Front-of-the-Line Passes for Manta

I'm amazed at how far theme parks have come in the last (ahem) 30 years. I remember spending hours waiting in line to ride the rides at Cedar Point as a kid and teenager. It seemed like we spent more time in line than we did on the rides...because we did. That was a once a year trip, as it was 4 hours away from our house.

Now we live 20 minutes from Busch Gardens and could ride the coasters whenever we want (with season passes)...except for the little ones. Boog is now big enough to ride most of the coasters and I was so proud when he tried one last year. He came off the ride and said "Mom, I did it...and I didn't even cry." When asked if he would like to do it again "No." was his reply. It's not very often that Hubster and I get there without the kids, so we spend a lot of time in Dragon Land watching the kids enjoy the kiddie rides. The only bonus is that the lines for all of these are about 5 minutes on the busiest of days.

Nowadays parks have front of the line tickets you can purchase that allow you to avoid waiting on the more popular rides and some even have single rider lines to insure all rides are full and make the regular lines go quicker. I really prefer NOT to ride alone as I think part of the thrill is sharing the experience with others.

If you find yourself at SeaWorld this summer and are looking to experience their newest ride (opening in May) Manta is sure to be every thrill seekers dream. Right now SeaWorld is offering front-of-the-line passes to anyone who logs into their site and participates in their Manta quiz. You can find answers by following them on twitter and throughout the site. You'll have to answer 5 questions and only get three chances (strikes) so don't rush through it. I figure you'd rather spend the time in the comfort of your home (or office) working on getting the correct answers than spending that time in line waiting. So head on over and get your front-of-the-line pass today.

I Needed a Moment

Yesterday I wallowed in my sadness. My baby girl turned 3. I think, as moms, we all have that moment when we realize there will be no more babies in the house, when our children get to the age of not needing us every moment of every day. For me, that day was yesterday, and it's been creeping up on me for the last couple weeks. I'm over it now. I just needed a moment.

We had cake and ice cream with Mima and Papa and Puddin Pop exclaimed "This is the best birthday ever." Sometimes simpler is better. We had parties for the last 2 birthdays so decided to just focus on making her day special without adding a whole bunch of people to distract us.

The gift...

I know some of you have been waiting to see. She, like her brother, asks for everything she sees on TV, but never really remembers, nor does she get attached to any one thing. Boog got a Nintedo DS for Christmas and she loves to play with it. She is not very good at maneuvering through the actual game levels but is very impressive in finding her way around and selecting the individual mini-games she likes. You can show her one time how to get to a certain area of the game (usually a series of 4-5 buttons) and she remembers. She also really likes the touch screen features. So...

We got her this

Leapster by Leap Frog. Recommended for ages 4-8 (We're a year early) this game is intended to help teach colors, shapes, numbers and letters for the pre-k group and grows with them through different games and advanced levels. We included the Disney Princess game.

PP now has her own hand-held game. She has rarely been seen without it. With features like drawing, sing-a-long songs and touch scree fireworks, she is entertained, working on improving hand/eye coordination, and the fighting over the DS has ceased...and it's pink and purple, what more could a Princess ask for?

The Gift

Puddin Pop will be 3 tomorrow and I have found myself in search of the "perfect gift". There's nothing like the look of disbelief when a child opens a gift and exclaims "For me? Really? For me?" I encountered this reaction for the first time with my nephew was 3 and I bought him a new bike (he's now about to turn 18). It was the feeling one must feel when landing one of the coveted Wall St jobs, or whatever the top position is in their field.
Now, as a Mom, I always try to find that one special thing that they will hold on to, that will get a lot of use, if it teaches them something...BONUS. I want them to know that they are loved and treasured. Yes, I know it doesn't require gifts to send this message, but if I can pick just the right thing, they may be reminded even at those times when I neglect to show or tell them.

In Need of Help

We have been in our house for almost 6 years now. We have removed a seriously neglected above ground pool and the very neglected decking that surrounded it. I was afraid to have the kids go outside for fear of splinters from the decking. It was that bad. So now we have to determine what to put in it's place. Boog would love a trampoline. I'm not necessarily opposed, I just don;t think I can watch them jump and fear for their lives all day long. I would like a nice gazebo and some outdoor furniture of the patio variety. Hubster would like to build a new deck.
I'm not sure why, maybe it's the condition of the current deck and the umpteen promises of repairing it, but I feel as though a patio would be much easier to maintain and I like being at ground level rather than up above.

For those of you with either, please let me know which you prefer and help me make a case to get a patio or help Hubster to get his deck. Either way he's doing the work so you tell him what would be best.

Thanks

First Mammogram

WARNING!!! IF YOU ARE ONE OF MY MALE FOLLOWERS IT'S OKAY TO LEAVE NOW OR FIND A DIFFERNT POST TO READ. THE TITLE EXPLAINS THE TOPIC:)

So, I had my first mammogram today. I was supposed to get it a year ago but accidentally scheduled it on Good Friday and we were going out of town (made the appt, 4 months in advance). Yeah, it took me a while to reschedule but today I went. The purpose of this post is to share my experience with others who may be a little leery about going. We all hear the horror stories but also know the importance of this yearly procedure. It was no big deal. It was the equivalent of shopping for a life insurance quote . You don't want to think about it, it's not something you really want to do, but you know it's important and you have to do it.

The people were wonderful. It was like a women's club. We chatted before our procedures and those that has been there before explained the procedures to the new ones in the "club". I never felt uncomfortable and the procedure was done quickly and without discomfort. I know we all have different comfort zones and pain thresh holds, and mine is pretty high, but seriously, the positions I had to stand in to get the right angles were more uncomfortable then the squishing.

If you are worried about having one done and have put it off like I did, pick up the phone and call. It's not only important, it could save your life!...and it's really not that bad!

Why Do You Use Forums?

Is it a requirement of blogging to be an integral part of different forums? Is it a marketing technique to be opinionated to the point of offending others? Do people read these forums and wonder who these people are and therefore click their links to see what other opinions they have written on their own blogs?

I visit different forums in several of the communities that I belong to and seems as though there are always a group who seem to "run the forums." The elite few who always have something to say. I've also noticed a select group that just like to complain...ABOUT EVERYTHING. It would seem to me that if you are unhappy with a situation or with what others are saying, you should just quit showing up. I do not understand the mentality of people who show up just to argue. There are some topics that I feel passionate about, but rather than try to change people's minds and get them to agree with me, I would be more apt to find a forum of people that already agree with me and discuss it there?

Do you network in the forums? What is your purpose? Do you like a good argument or are you there to find like-minded individuals?

For the Children

There is nothing I wouldn't do for my Children, and one thing I wish I would have done.

(Puddin Pop and I on Easter)

When I was pregnant with Boog and then again with Puddin Pop, I received information from cord blood banks listing their different programs and what saving the cord blood could mean in the event of illness for either of them or another family member. I was adopted, so I pretty much knew if we saved it, it would most likely only benefit my husband, his family, myself and our children. That's a lot of people who could be impacted by the current technology of today. The prices at the time, were not within our budget, and the cord blood was donated instead. I hope it helps someone someday.

Like any technology, prices drop as products and services become more readily available and now Cryo-Cell has one of the lowest fees for collecting and preserving these precious stem cells and are constantly doing research on other ways to use them and other ways to obtain and preserve them. Cord blood has already been used to treat over 70 illnesses and ailments and many more are being tested as I write this. It's a decision that wasn't available to our parents and one that should be seriously contemplated with each new birth.

Here's a testimonial from a current Cryo-Cell Client explaining how she determined that this program was right for her family.

"My children are the most precious gifts that I will ever have and I want to do everything I can to make sure they are well. While I was pregnant with my first child, I would see articles and ads about cord blood and it bothered me that it was so expensive but what if I one day needed this blood. The reality of having only one chance or it really went in the garbage kept me wondering if I would regret not investing. What if he had cancer or his dad or I were sick, would that blood have been the cure? Through research, I came across Cryo-Cell International, Inc., a company with the most reasonable rates and the assurance of two holding facilities.
When I was pregnant with my second child, we wondered if one bank was enough? Finances were tighter and should we spend the money? Then we realized that his brothers blood might not match for the new baby. The next day, stories were breaking about how Cord blood had saved or changed the lives of children, one cancer, one cerebral palsy. Then we discovered that a friend was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. He didn't bank his daughters blood and wished he had. Three years prior, I lost a friend to renal cancer when she was 29. We felt like it was our answer.
We are just beginning to see miracles that this blood can bring. We have two "life insurance policies", that is how we look at it. If anyone in the family gets ill, there is a chance that the blood could save our lives. If we don't use it, then it is there for our son's children."
Sincerely, mother of Parker and Davis
Cryo-Cell International Client

What would you do for your children? I hope that the blood we donated gets put to good use.

Running Around

I did some running around today and got nothing done!!!

First I went to DMV to renew my plates. I was informed that my property taxes had not been paid so I couldn't get them. I called the taxation Dept to find out that they had deducted the amount from my state return but that they (the dept of taxation) would not actually receive the payment until May. My tags need to be renewed NOW, and the money was deducted from my refund 2 months ago. I can pay ANOTHER $150 to get the hold removed and they will just apply it to my June payment, but I really don't want to do that. I'm not yet sure what I'm going to do...one wasted trip.

Then I went to the Verizon store to separate our family plan to a single plan since Hubster's company is going to take over his plan (right now they just reimburse us for part of the bill). I'm told that Hubster's company just needs to take his number and then I can decide on what plan I want. I call Hubster and he says he spoke with someone yesterday that told him I would have to have the accounts split and have him put on a temporary account so that his company could "port over" his number. The people at the store looked at me like I was crazy. They kept on insisting that I didn't have to do anything until his company took his number. He said his company can't port the number because he is the primary. Light bulbs flickered and the customer service girl finally got it and said "Oh no, they won't be able to touch is if he's the primary on a family plan." Hello? Am I having a conversation with myself? I've been telling you that all along and started with "We have a family plan and my husband is the primary but I have full authorization and I want to...". Needless to say they gave me my options and we have an upgrade for a new phone. I think I want to switch to a blackberry though, so here is where it gets complicated. Hubster has a World but wants a Storm. His company will send him a Curve with their plan. I looked and actually like the Curve the best so...I did nothing but split the account so they can port his number. We'll wait for the curve and switch my account, then he'll get the Storm (or technically I will), and then we'll go online and switch the devices. Whew, all that thinking made me thirsty.

So off to the grocery store I went. I actually got stuff there, including my favoritest cheap wine, Tisdale Shiraz. I'll be opening that soon.

So I went places with intentions and left with my intentions and and a couple of plans and some wine.

I Did Something Bad...Very Bad

...and I'm not even positive what it was...but I have an idea.

So I'm sure it's obvious that I do sponsored posts. It's a way to make a little extra money but even more than that, it's a great way to write about SOMETHING when I might not otherwise have anything to say. I've been guilty of writing about stuff I know nothing about in the past (while learning about it in the process) but have tried to only take the offers on topics I believe in, find interesting, or that I think would benefit others since I got over the initial shock of actually making money from blogging.

I know that some of the companies are stalked by google and too many posts for them and you will find your page rank in the gutter (if you even manage to get one). I wish I could blame it on them...but I fear I caused this demise on my own. I do do stuff for these companies, but have for a while and have never seen a dip in my PR. It's not as though I'm doing nuphedra reviews , credit counseling, or other nonsense stuff, so I think I've slid under their (google's) radar. Maybe it's due to backlinks, maybe it's because I use blooger, somehow I have not been affected during a regular update. So imagine my surprise when I noticed on Sunday that my PR2 was now a 0. I tried to figure out what may have caused this. I know updates were done a couple weeks ago. I usually don't check until I see people talking about recent updates on their blogs or in forums, but I was rearranging some stuff in my side bar and noticed my nice 0 on my PR button. I tried to think what may have caused this and this is the only thing I can come up with...tell me if I'm wrong as I'm really not sure what would cause a random drop weeks after ranks are configured.

Sunday morning I was checking to see where some of my posts ranked in google searches. I was most interested in the cookbook giveaway as it has received more comments than anything I've done (including previous giveaways). I noticed it was on page 3 of the google search for "cookbook giveaways". Then I noticed the little "promote/demote" buttons on each listing. I must admit I had not noticed these before and didn't really know what their purpose was so I clicked promote...on 3 of my listings. I don't know if these are for my own viewing or to promote something I find useful to help google help others, I should look into it but figured someone might read this and save me some time by telling me (so please enlighten me). Anyhow, 2 hours later is when I noticed the dive in my PR. Did I sent a cryptic message to google when I promoted my own articles? This is the only reason I can think of for the smack down. I won't be touching those buttons anymore.

Please enlighten me if I am way off base.

Buying by the Label

I'll admit it. When I'm looking to try a new wine, I look for a variety I like and seek out a cool label. Sometimes I'm in the mood for flowers or bright colors, sometimes it might be the name, and sometimes it's just a label that strikes my mood. Is that wrong? I've come across some good ones and some I-don't-care-how-cool-the-label-is-this-sucks wine, although not that often due to my love of everything wine and an inability to waste it.

Recently I was in one of those moods and bought a delightful Mar del Sur Malbec. With it's inky purple colors and an aroma of mixed red fruits and coffee, this was a delightful purchase-by-label choice. I enjoyed it with my usual Steak and mixed veggies and it complimented the crushed red pepper/roasted garlic seasoning, I used on both, perfectly.

While I enjoy having wine with friends, I also enjoy a quiet evening, kid and hubster free, to enjoy food and beverages that none of them would touch. (Hubster would eat steak but it would have to cook for and extra 30 minutes). This wine relaxed my mood, went well with my dinner selection, and was even delightful with my dark chocolate oreo for dessert. For just under $10, this wine and experience was worth so much more.

Seriously, isn't that a cool label?

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There Comes A Time...

There comes a time in our lives when we must recognize the brilliant people we have encountered, either personally or by their works that have inspired us. I met a gentleman several months ago through a blogging community and we quickly recognized our common interest and love of wine. We chatted on that site, did a couple posts together, and frequently exchange banter on Facebook and each other's blogs. I am amazed, enthralled and a little jealous of what this person has accomplished in such a short time, but recognize the brilliance in his delivery and am proud to call him a friend. I would like to introduce you to Randy Watson a.k.a The Wine Whore:

During tough economic times, one website has the solution. In exchange for free wine samples, Randy Watson provides publicity for wineries and entertainment for wine drinkers. 100 bottles of free wine later, the site is getting massive attention.


Tampa, FL, April 15, 2009 — When Randy Watson embarked on his creative wine venture, he never dreamed it would be possible to have too many bottles waiting for him to drink. Only three months after the release of his wine website “The Wine Whore” (www.winewhoreblog.com) he has received over 100 bottles of wine from 30 different wineries. “I never dreamed it would be this big” he says as he accepts delivery of another shipment, the eighth one in only five days.

Why are wineries voluntarily sending him free bottles of wine? In exchange for free bottles, his website features reviews of the wines he receives. This trade provides ultra-cheap publicity for wineries, retailers, and distributors, while also being informative and entertaining for other wine drinkers. This site is creating quite a buzz. Multitudes of wineries, wine lovers, and spectators are joining him in the ‘cause’.

Aside from the free wine, “The Wine Whore” is attempting to change the way people view websites dedicated to wine and marketing in general. The idea for the site was sparked as Randy became discouraged with his boring corporate job. After being passed over for a promotion, losing 401k benefits, and just being sick of the nine to five grind, he decided to channel his creative energy into something he really enjoys, drinking wine. Sick of the monotony, Randy just “wants to change the way people see the world.”

He promises to create fun and honest tasting experiences allowing others to gain a down to earth understanding of what to expect if they were to try it themselves. In addition to reading about Randy’s journey for free wine, the site also includes interesting articles on wineries, fun facts, wise wines of the week, and wine news. Randy believes that just “so many wine reviews are the same… pretentious blabbering of black currant, cherry, vanilla, and leather. The repetition equates to spinning a wheel of smells rather than a description of how the wine really tastes.” Instead, this website sets out not just to focus on the wine, but on how wine changes the perception of life and living things.

Contact Information
Randy Watson
thewinewhore@winewhoreblog.com
www.winewhoreblog.com

This and That

Hubster sent me a very touching e-mail yesterday and attached a nice note. I rarely forward anything but this one really touched my heart so I decided to forward it to about 20 people...I forgot to delete the message from Hubby. Hope everyone enjoyed their glimpse into my personal life.

I'm still trying to figure out where and when to take our first REAL family vacation. Hubster's saving up now and we just have to figure a good time. I think the kids would really enjoy any of the all inclusive Orlando vacations that are available, but that would end up being a winter vacation (due to not wanting to be in Florida in the Summer) and I'd like to do something sooner. We'll see.

Easter was nice, except for the Church part, you can read more about that here. The kids got way more candy than necessary and now think Easter is like Halloween, we didn't get them any candy.

I'll post another wine review either later today or tomorrow so look for that and don't forget to comment for your chance to win and awesome cookbook in the post below.

Cookbook Giveaway

Who wants over 500 pages of classic American Recipes?

The nice people over at Stewart, Tabori & Chang (publishers) have sent me this wonderful cookbook and told me to give it away. This book has every American recipe you can think of and a lot you've never thought of. It's broken into categories such as breakfast, lunch, appetizers, soups, salads, desserts and more. It even has a selection of drink (alcohol)recipes in the back. This book is the only one you will ever need to provide Classic American Meals for your family. If they hadn't sent one for me as well, you wouldn't be reading this post!

Here's the rules to enter the contest for this GREAT Cookbook:

1) Leave a comment telling me why you want it (make sure I have a way to contact you) = 1 entry

2) Follow this blog (and let me know through a comment) =1 entry

3) Twitter about this contest (comment letting me know you have) =1 entry

It's that simple. The contest will end April 30th and a winner will be drawn at random by one of these two on May 1st.

I promise this is a MUST HAVE to anyone who has any interest in cooking. It even covers the basics and would be great as a First cookbook to start any collection.

Warning about Cold Meds

Warning!!!

Just because the cold medicine is on sale doesn't mean you should buy 2 boxes, one daytime, one nighttime. Especially if the boxes are extremely similar.

Yep, went to take some cold medicine the other night so I could sleep and breath through my nose but guess what? I accidentally took the daytime formula. It's been a long time since I've been that wired. It was like taking the best diet pills on the planet, all souped up with lots of ephedrine. Wow did I have some energy. I finally realized what I had done and drank a glass of wine, that brought me down a little. another glass and I was ready for bed.

I tell you this to prevent it from happening to you.

Jelly Belly ~ Not Just for Easter

I love Jelly Bellies...can you tell? Nobody makes a better jelly bean in the world. Welch's came out with some a couple years back and I assumed they would be super yummy, seeing as they make jelly and all. We all know what happens when we assume. They were terrible! I don't recall seeing them on the shelf since. While mostly jelly beans are thought to be an Easter candy, Jelly Belly creates such unique flavors that it would be foolish to only eat them only at Easter. We like to enjoy them all year long.

It's a Good Friday

Hubster is off today. He took a couple days off since Boogie is out of school...and because he really like to take time off. We took the kids to the park yesterday and I believe he is taking them back today...any minute now...maybe. They don't seem to be able to get out of the front yard. He told the kids to get dressed and while I was helping them he decided to go out and trim the bushes in front of our porch. Don't get me wrong, the bushes needed to be trimmed, but why NOW. He does this a lot. I think it's ADD. He'll tell everyone to get ready to go...wherever, and I'll get myself and the kids ready and in the car and 10 minutes later he'll come out and decide he needs to sweep the porch or put the trash cans out or... It's always something. Right now, he went to get the cooler out of the car to pack some snacks and beverages for the park...and he's sweeping the porch?
Oh well. We anticipate it and it's not so bad. I tell him we need to be places 15 minutes before we do and it all works out.

So basically everyone is leaving except me. I get to stay home all by myself. I'm going to start my brownie ice cream cake that I was requested to bring for Easter Dinner and maybe catch up on some taped (DVR'd) programs. How's your Good Friday?

Social Network for Musicians

If you or someone you know is a musician of any sort and trying to get noticed and paid, I just may have the site you/they are looking for. Kerchoonz is a newly launched social network (still in beta) for all lovers of music to share. You can watch videos and download music and it's all free and legal. Kerchoonz has set up their network to share advertising revenues with it's artists, based on visits and downloads, thus allowing those of us who are on the listening end the ability to listen and watch videos at no cost.

I think this is a great opportunity for local bands, musicians and soloists to get their music heard all over the word. Back in the day, I used to love to go to the local "dive" bars with my friends to dance and listen to the local bands. You can bet that if Kerchoonz was available back then, I would have been encouraging my favorite groups to upload their music so I could listen to it whenever I wanted.

Kerchoonz also offers all the perks of the other social networks such as forums, groups, chat, games and friend making. If you are looking for social network that is built around great music, check them out. They also offer a referral bonus to their members. Even if you don't have music to share, you can make a little extra money by getting your favorite artists to sign up using a special referral link and get paid when they receive 5000 downloads.

Here's a video from the site...Enjoy!

Mario Land Shake It!

Boogie is still getting over Strep so we've been staying inside, playing Wario Land Shake It! This game is a lot of fun with all the different areas and challenges. I must admit that I have a problem switching from the directional buttons to using the wiimote to do things. My brain doesn't switch like that. I'm tyring to speed up my car at the end of area 2 and I'm asking my 5 year old why the car won't move when I push the button. He ways "Mom, you have to tilt the wiimote, remember?" No, I don't. Even if I just did it, I don't remember. Nonetheless, we've been enjoying figuring out the different levels and have been taking turns. You get to play until you die and then it's the other person's turn. It definitely cuts down on the frustration level (for both of us) since we get a break after each turn and can cheer on the other.

A fun game for all ages, I would reccomend this game for those with a Wii. It's provided us with several hours of fun...and we haven't even made it past the flippin' clown at the end or area 3. I won't give up, I won't give up!

The Kids are Going to be Jealous

I just joined another Social Network. I don't even have time to keep up with the ones I'm already a member of, so what's one more. Seriously though, this one is going to be fun and the kids will be jealous. Yes, I just joined Parents Connect by Nickelodeon.

This site offers everything you need to know during the early months of pregnancy such as how you should feel each trimester, what the most popular baby names are and the meanings of names, and helps members decide if they should find out the gender. It is an all inclusive site for parents just starting out and those of use with our families complete. Parents Connect used your profile information to match you with similar minded parents to get you going, they will also connect you with people who can help answer questions, whatever those questions may be.

The site offers expert advice, boards to chat on, activities for your children and recipes. They will even send you weekly menu plans with a shopping list of all the ingredients. This site looks like it will be fun and informative. They even have a game section. If your not a member already, go check it out. If you are a member, my screen name is RLBennett.

Go Green!

Have I mentioned that I'm a Michigan State fan? I am. I figure now is a good time to mention it. I, of course, wouldn't mention it if we weren't in the NCAA MENS B-BALL FINALS! Woo Hoo. It's a great day to be a Spartan.

I was raised on MSU athletics. My father was a season ticket holder for Basketball, Hockey and Football. We would spend our weekends with him attending one of these events and sometimes more. We would also attend the Great Lakes Invitational (hockey) tournament each year. Boy were there some memories made there. I usually met up with friends or brought one along. Good Times! I also attended Michigan State for a short while, leaving to pursue a career in Restaurant Management. Man, if I had that to do over again...I'd probably be practicing Law. Oh well.

So I had the kids dress for the game last night. It was a lot of fun sharing this event with my kids since it was such a large part of my childhood. I'll confess that I only watch during playoffs, but it's still exciting. Here's the kids celebrating out victory!!

Postcards vs Facebook Messages

In this day and age we are (or at least I am) so connected with family and friends through e-mail and social networks that I rarely sent anything through the US postal service, unless it's a package. I did recently send a Thank You card to my parents for letting my girlfriends and I crash at their house and for the wonderful dinner they treated us to, but then realized it had been a long time since I had purchased stamps and mine were, like 3 cents short. I even pay all our bills online so we don't currently have checks either.

I like getting cards in the mail. I could do without a lot of the junk mail I receive, but a card or
postcard from a friend or loved one is always a treat. My parents always send a postcard to the kids when they go on vacation. The kids love it.

I want post cards.

We went to Blue Bird Gap Farm last weekend (kind of a little petting zoo) and I took some great pictures of the animals. I think this one would make for a great postcard.

How fun would that be? Whenever I wanted to drop a friend a note wishing them Happy Birthday, or Thank You, or whatever other personal message I wanted to send, I could make it personal by sending a postcard that I created. I think this is a much better gesture than the Facebook Happy Birthday message. It says "I knew your birthday was coming up and I sent you this message because I'm thinking of you", not "Oh I noticed everyone wishing you a happy birthday on FB and thank goodness, I would've forgotten."

I also think that this would be a great business alternative. As an Editor with US Family Guide, I could really get my information out to businesses with a catchy postcard and all my sites info, as well as my contact information. There's something about a postcard that is just so much more intriguing than a letter...don't you think?

Oster Wine Opener

I've been promising this for a while and had problems uploading the original video. Couldn't even get it uploaded to YouTube. I'm not tech savvy enough to know why so I just made a new video. As you will see, Today's wine at five (or close to it) is the Barefoot Merlot. I think this would get a 9 on a Wine Whore score. It's readily available, costs under $10, is very delicious, and I enjoy it a LOT. (a lot of the time and sometimes a lot at one time). Anyway...

Check out this way cool wine opener by Oster and tell me you would not like your own. It is my favorite toy so far!

I've Got the Baby Blues

With the last of my three friends about to deliver (just to be clear, I have more than 3 friends...I have 3 that were pregnant at the same time), I've had a little of the baby blues. I love my two children, do NOT want to add a third but loved being pregnant more than anything. While I had a little morning sickness with my daughter, it was nothing that would deter me from having more...if I wanted more. If it weren't for my age, I would seriously become a surrogate. That's how much I love being pregnant.

During my first pregnancy, I read everything I could get my hands on. From what to expect to safe (and unsafe) foods. I drank in all the information that was available and got it from a wide variety of sources. From books to websites to magazines, I couldn't get enough. I had waited so long for this precious miracle that I wanted to do it right.

HealthGuru.com has a wealth of information for pregnant women. From Fertility and Conception to Labor and Delivery and every step in between their team of Doctor's have put together videos, charts, articles and pictures to help even the most foolish of baby makers (I say this based on the comments. The material is extremely helpful and insightful, unfortunately most of the people commenting are not) knowledgeable about what is going on with their bodies and their child.

I've been lucky to cure my baby blues by holding and babysitting for the new additions that have graced my life. They are precious and are all in good hands. The miracle of life is one not to be taken for granted and I am in awe every time I witness the miracle in progress.

Thank You for Stopping By

It's that time again.

Time to say Thank You to everyone who takes the time to visit me here and to recognize those that are here most often, at least through Entrecard. I love to blog hop and do so daily. There are so many funny, talented, opinionated people here in cyberville and now is the time to celebrate new friendships and a service that allows us to meet individuals we may never have had the pleasure to encounter.

I toast everyone who stops by, encourage you to be more vocal...good or bad, and know that I will always return the favors, comments and visits.

Here are my March Top Droppers!

Dallas Marketing Services, Moshi & Kibo's Dog Blog, Because Someone Cares, Random Ramblings, Parental Instincts, Everyday Living, Silver Sachet, Art Joolree, Comedy Plus, Epicurean Health

Starting next month I will also be rewarding and recognizing my top commenters. Will you be on the list?

Not Again

So I was just saying to a friend yesterday, whose kids are sick, that we finally have gone two week with all four of us healthy. I must have forgotten to knock on wood. Boog awoke at 3am with a fever and sore throat and an hour later was vomiting in his bed. I swear this has been the worse Winter ever as fall as sicknesses go. Yes, I know it's Spring, that proves my point even further. My neighbor is sick with the same symptoms and has been since Monday and when I e-mailed the teacher today she replied saying he was the 4th kid out this week. The other 3 have been out since Monday, I'm crossing my fingers that Boog gets better much quicker than the neighbor and those other kids.

If anyone has a free hotel night voucher, send it my way. I would love to send Hubster and Puddin Pop away to insure they don't get this. The cycle HAS to stop. Nest week is Spring break and the last thing I want is to be home with sick kids.

Hopefully a new wine review this week. We also have our first request for a review from John Tedder. He want to know what we think about one of his personal favorites, Delicious Red by Vella. So be on the lookout for that one as well.



I'm going to tend to my sick little boy.