Angie Rambles

Welcome May: Summer is almost here

2009-05-07T08:29:00.005-05:00

How is everyone doing? The warm weather is trying really hard to show it's face here in IL. We have had some nice days but I look forward to summer. Last night was our last spin class for a while since the gym is closing for two weeks. They have to work on the water system, paint, etc. It might be just what I need with the pinched nerve I have had for 3 weeks. You can read more about that over on my weight loss journal.

I have been working on my name domain website and will hopefully have that up this weekend. It will basically just showcase our websites and my favorite business resources, blogs and stuff like that. I needed one main hub where everything could go. I was going to start a blog with it and use it for personal stuff and business but I'm still debating on that. Do you have your own name domain? If so, please feel free to share it!

Thanks to the great ladies over at 5 Minutes for Mom, I am in Jamaica mode this morning. They have a great giveaway (for FIVE people to win) for Ziggy Marley's Family Time CD. I LOVE it and want to win. Jamaica, Reggae, the Marley family, love it all. If you want some fun music to listen to head over there and enter.

While I'm here, did you know I'm on Facebook and Twitter? Hope we can connect!

How is life treating you? Life is good but I'm really facing some challenges both with my workouts and business so it's time to get moving. I have big goals and it's high time I focus more on making those goals become reality.

Oh and if you want to enter to win a very cool laptop and bag, visit Stephanie's Metropolitan Mama blog to enter to win the Toshiba Portege laptop and Small Phantom bag. Read the specs on this thing, it's A.MAZING!

Have a great day,

Mother's Day is coming soon

2009-04-28T12:06:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's almost Mother's Day. Still not sure what to send to my mom. Nothing like waiting until last minute. Last year I sent beautiful flowers and a balloon and she loved that. Any recommendations for this year?

Oh and be sure to check out the 5 Minutes for Mom Mother's Day Giveaway 2009. Holy cow there are so many cool things they are giving away.

I'm going to enter a few of them what about you?

What's Up With Me and Giveaways

2009-03-26T07:51:00.006-05:00

WOW, can't believe it's been a month since I last posted here! I have been putting most of my blogging efforts into my weight loss journal (blog) so again you can keep up with me over there if you choose. I haven't had the chance to get my new personal blog up so I'll just keep checking in here until I can get that together.

I'm so excited because next week my mom and dad are coming in to town to help celebrate my and Kev's birthday's. I'll be 37 next week, April Fool's Day. We are going to go to Bahama Breeze for dinner (I got a $10 coupon from them) and do a bit of shopping at our favorite tea shop, maybe grab a few things from Whole Foods and then get some yummy ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery (got another coupon, free b-day ice cream). I was laughing yesterday because I also just got a b-day coupon via email for Moe's, one of my favorite fast food restaurants. We might have to take a break from cleaning the house this weekend to go grab a free lunch ha ha. I don't usually use coupons but why not if I have them right? Looking forward to next week!

So what's on my b-day wish list you ask? I already ordered a few workout dvd's and they will be here Monday. I also want to look for an ipod docking station, a new camera, a carrying case for my Acer Mini laptop, new sports water bottles and oh new headphones for my ipod. The ones I have were supposed to be good but I don't like them at all. Got any recommendations?

Well, I'm having a blast with entering giveaways when I have time so I want to pass on some links to great items you can also enter to win. I'll try to check in more often with quick updates and giveaway links. Hope you are doing well!

Giveaways:

My friend Kailani from An Island Life and An Island Review has a yummy Bangerang Bake Shop goodie for one of her readers. Sounds so yummy!

$100 Amazon gift certificate giveaway! Need I say more? ha ha Stop by the Miscellaneous Finds 4 U blog to enter. I just found this blog today and can't wait to dig in more. They have a ton of reviews, a great section on blogging and graphics, community service and much more.

And now for a really amazing giveaway opportunity! A huge Kid's Creations outdoor playset and cool digital camera is up for grabs at Dad Blogs Big Spring Contest. I almost didn't enter because I don't have kids at home BUT I decided if I were to win, I would give this away to a family I know but I would keep the camera HA HA

So, I already told you what I would do with the playset if I were to win. I loved to swing when I was young and the playsets these days are full of other fun stuff like a cool rock climbing wall hello? Springtime is the perfect chance for kids to get out side and enjoy the weather so imagine winning this beauty! Run, don't walk to this giveaway and if you decide to sign up for their website, let me know your username because it counts as a referral for me *wink*

So there you have it, an update about me and a few awesome giveaways. Chat with you soon!

New giveaways for the next week will be added below:

Playtex Gloves giveaway over at An Island Life. Ohhh I could so use these!

If you love Dial products as much as I do, head on over to Rockin Mama's clean giveaway. I love the foaming Yogurt Vanilla and White Tea hand soap. Ahhh those scents are wonderful.

Eye 4 Gifts: Unique Handpainted Glass

2009-02-21T11:13:00.003-06:00

I love this store! Bought the "Birthday Girl" Martini glass for my friend's martini birthday party and it was a big hit. I totally forgot to take a picture of my friend WITH the glass so if you just click on the link above, you can see it. Of course it was personalized with her name and date so it was just perfect.

Jennifer, the owner was a great help and stayed in touch throughout the order process. Shipping was fast and the packaging perfect. Kev is already talking about future gifts we can get here. Learn more about Eye 4 Gifts here.

Eye 4 Gifts has such a wide variety of glasses

Wine
Martini
Margarita
Champagne

Here are some of my favorites:

Basset Hound Wine glass

The Palms Martini glass

Parrot-ita Margarita glass

Friendship on Fire Champagne glass

Be sure to check out the personalized and custom order sections on Eye 4 Gifts to see what they have to offer. And I see Jennifer has some specials going on too.

Happy Shopping!

February Check In

2009-02-21T08:08:00.004-06:00

How is your February going so far? Mine is good. Kev and I went to Bahama Breeze for our Valentine's Day dinner (but we went a few days before). Had to run errands so it was perfect timing so we would not have to brave the crowds. It was a pretty fabulous and healthy meal. We would've normally went to Red Lobster, our usual but I just wasn't feeling it this year.

Did you happen to catch my new ride? You can see it here and while you're there friend me on Facebook. Having fun with it. And Kev got one too but in silver. The color and mileage was the only difference. We are looking forward to a nice day where we can get a twin picture of the 2 trucks ha ha. Oh and it's a Dodge Nitro in case you're wondering.

Today it's snowing here in IL and we are staying home! Rented so many movies last night so we are going to just chill out and enjoy the day. Having a nice big bowl of oatmeal and getting work done while hubs sleeps.

Be sure to stop by my weight loss journal (blog) to keep up with my progress. Lately I have been at a standstill as far as the scale goes but I'm still truckin' along. I post frequently on that blog so it would be great to see you there.

Hope you have a great weekend!

PS. Here are some links to a few cool giveaways.

Don't miss the Mom Giveaways Spring Fling in March. It will be here before you know it! Be sure to enter to win the book, Deceptively Delicious. It looks really neat!

Also enter to win a Banana Nut Cheerios Gift basket

and lastly, I love bags so much this is the perfect giveaway. Enter to win one one of these Nest bags.

Checking in

2009-01-30T09:07:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to check in and remind you to visit my weight loss journal (blog) to keep up to date with me. I am doing well and keeping busy. I am looking forward to getting my name domain blog/site up in the near future so I'll be sure to announce it so you can be sure to follow me there.

Menu Plan Monday was also moved to that blog so drop on by and let me know what yummies you've been eating.

I have found some cool giveaways that I would like to share so I'll be posting those along the way as well.

My friend is having a martini birthday party tonight and I bought her the cutest martini glass. I'll do a review of the product soon so you can see. She's house sitting for this family and the house is huge. It has an indoor pool, hot tub and much more. She's there until March, lucky gal. LOL

The first giveaway I would like to share is a blog design giveaway. You know I could use this for my name domain on WordPress that I haven't even published live yet but I want you to have a chance to win too. These designs are A.mazing, love her work.

A few other giveaways can be found on Mel's fun blog, A Box of Chocolates. Get your last minute entries in.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Make it a great one!

L'Oreal Paris and A Mom in Red High Heels

2009-01-09T12:33:00.004-06:00

My online friend Tammy of A Mom in Red High Heels has the coolest opportunity. She's in Beverly Hills at the L'Oreal Paris Gifting Suite at the Golden Globes. As the celebs go through the suite she will blog about the beauty and fashion trends she sees AND she'll let us know what kind of SWAG is going out the door. Ahhh wish I could be there with her but I don't know much about beauty or fashion (that is why I read her blog in the first place LOL). Hope you'll take a minute to check out her blog.

Edited to add:

Tammy has a cool L'Oreal SWAG giveaway posted on her blog. You should go and enter. I'm on my way there now.

Menu Plan Monday: January 2009

2009-01-05T20:40:00.002-06:00

I am now posting my Menu Plan Monday on my healthy weight loss journal (blog). I sure hope you'll come by and read there. I know I have not been posting a lot to this blog but I am going to ultimately have a blog on my name domain which will replace this one at some point so I'm looking forward to that. I'll be posting here off and on until I get that blog up and running. Just wanted to give you a quick update.

Happy New Year!

Menu Plan Monday: December 29

2008-12-29T19:38:00.004-06:00

It seems like forever since I did a Menu Plan Monday and this week we haven't even planned out a menu so it really doesn't even count. I'll most likely start doing my Menu Plan on my healthy weight loss journal (blog) but I'll post the link here so you can still see what's on our menu.

This week we play it by ear:

Monday-Chili
Tuesday- BBQ Turkey sandwiches?
Wednesday- Our 12th Anniversary, New Year's Eve is always at Beni Hana
Thursday- Happy New Year
Friday-?

Have a great week! What yummies are on your menu?

I'm back and Happy Holiday's

2008-12-27T20:50:00.006-06:00

Just sitting here at the computer enjoying some yummy tea. The Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Holiday Tea is absolutely fantastic. So tasty my 24 year old stepson even likes it LOL. Here is the tea with two hilarious mugs my stepdaughter bought for hubs and myself. The mugs say, "Here human, human, human" and they came from the MGM Grand in Vegas.

Anyway, I just wanted to do a quick check-in to let you know I'm still around. Getting back from Jamaica and going right into Christmas prep was tough and kept us busy. We arrived home on Dec. 18th, had to pick up our Basset Hound at the kennel on Friday, pick up my stepdaughter at the airport Saturday and then a family party on Sunday. Then two days to shop for gifts (yes, I procrastinated this year and had to do last minute shopping and we were out until 1 AM last Tuesday). Found out that my parent's would not be coming as planned due to bad weather. I was very sad about that and shed a few tears but they are going to try to come for a visit in April to celebrate our birthday's so that should be fun.

Tonight we went out and I bought some holiday and winter CD's at a nice discount (I added the CD titles to my Holiday Music list and we got some stuff for the Wii. Hubs and stepson are playing that right now. He's over to do laundry and hang out and earlier we played Wii's, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader. Fun game!

I'm running my personal and business goals through my head this next week and would like to get my office organized too. We shall see.

Kev and I had an absolutely marvelous time in Jamaica as usual and are already discussing returning next December to spend Christmas there. That would be perfect. Many of you have asked for some pictures and with Kev taking over 4,000 pictures we haven't had a chance to go through them. I did find some that I took on my piddly little camera so I'll share a few to whet your whistle. Enjoy

Ahh the memories. These two pictures I took from our Beachfront Suite. Hubs treated me to a special anniversary gift, a room upgrade the last 4 days of our stay and it had the most awesome view as you can see. I was spoiled. He's the greatest. We will celebrate 12 fabulous years together this Wednesday, New Year's Eve. I'm really blessed.

Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things so we can blast through 2009 only to return to Jamaica again.

Missed you all.

Menu Plan Monday: December 8

2008-12-08T08:12:00.004-06:00

Oh this week is exciting! We'll be in Jamaica so we'll be eating REALLY well.

Monday-
I'm on my own, hubs has work holiday party. I'm thinking I'll eat a sweet potato with black beans and chicken breast strips.

Tuesday-
No plan yet but something quick because we have to pack and get everything else done we need to get done. Plus I'm heading out to a very late lunch with a friend. I'm thinking peanut butter and jelly for dinner. Not sure how hubs will feel about that HA HA.

*edited to add hubs says we are ordering in tomorrow night (Tues.) so that solves it but what to order? I dunno yet. Probably something naughty like pizza LOL

Wednesday on we'll be eating yummy food in JAMAICA as long as the weather cooperates and lets us out of town. Please pray, no snow or ice!

Have a great few weeks!

Checking In, ready for vacation

2008-12-07T18:54:00.007-06:00

I'm taking a break from everything I have to get done before we leave for Jamaica. I'm also stressing that the weather is going to be an issue when we go to leave. Please keep good thoughts that the snow and ice they are calling for will stay away, at least until we fly out LOL!

I have been busy cleaning, doing laundry, shopping and getting all the techy gadgets ready for the trip. Hubs bought me the new Sapphire Blue Acer Mini computer and I love it. Look at this beauty

It's going to be perfect for our trip so we can offload pictures and I can check in with the house sitters.

We also got the Christmas tree up and mostly decorated. I still have to put down the tree skirt and decorate the house. The theme for our tree from here on out is the BEACH so you'll see most of our ornaments will have to do with that. I have a few more to put up on the tree but here is what we have so far. The pics didn't turn out so good, sorry.

When we get back from Jamaica, we pick up the dog at the kennel, my stepdaughter will fly in the next day, we have our family Christmas party and then one day to get more cleaning done and my parent's come in to town for the holiday's. I'm excited but we'll probably need another vacation after all that ha ha.

As you can imagine, I most likely won't be blogging while we're in Jamaica but I will post our trip journal and pictures when we return.

Have a great few weeks!

Menu Plan Monday: December 1

2008-12-01T08:55:00.004-06:00

Monday-
Turkey Tacos

Tuesday-
Chicken, potato, veggie

Wednesday-
Turkey Chili

Thursday-
Spaghetti w/Hot Italian Turkey Sausage, biscuit bread

Friday-
Turkey burgers/hot dogs, baked beans

Have a great week!

Getting into the holiday spirit

2008-11-30T14:31:00.003-06:00

For those in the US how was your Thanksgiving? Ours was pretty nice. My stepson spent Wednesday night with us and all three of us went to spin class and to workout at the gym early Thanksgiving morning. It was nice.

We cooked a ham, sweet potatoes, asparagus and acorn squash plus hubs made deviled eggs. We also had a pumpkin pie (for stepson) and a strawberry rhubarb (for hubby). I had a slice of each, yes I did LOL Definitely not as much as years past but that is OK with me. Christmas Eve and Christmas I presume will be much different since we'll have a lot more company. Excited about that because my stepdaughter and my parent's will come into town.

Kev and I are getting ready to head to Jamaica and we cannot wait. It's going to be a much needed relaxing vacation. I won't be posting on this blog while I'm gone but will have a recap with pictures upon our return so be on the look out.

Yesterday, my Twitter friend Robin asked for Christmas CD recommendations and it got me into the holiday spirit having to get them all out so I started to play them while working. Now I can't stop listening! Here are some of my favorite holiday music CD's. What are your favorite holiday music CD's?

I still have to get out the Christmas tree and decorate that plus decorate around the house. This year I wanted to have enough ornaments to have a beach/Jamaican themed tree but no such luck. My goal in 2009 is to gather a ton of beach themed ornies like palm trees, flip flops, anything that resembles the beach or Jamaica and have them cover the whole tree next year. We'll see! I found a lot of cool palm tree ornaments on Etsy last night so I'll be shopping away.

Hubby just baked blueberry-bana muffins and they taste so good. We have been sick this week, today is the worst but at least it's before vacation right? I have a huge to-do list for this week so I'm off.

Hope you have a great week! Happy Holiday's

Black Friday: Time to shop

2008-11-26T09:11:00.005-06:00

Black Friday is almost here! I don't personally go out and shop on this day but my neighbor always has her entire morning planned out and comes back with the best deals. She begs me to join her every year but I can't bring myself to brave the crowds. Shopping online makes me very happy.

I have been working on my Amazon wish list today and it's just so convenient to be able to show family and friends when they ask what I want for Christmas.

Do you have an Amazon wish list? If so, I would love to take a peek so feel free to leave your link here.

And now I'm curious, do you prefer to go out and shop the Black Friday sales or would you rather stay home and shop online like me?

Happy Shopping! And don't forget, a smile goes a long way.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

2008-11-25T09:17:00.004-06:00

My friend Marie has a fun meme going on her blog. Won't you play along?

I participated on my weight loss journal (blog) and wanted to spread the word. Let me know if you participate so I can read what you are most thankful for today.

Menu Plan Monday: November 24

2008-11-24T06:42:00.003-06:00

It's a holiday week so meals are going to be pretty simple.

Monday-
Tuna & Soup

Tuesday-
Kashi Moroccan Curry (with chicken)

Wednesday-
Order in (my stepson is spending the night)

Thursday-
Happy Thanksgiving

Friday-
Leftovers or breakfast for dinner (with ham of course)

Sat. & Sun.-
As usual we play it by ear

Make it a great week! Happy Thanksgiving.

Menu Plan Monday: November 17

2008-11-17T12:18:00.004-06:00

Another crazy week! Have no clue really what we'll have as I'm trying to eat a lot of what is in the cupboards before going grocery shopping again. Not sure if it will work but here are some of the meal ideas we have so far. Just throwing possible ideas together of course LOL so no set menu plan this week

*Tonight (Mon.), I know we'll have breakfast for dinner (waffles, bananas, etc.).

*Turkey and salmon burgers with potato fries

*The usual Thursday night spaghetti w/turkey sausage, homemade pasta sauce and biscuit bread

*Turkey chili

*Breakfast again (eggs, sausage, etc.)

Hmmm guess that gets us through the week. Maybe we'll go grocery shopping this weekend or try to make it until we go shopping for Thanksgiving which by the way we are having my stepson over this year. Went to my parent's last year (and will totally miss that this year) but my stepson asked what we were planning because his mom is going out of town this year so we'll have him over to celebrate. He even gave us a coupon that he got from work for a FREE ham, way cool!

Be sure to head on over and link to your Menu Plan Monday

Have a great week!

Menu Plan Monday: November 10

2008-11-10T07:30:00.002-06:00

This week is kinda crazy. Hubby has a procedure coming up on Wed. so food on Tues. and Wed. is up in the air. Here's what is on the menu as of right now.

Monday-
Turkey Brats, baked beans

Tuesday-
Omelets

Wednesday-
Tuna & Soup

Thursday-
Spaghetti, homemade sauce w/ground turkey, biscuit bread

Friday-
Turkey sloppy joes

Have a great week!

My Husband Rocks- He Plays Chauffeur

2008-11-07T12:57:00.005-06:00

My husband rocks for so many reasons. But this week, my hubby rocks because he is going to play chauffeur tonight for myself to get to the city of Chicago to meet some of my favorite food and weight loss/fitness bloggers. Hubby works all day and will come home tonight to just turn right around to drive down to the city which will take us over an hour. THEN on Sunday, a blogger friend of mine from out of town and I were going to take the train from the suburbs into the city until Kev had me check the schedule and train service doesn't eve start until 9 AM and we need to be down there by 9:30 AM so hubby will play chauffeur once again on Sunday morning.

What a great guy! I know he doesn't really want to do this but he is anyway and THAT is why my hubby rocks.

Why don't you join the blog meme fun?

Menu Plan Monday: November 3

2008-11-03T10:21:00.004-06:00

It's Menu Plan Monday and Laura has a giveaway. All you have to do to enter is post your menu plan and link up on her blog.

I imagine our week is going to be kind off because we won't have an oven to cook anything. Kev went to roast artichokes in the oven last night and the whole kitchen and living room was full of a terrible gas smell. He checked it out and the broiler worked but there was very little flame lighting the gas stove/oven. So needless to say, we now have to look for a new oven. UGH!

Here's the tentative plan.

Monday-
Pasta w/leftover veggie pasta sauce, grilled artichokes and garlic bread (hmm looks like I need a protein in there, not sure what we'll do about that)

Tuesday-
BBQ Chicken, potato, veggie

Wednesday-
Tuna and Soup

Thursday-
Jamaican Jerk Chicken or Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages, potato, veggie (this day is up in the air)

Friday-
Dinner out

Let's pray the microwave and grill don't go kaput this week too, knock on wood LOL

Make it a great week!

My Husband Rocks- Halloween Edition

2008-10-31T16:07:00.006-05:00

My hubby rocks-he's so creative and likes to have fun.

Kev manages an Allergy/Asthma practice and everyone in his office dressed up as the 7 Dwarf's today. Here is his costume that he sewed this week. From a simple Disney picture, he was able to create the most adorable costume. He was Dopey, what a cutie. Can't wait until he gets home so all the neighborhood kids can see him.

He shaved off his moustache AND goatee though, boo hoo

Here's his office crew

Last year he was Mr. Mucus, the big green guy from Mucinex and the year before he was a milk carton (everyone in the office was an item people are allergic to). Cute stuff.

Would you like to join in on this fun meme? Visit Katy Lin's blog and play along

A very Happy and Safe Halloween to all.

edited to add a link to Kailani's post Halloween costume contest. Be sure to head over there to enter your pictures AND check out all the cute costumes already posted. Love them all!

Menu Plan Monday: October 27

2008-10-27T08:19:00.004-05:00

It's Menu Plan Monday. Here's our plan for this week. What are your menu plans?

Monday-
Chicken Stir Fry w/veggies & brown rice

Tuesday-
Turkey Chili w/biscuits

Wednesday-
Pork Roast w/veggies

Thursday-
Spaghetti w/biscuit loaf

Friday-
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Over the weekend Kev wants me to try to make pizza dough in my new Oster ExpressBake Breadmaker That will be interesting and fun. Do you have a breadmaker? If so, have you ever made pizza dough? I need to find a whole wheat dough recipe because the one in the guide is for white only. I could also do a mix, white/wheat flour.

Menu Plan Monday: October 20

2008-10-20T20:42:00.004-05:00

Menu Plan Monday is here again.

To be honest, we don't really have a menu plan for this week so I'm just putting down possible ideas and we'll take it from there.

Monday-
Turkey tacos (yummy dinner!)

Tuesday-
Keywest blend Chicken, potato, veggie

Wednesday-
Black Beans & Rice w/turkey sausage

Thursday-
Breakfast for dinner (don't have the makings for spaghetti unless I can get to the store)

Friday-
Turkey burgers/hot dogs

Gosh, I am just throwing this all together and have no idea if that's what we'll have. Feel out of sorts today.

What are you having for dinner this week?

Work Life Balance=Less stress

2008-10-18T17:21:00.004-05:00

My friend Aurelia has an awesome resource for work life balance and shows you ways to reduce stress. Her website has helped me gain perspective over the years and Aurelia herself has been a great life coach. I have met Aurelia in person and she's just a joy to be around. Here's a great article from her that you might enjoy.

Stress Reduction Tips For The Entire Family

Busy family lifestyles lead to stressed out families. Stressed out families can often lead to more problems and issues. Learning to deal with family stress before the stress becomes a huge problem is a good idea. If you already have problems, then learning to deal with the issues that are causing you stress is essential in helping you to overcome these difficulties.

One of the largest contributors to stress is over commitment. Families are pulled in multiple directions by varying activities. The more children there are the more activities there are, the more refined the balancing act becomes.

Think about the list of activities that you and your children are involved in. Why are they involved in each activity? Is it because they have a passion for it or is it because they needed to have a more rounded activity schedule? Let your child choose a few activities that they feel drawn to. Let them explore their passions, but don't sign them up for every activity there is. Teach them to pick and choose their priorities when choosing activities. Doing one thing and doing it well is different from doing several things that there isn’t a passion for.

The same that applies for your children and their activities should apply to yours as well. Learn to say no. If you are already committed to several activities and are stressed for time, do you really need to participate in one more activity? Learning to say no and to weed through the activities you already do will help cut down on your stress.

A less stressed parent makes a less stressed child. Our moods and behaviors are often reflected in our children. Leading by example is a wonderful motto to live by. Our children see how we deal with stress and emulate it. Wading through our activities and learning to say no are only two activities. Another one would be to learn to slow down and enjoy family time.

When is the last time you had a sit down meal with everyone gathered around the table? A meal where there was no rush to get somewhere or to go and pick someone up. Having a meal together is a family bonding time. It is an excellent opportunity for children and parents to be together. They can discuss what is on their minds, what goals they have or even what is bothering them, to cause stress. Just this simple act of sitting down and sharing a meal can lower stress in a family.

Have a family movie or game night. These are activities that everyone can enjoy together. Have the children and parents take turns picking out movies or games to play. There may be old family favorites or you may find new ones that become your family's games.

Whatever you choose, do it together. The more a family shares, at meals, movies or over games, the closer they become. A closer a family is the more they are inclined to talk and discuss things. This is a great combat against family stress.

Reduce your family's stress with Real Life Solutions from Aurelia Williams.

I really enjoyed that article especially because it's true. My stepson is now 24 and comes over often even though he works and lives on his own. 9 times out of 10 we have a homemade dinner together and play games when he visits. Just wish my stepdaughter could be to experience it as well but she lives with her hubby in another state. One day!

PS. Oh and don't miss Aurelia's great book on Finding More Family Time

My Husband Rocks- Flowers

2008-10-17T08:19:00.004-05:00

I have been looking forward to posting about Kev this week. Don't forget to go over to The Great Adventure so you can participate in "My Husband Rocks" Friday's too.

My hubby, Kevin rocks because he's so thoughtful. As many of you know, I had hurt my knee enough to keep me from working out for over a week now and I had to go to the doc's to get a shot (oh yeah it hurt). So not fun. Anyway, Kev went to the gym for spin class alone last weekend and came home with these beautiful flowers afterwards. What a sweetheart!

PS. He makes sure to ALWAYS include purple flowers, my favorite.

Thanks honey for always making me feel so special.

Personalized Ornaments by Cathy's Creations

2008-10-16T09:54:00.004-05:00

It's time for another product review. Today I am so excited to share my review on the personalized ornaments I received from Cathy's Creations. Last year I decided that for Christmas 2008 our tree would have a theme. And I'm sure you could easily guess that the theme would have something to do with the beach and/or Jamaica so the personalized ornaments I chose to order were the palm tree and star ornament and the flip flop ornaments. They are adorable aren't they?

(OK, I know I'm not the best photog but you get the idea. You'll have to click on the picture to see them better, I think)

The order process went smoothly for me (I actually ordered via phone so I can't tell you how the online order process goes but I'm sure it's fine) and the products were packaged nicely, safe and secure.

These personalized ornaments would make the perfect holiday or anytime gift. Here are some of my favorites in addition to the palm tree and flip flops mentioned above: Paw, dog bone and polar bear ornaments under the Animal category, the Penguin under Family ornaments and the Lips ornament under the Couples category. And don't miss the fun jewelry too.

I'm so excited to go shopping with Cathy again. I'm trying to think of other ornament ideas for our beach theme Christmas tree. Maybe a surfboard, hammock, snorkel and mask? Can you think of any ideas? Cathy is going to go crazy with all of my requests *wink*

Oh and don't forget to check out Cathy's event calendar. She has a few shows coming up in November so if you are in her area, you could shop in person. How fun would that be?

Happy Shopping!

Menu Plan Monday: October 13

2008-10-13T08:57:00.003-05:00

Time for Menu Plan Monday. Our menu is not set in stone but here is what we have.

Monday-
Jambalaya with scallops

Tuesday-
Chicken on portabella mushroom caps

Wednesday-
Pork Chops or maybe something from Whole Foods or The Fresh Market (I'm running errands that day, I think I just made up my mind LOL)

Thursday-
Spaghetti and homemade sauce w/turkey sausage

Friday-
Up in the air, maybe Black Beans & Rice or Tacos (we shall see)

What's on your menu this week?

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

2008-10-10T11:21:00.007-05:00

I found a fabulous, fun new meme to participate in every week. I love the fact that there really are women out there who love and appreciate their hubby's as much as I do. Katy Lin over at The Great Adventure started a weekly meme on Friday's called My Husband Rocks. Please check it out and participate when you get a chance. Here is my first "My Husband Rocks" post.

My hubby Kevin rocks because he loves to travel (in style), he's adventurous and likes to have fun. It won't be long until we return to Jamaica (ahhhh Jamaica in December is pure heaven!) and I can't wait to make more wonderful memories there.

Thanks for being the coolest hubby ev-ah. You're the best!

Menu Plan Monday: October 6

2008-10-06T08:42:00.004-05:00

Another Menu Plan Monday is upon us. The food plan for this week is kind of up in the air. Don't know what we'll have with each meal yet but have the basics down.

Monday-
Goulash (using leftovers for the 3rd time WOW)

Tuesday-
Pork Chops

Wednesday-
Chicken (baked or grilled, not sure)

Thursday-
Pot Roast (I'm not sure how I feel about this since IT IS Survivor night and it's supposed to be spaghetti or pizza LOL)

Friday-
Tuna & Soup

Head on over to Laura's Menu Plan post and wish her a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving this week!

What's on your menu plan this week?

Personalized Teddy Bears

2008-10-03T08:58:00.007-05:00

I have been shopping with Debbie at Bear Family Gifts for quite some time now and love her personalized teddy bears. She has made some customized teddy bears for us over the years and all gift recipients have been touched by the thought put into their personalized teddy bears. Debbie will take your ideas and put something spectacular together.

Aren't these personalized teddy bears that I have purchased just adorable?

Holiday ordering cut-off dates are fast approaching.

Halloween: Purchase before October 15th

Thanksgiving: Purchase before November 15th

Christmas: Purchase ASAP!

When you visit Bear Family Gifts, be sure to scroll down the page to see the list of personalized bear categories. You will find holiday bears, wedding bears, ornament bears, patriotic bears and so many more.

Just a side note: These bears are not toys, they are decorative items and not suitable for children to play with.

Do you work from home? If so, be sure to go to the professional bears page and look for the Work At Home bear. So adorable. You can put it on your wish list *wink*

Gift certificates are also available and don't forget to check out the clearance and specials pages too.

Happy Shopping!

Personalized and customized teddy bear keepsakes for any occasion at Bear Family Gifts, LLC.
Choose from many different styles and sizes, all designed to bring a smile to your face. Teddy Bear Gifts - The Lasting Alternative to Flowers

Bear Family Gifts even has a blog so be sure to check it out.

What personalized teddy bear is your favorite?

Menu Plan Monday: September 29

2008-09-29T09:24:00.004-05:00

It's time for Menu Plan Monday. Kev and I were up late last night and I almost forgot to do the menu plan so we whipped it together. Not sure if we'll change anything but at least there is some type of plan.

Monday-
Pork chops, black eyed peas, veggies

Tuesday-
Tuna sandwiches, Lentil soup

Wednesday-
Chicken Creole

Thursday-
Spaghetti w/ground turkey, biscuits

Friday-
Mexi Turkey burgers

Hope you have a great week!

Just Sayin'

2008-09-26T18:12:00.002-05:00

Some people just irritate me, ROFL! I'm pretty easy going and I don't get bothered by things much but there are some people that just DON'T GET IT.

If you park your car right next to the cart corral it's really not that hard to just take 2 seconds to put the darn cart away already. This lady was parked right next to the corral today at Wal-Mart, loaded her van and drove off leaving the cart in another parking spot. Geesh!

And if you are going to drive, please AT LEAST drive the speed limit and not under. It took me forever to get where I needed to go this afternoon because there was no way to pass this woman.

Oh and here's a little pet peeve while I'm at it. If there is a driveway next to the main road, don't block it. Same with streets, c'mon, if you are stopped in traffic leave space for other cars to turn. It's really not THAT hard is it?

OK, vent over LOL

Guess it's time for some relaxation eh? Great timing for Mom Dot's "Just Relax, Mom" Giveaway. Head on over there to get your entries in so you can have a chance to relax with Happy Company and David Babaii products. It all sounds wonderful to me.

Weekly Round Up Time

2008-09-26T13:32:00.002-05:00

I haven't done a Weekly Round Up in quite some time so I thought I would post today.

List two things you are proud of yourself for this week.

I am most proud that I got the home page of my healthy weight loss website, Losing It and Loving It done. The whole website needs work and I am working on it bit by bit with the help of my business mentor, Lynn Terry of Click Newz, an Internet marketing blog. She's the best!

The other thing I am proud about is that I listened to my body and made some changes with my weekly exercise routine. I have been having some knee issues and needed to slow down a bit and I did that. You can follow my updates about this on my weight loss blog.
Were you able to work on getting your goals accomplished? (if you met them or not)

Yes
Share something you learned this week.

I learned that I just need to take action and that it is OK to make mistakes. That is how you learn.

How was your week?

Hope you have a great weekend!

Enter to win a handbag

2008-09-24T08:51:00.002-05:00

I love handbags! You can never have too many so I entered to try to win one from Hand Bag Planet. I hope I win (and you too of course). I chose to enter to win the green handbag, you can't miss it LOL

Go enter and then tell me what bag you chose. There are a lot to choose from!

Menu Plan Monday: September 22

2008-09-22T07:36:00.002-05:00

It's once again time for menu plan Monday. I have the basics on the menu but we'll play the sides by ear. Laura at Organizing Junkie is having a Family Favorites menu edition this week so be sure to check it out.

On to our menu:

Monday-
Pork Chops/Veggies

Tuesday-
Tuna & Soup (?)

Wednesday-
Chicken/Veggies

Thursday-
Mini tortilla pizzas w/turkey sausage and veggies (Survivor premier night)

Friday-
Breakfast for dinner (we'll try this again, decided to order in last Friday)

Whatcha having?

Make it a great week!

Angie

Custom Embroidery-Suzi Home Maker Product Review

2008-09-19T11:21:00.007-05:00

I wanted to post a review on some awesome products I just received from Suzi at Suzi Home Maker. Suzi offers custom embroidery on a variety of items in her store. She has quite the selection of items for children and baby gifts, items for the home and more. You can see many neat products in her product gallery. I personally got the Super Snack Square and one of the Travelers. I think they are adorable AND Suzi was able to take a special request and make it happen. I took some pictures for you to see.

Aren't these adorable? In the first two pictures, the traveler is on the left and Super Snack Square is on the right. The handles of the Super Snack Square have flowers on them. The last picture is the inside look of the Super Snack Square.

You all know how much I love Jamaica so that inspired me to get the beach design with the saying "Life's a Beach" on each bag. You'll notice the palm tree and hibiscus are only on the snack square and the flip flops on the traveler bag. Great work!

Don't miss many of the other great items in Suzi's store. The messenger bags, minky spa wrap, cosmo and makeup bags are some of my favorite items.

Suzi kept in touch with me throughout the order process, the items were packaged nicely and shipping was quick. Thank you Suzi Home Maker for a great experience. I'll most definitely be recommending your products to others.

PS. Suzi has a Lunch Box sale going on now. Be sure to take advantage of it before it ends.

Menu Plan Monday: September 15

2008-09-15T07:51:00.004-05:00

Here is our menu for this week's Menu Plan Monday. I can't believe it but I'm starting to really like having this done and not having to worry during the week what we'll have.

Monday-
Chopped BBQ Pork & Rice

Tuesday-
Turkey Sausages & Veggies

Wednesday-
Baja Chipotle Chicken & Veggies

Thursday-
Breakfast for Dinner (can't believe we aren't having spaghetti LOL)

Friday-
Hamburgers/Hot Dogs, Potato Fries

Saturday-
Chicken Creole

Sunday-
Play it by ear

Hope you have a great week!
Angie

Check this out:

Congrats to my hubby

2008-09-13T16:15:00.003-05:00

This past Monday, September 8th was my hubby Kevin's ONE YEAR NON SMOKING anniversary. That is very exciting. He made it one year and I'm so proud of him. Thanks to Chantix, a prescription medication, he was able to quit smoking for good.

I shared this milestone with my online friend Dr. Sally Witt who has a Stop Smoking With Dr Sally program that I wish we would've known about sooner for Kevin. But that's OK because I'll still share it with you here. Dr. Sally has been there and kicked the habit so she's now sharing with others how they can too. I think that is awesome.

Visit the Stop Smoking With Dr Sally website and you can see a quick welcome/intro video and a free e-book offer (I'm having an issue with the link for the e-book so I have sent an email to Dr. Sally). Then you'll be taken to a page with a lot more information about the product, the price, etc. If you are a smoker or know one, I hope you'll take a few minutes to check it out or pass the info along. Dr. Sally's program is approximately $200 LESS than the prescription medication that Kevin took. WOW! I think it's definitely worth trying although I have no personal experience with the program. However, there are some testimonials on her website from her clients so you should be sure to check those out.

I just wanted to send out one last CONGRATULATIONS to my super fantastic awesome hubby on a job well done. I love you.

Mom's Affiliate Expo, don't miss it

2008-09-09T11:12:00.003-05:00

I'm looking forward to the Mom's Affiliate Expo this Thursday-Saturday. There is no charge for this expo, there will be freebies and a chance to learn how to make money with affiliate marketing and if you have products to offer, you can also learn how to find great affiliates to promote your products.

The Friday night lead speaker is my personal mentor, Lynn Terry. Lynn is someone you really want to get to know and follow. Lynn is REAL and she shares information freely on her Internet Marketing Blog and also has a ton of great info on her website where you can learn Internet marketing strategies free. And if you are in the beginning stages Lynn is sharing how you can be starting a free online business in no time. Follow her and you'll be glad you did.

If you will be attending the Mom's Affiliate Expo, let me know. Here is an affiliate marketing article from Kelly that you might like to read.

Affiliate Marketing – What’s Stopping You?

Once upon at time, and it really wasn’t that long ago – I thought affiliate marketing was something for other people. People with big lists and massive websites. If you’re having similar thoughts, let me tell you now, it’s simply not true.

You don’t need to build a list first. You don’t need to have all the pieces of your business plan in place first. You can get started with affiliate marketing with very little. In affiliate marketing, it’s okay to start small.

Of course, you won’t be making millions in your sleep overnight. That’s not what affiliate marketing is really about. It’s about recommending products and services that you believe will serve others in return for a small commission.

You’ll start small and grow slow, but you’ll be able to build a steady income over time. The beauty of affiliate marketing is the residual effects that are only evident over the passage of time.

I know I had my doubts. For well over a year, I resisted the lure of affiliate marketing. It wasn’t hard to convince myself that it would be a waste of time. Anytime I thought about it, my mind would answer “Who are you kidding? Who is going to buy from me?”

Self-doubt could be keeping you from achieving all you were intended. It gives me shivers to think what my life might be like now if I hadn’t started. Would I have been able to support my son as a single mom over these past years without the income earned through affiliate marketing?

As long as you are willing to commit yourself to working your business and are willing to learn, there is no reason you can’t reap the benefits of affiliate marketing for yourself. It really is a simple matter of deciding that you want to try and then finding the resources that will help you make the journey.

Lack of funds is not a barrier to getting started with affiliate marketing. In many cases, you can get started with no money at all, simply sign up for the programs that appeal to you and start promoting to your existing audience. If you don’t already have a blog and domain name of your own, it might cost $20 to get up and running.

So what’s stopping you from getting started?

Kelly McCausey is the mom behind Work at Home Moms Talk Radio and is hosting Moms Affiliate Expo, a free opportunity for moms to learn more about affiliate marketing.

I'm entering a blog design giveaway

2008-09-08T18:51:00.002-05:00

Today I came across the Mommy Chronicles blog and Lindsey, the owner is giving away a custom blog design for a Blogger blog. Oh you all know how much I need this LOL so of course I'm going to enter. But I really think her blog design is so adorable and I would love to have a design done by her.

Be sure to check out her cute little blog and enter the giveaway too.

Menu Plan Monday: September 8

2008-09-08T08:02:00.003-05:00

It's Menu Plan Monday, what's on your menu for the week?

Monday-
Portabella Mushrooms with Italian Chicken

Tuesday-
Red Beans & Rice w/hot turkey sausage

Wednesday-
Baja Chipotle Crockpot Chicken thighs

Thursday-
Spaghetti and homemade sauce w/Italian seasoned ground turkey

Friday-
Tuna and Soup (I think!)

When Online Friends Meet

2008-09-07T20:05:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I had a great opportunity to meet up with two online friends, Patty from Inspired Web Works and Lauren from Greeting Card Workshops and Mom Chats. We had a blast at The Rainforest Cafe (I just love that place!) and we talked, ate, talked, ate, you know the drill. These ladies are so much fun. I'm so glad that Lauren and I were able to meet Patty before she moves. And of course Lauren and I plan to meet again really soon before the snow arrives here in IL. I think we'll plan to bring the hubby's along next time. That should be fun. Lauren and I had met once before and also had a great time. You can read about our 1st meet up in my March blog archives.

If you ever get the opportunity to meet your online friends, I highly recommend it. All of us have known each other online for over 5 years so it's not like we just met online yesterday LOL. I want to thank Anita from Mommy's Helper Community for having such a wonderful forum where we could all come together.

Here are two pictures from our fun visit. Lauren and Patty have pictures too so hopefully we'll get to see those soon. But for now, may I introduce you to the three of us. Thanks ladies, I really enjoyed our lunch (even though I ate too much ha ha).

Left to right: Angie, Patty, Lauren

Left to right: Patty, Lauren, Angie

Have you had the pleasure of meeting any online friends? If so, please do share your experience. Where did you go and who did you meet?

Blog Trip Day 5: Explore the City

2008-09-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

Here we are on the last day of the blog trip. It has been fun getting to know so many of you. Today we are exploring our city.

My favorite thing to do, that we do about once a year and I hope to change that is spend the day at Six Flags Great America. I love all the rides and could go on them over and over. Hubby and my stepson are not so much into the spin type rides so I have to ride those alone. Oh well! We went there a few weeks ago and I had a blast. My favorite rides were Vertical Velocity, Superman and Revolution. Do you like amusement parks? If so, please feel free to share your favorites and where they are located. I would love to one day be able to visit them all over the world. How fun would that be?

Next on our trip is the zoo. You definitely don't want to miss the Brookfield Zoo on your trip here. I haven't been there in a long time but would love to go soon. I love animals and they have quite the variety at Brookfield. I like Stingray Bay, Seven Seas and Tropic World. Fun! But there are so many other great exhibits you don't want to miss.

And lastly for today is the grand city of CHICAGO. So much to do and see, I can't even begin to list it all. I haven't been downtown in quite some time but it's an amazing place. I can just hop on the Metra, the regional rail system here to get to the city. A few of the landmarks and places you should definitely visit are the Sears Tower, Navy Pier and the John Hancock Observatory. And before you leave to come visit, try your hand at getting yourself some tickets to the Oprah Winfrey show. I still haven't made it to a show yet and I have lived in the burbs for over 11 years.

So there you have it, a few fun things to do around my town. This has been a blast and I want to thank all of you for stopping by this week to get to know more about me.

Happy Friday!

Blog Trip Day 4: Let's go shopping

2008-09-04T07:28:00.003-05:00

Today is Day 4 of the blog trip and it's all about shopping. Although I prefer to shop online, there are still some places that I don't mind going to around town. As far as groceries, the two biggest chain stores around here are Dominicks and Jewel/Osco. We prefer Dominicks although it's a bit more expensive and further away (but we get a discount on gas there, see blog trip Day 2). We also shop at Island Foods (which you might have seen in one of the videos from Day 1) especially for vegetables and fruit. I love this mom and pop store so we try to give them our business as often as possible.

Last week on my weight loss blog I asked for input about Whole Foods Market. We went there for the first time last weekend. I'll be posting about my Whole Foods experience over on that blog soon. But I will say that my two favorite 'healthy' grocery stores are The Fresh Market and Trader Joe's, hands down.

If you want to visit a quaint little town when stopping through, you don't want to miss historic Long Grove. There is a wide variety of cute little shops. You'll find everything from clothes, art, gifts to specialty candy and foods. Don't miss the Confectionary Company for your chocolate fix, love those monstrous dipped strawberries and be sure to check out the Popcorn Shoppe where you'll find the most interesting combinations. There are many events that take place here like the Chocolate Fest, Apple Festival and more. Don't miss driving through this town during the Christmas holiday either. Long Grove even has a one lane covered bridge. Learn about the History of Long Grove when you get a chance. Long Grove is about 20 min. or so from where we live.

Lastly, we have the big premium outlet mall, Gurnee Mills Mall in Gurnee, IL. You might have been to a similar one at one time. They have Potomac Mills in Virginia. I used to live in VA and went there all the time. Gurnee Mills has over 200 stores and quite the variety I might add. I was just there this past weekend where I met two of my online work at home mom friends. We went to The Rainforest Cafe for lunch and had a blast. I'll post about that soon with pictures. I got to the mall early on Saturday and walked the whole length of the mall and back before they arrived. It was a long walk that is for sure. When you visit Gurnee Mills, be sure to stop by Serpent Safari, a reptile zoo and YES it's in the mall, right near The Rainforest Cafe. It will be quite an experience.

We have many other places to shop around here and you might also want to head on into the city of Chicago for a more spectacular shopping experience.

Thanks for stopping by on your blog trip. Have a great day.

Blog Trip Day 3: Let's Eat

2008-09-03T08:35:00.002-05:00

We very rarely go out to eat anymore since starting a more healthy lifestyle (you can follow more about that on my weight loss journal) but I will share some of our favorite places to eat. I would have to say my two all time favorite restaurants would be the local Chinese buffet and Hooters.

Here are some local restaurants you should try when you drop by for a visit.

Nancy's Pizza
Pick up or delivery, this little pizza joint has some yummy food. And all of their appetizers are baked. Yum! I'm bummed they no longer have their Marco Polo salad though because it was my favorite. But they do have great tasting pizza (thin for me) and the Chicken Club (oven baked breaded chicken tenders, fresh bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and creamy garlic sauce served on their homemade garlic bread) is a favorite around here too, for my step son and myself. Hubby's favorite is their "GODMOTHER" sandwich (oven baked breaded chicken tenders with red sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served on homemade garlic bread).

Another pizza joint close by that we like is Chicago Classic Pizza. Pick up or delivery, they have tasty food as well. When I want to be really bad, I love their manicotti or ravioli and their hot buffalo shrimp. We don't eat here that often though.

Next on the list is one of our favorites, the Crystal Lake Rib House. Oh my can I get myself into some trouble here. Of course our favorite is their awesome ribs with corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, fresh baked roll and honey butter (oh my!). Hot buffalo wings or crackers (chicken breast strips prepared Buffalo style in your choice of sauce, why hot of course) are on my 'bad' list of favorites.

The three places above are close to home.

Now we move on to one of hubby's favorites, Dog N Suds. This is a drive-in and lots of fun. They do a lot of fun things, the most popular being the Classic Car Cruise In every Saturday night. As your basic drive-in, you have various choices like the famous Coney Dog, Texas burger, root beer and more. I personally like their garden burger or fish sandwich.

I love Mexican food so Tacos El Norte wins hands down for me. They have a wide variety of choices (I love their burritos but they are HUGE so it's not something we get often). Then we move on to Yogi's Pizza. They have quite the variety, pizza, salads, Italian Beef & Sausage, Gyros and more. I like their Greek Salad and when I really want to be bad, I choose a gyro. One of my all time favorites.

One last restaurant we like to go to is called The Village Squire. They have a wide variety of foods too and we especially like one of their appetizers. It's a cheese that they set on fire and you eat with pita bread pieces. I tried loading their menu on their site to get the name of the appetizer but their pdf menu crashed my computer LOL! They do have yummy food so we would definitely take you here if you were to come and visit.

So there you have some of our local joints and some of my favorites. Hope you're having fun on your blog trip. I know I am!

Blog Trip Day 2: Filler up

2008-09-02T08:10:00.003-05:00

Today is Day 2 of the Mommy Community blog trip.

Tried to take a picture of the price of gas last week but you can't really see it (it was $3.99 at this gas station)

Yesterday in one of my videos, we quickly passed a gas station and I mentioned that gas was $3.97. It varies all over, just down the street it was $3.94 and some places as low as $3.84. Wish they would quit playing games.

Luckily we shop at a grocery store where you get a discount on gas depending on how much you spend. Three cents off for just having a grocery card and ten cents off when you spend over $50 and we do that a lot so Kev and I are usually set with discounted gas (if we make it that far LOL). My car has been having gas gauge issues and the other day I was on my way home from the gym and didn't stop to get gas because who knew I only had a mile left of gas ROFL. So I just luckily glided in to the most expensive gas station around OF COURSE.

As far as what I do to save on gas, not much really. We have to pretty much drive everywhere around here. I do try to plan errands together so I'm not wasting and Kev and I drive to the gym together when we can. But that's about all.

Blog Trip Day 1: Around Town with Angie

2008-09-01T18:15:00.006-05:00

It's time for a quick intro and a few videos to show you around our town. I'm Angie (36), step mom of two, 26 and 24 and hubby I live in IL. I'm originally from Virginia. Hubby and I like to work out together, hang out at home and travel. I like to read, love amusement parks and I'm a Reality TV addict.

I am also getting caught by the blogging bug. This is more my personal blog but my main blog is my weight loss journal where I share my progress and healthy weight loss tips.

I'm a newbie at video so hopefully these videos you are about to see here today are OK. Not quite used to using my RCA Small Wonder video camera and it's my first time using You Tube. Ready or not, here we go.

**So I tried to view these videos on You Tube and the video stops every so often. It didn't do this while viewing from my computer so I'm not sure what the problem is. I apologize for the inconvenience if the video cuts out for you too**

Around Town

Around Town 2

We have a few pets, a Blue & Gold Macaw, Basset Hound, cat and turtle. They are a big part of our lives. I was going to take video of them too but didn't want you to have to deal with the messed up videos. Here are pictures of our babies.

Caleb, our Basset Hound

Bam Bam, our Blue & Gold Macaw

Pebbles, our cat

Taz, our turtle

So there you have it, Blog Trip: Day 1 is complete. Hope you had fun here getting to know me better.

Menu Plan Monday: September 1

2008-09-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Time for Menu Plan Monday.

Monday-
Boneless Sirloin Pork Roast, potatoes, green beans

Tuesday-
The Fresh Market's Chicken Portabella, asparagus

Wednesday-
Lemon Pepper Swordfish, veggie

Thursday-
Spaghetti w/homemade sauce (probably with hot/spicy turkey sausage), biscuits

Friday-
Hot & Spicy BBQ Chicken breasts, brussel sprouts

Time for a blog trip

2008-08-31T18:07:00.002-05:00

My friend Marie, of Mommy Community is hosting a blog trip this coming week. She is celebrating the 5th birthday of Mommy Community. I am so behind on posting about it and hopefully I'll have enough time to participate this week. I meant to plan for it but other things just got in the way but I wanted you to know about this so you have the opportunity to participate and meet other bloggers. Marie comes up with some of the most awesome ideas. I know this blog trip will be a blast. Enjoy!

Happy Friday

2008-08-29T20:30:00.002-05:00

It's Friday and I'm finally getting back here to post. I have been busy focusing on my business so my weight loss journal (blog) and website has been getting most of my attention. I finally have focus so things are getting accomplished.

Anyway, Kev and I actually took a friend's two daughters (ages 16 and 12) to Six Flags Great America two weeks ago and had a blast. I absolutely love all the rides and want to go back. Kev doesn't like any rides that spin though but we all got to ride everything we wanted. A few days after we got home from the theme park, there was a show on the Travel Channel highlighting some popular roller coasters all over the US. I am now going to add something new to my vision board. I would like to visit each and every theme park that was highlighted in that show (now if I could find the show again, that would be cool LOL).

Anyway, Kev and I got sick a few days later and were sick for over 10 days. It was not fun but it was relaxing. We spent many hours watching the Olympics. I have never watched so much of them in my life but it was a blast and we really enjoyed it.

So here I am to check in and hope everyone is doing well. Tomorrow we'll go to spin class at the gym and I'll head out to meet two of my online friends. I have met Lauren before but we haven't met Patty yet so we are looking forward to a fun time. I'll post pictures and tell you all about our lunch date. How fun, I can't wait.

Not much else going on except it's a long weekend and Kev and I have spin class Sat. & Sun. and we'll do some grocery shopping plus I want to go to Whole Foods Market to check it out. I have never been there before. Do you shop at Whole Foods Market? If so, come by my weight loss journal and share your favorite items to buy at Whole Foods Market.

Other than that, there are quite a few business things I would like to share so hopefully I'll do that over the next week or so. If you would like to check out my healthy weight loss blog, I would love to have you there.

Have a great weekend!
Angie

Menu Plan Monday: August 25

2008-08-25T07:49:00.003-05:00

It's Menu Plan Monday and Laura has some giveaways so be sure to stop on by her blog. Here is our tentative menu for the week.

Monday-
Pork Chops, asparagus and potato

Tuesday-
Tuna & Soup

Wednesday-
Cajun Chicken and broccoli

Thursday-
Spaghetti, homemade sauce w/ground turkey

Friday-
Hot & Spicy BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Potato Fries

Saturday & Sunday-
We always play the weekend by ear but we did get a roast just in case my stepson comes over. I will have lunch out on Saturday afternoon with some online friends. I have met one of them but it will be the first time for the other. Looking forward to it. We are going to The Rainforest Cafe.

That means M, W, and F is all on the grill. Gosh I love grilling. Ran out of propane on Sat. while cooking so had to move it all inside to finish cooking. That was a pain. Went to refill yesterday, thank goodness. We should be OK for a month.

Hope you all have a great week.

Desperate for a blog makeover

2008-08-20T14:32:00.003-05:00

I came across a fun blog called Blog Mommas and found they were having a blog makeover contest. The blog makeover will be done by Burg. I'm supposed to write 5 reasons why I think I deserve a blog makeover so here we go.

Honestly, I'm not the best writer in the world but have found that having a personal blog let's me practice writing and putting my words together which is something I have trouble doing sometimes. Having a new design would

1) give me an incentive to post more

and

2) a fun design that would showcase my personality would give me the inspiration to write what's on my mind

plus

3) I have had the same Blogger blog template since I first started this blog back in 2005 YIKES

and

4) I want my blog to be attractive and fun for my guests

and

5) it would give me confidence to just put myself out there more and have fun blogging

Thanks for the chance to enter ladies. There are some great entries so far who are all deserving.

Menu Plan Monday: August 18

2008-08-18T08:15:00.004-05:00

Time again for Menu Plan Monday. Last week we didn't stick to the plan so you'll see some of the same things again for this week.Monday-
Baja Chipotle Chicken, potato, veggie

Tuesday-
Enchiladas w/ground turkey

Wednesday-
Tuna & Soup

Thursday-
Spaghetti w/homemade sauce (spicy turkey sausage)

Friday-
BBQ Chicken, potato fries, veggie

Have a great week!

Mr. Beams Stairlight Review

2008-08-16T11:12:00.004-05:00

I was asked to do a review on the Mr. Beams Sensor Stair Light and happily agreed. Mr. Beams came with an instruction guide that was easy to understand unlike some product guides.

From the website:

Mounts Anywhere - No Wiring Required!

Weatherproof Design allows the Motion-Sensor Stair Light can be mounted outside or inside.

Perfect for lighting stairs, hallways, decks, patios, or to act as a children's night light.

Motion Sensor Activated: Once motion is detected, your Motion-Sensor Stair Light lights up brightly.

Light shuts off automatically if no motion is detected after 20 seconds or 1 minute (depending on the auto-shut-off mode setting) and returns to Low-Glow mode.

Low-Glow: Your Motion-Sensor Stair Light glows automatically when darkness is detected to show you its location in the dark. When motion is detected, the Stair Light emits a bright light to illuminate your path.

-Install in Minutes- No Wires!
-Insert 3 C Batteries
-Drill a hole through the two screw holes
-Drive screws into the mounting location
-Mount the Stair Light onto the screws
-Batteries last more than 1 year of normal use

We chose not to install the Mr. Beams Motion-Sensor stair light because we like to be able to use itaround the house if we need to. So far we have been using it in the bathroom and leaving it on top of the sink counter. It definitely solves the darkness problem when we get up in the middle of the night. Not only does it have a small glow all night, it lights up bright and shuts off to go back to a low glow when there is no motion.

The size of Mr. Beams is perfect but it is a bit heavy probably due to the batteries. I personally like it because there are no wires involved. I'm not the least bit technical and I believe even I could install the Mr. Beams light if I wanted to.

I have had the Mr. Beams light for over a month now and it's still going as strong as the day we put the batteries in it.

At $24.99, Mr. Beams is affordable and I would definitely recommend this product.

Summer Blog Party

2008-08-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

It's time for the Summer Blog Party

Over on my weight loss journal/blog, I will be a host for Scale Junkie's Summer Blog Party starting this Friday.

I have a special challenge that goes from Friday, Aug. 15th to Friday, Aug. 22nd and I would love for you to participate. There are quite a few chances for you to enter to win a weight loss/fitness themed prize package from me and a chance to help you feel great too.

Will you take my Summer Blog Party challenge?

Menu Plan Monday: August 11

2008-08-11T11:03:00.005-05:00

Time for this week's menu plan. Pretty simple week and hubby told me last night that he's liking this menu plan thing LOL He thinks it's nice to know what we are having ahead of time although sometimes it changes. No problem!

Monday-

Steak, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes

Tuesday-
Ham, Eggs and Toast (breakfast for dinner)

Wednesday-
Spaghetti, homemade sauce and biscuits (this is normally our Thurs. meal)

Thursday-
We'll be at Six Flags, Great America

Friday-
Ground Turkey Enchiladas

What is your menu plan for the week? If you post here let me know.

Have a great week!

Contest over at Green & Clean Mom blog

2008-08-10T15:13:00.003-05:00

I just have to post about this contest because I am so desperate for a cool blog theme for my name domain (that I have had for months now and haven't done a darn thing with) and haven't had time to look for a theme nor the funds to purchase one so here I am blogging about this awesome contest I found at Green & Clean Mom blog in hopes I have a good chance to win. And this Green & Clean Mom blog is very cool too. I am not very green, I admit it but I tell ya this blog might be my answer to help me along the way. We did buy a cloth grocery bag today at the local mom and pop grocery store so at least we're trying, right? Now I just have to remember to take it with us next time.

So be sure to stop by the Green & Clean Mom blog today and check out the contest for a Wordpress blog theme.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Me

2008-08-09T10:32:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged by Cathy.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1) There was a time in my life that I wanted to have 6 kids (then I worked with them all day every day for a few years and that totally cured me ha ha) I have two older step kids, 26 and 24 and hubby and I have no plans of having any kids of our own. I am totally fine with that.

2) I love all amusement park rides

3) I have not had a soda since May 2005

4) I have not had an Oreo cookie since August 2005

5) I do not like the texture of a Koosh ball (ICK!)

6) Hubby and I have been married 11 years and have never had a fight

7) I used to be very organized when I was younger and now I'm not. I need major help! I want to be able to go through the *junk* I have accumulated over the years and just get rid of it.

So those are just a few things you probably didn't know about me.

Menu Plan Monday: August 4

2008-08-04T08:02:00.004-05:00

Another menu plan on the books for this week. This makes life much easier for hubby during the weeks as he knows what he's going to cook (I have been helping too). We haven't totally stuck to the menu's I have posted but it's OK. Here are the tentative plans for this week.

Monday-
Jambalaya w/turkey sausage and possibly shrimp

Tuesday-
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers w/quinoa

Wednesday-
Hot & Spicy Chicken

Thursday-
The usual...Spaghetti and homemade pasta sauce w/ground turkey

Friday-
Had tuna and soup on the list but noticed we have no cans of tuna so unless I get to the store we'll have turkey burgers and grilled or baked potato fries

I don't post menu plans for Sat. or Sun. because we play it by ear every weekend. Have a great week!

Angie

My First Saturday Social

2008-08-02T21:57:00.005-05:00

I was looking in Google to find a meme for Saturday and came across the Saturday Social. Sounds simple enough for this late at night.

The question posted for today's Saturday Social is:

How is your summer going so far?

My summer has been nice so far. Not much going on except we did go to my mom and dad's in Indiana for a week and it was a great vacation. My parent's live on quite a bit of land so we I had a blast riding the ATV while Kev (hubby) drove his Jeep behind me through the wooded area. It was a total blast and I felt like a kid again. I also shot my first gun (a few times and a few different size guns, scary) plus I did skeet shooting and the boys were shocked that it didn't take me too long to get my first skeet shot either. Didn't get any after that but that's OK. I could've stayed longer, it was so much fun.

That was the most exciting thing this summer so far and we have no plans to do anything else because we are saving to pay for our upcoming Jamaica vacation (oh I can't wait for that!).

Hope your summer is going great too.
Angie

A Blog Reader Challenge

2008-07-29T16:16:00.004-05:00

Kelly over at Sparkplugging WAHM 2.0 is challenging her readers to answer a question. I'm going to take a break and play.

I'll be answering,

How often do you like to change the look of your blog?

I would have to say I dread changing the look of my blog because I'm afraid that I will mess it up somehow and lose everything in the process. I have had this cheesy green template since I started this personal blog and have only had one template so far for my Weight Loss Journal blog. I'll be changing the template for that though very soon since I'm in the process of a web site re-design. I have uploaded my own WP blogs and that process isn't too bad (it's the upgrade to a new version that gives me hives LOL).

So there you have it, Kelly. That was a fun post. It actually challenges me to write more which is my personal business challenge coming up in August.

So readers, it's your turn to take on Kelly's challenge.

Happy Tuesday!

Angie

Menu Plan Monday: July 28

2008-07-28T08:33:00.004-05:00

Here I am again with a Menu Plan. I know my menu's aren't extravagant and a few times we have changed what was on the menu but it helps us to kind of fly through the week without having to ask, "What's for dinner?". So here we go....

Monday-
Baja Chipotle Chicken breasts, baked potato, frozen veggies

Tuesday-
Gumbo with shrimp & scallops, plus biscuits

Wednesday-
Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, veggie

Thursday-
The usual-spaghetti and homemade sauce, garlic bread

Friday-
Tuna sandwich and soup

Saturday & Sunday-
Always up in the air so I don't add them to the menu plan

Have a great week!
Angie

My Wooden Spoon blog review

2008-07-27T20:54:00.003-05:00

Have you ever stopped by the blog My Wooden Spoon? I have had this blog in my reader for quite some time now and it's a lot of fun. I now see Lori, the owner, on Twitter quite a bit and wanted to invite you to visit her blog too.

Lori has some awesome contests going on and I'm posting for that reason but also to share some of my favorite things about her blog. Get to know Lori and be sure to check out her recipes page and even submit a recipe. Add her blog to your reader and even advertise on her blog. She has a lot to offer.

Be sure to enter the most recent giveaway on her blog for a chance to win 3 awesome prizes.

Enjoy!

Angie

Vote for your favorite website header design

2008-07-27T15:11:00.009-05:00

It's time to help vote for my new weight loss/fitness website header. I think hubby did a great job and I would like to see which one you all find to be the best. It's hard because I can't go ahead and change my website design yet so you won't really be able to see how the colors compliment each other (the web site colors are pretty cool) but I'm not going to spend too much more time on this, I just want to get it done and appreciate everyone's help.

Now that you have seen the 3 header choices on this page that you can vote from (there are also 3 headers with a white background, not pictured, that I can use for my new blog design or switch out any of the orange headers if I feel like it LOL).

So now it's time, please choose your favorite design, Header #1, Header #2 or Header #3 and while you're here I would appreciate it if you would share a link to your favorite free Wordpress blog template design. Once again, I thank you very much for taking the time to help me out.

Have a super day!

Angie

No, I didn't run away

2008-07-26T09:14:00.007-05:00

I know it's been quiet on my blog this week. As you can see, I haven't posted since Monday but there is a pretty good reason for that. I have been working on business focus and since this is a personal blog, it was put on the back burner this week while I worked some stuff out in my head and planned things out. In the last few weeks, many people have helped me to get back to what is most important and that is focusing on one thing until it does well. If you keep spinning your wheels like I have been doing, you might want to pick up a great resource that my mentor Kelly has available that has helped me. It's called The Power of a Focused Business

I know I'm just rambling, isn't that what this blog is called anyway? I do it so well but sometimes my thoughts just come out and don't make much sense. Oh well.

So after figuring out that my main focus needs to be my healthy weight loss and fitness website and blog, I got some much needed inspiration and help from my friend Lynn, owner of the most awesome website and forum called Self Starters Weekly Tips. If you have a business, you most definitely want to add her Internet Marketing blog to your reader or favorites. I can't even begin to thank her for all that she has done to help me. I can't wait to meet up with her again one day and treat her to a yummy sushi dinner.

Anyway, I have had so much guidance from other wonderful professionals who have helped get me back on track and take things step by step. I'll be sure to post about them in the coming weeks so they can be put in the spotlight too. Ya'll know who you are *wink*

So my first step has been to look for a new color scheme for my website and design for my blog, etc. Hubby is working on a header for me and hopefully this process will be complete within the next week. I have brainstormed my navigation menu categories and content and have been working on writing. Oh boy writing the hardest part for me (I really can't believe it because when I was in high school, I wrote a lot and loved it, wonder what changed? Same thing with organization but that is another post). I have been given some great writing tips lately and I know I just have to do it. I appreciate the time many have taken to help get me over the writing hurdle.

This is getting pretty long but I know some of you were wondering where I had run off to so I wanted to give you an update.

I have some reviews I need to post on this blog so be on the lookout for those.

We skipped Spin class today shhhh, slept in too late but we are thinking about going for a walk at the State Park later if the weather stays nice.

If you have any focus, writing or business tips in general, please feel free to post and share ideas. I can use all the help I can get and I'm sure there have to be others that could benefit too. My Twitter friends have really been there lately for me and I appreciate that.

Have a great weekend,
Angie

Menu Plan Monday: July 21

2008-07-21T20:08:00.004-05:00

Here we are again, I can't believe I'm doing these menu plans but it's been kind of nice knowing pretty much what we're going to have each night of the week. Some things have changed but overall this Menu Plan Monday has been cool.

Monday-
Tuna and Soup (I'm late posting but dinner tonight was yummy!)

Tuesday-
Baked Italian Chicken (strips) on portabella mushrooms

Wednesday-
Chili

Thursday-
Spaghetti or other pasta with homemade sauce w/ground turkey

Friday-
Chili dogs (using leftovers from Wed.)

Have a great week,
Angie

Wordpress Blog Makeover Contest

2008-07-18T13:22:00.003-05:00

I could really use a Wordpress blog makeover so I'm entering but I also want to help spread the word so maybe you could win too (plus I get an extra entry LOL). Actually mine would not be a makeover but rather a new design for my name domain. I'm not sure though, if I win it could be for my weight loss/fitness blog. Oh decisions, decisions!

Stop on over to Nell's Casual Friday Everyday blog to enter the contest and to read about all the details.

Good luck!

PS. I know it's kind of silly of me to post this contest on a Blogger blog but I like variety and to me Blogger is much less complicated than WP but I'm using both and I really wanted to enter for a chance to win *wink*

WW: Is it time to go back yet?

2008-07-16T10:09:00.003-05:00

You too can participate in Wordless Wednesday

Menu Plan Monday: July 14

2008-07-14T07:09:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I have another menu planned out. We are pretty much fly by the seat of our pants kinda people but it's been fun just having the basic meal planned out for each day. If it changes during the week, no big deal.

Check out the Menu Plan Monday post over at I'm An Organizing Junkie and leave your menu plan link there. Also be sure to tell me if you participated so I can check out your menu.

Monday-
Pork Chops

Tuesday-
Jambalaya w/Turkey Sausage

Wednesday-
Baja Chipotle Chicken

Thursday-
Mult Grain Angel Hair Pasta w/ Roasted Garlic and Olive Sauce

Friday-
Turkey Sloppy Joes

Have a great week!

Aloha Friday: July 11

2008-07-11T20:29:00.004-05:00

It's time again for Aloha Friday. Come join the fun and head on over to Kailani's blog, answer her question and learn more about Aloha Friday.

My question for today is:

Do you have any items that you like to collect?

I like to collect magnets and postcards. I used to collect match books and shot glasses.

WW: The love of my life

2008-07-09T10:27:00.004-05:00

You too can participate in Wordless Wednesday

Wishes, wishes everywhere, please grant me mine

2008-07-09T08:04:00.004-05:00

My online friend Deb blogged today about writing wishes and I was immediately drawn to post about mine. I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with my websites or blogs because I just don't get the concept of article and content writing and it's various aspects like research, the outline and how to make it all come together. I need to add content desperately and I want to learn how to write it myself for now. I have PLR sitting on my computer that I need to use but I get so flustered that I don't do anything with it. Anyway....

Angie's 3 Writing Wishes
1) Someone to walk me (via phone) through the steps of research, outlining and writing an article and other content
2) Help coming up with daily topic ideas for my weight loss/fitness blog
3) Someone to help me take the topic ideas out of my head and get it on to paper

I do have to say that my online friend Eren has been a huge help to me by giving me article writing tips and ideas. I can't find her link at the moment to give her credit but I met her through Lynn Terry's awesome Internet Marketing webinars. Oh yes and Lynn, also asked for our 3-wishes and I was lucky enough to have a few people step up and offer me help.

So there you have it, my 3 Writing Wishes

Menu Plan Monday: July 7

2008-07-07T07:14:00.005-05:00

This is my first time participating in Menu Plan Monday. We usually just fly by the seat of our pants as it's only hubby and I at home and he's the cook so whatever he feels like making, that's what we have but this week we did plan it out a bit so I thought I would play along with ya'll. I look forward to looking through the Mister Linky links to see what everyone else is eating this week. How fun!

Monday-
Steak Tortillas/Burritos (steak was pre-grilled last night)

Tuesday-
Tuna & Soup

Wednesday-
Chicken in crockpot, orange glaze

Thursday-
Spaghetti & Hubby's Homemade sauce

Friday-

Saturday-
Cookout at sister-in-law's house

Sunday-

Nothing planned for Fri. or Sun. We'll play it by ear as usual.

Happy Monday!

Aloha Friday: July 4

2008-07-04T17:48:00.004-05:00

It's time again for Aloha Friday. Come join the fun and head on over to Kailani's blog, answer her question and learn more about Aloha Friday.

My question for today is:

What kind of vehicle do you drive and what is your dream car/truck?

I drive a 1998 Chevy Cavalier Rally Sport. I love that it's paid off but it's about time to buy a new vehicle very soon. Not sure at this point what I'll be getting but I am searching. We have always bought new but I think this time around we might go used. Any thoughts?

My dream is to one day own a Cadillac Escalade EXT.

Loving my new digital photo key chain

2008-07-02T11:33:00.005-05:00

I entered an online contest for a chance to win a Digital Photo Key Chain at Love Shak Baby and I won!

I knew I would enjoy and get a lot of use out of a digital photo key chain because we have a digital photo picture frame and it's awesome. We have even bought digital photo picture frames for gifts and those went over very well so I'm sure these digital photo key chains will too.

Once I was notified that I won it was not long until it showed up in my mailbox. For a non techy person like me, this digital key chain is really simple to use although the manual that it came with was poorly written. All I had to do was plug the small USB cable into the digital photo key chain and then into my computer. On the back of the key chain, I clicked the menu button, then the USB connect prompt and the software popped up on my computer and I was quickly able to choose pictures I wanted to add and even delete pictures that were already on it. It was simple to download to synchronize to the key chain. There are a few more buttons that I need to play around with to see how they work but so far so good.

I have only uploaded 12 photos to it so far just to test it out but I can't wait to add more. I have
added some of our Jamaica vacation pictures and our pet pictures too. It will be fun to show it off. I would definitely buy these as gifts.

Thanks goes to Kathy at Shakadoo for the opportunity to win a really fun product.

Please head on over to Shakadoo to check out their fun shops. There is something for everyone.

Friday Feast

2008-06-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's time for Friday Feast. Let's play!

Appetizer

What is the weather like today where you live?

Today we are supposed to get some strong thunderstorms. Right now it's muggy, partly sunny, partly cloudy. Dreaming every day that I was in Jamaica. If it rains there it's no problem.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?

I would say 4. When I hear career, I think working outside of the home and I don't so that's why I chose a low number.

Salad

What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?

We have blinds in the bedrooms and dining room and curtains in the living room and kitchen.

Main Course

Name something that instantly cheers you up.

Hubby coming home from work instantly cheers me up. And of course, looking at pictures of and dreaming about Jamaica does the same. I know, I know, you are tired of hearing all this Jamaica talk but sorry I can't help myself.

Dessert

How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?

I hit it once or twice and hubby hits it a few times too.

Happy Friday!

What do the flowers you pick say about you?

2008-06-21T14:36:00.003-05:00

What These Tulips Say About You

You are very popular and universally admired.

You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily.

You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

I would say this is pretty accurate. How cool! What about you? Drop by my friend Anita's blog at 2 WAHMs and play along too.

Summer Grilling: Recipes and Tips

2008-06-20T19:19:00.003-05:00

Grilling out is one of our favorite things to do. Of course, hubby does all the grilling since I don't cook and everything he makes on the grill is so tasty. He grills everything from shrimp, pork chops, steaks and chicken to veggies, potatoes and more. I'm so spoiled. I know the post title is summer grilling but I'm sure many of you are like us and grill out all year round, even in the snow. Isn't that right?

For Father's Day Kev got this great new grill. He's very happy with it.

And speaking of grilling, today I found some great grill cleaning tips and yummy recipes on my friend Shelly's Shakin' & Bakin' Recipe blog. This blog is full of great recipes and Tupperware ideas too. Go take a peek and tell her Angie sent ya.

Happy grilling!

Time for Friday Feast

2008-06-20T07:04:00.004-05:00

It's that time again. Friday Feast is here and I hope you'll join in.

Appetizer

If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose? Africa, it has always intrigued me.

Soup

Which browser do you use to surf the Internet? I use Firefox

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country? I'll take a big fat 1. I don't know much at all LOL History was definitely not one of my favorite subjects in school and I don't remember much of what I learned way back then.

Main Course

Finish this sentence: Love is…AWESOME! I found the most awesome man to share my life with and I'm so very happy. We will celebrate 12 fantastic years this New Year's Eve 2008. Here is a picture from our 10th anniversary in Jamaica.

Dessert

Have you ever been in or near a tornado? No

You're next! Happy Friday

Hot Summer Seminar Series is back

2008-06-17T18:34:00.003-05:00

Hot Seminar Series starts tomorrow night at 9 PM Eastern. It's free but there are only 100 seats available in the chat room so try your best to make it on time.

If you haven't had the opportunity to attend the Hot Seminar Series in the past, you don't want to miss it. Every year, I purchase the Hot Seminar Series Season Pass and highly recommend it. If you won't be able to attend the live chats this will guarantee you don't miss a single thing. You can read all about the Hot Seminar Series by clicking on the logo below. Hope to see you there!

If you have attended the Hot Seminar Series before, post here and let my readers know what you thought. I learn so much every year.

If you came to my house meme

2008-06-15T20:47:00.003-05:00

If you came to my house…

You would see:
One big mess! We just got home from a week away at my mom and dad's house LOL

I’d probably feed you:
Well, I personally wouldn't feed you anything but Kev is a wonderful cook and would probably grill you up something special. How about some real tasty grilled shrimp?

And offer you this to drink:
Red Stripe (Jamaican beer). We bought a 6 pk. a few weeks ago but we don't drink and I thought we would enjoy it but beer is not my thing so we still have 4 left. Any takers? If you don't drink, I can make you this yummy tea my mom made us this past week. It's made with decaf Lipton tea bags and was so good we bought some today and I have made two pitchers already.

I’d undoubtedly ask if you’d read:
hmm not sure

I’d want to play this music for you:
My new Madonna or Celine Dion CD's

I’d want to tell you about:
Our vacation to my parent's (yes, I'll post about it here soon)

I’d probably suggest a game of:
Apples to Apples or Scattergories

I would definitely show off:
the new grill hubby got for Father's Day

I might get on the computer and show you:
vacation pictures

If it was a long enough visit, we might watch:
E.T. or National Treasure 2 (we bought it a few weeks ago and haven't had a chance to watch it)

What would a visit to your house be like?

I'm not tagging anyone for this meme but if you feel like playing along, please drop me a message to let me know where to find your answers.

Friday Feast

2008-06-06T15:10:00.004-05:00

Thought I would participate in Friday's Feast again. Won't you play along?

Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup? I haven't had a soda since 2005 but when I did drink it, it was in a can.

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch? None of the shows I watch are on late but if there are any travel channel shows about the Caribbean or Jamaica, I would be willing to stay up late if I didn't have a dvr.

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant. My hubby! He is absolutely the most intelligent person ever and I would definitely call him brillant.

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas? I don't work outside of the home so I would not be willing to do either LOL but if I HAD to I would choose 4 10-hour days.

Dessert

If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself? I'm not quite sure, got any ideas? ha ha

Have a great weekend everyone!

Why I love working from home: The short & sweet version

2008-05-30T13:32:00.004-05:00

Kelly over at Spark Plugging WAHM 2.0 has a fun Meme going on and you could win a prize!

I love working from home for many reasons but the two main reasons are that I enjoy the flexibility and the online friend connections I have made over the years.

I am grateful that hubby is so supportive of my many work at home endeavors over the years. For quite a few years, I did direct sales and that took me out of the home to do home parties which were ultimately not my cup of tea but still a good money maker. I gave that up to focus on Internet/Affiliate marketing and am still trying to find my way and figure out what I want to be when I grow up LOL

I truly am grateful for the opportunity to work at home.

It's been neat reading everyone's reasons for why they love working from home and I hope you'll participate too.

I would like to tag Lauren, Anita, and Val to play too.

Aloha Friday: May 30

2008-05-30T09:24:00.004-05:00

It's time for Aloha Friday. Come join the fun. Head on over to Kailani's blog and answer her question too and learn more about Aloha Friday.
My question for today is:

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is workout at the gym with hubby. We go on both Saturday & Sunday. I look forward to Saturday the most because it's "Smoothie Saturday" and we treat ourselves to a yummy smoothie. They have a variety of choices at the smoothie bar but I have to get my Peanut Butter smoothie every week. Hubby usually gets something different every week but his favorite smoothie has to have real cherries in it.

Love my Senseo Coffee Pod System

2008-05-25T15:55:00.005-05:00

Do you have a Senseo Coffee Pod System? If not, I highly recommend that you purchase one for your home or office. I have had my Senseo since before Christmas last year and use it on a regular basis. I absolutely love coffee and this fun machine lets me make a quick and tasty treat any time of the day. In fact, I just picked up some more of the French Vanilla today and made a mix of that and the decaf Senseo. It was yummy! I have tried a variety of the blends they offer so if you have any questions, let me know.

I was very lucky to be offered the chance to sign up for and accepted in to the Share Senseo program. You might want to check it out for yourself. If you are not interested in the program but would like to purchase a Senseo at one of your local retailers, I have 5 coupons for $20 OFF a Senseo Coffee Pod System. If you want to grab one of my coupons, reply to this post with your email address and I will contact you for your mailing address to send out the coupon this week (it's good until June 30th, 2008).

If you just can't wait, you can always purchase the Senseo from Amazon right here

While you're at Amazon.com be sure to check out all the yummy Senseo coffee pods they have to offer. My favorites are the Dark and Medium Roasts, Cappuccino, French Vanilla and Sumatra. I also found out that Senseo has a T-Pod holder and Senseo Tea pods so Kev and I are going to try those out at some point.

If you already have a Senseo Coffee Pod System, how do you like it and what are your favorite coffee pod flavors?

My review of Thirty-One gift company

2008-05-23T10:40:00.005-05:00

I hosted a Thirty-One gifts online party in April and it was a blast. I wanted to come back and post a review of the products and company. The party went very well and I earned products and bought products too. I found Jane, my Thirty-One gifts consultant via My WAHM Space and found the products so interesting I asked if I could host an online party. She had never done an online party so it was a first for her and she enjoyed it.

Thirty-One has gifts perfect for any occasion. Items from purses, beach tote bags, suitcases, stationary plus more with the option to have the items personalized.

Kev and I ordered some gifts and they were a big hit. I didn't take pictures of those but I do have photos of a few of my items. I love them! They are much better in person than in the catalog. The only minor negative thing is the processing and shipping time. It was a few weeks before my guests and I got our orders but I can understand since everything is personalized. One of my friend's had an item on backorder and I wish we would've known about that sooner. That item will end up taking another 2+ weeks to arrive and that is the only disappointment.

Overall though I am very impressed with the company, products and service. You can see all Thirty-One has to offer at Jane's website.

Here are my fun bags.
The two bags above can be found on page 14 of the Thirty-One catalog. The one on the left has my initial "A" and the one on the right has my name "Angie". I apologize for the picture, it's hard to see.

The bag above is the All-In-One Organizer on page 28. Mine says, "Angie's Stuff". I love all my bags and can't wait to order more down the road. There are some cool products that would be fun for our upcoming trip to Jamaica so I'll have to order early.

Thanks Jane and Thirty-One!

5 Minutes For Mom is looking for help

2008-05-22T18:40:00.003-05:00

5 Minutes for Mom is looking to hire an independent contractor to work on their e-commerce stores. If you think you might fit the bill, head on over and read all about it. These ladies sound like a fun bunch so I'm sure you would be in great hands and have a blast too.

You can find all the info about this position here

Just helping to spread the word and I will also have a chance to win an Amazon gift certificate *wink*

The Body Bakery: I'm a happy customer

2008-05-19T08:54:00.003-05:00

Have you heard of The Body Bakery? If not, you really should check it out. This company is owned by Lia Schmoldt who I met at the gym. She has a lot of cool products to offer, with scents to die for...Yummy! The Body Bakery has been featured in a variety of magazines and everything is made at the time of your order so you will not get products that have been sitting on a shelf.

My first order was for a variety of items and I was happy with every one of them.

The SOAP CAKE in the Dreamsicle scent has a nice light scent and is perfect for our guest bathroom. The peach color stands out and I like how the soap suds up nicely.

I bought two of the COOKIE SHEETS. One in Watermelon scent for hubby's Jeep and the other in Vanilla Bean scent for my car. Both scents are nice. You can use this product on your bed sheets and in your car.

I was most excited to order the Body & Hair Spritzer in Coconut Ice and the Body & Hair Icing in Pineapple Crush. I wanted something to remind me of the beach and I accomplished that with these two products. Coconut Ice is a strong scent to me and Pineapple Crush a bit softer.

I also ordered one of the SWEET ROLLS in the Caramel Latte scent and was under the impression that it was a lip gloss but come to find out it is a roll on perfume. It was totally my fault because I didn't read the description well enough. Just a silly mistake I made where I put it on my lips when it was supposed to go on my body. All is good and now I know not to do that again.

Since my order was over $35, there was a free product included. This product was their LIP BUTTER in the Free Love scent and it is absolutely awesome. This freebie is located on their main website and you can read the scent description on there. I haven't stopped using the Lip Butter since I got it. It makes my lips feel great.

Lia was great to work with and I was kept informed about my order status throughout the process. Lia even delivered it to the gym for me in a cute little bag but for those of you out of state, you can have it shipped right to your door.

You should try out a variety of products from The Body Bakery and when you do, please let Lia know that Angie Newton sent you.

Thank you Lia for your great service.

Friday Feast

2008-05-16T11:57:00.005-05:00

This is my first Friday Feast. I found it while blog hopping over at the Mommy Fest blog party and thought it would be fun.

So here we go....

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

Chicago

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

8- I don't like to keep secrets so I try really hard not to ever be put in a position to have to keep them.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

Red, OK Strawberry Blonde, a mix of curl and straight and the length is now above my shoulders. I like it short and my hair stylist loves me because every time I go in, I have a picture of a new haircut that I want and she has a blast with that.

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

Most times I am courteous but I get so frustrated with the people who drive under the speed limit however I rarely do anything about it, I'm pretty patient. Life is really too short to be in a rush.

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

I can't say that I remember the last time I had a bad week. Maybe 2 weekends ago when my dog and I didn't see eye to eye errr mouth to eye LOL but really that was just one day.

I'm excited to check out other Friday Feast's and hope you'll play too.

Google Doodle Contest

2008-05-15T10:47:00.002-05:00

I just heard about this contest and have spent the last few minutes voting for my favorite Google Doodle. Find out more on the Doodle 4 Google page. I had a hard time choosing but my votes have been placed. Check out the cool prizes too.

Can't wait to see who wins next week. How fun!

Welcome Mommy Fest Blog Party People

2008-05-11T16:52:00.006-05:00

This is my first year participating in Mommy Fest so I'm pretty excited to see what Marie has up her sleeves. I think it will be great to meet new people through Marie's 1st Mommy Fest blog party.

I'm Angie (36), a step mom of two grown kids, 26 and 24. Hubby and I live in IL with our zoo, a turtle, cat, Basset Hound and Blue & Gold Macaw. They are a big part of our lives. You can meet them here

Taz, the turtle

Pebbles, the cat

Caleb, the Basset Hound

Bam Bam, the Blue & Gold Macaw

I enjoy working from home and having been doing so since June 2001. I was in direct sales for quite a few years but left the home party scene to focus on Internet/Affiliate Marketing. I have quite a few websites and I am just now figuring out what I might want to be when I grow up LOL. My main focus right now is my weight loss and fitness website and healthy lifestyle blog.

I have been featured on a few podcasts and Internet Radio shows and will be posting those on my blog and website soon.

I'm starting to blog more and learn the in's and out's of all of that. I love networking with others
and have been moderating a large yahoo group called Network WAHMs for quite a few years now. It would be great to see you there. I'm also moderator on a few other work at home mom message boards and enjoy that.

I'm having fun posting on my personal blog here at Angie Rambles and at my healthy lifestyle blog so hopefully you'll add both to your blog reader.

I am also on Twitter, Facebook and My WAHM Space. Hope you'll drop by, leave me a note and add me as a friend. You can read the Mommy Fest 5 Things About This Mom Meme to get to know me a little better.

I look forward to getting to know all of you too. Thanks for stopping by.

Mommy Fest: Potluck

2008-05-10T19:22:00.002-05:00

Kevin & Angie's Tasty Sweet Potato Fries

You will need one medium to large sweet potato, peeled.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut sweet potato into 1/4 inch thick slices.

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray foil with fat free olive oil spray.

Arrange sweet potato slices on the cookie sheet and then spray the top of the sweet potatoes.

Now you can sprinkle with sea salt or your choice of seasoning.

Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes. No turning required. If you prefer crispier 'fries', bake a bit longer.

I don't have nutrition facts on this but it should be simple enough for you to calculate. I love these sweet potato fries.

Meme: 5 Things About This Mom

2008-05-10T18:13:00.003-05:00

1) I'm a 36 year old step mom of two, 26 (girl) and 24 (boy).

2) I'm an only child.

3) Hubby and I love to travel. Our favorite vacation spots are Jamaica and Disney World.

4) My favorite foods are sushi and spaghetti.

5) I'm a Reality TV junkie. Some of my favorite shows are Big Brother, Survivor and Amazing Race. I also enjoy CSI and Numbers.

Aloha Friday: May 9

2008-05-09T11:54:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I have participated in Aloha Friday. This is only my 2nd time playing so here we go. Hope you'll join in. Head on over to Kailani's blog and answer her question too and learn more about Aloha Friday.

My question is:

In honor of Mother's Day this Sunday, what is your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is a purple rose. I really like any type of purple flower but roses are my favorite.

My eye, my eye

2008-05-05T11:51:00.009-05:00

It was a long weekend and I wish we could start it all over again. Saturday morning, like normal, I was up early with our Basset Hound, Caleb (for those of you who don't know, Caleb has been having some health issues over the past few years and has gotten agressive at times) and I had just let him in from outside. He had a sick tummy a few times this week and when I went to let him in, before his normal breakfast routine, I leaned over him (I should have known better), went to wipe under is mouth and my hand was on his head and all of a sudden he got upset and a bit agressive with me and we collided, his face to mine. I was lucky. He got me right below my left eyebrow and right under my eye. I was yelling, crying or whatever it was more from the sight of the blood (there really wasn't that much but it was all over my hands and face LOL). Hubby came upstairs to help me get Caleb outside, we cleaned it up (I almost blacked out, what a weird feeling) and waited until we could go to our doctor friend. He took us right in and I got a tetanus shot and then he cleaned the wound and put a steri strip on it. He had to put pressure on it when he went to check it out though and once I got in the Jeep and looked at myself, my eye had turned purple. What a mess!

So I am fine but it looks horrible. The swelling yesterday (Sunday) was worse and I was in some pain but I'm on antibiotics and should be good to go. No make up for a few days, scary. So needless to say, I missed our workout at the gym on Saturday but we did go on Sunday. We had to stop at the store for cash for smoothies at the gym and Kev came out with a bouquet of purple tulips and said they were from Caleb and that he was sorry for hurting his momma. Awww

*I updated this post to say that it was just a collision, not a dog bite. We were doing some research and if it was a bite, it would've been much different.

Mommy Fest 2008: Don't miss it

2008-05-02T17:33:00.004-05:00

Mommy Fest 2008 starts May 12th. This interactive online convention for mom's is run by a very special lady, Marie Ynami. Marie has a lot of fun things to offer for this event like a blog party, contests and giveaways, exhibitors and much more. You won't want to miss this great event. Check everything out today so you are ready when all the fun starts.

And just in case you aren't familiar with Marie, she also owns a wonderful website called Mommy Community. She has interviewed me in the past for her podcast where we talked about weight loss & fitness. I hope you'll stop by her websites and let her know that I sent you. Enjoy!

Monday Morning MeMe: April 28th

2008-04-28T08:56:00.004-05:00

April 28th Questions:

1. You have just been introduced to Oprah. What one thing do you want to talk to her about?
I would like to talk to Oprah about weight loss/fitness. It would be interesting to share my story and hear about hers as well.

2. What is the most fun you’ve had so far in 2008? Be specific, tell us all about it.
The most fun I have had so far in 2008 would probably be joining a fitness center. Hubby and I joined in Feb. and it's been a great experience so far. I really enjoy being able to use the various machines but I absolutely love the classes that are offered. My favorite is Turbo Kick and I do that 3x a week and I have also taken a Zumba class and hubby and I just recently started going to Spin class every Saturday.

3. Do spelling and grammar mistakes in newspapers and magazines upset you at all? What about spelling and grammar mistakes on blogs? Do you stop reading if there are too many mistakes? Or do you just ignore them? What about your own writing/blog? Are you sensitive about using correct grammar? Do you proofread before hitting that publish button?
Spelling and grammar mistakes sometimes bother be but not to the extent that I will stop reading unless it's obviously really bad. On my own blogs I do tend to proofread a bit too much before publishing.

4. How early do you start planning your summer vacation? Now tell us, what ARE your plans for summer vacation?
We don't usually take a summer vacation (no kids at home) but this summer we will be going to my parent's for a visit and we planned that trip about 3 months ago. We are however going to Jamaica again this December and that vacation was booked in March. We book that much in advance because the resort offers up to 50% OFF so we most definitely like to take advantage of that special. Only 8 months to go LOL

Mark Your Calendar: Thirty One Gifts Online Party

2008-04-20T19:05:00.004-05:00

Come join us this Friday, April 25th for a fun Thirty-One Gifts online party at 8:30 PM Eastern.
The party is listed on the calendar at Mom Chats

Once you click on the party link, you can set up a reminder, just click on the link next to the clock and you're all set.

Do you have a hard time finding monogrammed items in your children's, friend's and family names or even your own name? If so, you have come to the right place. You can get free personalization on a variety of items from Thirty-One Gifts.

Don't miss the Beach totes, purses, storage totes, lunch totes, suitcases, duffel bags, adult/child
aprons, stationary, organizers, wristlets, backpacks and more.

These items will make the perfect gift for any occasion. Affordable and unique!

Check out the Spring catalog at http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/images/2008SpringCatalog.pdf

You can also take a stroll through Jane's Thirty-One Gifts website

April's monthly special is the new hanging cosmetic organizer for just $20! For everyone who orders, there will be a drawing for one lucky guest at the party to get FREE shipping.

If you are looking for a fun and exciting business, Jane will be sharing some business opportunity info during the party.

We hope you will join the fun! Let's party

When: Friday April 25th @ 8:30 PM Eastern
Where: http://www.momchats.com/wahmchatroom.htm

Hope to see you at the party this Friday! Bring a friend too. We'll have a blast.

**If you find items you would like but cannot attend the party, feel free to visit Jane's Thirty-One Gift's website, click on My Events on the right and then look for Mom Chats on the calendar for April 25th. You can shop through that link so the credit goes towards my party.

If you email me to let me know you'll attend the party (and you attend) or have placed an order with Jane before the party, I will put everyone who responds into a drawing and choose one winner who will win prize from me.

Hope to see you Friday night.

Apple Blossom Candles: Spring & Summer Scents Have Arrived

2008-04-11T14:05:00.005-05:00

It's time for me to put together yet another order for my favorite candle shop, Apple Blossom Candles. I'm anxious to try some new scents in the Spring and Summer line but also from the main scent list too.

Here are some of my favorite scents:

Hot Buttered Rum
Lemongrass
Island Lime
Oceanside
White Linen

Of course there are many more that I like but those are my Top 5. Apple Blossom Candles has a great April special. The fragrance spotlight for April is Morning Rain and you can SAVE 15% on products in that scent. Everything from car freshners, votives, melts, tea lights and candles too.

Be sure to check out the candle accessories and enter the monthly contest while you're there.

My favorite products they offer are the melts, tea lights and car freshners.

Happy Friday!