I'm falling in love....

I have Google Reader for the 50 or so blogs I read daily and I love it. I have a Google Reader app for my phone so I can stay in touch while on the go. But yesterday while searching extensions for Google Chrome (My preferred browser) I ran across Feedly, a magazine style feed reader. It uses your existing reader account (in my case google) and then allows you to sort by category & create your own categories and is available for many different browsers. Plus, it allows you to choose topics that interest you and add/delete those from your 'Cover' allowing you to discover new blogs. This feature allowed me to find This adorable DIY project. So I'm quickly falling in love with it. Give it a try and let me know what you think :-)

Dear Backstreet Boys, Time to Grow UP Celebrity Apprentice Spoilers!!

Hello, My name is Chris and I am a Celebrity Apprentice addict.

I should have posted this a long time ago so that you all could have tuned in and become addicted with me. I never watched the other Apprentice shows, but this one peeked my interest. Luckily, if you are intrigued enough to find out:

#1 Why I totally heart Gene Simmons
#2 Wish Omarosa had sunk with the titanic
#3 Why I actually know who Lennox Lewis is

then you can go here and re-watch the whole season (Also, I have the entire season saved on my DVR, so I will have the popcorn ready and we can watch together).

For those of you who haven't been watching I am going to tell you a little about last night's episode. The two remaining celebs are Trace Adkins and Piers Morgan. Their final showdown is a Charity Auction and each was given a set of responsibilities.

One of Trace's was to deal with the Backstreet Boys who will be performing. It was singularly one of the funniest moments I have ever seen on television. Take a look:



Dear BSB's,
This is a charity auction. You are famous among hormone crazed girls but you are not the best that ever has been, is or will be. I understand your overinflated heads are stuck in your Arse, but really boys. Is it so hard to show a shred of dignity and humanity?

Prince Caspian The next movie from C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe series

If you were watching the Super Bowl on Sunday, one of the movie previews may have excited you as much as it did me!

The trailer for Prince Caspian Disney's sequel movie to The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe,based on the Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis (one of my childhood favorites) was debuted. The movie is set to be released on May 16, 2008!!

In case you missed it, here is the preview:

Brisingr Will Arrive Sept. 2008!! **Updated**

I just heard the news, and I am so excited I could almost wet myself. Brisingr, the 3rd book in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, will be released in September 2008!

Christopher is currently writing Book Three, which will be published on September 23, 2008. Early in 2007 he realized that the plot and characters demanded more space than could fit in one volume and that a fourth book would be necessary to give each story element the attention it deserved. What began as the Inheritance trilogy became the Inheritance cycle. Book Four will complete the story that Christopher envisioned years ago when he first outlined the adventure.

I began listening to the books on my ipod in 2006 through Audible and quickly fell in love with Eragon and Saphira, his dragon. Once I had finished Eldest, book 2, I was actually a little bit 'lonely' without them to join me through my day.

In anticipation of the announcement I began listening to the series all over again in December. In my opinion the only way to read this books is to listen to them as Gerard Doyle does a fantastic job as narrator, and is a million times better than anything my own head could produce in visualization.

If you have seen the movie I beg you to either listen or read the book, as the movie simply does not do these books justice and completely murders the plot and characters.

I simply can't wait for it to arrive!

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On a different note, 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Mustang Pedal Car from their online store!
Want to enter?
Just go here and leave a comment!

Heaven...In the form of Twix Java

I don't normally rave about a product. But if Starbucks were to make a candy bar..it would taste like this! Find it. Eat it. Don't share it!

That's Right Folks! I'm One of the Cool Kids!

It's been an insane week with so much going on that my head is still spinning. I have been Christmas shopping, Christmas Knitting, Christmas tree buying, Family shopping and the list goes on. In-Sa-Ne has been the name of the game.

So I grabbed my coffee this morning tickeld to pieces I had time to blog. I sat down and checked my e-mails and it was there! I think it had actually been there for almost 3 days and I hadn't seen it!!



That's right! I am officially a Ravelry Community member!!

**happy dance inserted here!**

What is Ravelry? An amazing community of knitting and crochet aholics. Groups, blogs, and the most amazing search function EV-AH in existence!

So Thank You Ravelry for making me one of the cool kids! I am so honored!

Five Picturus to Explain Why My Morning was Wonderful

Teddy sniffing out "her boy" (a.k.a Alex) to play with:



Teddy being goofy in the snow:



A very rare Snow Snail sighting:



Ice Cycles:

Fresh Footprints in the Snow:

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For those of you wondering, I will be posting the next part of my story for the battle this evening :-)

Let the Battle of the Story Begin...

So if any of you read yesterday's post then you know that I was having trouble finishing a story. And many of you awesome peeps out there gave me great ideas.

Then Prince Charming came home, read the blog, and started to give his opinion. Then he decided that he like his idea way to much to give to me, so he threw down the gauntlet. We are officially having a Bloggy Story Battle!! And you, my dearest readers..friends...fans..(ok, I promised not to pull any voting 'strings' but a little buttering up never hurt ;-P)..will be the judges :-D

Ever Wednesday over the next 5 weeks, I will post the next page in my story. And every Thursday Prince Charming will post his next page in his version of the story. All based from the beginning I posted yesterday. Anyone confused? Please raise your hand. LOL.

After the 5 pages to both stories are posted, we will open voting for one week and let you decide who wrote the better story. Are you excited? Please be excited. I most certainly am!

So...Ladies and Gents..Let the first Blog Story Write off Begin!

Untitled

"What do you mean you wont go?" Meg said irritably.

"I am not going to go and put myself through the questions and looks. I'm done. I'm done hurting, done having people feel sorry for me, done feeling sorry for myself!" Shelly replied, flinging herself on the couch with all the style of a teenager who was just denied keys to their parents car.

Meghan wanted to laugh. Shelly was one of her dearest friends and, usually, the most rational out of their small social group. The fact that her Thirty-one year old friend was having a tantrum was unavoidably amusing.

"Shells, really." Meg said, using the nickname she had since High School. "I think you are exaggerating a bit. Hardly anyone in Oakdale will even know about Brett, let alone the circumstances of your break-up."

Shelly stared at Meg with her patented "Are you freaking kidding me?" look, stuck her tongue out, then covered her head with a pillow. "I don't care that going home is tradition. This year you are doing it all on your own. I'm staying home and eating Ben and Jerry's until I am to big to even fit into Santa's suit."

Meg rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen to pour them a much needed cup of coffee. She started thinking about Brett and how this whole mess began.

Brett and Shelly had met at a friends Forth of July party. He was good looking, had a sense of humor and attentive to both her and her friends. They had dated for 2 years before moving in together. Shells wasn't crazy with the idea of living with a guy she wasn't married too. As her friends put it, she was just 'old fashioned' that way. Brett had done a lot of smooth talking, begging and pleading and finally convinced Shelly this was for the best. They would be able to save money, eventually become engaged and then married. Shelly was a kindergarten teacher and Brett managed a local grocery store chain. They weren't rich but they managed to put away enough to make their dreams seem more possible. It wasn't much and it wasn't glamorous, but their lives made Shelly content and happy.

At least , until one morning in October. Shelly had taken a half day with plans to stop at Brett's work and kidnap him for a surprise evening out. She stopped by the store where he was supposed to be and was surprised to find out Brett had called in sick that morning. Usually she left while he was still sleeping, headed to the gym for an hour, then to the school to prepare for the day and didn't call him until lunch, so she hadn't know he wasn't feeling well.

She got back in her car and tried calling his cell phone. It went straight to voice mail and, deciding that he must be napping, decided not to leave a message. Worried about him, Shelly had driven home to see if he was alright. She got to their little townhouse and parked out front. She walked up the front stairs, unlocked the door, bent down to pick up the mail from the floor, stood up and then froze.

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

What should happen next??

Grey's Anatomy Video This is awesome!

I am sick - sick - sick today. Therefore, I barely have enough brain power to do dishes let alone think of something brilliant to dazzle you with. Instead I found this to share with you, and hopefully you will be dazzled. Who couldn't use a little bit of sexy on a Monday? Enjoy!

Knitting Sample and the Mom who became a Goddess

I did my first knitting sample last Thursday while learning to knit in the round. Most people undo and re-use this yarn for their project. My girls love touching my yarns and I am constantly getting requests to make them something knitted (more than I could ever keep up with). That's when I came up with an idea that has made me a total Goddess in the girl's eyes. I started turning my samples into Barbie clothes!

This is my first sample from knitting in the round. Size (US)6 needles, sport worsted number 4 yarn.




I cast on 15 stitches, did 3 rows in garter stitch and then started knitting in round until I reached desired length (This is how the 'split back skirt' was created). One thing I found out was that Barbie's hips were bigger than I expected (lmao) and that a cast on of 18 would make it much easier for the girls to take on and off. Once I reached the length I simply bound off and left a small yarn tail to tie into a bow for the front. The whole piece took less than a 1/2 hour and my girls were so thrilled!

Yesterday I really wanted to see how a new yarn knitted up and this was the result:

This is a quick little tie front coat.

This was a cast on of 22 stitches, needle size (US) 11, and yarn is bulky worsted number 6. I did a garter stitch for 10 rows, bound off all stitches, and then left a yarn tail to tie through other side as a closure. The size 11 needles make such a large knit that I simply had to pick a place to pass her arms through and stretch the stitch to make arm holes. This piece is the girls favorite so far.

So if you can spare the yarn, get creative and create something fun!

A princess, her legwarmers, and yarn ho

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice. You've got the basics down pat and you might just be falling in love with this hobby. Big needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't experiment a bit, here and there. As an apprentice, you probably fall back on other people to get you through those rough spots, and if you don't know anyone who knits, you probably have a few books or online sources to tap. http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!








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Oh, it's just so true. I am falling in love with knitting.

I have officially finished my 2nd project and Liberty bounced off to school wearing them today beside herself with pride (Yeah, made me kinda proud that she was proud to show 'em off)!

These are the legwarmers I wanted to make that originally started me knitting:




I would be lying if I said I wasn't just tickled pink with how cute they are. She did look a little bit like a Rainbow Brite Doll had attacked her legs when you combined the tights with the legwarmers, but Liberty is just the girl to pull that look off.

Besides, have you ever tried to give fashion advice to a future fashion diva 6 year old?? I wouldn't suggest it. They tend to take great offense.

So that is project #2, and project number #3 is already half finished (not legwarmers....gasp!) and hopefully will be done by middle of next week :D

Yep. Falling in love.

Limes, Violets, Knitting and Boobs This podcst has it all!

I am running around like an insane person today. Packing clothes, toys, essentials for 3 kids. Picking up 2 of 3 from school. Then driving for 2 hours down to their grandma's to drop them off for a 4 day weekend.

The ride home will be filled with hilarious yarn-ity goodness.

Check out Lime and Violet.

Go to their blog and click the POD link at the bottom of each post to listen.


Where else can you get knitting tips while learning 99 names for boobs??

Mission Accomplished! I actually knitted something!

I finally finished my first project! Due to the insane nature of the last two weeks it took longer than I hoped (Oh..and the fact that I was knitting yarn meant for an 11 gauge needle on a 4 gauge instead. ), but they are done!

I gave them to Little Miss Cutie (my niece) for her bday on Saturday, here's pics:












































As much teasing as I received for knitting leg warmers, everyone loved them once they saw them. I am so beyond happy with them and I have already had a few requests from other little girls for their own pair :-D

I am excited as I already have Liberty's 1st pair half way done. I will post them as soon as I can.

This knitting hobby has also created a bit of a yarn fetish in me and my collection has grown considerably:

















Isn't that just the most cutest??

When my mom sent this to me today, I decided I just might have to purchase one for Bean.

Wish you all lived closer. We could have a 'Yarn Ho's Unite' evening. LOL.

The View has changed

I am not a day time T.V. watcher, but when ABC first launched The View I was an avid watcher. I loved that there was a venue out there for a variety of women, their opinions, their interests, and their issues.

The feeling faded after a few months as the cuteness of the bitch fest wore off. It got annoying. Meredith Viera's fake sincerity and plastic attempts to pretend like she was an "average" mom wore thin. Star Jones started out all sweet then just made you want to choke on her Diva-ness. Joy Behar was funny. Then annoying. Then funny. The last was Lisa Ling, who most of the time, I found to be very smart and funny.

I have watched and episode here and there for years since I quit watching regularly. I would occasionally tune in during a high media coverage debate (although I did miss the whole Rosie era).

Then a few weeks ago I heard Whoopie Goldberg was going to be a new co-host. I love Whoopie (That made you gigggle, huh?). I think she's always been an amazing actress and one of the few 'hollywood types' that has lived with an over all dignity in their life.

So this week I started watching again.

And: I.Am.Addicted.

Whoopie is hilarious funny and so good at diffusing the group when things get too heated. The chemistry between her and Joy is wonderful (and makes Joy much funnier, in MHO). Joy seems much less hostile than I remember her and seems to have matured nicely. Sheri Shepherd is funny, sweet, passionate and maybe just a little bit Naive. Elisabeth Hasselback (former Surivior: Australia contestant and yes..the wife of NFL Quaterback for the NY Giants, Tim Hasselback)

If you have a chance and a moment, I highly recommend that you give it a chance. The topics have been so interesting (Whoppie's refusal to wear a bra, sex ed. in junior high, who should be responsible for T.V. and children: The parent or the T.V. Execs?, Athletes and roll models) and I am really enjoying getting caught up in the opinions and news.

Have you watched (or do you currently watch) The View?

Addicted to Looking Up Sk*rt!

I wanted to share my newest addiction.

I can't stop looking up Sk*rts!!

Sk*rt is a news, blog, and 'cool finds' source for women. It's basically like Digg....only the majority of stories and things added are done so by women and therefore more appealing! I have found some of the neatest blogs and great information since I joined yesterday.

They are still having some hiccups. They are, after all, brand new and what baby doesn't have a few hiccups. There will be your error page here and there...but trust me...it's worth sticking with!



I have added their RSS feed to my Google homepage and have become totally addicted to checking what's hot and what's new. They also provide a tool bar button so that you can easily sk*rt anything you find with a click of a button. I love being able to vote for the things I have found and love and also seeing who else has voted for them.

I'd love it if you'd look up my Sk*rt and add me as your friend!

Just how good do you think I'd have to be......

Mmmmk. So. While reading Izzy mom a few minutes ago I came across something in her sidebar and I could not click fast enough. Seriously. See, I have a big huge over the top irrational small orange problem. I just love the color, always have. Clothes, purses, date books, whatever. I love orange.

(Yes, I Am aware that I am a total dweeb)

(Seriously, did I just use the word dweeb? I didn't even know I still knew how to spell it! Anyway...)

So, when I saw this I decided that I must do what any normal woman would do. Ignore the fact that I just pained my entire kitchen over mothers day weekend and that the highlight color is RED...not orange...and that all my new pretties are for the reddish themed kitchen and instead figure out how to get Prince Charming to spring for it.

I mean, It's only $3,695. I should be able to talk him into that for Christmas, right? If I'm a really really really good girl? I can make this work, can't I?

It's orange and beautiful and I really need it. So just what do you think I'd have to do between now and Christmas to convince him to buy this? Any ideas? It's only 218 more days 'till Christmas (ha..I just made your stomach drop for a second in panic, didn't I??) so I need ideas quick if I'm going to earn up enough brownie points.

I can't wait to meet you!

I'm excited and nervous. I have a case of 'social anxiety disorder' and the thought of meeting all these new people is a tad bit terrifying daunting.

But I'm determined to put my nervousness aside and let my excitement shine through! (And thank you to Karen for telling me I'm a dork and to get over it!) I can't wait to meet other bloggers!

Are you going? Do you want to go? Leave me a comment and give me the scoop!

THE KNOW IT ALL MOMS!

I would like to invite you to my newest project, The Know It All Moms !!

This is something Jen, Tiff and I have been working hard to get off the ground.

We hope you'll stop by and ask us your questions!

Now..for the first time ever..I'm asking you to leave!

Go visit and enjoy, 'cause without you...we can't do this!

Oh, No they did NOT!!! (Grey's Anatomy Spoiler..You were warned!)

Okay, Anyone who knows me in real life (and I mean real as in...my non blogging life) knows I have only three truly passionate addictions. They are as follows: Coffee, Chocolate and GREY'S ANATOMY.

(This is your final warning..if you did not watch last night's episode..DO NOT..I repeat...DO NOT read any further. And, you should probably also slap yourself for NOT having watched it yet!)



Okay, now that we've gotten rid of them.

CAN YOU BELIEVE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE?? Please..someone..TELL ME IT ISN'T TRUE. Tell me that they did not really kill Meridith!

I know (or at least the rational part of my brain knows) that they can't really be doing that. She is the shows namesake. You can't KILL the namesake. Can you??

But on the previews next week..they said 'the disastrous finale to the seasons most (something) episodes. ' At least I think they said season. But I accidentally deleted it and can't check for sure. And now I am worried they said 'the disastrous finale to the years most watched show'.

So now I'm panicking. I'm terrified. THIS is actually worse than no chocolate or coffee EVER AGAIN! (and yes..I am aware what an incredible dork I am showing myself to be right now...BUT I DON'T CARE!!!)

I am currently scouring the message boards for some hint..some clue. I don't know when the last time was that a show held me in this much suspense (or feel any other true emotion honestly) like Grey's has.

**sigh**

Oh..I also took a quiz Here about which Grey's character I was. I got Meredith. That's good, I think. Except the whole...you know...dead...thing.

Meredith Gray
You are Meredith Gray! You are an insightful, beautiful person. You are fairly persistent, and realistic.