Celebrity Look-likes....

Thursday Reviews & Giveaways will be back next week.. I'm taking a little break from reviewing while I gather up picture, info, and new giveaway prizes...

Today I present you with Celebrity Look-Alikes....

I look at some of these pictures and some of the stars REALLY do look alike.... Kinda creepy...

Angelina Jolie & Megan Fox

Julia Stiles & Erika Cristensen

Mary - Kate Olsen & Michelle Pfeiffer

Gwen Stefani & Holly Madison

Christina Ricci & Rebecca Romijn O'Connell

Natalie Portman & Kiera Knightley

Ryan Phillppe & Justin Timberlake

Check out this article Celebrity Look Alikes: They Seem Like Twins for even more cool pictures of Celebs that really look a lot alike...Hope you had fun looking a pics.. I felt like a carefree, easy blog today..

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesdays

Let's get health with this delicious Mexican Minestrone Soup... Yummmmy.. Check out Danielle for another great soup recipe!

MEXICAN MINESTRONE SOUP

This simple ingredient crockpot soup is packed full of flavor and color.

Serve it with taco chips, sour cream, and more salsa.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours

Ingredients:
2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 (14 0z.) can green beans, drained
1-1/2 cups water
1(14 oz.) can corn, drained
2 red potatoes, cubed
1 cup salsa

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in 3-4 quart crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours until vegetables are tender. 6-8 servings

EAT & ENJOY!!

Meme Monday

Happy Meme Monday

I was tagged by the wonderful EP last week, so here I go.... This is a great summer Meme.. Hope you enjoy!

Summer Senses Meme
List the things you love about summer for each of the five senses and tag five people at the end. Simple!

Taste: Fresh summer fruit... Pina Coladas and Cosmopolitans! Burnt hot dogs and lobster dipped in hot butter.. Sweet corn on the cob and italian ice...

Touch: my bare feet in flip-flops.. sand on my feet... cool ocean water touching my toes...sticky salt water air...

Sight: pink and orange sky at sunset... ocean waves breaking against the rocks... people on the beach....light skies at 8 pm...sandcastles...backyard bbq's...

Smell: fresh cut grass...hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.... ocean salt water...

Auditory: fireworks... children laughing...jet ski and boats in the water...motorcycles buzzing by....

I tag: Auburn Kat, Amanda, Danielle, Sarah Elizabeth, and Ashley.If I didn’t tag you and you want to do the meme, PLEASE fill it out and let me know so I can stop by and read your wonderful answers!

It’s fun!
Happy blogging!

I Love Sharks!!

For all of you Shark Lovers out there check out the Discovery Channel..

Shark Week begins tonight, July 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and runs through August 2nd!! Shark Week features six all-new programs along with some of SHARK WEEK's most popular and memorable shows from past years.

Everyone loves Shark Week....Excited Yet?

How Excitied Am I

I know I am such a loser.. But I L.O.V.E. The Hills and cannot wait for Season 4 to come out!! Check out a sneak peak...

Come on - you know you want to!!

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

DVD WINNER

Congratulations to Missy from Bees and Boo-Boos!

She has won the DVD Giveaway for the DVD called

Under Construction by Paul Boese!!

Congratulations Missy, hope your little ones enjoy!!

Stop by next week for another great giveaway!!!

The POWER of the Blog!

Do any of you really know and understand the "power of the blog?"

If not, let me explain it to you! Or at least explain to you the "power of my blog", LOL!!

Remember my post entitled "Accidents Suck?"

Well, shortly after writing that post I received the following email:

Good morning Dana, I was directed to one of your postings that concerned your difficulty in having your vehicle repaired correctly after an accident. I read your entry and I am very sorry to hear that you have been through so much when this should have been fairly simple. I am unable to locate your claim with the little information gleaned from your BLOG. I am responsible for the Northeast Region, including New Jersey for GEICO and I would be more than happy to assist you in resolving your complaint with the repair of your vehicle. Please respond to this email with your claim number and phone number or feel free to call me and I will get to work on this immediately for you. I am at my office this week. Again, I am sorry that you have experienced difficulty with the repair and I look forward to working with you to resolve this.

And with that I responded:

Thanks for contacting me..... I'm not sure there is anything you'll be able to do for me.. I spoke to a girl at Geico and she told me they couldn't help me because I didn't use a Geico autobody shop! I told her it was funny, because when I got into the accident no one from Geico EVER told me that I need to use a certain shop or I wouldn't be covered if something like this had happened.. Truthfully I wish someone had told me that, because that probably would have turned me away from the particualr shop I used... What a frustrating situation... I appreciate you cotacting me though and looking to help.. How did you get directed to my Blog and post?

It turns out that one of the Senior officers saw it and referred my post to someone who could help me!

And after going back and forth for 2 more emails:

Would you believe that at this moment - I have just picked up my car from being fixed at the Body Shop!?! GEICO really came through and they were SOOO nice and amazing through this whole process... At 1st I was frustrated with the whole situation, but they really did an amazing job to help me out!

Geico even went as far as contacting the Auto Body Shop themselves (I didn't even know they were going to do that) and spoke directly to the owner.. And this Auto Body shop is no "Mom & Pop Shop" it's a big establishment!

Then the owner personally contacted me to rectify the situation! When speaking to the owner directly he did try to inform me that the peeling and chipping was due to rocks hitting my car.. I would have believed him if this hadn't already happened a time before.. He tried to say that since my car is low to the ground i could have hit/banged into something and flying rocks did the damage.. I personally think he was just trying to cover his own ass! I mean there wasn't one chip anywhere else on my car except the spots that had been fixed twice by the auto body shop! And the spots that were nevery fixed in the 1st place(like the hood of the car - but whatever)

Anyway, what was awesome about Geico was, that they even went as far as telling me that they would have one of the reps inspect my car before I picked it up in order to make sure it was fixed correctly this time!!

Isn't that amazing - I so loooove Geico for that!

Before I was thinking about switching insurance companies - NOW - I don't think i'll ever switch!! They did great by me and I recommend them to all of my friends & Family! Check out Geico - they truly do stand by their customers! And this sets them apart from the others!!

And again, never underestimate the power of your blog!!

Here are some pictures of the what my car looked like after the accident:

And here are some pictures of what my car looks like after they fixed it a 3rd and hopefully the last time!

THANKS AGAIN GEICO

Angry & Sad!!

People don't understand that they should never say hurtful things behind your back because it always comes back around to kick them in the ass..

Last night I spent the night back and forth on the phone with someone who was letting me know that someone else had said hurtful things about me! And it's not the 1st time that someone has said things about me! But it is the 1st time that I confronted that person! You should have seen me, I couldn't take it anymore and I exploded.. I exploded not only because I was mad, but because I was hurt.. I literally felt my blood boiling.. By the end of the conversation I looked in the mirror to see my face beat red!!

I've never had that much of a rush of emotions.. I was angry and mad following by a rush of tears!!

I feel that my buisness is my buisness and no one elses... If I want you involved then I will ask your opinion - if I don't then so be it, right?

Well, obviously not!! People really need to learn their place.. I just don't understand why some people can be so hurtful!

I swear last night I felt like I was in high school all over again dealing with 10th grade Bull Shit!! I'm a very straight up person - If I have something to say then I say it - I don't cower behind someone else!

Pardon the rant and rave, but I'm feeling a little pissed... Hell, I'm feeling a lot pissed and a lot sad...

The Baby Bunch and Bucket - A Review

It's A Baby Bunch

I recently received a Baby Bunch to review! And how cute is this?

It's a bunch of baby clothes:

Each bunch contains a full set of clothing designed to give a baby the best possible start in life.
A Baby Bunch is the ideal gift for any new mom and makes a great gift to take to your next baby shower.

Each Baby Bunch is filled with super-soft 100% cotton baby clothes carefully rolled to look like rosebuds and surrounded by fabric and wood roses and leaves; save them to create a keepsake bouquet. T-shirts, Onesies and Bibs are 100% cotton. Both the socks and the hat are cotton mixed with some elastane for stretch. They have bunches & buckets for boys, and bunches & buckets for girls, "I Don't Know Yet" bunches & buckets, and even organic bunches & buckets! The Organic bunches

feature unbleached, undyed organic cotton.

If you're looking for other unique gifts, they offer Kitchen, Garden, & Spa Buckets as well!

The bunches come in all differnt colors and different sizes.

They have blue, yellow, blush, apricot, and white. They really are cute and I was very impressed with the quality of the products!

Pictured below is the "I Don't Know Yet" Winter Bunch 0 to 6 months!

ORDER ONE TODAY ~ THEY REALLY ARE

AS CUTE AS THEY LOOK!!

Click here to order

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Welcome back to Tasty Tuesdays! Here is a great side dish that goes well with pretty much anything!! Stop by and say hi to Danielle at

New Mommy Rant for another great side dish!

MAPLE-GINGER SWEET POTATOES

Ingriedients

1 1/2 LBS sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces (about 5 cups)

2 medium tart cooking apples, cored and chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 1/2 TSPN fresh ginger

1/2 TSPN salt

1/2 TSPN cinnamon

1/4 TSPN nutmeg

1/8 TSPN black pepper

1/2 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine sweet potatoes, apples, dried cranberries. ginger, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Pour the water and syrup over the top.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on a high setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

EAT & ENJOY

Meme Monday

I recently snagged this from AuburnKat - Happy Meme Monday!

1. What is your favorite food? Probably Lobster & Shrimp! But then again I love Mexican & Italian Food too!
2. What was your happiest moment when you were a child? Cutting down a Christams tree every year.. We would go to the outrageous Pine Tree Farm and they would have reindeer, Santa, totally decked out for ChristmasI would remember after a freezing cold day going to get Hot Chocolate with marshmellows in it and seeing a whole roasted pig turning round and round on the open fire..
3. Where is the place you want to go to the most? Hands down - California and Hawaii.. If I had a reason to move to Cali I would!
4. Which part of you do you hate the most? My thighs!
5. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do? I get teary-eyed!
6. What are you afraid to loose the most? My family and friends!
7. If you win $1 Million, what would you do? Pay a bill.... Buy a house.. Put $ in the bank...
8. What did you love the most about last year? That I was a year younger!
9. Which actor/actress would you like to play you? Reese Witherspoon.. Everyone always tells me I look like her..(even complete strangers on the street;it's weird)
10. How do you cope with boredom? Go online, watch TV, read, talk on the phone.
11. Till now, what is the moment you regret the most? I don't really no... Maybe losing contact with old friends!
12. What type of person do you hate the most? People that are fake! I can't stand them...They say one thing and do another.. I know someone like this and I can't stand her!
13. What is your ambition? To have a job I love... Own my own house... Be successful.... Have a family!
14. If you had one wish, what would it be for? To keep my family, friends, and I happy and healthy for the rest of our lives!
15. If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Umm... I would either want to be a bird so I can fly... Or a Cheetah - I'd look beautiful and be very strong and fast!
16. What has been the craziest thing you have ever done in life? Let's save that for another post, LOL!
17. What do you look forward to for the remainder of 2008? Hopefully starting a new job..
18. If you life were a song, what song is it? I'm too tired to even begin to think about that!!
19. If you were to change one event in your life what would it be? I probably would change my major when I was in college.. I would take different classes and really, really pay attention! I'd gear myself on a different career path!
20. Who are you going to tag? All of you reading this! Let me know if you're going to do this one so I can stop by and read all of your wonderful answers!

An A+++ for Batman

Let me start off by saying that The Dark Knight was AWESOME....This movie will truly big the Blockbuster Hit of the Summer(maybe even of the year). It was really that good..

Even if you're not a Batman Fanatic (like Brian & myself) you will totally l.o.v.e this film... It truly was a masterpiece... Christian Bale was fantastic and Heather Ledger was out of this world.... He truly left an unforgetable performance.. It left me truly amazed...

The only thing that we weren't crazy about was Maggie Gyllenhaal who played Batman's long time love, Rachel Dawes.. She is a very good actress, but I feel she lacked sex-appeal! You think of Bruce Wayne as a handsome, Playboy, Bachelor.... And naturally you think of him having a beautiful chick on his arm.. But that she wasn't... I mean she isn't ugly by any means, she just lacked something in the appeal factor to me...

A little Back Story if you didn't already know:

The follow-up to the action hit 'Batman Begins,' 'The Dark Knight' reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and the committed new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City for good. The triumvirate initially proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces The Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger portrays arch-villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from 'Batman Begins' are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine as Alfred;

and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

The action in The Dark Knight was vastly superior to Batman Begins in every way, shape and form. And we’re not just talking about fight scenes either.The movie has chases and crashes and fight scenes and non-stop action throughtout the entire movie...as this movie begins, the clean-up efforts by Batman and district attorney Harvey Dent have infuriated Gotham's criminals, who are escalating their efforts and working together to spread corruption throughout the community so that no one trusts anyone. A man with a mask can be anyone -- or more than one. Copycat Batmans (Batmen) are showing up with something the real Batman never carries -- guns. "That wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I said I wanted to inspire people," Wayne says. The line between justice and vengeance is blurring.

If I were you, I'd go and check it out!! This film grossed

18 million 489 thousand dollars($18,489,000) in the first 12:01 AM show.. Most movies are happy to have that in their opening weekend!! I am so looking forward to see what the over total for opening weekend will be!!

If you did go see the movie what did you think?

I am So Excited....................... TDK, Here We Come!

Most of you don't know how much Brian LOVES batman..... He is truly an enthusiast! Since he was a little boy in diapers he would run round the house with a pillow case tied around his neck, making believe it was his cape! He jumped from Roof Tops as a teenager, no seriously he did! I think he truly believed he was Batman - Hell, I think he still believes he's Batman, LOL.... So you can imagine how excited we are for today!!

For those of you that don't know, today (actually 12:01 AM) is the big opening weekend of TDK a.k.a The Drak Knight (which is the new Batman Film)! Brian and I have been waiting for this day ever since the release of Batman Begins in July 2005... When that came out we saw it 3 times the 1st day! Yes, we're addicts!! I think I've seent that movie about 50 times - and NO I am not exaggerating! Seriously, I'm not!

Another reason I am also looking forward to TDK is because I am looking forward to seeing Heath Ledger's last performance... I hear he was so unbelievable and amazing that he will for sure get nominated for an Academy Award.. Isn't that amzing?..... But, sad that he's not here to see how everyone reacts to what has been said to be his greatest masterpiece! R.I.P Heath!! You are missed...

So, today, i actually took off of work today(yes, I took a day off of work to see a Batman Movie) so Brian and I can catch the 1st show and a few after that, LOL... I am so happy to have the day off - what a great way to start off the weekend...

Check out the following clip, especially if you're clueless about TDK!!!

Doesn't it look soooo good?

I'll be back later with a review of the movie!! Is anyone else planning on checking this movie out this weekend? I think it will beat out Spidey's opening weekend, atleast I hope it does...

DVD GIVEAWAY

I was recently in contact with Paul Boese who is an award winning TV producer and director. He sent me a copy of his DVD, called

Under Construction to review..

I watched it, and also had the kids in my Summer program watch it and they LOVED it(SO DID I)!! It is a short DVD, hosted by the very attractive Charlie the Construction Worker, about five of the most widely used construction vehicles. Each vehicle is explained and spelled on screen,and is featured for several minutes so the children really get to see how the equipment works. I really loved that the video doesn't just show a quick picture of the equipment. It really gives the children time to see the construction vehicle in action! It also has this great sing along song that is very catchy and the chidren will love, I know mine did! By the end of the DVD the little ones were happily singing along to the song! Also, it was the perfect length, the children sat for the entire program,

seeming interested in all of it.. Some of the boys even asked if I could play it again - it was really cute!

Here is A little bit about Under Construction :

Under Construction was developed by award winning TV producer and director, Paul Boese, who brings his 15 years of film and television experience to the Under Construction Video Series. As a producer for PBS documentaries and television programming including The Oprah Winfrey show, Paul is committed to quality and educational programming for children. "I saw that my nieces and nephews loved construction vehicles but weren't given an opportunity for personal discovery from the videos that were already on the market so I decided to create something that lets them discover, learn and experience these vehicles on their own at a more realistic pace."

I give this short, educational DVD an A+.... And feel that children will love the action of the construction vehicles and the music...

Under Construction is an entertaining, educational and fun way for your child to safely watch learn and listen about real construction

vehicles at work! Click here to get your own copy of

UNDER CONSTRUCTION for just $14.95...

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

To enter to WIN a brand new copy of this DVD all you have to do is comment on this post!

To receive 4 extra entries, post about this giveaway on your Blog and link back to me- when you comment please let me know that you have or will post about this giveaway

so I can come and check it out!

A winner will be drawn from Random on Friday, July 24, 2008...

So please get your entries in!! Your little ones will enjoy this.....

Stop by Under Construction to visit the offical site of the DVD!

GO... What are you waiting for!?!

Wordless Wednesday

The Interview.....

So.....

The interview went very, very well!! I Looked great all dressed up in my suit with a clean, pressed white shirt and my stylish black high heels!

She asked me bunch of questions that I just aced!! She lovevd my resume and thought I had a great personality...

No wonder why she loved me and wanted to hire me...

They pay CRAP!!!!!

So needless to say I didn't accept any position and I have to continue looking for a new job!! Lucky enough I still have my old job - I'm just looking to make more money... And this interview I went on today would have been 5 steps backwards...

Eventhough I was disappointed, I took the interview as a nother learning experience for the next interview...

But I will say Shame on You(to the company I interviewed with today)! How can you expect to pay so little... I'd make more money pumping gas or selling my used stuff on EBAY!!

Wish me luck that I'll find a more promising job sometime soon!

And thanks to all that sent me their good vibes!

Tasty Tuesdays

Triple Layer Cookie Bars

Makes 36 bars

Score a homerun with these triple layer cookie bars. One taste and you’ll discover a delicious creamy combination of coconut, peanut butter and chocolate. This unique cookie is sure to become one of your new classics!

Also, stop by and say hi Danielle and grab

yourself another yummy cookie recipe!!

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine or butter

1 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs

1 (7-ounce) package flaked coconut

(2 2/3 cups)

1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

1 (12-ounce) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350° (325° for glass dish). In 13x9-inch baking pan, melt margarine in oven. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over margarine. Top evenly with coconut then condensed milk. Bake 25 minutes our until lightly browned. In small saucepan, over low heat, melt chips with peanut butter. Spread evenly over hot coconut layer. Cool 30 minutes. Chill. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Wish Me Luck

I have a job interview tomorrow afternoon after work.. I'm hoping it all goes well.. I'm trying not to think about it to much or get myself too worked up! I figured on playing it cool and confident....

So wish me luck and send me all of your good

thoughts and prayers @ 2:15 pm!!!!

And The Winner Is.......

Congratulations

to

Carmen from La Petite Belle....

She is has won the Giveaway for Nature's Baby Organics!

Please Stop by on Thursday

for another review and

another chance to win a Giveaway!

Congrats again Carmen!

Meme Monday

Here’s how it works:

Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places or names…Nothing made up. Can’t use own name for boy/girl’s name question. If can’t answer, skip to next one.

1. Famous Singer: Dave Matthews

2. Four Letter Word: Dude

3. Street Name: Dominican Way , Santa Cruz CA

4. Color: Denim, from Crayola

5. Gifts/Present: Diamonds

6. Vehicle: Diablo, type of Ferrari

7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Dice

8. Boy Name: Dex

9. Girl Name: Daisy

10. Movie title: Dirty Dancing

11. Drink: Diet Soda

12. Occupation: Doctor

13. Celebrity: Donald Trump

14. Magazine: Disney & Me

15. City: Del Mar, California

16. Sports: Dancing

17. Fruit: Dates

18. Reason for Being Late to work: Didn't wake up to the alarm!

19. Something you throw away: Dirty Diapers

20. Something you shout: Damn It!

Play along if you want to and let me know you did so I can come on over and check it out!

Happy Meme Monday :)

COMING SOON

THURSDAY REVIEWS & GIVEAWAYS

On Thurdays, coming soon, I will be reviewing products and

posting Giveaways!

Stay tuned for more info on amazing

products and fun giveaways......

Accidents Suck

Pardon the Rant & Rave:

So, I'm having a bit of a problem!

Back in October, Brian and I got into a car accident (with my brand new car). Thankfully no one was hurt, except for my baby(i'm talking about car, lol)!

We were driving down a pretty busy road on a Friday evening.. It happened to be raining! We were heading straight, going through a light and then all of a sudden, BAM!! A work van turning left smashed right into us! It happened it slow motion, I saw it coming, I screamed, thankfully Brian turned the car to avoid a head-on collision! Unfortunately the whole front fender, side view mirror, and door were smashed...

I cried, not because I was hurt, because the car I jut bought was ripped apart - I know I'm a bit of a Drama Queen - but still! It was my brand new car, the brand new car that I worked very hard to get! It was my 1st brand new car! Do you get the point, LOL!?!

So anyway, I brought the car to a well known auto body that Brian's parents had used on their Lexus! They did great work for them so it wasn't a question of where I wanted the work done... Well, I was WRONG!

It turned out that the Auto Body Shop had my car for 4 weeks... For 4 weeks it was like pulling teeth to get someone on the phone or to get someone to call me back and let me know what was going on! Finally, I get the car back.. I picked it up late one afternoon in November(ya know, when the sun goes down early, one of those nights). Well, because it was later in the day Brian and I didn't notice that they did a horrible job!! There was over-spray all over the front bumper of my car! But I didn't freak ot because

Brian said it was an easy fix and that he'd fix it..

So, 2 months go by(now is the end of December) and would you believe that all of the paint of the front of my car starts to peel off.. I freaked out and called the auto body shop.. I explained what happened about the paint and the over spray and they told me to bring the car in. So I did....... And they fixed the front(not the over spray though). So again I let it go!

Until...... A few days ago, would you believe that once again the paint is beginning to chip!?! I mean really what does it take to get it right? It really shouldn't be too hard.. They got paid - just fix my car right?...

So, my week has consisted of talking back and forth with the auto body shop and my insurance agency(GEICO)! When I called GEICO and told them the problems I had they said it wasn't their problem. They told me I had to work it out with the body shop on my own.. And believe me - that pissed me off to no end!

So now I'm waiting to hear back from the body shop! It's just crazy that a car accident that happened 9 months ago is still haunting me! Grr...

It's always something, isn't it?

Check It Out!

Chekc out this awesome website -

it's called

Bag Borrow Steal!

Here's how it works;

Enjoy the designer accessories of your dreams for a week, a month, or as long as you wish! When you've had your fun and want a trade-in send it back for something new...

Rent handbags, sunglasses, and even jewelry..

What if you'd like to keep something?No problem....

If you fall in love with an item you've borrowed, ask them about a purchase price.
They will gladly sell you any item you're renting. They will evaluate the accessory's age, condition and how easy it will be to replace—then let you know if the item is available for purchase.

I know I love expensive purses and can't always afford them.. So why not borrow it for that special occasion...

If not, at least it's fun to look...

Random Recipes

Here is another Edition of Pam's Random Recipe Exchange.

Today we are to post a Family Recipe!

I call mine

Artichoke Chicken

Ingredients

4 Trimmed Skinless, Chicken Breasts

1 14oz Can of Artichoke Hearts

1 15 oz Can of Whole White Potatoes

1 Package Fresh Sliced Mushrooms

1/2 Sliced Onion

3 TBLSPN Fresh Garlic

Olive Oil

2 Cups Lemon Juice

Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and Pepper, to taste

1 TBLSPN Oregano

Preparation

In a large bowl mix together lemon juice, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add chicken and marinate overnight!

When ready to cook place chicken and marinade in a large glass pan. Add artichoke hearts, potatoes, and mushrooms. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Place under broiler for 10 minutes or until slightly browned on top. Cover with foil and cook on 350 for 45 minutes or until

cooked all the way through!

Serve with your favorite veggies or a side salad!

E.L.F.

So I recently tried out this new brand of make-up called E.L.F. (which stands for eyes, lips, face.) The make-up was really nice and it is very, very afforadble! All of the make-up is $1.00.... Yes, that's right ladies the make-up is $1.00, even the brushes!My favorite products happen to be the hypershine lip glosses, the eye make-up remover pads, and the Shine Eraser (which absorbs oil & shine - mattifies skin - and is a pore minimizer).

Take a look at their philosophy:

In today’s world, beauty and wellness go hand in hand – it’s a holistic approach that places good health and wellbeing at the center of what it means to be truly beautiful. Beauty comes from feeling and being your best, an inner confidence that translates to the outer-world as attractiveness. e.l.f.’s philosophy is that beauty comes from within and it's our goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born – a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools that allow you to showcase and believe in your unique, personal beauty. Our cosmetics are designed to improve and accentuate the individual, not hide her away. We at e.l.f. believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget. We hope you agree and invite you to experience e.l.f.’s revolutionary, value-priced cosmetics and the proven results they offer.

I would say that if you are looking for new products to try check out E.L.F.! You can get so many great products for such a low cost!!

Mommy Website

I was surfing around the web and I found this site that all of you Moms may find enjoyable.

It's called CafeMom! Join CafeMom today and enjoy the Summer with other moms just like you. Plus, you'll be able to share photos and discuss Summer activities for your kids. And best of all, it's totally FREE!

So go over and check it out!

Hope you enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Frozen Wave Part 2

Imagine it being so cold the ocean waves froze!

Rattled & Shaken

I can still honestly say that I am still rattled & shaken from last night's season finale where Deanna Pappas picked the snowboarder Jesse to be her husband!! I should have known that she would have gone in that direction!

I always pick the runner up! That's probably because I always pick the nice, safe guy!

I still can't believe she picked Jesse!

I just don't see it! I don't think I could live with the "totally rad's" "awesomes" and "give me a Nug" all of the time! He seems like such a, such a loser!! Sorry to all of you that liked Jesse.. My 1st impression of Jesse when he stepped out of that limo was that he was going home that night! He looked like such a dork in his black, hot pink, green, and blue jacket while wearing jeans.. Come on guy, dress it up a little bit.. Not only are you going to be on TV but you're meeting a beautiful woman. I don't mean to sound judgemental, because I know that looks aren't everything! But, he didn't seem to bright either.... I personally think she set her self up to be brought down! I don't see them as a well suited couple!

I thought Jason was such a sweet guy!

I mean he's not a model type guy! But very, very cute and his personality made him so much more attractive! He was the sweet, caring guy who really fell in love with Deanna.. He was the sure thing! I just can't see Jesse settling down with Deanna for ever.. Maybe for "now"! But not forever! The 26 year old snowboarder didn't seem sincere with his words!

What bothered me the most was the "After the Final Rose" show! They made Jason relive his heart-wrenching break-up over and over! They just kept kicking him while he was down! Not only that, but Deanna just didn't seem herself when they brought Jesse out! I watched the entire season and the girl I saw sitting on the couch last night was not the girl I knew and loved throughtout the show! But who knows... It' s not my life - it's just my opinion! Can you tell I'm mad? LOL!! I feel like such a loser for talking about a TV Show.. But Brian hates reality TV and I can't talk to him about these people I don't even know!

I haven't decided if I'll watch another season! What a big let down this time around!

BIG SIGH!!!!!

And all Deanna could say when it was over?! “I can’t believe I picked the guy with the pink shoelaces!”

And Tipp said it right - "We can’t either girl, we can’t either."

Tasty Tuesday

I find myself obsessed with black beans lately.. I actually find myself obsessed with all differnt kinds of beans.. I think they make great side dishes or sometimes I eat them as my dinner. So for todays edition of Tasty Tuesday I bring to you

BLACK BEAN & CORN SOUP

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups vegetable stock
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS
In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, garlic, and carrots, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Add chili powder and cumin; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add stock, 1 can of the beans, corn, and pepper; bring to boil.
Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, puree together tomatoes and remaining can of beans; add to pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

EAT & ENJOY!!!

Make sure you check out New Mommy Rant for another yummy recipe... We hope you enjoy!

Giveaway Contest For All You Mommies

Check out the following contest.... Make sure you enter by July 31st at midnight to win the essential Babywearing Stash!


Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Because Moms (and Dads) Are Rock Stars!

So I recently received an awesome sling from Rockin' Baby Sling and I tried it out this weekend when I went up to visit Eliza! She seemed to love it just as much as I did! I received the reversible #170"Across the Universe"
Turquoise Circles & Diamonds / Green with Silver Aluminum Rings - 100% Cotton. The cotton is not only very thick and durable but extremly stylish!

Rockin Baby Slings are awesome! I recommendmthis brand to everyone! They are a socially conscious 2 Mom Shop that works hard to create quality, hip slings and puches that are useful, beautiful, and easy on people and the planet! All of the products are made in Los Angeles and they also donate a percentage of their profits to charity! Also, each box that the slings and puches come in are made of 99% post-consumer recycled paperboard and are printed with vegetable oil-based inks.

This sling that I received can be worn in 5 differnt carrying positions and hold a child up to 40 pounds. The slings is adjustable while it is on and has a tail with a pocket that can be used to cover up while you nurse your baby.. The pocket is also great for storing a few items for short trips if you don't feel like bringing a diaper bag...The sling comes pre-washed, but can be machined washed and put in the dryer on a low setting.

Check out the pics below of Eliza and I in the Rockin' Baby Sling!!!

She is one happy baby when she is in the sling.

She really seems to love being in the sling and held close to your body!

I recommend the Rockin' Baby Sling!!

Check them out today to get your own - you won't be disappointed!

Gotta Love Eliza!!

Celebrating the 4th was fun! Danielle, Pete, Brian, Heather, Alli and I had a nice, relaxing 4th of July! We had a BBQ, made soda, laughed, and enjoyed being together.. And Hey, it's always a great time when you get to see Eliza.. Check out some cute pics of her below.....

Uncle Brian just looooves his niece!