Laugh Until Your Cheeks Hurt

2011 Bracket

2011-03-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Chi Chi Chi Chia...

2010-12-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Available here for less than $19.00 each. Please note: there are two styles available... Happy and Determined!

The Winner is...

2010-11-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Comment #11...

Katie !!!

Congratulations! I will contact you in order to get this package sent off to you!

Thank you to Fiber One and MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway!!

Fiber One - Giveaway!!!!

2010-11-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to try Fiber One Oats and Chocolate Chewy Bar. And let me tell you... I LOVED THEM. And my kids LOVED them! Not only are they a good source of calcium, each bar has 9 grams of fiber! Yummy!

I also tried the Fiber One Honey Clusters cereal. And I'll be honest and admit that I've never found a "serving size" of cereal to really be enough. But, I tried just one cup of cereal (the listed serving size) and it was very filling... an actual good serving!!! And it was so good!!!

So... thanks to MyBlogSpark and Safeway, I have a fun giveaway to announce!!

A coupon for a free box of Fiber One Cereal and another coupon for a free box of Fiber One Bars... PLUS a $25 Gift Card for Safeway. (Gift card is also good at Von's, Dominick's, Tom Thumb and others...)

Awesome giveaway... I know I spend a lot of money on groceries in November and December, so this is perfect!

To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite guilt free snack. Leave another comment indicating what Fiber One cereal or bar you would try first! That is two entries per person... leave a separate comment for each entry!

I will use Random.org to select a winner on Friday, November 19, 2010. So enter by midnight on Thursday, November 18.

Good luck!!!

The Winner is...

2010-11-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Karen!!!

You are the winner of the Old El Paso Gift Set!!!

I'll shoot you off an email!!!

Thank you to Old El Paso and MyBlogSpark for this fun set. I used our chili pepper trays this afternoon for a chips and salsa snack for my kids!

Old El Paso Tacos- and a giveaway!!

2010-11-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Family dinners at our house are pretty predictable... if only because they are unpredictable. I never know how many of my kids are going to be home for dinner... and sometimes I'll start out feeding just a couple of kids, and by the time they are done eating, the next set of kids is home and ready to eat!

Recently, I was offered a chance to sample Old El Paso Taco Seasoning through MyBlogSpark. Old El Paso sent me a seasoning packet, some chili serving plates and a cute cactus chip and dip set. Plus, they included a gift card so that I could buy the needed ingredients for a family taco night!

We chose to make chicken tacos... yummy!!! This is how I made them...

I put 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in my crock pot.

I sprinkled the packet of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning over the top of the chicken.

I mixed one jar of Old El Paso Taco Sauce with one can of cream of chicken soup.

I cooked it on low for about 6 hours.

Then, I shredded up the chicken (and let me tell you the extra sauce was yummy... save it for the rice!!) and set up a taco bar for the kids to go crazy!

It was a crazy fun night!! The kids love tacos and just calling our night "family taco night" made it a special occasion. And we celebrated the night by planning ahead so that everyone was home! And the tacos were so delicious and so easy!!

Something else that we did was we played the El Tacodor game from the Old El Paso website. Click here to print your copy... free game! And then I just dare you to try to say "carrots" with your mouth closed, not open even a crack! Hilarious!!

Ok... so who wants their own Old El Paso Prize package... that includes an Old El Paso Taco Seasoning packet, 3 chili serving plates and one cactus chip and dip set?? And a $10 gift card to use to buy the other ingredients you need to have a Family Taco Night! One lucky reader will win their very own package... thanks to the generous folks at Old El Paso and MyBlogSpark. To enter... leave a comment here and tell me what is your family's favorite Mexican food.

I'll use random.org to select a winner on Saturday... so you have until Friday, November 5 at midnight to enter!

A Good Read to Celebrate...

2010-10-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

October 14, Thursday, is National Chocolate Covered Insects Day. I'm not kidding!

Here are some fun ways to celebrate...

You can check out this book. Read it with your family.

Then you can make some chocolate covered ants with your kids. Click here for a recipe.

If domesticity is not your strong suit, you can click here to buy some.

Enjoy!!! And happy day!!

90

2010-08-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

It's been 90 years since women gained the right to vote.

I LOVE voting!

I LOVE IT!!!

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to vote. And I take the responsibility of voting very seriously!

Vote your conscience!!!

Scoop and Stack

2010-08-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Scoop and Stack $15

http://www.cuisiprousa.com/

imagine...

9

2010-06-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

The percentage of Americans who donate blood annually...

9%.

On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, if just an additional 1% more of us donated blood ALL NATIONAL blood shortages would disappear... for the foreseeable future.

Visit Redcross.org to find a donation center near you!!

Random-with-a-Mission

2010-04-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

One of my daughters told me recently that if there was a contest for "BEING RANDOM" I would win!

I thanked her!

'Cuz it was a compliment, yes?

Here is the background to her telling me I was so random...

She was with me in the car, running errands. I needed to call home for some reason. My 9 year old daughter answered the phone. I asked her what she was doing. Then I said... what kind of shoes do you have on?

The kind of shoes that my daughter had on had nothing to do with why I was calling.

It is just that this particular daughter has questionable phone manners... she answers questions with the most clipped voice. Leaves you with the feeling that you were interrupting something really important. Ugh! And she mumbles when she talks. Oh, and she lowers her voice to practically a whisper.

I was giving her a safe opportunity to talk on the phone.

And asking... "what kind of shoes do you have on?" was the first question I thought of.

We had a lovely conversation and I was able to ask her all sorts of questions about her shoes. I was able to gently suggest that she talk a little slower so I could understand her.

At one point, I whispered back.

She couldn't hear me and she asked me to speak up.

And then she giggled. She realized I was just copying her.

And she started talking a little louder, a little clearer.

I'm random-with-a-mission!

Tonight after my 5-year old got out of the bathtub... I spent a little time telling him how much I love him. I thanked him for not splashing all over my bathroom during his bath. I told him how glad I am to be his mother.

I could sense he was growing tired of my compliments. After all... they were predictable. He's heard them a million-zillion times. (And he'll hear them a million-cazillion MORE times.)

Anyway... I said...

And I love it when you help me by putting all the placemats away after dinner, without me asking!! Oh how I love that!

He's head snapped around to look at me.

What the heck? He didn't say it, but he was thinking it.

So, I gave him one last squeeze and sent him off to play.

And guess what he did...

he put away all the placemats. Without me asking!!

Random-with-a-mission!!!

Inner Goddess Giftpack WINNER!!

2010-04-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

The winner of the "Inner Goddess" Giftpack, generously donated by MyBlogSpark and Yoplait is...

JILLIAN!!!

Yea, Jillian! Congratulations!!! I'll shoot you an email to get your mailing address.

Thanks!!

Oh, and guess what I had for breakfast this morning??? Strawberry Yoplait Greek Yogurt. I'm LOVING this stuff. It is the perfect blend of tart and sweet... and the perfect creamy!!! Yummy stuff!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 5

Result:

4

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Keep Calm~Snap On

2010-03-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Cool print!!

Check it out here!

$15 - perfect for gift giving!

Yoplait Greek Yogurt - GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-03-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am not the biggest yogurt eater... I use it in recipes, but not so much for a snack.

When MyBlogSpark offered me the chance to try this new yogurt, I jumped at the chance. I was intrigued with the idea that this yogurt was such a great source of protein.

Yoplait has introduced four flavors... Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain. I tried both the strawberry and honey vanilla. I'm a believer in yogurt as a snack!!

I loved it and my five year-old son who is a world-class picky eater devoured it!! In addition, I went ahead and used the honey vanilla flavor in fruit smoothies for an after-school snack for my older kids. Yummy!!!

Every new product needs to align itself with something Hollywood... yes??? To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to encourage women to nourish their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with actress Izabella Miko, who plays Greek Goddess Athena in the epic adventure new Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures film "Clash of the Titans," in theatres April 2 in 3D.

Clever!!!

Now for the good news... The very good news!!

1. You can click here to download a coupon on a cup of new Yoplait Greek!

2. Want to win a gift pick that includes two VIP coupons (free cups of Yoplait Greek) and some fun items to help "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" and relax??? Oh, yes you do!!! Thank you to MyBlogSpark and Yoplait for this fun giveaway!!

Leave a comment on THIS post and tell me how you get in touch with your own inner goddess. Be sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win!!!

Enter by Monday at midnight! I will randomly select a winner on Tuesday morning!!!

Venus in Red

2010-03-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm speechless!

What was she thinking???

Oh Venus... Oh Venus.

A Place Between Us

2010-03-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Do you have a faraway friend? Click here for suggestions on where to meet halfway.

Anything fun to do in Winnemucca, Nevada??

Color Me Tables

2010-03-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

ColorMeTables has a great product that is perfect for family get togethers! Or birthday parties... or a craft room...

For about $50, plus shipping and handling, you get one table and four chairs that are ready for your budding artists. I have a daughter that would go nuts for this!!! A birthday tea-party... ohhh laa laa! For $75, plus s/h, you get the table and 6 chairs. What a fun birthday activity!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Tape!

2010-03-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Japanese tape? Never heard of it! But... I think I've fallen in love!

Happytape is made in Japan and uses traditional washi paper. Each roll is 50-feet long and comes in 2 different widths and over 120 fun colors and patterns. And on most papers it is repositionable.

The Happytape website suggests using the tape in scrapbooking, gift wrapping and all manners of crafts. I love the idea of taking a plain gift bag, or gift box and decorating it up with this awesome tape!!

Each roll is approximately $5.

Always My Child

2010-03-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

I'm just days away from celebrating the birthday of my first born! He is turning 17. I'm not ready for this. 17!! I remember being 17. I was practically a grown up. I was fiercly independent and found very little need for parents and especially for parents' rules. I'm not ready for what I know has already started.

I found this video that made me cry...

I know that this blog is called "Laugh Until Your Cheeks Hurt" but maybe... just for a day or two, I'll call it "Cry Until Your Throat Hurts." Does anyone else get a sore throat from crying???

Anyway...

grab a tissue and click play!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T23:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Kideos

2010-02-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

My young kids, ages 4 - 11 are really into searching youtube to watch videos from their favorite shows, or of their favorite songs, or other funny things they have heard about.

It gives me stress.

I recently stumbled on Kideos: Videos for Kids and we love it! It is a carefully monitored site with fun, age appropriate videos. Click here for one of our favorites.

Cherry Creek Designs

2010-01-31T07:50:00.000-08:00

I discovered this fun etsy shop not too long ago! Oh, her stuff is so darling!! The shop is called Cherry Creek Designs and you have to check out Heather's stuff. These are two of my favorite items:

I have this ring!!! I LOVE it!!

DIY: Cake Stand

2010-01-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

I saw this cute and inexpensive craft project on prudentbaby.com. Click here for all the instructions! Easy!!!

Our local Hobby Lobby just opened last week. On my list (which I suspect I'll always have a HL list) are the cake boards I need to give this craft a try! Very excited about the possibilities.

pen n' paper flowers - GIVEAWAY

2010-01-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Check out this adorable print...

The amazingly talented Jess from pen n' paper flowers created this beautiful, inspiring print!!

And she's giving two of them away!!!

Click here for the fun giveaway. And enter!

And... when you enter, tell her that I sent you! She is giving ONE of the prints away to the person who sends the most people over to her blog!!!

If I win... I'll do a giveaway for a gift card. You can pick Hobby Lobby, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble or Target... those are the places I go most often... and I'll send you a $10 gift card!

Rules for my giveaway... you HAVE to enter the drawing at pen n' paper and you have to mention me in your post. You can either say that Alison sent you... or that Laugh sent you... she'll know they are both me! I will then put every one's names that entered the pen n' paper giveaway into a drawing and randomly select the winner!!!

Hurry, the pen n' paper giveaway ends tomorrow (Tuesday) night!! Be sure to check out her blog while you are there... you will seriously be inspired, perhaps motivated and most certainly awestruck at the creative talents of this girl!!!

I really want the print! Can you tell?

Good luck!!!

Pizookie, a.k.a. Manna from Heaven

2010-01-24T22:43:00.001-08:00

I was looking for something this weekend on Seriouseats.com and came across this funny post about

THE.BEST.DESSERT.EVER!!

I've had the privilege of having both a Pizookie from B.J.'s and an ORiGiNAL Pizza Cookie from Oregano's. I favor the Oregano's version... but am not embarrassed to admit to loving the B.J.'s version too! It is a fun dessert to enjoy on date night... or for a fun family night treat!! I found 6-inch cake tins at Smart and Final... perfect for a homemade version!

Happy New Year from George

2010-01-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

Shades of Light

2009-12-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

I just found a great website... Shades of Light. My mom needs a new lamp in her adorable guest room and either one of these would be perfect!! Shades of Light has lots of great lamps and some neat looking mirrors!

Snuggie!!

2009-12-08T20:20:00.001-08:00

$9.99 at Walgreens

Check out the verbage on the box... it was written as if the dog can read!! As if...

Giant Activity Tablecloth

2009-11-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

What a great idea for Thanksgiving dinner... or for the time leading up to actually eating Thanksgiving dinner.

This is a $30 activity tablecloth from International Playthings (available at Amazon.com) that can be used, and reused. Use washable markers on the dozens of activities printed on the tablecloth... mazes, word-finds, coloring... and then pop the cloth in to the washing machine for the next event!

Click here for more information.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Expressionery.com

2009-10-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite websites for purchasing gifts, Expressionery.com, is having a site-wide 40% off sale.

There are some exclusions (which I guess makes it a semi-site-wide sale) and offer expires in January 2010. Use discount code: Holiday.

Panasonic 360-degree Quick Iron

2009-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I hate ironing! Hate it! Thus, I rarely iron!

My husband, out of necessity, does 99% of the ironing.

In an effort to be a thoughtful gift giver, I'm thinking of giving him this new iron from Panasonic.

This innovative iron ($50) offers a clever solution to a common ironing problem... it lets you iron more quickly and accurately, thanks to the double-ended soleplate. Move it in any direction and you can get into the tight spots, such as collars and around buttons, easy peasy!

It doesn't solve my ironing problem... but...

Baby Blues

2009-10-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Piggie Pie! by Margie Palatini

2009-10-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading "Piggie Pie" by Margie Palatini to my young children! It was such a fun story and my children's reactions were hysterical.

The story is about Glitch the Witch who decides she is totally craving Piggie Pie. She has all the ingredients... including on eye of a fly, but is missing a key ingredient... 8 plump piggies!!

So, off to Old MacDonald's farm flies Glitch!

The story continues with Glitch asking all of the farm animals if they have seen the pigs. The 'farm animals' look an awful lot like some plump piggies...

The artwork is incredible and is such an integral part of the story. Look carefully at each page... the pictures add so much with subtle (and not so subtle) hints to the emotions of the characters!!

My 4-year old kept saying "I just don't like that witch!!!" and would shake his head in disgust!

Any story that engages my children will remain on my 'keep-this-book' list!!

Ice Cream Sandwich Molds

2009-09-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Cute ice cream sandwiches the kids can make themselves???

I love it!!

These molds are in pig, cow and chicken shapes... what adorable sandwiches.

$12 for the set at Amazon. Click here for more information.

Spoon Flower

2009-09-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

If I was a quilter...

I would love this website!!!

www.spoonflower.com

At this site, you can turn your creative vision into a fabric reality. Upload a JPEG of your vision to the spoonflower website and your custom-printed cotton fabric will arrive in a couple of weeks!

I.am.not.kidding.

$18 per yard.

I'm going on-line, right now, to look for some quilting classes.

99 Days

2009-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

... until Christmas!

Backseat Drawing

2009-09-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

I found this game online the other day (click here) and am convinced that my kids will LOVE this!

One player instructs another player to draw something, using only basic clues. The cluegiver cannot reveal what is being drawn. Everyone has to guess what the object is before time runs out!

In the regular version... the cards with the items to be drawn are just listed. In the junior version, the cards have simple drawings of things that look pretty easy to explain!

Animoto.com

2009-09-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

Check out this free video that I made at Animoto.com!! How fun!!!

Tree Houses

2009-09-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is the Serendipitree. It is in Oregon and is one of many tree houses available for nightly rentals. The Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort is a bed and breakfast, where a yummy breakfast is provided each morning to all the guests! The tree houses sleep from 2 to 5 guests, so larger families (like mine) would have to rent two tree houses. Note: there is a tree house, called the Cavaltree, that sleeps up to 7! Nightly rates start at $120 for the smaller tree houses... which is very reasonable!!

The treesort offers craft classes, tree house construction classes, horseback riding, and zip lines!!

Click here for more information.

We Remember

2009-09-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tyke Lights

2009-09-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

I live with some little girls that would absolutely go nuts for these! These are heat-free lights are made of durable plastic and are perfect to light the way for little ones. My girls would love these for reading at night for a bit before they go to bed. There are three settings for the lights... high, low and a fifteen minute dimmer!!!

$13 each. Click here for more information!

Labor Day 2009

2009-09-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Nature Valley Nut Clusters

2009-09-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

I received the best 'care package' ever a couple of weeks ago from MyBlogSpark... it contained the new product line from Nature Valley. Four packages of their new Nut Clusters... all four flavors.

Nature Valley Honey Roasted Peanut Nut
Cluster

Nature Valley Nut Lovers Nut Cluster

Nature Valley Roasted Almond Nut Cluster

Nature Valley Roasted Cashew Nut Cluster

My favorite flavor was... oh... I really loved the Honey Roasted Peanut, but wait... the Roasted Almond was AMAZING. I know... my favorite was the Nut Lovers because it had peanuts, cashews AND pecans!!!! My 16 year-old son 'lifted' my package of the Roasted Cashew... handed me the empty package at the end of the afternoon and said... "Great find Mom!! I love these!!" So, off to the store I went to find another package of Roasted Cashew Nut Clusters... Let me tell you this... my son was right on!! They were delicious! Seriously, it would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite - they were all very delicious!!

I love the sweet and salty... the texture, the generous amount of nuts in each cluster, the convenience of the resealable package and the price! I have found coupons on the Nature Valley website... and right now, if you sign up for the Nature Valley e-newsletter you will receive a free bag!! (Offer expires 10-15-2009 and supply is limited... so hurry if you are interested) Click here to go to the Nature Valley website.

Irony

2009-09-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager, I worked at a movie theater. (Loved that job, for the record!) It always amused me when people would order extra large popcorn with extra butter, a milk duds, red vines and a diet coke! Ok... seriously... just enjoy the real sugar in a real coke. But, I now know that people can just really prefer diet coke. But still... I appreciated the irony!

It is 25 years later and I still appreciate irony.

Take for example my experience at Sprouts today. (Sprouts is a grocery store with a heavy emphasis on organic, healthy foods... lots of fruits and vegetables, and a very large organic selection!)

I was standing in line to pay and overhead the following conversation...

Lady #1: ... today is the first day back to shopping... I've been recovering from surgery.

Lady #2: Oh man... is everything ok?

Lady #1: Well, I had to have my boob job fixed... one of the sacs was leaking. It was painful, but I'm doing a ton better.

Lady #2: Did you have the sac removed?

ME: THUNK!!!!! that is the sound of me hitting my head on the credit card machine. 'Cuz clearly NOTHING had been removed... if you know what I mean!

Lady #1: Oh no. He just fixed it. Left everything there!

Lady #2: Well... you look great! You are just beautiful!

Lady #1: Thanks! I also had my lips done this summer and LOVE them!

Note: I'm paraphrasing a bit.

It was a difficult conversation to listen to...

these ladies had JUST met... standing in line at the store!!!

Now... to the ironic part!! I bought some raw trail mix. No salt, no sugar, no preservatives. At check out, I asked the cashier if she had ever tried it. She said no. I indicated I was a little nervous because I usually buy salted... but wanted to try raw.

The lady behind me... Lady #1 said... "oh... you'll be so much happier with the organic stuff! When they start adding all the chemicals and crap it just ruins the natural product!!!

It took me several minutes to pull it together enough to trust myself to speak! I love irony!!!

True story!!! I promise!

Rubik's Cube 360

2009-08-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome back Mr. Rubik!!! The idea with this new twist on the original cube is to get the colored balls from the inner sphere into the matching slots on the outer sphere by twisting and shaking them through holes. Available at Amazon.com for $15.

Spa Pampering: Head & Toes

2009-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

Two favorite... at home spa pampering treatments...

Enjoy!

Head: Mix 1 teaspoon sea salt into an ounce of shampoo. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse and condition as usual.

Toes: Fill a basin with warm water and add a squirt of body wash or a tablespoon of bath salts. Soak feet for 10 minutes, then gently pumice, pat dry with a soft towel, and rub in a rich lotion.

source: Good Housekeeping

Cool Cones by Jokari

2009-08-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

The fun way to eat and store ice cream without making a mess!!

Use Cool Cones to scoop up ice cream and then push up on the handle to eat. Convenient attached lid can be used to store ice cream right in the Cool Cone.

Can be purchased at Organize.com for $6.99 for a set of four. I've read that they are also available at some grocery stores.

Support Our Troops

2009-08-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sending a letter, or a care package, to a member of our troops that is serving overseas is a great way to help your family participate in supporting the troops and a great way to teach gratitude!

Click here for a list of letter and care-package programs for our military!

National Best Friends Day & National Relaxation Day

2009-08-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

Today, August 15, is

National Best Friends Day

National Relaxation Day!!

Celebrate at the spa... with your best friend!

Free Lunchbox Notes

2009-08-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

I love leaving notes for my kids in their lunchboxes!!

Even my teenagers will get a note every once in awhile.

Click here for some adorable lunchbox notes. You can download them and print them... for FREE! Thanks to AlphaMom.

More Horrible License Plates

2009-08-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

My teenage son and I were driving home from a girls softball game last season, and he saw a car that impressed him. He wanted me drive closer so he could get a better look.

I noticed a HILARIOUS license plate.

So I drive VERY fast (not as fast as the corvette, because I was in a Honda...) but fast enough that when the corvette braked to make a right turn, I almost 'owned' a piece of that pretty cool car.

But, I got the picture.

And, it was posted on the Horrible License Plates blog this morning.

Photo credit was given to Katie O. Not sure who she is... but maybe it's an inside joke. Like maybe she's the sister-in-law of the HLP writer, who gets just a little too mean every four weeks or so! Wouldn't that be funny if it was the new mother-in-law of the writer???

If you don't check the HLP blog every day... you MUST. It is always good for a laugh!!

Wedding Entrance...

2009-08-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Funny wedding video... 15 million views on YouTube!! Click here!

It's worth the four minutes, or so, it takes to watch!

And... it made me laugh. I needed the laugh!

Miley & Max

2009-08-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Miley & Max, a new clothing line found at WalMart is simply too cute. The tank shown above is $6!!! The t-shirt is $8. Unbelievable. And both come in a selection of other colors!

My back-to-school shopping budget just got a nudge that it totally needed!!

Click here to see the complete line!

Zazzle - Mugs

2009-08-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

At Zazzle you can 'create' all sorts of things! T-shirts, bags, mugs...

You can add text, pictures, graphics...

I like the idea of using the mugs as gift holders. They would be perfect to hold treats, flowers, gift certificates, etc. It's all about presentation.

Each personalized mug is $13.

Mr. Monk

2009-08-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

The eighth, and FINAL SEASON, of Monk premieres Friday, August 7 on USA. It is worth a watch!! Netflix the earlier seasons too. Hilarious!!!

Pete Wiggins on Ellen!!!

2009-07-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

You have to click here to see a dang funny segment from the Ellen DeGeneres show.

Hilarious!!!

Catalina Island

2009-07-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Today is my 21st wedding anniversary!

It seems appropriate to blog about Catalina Island! We spent a portion of our honeymoon on Catalina Island and fell in love with this fun, relaxing place. Actually, we had both been there before... separately... as teenagers. Going together was fun... and we've had the good fortune of going back a couple of times since our honeymoon!

We take the Catalina Flyer (a large passenger catamaran) from Newport Beach. The hotel that we stayed at 21 years ago has probably been demolished... it was old and blah. But since then we've stayed at the St. Lauren and loved it!

Interesting... I just went online to get the link to the St. Lauren. I FOUND the hotel from 21 years ago. It is called the Hotel Atwater... and it is still open! It was built in 1920 and looks like it has benefited from some updating. Wouldn't that be fun to go back with my husband and stay there??? I'm so sentimental that way!!

I highly recommend a weekend, or even a day, spent on Catalina Island. It is relaxing and offers unique shops and places to eat!

National Lasagna Day

2009-07-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today is National Lasagna Day. Celebrate at The Old Spaghetti Factory... locations all over the place!!

They have pretty great lasagna!

The Getty Villa - Malibu

2009-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Getty Villa - Malibu

I absolutely love museums! Love them!!!

One word about the Getty Villa - OUTRAGEOUSLYBREATHTAKING!!!!

Click here for more info.

Life is Good

2009-07-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

I love "Life is Good" products! I love their shirts, their cups, their balls, their magnets, their decals... I love it all! Their motto is "Do what you like. Like what you do." I love that message!!

Click here for more information about LIG products. Read their story too... pretty amazing!!

I just bought a shirt for one of my daughters with this cute cupcake design on it! I love it!

Melissa and Doug Craft Kits

2009-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Doug toys and puzzles have long been favorites of mine. I love their durability... and the quality of the materials that they use.

I've recently discovered their craft kits. What fun!!! You can find their products at their website, Melissa and Doug. They usually have a good selection of products on sale... or are offering a discount on qualifying orders.

I've also found, on occasion, their puzzles at T.J.Maxx.

Make your own Puzzle Kit - $7

Decorate your own Whiteboard Kit - $13

Real "Paper" Plates

2009-07-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these plates! And if I had my dream "closet" (you know, the one that is the size of a single car garage stall) where I could put all my entertaining wants and needs, I would buy a set of these! And I would have a back-to-school party... for all my friends... a brunch, right after we dropped off the kids to their first day of school.

Click here for more information about these plates, cups, glasses, etc.

Pocket Posh Puzzle Books

2009-07-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these little books! I want one for my purse... plus, I think they would be a perfect gift for the puzzle lovers that I know! Each book is just 4"x6" and only $8! How cute are those covers??? I love them!!

Click here for more information.

The Apple Pan, Los Angeles

2009-07-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

10801 W Pico Blvd.

Open since 1947, the Apple Pan in Los Angeles is reported to be the best hamburger in all of California! It is on my to-do list for a future trip to LA. As a matter of fact... I have a California Girls' Weekend planned in just a couple of weeks... wonder if I can talk the girls into giving it a try???

Purex 3 in 1

2009-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this new product!! I'll be honest... the reason I tried them was that I had a great coupon!! But I quite like them.

Now, I do way too much laundry to use these with every load, but I love them for travelling. They are perfect.

I tried them in a hot wash with bath towels, a cold wash with jeans and a warm wash with delicates. All three were great! Clean, no static! (I bought the "Pure" scent and was pleased with the lack of a perfume scent!)

Each sheet comes complete with a load's worth of detergent, fabric softener and anti-static.

A package includes 20 sheets, plus a handy dispenser for the sheets. Refill packages are also available with 24 sheets. Each package costs around $6.50.

Monkey Business Bungee Jumper

2009-07-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

My kids would go nuts for this toy! It is a Monkey Business Bungee Jumper and is billed as a safer and lighter poto stick.

$13 at amazon.com.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

God Bless America

Harry Barker - Dog Toys

2009-07-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite website for toys to spoil my puppy is Harry Barker. Get it??? Harry Barker? Because every dog is a hairy barker. Hee hee.

These two different rope toys are very reasonably priced. Starting at $3 each it's fun to pick out an assortment of new toys!

Click here for the interesting story of how Harry Barker got started.

Sparkling Fruity Punch

2009-07-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

1 64 oz. bottle pomegranate-cherry juice or cranberry juice cocktail
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 pint EACH blueberries and raspberries
1 navel orange, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber
2 liters sparkling water
Ice cubes

In a large pitcher, combine juice with berries and orange slices. Chill for 1 hour.

To serve, peel cucumber and cut lengthwise in half. Remove seeds and cut into thin slices. Stir cucumber slices and sparkling water into juice mixture. Serve over ice.

Recipe from Woman's Day.

Nioxin Scalp Shield Sunblock

2009-06-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen for the scalp... LOVE IT! I always get burned on the tippy top of my head! And I hate using traditional sunscreen on the head... think greasy, greasy, greasy.

Nioxon's Scalp Shield promises to be grease-free and to leave no sticky residue.

See Nioxon's website for more info.

5 Gum!

2009-06-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

My new favorite gum... is Wrigley 5 - Flare! Love it!

And... check this out... according to research presented at the International Congress of Behavioral Medicine chewing gum helps relieve anxiety, improve alertness and reduce stress! And it can even make you a more efficient multitasker!

So, buying a pack of gum is like filling a prescription for anti-anxiety meds! Perfect!

Family Beehive

2009-06-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

Check out this website... FamilyBeehive.

You can customize a family beehive with your family name, an important date and any number of little bees that you want!

Perfect gift for grandparents!! Or... perfect for the family that is getting ready to send off their firstborn. Oh, I love that!!

Fabric Magazine Pockets with Hooks from The Container Store

2009-06-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Last school year, ok... I mean every school year since 1998 when my first child started Kindergarten, my biggest organizational stress has been where to put the files/folders that the kids need regular access to and where I need to periodically check for assignments and the all important "note to parent."

I love these wall pocket holders from the Container Store. They are $20 each and might just be the solution I've been looking for.

Merced River, Yosemite, CA

2009-06-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

On my bucket list, I have listed a whitewater rafting trip. I think that the Merced River is where I will go! The location is perfect! I think that the half day trip would be perfect for my family as the age requirement is just 7 years old. (Oh, and my family qualifies for a group discount... too funny!)

Click here for more information about trips available.

Martha Stewart Cupcakes

2009-06-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart throws her hat into the Cupcake Ring this month with the newly released "Martha Stewart Cupcakes" cookbook.

Click here for the recipe for Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcakes. Martha posted it as a Cookie of the Day recipe on her website. YUMMY!

Looking forward to getting my own copy of the cookbook!

Slippers from Bestever, Inc.

2009-06-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

I love giving my kids slippers as gifts. They are such a 'luxury' item, meaning we don't HAVE to HAVE them, and at such an affordable price.

I like these styles (there are many more available) from Bestever, Inc. They range in price from $11 - $15 a pair... and come in sizes toddler to ADULT! Adult slippers with poodles??? How funny! I'm thinking my family might just have our annual Christmas card pictures taken and we'll all be wearing matching pajamas and slippers! NOT! (That is a picture that would end up here.)

These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner

2009-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

"These is my Words" by Nancy E. Turner is one of my all-time favorite books. It is set in Territorial Arizona and it is a story about a young woman's amazing courage and perseverance. It is seriously a story you'll never forget.

Click here for more information about "These is my Words" and for the three sequels, as well.

The Closer

2009-06-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

All new episodes... Mondays at 9/8c on TNT!

Slider Mini-burger Tool Set from Sur la table

2009-06-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

I love this set! It would make such a perfect Father's Day gift! Everything dad needs is included in the set... the mini-burger basket that grills mini-sliders simultaneously, a mini-burger press and a mini-burger cutter! The set is $45. For more information, click here.

The Winner is...

2009-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to

CandraWynne

I hope that you love the cookbook! Enjoy! I will contact you for your mailing address!

Old Navy - Baby/Toddler Pajamas

2009-06-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

I love the kids' pajamas at Old Navy! They are the perfect weight for Arizona summers. We use ceiling fans, so the kids need some warmth... just not a lot! And the style choices are too cute. They are 100% cotton and tagless... perfect for their tender little skin!

Awkward Family Photos

2009-06-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

You know how it goes... you find a new blog or website that has been around for awhile, but is new to you. You like the recent posts, and feel compelled to read the older posts.

You spend a little too long looking around the new interesting site.

It keeps getting better and better!

That is my gift to you!! Enjoy these few samples of a fun new site that my cousin recently introduced me to! You'll be glad that you did!

****************

Click here

or here

or here

or here

or here

Really, you should click on all of the above.

And then bookmark AwkwardFamilyPhotos for a regular giggle!

Cake-Stand Skirt - a la Martha Stewart

2009-06-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

What a great and adorable idea for dressing up cake-stands!! For instructions, click here! Thanks Martha for the most clever idea!!

Nine West

2009-06-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

These purses all range in price from $40 to $80 at Nine West. I like that they are stylish, but not trendy! I currently carry a Nine West purse and I love it. I couldn't find a picture of it online, but it is very similar to the first one in this post. (Mine has a double strap and there isn't any metal on the straps.)

Bath and Body Works - Big Semi-Annual Sale!

2009-06-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Doors Open TODAY at 9:00 am for The Big Semi-Annual Sale at Bath & Body Works. I love this sale!! It is a great time to stock up on thank you gifts, gift basket fillers and gifts for teenage girls! I also like to stock up on the Anti-Bacterial Hand Soaps... I love getting them on a good sale!

Keep it Poppin

2009-05-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

I took my youngest kids to the movies this week and we ordered popcorn! I love, love, LOVE movie theater popcorn! I would love to have a popper like this for our house! I looked at Costco and Sam's Club... and online. I found this website, Keep it Poppin, that had some great deals on poppers! Maybe a family gift for Christmas??

Current Giveaway - Look & Cook Creative Appetizers

2009-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Mexican Turnovers with Chicken and Cheese!!! Yummy!

That is the recipe that most intrigues me from this very colorful cookbook! This cookbook is one in a series by French Chef Anne Willan. The Look and Cook approach to cookbooks is Anne Willan's way of sharing her tips and secrets... one step at a time. Every step is documented with a full color picture and detailed instructions. You WILL master the recipe each and every time you try a new one.

A big thank you to the reader who generously donated this fun cookbook for a giveaway.

So, please leave a comment, by Sunday, June 7 at midnight to be entered into the drawing for this fun cookbook! And be sure to leave a way from me to get in touch with you!!!

Sally Huss

2009-05-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

I discovered the art of Sally Huss years ago on a trip to LaJolla with my husband. I fell in love with her style immediately! She calls her art "Happy Art." And it is!! You can't help but feel happy in her galleries or peeking around her website!

I love how she has utilized her Happy Musings in to a fun gift line. This key chain below is so sweet!

Oh, and Sally has a great and happy blog... take a look!

Whimsy Press Journals

2009-05-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have journals that I share with each of my daughters. We call it a Journal Share and we take turns writing to each other. After we write, we leave the journal somewhere (usually under the bed pillow) that only the other person will find. The key to these journals being successful (for my family) is that each daughter knows that the journal is only for her eyes and my eyes. No one else can read what we wrote.

There are no rules (beyond not reading other people's journals). The girls are free to write whatever they want. We ask questions and answer questions. We share dreams... and fears. We talk about goals. And we talk about all the reasons we love each other! It is so fun! Sometimes we get on a good roll and write regularly... other times we may go several days, a week even, between writing. It is a flexible, no pressure tradition!

And I love it.

The above journals are from Whimsy Press.

Addicting Games

2009-05-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

Free activity?

Supreme time waster?

Fun summer activity??

Skill builder?

Educational?

Addicting?

Yes... to all of the above!!!

Check out Addicting Games for some fun games. I found a game on the site that helped my daughter learn the locations of the 50 states... that is why this is an educational site. But don't tell her it is educational... she (we) had a great time checking out the fun games on this site.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Dyson Animal

2009-05-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love my Dyson Animal!

Love it!

It came with an Animal Turbo Tool... for pet hair removal in confined spaces... like the car! It also came with a Carpet Care Kit... to remove spots and spills. And it also came with a Floor Tool... to get under the couches and low tables. Oh... and the wand is incredible... it extends so far... I can clean the air conditioning vents while standing on the floor!!

And I love not having a bag!! Yucky!!

I have NEVER met a Dyson owner that doesn't LOVE their Dyson!!

Perler Beads

2009-05-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

It is summer. Officially!!! Yesterday was the last day of school! Yippee!!

One of my children's teachers gave her a gift set of Perler Beads. Oh, I forgot how much I love Perler Beads. It is a perfect activity for kids!!

This website has some amazing Perler Bead sets. Too fun! They also sell buckets of beads, extra bead pegboards to create different designs (my favorite is the t-shirt pegboard... wait, maybe it is the girl pegboard... oh, the monkey pegboard is too cute, argh!!) and I saw ornaments too. Cool!

You can also find Perler Beads at toy stores, craft stores and Target and Wal Mart!

If you've been living under a rock, or don't have any kids aged 4 to 12, let me tell you what Perler Beads are...

Perler Beads are colored beads that are placed on pegboards (the boards are reusable, the beads are not) and then fused together with an iron on medium heat. You use either Perler Bead paper, or parchment paper to protect the iron, and the beads! Without even knowing it... kids learn patterning, eye-hand coordination and creativity!! Love it!

Ice Cream Social

2009-05-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Tangarang is a favorite blog for me to ~~stalk~~ visit regularly!

Earlier this week, we hosted our annual teacher appreciation dinner for our childrens' teachers. It is something that we started doing when our two oldest children were in 7th and 8th grade. I was perplexed at what to do for so many different teachers (we also have five younger children, all with teachers of their own) and we came up with the idea of hosting an evening, in our home, where we invited the teachers and their families to join us!

It was an instant hit and a wonderful new tradition for our family!

This year we decided on serving ice cream sundaes and I turned to Tangarang for a favor idea. And I was NOT disappointed.

Click here for the *FREE* downloadable file for this adorable cone favor!

Carolina's Tortillas - Shredded Chicken Burritos

2009-05-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

In Arizona... theeeee very best place to get homemade tortillas is Carolina's. This means a trip downtown.

But, earlier this month... the tortilla gods shined down on the west side of Phoenix!!

We have a Carolina's at 91st Avenue and Peoria!!!!

And yes...

they have the best darn tortillas in Arizona!

We used the tortillas to make shredded chicken burritos for dinner. YUMMY!!! And we love this recipe. Enjoy!!!

Heelarious

2009-05-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

These baby shoes are designed to look like high heels... they are extremely funny, completely soft shoes for babies 0-6 months! The company was started by two girlfriends... one who is completely shoe obsessed and wanted something hilarious for her new daughter. Hence... the name of their company... Heelarious! Get it?

Each pair are $35 and come in a purse shaped gift box. My two favorite styles are Brooke and Lily.

Pedestal Bowls by Rosanna, Inc.

2009-05-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

These pedestal bowls from Rosanna, Inc. are incredible!! I love them. They range in price from $39 - $65. I love the texture of each of these bowls and how they are each different. I think they would make an incredible addition to a buffet!!

Trader Joe's - Frozen Garlic

2009-05-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's is one of my favorite stores. I don't get there as often as I'd like... but when I do... I have a ton of fun!

The frozen garlic cubes are a recent discovery. What an easy way to use garlic!!

The garlic comes in a small package in the frozen food section. Each package contains 20 cubes of garlic... and each cube is equal to one clove of garlic!

They have a freezer shelf life of two years!!