Save money on your grocery bill Monday, Jul 7 2008 

With gas prices so outrageous, I think we are all looking for ways to save money.  Here is a great way.  Just visit http://savemoneyonyourgrocerybill.info/blog/2008/07/03/win-groceries/ for a chance to win a grocery gift card, or $20 in your Paypal account.

Sick again…will it ever end? Wednesday, May 7 2008 

It has been a pretty rotten year for me when it comes to illness.  I am not usually a very sick person but I guess I must be making up for it.  I have had 2 ERCP’s done and have to go back to the doctor in a few weeks because my liver enzymes are still high.  I have had both major strains of influenza, a double ear infection, strep throat, a root canal, moles removed from my back to check for cancer (which I didn’t have) and now I have a sinus infection.  This is all this year so far. 

I couldn’t sleep last night due to the intense pressure in my head- it was so bad it actually made me sick to my stomach.  So, off to the walk-in clinic I go.  I have known one of the doctor’s there for a long time, and i LOVE her!  Was so glad that she was the one on duty.  Sure enough, sinus infection.  So back on Zythromax for another 10 days, and a heavy duty pain pill for the headaches (similar to Excedrin Migraine but even stronger).  But, I have to make sure not to take over 2,000 mg of Tylenol as this can screw up my liver enzymes even more.

What next, I ask you, lol?

Tea and accessories Sunday, May 4 2008 

We had a lot of fun today!  We decided to go to Appleton - we went a few months back and had a bad experience at a local chain restaurant.  We are not ones to complain but this was the WORST service I have ever experienced, honestly.  So, we were given a free meal from drinks, appetizers, our meal, and dessert.  It was excellent this time, from the service to the food.  And, they didn’t know that this was a “freebie” because we didn’t present our coupon until the end.  We also went to the mall and the girls each got a Build-A-Bear - Grace got a dog named Aurora with a Sleeping Beauty outfit, and Ella got a bear named Cindy with a Cinderella outfit, they are both cute, will try to take pictures.

I looked at books but believe it or not, didn’t buy any.  I knew that I wanted to get some loose tea and accessories so I waited.  We stopped at The Fava Tea Company, just outside of Appleton.  I bought the greatest device to brew tea called ingenuiTea- you fill the “glass” with water, microwave it to boil, add the loose tea and let it steep, and when ready set the “glass” on top of your cup and the bottom releases the water.  It is really cool - check these out if you haven’t seen them.  This place had over 200 loose teas and the smell and look of each one we tried was fabulous.  I am a coffee lover as well, but there is just something about tea.  We bought:  Carrot Cake, Lemon Chiffon, Chocolate Mint, Cafe Latte, Wild Blueberry, Licorice Root (the hubby has a cold) and Star Anise.  I can’t wait to go back, there are SOOOOOO many more I want to try.

Today I will get back to the OAMC.  I am almost done but it is hard when the hubby is gone and the munchkins are so needy.  I also have a big batch of peanut butter cookies to make so looks like another busy day.  But, that’s what life is all about:)  Happy Sunday, all!

Another Stolen Meme Thursday, May 1 2008 

This one if from Walking on Sunshine and seemed fun - a little more about me so you can get to know me better (if you wish).  Here it is, if you want to play along, tell me where you post your answers so I can read them!
Where is your cell phone? We only have one, I know, I know but we NEVER use it.  Hubby has it now though
Your significant other? Is wonderful and works hard so I can stay home with our girls.  And, even though he works and I stay home he still does as much around the house as I do.
Your hair? Needs to be cut and colored.  Maybe this weekend.
Your mother? Raised me all on her own and did a wonderful job.  She struggles with some demons but is wonderful and caring all the same.
Your father? I have never met him, nor do I know who he is
Your favorite thing? Do I have to pick one?  Lately it is getting books in the mail - it always puts a smile on my face.  But I think my all time favorite is to see my girls smile!
Your dream last night? I can’t remember it, honestly.
Your favorite drink? Coffee or tea
Your dream/goal?  I would love to move away from here and have more financial stability.  Also would love a Kindle like Walking on Sunshine - maybe someday
The room you are in? Living room.

Your ex? Great guy, it just didn’t work out
Your fear? Grace needing additional heart surgeries
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Truthfully? A little more financially secure and living somewhere other than here

Where were you last night? We just hung out at home
What you are not? Forgiving - I am very stubborn

Muffins? Made a fresh batch of chocolate chip and cinnamon streusel this morning, the family goes crazy for them
One of your wish list items? Still the Kindle.

Where you grew up? I have only ever lived here in Wisconsin, boring!

The last thing you did? Took the dog out to go to the bathroom
What are you wearing? A Nike Sweatshirt and jeans
Your TV? We’re watching Ghost Hunters on Tivo.

Your pets?  A Newfie puppy named Nash

Your computer? A laptop, but we need a new one

Your life? I love life most of the time, I just wish I could manage it better (amen!)

Your mood? Tired, but good.

Missing someone? Yeah….all the time these days.

Your car? 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Something you are not wearing? My engagement ring - the diamond seems to catch on everything

Favorite store? If it has books, I am there (yep)

Your summer? Visiting the lake weekly, dance classes for the girls, and all sorts of other fun things.

Like someone? I try to like most people.

Your favorite color? Purple, but I like a lot of others as well

When is the last time you laughed? When Beans (my daughter Ella) sang to me

Last time you cried? When I came out of surgery a few month ago - I was really sick!

6 Random Things Meme Thursday, May 1 2008 

I actually got tagged about my other blog, but hopefully my pal at Bloody Hell, It’s A Book Barrrage won’t mind me posting it here instead.  I’m going to give this a shot and hopefully don’t bore you all too much.  Here goes:

  1. I detest chicken soup and the smell of chicken stock of any kind.  This one popped into my head because I am in the middle of my once a month cooking and I had to boil 3 chickens and save the stock.  There is not much grosser than skimming the fat off of a big batch of cold chicken stock and spooning it into bags…YUCK!!!
  2. I am not a big fan of warm weather - anything over 75 is too much for me.  Living in Wisconsin makes this easy as we don’t usually have a lot of really hot weather.  But, when we do I am pretty miserable.
  3. I love to volunteer my time and usually do this in two different areas.  Anything involving books (doing reviews for authors mostly) and anything involving Heart disease.  My daughter (who is now 4) was born with multiple heart defects which weren’t discovered until after her birth.  She needed open heart surgery at 4 days old and is doing fine, but I do anything I can to support research and funds to CHD’s of any kind (please visit www.kidswithheart.org if you have a chance - it is a great organization).
  4. I always want to start a new craft, but usually when I get the materials I try it and if I don’t catch on right away I give up.   3 things that I really want to learn are scrapbooking/stamping, quilting and knitting.  The only craft that I have stuck with through the years is cross stitching - I love it!
  5. I was raised Catholic (although we didn’t go to church much) but for the past 6 years my husband and I have been “trying” to practice Buddhism.  I say trying because it is hard but we really do try.  I am very open to anything religious though.
  6. I LOVE tattoos!  My brother-in-law is a tattoo artist so I am lucky to get tattoos for free.  If you knew me, you might find this hard to believe as I am pretty straight laced most of the time.  I have a Buddhist mantra tattoo on my right wrist and two on my right calf - one is Erte’s letter T and the other is Picasso’s Main Auxe Fleurs

Okay, it’s time to tag six other bloggers.  

  1. Breeni at Breeni Books
  2. Caribous Mom at Caribous Mom
  3. Ready When You are at Ready When You Are, C.B.
  4. Kylee at Kylee’s Book Blog 
  5. Wendy at Musing’s of a Bookish Kitty
  6. Shawnee at Reading In Appalachia

Here are the rules:

  • Link to the person that tagged you (hello, it’s me)
  • Post the rules somewhere in your meme
  • Write the six random things
  • Tag six people in your post
  • Let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog
  • Let the tagger (hello, it’s me) know your entry is posted

That’s all folks!

Vinyl Attraction Giveaway Thursday, May 1 2008 

Generally home decorating means money. How about something more cost effective and which you change when the whim strikes you without worrying about breaking your wallet? Then Vinyl Attraction is the way to go. They can transform your walls into works of art and their vinyl works on most all wall textures, is easy to apply and more importantly, easy to remove. Which is why Vinyl Attraction is featured on Orca’s “Best Products Media Guide”.

The owner, Amy Holt is a mom of 4 who started the business to stay home with them. Her desire in starting it was to create personalized home decorations and make them affordable to everyone. Needless to say, it has worked out beautifully. Committed to excellence in work, their old fashion motto is to treat the customer like they would like to be treated. Vinyl Attraction is located in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas and offer very competitive pricing.

Just take a look at their Gallery of Ideas and you can see the vast possiblities here. Be it Living room, dining, office, bedroom or nursery - any part of your home (and elsewhere) can be brightened up with Vinyl Attraction. Use their ideas or create your own. Their wall letters can be applied to textured painted walls, most wallpaper, furniture, metal, glass, wood, porcelain, ceramic tile, or virtually anywhere you want to put them AND they peel off easily. With Vinyl Attraction, the possibilities are endless.

You have to check this one out!  I went to the website, wanting to post which one I would choose.  We are in the process of redoing many rooms in our house and I thought, this should be easy, I will pick a room and find a favorite.  I honestly couldn’t pick one, they are all fantastic!  If you are interested in the possibility of winning a $50 gift certificate to Vinyl Attraction, please visit A Bookworm’s Diary for more info - you won’t be disappointed!

A New Antique Sewing machine and cabinet Monday, Apr 28 2008 

I know, the title doesn’t really make sense, right?  New Antique?  But, you know what I mean.  My Uncle RJ called this morning to see if he could borrow our Jeep to haul some things.  It usually just sits here anyway so it wasn’t a problem.  After he picked up the items he stopped here and showed me this beautiful antique sewing cabinet with a Singer sewing machine inside.  I will have to take a picture to post.  Don’t get me wrong, it will need to be fixed up a little bit but I just love the way it looks!  The funny thing is, I don’t even know how to sew.  I have always wanted to learn but haven’t made the time.  I also haven’t had a sewing machine.  I guess my excuses have run out now, haven’t they?!

What’s In A Name Meme Thursday, Apr 3 2008 

Lifted this Meme from Books on the Brain- seemed like it could be fun, so here goes:

1. Your Rock Star name (first pet, current car): Zeppelin Jeep

2. Your Gangsta name (fave ice cream flavor, fave type of shoe): Butter Pecan Sandals

3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal): Purple Frog

4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born): Laura Manitowoc

5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name): Gletr

6. Superhero name (2nd fave color, favorite drink): Green Coffee

7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers): Allen Joseph

8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Eternity Butterfinger

9. TV Weather Anchor Name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Dunkel Detroit

10. Spy Name (your favorite season/holiday, fave flower) Autumn Calla Lily

11. Cartoon Name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Strawberry Socks

12. Hippie Name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Cereal Willow