A Few of My Favorite Things

1. Sleep- the amount you can survive without and how much you miss it. 2. Walks- once a relaxing past time, now is focused on getting everyone around the block without getting hit by a car or any other injuries. 3. Carnivals- I used to LOVE going to our town's festival during the summer. But I swear I will NEVER let my kid go on that Zipper ride. Too much upside down and WAY too creaky (did I mention that it was my Favorite growing up?) 4. Airplane rides- they just get me nervous. Next time we fly I am taking a Valium. What has changed for you since having the kids? Sorry this is not my typical Tipsy Tuesday post. If you must know, I was drinking Jack Daniels and Coke Zero this weekend. It seemed like a good "hurricane" cocktail. :)

Irene has come and gone. We were lucky that we did not have any damage. A tree went down on a house on my block- that poor family. I did not lose power (thank goodness), but I did lose my cable. No phone, tv, and worst of ALL- No Internet! I am using my blog writer app for my IPhone. Let's see if it works. I have a question for my batch cookers out there. I made 2lbs of chicken cutlets on Sat. I let them cool and put them in the fridge. Can I freeze them today? I mean to do it yesterday, but I forgot. Thanks for your help! :)

Miz Irene is a-coming.  Be safe and talk to you all soon! :)

I had a FANTASTIC (add sarcasm here) morning.  First, off to the doctor for P (fever) and N (big bug bite).  All is good , no meds, bye bye $40 (copay).  Then off to hubbie's job (30 minutes away, he left his cell home), with a detour to find a Shell gas station.  For those of  you who don't know, Stop and Shop has a big promotion: spend $100 and get 100 points, which equals to $.10 off a gallon of gas at Shell.  I had 500 points which was $.50 off a gallon  (Rock on!).  I drove out of my way on empty to redeem my points and paid $3.49 a gallon.  (Freakin' Awesome price for Long Island.)  Did I forget to mention I also stopped at Dunkin Donuts to feed the crew.  Happy kids= happy life.   Then off to Stop and Shop for hurricane Irene essentials! Here's what I got: Don't worry everyone!  We will be well fed in my house.   Marinated steak, chicken cutlets, veggies, cheese and crackers, and chips and dips. ...

My little peanut has be screaming since the minute she woke up.  Poor baby is teething and miserable!  I totally get it, but Mommy needs a break. Today I need to take a few minutes for myself, cuz it's gonna be a LOONG day.  So as the "princess" sleeps, I am going to take a scream-free shower. This is what I use to spoil myself a little. I love this stuff!  It has a mild and fresh scent and leaves my skin silky smooth.  It lathers up nicely and is easy to shave with.  I have used this since high school.  Sometimes the smell helps me forget for a few minutes that I am a 30-something with kids (that is until someone knocks at the door to tell on his brother!). For my second giveaway, I would like share Neutrogena Rain Bath with one of my readers. Let's pretend we are back in high school together! :) <a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a&amp...

<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>. Congratluations Sarah!  There is an email in your in box! A special thank you to all that entered!  You've made my second giveaway such a success! I will be posting a new giveaway soon! In the meantine, if you want to give give Neutrogena Rainbath a try: Today I will be getting ready for nasty Irene to come visit.There's nothing like fighting the masses for bottled water and Spam (well maybe not spam, but definitely coldcuts!)

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop Hosted by : Life According to Damaris ( http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com ) Co-Hosted by: Where Nothing Good Comes Easy ( http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com ) It’s a Sun Kissed Life ( http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/ ) Answers from the Queen of Useless Information ( http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/ ) Gumdrop Pass ( http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com ) Sharing the love all weekend long! This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there. Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY . Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers. When you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damari...

Yep, that's right.  The earthquake in Virginia (I think it was a 5.9), was felt ALL the way up the coast to NY.  My brother felt it, my sister felt it, my friends felt it.  Me?  I was talking on the phone and didn't feel a thing.  I guess it's a good thing. My hubbie, however, has been in DC for work for almost a week.  He DEFINITELY felt it.  He told me the building started shaking and he calmly walked to the door.  By the time he was there the shaking stopped.  Once I realized the earthquake was right out DC, I immediately freaked.  It took me 45 minutes to get in touch with DH.  He was ok, but there was no phone service.  He could only email. Reality stuck me yesterday.  I couldn't speak to my hubbie for 45 minutes.  How about all those women and men whose significant others are fighting for our country overseas.  They may not have contact for days or weeks at a time.  And you manage to keep it all to...

I have been drinking this red blend since it was Lot No. 19.   Marietta California Old Vine Red No. 54 is a Zinfandel based blend.  The mix is always flavorful, with a hint of fruit and pepper.  Old Vine Red is enjoyable with meat and pasta, but you know me, I usually drink it with chips and dip.  It's a deal at $10 a bottle. Definitely try Marietta California Old Vine Red Lot No. 54 or any other lot number you can find.  It's delish!

Somethings I am on top of: new TV shows, fancy drinks, fashion (OK not REALLY fashion- I was alot cooler pre-kids).  But I may have been the LAST to know about Pandora internet radio. Where the heck have I been? Anyway, for those of you who haven't experienced Pandora yet, it creates a radio station based on what YOU like! So Cool!  First you must list your favorite songs, groups, or types of music genre on the website, then Pandora will select songs based your list.  When a song is played, you can "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" it.  This helps Pandora tweak your radio station and find songs that are similar to what you want to hear. Pandora is my new obsession.  I have its app on my IPhone and I can stream music in my car, my home, basically anywhere I have internet access. You have to try Pandora, you'll love it!

Come join me at Show My Face for Six Word Saturday. Here's my entry: I wish I could sleep in. In my "pre-kiddie" years, I took full advantage of how great sleep was.  I went out late, woke up early, pulled all-nighters.  It was not a problem.  I knew at SOME point during the week, I would make up for it.  Fast forward 8 years.  Sleep, I miss you.  I just can get enough of you and I AM TRULY SORRY I took advantage of you all these years.  

Happy Weekend! I promised a recipe earlier this week. It's not grilled fruit (I will get to it before the summer is through). I have tons of celebrations this weekend. I feel like I am partying like a high schooler! I am not an inventive cooker, but I can follow a recipe (usually with some modifications). Here is something I made for Father's day this year. Beer Can Chicken Submitted By: Hunter's Mom 2008 (My changes are in RED) Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Servings: 4 "This delicious whole chicken is barbecued on top of an open beer can for added juiciness and flavor." INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons paprika 2 teaspoons dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (You know me- I changed up the spices a bit.  For Father's day I used garlic powder, salt, and pepper) 1/2 (12 fluid ounce) can beer  (I didn't have a can o...

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop Hosted by : Life According to Damaris ( http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com ) Co-Hosted by: Where Nothing Good Comes Easy ( http://wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.blogspot.com/ ) It’s a Sun Kissed Life ( http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/ ) Answers from the Queen of Useless Information ( http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/ ) Gumdrop Pass ( http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com ) Sharing the love all weekend long! This blog hop  is  a NO RULES  blog hop for  GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there. Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY . Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers. When  you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris ...

I'm baaaaaack!  This stupid sinus infection is finally gone.  I cannot believe that I was out of commission for over a week.  Welcome to my new and old followers.  I am sorry I haven't been more interesting. Anyway, for my late edition of Tispsy Tuesdays, I am reviewing Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi Dry Riesling It's vintage is 2009 and is described as semi dry.  Reislings can be pretty sweet.  Dr. K's has the hint of sweetness, but is not too sugary or fruity.  Another great wine I would drink with appetizers, desserts, or at any family BBQ.  It would be a nice complement to a delicious grilled fruit dessert.  (Maybe I will review a yummy grilled fruit recipe later this week- I owe you guys something good!) Here is another review of Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi Dry Riesling .  It gets great reviews! Another thing that I like about this vino is that it is from a vineyard in the Finger Lake region of NY.  Check...

First of all I would like to thank Mikki at Mom's Best Nest for nominating me for this award!  It's my first blog award in a LOOOONG time so I am totally excited! The rules after accepting the Versatile Blogger Award are: 1. Thank the person who gave the award and link back to them in your post. 2. Share 7 things about yourself. 3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs. Here are my 7: 1.  I am a reality show junkie (I am watching Jerseylicious as I am writing this) 2.  I really know a bunch of useless info.  I can remember random crap, but can't remember to put the laundry in the dryer. 3.  I love the beach, but never swim in the ocean. 4.  My favorite drink is Jack Daniels and Coke Zero. 5.  I am a crafting wanna-be.  I try to make a little of everything and suck at it all. 6.  I am a coffee fanatic. 7.  My favorite movie is The Wedding Singer. Now I will happily pass this award onto: 1.  Mommy's Time Out 2...

Over the past few months, my life has been touch by too many tragedies.  It is difficult to explain to my children why things happen to people we care about.  There is no rhyme or reason to events that happen in our lives.  As I sit back to reflect on all the changes occurring in the lives around me, only one thought pops into my head. Spend Time With The Ones You Love How many times do we worry about not having enough, not doing enough, not being enough?  I constantly worry about keeping my children busy, active, and happy.  Have you ever asked your children what makes them happy? I recently asked my oldest what was his favorite part of the summer.  He replied, "Spending time with Daddy and the family."  This is after going to amusement parks, camps, out for ice cream,  movies (I can go on- my kids have had an AMAZING summer....) So I guess my point is, on the rainy Sunday afternoon, to spend time with your family....

I am sorry I have been MIA this week!  We had a family vacation to PA (and I have been sick).  So you can imagine late nights, early mornings, days at Dutch Wonderland and add a child that doesn't want to sleep (the princess of course!).  Did I mention the fire alarm going off at 6 AM this morning, (Seriously).  I am one tired chica! Anyway, enough about me.  I want to invite you all to the Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop Hosted by : Life According to Damaris ( http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com ) Co-Hosted by: Where Nothing Good Comes Easy ( http://wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.blogspot.com/ ) It’s a Sun Kissed Life ( http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/ ) Answers from the Queen of Useless Information ( http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/ ) Gumdrop Pass ( http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com ) Sharing the love all weekend long! This blog hop  is  a NO RULES  blog hop for  GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter f...

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop Hosted by : Life According to Damaris Co-Hosted by: Where Nothing Good Comes Easy It’s a Sun Kissed Life Answers from the Queen of Useless Information Sharing the love all weekend long! This blog hop  is  a NO RULES  blog hop for  GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there. Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY . Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers. When  you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris (Facebook) if I want a Facebook like, etc . You can add as many links as you want to all of your social networks. The only thing we ask is if someone reviews, likes or follows you, please try & return the favor. ...

I was so sick today.  I mean "can't get out of bed" sick.  Timing always stinks when you are sick.  Anyway, a few hours of sleep and a bunch of antibiotics later, I am ready to start my "day".  Luckily I don't get sick alot.  (I guess I developed immunity from teaching and just being a mommy).  But when I am sick, I am REALLY sick.  And then I fall behind on everything that I am supposed to do.  Don't you wish that moms could just have a sick day?  Someone else would be responsible for laundry, feeding the kids, and general day to day "stuff".  In the meantime, I am trying to play catch up from my day in bed.  Hope you all are having a Happy Sunday!

Here are two of my original "friends in my head".  Check them out! Emily from Jones Design Company Emily has a amazing blog about creative home decorating, crafting tutorials, family life, and anything else she can think of.  She also has a design company that produces  art prints, name prints, her own handwriting font, and other types of stationary (She created the most perfect tags for my daughter's Baptism favor).  Emily has great giveaways too!  Always a collection of goodies.  This month the theme is Dots.  Check out her August giveaway here ! The Nester from The Nesting Place The Nester was one of the first blogs I ever followed.  She also has wonderful decorating ideas, tutorials, inspirational posts, and great challenges (Check out the 31 Days Of Change  Nester is hosting in October.  I have a few topics I am thinking of).  She is the reason I have 2 wi...

Let's just get this clear.  I have NO talent when it comes to anything cosmetic.  I can't apply eyeshadow, I look stupid in lipstick, and cannot paint my nails without smudging.  So you can believe how excited I was when I found Sally Hansen Salon Effects in my local drugstore. The Salon Effects are essentially stickers, although SH calls then "polish strips". They vary in color, and designs.  Some are basic and others are WILD.  I have tried Wild Child (a zebra-like print) and It Girl (solid pinkish color). For this review, I applied Bling It On to my toes.  You know I must really love you guys to post pictures of my feet!  Each box of Salon Effects comes with 16 Nail Polish Strips (in case you make a mistake), a cuticle stick, and a double sided nail file and buffer. 1. I prepped my toes by filing, shaping, and wiping them with nail polish remover . 2. I took off the clear protective cover and pulled the polish ...