Disclosure – this post is part of a Collective Bias shop. Therefore I was paid for my time; however, my opinions were not purchased;)
The Rusted Chain
Feb 3rd
The Rusted Chain …
aka my other favorite accessory at Blissdom
I am so NOT a girlie girl. I need help in that area constantly. I think I’ve told you before that I didn’t wear lipstick at our wedding. Most girls wouldn’t dream of walking out of the house without lip stick on, so in some ways that sums up me just perfectly!
Now being at home full time with two young children certainly doesn’t help my desire or my budget to improve my ways!
But having said all that I am actually trying. I purchased my first pair of tall boots just a few weeks ago – yes, I realize I am way behind things! I also bought my first pair of Jeggings that same day though – so in that case I think I’m actually somewhat ahead of the curve (or maybe I’m so behind times I have no idea what the curve is)!
In any case, I thankfully had help from two wonderful sources for my recent trip to Nashville for Blissdom.
I already told you all about The Blood Water Belt. It was truly an honor to wear that belt!! That can’t be said about many belts!
My other favorite accessory was worn around my neck.
I was so excited when my Twitter friend, The Rusted Chain, asked if she could send me a necklace to wear.
She specializes in beautiful, custom hand stamped jewelry.
~ Necklaces ~ Earrings ~ Bracelets ~ For Men ~ Christian Jewelry ~ And More!
I’ve told you before about my local site … look what Beki made for me ~
I love it!!
Beki is super kind (on Twitter at least, we’ve never officially met – ha!), quick, and definitely easy to work with!
She’s worked with some awesome celebrities, but she’ll be just as happy to work with you!!
So if you’re looking for a unique gift that customized or just something super cute for yourself, be sure to check out The Rusted Chain!
Post linked to Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries.
The Belt
Jan 27th
Blood Water Belt: Sisterhood of the Traveling Belt
Several months I ago I read a post by Amy. As I was reading it, I was in awe. And not just because it had a picture of an absolutely beautiful belt. But in awe at the mission that Amy was giving the belt.
Amy tells a story of a belt that she purchased for $28. It also costs $28 to provide 28 Africans with clean water for an entire year! An entire year!
So she put the belt on a mission. For anyone that donates $29 to The Blood Water Mission, you can join The Sisterhood of the Traveling Belt. Ladies across the country are joining the mission. And the belt is traveling around the country being worn by each of them.
So I signed up. To spend $28. To wear a belt. To then return the belt. To spend $28 to give 28 people clean water for an entire year!
So today I’m at Blissdom, wearing the belt! Amanda wore it yesterday. Sarah will be wearing it tomorrow. And then it will be shipped of to Virginia.
Will you join me and the other woman and become part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Belt?
Crystal Light … yum!
Jan 25th
A List & Fumes
Right now I am running on a list & some fumes!
I’m heading out this weekend to Blissdom 2011. So I’m running on fumes as I try to get everything ready so I can get out of town. And I’m running on a list so I make sure not to forget anything!
One very important thing on my list this year?
Crystal Light.
I’ve kept my down 10 lbs, up 5lbs lifestyle no secret on this blog. And unfortunately, I’m currently on the “up” side of things. About eight pounds. Yuck!
But as I try to bring that back in check, I have a little secret weapon.
I’ve really grown to love Crystal Light. There are so many different flavors and options that I can constantly mix things up so I don’t get bored to quickly.
So no, I’m not bringing gallon jugs with me to Blissdom. But I am bringing lots of “on the go” mixes!!
Specifically Fruit Punch & Natural Lemonade.
Istead of filling up on carbonated beverages or fake (aka unsweet tea), I can grab a bottle of water and then mix it up a bit when my taste buds get bored of water!
Speaking of “mixing up”, you can even use the “on the go” mixes to make cocktails! How funny (or brilliant?!) is that! I would have never thought of that!
Of course that won’t do too much for my weight-loss issues!!
If you’re at Blissdom, I’ll have extra samples so tweet me & I’ll share!!
Disclosure: I received samples of Crystal Light from Kraft Foods to facilitate this post … and my taste buds too!
Prepping for bliss
Jan 24th
Prepping for Bliss!
To my husband (especially during the month of January), this means preparing for the Super Bowl. And preferably with the Falcons playing. Unfortunately that hope is gone, but there’s still plenty of bliss when football is involved!
For me; however, prepping for bliss means only one thing – Blissdom 2011!
So, what do you do when your mind is focused on getting out of town and your husband is focused on catching all championship games on TV?
One could cook. But I wouldn’t.
One could order in. But I can’t do that near as often as I’d like.
Or one could get a little smarter!
Recently I had the opportunity to try some of DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza. And if that means taking a night off from cooking, I’m game!
We tried the Four Cheese. I know, I know … we’re crazy like that!
I wish we all had similar tastes when it comes to pizza. Unfortunately we’re far from it!
My husband picks a classic meat pizza. I pick something fun like Spinach & Mozzarella, a White Pizza or even BBQ. And my children only pick cheese!
So the kids won!
And we had a little pizza party this weekend while we all got “our bliss on”!
Just in different ways!!
And the pizza? It was good!!
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time and purchases through Collective Bias for this post. However thoughts & opinions were not purchase;)
I like you home
Jan 20th
Family Time: “I Like You Home”
We’ve had a lot of quality family time recently. Just one week into getting back into “normal” routine after the Christmas Break, Atlanta was hit with a crazy snow & ice storm. Crazy because we never get that much snow. In fact the last big snow I remember was in 1993 – nearly 18 years ago!! Schools were closed for the entire week. Last week, I received Monday’s mail on Thursday and garbage service just flat out didn’t come all week! Grocery stores & restaurants had very limited produce, eggs & milk because deliveries weren’t coming as normally scheduled. Even the airport was literally shut down for a while! Craziness. Pure craziness.
But one thing that hasn’t been crazy at all?
Daddy was at home!! A lot of businesses were closed and his was one of them. There was nothing to do or no clients to see so he stayed home Monday through Wednesday.
So all four of us got to sled together, drink hot cocoa (which Megan appropriately renamed Hot Cocoa Cola) together, have snowball fights together, watch movies together, just be … together! Until we got sick of being together and we dropped the kids off at my sister’s house for a little while so we could go see a movie together – ha!!
But then Thursday came.
My husband had to go back to work.
He left early before the kids were even up.
Megan asked about him a few times throughout the day.
When we finally walked through the door later that afternoon, both Megan & Evan ran to give him a big hug.
Megan hung around a little longer. Hugging. Kissing. And rubbing his face.
She then looked at him and proudly professed …
“I like you home”.
It melted daddy’s heart (and mine too).
If only it could have melted the snow just as quickly – that stuff was still in my yard over a week later!!
Post linked to Finer Things Friday at Amy’s Finer Things.
A little change
Jan 19th
It’s come 2 this …
Have you missed me on here recently? {Hopefully with that intro at least one person will comment & say yes!!}
To say I’ve been a little “M.I.A” would probably be an understatement. I’ve actually been “M.I.A.” … a lot!
And that kind of makes me happy.
And it kind of makes me sad.
You see when I first started blogging several years ago, I just blogged as I felt. I was working part-time (which really was more like full time) and blogging was just something I picked up mainly because all my other girlfriends had started one. If I had something to share or a cute new baby picture to show, I would blog. Eventually I quit my job and slowly became more & more interested in blogging. I went to my first blogging conference (Blissdom 2010) and started learning so much more. I started posting more consistently. I branched out into network & private ads. I started becoming more wrapped up with SEO, tags, and stats. And the time and efforts actually started to show some improvement. A bloggy superstar? Absolutely not! But from where I was before I started actually paying attention to all of that stuff things were looking up.
Except for one thing.
I was getting bored.
I’ve mentioned before that in November of last year I launched a local blog in my hometown. And guess what?
I’m enjoying that process.
It’s keeping me busy but I’m really enjoying the challenge.
In “blog world”, I’ve heard so many things about “finding your niche”, and I think I finally found mine! I have no idea how long it will last. But for now, in order to give it my best, I’m focusing most of my time on that site.
Does that mean I’m saying good-bye to this space? No. Of course not! I just may not be around as much. Or I may be around more. I’m not exactly sure yet. If I have something to blog about, I’ll be here!
And what about Saturday Stumbles? I love (really, I do) our Saturday Stumbles time!! But I haven’t been a good host lately! So I’m super excited to say that Simply Staci (who guest hosted last week) liked you all enough to takeover the weekly linky!! So thanks for being on good behavior;)
So, if you want to see what I’ve been so busy doing, feel free to take a peek at Cumming Local (and no that’s not a bad word – it just happens to be the name of the town I live in)!
And if you want to keep up with me still in my personal life, keep me in your reader. Because I’ll definitely be around!! Just know that if it’s a little different, it’s only because …
it’s come 2 this …
