Winners from August Contest

Congratulations to our 2 winners from our August - Happy Birthday to Emily Allyn - contest, Melissa from NJ and Lahia from LA! They each won a copy of the book, Baby Gizmo, and a toddler shirt of their choice.

Thanks again to everyone who entered and took the time to answer the survey questions. Your input in valuable.

Be on the lookout for another giveaway coming next Friday. I know you'll love this one too... think shoes!

Burn After Reading

While in Kansas City, MO this weekend, my husband and I went to see Burn After Reading: Intelligence Is Relative.

Go see it. Go, go, go. Run to the nearest theater. Get the sitter lined up right now and see it tonight. Be spontaneous. Nothing is better than laughing through a date (I don't mean laughing at your date, of course).

It's a Coen brothers movie. So you know it's funny. It's much funnier than Fargo and not quite as dark. Still a tad dark but also an absolute riot.
It's unbelievable cast includes:
George Clooney
Frances McDormand (who is married to Joel Coen)
John Malkovich
Tilda Swinton
Brad Pitt
and more actors you will definitely recognize.

Now, believe it or not I'm in the minority here... I'm not a huge Brad Pitt fan. I like him, he's ok to look at, but I don't get the all the hub-bub surrounding him. But I will admit, he is damn funny in this movie. He plays his character flawlessly.

Speaking of Fargo. I have to tell you this quick story. While we were in Kansas City, a bartender asked us where we were from. We said Minneapolis/St. Paul. To which he replied, "Really? You don't have that Fargo accent." Can I tell you how much I despise that comment! I wanted to say, "That's because it's a Fargo accent. Not a Minnesotan accent. Fool." While, I understand the difference isn't worlds apart, there is still a difference. Not that there's anything wrong with the Fargo accent...

The two funniest scenes to watch for are when Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand are on the phone with John Malkovich and when Brad Pitt is in John Malkovich's car. If you like that humor, you may have tears rolling down your cheeks.

This is a highly confidential editorial on this movie. Please Burn After Reading this.

Tina Fey for Vice President

Did you miss Saturday Night Live this weekend?
If so, you must, must see Tina Fey portray Sarah Palin. She is a dead ringer. With her is the wonderful Amy Poehler doing her spot-on Hillary Clinton impersonation. It is an absolute riot.
You might even pee your pants a little... just a little.

Here is the NBC SNL 5 minute cut.

Put aside your political views and have a few laughs. Of course SNL makes fun of everyone - not just Sarah Palin.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

I want the latest iPhone - the new 3G.
I saw an advertisement for it recently. I decided to go to Apple's website and check it out. (Side note: what is it with me and apples this week? See my other 2 posts.) I watched a tutorial and now I'm hooked. I can't believe how cool it is.

Phone
iPod
Internet on the go
Email on the go
Maps with GPS
I could update my blog anywhere
Calendar
Photos, Camera
Weather
Calculator
Movies

I'm drooling over here...

A Slice of Heaven

Love this idea.
You spend at least an hour making the apple crisp: peeling the apples, cutting the apples, making the topping, and baking it. Your creation turns out beautifully and you are quite proud of yourself. You should be. But when you go to serve it, the piece of apple crisp looks like a heap of mashed gooey apples thrown on to a plate.

The answer to your dilema lies in the Individual Pie Slice Pan. Your presentation will receive a 10 and the lucky eaters will gobble it up because it looks so scrumptious. Then you toss them in the dishwasher and voila, clean. Dare I say, easy as pie?

At only $9.95 for a set of 2 slices, you can buy as many or as little individual pans as you need. Perfect.

Use the handy dandy kitchen gadget from yesterday's post to make this mouth watering dessert!

Slice It. Peel It. Core It.

Sounds like the latest dance move. Slice it. Peel it. Core it.

The handy dandy apple slicer, peeler, and corer all in one gadget. It suctions right to your counter for easy use.

I have had this kitchen gadget for almost 10 years. Granted, I usually only use it in the fall when making baked apple dishes (like apple crisp, I love apple crisp), but it will last. Some versions can be thrown in the dishwasher. This kitchen tool cuts the time it takes me to make apple crisp in half, easily. The person who invented this product should be given an award from some National Baking Association, if there is one.

I have to imagine for all those out there who make their own applesauce or apple baby food, this would be a big time saver!

Garnet Hill

So, recently I received a Garnet Hill catalog in the mail. I really can't remember the last time I paged through a Garnet Hill. Some of it just really isn't my taste. But I discovered some great finds. As usual, I thought I would share them with you so you don't have to scour the website or catalog yourself.

(Thought: Do you think when I reach the gates at heaven and everyone in front of me is explaining how they gave back - maybe they served the public by being Mayor of their town or a Judge in their County, or they gave back to their community by helping with Meals on Wheels or donating scads of money to organizations or spent their time raising money for worthy charities, or they helped children by providing foster care, or they worked in Social Services - do you think I can say, "I gave the gift of time to people by researching great finds on the internet so they wouldn't have to"? Do you think that will fly at the pearly gates?)

On we go...

Modern Merino Sweater - Tunic style - Nice take on the tunic.

Silk-Trimmed Sweater - Adorable (not so big on the tank though).

Asian Wrap Long-Sleeve Pajamas - Different, looks comfy.

Cheetah Faux-Fur Coat - PETA would be proud.

Provence Cosmetic Bags - Who doesn't need a cute cosmetic bag?

Apple Blossom Sateen Bedding - Reminds me of Calvin Klein.

Dot to Dot Percale Bedding - For the girls' rooms. Love the Pistachio Ground and the Ballerina Pink Ground.

I Love You The Purplest

I think this book, I Love You The Purplest by Barbara Joosse, was written for me - seriously. It almost fits my family to a tee.

It's about a mom and her two boys - just like me and my boys.
One has the favorite color red and the other boys' favorite color is blue - just like my boys.
The boys are competitive in every way - who has the biggest worms, who rows the fastest, who has the biggest fish, etc. Is somebody watching my household?
The family is up at a cabin on a lake fishing. This is close to my family though I don't fish much, that's my husband's love.

About the only thing that does not resemble my family in this book is the mom wearing a dress while taking her boys fishing. You will not catch me in a dress on a fishing boat, ever.

It ends with the boys asking Mom who she loves the most. This is how the author ties in the color purple. She loves one the reddest and one the bluest for many reasons.

If you have two boys and they have a little competitive edge to them, buy this book. You will love it! Age estimation is 4 years - 8 years.

Don't Forget

Our Happy Birthday Emily Allyn contest will come to a close in one week - Friday, September 5th. Make sure you give yourself a chance to win a book and Emily Allyn clothing!

For more details, visit the Emily Allyn website and click the Win, Win, Win image.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Full Circle

You've heard of David Cook. But have you heard of Reggie Hamm? He is the writer behind the lyrics to David Cook's uber popular song Time of My Life.

Reggie has a truly amazing story to tell and he told that story to HMC Magazine. At least once during the story your body will quiver while you feel a chill run down your spine.

Read the story.

Now that you know the story, download the song Time of My Life, and listen to the words. Think about how words to music mean different things to different people. The words Reggie Hamm wrote take on a very different meaning than say someone who thought about the words while NBC played it during the Olympics.

Here are the lyrics:

I’ve been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something
I could believe in
and looking for that magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn’t see it
Until I let go
Gave in to love
Watched all the bitterness burn
Now I'm coming alive
Body and soul
Feelin’ my world start to turn

And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time
This is the time to be
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life…

Holdin’ onto things that
Vanished into the air
Left me in pieces but
Now I'm rising from the ashes
Findin’ my wings and all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach as close as the beat of my heart

And I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud I know this is the time
This is the time to be
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life…

Now I’m out on the edge of forever
Ready to run Keepin’ my feet on the ground
My arms open wide
Facing the sun
And I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud I know this is the time
This is the time to be
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life…

School Memories

It's true, you slacked on the baby book. Get over it and redeem yourself with a School Years Memory Book from Amazon. There are many from which to choose. The one I like is School Years: A Family Keepsake of School Memories. It is spiral-bound (read: preschooler cannot easily ruin binding), the price is phenomenal at only $11.53, and there are small pockets to store pictures from each year. I had one like this growing up. I still have it! It's fun to look back on it and think, "Oh yea, I remember that!" It's also fun to see my own handwriting. So, let that be a lesson to you parents - let your child fill in the blanks even if the penmanship is a bit horrendous!

Foot Fetish

Here in Minnesota these wouldn't be too practical this time of year, considering we would get about one month of use out of them. But somewhere in Southern California someone is screaming out for these.

The Shoe Chaise Lounge by Skyline Design. Now that is putting your creative brain to work. I absolutely fell in love with this when I saw it. I think it is so original and fun. It just says "relax". What woman doesn't love a pair of new stylish shoes? And get this, they are even comfortable!

Whoever buys this simply wonderful furniture, do me a favor. Paint the underneath side, the sole, a bright red and pretend they are Louboutin Lounges. (Joke.)

The Shoe Chaise Lounge is truly a work of art.

Déjà Vu

Can you say Cabbage Patch Kids? Are you old enough to remember this craze? Moms were pushing and shoving and fighting other Moms to get their hands on these dolls for their own little girls.

Lesson learned.

The newest Elmo, Elmo Live, is now available for pre-order. So, even though it's 85 degrees and sunny and warm, you need to start thinking about the holidays. "Elmo waves his arms, sits and stands, and even crosses his legs while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games." Now that sounds like a fun toy. I can remember all the giggles we heard from our son with the Tickle Me Elmo. The toy got old after awhile, but Elmo Live sounds a little more interesting.

If you know your toddler would absolutely love this furry little guy you can pre-order your Elmo Live doll at Amazon.com for $65.99 and free shipping or straight from Fisher Price for $60.00 plus shipping. I've seen other stores with the pre-order for more moola.

Why not save yourself the hassle of the crowds and just pre-order him online? It couldn't be any easier! Just like the Cabbage Patch Kids (and the other Elmo dolls), I'm sure everyone and their mother will be buying him up, so don't wait. (I'm not making money off this little push of mine. I'm only thinking of days yore when trying to find Christmas presents at the last moment only to have what you want all sold out... everywhere. And I'm not paying quadruple the cost on Ebay, thank you very much.)

Motivating Children To Learn

10 Ways To Motivate Your Child To Learn.

I found this short article on msn.com.
Interesting, good reminders, and good tips.

Read on.

Tiny Prints

I love this image. Every time I see it, I smile and giggle. "I've arrived." Classic and so true. It's all about the baby.

I'm sure you need absolutely no introduction to the above image. It's everywhere. In Marketing 101 this company received an A+. But just in case you fall into the 2% of the population who hasn't seen this image, let me introduce you. It belongs to the genius minds at Tiny Prints - a must when ordering announcements, invitations, thank yous, and labels.

Recently, I received some cards from Tiny Prints. They are every bit as classy, fun, original and dynamic as the website claims.

As I'm scrolling through their website trying to pick out some paper to highlight, I honestly can't decide which ones to show you! They are all adorable. I am completely serious. Have a look for yourself.

Baby Girl announcements (click view all and get that scroll finger ready)
Baby Boy announcements (same drill)
Baby Shower announcements (gender neutral, they also carry gender specific)

Birthday Party invitations (some of my favorites: the pirate, the cowboy, the slumber party, and the pink castle)
Tiny Prints also carries invitations for almost any kid-related occasion you can think of, many thank you notes as wells as gift tags and labels.

The company is growing so fast they just launched Wedding Paper Divas to keep up with the demands from brides-to-be.

I'll go out on a limb and say if you can't find anything at Tiny Prints that suits you and your occasion, you might have a problem.

Tiny Prints - you will be totally satisfied (please try to say that without your Valley Girl accent).

Johnny Boden

It's time for my seasonal Johnny Boden post.
Right now the special is 15% off your purchase of $150 or more along with free shipping and returns.

Here are some of my favorite finds.

Fab Day Bag in Dalmation and Red, $218 - $240.

You can pull out your matching Fab Wallet from you Fab Day Bag, $74.

Are you in to having your bag match your shoes? Here's some funky dalmation wedges, $178.

Sassy Textured Cardigan, $108.
Hamptons Cardigan, $108.

Merino V-neck is good for layering, $78.

If you can wear knit, the Knitted Ruffle Dress is adorable, $98.
Love this Spot Coat, $278.

Tag, you're it.

Graffiti You'll Love

I love quotes. They can be clever, witty, sad, meaningful; and they can even inspire. I have a rock which reads simply, "Courage." But the box it came in reads, "Feel the fear and do it anyway." I love it!

Wonderful! Graffiti places all your favorite sayings, ideas, wishes, definitions, monograms, and expressions on a removable transfer. The words look as though you painted them on the wall. The transfer is made from a very thin piece of vinyl. I've seen it, you can't even tell it's vinyl.

There's an array of ideas to choose from, it might get a little overwhelming, in a good way. And you can create your own personalized graffiti. Be creative, let the juices flow. Use their ideas for inspiration.

Surprise your husband with this one in his closet or somewhere he will see it everyday. Even after a month if he doesn't "see" it anymore because he's so used to it, you can easily take it down and replace it with a new little message!

Someone needs to send this one to Obama since his campaign is based on the word Change.

If you love quotes, start here.

If you are a man reading this, do not, I repeat do not buy this one for the wifey.

If you have a daughter who has moved out on her own. Be sure to give her this. Subtle, I know.

All I can say is cool, cool, cool. I love this product. What an exceptional idea.

A Cool Job

How would you like to fly around our amazing country and blog about it?
Southwest Airlines is looking for someone to do just that!
Job Title: Blogospondant
What: Online casting call
For whom: Southwest Airlines
When: Now through August 31st.
How long is the assignment? One year.
For more details.

Go for it!

The Olympic Schedule

Watching the olympics is an amazing experience.

In case you are wondering what games are being played when. Or if you want a quick guide at your fingertips, you can check out nbcolympics.com. After plugging in your zip code, you receive a listing of times. Click a time and see all the sports listed at that time and what channel they are on (whether you are cable, DirecTV, etc).

Also on the left is a list of the sports. Click a sport you are intersted in and view the date and time of the games. I know my husband will want to watch (a.k.a. drool over) women's beach volleyball, for example. I found out the United States plays on 8/9 at 6pm. Simple!

BWCA

I'm baaaack! Honestly, I had all the intentions in the world to post while I was gone. I was up in Northern Minnesota, borderline with the BWCA (Boundry Waters Canoe Area) and right off the Gunflint Trail. My in-laws own a cabin up there and they have satellite internet. How sweet is that? In God's country with internet. They don't even get cell service up there, so the internet is like hitting the jackpot!
The scenery is gorgeous and relaxing. My husband absolutely loves it up there. I guess I got into relaxing a little too much in order to use the good old brain cells to post something credible for all of you to read. But I'll start up again on Monday. Thanks for waiting.

I'm excited for the Olympics to start tomorrow.