This page has moved to a new address.

A Renaissance Woman

10/31/09

The Squeaky Wheel Got The Grease


You might have seen me tweeting my outrage about the shopping carts at Wal-Mart. The majority of the baskets were dirty with rickety wheels. Most of the wheels didn't have the plastic covering as you can see here in this photo. The seat belts for kids were nearly non existent too! Many of them just had one strap or if they had straps they were mismatched and didn't fit together.

Finally I had enough and I went to customer service and asked to speak to a manager. I waited and waited and finally wrote down the number to the district manager. When I got home I called and spoke with the secretary and told her of my disgust. Seriously, it's Wal-Mart surely they can afford better baskets. A few days later a manager called and we spoke about the situation. The next day another manager called and again we spoke about the situation. I was told new baskets were on order and they would be there in two weeks. The two weeks past but still no new baskets. Another two weeks past and another and then...

today low and behold I got to put Silly in this brand new basket.


How cool is that? They got rid of all the old baskets! I'm so glad. Now the wheels work, they are clean baskets and the safety belts work. It's about time. So what do you think? Did I single handedly get new baskets in our local Wal-Mart?



Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

10/30/09

Freebie Friday - Week 31


Are you hosting a #contest? Great! Post it here on Freebie Friday. What better time to search and enter contests than on the weekend? Sign in so that others can find your giveaway. I will be hosting Freebie Friday each week from now on so be sure to drop back by. Now go grab your tasty beverage, sit back and relax and contest hop with me!
post signature




Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Aloha Friday #67 - If You Could Do Anything...

Kailani at An Island Life has created this really fun idea. If you are interested in joining in, please visit her site for more details.

Today's question is:
If you could do anything with no chance of failure, what would you do?




Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Flash Back Friday #67 - Halloween


Today I'm flashing back to the release of the movie Halloween. This clip is perfect because this is exactly what I saw! When this movie was released I was six years old. I went to the movies with my older brothers and some family friends that were staying with us. I started crying when I saw the pumpkins, my brothers thought this was funny. It wasn't the pumpkins that scared me it was the music! Lucky for me I talked the other younger girl into going to see Grease in one of the other screenings. Thank goodness! Grease was so much better than Halloween for a six year old. rofl...

http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

10/29/09

What Did I Do To The Universe?

It started out innocently enough. "Mom I want a snack, here is some chocolate pudding." I told him it was ok. It's just a snack right? He got a little messy on his mouth, not a big deal. Look at that cute chocolate face!

Then I left him sitting alone and it all went terribly wrong very fast! What in the world possessed him to do this? Didn't we just go through the Tarter Sauce
yesterday?


Time for a bath, again. *sigh*


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Thursday Thirteen #88 - Random Photos

”thursday-13″
Are you ready for some random photos from my digital camera? Sweet!



My son's love for marker caps.


Lemon cupcakes with lemon flavored frosting for the bake sale. I dyed the frosting orange so it would go with the theme.


Strawberry cake with strawberry icing for the bake sale. I was going for a darker orange. I don't think it worked well but I hope it tasted great.


Emily and her Dad happy about the baby coming soon!


Yellow cake with chocolate flavored frosting. Last thing I baked for the sale and dyed the frosting green! Our pastor said it was yummy because she bought it and ate it, with her family of course.


Yard sale fun.

For some reason he always wants me to put a pen or pencil behind his ear.

Emily's husband taking a cat nap during the yard sale.

Silly and her love for shoes.

He's not mad, he's dancing!

It was so hard to get a good shot of them together. I never really got anything but they look cute to me any way.

She's only slightly a Daddy's Girl!

Brothers! Need I say more?


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

10/28/09

Tornado Toddler Strikes Again!

I just wanted a moments peace. The baby is napping and I have a thousand things to do but very little energy. I just wanted to do a little blog hopping for Wordless Wednesday. My toddler just got out of the shower and he was going (I thought) into the other room to get dressed.

I'm hopping and commenting and then I smell this tart smell, smells like salad dressing! I turn my head to see the fridge open. Oh geez, what did he do now?

I ask, "What is that smell?" He says, "salad!" I immediately bolt out of my chair to discover this...
 
 "What are you doing?" I ask.


"I'm trying to make something! I need a job to do" he says.

Geez! How could I be mad? I can't. He's covered in tartar sauce.
Back to the shower he goes because he smells awful!

He has a LONG history of striking! If you would like to see more click here.

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Wordless Wednesday - Where's Waldo? Sort of...






Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.




For more WW participants head to:





Mom Blogs






To view other Wordful Wednesday blogs head over to:










OrdinaryAndAwesome.com is the Chronicles of headquarters as well as the home to several original awards and memes.

Labels: , ,

10/27/09

Tip The Scale Tuesday - Week 27


Gained a pound this week. I didn't work out this week I'm over scheduled. I did indulge in French Vanilla cappuccinos. They are full of sugar so...there it is and that's this weeks fiasco.


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Weekly Worth A Listen - We Are Golden

The chronicles of my Ordinary and Awesome life, family, and thoughts at www.ordinaryandawesome.com. Ordinary and Awesome is also the Mostly Wordless Wednesday headquarters as well as the home to several original awards and memes.






This week I wanted to go with something new and boy did I find it. I don't know what to think of this video but I think it's a fun song, We Are Golden by Mika. Let me know what you think!


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Tackle It Tuesday - Behind Closed Doors


Tackle It Tuesday Meme
Today I'm taking on the upstairs and downstairs bathroom closets!

I know this seems crazy but I forgot to grab my camera for my before shots. These are after.

These were a nightmare but with the help of Karen A. Nelson it was a breeze.
I took on this supply cabinet too!

This took HOURS! I'm not kidding it was not fun at all but afterward...

It is completely more manageable!
What are you tackling today?

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

10/26/09

Oprah KEEP Your Texas Twang!



Today on Oprah she and Gail hit the biggest State Fair in America in Dallas, Texas. I have been watching Oprah since she aired her first show. Geez that is a long time. Now thanks to dvr I never miss a show.

I tried to watch but it hurt my ears! She kept speaking in and out of Texas twang and it was just horrible. When she talked to the people at the fair she just sounded stupid and on purpose too. Am I ultra sensitive being a native Texan? No. She already did her narrations during the editing process and she speaks in a normal tone and then it would go to an interview and there was that forced Texas twang again. It was so bad that I couldn't watch any more and I had to erase the rest of the show. There it is Oprah, keep your Texas twang and I won't have to erase your show again. Stick to your own voice. I know there is that saying, "When in Rome..." But when in Texas DON'T!

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels:

Alienated - Win A Copy!


Alienated

Best friends Gene Brennick and Vince Haskell come across freaky aliens like Mold Man, Calamari Girl, and Crumble Bun all the time as reporters for their homemade weekly tabloid, the Globe, a newsletter featuring stories on the aliens living quietly among humans in Santa Rosa, California.

Gene and Vince's classmates don't take their articles too seriously -- no one does, really. Gene's determined to find a way to end his outsider status for good, and when he and Vince discover a local teacher's deep, dark secret, Gene's convinced he's found the answer. But after taking it one step too far, Gene and Vince are suddenly at the center of an intergalactic conflict, one that could be the death of the boys' friendship, or of the boys themselves -- whichever comes first.

Acclaimed screenwriter and director David O. Russell teams up for his first novel with Andrew Auseon to deliver a hilarious, surprising adventure that will keep readers glued to every page.

After reading this tidbit I was intrigued and excited to review this advanced copy for Simon & Schuster. Alienated is perfect for children between the ages of 8-12. After I finish my copy I'm going to hand it over to my 9 year old and see what he thinks.
Here is a look at the first chapter of Alienated

The book has been read not once, not twice but a total of three times. It's a hit in our home. I loved it but today I'm going to bring you an interview from a child's perspective. After all his age group is the target market so let's see what he has to say! 
Our free copy is a bit tattered as you can see.


What do you think about the art work for the book cover?
The cover looks creepier than the actual story. It looks like a human being assassinated by an alien but I would still want to read it.  


Who was your favorite character and why?
 Vince! Because he likes writing a lot and making up stories just like me. He's smart and he does the right thing because he doesn't want to write about Walter Sparrow.



Did you find this book easy to read?
Yes! A lot of the words I already knew because I'm a very good reader. I'm a third grader and I can read in a 4th - 6th grade reading level.


How long did it take you to finish reading this book?
About 4-3 days or about 8-9 hours.



I heard you laughing a lot while reading this book, what was the funniest part?
There were lots of funny parts but my favorite part was when the Bozons were trying to get information about Walter Sparrow from Fred.



Which chapter was your favorite?
Chapter 18 because it was the funniest one out of the whole book.



Would you recommend this book to your friends? 
Sure, because it's a really good book.



Would you recommend it for boys and girls?
Probably.



Do you wish Alienated would turn into a series of books?
Yes!



What would be your idea for the next book?
Walter Sparrow's dad would come to earth and capture Lucy. I would title the book Assassinated.



What do you think about the authors who wrote the book?
Andrew Auseon is funny and good at writing. David O. Russell is good with ideas.




 And there you have it folks a real kid review!



There will be five winners announced here on this post October 21st by 10am cst. The contest is open to U.S. residents only. 

What do you have to do to enter to win?
Leave me a comment telling me you would like a copy and please be sure your email address is on your profile or you leave it in the comment section so I can contact you.



Extra Entries -

Are you on Facebook? Join Simon & Schuster's Fan Page
Are you on Twitter? Follow Simon & Schuster on Twitter

Leave me a comment for each entry, that's it. Good Luck!



And The Winners Are...


Here are your random numbers:
3 8 12 9 6
Timestamp: 2009-10-28 14:58:31 UTC
Deb K
fulfam@hotmail.com


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Movie Night In The Pumpkin Patch




Kudos to our church! They held a screening of It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown in the pumpkin patch. How cool is that? There was a great turn out and they served drinks, hot dogs and popcorn. The kids LOVED it. We didn't love the mosquitoes though. What a great tradition to add to our holiday season.

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels:

10/24/09

Feeling Overscheduled? Me Too



Remember that whole yard sale fiasco? Well I just couldn't stay away. We moved it to Emily's house. We have to make room for her new baby boy!  I made some extra money to go towards those needed tires. By the way if anyone knows where I can get a good deal on tires please let me know because Discount Tires, NTB and Sams are just not cutting it.

We worked all day and we haggled till we couldn't haggle any more. After all my efforts I came up $33 short. The day ended with a whopping...wait for it...$12. Arg!!! I don't know how it happened but it did.

In the midst of all of this we also had push car races for scouts, the fall festival for church (I baked some yummy goodies!) grocery shopping for the week and tomorrow we will have church, a soccer game, classes at church and the movie in the pumpkin patch. Thank goodness my mother was nice enough to go shopping for "Silly" because she has outgrown all of her clothes. I think she and my grandmother might have had a good time though. :)

Coming up I have to fill orders, make a diaper cake, organize the fall party at pre-k and get ready for the baby shower in 2 weeks. No pressure! GAK.

I'm over committed and I'm not taking on any other projects till next year. I think...

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels:

10/23/09

Freebie Friday - Week 30


Are you hosting a #contest? Great! Post it here on Freebie Friday. What better time to search and enter contests than on the weekend? Sign in so that others can find your giveaway. I will be hosting Freebie Friday each week from now on so be sure to drop back by. Now go grab your tasty beverage, sit back and relax and contest hop with me!
post signature




Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Aloha Friday #66 - Who Is Your Financial....

Kailani at An Island Life has created this really fun idea. If you are interested in joining in, please visit her site for more details.

Today's question is:
Who is your financial guru?

I'm in the world of Dave Ramsey. You can read more here.





Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Flash Back Friday #66 - Normal Is Broke...Be Weird


Today I'm flashing back to my introduction to Dave Ramsey. It's been about 4 weeks maybe more since we have been introduced to Dave Ramsey at our church. We've been taking the Financial Peace University 13 week course. It's been a real eye opener. We also listen to his talk show at home online. I do like his methods but when I hear it daily and everyone screaming how they are debt free, it causes me to stress out more. Last night I had to ask my husband to "please turn it off." My stomach has been turning for days. I would recommend the course to everyone. Our particular situation is not normal and that is what makes my stomach turn, not Dave Ramsey. Some days it's just a constant reminder and I just want out of debt. I would be fine not buying another single thing outside the 4 walls (transportation, shelter, food and clothing). Especially after having that garage sale last weekend. What are you flashing back to today?

http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: , ,

10/22/09

Best Singles Ad Ever Printed

My former boss just sent this to me in an email and I had to share it with you. This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.


SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....
Please scroll down ..


 




 


 

 
[]

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.





Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

Thursday Thirteen #87 - Comment Luv

”thursday-13″

Since my big move to bloggywood it's been really hard making a come back. There are many great bloggers that visit and leave comments. This week I wanted to link back and dedicate my list to those who have shown me lots of comment luv. Check out their blogs and see if you don't get hooked!

1.) Ordinary and Awesome authored by Sara Bonds
2.) Flying Giggles and Lollipops authored by Michelle
3.) Muthering Heights authored by Jessica
4.) A Nut in a Nutshell authored by Blue Violet
5.) Mostly BassAckwards authored by Sarah
6.) From Pigpen To Paradise authored by Angie
7.) Wee Shenanigans authored by Brooke
8.) A Simple Kinda Life authored by Angie Marion
9.) Happily Blended authored by BrandyEllen
10.) From Son Up To Son Down authored by Erin Pyle
11.) From Tracie authored by Tracie
12.) Outnumbered 3 to 1 authored by Melissa
13.) Jamerican Spice authored by Colette


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,

10/21/09

Wordless Wednesday - Future Member of The American Legion



My little guy took an American Legion hat from one of the crates at the yard sale we had. It belongs to Emily's deceased father-in-law. I think he would be very happy to know that his hat has found a new owner that loves it.



Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.



For more WW participants head to:



Mom Blogs




To view other Wordful Wednesday blogs head over to:






OrdinaryAndAwesome.com is the Chronicles of headquarters as well as the home to several original awards and memes.

Labels: , ,

10/20/09

Weekly Worth A Listen - Strawberry Swing

The chronicles of my Ordinary and Awesome life, family, and thoughts at www.ordinaryandawesome.com. Ordinary and Awesome is also the Mostly Wordless Wednesday headquarters as well as the home to several original awards and memes.


I'm joining you Sara by sharing one of my favorite Cold Play songs. I was hoping for a better video for their song Strawberry Swing. I just really enjoy the music. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Labels: ,