Five Question Friday! & Follow Me Chickadee!

Link up with  The Sippy Cup Mom for Chickadee Fridays -  - I can't seem to post the picture!  Bla!

And then one of my faves, link up with Mama over here!

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?

An english accent!

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)

No! I must be in bed, or on the couch/chair with a blanky!

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?

Hover only!  Work is one of the few places I will actually sit on the toilet.  But there is only 2 of us that use it.

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?

Ahhhahhaaaaahahahaha, I love this question!  Lady Gaga!

5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?

Well, that's an interesting question...when we reconnected, we met at a local bar where I hosted karaoke one night a week...And then I went to Hawaii to be his date for the whole weekend, to include the Submariner Ball...When I got off the plane that night, we went and had dinner at this great little Japanese restaurant in the shops by the hotel.  Would we consider that our first date?  Or....maybe the Ball?  Either way, we were SO happy to see one another.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In #14

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD Morning and Happy Friday ladies!  Link up with Wifey over here!


1.What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)
PATIENCE. I am soooo not a patient person, and this very deployment is teaching me that 10 fold.




2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)
Hawaii a couple time is really the only relaxing vacation I've had. Although I remember driving with my parents thru the east coast and seeing Niagra Falls, and Maine in the fall and we ended up in Montreal, where my brother lives. Love the array of culture and people.  Branson with good company is fun too!  British Columbia is GORGEOUS and a favorite too....  Man, I can't pick.


3.If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)
I've never been on a base to eat........Chief doesn't live on base.


4.Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)
We have to get married first!  But I can only imagine!


5.If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)
Radio DJ!  I have always had a dream of doing it. I've been approached many times over the years asking if I was a specific person on the radio, man I sure wish I was that girl! I have done some radio ads, but that's it.

2010 Memory Walk

I don't know if many of you have lived with someone or are living with someone who suffers from dementia or alzheimers but almost 3 years ago I said goodbye to my daddy, who suffered from this, even though for a very short time. By September 16th, we knew from the doctors that my father was suffering from dementia, caused by several small strokes. Looking back, there were several occassions in the two years prior that we can now look back and see dad had covered up his forgetfulness very well. He retired just before turning 70 and my parents moved up north. There were things like, forgetting what he was talking about or doing, and even phone numbers he wouldn't remember. My daddy was the most amazing man I have ever known, and I miss him EVERY single day. And with the days creeping up closer to his passing and the memories of the last few months we had together with him I still miss him very much. Nothing like growing up as Daddy's girl and hearing that he might be dissappointed if I did something he didn't agree with broke my heart.

This Saturday Minny and I are joining in the 2010 Memory Walk to end Alzheimers. We are of course looking for donations for our walk and appreciate any support, encouraging words and wisdom you would be so kind to share.  Click here if you would like to donate and help us in achieving our goal. 

We are late in signing up for the walk as we just found out about the one here in the cities where we live!!!

Again, something very important to me and Minny. I fear my "shiny" moments as I like to call them will only increase as the years pedal on and I too will suffer from Alzheimers. *gasp*  I hope if that is the case that I will go quickly just like my daddy. Gosh I miss him.

this is one of "those" talks...had I only listened.  hah!

30 Days of MeMe, DAY 30!

Day 30, whatever tickles my fancy Collections

Things I collect:

Magazines, because I will someday get time to read them!

Perfume, because a girl can never have enough!  Faves - heavier, woodsy scents. Mmmmm.  Versace Crystal Noir

DollHead Vases (my mom got me hooked when I was little)

Marilyn Monroes - ahhhhhhh

I have a more prints hanging on the wall behind me...tee hee!  I also had a life size Marilyn in fiberglass that I just had NO ROOM for, so she went to another collector who takes VERY good care of her.

And like any other woman with a girly streak, I collect shoes, purses and makeup!

This is my final MeMe of 30 days. Sorry some were late, never on time or right on time. I hope you enjoyed getting to know me better!  Thanks for following along!

30 Days of MeMe, Day 29

Day 29 - hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Where do you start here?

bwaaaahahahahahah - I wish!

I have a huge to do list daily, and while the title is hopes, dreams and plans, all of the things on the to do list are linked into the bigger picture...

Consistently downsize. I am in a declutter mode...Now only to train Minny to do the same.

I wanna be a FlyLady. Consistently. Anyone else follow FlyLady?

Get back into eBay.

Walk the dog everyday. Take Scotch to training so he can be left unkenneled while I'm at work.

Give up my FT day job and make Premier Designs my NUMBER 1 and only besides being a SAHSM.

Finish the breezeway and get the dinner table in the house finally.

Paint the hallway.

Finish the basement.

Make the laundry room cute and functional.

Get back into my hobbies.

Lose 40 pounds.

Host Christmas at the house.

Host a Welcome Home party for Chief.

Use my new snowblower.  (wait, what the hell am I thinking! I don't really want to have to use it...)

Minny and I to visit Chief in the Spring - her first trip to Hawai'i!

Trip to the WaterPark

BBQ in the cold MN winter

Finish Chief's Movie List

Bake my a$$ off for the holidays

Host a cookie exchange...2 actually. Family/Friends and Royals.

Say yes when he asks!

I am sure I will add to this...And maybe cross some stuff off!  Stay tuned!

FREE Magazine

I don't post links like this, but thought some of you might be interested...Or you can send it to someone else!

1 year subscription

Click here for your FREE subscription

What'cha Say Wednesday

Wednesday, September 22, 2010Whatcha Say Wednesday! #4

Link up with StashMama!

1. What is your favorite sport, do you watch sports?

ummm, I like hockey - but am not a sports watcher!  I will be when Chief is home, as he's a huge sports fan!

2. What is one retail store you would love to work at just for the discount?

TARGET!!!!  Or maybe Vanity...Or...Justice...Maybe Maurices!  I should really think harder about this...maybe The Home Depot, as I have become pretty familiar with that place in the last year while fixing up the house!

3. What is the very last thing you do before bed?

Check the doors and crawl into bed while refreshing my email browser on my phone to see if I have an email from Chief.



Bonus!


Can you unwrap a Starburst with your tongue?

AHAHAHHAAAA, this is hillarious!  I never have tried...hmmm, next on the todo list! 

30 Days of MeMe, Day 28

Day 28 - your year in great detail  Blog Award!

My very first Blog award!  Bless your heart Britt! Britt gave me this awesome award. She's new to the blogging world, like me and please click here to visit her super cute site!  My first and only Blog award, I guess I never thought I would get such a thing!  Hot diggety-dog I'm excited!

On to the rules for accepting this award...

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.





2. Pay it forward to 5 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.



3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen.

Here we go!



1) http://megandubyuh.blogspot.com/

2) http://annoyedarmywife.blogspot.com/

3) http://xlostnconfuzdx.blogspot.com/

4) http://soldierslady.blogspot.com/

5) http://ablogadaywhileyoureaway.blogspot.com/



Please go ahead, and check out these lovely ladies blogs, and don't forget to check out Britt from above!!!



30 Days of MeMe, Day 27

Day 27 - this month, in great detail  My CatchAll

Bwahahahaaaaa, this is very funny to me.  We all have one. Mine is just inside my living room from the kitchen to the hallway that connects you into the bathroom and bedrooms...Ready?  You won't believe your eyes.  Funny, as I was so over blogging about my month in great detail. Ya'll read my blog, and if you don't well...you are now!  Here's my CatchAll....and a list of the contents and reasons...



starting with what's closest to me...

My folder of Premier receipts that I am organzing alphabetically

My Premier Designs Calendar with our entire life scheduled out

Pic of My Hero - my daddy holding Minny was she was just a peanut

4 different candle holders, all of which I found at the thrift store - 2 of them are actually fan globes from someones old fan! 

2 pairs of sunglasses - I am awful!

Marilyn Monroe clock

candle snuffer

My favorite bracelet "all dressed up"

"Key to my heart" necklace
4 glass coasters from my brother and SIL

Picture of the ABS girls at A's surprise party in February

on the wall: my leafy green metal thing for decoration with Minny's preschool pic hanging off of it and the sign that says "Just walk a day in my flipflops" that I got from my lovely Donna for my birthday this year - we love our flip flops!

underneath - the super catchall!
1 plant that I kept thru my awful breakup. We had 2, they were like kids.  Ahahhaaaa. 

Book from Walt Disney when Minny was 2.

"Do Penguins Have Knees" book from my BFF, since I always ask the stupid questions!

My coupon binder is on top of all of my magazines I have yet to read!  Shhh, I'll get to them.  Seems I have to fly to read magazines.  They are my guilty pleasure, but don't take the time to read them...I'll get to them....

Oh!  Look!  the tag's still on the table from when I bought it on New Years Day this year,  Ahahahahah.

My AirWick smelly spray thingy doo dah

What's that not plugged in for - the Glade Oil plug in...one of us must have been charging our phone...hmmm...

I think I got it all!  What's your catch all look like?

30 Days of MeMe, Day 26

Day 26 - your week, in great detail

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!  I so get an F on this one. I know there were some movies. What did we watch around here:
Who is Clark Rockefeller?  I rate it an A - kept my attention the whole movie.
Heavens...I can't even remember. But they were good probably.
There was a whole lot of busy moving around keeping going in this house last week.
Best meal of the week = Saturday morning Minny and I went to Fat Nat's Eggs for breakfast. Woooooweeeeeee!  After a morning together at the farmers market, this place was the cats meow. Minny's hot cocoa had the biggest whip cream triangle at the top and was extra tasty. The food fed me not only that morning, but for 3 more! It was crazy. Very reasonably priced as well.
I had an awesome show Saturday night at Tailgate. Wow! I have to say karaoke was a blast! I had so many singers, and the bar was super busy!  The best part - Tailgate is like this every Saturday!  OKAY!

the girls and I pre-karaoke show

I was also reminded Sunday morning why I am quitting smoking. Ish. 

So, for my week in great detail, again I get an F.  I can handle one good day, not 7 in detail!



Top 10 Tuesdays

While I have to apologize as I've been MIA since I posted Friday, I'mma busy mama! 
Sneaking in for TTT's and promise to write more later and catch up on my 30 Days meme!

Questions for today!

1.       What flavor of salad dressing?

2.       Do you hold grudges?

3.       Would you honestly be friends with yourself?

4.       If you were a witness to a car accident and had a chance to save just one… a father, a mother, a child, or a pregnant woman who would you pick to save?

5.       If you could pick one character defect to remove from yourself for good, what would it be?

6. What is your greatest strength?

7.       If you had to pick one characteristic in your partner which would it be? Honestly, Companionship, or Communication

8.   What is your dream job?

9. What flavor of cake?

10. What's your perfect vacation destination?

1. What flavor of salad dressing?

FR-anch (french and ranch of course!)

2. Do you hold grudges?

I'm the get mad and get it out type, so we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming

3. Would you honestly be friends with yourself?

Yes!

4. If you were a witness to a car accident and had a chance to save just one… a father, a mother, a child, or a pregnant woman who would you pick to save?

This was a really tough question...  Pregnant woman.  Remember - you're a witness, you're not in it...

5. If you could pick one character defect to remove from yourself for good, what would it be?

Sometimes I over book! or my lack of energy on a Sunday after hosting karaoke Saturday night.

6. What is your greatest strength?

My ability to keep on going even when it's bad.

7. If you had to pick one characteristic in your partner which would it be? Honesty, Companionship, or Communication?

All are important, but since it's just one!  Communication.

8. What is your dream job?

Radio DJ

9. What flavor of cake?

Vanilla, vanilla frosting. Or Lemon cake. Mmmm, I think I need to bake tonight! 

10. What's your perfect vacation destination?

Anywhere with Minny and Chief!  Somewhere tropical, yet with a lot of history to go and explore.

30 Days of MeMe, Day 25

Day 25 - your day, in great detail

5:50AM Alarm #1 jolts me from my snuggly warmth
6:15AM Alarm #2 reminds me I should have gotten up the first time...I'm just gonna lay here a couple minutes.
6:25AM Alarm # you need to get your butt out of bed and MOVE 
FINE!  I refresh my email browser on my phone to see if anything from Chief has come, nope. Okay...Darnit, I forgot to prep the coffee pot. Coffee is a necessity in my house, I refuse to talk until after I've had my first cup poured. Oh darnit, the cat, she's thirsty, I wonder if Sarah checked her dish...get cat small bowl of water.  Shuffle off to shower. Oooh, I love this new shampoo/conditioner Sprinkler brought home from Victoria's Secret...and this body wash...mmmmm divine.  I'm so not bothering shaving, it's cold out, I'm wearing jeans. I hate cold. I turned up the shower heat after this very thought.
Sarah managed to sneak into the bathroom while I was showering to use the facilities and thankfully remembered to turn on the fan for me. Ooops. I always think it's too cold in the morning for the fan, so I forget it most days. Love these new scents and products from the VS!

 I finished my shower, poured my creamer in the cup first then coffee (quirk #435) and went upstairs to wake my precious Minny. I shake her a little, sing her a song and get my morning hug.  Ahhh, I love her in the morning, her hair all astray and the prettiest smile. 

Off to put my face on. Little extra bronzer today. Checked to make sure Minny was moving and shaking upstairs and then back to the bathroom to blowdry my hair. Sarah and I chatted for a bit, she's decided to stay home today, not feeling well.  Okay then!  So I proceeded to get myself dressed. Might I add, it usually is the 3rd outfit I put on before I am happy with what I've picked out, but not today!  I got it on the first try. And the jewelry. Grab a cute pair of maryjane heels and gather my stuff to put in my carry along bag. My calendar, customer folder and laptop, I need something to do when there is nothing to do at work. :)
I feed and water Scotch, get him back in the house and off Minny and I go. We talked aboiut the umbrella and how to open and close it, I don't want my girl to get wet at the bus stop today and realize she has no jacket. Ish. It's 54 degrees!  We talked about Minnesota's 10,000 lakes and the allergy season and how much we hate it. We get to Sue's daycare and I walked Minny in. Off to work I go!  It's 7.35 now and I am singing in my car...What song was that, King of Anything by Sara Barielles (sp?)  I think about the newspaper and Sundays on my way to work too, and should I order it for the coupons or just keep picking it up at the gas station...hmmmm....
Ahhhh, I'm early for work, I love it. I start opening programs up and try and tend to the most important things at work. Seems to me the first 2 hours of work is a social/catch up hour with bits of work in between.  Jane brought me my favorite this morning, a northern light vanilla latte from Caribou! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ME!  Jane has been with the company since before me and we are VERY close, I don't know what we'd do with out each others friendship. Really, thru the good the bad and the ugly, we have each other. Jane and I exchange our morning hug and go about our mornings. I can't forget to link up my 5QF post or my MILS FF in post either!  I spend the morning doing quotes here and there and a few job tickets. Wow, it's slooooooow right now. Not my favorite time at all. Jane decides I need to leave at noon with her to go to the post office and target to grab food. Uhhh, ok!  I tell the sometimes like today awful Jim that we are going. Today I can't tolerate him. Jim is not only my boss but my ex's father.

*side story *  I came to work for Ex's parents just over 6 years ago when Ex wanted me to work a day job (mistake #2 - giving up my life) well, needless to say, I took a job working for his parents business. I am Jim's "mini" in all aspects of business. A few years ago mom and dad sold the business to BR and I happily work for BR under Jim, as he's still the "sales" manager. While most days we get along, the breakup was still very hard as we lived next to his parents along with WORKING TOGETHER.  Yea, I'm sure you're thinking OH WOW. Jim knows I don't ever want to see, here or smell of Ex and so we try to keep a very professional relationship. Needless to say, we had a very close personal relationship and so sometimes he gets my ugly, happy personal side when it comes out. ***

Jane and I do just that, head to the PO, and then to Target. Oooh, did you see the beautiful turquoise dishes?  I need those!  Oh...Sorry. ahahahhaaaa. I am PMS'ing, I grab creamy chicken dumpling soup, cheeze-its and frosted with sprinkles animal cookies. YUM. Oh look, Jane grabbed cheese too, I need that.  What about that Tapioca pudding?  Heavens Margaret!  Yep, it's PMS, Jane called me on it too!  tee hee
Back to work to find Ex's mom is at the office. FFS! I can't tolerate her lying 2faced self more than I ever liked living next door to them, now I have to see her and pretend to be nice!  I see Jim on the phone outside his office, praying I don't have to see her. I put my things in my office and snuck off to the girls room to wash my hands. I walk by Jane's office on the way back. WHEW - they left for lunch. Sweet baby!!! 
Forget the soup, where are those cookies...And the cheeze-its.
I got to talk to Mai-vin, my BFF and that made my day. Gosh work was long and BORING. Why don't customers follow procedures regarding jobs and samples?
Jim comes into my office about 3.50 talking about how I should really dust the sample shelf when I'm not too busy playing on my laptop. Ahhhaaaaahahahahaha, yea, NO. I'll work on that the second Tuesday of next week.  So he then turns around and says, see ya bye!  It was that slow, he sent Jane, Scott and I home!  Wahoooooo!  I am thinking Jane's ready to go, since I'm giving her a ride. I pack up all of my things and go to her office hoping she can fetch my key out of my purse that's behind me under my bag of goodies. Well, she's not ready, so she'll meet me at my house when she's done and she was kind enough to fetch my key. I left work, refreshed my browser on my phone as I was waiting for someone to kindly let me into the traffic.  OH MY GOSH! YAY!  "I miss you" is the subject line! I <3 hearing from Chief!  So as I do my happy dance in the car, it's Friday and I am SO exciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiited!  Dangit, traffics moving again, will have to wait for a red light to read more. I get to the final light before the daycare and am able to read the email. Woo hooooooo! Chief will be in MN, he's given me the date, and omg, another countdown! Sadly he won't be on the first round of leave, but the second. Which means he'll miss Christmas, and leaves on NYE to fly to MN. CRAP. HOWEVER, I can't think of a better way to start the New Year than with him. So many things running through my mind as I finish reading the email. Yay! Yay! Yay!  I get to Sue's Daycare and fetch Minny, who had a successful day with my umbrella, but left it at school. Thank goodness there's no rain coming this weekend. Doo dah doo dah!  Oh I'm still singing!  We get home, and settle in with the dog and the bird and wait for Jane. I read a ton of mail. Yay! My new Rachel Ray magazine that I got for free has arrived, well hot diggity dog. Jane arrives and we head out over to her girlfriends to drop her off. We finally get there and start heading home and there's traffic. STOPPED. DEAD. Ugh. This is why my work is FOUR MILES from home. Yes 4. I don't miss traffic.  Ish. Minny says "Holy Starclam!"  What the?  She cracks me up, and proceeds to tell me it's a phrase from her "warriors" series she's been reading.  We get thru traffic, and I can't decide if I want to wash my car, ahhhh forget it, and turn left at the light. Off to home we go. What will we do? I am not hungry and Minny isn't too much either. Sprinkler is home, so we sit and chit chat and catch up.  She is a serial dater, and so I always get to hear about the newest boy in line.  We sat out on the deck for awhile, I actually smoked. I haven't been doing much of it at all since I got sick Labor Day weekend. I feel like an elephant is still sitting on my chest. And while I only have a terrible cough, I am thinking I am OVER smoking.  It's really pretty nasty. Minny decides she wants the last piece of pizza from dinner last night, so while I heat that up, I start preparing grilled cheese sammies and tomato soup for Sprinkler and I. Super easy, and perfect for a chilly night. And while I'm not cold enough for the furnace to be on, it's chilly. We all enjoy our dinner and now here I sit writing my blog. The tv is on, but it's simply background noise.  I will plan to write my Prince Charming Chief after I finish posting this day 25. I think we got pretty personal and you know my day pretty in depth today!

Cheers!  See you soon!

Milspouse Weekly Roundup # 2

 Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Fridays??!!  Jussayin!

Come play!

Five Question Friday!

1. What is the first nightmare you remember?

AAAAAAAACCCKKKK!  The cowboy who was like the size of Woody from Toy Story that had a wicked smile, and a big scary belly laugh. He chased me around and around, and when I would take solice and hide in the cupboard underneath the sink in the kitchen, and feel safe, he would open the other door and sit right across from me laughing, say "HA HA! I've found you!"

2. Even if you're not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to play/watch?

HOCKEY!  MN WILD! I don't know much about any other sport besides soccer or baseball, but I don't follow along. Chief has asked me to send him scores while he's on deployment. Ahhahahhaaaa, I am trying to be the best ESPN Cheerleader ever.

3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc.)?

Heels all the time, like where my feet NEVER hurt from wearing them of course! 

4. Did you make good grades in school?
Ahhaaaaaaa.  No. I took honors classes because I loved the pace, and I did okay. Not an A+ student, but I did okay.

5. What magazines do you subscribe to?

Good Housekeeping, it was my housewarming present to myself. I used to get Cosmo, Family Circle too, and I love Real Simple, and I LOVE the Kraft magazine but am such a miser I won't order them!

MILS Friday Fill In #13

Don't forget to link up with Wifey over at Wife of a Sailor!  And get in on her giveaway!

1.How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have? (from Troop Petrie)

I can't answer this question. Chief and I have our own monies! :)

2.If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be? (from Currently On Land)

Just about anything that's happened in the past year. #1 moment of the year = signing my first home loan and walking in the door that night, toasting with friends. I did it, all on my own!

3.What’s the worst job you ever had and if it was so bad why did you take it? (from Faith and Deploying)

Caribou Coffee. I so badly wanted to be the cool girl behind the counter, with the big smile all the time and yea, that so wasn't me. I didn't like not being able to hear people order from behind the counter, and learning how to make all the different coffees just didn't turn out like the cool kid job I thought it would be!

4.If you could play any character on TV, who would you be? (from Many Waters)

I can be anyone, cool! I want to be Bree from Desperate Housewives. Are you kidding me, who wouldn't want to cook in her kitchen!

 

5.If you could become the world’s expert in something, what would it be? (from Army of Two)

I would know the answer every time some one asked WHY and the answer wouldn't be "because"

30 Days of MeMe, Day 24

Day 24 - whatever tickles your fancy



We'll call it my mid-week recap and ramblings:
For those of you following along, last Friday when I got to write about what tickles my fancy, know that I auditioned for a new karaoke show Saturday. Well guess what?  They loved us so much, we got the gig!  Hooray! I am back full swing hosting a Saturday night show and am SUPER excited!
I am so excited I heard from Chief this week! 
It felt like forever, but can I just say, as the weather cools off, and fall yard work is upon us - neither of which I am looking forward to, it makes me realize that we are days closer to the end of the what seems like forever deployment.  Chief also asked for a favor. For me to keep him updated on his favorite sports teams and their scores. He does realize that I only understand Hockey, and this new request requires me to ... pay attention to things on the tv and radio that are completely foreign to me. Ahahhhaaaaaa. So, I have sent him what he's asked for...This week. Man, I'm gonna be the best Sports Reporter out there by the time this deployment is over!  

100 days until Christmas?!?!  You have to be kidding me! I am not ready! I need to put my schedule together so that I am able to start baking. I am going to put together a cookie exchange. Would any of you fabulous followers be interested in doing a cookie exchange via mail? I think it could be a ton of fun!!!  Let me know your thoughts. I love love love to bake and love the holiday season.  I love to give and Minny and I will be adopting a family from church this year.

I am back to pashmina season, which is a favorite in my business. When you place an order with me for $75 or more, you get a free pashmina.  I love the cooler weather for this awesome style, I am wearing my "wine" colored pashmina today. Did I also mention I celebrated 1 year as a Premier Jeweler this week?  YES!  And I am running an awesome Anniversary Special. 30% off of your ENTIRE ORDER!  If this is something you're interested, I would love to get you a catalog and share Premier with you too!
 
I put a bottle of wine in the freezer to chill it the other day, and ... guess who found it in the freezer last night?  Hmmm, yep!  ME!  Ooopsie.  But the wine still tasted great - no worries that I didn't actually have to take the cork out myself. How perfect!  tee hee!
 
I am getting nervous for the next few days of this MeMe. I have a memory, but specifically of a mouse when I have to remember days and months in great detail. Please keep the shiny things over there, yikes!

Thursday 5

Love Thursdays!  Link up with Mrs. Gambizzle here!

Thankful

Giddy

Happy

Excited

Adored

All you need to do now is come up with five things that have made you feel these words in the past week, then post about it, make sure include the button, then come back here and link up with the linky at the bottom of Mrs. Gambizzles post so everyone can share! Happy Thursday everyone!

 

Thankful: I celebrated 1 year as a Premier Designs Jeweler on Tuesday and am very 'thankful' for this

Giddy: I got an email from Chief after 3 weeks finally and was so super 'giddy'!

Happy: I have tried a few new recipes this week and am really 'happy' they were all a hit!

Excited: The karaoke audition went off without a hitch and we got the show! I am so 'excited' to have a Saturday night show again, and the bar rocks!

Adored:  Minny has been so amazing since school started. I love her attitude and disposition. I abosolutely 'adore' my girl.

New Look...

I am not sure I'm crazy about it... I wanted more of a Navy theme.
 I nEeD bLoG dEsIgN hElP! 
Yes, I want a button and cute graphics and and and...
Suggestions ladies?

30 Days of MeMe, Day 23

Day 23 - a YouTube video

I know a lot of you have kids at home. Fur babies count. ;)  Minny was so freaked out about a potential "Tormado" one night that Sprinkler Girl was trying to help get her mind off of the "bad' that could happen and really prepare her if there was a "Tormado"  Please see the video I managed to take when Sarah Pants and I realized where the girls were...
warning: do not consume beverages during this video. Turn up your volume and ENJOY!
Tormado training at The SHF

The house could have blown away during these 2 minutes...and we would have been too busy laughing to notice.  Click your heels girls... 

please note: I am the one responsible for the awful filming of this production, and the one who saves Sprinkler Girl from the dryer. Please understand that no one was injured in this video, and PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

Whatcha Say Wednesday

I really enjoy following along and posting MeMe's. I'm actually on time today!  Follow Candice over at Stash Mama!  

1. What physical quality do you look for in a spouse or your spouse has?

I love nice teeth and eyes. Chief has both!  And good hands. I like hands.


2. What state in the US would you live in if you had to live there for the rest of your life?
For the rest of my life...I've never lived anywhere else...Mannnnnnnnn, I like that MN has 4 seasons, but maybe not the extra cold winters, I could do without them.  Hmmmm, I don't know!!!


3. What do you do? (job title, SAHM, student, spill!)
#1 job - Mommy!
Business owner, I love Premier Jewelry!
Sub-contractor, Karaoke and private party DJ
Project Manager in the finishing end of the printing business
Goal for August 2011 = SAHM and Jewelry only!

Bonus! Are eyebrows considered facial hair?
Yes!!! Please take care of your eyebrows ladies!  And gentlemen too!

Top 10 Tuesdays

Top 10 Tuesdays


I have been wondering about the people who follow my blog, and want to know more about you! This is the second week of questions, and I hope more of you follow along!



1. What's your biggest pet peeve?

2. Do you color your hair?  What color? Is it your natural?

3. What is one THING you can't live without?

4. What's your dream car?

5. What's your favorite picture? 

6. Favorite scented candle?

7. Do you have any videos on youtube? What's the website address?

8. What's your most embarassing childhood event?

9. What's your favorite style of shoe?

10. Do you eat with a big or small fork?

 
 
My answers are......
1. What's your biggest pet peeve?
People leaving and not saying goodbye!

2. Do you color your hair? What color? Is it your natural?
YES! Whatever I feel like!  I am ready for fall colors already.  FAR from my natural...my girlfriends joke, I don't know my real color...which I really don't!

3. What is one THING you can't live without?
Make up. No joke. OR my wooby. Shhh, yes I still have a wooby

4. What's your dream car?
300M with the heritage package.

5. What's your favorite picture?

hmmmm, I have so many... 
Will go with a picture from this year, of me and Minny

6. Favorite scented candle?
BIRTHDAY CAKE!

7. Do you have any videos on youtube? What's the website address?
Ahahahahahahhaha! I sure do! This is also part of tomorrows post. tee hee.  UPDATE:  See here

8. What's your most embarassing childhood event?
Family picture day. I was so upset. Ugh. I have 3 older brothers. My brother James had a double ended eraser pencil, and wouldn't show me. So I threw a tantrum at the precious age of like 9.  Yea, not very cute when dad has to fetch me from under my bed in my room, and then I have puffy pink undereyes.

9. What's your favorite style of shoe?
Heels of course! I love a sandal heel but a dress shoe works too!

10. Do you eat with a big or small fork?
Both actually. :)  when I eat at home, with a small fork. In a formal setting, both.

Now tell me about YOU!

30 Days of MeMe, Day 22

Day 22 - a website

I have more than one today...this is no surprise, as I usually post more than one thing...
http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/  This lady is from Minneapolis and keeps the whole city and then some up to date, how to save, finding freebies and great deals and also offers many other things on her website.
http://www.grocerygame.com/ The website that got me so excited I started couponing. Do you know that I am just now getting to using shampoo, razors and body wash I got for little to FREE when I was in my fulltime couponing swing?  I am just getting back into this pretty heavily. Who can turn down free?  Hmmmm, probably not very many of us!
http://www.premierdesigns.com/  While you aren't able to see a catalog online, you can still view and learn about the amazing company that does so much for others. How May I Serve You? I love my business!  My goal is for Premier to be my only job by August of 2011. Yes! I said it!  And, besides, who doesn't LOVE being able to wear jewelry? 

30 Days of MeMe, Day 21

Day 21 - a recipe

Yum! Since we just talked about Chicken Tetrazzini in this post this morning, I am all excited for this. Yummmmmm. I think I will go home and make this for dinner tonight, as I happen to have everything needed...

Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients


1 pound cooked and drained spaghetti

5 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

2 1/4 cups water

1/4 cup butter

2 cubes chicken bouillon

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
 
Directions


1.Put cooked spaghetti into 9x13-inch baking dish. Place chicken on top of spaghetti.

2.In medium saucepan heat together soup, water, butter, and bouillon. Bring to a boil and then pour over the pasta and chicken. Put shredded cheese (to taste) on top and press down a bit.

3.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes.

30 Days of MeMe, Day 20 (late)

Day 20, a hobby of yours

A hobby? Heavens. I am not sure if I have ... I have been focused working on my home. Running my business, raising my daughter and keeping a home. What is a hobby...

Definition of HOBBY


: a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
 
Hmmm...for relaxation? You mean running around like a chicken with no head isn't relaxing?  No one sent me a memo...dang...
Projects I've started...have interest in getting back to...
Scrapbooking
Tied-Flops
Could tanning, in a happy capsule, be a hobby? However, I haven't done that in months either!
I like to bake, so that could be a hobby...or just a way of staying well fed!
Oh! I may have a hobby that I've stayed current with - watching movies!  Chief's list is being worked on during deployment. See our Top Movie lists here.
Okay, I have a hobby!  Yay!  I was beginning to think I really lacked substance. Whew...

30 days of me, Day 19 (late)

Day 19 - a talent of yours

Well I certainly feel talented being late...ugh. 
I love to bake!  I love to try new recipes, and definitely have to say I have a 99% success rate!  I made Pear Bread last night. Yummmmers!    I also feel like I have a talent for remembering music. Names of songs and groups. Very often we will sit around and as soon as a song will come on we have to say who it is.

Try the bread, I made a double batch (2 cups of pears is 2 decent sized pears) I used 4 not thinking about it... Ooops!   

Meet Me on Monday

I have been on the run all weekend, but am happy to say I am glad it's Monday. Today is my mommy's birthday!  And while I don't get to see her to give her a big Birthday hug, I love her very much!

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend.

Here are the questions from Java. Make sure you link up with her here. :)

1. What is your favorite pasta dish?

Chicken Tetrazzini!  Mmmm, speaking of which, I should get that recipe from my friend, she makes the BEST!


2. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?
Hit refresh on my phone browser to see if I have an email from Chief, or read the last email he sent. Psst, did I mention, I got one yesterday??? YAY!

3. How many nights a week do you go out to eat?
Hmmm, now that Minny is home, it will MAYBE be once a week, otherwise it's stupid how much I eat out.  I really enjoy cooking, and should be doing more of it!

4. Are you an avid book reader?
Not anymore...I still have to get back to Hard Eight.......I found it!

5. Would you rather have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?
I have bionic hearing! At least they joke me here at work about it. tee hee!  Yea, I'll stick with bionic hearing.

Five Question Friday

Love linking up over at Five Crooked Halos!  Go see Mama and linky up too!

1. Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself?

Hmmm, yes and no. I don't very often spend much money on myself. I buy groceries, things for the animals and for the house. Someitmes I sneak in a clearance item or two. I am very careful to be frugal with money.  When I do splurge on things I need I can feel buyers remorse, but it happens so little I try not to be hard on myself.

2. How well do you know your neighbors?
I am the new girl on the block only being there...8 months yesterday!  I know everyone around me. And they're all really nice people!  YES, I would bake them all cookies. They've been so kind and welcoming.



3. What age are you looking forward to being?
ummm...what?  40!  I'm not sure why I just said that...Can I be an age again? Like 6?



4. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?
Holy crap yes!  I love getting the mail. You never know if it's new Jewelry or an eBay package or COUPONS. I love getting coupons in the mail. I love getting the Sunday paper just for the coupons. I hate seeing "Bill"  That guy just doesn't get it, he's not welcome at my home!  ;)



5. What is your earliest childhood memory?
Going to a hockey game with my cousin. I was 2 1/2 years old, she came and picked me up and off we went! I was so excited. I still love hockey!

MILS Friday Fill In

Link up with Wifey over at Wife of a Sailor!


This is the MeMe that got me hooked in this place...


1.Do you set goals for yourself during deployment? What are some of them? (from Military Mommy)
I have a countdown spreadsheet of things to do every day (bless my BFF)...My goal is to accomplish everything on that list even if it isn't that day anymore. And besides, it has me thinking about other things and not dwelling too much on how much I miss Chief. :)  Hopefully this is the last LONG deployment before he

2.What would you say to someone dating a military guy or gal? (from Mothering Off the Cuff)
Have Patience, and Faith!! Again, this is all so new to me. I have learned with Chief, work comes first and security about "certain" subjects is very important. Don't ever take it personal...

3.If you have children, how do you prepare them to move to a new place? (from The Random Ramblings of A Household 6)
Hoping someone will answer this for me!  HELP!  I am preparing myself to talk to Minny about this when Chief is back from deployment.....


4.Name one hobby that gets you through alone time. (from My Sailor’s Mistress)
Blogging is a new one!  Coupons. Anything with Minny. Making care packages. Volunteer work.  Premier.  Girlfriends. House projects.5.What’s the one food you don’t ever get tired of? (from That Army Wife Life)
Chinese! Bread & Butter!

30 Days of MeMe, day 18

Day 18 - whatever tickles your fancy

Have I ever mentioned that I love the 6th day. Especially when it falls on a Friday. Hah!  The end to a work week and the beginning of something beautiful in my world.
Random Rambling Friday for me.

Today I will support my BFF in her Pure Romance business by attending a Mystery Hostess Show at her home. Have you ever been?  Pure Romance has just come out with a new product line

Visit her website at http://www.angelique.pureromance.com/  If you're in MN she puts on a fabulous, fun and informative party!  Perfect for any woman over the age of 18. And you know what, if you have questions, she can help answer them too! 
So again, I will support her and her business like she always supports my Premier business, 100%!  Chiefs mom and sister D2 will be joining tomorrow evening as well. MIL has attended a party before, but D2 is just 18 and never been, so she's excited.
Have I ever mentioned how much I love Chief's family?  They are wonderful.
Minny has made it thru her first week of 3rd grade. So stinkin precious. Homework every day has been to read. Easy! She LOVES reading, and reading big books.

This was my bookyworm her first day of school this year.

Saturday I will make something tasty for my friend Kristi's birthday BBQ. She needs to tell me still what she wants, whether it be salad, dessert, main dish, side dish, what have you.  That is a whole 'nother group of loverlies I will miss VERY much when we move with Chief. Minny and I are so friggin blessed.
We will also attend a baby shower for Chief's soon to be sister in law. Anthony and Sarah are expecting in October. Yay! I love babies!!!  I have only met Sarah one other time, but am looking forward to getting to know her better.
Saturday night the karaoke company I work for will be auditioning for a new show!  AND, the BEST part is I have been asked to do the audition as Mia would like for me to take the show!  YAHOOOOO!  I must say, for years I worked 6 nights a week hosting karaoke and private parties for this awesome company. A few years ago when Minny was a Jr. Ambassador I gave up my 1 night a week, 10 year show to make sure my daughter was at every single event scheduled.  So for the last few years I have hosted on a fill in basis, when someone wants a night off or when someones sick.   I am so excited to have this opportunity with a new show in a new club. But it's only an audition...Man, I hope I still have what it takes!  ;)  I still have a pipe dream of being a radio DJ. Someday.....
Yesterday we received a call from the new church we joined saying that religion classes start next Wednesday already and did I want to sign her up?  Of course, yes, please. I didn't know there was a registration fee. Barb the angel she is didn't mention it because she wants Minny to attend and since we're new, waived the fee. How sweet was that. 
I am waiting to hear back from Eastern Star to find out if my petition was accepted. My grammy and aunt are members. My grampa was a Shriner and my uncle is as well. My mother isn't part of OES, but is part of Nile. And while I could still very easily join Nile, I feel more appropriately placed serving with OES and being part of the organization.
Today marks 3 weeks since I have heard from Chief. I am really trying very hard to not be discouraged. The worst part is that when they left port he did tell me it would be a month or so before I would hear from him...So I prepared myself for that.  But...then I got emails after they left port, not just one, but two and then three.  What does that do to your thought process?  Makes you think that when you respond, there might be a small chance you will get a response!  But .... no.  The most it has been in the past is a week or so...One more week in that month he mentioned...So I work on my list from my above mentioned BFF, Annie. I would love to post the countdown, and I am SO close to double digit days I can't even stand it. Soon he will be here in MN and we'll have forgotten about this horribly long deployment. 
Sunday...well gosh, outside of going to Church...we just have an empty docket, which is OKAY too!  It will be a good day for yard work and getting ready for the fall.

Does anyone know where I can find a list of things I can do to prep my home for fall/winter? 
Seems like a silly question, but I've never owned a home before this past winter, and...I'm the man of the house too. ;)  Until Chief is back for a visit after deployment of course!
I hope you were able to keep up with my ramblings on "Whatever Tickles my Fancy" day.

Have a blessed weekend, and do something nice for the ones you love!

30 Days of MeMe, day 17

Day 17 - an art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)


 

Painted by my sister in law, Myrtelle. The original is hanging in my mothers home.  Myrtelle is from Haiti, and her and my brother live in Montreal. She is amazing. I love the forms of communication in this piece. The colors are fantastic, and I love to learn about her heritage as well. I have another of her pieces hanging in my home, however don't have a pic I can share right now. I love her work.

30 Days of MeMe, day 16

Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)

This song makes me think of the relationship I was in before Chief and I reconnected. I picked myself up, moved on, and up in the world after this relationship ended. Minny and I communicate so much better, and little pieces of me keep popping out of the woodwork every day.  I see myself so differently. I feel like me again. Not stifled, not trying to make him happy constantly. I have learned so much from that relationship I am very thankful. 
Cheers to new beginnings!  This song makes me realize how GREAT my life is, and how much I can't wait to see how life unfolds. 

What'cha Say Wednesday

Link up with Stash Mama!  She has a ton of super cute giveaways on her blog too, make sure you check them out!

1. What is one of you all time favorite movies?

Pretty Woman!


2. Where is your favorite place to go grocery shopping, or where do you go to get the best deals?
Cub is where I grocery shop. I also like the Fare for All, and even once in awhile Aldi's.  Coupons are bomb at CVS.


3. Name a song or two that you know all the lyrics to!
There are so many!   Hollaback girl by Gwen. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. There are so many more I could list here....After hosting karaoke for 10+ years there aren't a lot of songs I don't know really well.

Meet Me on Monday

Link up with Java @ Never Growing Old on Mondays!  Yes, fashionably, I AM LATE.

1. Do you wear socks to bed?

Not usually, I hate hot feet. Ish. But for the last few days I haven't been feeling well, so I've rubbed Vicks on my feet before bed.  Please pass the nakey feet with polished toes!

2. Do you have any pets?
Yes!  Meet them here.
 3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?
Pepperonis, sausage, meat of any kind really. I like most all veggies and sometimes you can surprise me with fruit.  My favorite is white chicken za with garlic white sauce tiny tomatos and onion. Mmmmm4. What time do you go to bed?
I am usually in bed by 11, unless I'm on Chiefs time. I hit a wall by 1am on the weekends.  9 is pretty common once winter hits, but I feel sooooo lazy.5. Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?
FREE POTATOES FOREVER!  Yum! I love potatoes, there's so many things you can make with them. And I think every meal should be served with some form of them. Mmmmm!

Good Deals & Deliveries

Yay! More new jewelry arrived last week!  $475 worth of FREE jewelry from Premier after hosting my Renewal show. In addition I will receive a $50 certificate for renewing as a jeweler with Premier. I couldn't be more excited about my business! 

I started back with my Grocery Gaming last week, and was pleasantly surprised that even after one plus years time, I still have some stock left to include shampoos, razors, body wash, deodorant and some canned goods along with household cleaning products. I also still know how to pluck coupons, and my system still stands true! Hip hip hooray!  I spent a total of $29.15 and saved $25.17.  I did realize that I wasn't credited for 1 pound of grapes, which would have increased my savings and lowered my spending, but I am still very happy with the results. I will start adding photos here on a weekly basis of what I bought with my spending/savings.   I forgot to mention, the Cub that I was at was out of chicken, so The Sisters from The SHF went to another Cub to save time...4 packages of chicken for 13.98, x2 girls = $27.96  Guess how much we saved?  27.96!  YAY!

I did luck out and score Colorado Peaches and Pears when I headed up north to my moms. If you have never had them, contact your local Lions club, as they only show up once a year.  They are DELISH-US!!!! Mmmm. My mommy kept most of the peaches and I have the bulk of the pears. Any one have any good pear recipes? Something tells me I won't be able to eat them all without spoiling a few.
 Suggestions welcome!!!

I didn't receive anything fun in the mail this past week besides Jewelry.  I am hoping something fun or cute shows up in the mail this week!  I have been signing up for a lot of things that Jennifer at Thrifty Military Wife has posted. Am just waiting for them to show up!

Would love to know about your savings this past week!

Top 10 Tuesdays

I have been wondering about the people who follow my blog, and want to know more about you! 

1. What are your Top 3 quirks?
2. Do you have a stupid story from this past week?
3. Favorite Fall Scent?
4. What are your fall traditions?  (Whether it be for Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving)
5. Anything that gives you the heebies to see?
6. Favorite Actor/Actress 
7. Top 2 Movies
8. Favorite song or group you would like to recommend?
9. Favorite Book, fiction or non fiction
10. Leave your favorite "Fruit" recipe, whether it be dip, pie, salad.


For me...
#1
1a. I have to eat candy in 2's and they have to be the same color
1b. I don't like touching raw meat
1.c I use 3 papertowels in the ladies room to dry my hands


#2 I made coffee with just hot water. No coffee, no filter. Duh.


#3 Pumpkin Pies and Cinammon Apple, I also love the smell of candy corn.


#4 I love to decorate for Halloween and am looking forward to already carving the pumpkins!  I like to put up fall colors, whether I change the curtain in the shower or add fall colored accents throughout. 


#5 Baby Puke.  Blech, nuff said!


#6 Jason Statham/Marilyn Monroe


#7 Pretty Woman & Shutter Island


#8 I am really enjoying Lily Allen right now.  Fear is a good song.


#9 Where the Sidewalk Ends of course!


#10 Recipe with Fruit
1 angel food cake cut in half
1 can crushed pineapple
1 package strawberries
1 package Cool Whip

Mix half cool whip with drained pineapple & spread on open half of Angel food cake. Place top on cake and add the other half of cool whip to the top, any extras can line the bottom around the cake.  Slice strawberries and place around top of cool whip and around the bottom of the plate. Mmmmm, enjoy!