Delayed Titling, Bad Singing, and Too Many Pictures

Another Wednesday and more What the Hell moments. I've called it therapy before and I won't stop now. If you'd like to get some stuff off your chest, link up with the rest of us over at Elle and Stacy's Blue Monkey Butt. It feels Goooood.

I've noticed over the last couple months with my participation in WTH Wednesday and Random Thought Tuesday that I no longer title my posts before I write them. What the Hell? I sit down and empty my brain, re-read and then decide on a title. Does anyone else find that to be the better way?

We'll be down to the top 12 on American Idol after the Thursday results show. I had read in some forums that people are thinking this years contestants are the worst ever. I hope they didn't taint my brain because after the last couple weeks I'm beginning to think they are right. What the Hell ? It seems like almost everyone is singing way off key most of the time.

I've mentioned before that the acne I didn't get as a teenager has been haunting me since, gosh, I think since I moved to Virginia. What the Hell. I'm not above doing a shameless plug:

Dear makers of blue light therapy,

I would be willing to test and review your product. I'll even do before and after pics.

Call me.

Today is picture day. AGAIN. What the Hell is with all these pictures. When I was a kid we got one shot at it. Now we have picture day, class picture day, casual pose picture day and whatever else they come up with. Why would I order a class picture if I'm getting my first grader a yearbook (which we also didn't have at the elementary level)? Anyone else find this annoying?

I'll end my rant there and encourage you to share your What the Hell moments.

Surgery, Crystal Bowersox, Chef Ramsey and the President~ RTT

If it's Tuesday, which I've been told it is, it must be time for some more randomness. Random is good. Helps to get out the bits of thoughts swimming through my head. If you're playing, head on over to The Un Mom when you finish here and link up.

I didn't go to Raleigh last week as my brother's surgery was postponed. He had an upper respiratory infection and they didn't think it would be a good idea to do neck surgery. I have to agree. The surgery is rescheduled for this week and I'll be headed that way Sunday or Monday.

Does anyone watch Kitchen Nightmares? I've recently caught a couple episodes and they crack me up. After spending 17 years as a restaurant manager I can relate to some of these bone-heads who have no clue. Strike that. I can relate to Gordon's frustrations with the no-clue-boneheads. That last girl who bought a business (restaurant) after completing business school was laughable. Who thinks this is a good business venture when you know nothing about restaurants? I'm amazed the staff stayed around. Hopefully they got the epson tm-t88iv printers with their new computers. I'd like to know how they're doing now.

American Idol is dwindling to the top 12. Crystal Bowersox is my pick to win it. I just hope she can stay healthy to complete the competition.

60 degree weather yesterday. Puddin Pop and I planted some flower and strawberry seeds. Hope we don't get another cold spell before they sprout. We put some inside too, just in case.

I'm just finishing up my Ambassadorship with The View. It was a lot of fun tweeting during the shows. Now I'm a Juicy Insider (I know, sounds kinda pornographic) for Tropicana. They have some great savings on things here local. You get codes on qualifying purchases and can use the points for discounts on travel, lodging, museums and more. If it stays warm I'm going to take PP to the zoo this week. Free child admission with an adult ticket. It's always nice to save money on things you'd buy or do anyway.

Boog was helping the neighbor pick up some broken porcelain on her sidewalk yesterday. She told him if he continues to be this helpful and nice he just may find himself in the President's office someday. He thought that was cool. I have to say that I want my kids to do what ever makes them happy and be successful at it. I've never dreamt of my kids rocking the Oval office. Just sayin'.

Work, Snowday and Funny things Kids Say~ WTHW

Another episode of What the Hell Wednesday. I missed last week with a case of the bluey blues. I was just feeling yucky and unmotivated, What the Hell? But I'm back with a vengeance and joining the ladies at Blue Monkey Butt for more Wednesday fun. Get some stuff off your chest and join in.

I have a (very) part time job. One day a week (sometimes two) I venture away from my family for some quiet adult time. It's a store that is mainly frequented by men. It's a relaxing atmosphere even when busy. Some of the guys even try to flirt, What the Hell? So I had this guy over the weekend who was chatting me up and when it came time for him to check out he made some comment about hoping his credit card would work and asking if he could use mine if it didn't. I told him I didn't have any credit cards to which he replied, "You must be married. Did hubby cut you off?" What the Hell? I'm sure this happens but I'm not a huge shopper and can not imagine being married to someone who would "cut me off." Just saying.

It's March 3. I live in Virginia. It's a SNOWDAY! What the Hell? I have pictures of the kids from previous years in shorts...in January. My daffodils were already coming up. Now they are covered in snow. Fortunately the kids are playing nicely so far. It's only 9 am. Fingers are crossed.

I watched The Parenthood last night. I cried. Several times. What the Hell. This is going to be a really good show if they keep it up.

I had hope of a wine review tonight while the kids and Hubster were at church for choir practice. Due to snow it may not happen. I will only say WTH to that one as I don't want to say the "H" word in the same sentence as church. Just doesn't feel right.

Speaking of Hell. Pudding Pop enlightened me on the way to dance class yesterday. She said, "Mommy. When you are bad, bad, bad, you go down, down, down." I say "Oh really?" She says "Yep. All the way down to the devil." It was almost as if she was going to break into a song. She also told me that nice people go "up.". I asked where she thought she would go..."up", Mommy?..."up", Daddy?..."up". Ashley (the dog)..."up". Her brother?..."down, down, down" (again with the song) I asked why. "Because he is always mean to me." What the Hell?

Undrcover Boss, Olympics, Toast with Love~ RTT

Has anyone seen Undercover Boss? The idea is that CEO's of companies go into entry level positions to see what really happens within their companies and then they can report back to their Directors and make changes to better their businesses. First off, that pig from Hooters should have been fired. Period. I would also like to know how they can get another season out of this. People, if a new employee comes in to try out an entry level position and is doing a documentary about it (camera crews are following them around), you may want to find a picture of the "big boss". Chances are it's him/her. These individuals are putting on safety glasses and hair nets and jumping right in. They're usually pretty bad at it too.

The Olympics were great. The final game between USA and Canada was an edge of the seat nail-biter. I hope in light of the loss, team USA can be proud of what they achieved and of the medal no one expected them to win. Great job Guys.


I'll be spending the weekend in Raleigh taking care of my brother who is having neck surgery on Friday. I really appreciate Hubster taking Friday and Monday off to allow me to do this. I know my brother is a little scared of the surgery and the amount of time they expect his recovery to take (5-6 weeks) I may just have to bring him home with me.



Whenever Hubster makes chocolate milk for the kids they think it rocks. Puddin Pop wanted to know why it tasted so good. He told he he made it with love. He actually adds sugar. Who does that? So when Puddin Pop wanted toast for breakfast yesterday morning she insisted I put "love" in it. I did.

That's my random for this Tuesday. If you've got some random thoughts ready to get out of your head, post them on your site and link up with all of us over at The Un Mom, or The Bitchin Wives Club which for some reason in my browser still comes up as The Un Mom.

It's time to review the Boys

The gentlemen adorned the stage last night in attempt to stay another week. With the results just hours away, here's my take on the Boys of American Idol...

Todrick Hall~ Very comfortable on stage. I enjoyed the performance but didn't feel his vocals were contest worthy. Not at least in this performance.

Aaron Kelly~He did well. I just don't see him standing out. I think he'll quickly get lost in the mix.

Jermaine Sellers~ This poor guy was so nervous. The result was a lot of bad notes.

Tim Urban~ Enough with the smoldering looks into the camera. Those high notes were hard to listen too. He's cute, though, and I think he'll make it through to next week.

Joe Munoz~ Strong performance although the words sounded muffled in the beginning.

Tyler Grady~ I don't like looking at him. Never got into Jim Morrison, don't want to now.

Lee Dewyze~ This was my surprise of the evening. I don't recall seeing much of him in previous episodes. I really enjoyed the sound of his voice and predict he'll make top 6 for the guys.

John Park~Wow. this was another hard to watch performance. The vocals improved at the midway point but it was already too late. Tell the producers to stop making the guys "make love" to the cameras. It's distracting, fake and annoying.

Michael Lynche~I really like him and his story but why was he putting his mouth all over the mic? That was bothersome. I was also surprised at his reactions to the judges criticisms. Looked like he was going to go postal.

Alex Lambert~Nothing about this kid stands out to me. He reminds me more of aPlano dentist than an American Idol. Maybe it's because he reminds me of Herbie?

Casey James~ I hope that's the end of the Casey/Kara references. It's just gotten to be too much. It could also be bad for both of them. I'm probably the only one who doesn't like his hair. He's a good singer, though, and will definitely make it to the top 12.

Andrew Garcia~ My favorite guy after Hollywood week. I did not care for or know the song but still think he'll be in the top 12. I also hope he is more creative in his song choice next week.

American Idol Recap~ It was Inevitable

Yep. The ladies just performed and there is nothing I like more than wine and Idol. I've been watching wince the auditions, so my judgement may be clouded, but here is what I've got.

Ladies Night~ 12 ladies perform. It's America's job to dwindle them down to 6. My recap...

Paige ~ I'm not into her ...yet. Think going first has its demerits. Was she really sewn into her outfit? That would suck and I couldn't sing if I had to pee for 5 hours. Did a good job for first up. She'll make it through...to next week.

Ashley~ Not sure of her song choice. Not the right one for her. There is something about her I like though. Seemed a little nervous but very adorable. We'll see her next week.

Janelle~Wine Rep? I think she may be my new BFF. Not my favorite performance by her. Very karaoke-ish. But I think she has more to show and I look forward to it.

Lilly~ I didn't even recognize the song but I think she's brilliant and will be around for a while.

Katelyn~ I really like her, but what's with the hair and make-up. Seriously, fire those people because it just distracted me from the performance. Made it seem Cabaret-ish. Would have been better without all the visual distractions.

Haeley~ So cute. I love that she got her nosed pierced to commemorate but it I feel she fell short in the vocals. Liked her better with the Country songs. Something nasal in her voice. Cute but irritating. She may be going home.

Lacey~ So cute and spunky. I did not like her performance but hope she gets another chance.

Michelle~ Way too cute. Real. Hope she does well. Seems very comfortable on stage but maybe could have picked a better song for her voice.

Didi~ Her voice is one of a kind and not annoying. I'd like to see her stick around for awhile. She needs to figure out who she is.

Siobhan~ Interesting character. I like her voice but another one who hasn't yet figured out who she is. Strong competition. Did she get her teeth fixed?

Crystal~ Seriously. Best female in the group. Very authentic. I hope everyone votes on talent. She may have not felt she was right for this competition but I'm sure Daughtry felt the same. I'd like to see her in the final!

Katie~ Cute girl. Kind of felt like it was Britney's coming of age video. Love her back story and think she has a voice but is too commercial at this point.

Other notes...

Surprisingly and sad, Ellen seemed very uncomfortable and seemed to copy what others said. I think she'll warm up.

Surprisingly~ I think Kara is my favorite judge this season. Very real. Not obnoxious. This season may prove to be the best.

We're gonna miss you Simon. But we'll be A-OK without you.

Look what Jimmy's doing now

I mentioned here that I have a new 4 week gig for The View. Now I have to watch. It's rough sometimes all the demands that I put on myself, lol.

So. I'm watching The View last week and they are discussing that Jimmy Johnson is the new spokesperson for extenze. (So is it him that keeps sending me all those emails?) They were talking about how embarrassing it would be to promote such a product (which, according to these funny ladies is a product for hair) and what would make a celebrity choose to do it. I was reading here that Jimmy uses the product and so I guess he thought he may as well get it for free. Shouldn't some things stay private?

Girls Night In~ Kiss from a Rose

Another Girls Night In has come and gone. I'm getting sloppy. We're having so much fun I keep forgetting to take pictures of the food. It was another fondue night. Steak and Shrimp. I will never get sick of that. We also had some brown rice and a salad comprised of romaine, mixed greens, roasted pecans, cranberries and brie tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette that was to die for. I think I had 5 servings of that. Thanks Kathy!

The star of the night was the beverage.

Kiss from a Rose
1/2 oz. Raspberry Liqueur

1/2 oz. Creme de Cassis
4 oz. Rose Cuvee

Garnish with fresh berries

We modified the recipe slightly. we used 1/2 oz. of each liquor and then filled the wine glasses with champagne. We also left out the fruit.

This is the first beverage (with the exception of Margaritas) that everyone loved. We're a Red wine drinker, a Pink Wine drinker, a Whiskey and a Rum drinker collectively but all really enjoyed this drink. It was light and fruity but not so much so that it clashed with the food. It was a perfect celebratory beverage and we've all decided to have it again.

As usual, we laughed and caught up on everything going on in our lives. We talked diets and fitness (as we drank and filled our bellies). We probably should have talked about the best hgh supplements. Hot topics of the evening were American Idol and the Olympics.

It was a fun and crazy evening and I look forward to next months even though I don't remember which day we picked to have it. Oops.

*Thanks goes out to the nice folks at Barefoot who graciously supplied the Rose Cuvee and the recipe. They truly made the night special with a drink we all loved.

Highlight Saturday~ Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry

Since I work most Saturdays and don't really get the chance to post or blog hop. I'm starting a new tradition of highlighting older posts (re-posting them) in case you weren't here the first time around. I swear it will be less painful than reading cla reviews and you might even enjoy some of the wines and foods I've discovered.

In honor of Barefoot, who is sponsoring our Girls Night In tonight. I thought I would post a review I did (with another blogger) for their Extra Dry Champagne. The champagne for the review was purchased by me.






I'm not sure where to begin. The Wine Whore and I had so much fun last time with our Hob Nob review that we decided to treat you with another edition of a He said, She said review. This time I let Randy pick the variety and he decided on Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry Champagne. I usually only drink champagne on New Years and other very special occasions, so there is not much about the production I can share with you. I do love everything else Barefoot produces that I've tried though, so I thought I would give it a whirl.

I usually don't drink the extra dry or even dry versions of champagnes because Hubster doesn't care for them and he is usually my partner in crime when there is a toast to be made. That will no longer be the case. I love this champagne and fully understand why it got 90 points in the 2007 California State Fair wine competition.


I started with a glass as I prepared dinner and could definitely taste the apple flavor it boasts. It was very smooth and refreshing and left me wanting more. I paired it with Scallops and a rice-spinach-onion-mushroom medley and it complimented my choice exquisitely. I really think I need to drink champagne more often. I had a key lime bar for dessert with another glass of the Bubbly and thoroughly enjoyed the combination. While some of the champagne's flavoring was masked with different foods it remained very smooth and delightful to drink. A nice diversion from the wines I usually consume.


Overall I would have to give Barefoot Bubbly an 8.5. It might be higher but I'm not a true connoisseur of champagne, yet, and need to leave room for other great selections. Truly enjoyable and I will definitely buy it again.


If you want a real version of a review, with big words and winery terms, or just want another perspective, head on over to Randy's place and check out what he has to say.


If you have a wine you would like reviewed...let us know.


I'll leave you with a picture of my dinner

Please Clean Your Own Plates ~ Fitness Friday

It's Friday. I'm feeling kinda crummy. Pudding Pop has a cold and spent the entire night couching directly in my face. I hope she feels better soon. The upside of getting this cold is the loss of appetite she has demonstrated. I can only hope to achieve a quick trim around the mid-section by not eating for a couple days.

I've hit my goal of 3 hours of exercise per week since the beginning of 2010. Wii Fit Plus is tracking my time and any exercise outside of that is just bonus. I've added 2.5 pound ankle weights and for Valentine's Day the kids got me the riser for the balance board to increase the efficiency of the step aerobics.

I've (sort of) started using Weight Watchers. A dear friend sent me all her information so I can count and keep track of points and only have to weigh in at home. Isn't a bulging Mii enough humiliation?

While I have been steadily working out since January, I wasn't seeing much in the way of results. With the added weights, riser and WW menus I've managed to lose 5 pounds just this week. I think the eating healthier thing is just psychological for me. While I love fruits, vegetables and all food healthy, the minute I resolve myself to eating that way I just want burgers and chocolate.

To make it easier, I purchased and cut up a vegetable medley of zucchini, squash, red onion and orange pepper. I have a large tub and saute up a bowl for an afternoon snack of to accompany meals. I also cooked up and shredded some chicken breasts and have had a spinach salad topped with the chicken each night for dinner. I'm eating a heavier lunch than usual and then eating lighter at the end of the day.

Last night the kids wanted breakfast for dinner. I made buttermilk pancakes, sausage and hash browns. I was completely happy eating my salad while everyone else feasted on some of my "other" favorite foods. Fine until it was time to clear the table and do the dishes. The discarded food on the plates were begging to be eaten.

Note to children...If you are not going to eat everything on your plate, you will need to discard the leftovers before putting your plate on the counter to be washed.

Special Note: If you are tired of hearing about all the fun I am having with my Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus and do not own a Wii but would like to try out the system, go to Wii Mommies for a great opportunity to get a Wii and the Wii Fit Plus to start getting fit. Looking for 5 non-Wii owners to try out and report your findings. Must be willing to follow a designated program and document results.