You Capture - Together

Today I received some marketing material in the mail, which I will inform you more about next week. But since the theme is Together, here is my submission.

Can you tell Goddess has been crying? Yup, for about an hour. If she had been an infant I would have put her down for a nap. Homework was the reason. I picked the kids up from school early today due to the weather and she wanted to do her homework right away. This was the first actual homework from her teacher. She has had homework every night but it was always from me. She thought it was too hard. It wasn't. She couldn't do it. She could. And...she whined and cried forever where Handsome and I actually had to take Tylenol for our heads and eventually she requested some two hours later for a headache due to her crying. Kids!

Duck! Rabbit! A Book Review

What I Can Tell You:
This is a really fun book. I usually read for the kids at snack time after school, at the soccer field while my son is playing, waiting for a meal to cook, or whenever. We are always reading here. This one grabbed my kids attention from the first page. It really is a short, simple book but very fun!

Great read at loud or alone book with simple, fun artwork. 

It is all about perception and how we each can see something different even if we are looking at the same thing. Perception is a very important lesson and very personalized.

The EverAfter by Amy Huntley

What I Can Tell You:
I picked this up at my library last Thursday and read it in two days. What a fantastically different book! I wasn't expecting much and since I didn't have to review it for a publisher, I was going to just read it for fun and move on, no review necessary. With that said, I HAVE to tell you about The EverAfter.

Madison, the main character is dead! She and objects from her life are floating around her in the "IS". The name she came up with for where she is. When she reaches an object it brings her back to the time in her life when she lost it and is able to relive the experience or change it. She sees herself as a baby, a toddler, 12, 17 and so on. When she writes about touching her mother again, or seeing herself with her mom carrying her as a baby or picking her up crying, I was beyond touched. There is nothing like a mother's love and these moments were my favorite in the book.

The premise is very different, haunting and interesting. It puts a fresh spin on the afterlife and what happens when one has "passed on". Maddie doesn't like the term because she doesn't remember passing anything. Hahaha....

It is a love story of a different kind.  Maddie is in a state of super consciousness and transcends time and space searching for answers.

How did she die? Where is she?
Can she change the outcome by changing the past?

Beautifully written and completely captivating. I devoured this book and would read it again!

Any movie studios out there reading? You should be looking into this for the big screen!

Book Review - The Day I Shot Cupid

The Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My Name is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-aholic by  Jennifer Love Hewitt or Love as her friends call her, or JLH as she signs off in the book.

First, I am a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan and was an avid viewer of Party of Five and Ghost Whisper, plus, she is one of my husband's favorites if you know what I mean.

Honestly, I was hard up for a book and saw this at the library. The cover is cute, it is written by an actress I like and she and her finance' had just broken up as the book was released so I was curious to see what she wrote about him.

What I Can Tell You: The book is a fast read, 1 night. Jennifer is likable and obviously a complete romantic.  Obviously one of those girls that writes her name with his last name by date two and starts buying Bride magazine after the 3rd date. That's fine, I don't judge just making a statement.

The book is a dating advice book for woman, however, with passages like this:

 “OMG, let me just embarrass myself right now. I spent three hours once making his and her toiletry kids. One for my house and one for his house. At the time, I thought it was the most amazing gift. When I presented them I thought I would receive the Greatest Romantic Award. Uh, not what happened. Instead, I received awkward silence, followed by more awkward miles, and never heard from him again.”

 “Like a Velcro monkey, I will suck to the back of my cuddle partner, creating the ultimate spoon. But — and it’s no secret — guys hate to spoon. They prefer to fork, lol! … So here’s the trick: Play it cool until he falls asleep and then Velcro yourself to him, quickly and with very little motion (think Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible). And then, if and when he wakes, turn quickly, like you were just stretching, and wait. When the little lamb sleeps again One . . . Two . . . Three . . . Velcro!!!!!!!!!”

It was a bit of a let down. I really wanted to like it.

The sections were short, some of them less than two paragraphs. Some of them were just randomness or just scattered thoughts, it is as if she took her diary and scanned for little passages. Or, has a journal of rambling rants that were included.

Some sections like, When Your Relationship Comes to a Skid Mark where she talks about doing laundry and finding skid marks in your guys underwear. Umm...yes...we have all seen them, throughout our lives, but just toss them in the wash and move on honey. There is no need to run around the house screaming before taking thongs and using the Rocky theme in your head to throw them in the machine. BTW...this little heroic feat made her feel like a "real woman" before making him do the laundry for the remainder of your relationship.

I believe her to be a very sweet woman who tried really hard to be profound and witty, it just came off short and believe this book should be read for the fun of it. Maybe it's me, maybe she was really witty and profound but it was lost on me. My expectations weren't high, and I don't think any less of her, she's not an author and this was a good attempt.

JLH, if you are out there, because you did say negative press hurts your heart, I want you to know, I still love you honey, just giving my honest review because that is what I do here and as you can see in my labels, it does say this is an amateur book review, so really....what the hell do I know.

Press Release Containing My Name?

Batter Up! Avocados From Mexico's Avocado League Returns for a Second Season
All-Star Women Compete to be Named Avocado League MVP and BIG HIT Recipe Winner

PR Newswire

FALLSTON, Md., Sept. 28

FALLSTON, Md., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Play Ball! The Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) announced that the Avocado League – a league that celebrates women and their love for avocados and baseball – returns to the field today for its second season. An All-Star roster of women from around the country have been chosen to create a game day recipe featuring avocados that best embodies the spirit, passion and flavor of their hometown to compete in an online recipe contest. The recipe that hits it out of the park with the most online votes will be named the BIG HIT and earns the title of Avocado League MVP. Fans can vote for their favorite Avocado League BIG HIT recipe today through October 28 on www.TheAmazingAvocado.com/bighit .

Jennie Finch, world champion professional softball player, returns for her second year as the Avocado League Commissioner to crown the Avocado League MVP. As a mother and professional athlete, Jennie knows the importance of eating right to stay at the top of your game.

Avocados from Mexico offer a great addition to everyday meals like sandwiches, salads, soups and even a baseball favorite – hotdogs. Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins and minerals and only 50 calories per 1 oz (3 slices) serving. Plus, avocados have the "good" mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

Votes will be counted from September 28 until October 28; with the winner announced on October 29. The player with the BIG HIT – the recipe with the most online votes – will be hailed as the Avocado League champion and MVP and be awarded the Grand Slam prize package and receive $5,000 and a year's supply of avocados. Second and third place winners will also receive a year's supply of avocados and a $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, cash prize.

During the voting period, consumers can also get into the game by submitting their own avocado recipe. One "wild card" recipe will be selected each week to be featured on the BIG HIT site and the winning chef will receive a $100 gift card!

The Big Hit brings avocado enjoyment with the excitement of the Major League Baseball playoff season. MHAIA and the Hass Avocado Board are partnering with Turner Broadcasting System ® for their Major League Baseball ® postseason coverage on TBS. A 30-second spot featuring avocados and a promotional sweepstakes will begin airing the second week in October and will run during the American League ® and National League ® Division Series ® as well as the American League Championship Series ® games. The 30-second spot along with mentions on tbs.com and other Turner network Web sites will drive consumers to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win an exciting prize.

For delicious recipe ideas, to vote for your favorite Avocado League player, and for your own chance to win a "wild card" spot, visit www.TheAmazingAvocado.com/bighit. Let's Play Ball!

Avocado League Starting Line-Up

Jennie Finch, Avocado League Commissioner

Piera Jolly, Atlanta

Jill Notkin, Baltimore

Dianna Ranere, Boston

Kim Hansen, Charlotte

Cherise Kachelmuss, Chicago

Maria Gagliano, New York (it's me! How funny)

Staci Albright, Philadelphia

Laura Franklin, Washington, DC

The Happiness Project - What Makes You Happy?

The things that make me happy are so simple. My daughter finding a heart shape leaf and giving it to me, "I found a heart leaf, because I Love you!"

Sorry To Have To Ask But, Please Help Me

 It's Me. I'm a finalist in The Big Hit Competition!

Remember on September 13th I mentioned that there was a photographer coming to take my picture for a competition that I am in? If not, it had something to do with this.

In August, as part of a campaign for Mom Central I wrote a recipe for a breakfast pizza using Avocados. My job, if I chose to take it was to write about Avocados and come up with a recipe using one. Not only did I have to come up with a recipe but it had to be something that represented my home state. My state is NY and when I think of NY, I think of Pizza. It was the first thing that came to my mind. So, I called my girl Clary and asked her, "When you think of NY, what is the first food that comes to mind?" Her answer, Pizza!

So, I ran with it, and it was chosen.

The email read: Congratulations - you’ve been chosen as one of the eight Avocado League bloggers!

I was shocked. Me and 7 other people who also sent in recipes to represent their state are now going head to head to win a  year’s supply of avocados and a $5,000 grocery gift card.

So, why am I telling you all of this? Well, I need your help....

Please head over to The Amazing Avocado, Big Hit Competition site and select my picture if you feel that my recipe should win. Of course, feel free to select another recipe if that the one you feel should win. They are all wonderful woman and I hate competitions among woman especially some who are fellow bloggers.

If you decide to take time and vote, I just want you to know, I really appreciate it. Thank you so very much. BTW, it is a daily thing. You can vote once a day and I would be so appreciative.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Reflection - It's Me

It's me! I was taking pictures of the geese and decided to quickly snap myself. I should have used this for Self Portrait Sunday.

Giddy Up Science - Make Your Own Bath Fizzers Kit

Thanks to Child's Play Communication Goddess and I were able to check out a fun "football Sunday" project for just us girls.

Goddess is 5 but since she was 2 has always loved to do crafty type things and is interested in Science and how things work. So when I saw the Scientific Explorer Bath Fizzers
I was excited to check it out. She saw it sitting on my side table for two weeks and every day held it up stating "I wish we could do this now." Mommy knows best and I was saving it for a "Goddess needs a project" moment. This is usually when she just doesn't know how to not get herself in trouble. How could my little Angel possibly get in trouble? Well, she doesn't know how to speak softly and she never shuts up which means....we are constantly telling her to "be quiet", "lower your voice", "speak in your inside voice", "shut up" or some other derivative of. Football Sunday is one of those days when she could find herself in a world of trouble so, this Sunday I pulled it out.

What I Can Tell You:
The kit comes with everything you need.


Goddess enjoyed the experiment on chemistry

She was excited do mixing and pouring

It was fun to work together to create something that she was so excited and serious about.

The Activity Guide is set out perfectly with fun facts, supply lists, Science tidbits and more. We read it from cover to cover.

Maybe it was the mixing or the amount of water drops she added (you are supposed to add 10), but our fizzers fizzed all over the counter we had them sitting on to harden overnight. Hopefully the next batch will be great but at we really enjoyed our science experiment and the counter does smell great. 

Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars DVD Review and Contest Information for Trip To LA

Growing up Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh was one of my absolute favorite books. In fact, I still have my copy in a box in storage for when the kids are ready to read it.

The DVD is an older much mature Harriet but it is still about an aspiring author only this time writing is done on a blog

What I Can Tell You:
Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars was a movie on Disney in March of this year. It starred Jennifer Stone of Wizards of Waverly Place, someone I was unfamiliar with until this movie.

The movie is about blogs and bloggers, as if I wouldn't be excited to see this. It paired the competition of High School with the competition of Bloggers. Like we don't compete! You see everyone's Google score on their sites. Harriet and her nemesis have to figure out a way to get the most blog hits. Interesting project their teacher!

I can appreciate the aging of Harriet to 16, I can even appreciate the "mean girls" in this adaptation. Unfortunately, I don't think the movie does a good job of enticing kids to watch the movie and then go read the book which in my eyes is a literary classic in children's books.

However, with that said, the movie stands on its own and I believe the demographic (tweens) this movie was made for will love Harriet and pull for her to come out smelling like a rose and getting the coveted spot of class blogger.

Self Portrait Sunday - September 26, 2010

Oh, my poor little meme has never quite caught on. So sad. Funny, people just don't like taking pictures of themselves but when we are old and gray and have a lot of people pictures of obscure things what then. I much prefer to think I am going to live into my Golden Years and will cherish all photos of me looking younger and full of life's promises.

 Last night I was out at a Passion Party with Clary at her sister's apartment. The sun was going down. It was nice and crisp out on the balcony and I could see for miles. It was just another time that I wished I hadn't left the Canon EOS 50D at home.

It isn't the best quality because self portrait with a Blackberry during sundown...well...leaves a little to be desired but you get the idea.

Camera Critters - The Spider

My husband picked this guy up to show our daughter close up. She is interested in everything. I would not have picked this guy up based on its back I thought...ahhhh...put it down, put it down!

Then....I zoomed in on his face and thought look at those pretty eyes and long eye lashes. He/she looks very sweet, like a teddy bear.

Alize' Awesome Alone or In Mixed Cocktail

This week I was able to review Alize's Gold Passion and Red Passion thanks to PR folks after my own heart!

My plans were to host a tasting with some of the chicks I hang out with in my town during school. I peaked their interest by posting this on Facebook.

Going to review a fruit infused vodka called Alize'. Anyone want in?

In 5 hours I got 10 responses
I love Alize! Good stuff! Save me a glass!
Ummmm hell to the YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH
When? I'm so in!
It's good!!! I used to drink it a long time
Sounds good let me know
Me! Me! I want some
Great idea I love Alize'
Me too! I used to drink it when I was younger. Count me in!
Is there some for me? Yes please, I want to be included.

Ok, so now that I knew my friends were interested, the plan was a board game and some drinks.

My beer drinking husband looked at the Red Passion and asked me what it taste like. I told him I had had a glass and it was good. Not too strong. Very tasty and taste great with some seltzer added too!

He said, you know I don't like strong alcohol. Will I like it? I said, try it. He had a drink. Then he had another. He came up to cracked open the Gold Passion stating that he really liked the Red Passion. Four glasses later, I am down to a half bottle of Gold Passion and will have to grab some bottles next week for the ladies who were interested. I hate to tease and not follow through.

Alize' passed the test in my house. I am not much of a drinker and my husband only drinks beer. For him to say he "I really, really like it" and have 4 glasses, says something.

BTW, if you are hosting a Halloween Party, be sure to grab some bottles of Alize'.
Check out these recipes.

Redi Shade Simple Fit Has Me Wanting To Redo All My Windows

A few weeks ago I received an interesting email asking if I would like to try Redi Shade Simple Fit. Having never heard of it, I researched and saw that it was easy to put up since it required no hardware.

Sounds great but having a husband who can do anything around the house, I wasn't sure what to make of a shade that I could put up myself.  Now, I know!

I received the email on the 3rd, received the shade on the 7th and then asked daily for my very busy husband to please remove the shade and hardware from the window so I could try RediShade. It took him until yesterday to finally have time to do it. If I had a RediShade in that window it would have taken me less than 3 minutes to remove it and two of those minutes would have involved setting up the step stool and climbing.

My husband removed the shade in 8 minutes having to screw out all the hardware so I had a clean slate. I removed the plastic and climbed up the stool.  I climbed back down the stool. Why? It wasn't the blinds fault! I had no idea where the button was.

Ok, take two...my husband (woot, he is on my blog) gives me the "go ahead, you're on" hand gesture and...well, you check it out. Here is the video. (BTW...excuse my backside and Clary, don't laugh too hard.)

I was surprised can you tell!?  I, Maria, tenant of 33 locations, put up my first shade. Crazy I know!

The reason we did Handsome's room (he's playing a video game in the background and was unimpressed with his mother's handiwork) is because he wakes too damn early. When his room is darker, he tends to sleep past 6:45 a.m. I needed these shades all summer. We got his shade in blackout.

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary shade from Redi Shade who are also providing the giveaway.

Season 1 of Modern Famly Is On DVD

I know, I have said it many times but spending time in front of a TV for me means that the show better be really worth it. There aren't many shows I will dedicate time to. Life is short and I have too much living to do to sit in front of TV for hours on end however...that being said....I love me some Modern Family.

If you have not watched this mockumentary yet, you seriously need to grab this DVD.

What I Can Tell You:

This is by far, one of the best shows on TV. It is done very well for a family comedy.

We have Jay (Ed O'Neill) and his stunning, much younger wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara)who has a son named Manny. I was a big Married with Children fan and love Ed O'Neill so I was excited to watch. Sofia is so smoking hot, she could turn woman gay and Manny is like a little old soul.

Claire(Julie Bowen) is Jay's daughter and she is married to Phil(Ty Burrell). They have 3 children and the dynamics of this household cracks me up. Phil really thinks he is intuned with everyone, cool dad, understanding husband but he is adorably clueless.

The next household is Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Jay's son who lives with his partner Cameron(Eric Stonestreet) and their adopted Vietnamese baby, Lily. This couple is too funny.

Why This Show Works: The writers are witty. The actors deliver perfectly and there is nothing like this on TV. I love how the actors turn to the camera and give face! I love the couch sessions peppered through the episodes and I love how diverse the show is. Hysterically funny and they touch on all topics.

This is the kind of show you will watch in re-run and on DVD. This is the kind of show you will discuss episodes in detail with your friends and family.

In my opinion, one of the best shows on TV.



Thanks to Fox Connect for hooking me up with a complimentary DVD set of Season 1.

Memory Rewind - Farm Posing

Here is your chance to use some of those older photos you have on your computer that you may have forgotten about. Post a photo and write a story about it.

Join me and bring back a memory.

This picture of Handsome and Goddess was taken in 2007 during one of our many farm excursions. We headed out daily to play outside, see animals and walk around.

Healthy Choice has Gotten Even Healthier

The new Healthy Choice steaming entrées showcase fewer and identifiable ingredients (vegetables frozen at the peak of freshness and generous cuts of white-meat chicken and even shrimp) through the innovative, clear packaging – so what you see is what you get, with no hidden ingredients. Priced at $2.50 or so, they are a much better value than a fast food lunch.

What I Can Tell You:
I received two Healthy Choice Entrees packed in dry ice. I love eating healthy but most of my healthy eating consists of large salads or bowls of cooked frozen veggies for dinner because I don't have the energy or time to sit around cutting up veggies to cook with.

I received the Rosemary Chicken and Sweet Potatoes and the Portabella Parmesan Risotto to try out.

Here is the Rosemary Chicken. While it didn't look like the picture on the box it was delicious.
First, of all it was easy. No need to puncture or stop midway to stir. Simply place in microwave and cook for 4-5 minutes. I did 4.3 minutes. The chicken is grilled and tender. I am a big sweet potato fan and would have eaten a whole plate of those sweet potatoes. They were so tender and tasty. The yellow bits are carrots and the pearl onions were an adorable accent. So colorful and yummy. 


“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Healthy Choice and received samples of their new steaming entrées to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Pinkalicious Tickled Pink by Victoria Kann

We have been big fans of the Pinkalicious books by Victoria Kann for two years. They are so fun to read and both my kids love them.

Pinkalicious is a little girl who loves Pink. The little girls in my area, love their Pinkalicious. The Pinkalicious books are so popular there was even become a musical.

Thanks to Harper Collins Children, I was able to review one of the many Pinkalicious books, Pinkalicious Tickled Pink. 

What I Can Tell You:
Pinkalicious is still funny! Even my 7 year old son liked the book and has been seen reading it three times in the past 4 days.

Pinkalicious is reading jokes out of a joke book and her friends are hysterical laughing. When Tiffany challenges Pinkalicious to a Laugh-off without the help of a joke book, nerves set in.

When the term "pink" saves the day, everyone is happy, even Tiffany.

Even the "mean girls" in Pinkalicious are never that mean and I am always happy when Pinkalicious' brother Peter is in the book. He cracks us up.

The illustrations are sweet and very detailed for a small children's book.

Fun to read to young non readers 4-6 but also a great book for young self readers between 7-10. One of the reasons I love this book for self readers, is that some of the words are bigger and made up like pinkatastic and pinkerrifically as in something being pinkerrifically funny.

Pinkalicious is expressive and full of personality, also she is a good girl and a great role model.

ABC Wednesday - J

I know I used this sometime this week but it is worth using it again.

J = Jammed
This poor fly ended up meeting his demise in the form of an outdoor gazebo. Poor thing!

J = Jumping
Or in this geese's case, jumping with grace. In a quest to get some action shots, I herded the 20+ geese at the lake one morning to the edge by stomping behind them. Then a few exhilarating squawks by waving my arm and shouting forced them to run for their lives from the crazy, mental person wielding a camera behind them. The fisherman packed up their gear and high tailed it out but not before I got some great shots.

J = Jewelry
Some of you know that I am Street Angel on Etsy. This is a creative outlet that allows me to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that I would wear myself. Each piece is original and will never be seen anywhere on anyone but you. Ok, enough of the sales pitch. Taking pictures of jewelry is never easy. I have not mastered it but I think I have gotten better from when I first started.

How To Talk To Girls By Alec Greven

What I Can Tell You:
This is the cutest book ever. The author who is 9 years old gives sound advice that at times seems a bit much especially when he says that you should go after "regular looking girls" because pretty girls are "coldhearted". 
Other than that, I think the book is sweet especially when he tells kids that if you like a girl and she doesn't like you, you should just move on.  I couldn't agree more. I have a young friend who is in the beginning stages of high school and recently had some moments of sadness because of the opposite sex. I would love to give him my copy of this book.

Other advice in the book is: Don't wear sweats and comb your hair. I totally have to agree with him on this one. These are all things I personally don't like on a guy. Sweats are for your house and please, messy hair? What is up with that?

The Happiness Project - What Makes You Happy?

My baby girl makes me happy. She brings a smile to my face most of the day. She has a big heart and is naturally funny and I love the dress up time of our lives. It is so fun.

She is also a natural poser. I promise you, she did not learn this pose from me.
BTW, the shirt is mine.

Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton

What I Can Tell You:  This is a quick read! If you know me personally, you know I love my smut! This my friends, is exactly my kind of read. It is erotica with a storyline. Angels and witches coming together for a common cause; sex and revenge. I love it!

After Serenity's boyfriend cheats on her she head to the Eiffel Tower to seek revenge. Calling on her powers she asks for help. Her call is answered by Apollyon, "the great destroyer... angel of the Apocalypse, responsible for raining hell down on Earth when everything comes to an end.”

Nice! A hot, angel with black wings that everyone else sees as a man in a suit except for Serenity.

Did she get her revenge? Well, really who cares. Everything is wrapped up nicely in some hot sex scenes. If you like paranormal romance with a blast of erotica, Her Dark Angel is the book for you. I seriously read it in one sitting.

BTW...is that not a hot cover?

I am psyched to read more from Felicity Heaton.

So, let me end my post as Felicity ends the story..
His goddess.
And he would worship her forever.
The End 

Bending Toward The Sun by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie and Rita Lurie

What I Can Tell You: This is a must read! I would have loved reading this book with a friend or book group.

The story of Ruchel/Rita is quite amazing and gut wrenching.  As her daughter states in the Prologue, Rita's story is very similar to Anne Frank's. Both spent two years hiding during the Holocust and hid with the help of others who would have been killed had they been found. However, Rita is here to tell about her story and pass on this legacy to her children and the generations after.

Besides it being a captivating book it is thought provoking and made me think of my own legacy and past and what I may be unconsciously handing down to my own children. Because, as Leslie mentions, our mother's past or families past, effects and shapes who we are as people.

Rita is lucky to have survived such an ordeal that changed history and is still affecting individuals.

Leslie, Rita and even Granddaughter Mikaela who has a big voice in this book are very brave to have started the journey of documenting the life and times of Ruchel/Rita. What a gripping story that will sit with me for quite some time. 

If you decide to read this book, know that you will learn a lot about yourself and your own relationship with your mother.

What makes this book even more special is the amount of photos peppered throughout the story. Seeing the smiles and knowing the two years they endured hiding is at times unbearable.

My heart breaks for the little Ruchel who just wanted to be held and told everything was going to be OK. I cannot imagine what it was like to lose her mother the way she did. Losing my own at 12 years old to Cancer was horrific. Losing her mother right after the traumatic death of her baby brother must have been excruciating.

Reading how Leslie's life was altered by her mother's and how ultimately Mikaela's is being affected by the trauma of her families past makes me think about my own life and how my past is affecting my children in positive and negative ways and how it will trickle down into their own adult lives.

Leslie and Rita's love shines through this haunting memoir.

Home Make Over Update

Over at the homestead we have visions aplenty. Most of them stem around the family room at the moment, but subtle changes are happening in the bedrooms and living room.

We need space and since a bigger home or addition are not part of he plan, we need space ideas that work for us.

Currently we don't have a coffee table in the living room which means that we can't sit down with a drink at night to watch TV while the kids are still awake, comfortably. We do, it just means we spend more time, saying, "watch my drink."

I Heart Faces - Smirk

When you have such expressive faces like these, it is seriously hard to choose such one smirk representative.

Goosebumps

Kids have been reading Goosebump books by R.L and watching the stories play out on VHS  for years   Now, Goosebumps is making their DVD premiere and just in time for Halloween.

The first DVD I sat down to watch was The Blob That Ate Everyone which includes 3 movies all together

The second DVD was called Go Eat Worms!


What I Can Tell You: The stories are good enough. Adults will not be blown away by the storylines, acting or budget for special effects but they are fun regardless.

I can see why the Goosebump stories are popular. They are safe enough for kids from 7-14. My daughter (5) came in and was "weirded out". Her words not mine. My son (7) on the other hand was playing his beloved Xbox and came in two times in 10 minutes than stayed and watched these 3 and the next 3 movies on the second DVD (review to come tomorrow). After I was done with my notes and headed out to cook dinner he took the DVDs to his room to watch them again. So, if that don't say something I don't know what does. Goosebump movies over Xbox! Shocked me.

Photo Time - Fly On The Wall

Two  weeks ago while hanging on the deck, I noticed a fly on the wall of the gazebo. Every once in a while I would glance over and see it still there. Funny, I thought until Teach told me it had gotten it's head stuck in the netting.

Grabbing the camera, I zoomed in....Yup...it's head was stuck and it had died, poor thing.

Reflection

This week I headed out to the lake for some photos while the kids were in school. There was a gaggle of geese hanging out and I just had to get some action shots. I stomped around like a crazy person to make them head toward the water. The fishermen hanging out there probably hated me but I got some great geese shots.

Self Portrait Sunday - September 19, 2010

Oh, my poor little meme has never quite caught on. So sad. Funny, people just don't like taking pictures of themselves but when we are old and gray and have a lot of people pictures of obscure things what then. I much prefer to think I am going to live into my Golden Years and will cherish all photos of me looking younger and full of life's promises.

These were taken on Thursday and my hair was biiiigggggg.

Totally airbrushed to the max. Why should only celebrities look good?

Olivia The Pig Toy Review

Thanks to Team Mom I received two Olivia toys to check out with my kids. 

We got to check out the Olivia 2-in-1 Real World Playset Dollhouse and a stuffed Olivia 

The dollhouse is pretty cool. We took it to Handsome's first soccer game to keep her busy. What we loved the most is that it is easy to carry with a handle and locks on both sides of the house to hold all the accessories inside. It looks like a basic doll house until you open it up. One side is Olivia's house and when you flip it over, it is Olvia's piriate ship.

Here are the kids arguing over the dollhouse

If you haven't check out Olivia on Nick Jr you are missing out. The show is designed to invite preschools to use their imagination and explore both real and fantasy worlds as Olivia goes on her adventures. Olivia like most kids has an active imagination.

With Christmas in three months, this would make a great Christmas gift for the 4-6 range kids on your Christmas list.  Some of the pieces are too small for anyone under 4.

We also got to check out the 9" Olivia the Pig Plush Ready to Paint Doll.

This is the perfect companion for any Olivia fan.

Barbie A Fashion Fairytale - DVD Review

What I Can Tell You:
If you have a daughter, and you have not seen any of the Barbie Movies you are truly missing out. There is not a single Barbie Movie we haven't seen and I would love to own all of them. The movies are all very well made with great graphics and loads of songs and fun animal friends for Barbie and her friends to pal around with.

My 5 year old isn't big with Barbie dolls but she loves the movies and I love that we can watch them together and I am not bored.

Head over to the Barbie website to play some games and activities associated with the movie as well as a bunch of other Barbie related stuff. We spend hours playing on Barbie.com. 

Camera Critters - The Wolf

While at the zoo with the kids last month I snapped this wolf picture. It was hard to get him because I was trying to capture his beauty with one eye and keep my eye on my kids in a crowd. I am surprised this came out as well as it did.

Glee - The First Season on DVD Review

Yes, Glee, the First Season, 24 episodes is out on DVD and thanks to Fox Connect I was able to review it.

 My sister-in-law and niece who are very tainted when it comes to movies and TV (meaning nothing is good enough) LOVE Glee. They have told me for at least 10 months to watch because "You will love it". In fact, they both wish they could go back to school and attend the one in my town because it has a Glee Club. Who knew? I didn't until they noticed it while there to pick up Handsome one day.

What I Can Tell You: 
I was excited to get Glee in the mail. With DVD in hand, I headed to Clary's house for some coffee and to watch Glee on her humungo TV and sit on her very comfy couch. She handed me coffee and I whipped out the DVD box. She was like, "ummm..no I have a headache."  Because she has a hard time saying "no" we headed downstairs but not without her complaining and literally cursing that she has to now watch some "damn DVD" with me. As I sat down she told me she was heading upstairs and I could watch it alone. "I've heard from many people it is great but I have a headache and I don't want to watch this (again) damn thing with you." This was followed with a few "I hate you"s which I always ignore.

About 10 minutes in, she started humming along to one of the background tracks. During the first number I was in love and she was singing along. When the first episode was over, she got up and took the DVD out. "You know, I really liked it!"

"You did? So did I."

Then she asked, "You want to watch the second episode?"

I said, "Of course."

She put in the disc and when it started, we realized that it was the wrong disc. I scrambled, she scrambled then we both told each other to calm down. It was hysterical and we laughed until the second episode started. We are totally Glee'd!

Our plan is to watch at least two episodes every week. We did this with another show last fall and it was great.

We loved the songs! We loved the storyline. We hated the same people and liked the same people.

Glee is awesome! It is worth the hype. Clary loves it and finds nothing wrong where I think it borders on cheesy but really appreciate the show. There were a few times that I thought, wait, this is on at the 8:00 hour and some of it wouldn't be good for those under 15's ears but it isn't terrible.

If you have been meaning to check out Glee, now is the time. It is a musical-comedy-drama series on Fox and centers around a high school choir or Glee club.

Color Carnival - #57

Color Carnival this week brings on some toys! My daughters toys are so fun to take pictures of.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand DVD Review

What I Can Tell You:

If you are a reader of Maria's Space, Chotskies or a follower of Maria's Space on Facebook, you already know that I am obsessed with Spartacus. Why you ask? Well, babe, let me break it down for you.

• Sexy Gladiators (mainly for me, as my readers know, Manu Bennett as Crixus), these guys are the original Chippendales.
• Awesome fight scenes
• Beautiful woman
• Loads of sex
• and, wait, did I mention sexy Gladiators

What I personally love about Spartacus is that my it is something my husband and I can watch together. He likes it for the sexy woman and the fighting, and I love it for the sexy men and the sex.

The cast is amazing. The storyline interesting, the CGI pretty damn cool, and the blood, red!  This is TV at it's best. It is very graphic, gory and dirty! I love it!

As a mommy blogger, I must inform you that this is not a child friendly show. No one under the age of 18 should be watching this. There is tons of nudity and sexual situations. I have never seen so much male frontal nudity on any show.

Starz started filming the second season of Spartacus which will be a prequel series will focus on the rise of the House of Batiatus, the gladiator academy, and will revolve around the relationship between Lucy Lawless' and John Hannah's characters, Lucretia and Batiatus to be aired in January.

Thanks to Starz Originals I have The Complete First Season plus a t-shirt to giveaway to a lucky reader.

No Ordinary Family On ABC Is A Must See

If you watch ABC television you have seen the ads for No Ordinary Family. This morning, I sat down to watch a special advance screening of the pilot, courtesy of ABC.

I am extremely frugal with the amount of time I spend in front of a TV. Life is too important to be wasting hours of my life, (I will never get back), watching some of the ridiculous TV shows out there.

All Summer I watched previews for No Ordinary Family and had high hopes for it. Today, I am happy to report that I am on board and have found my Lost fill-in.

What I Can Tell You: 
I really love movies where the superheros have to learn to use their new powers. No Ordinary Family is a combination of The Incredibles meet Mr. And Mrs. Smith, and bump into the Fantastic Four.

The Powells are like most families. The live under the same roof; life is moving too fast and everyone has their own agendas until Jim and the kids go with Stephanie on a business trip. In a family excursion to spend time together, they take a plane ride against everyone's wishes except Jim's. A storm, the planes wing on fire, a crash into the Amazon, the family finally hugs on the shore, happy to have survived. 

Jim is first to notice a change, he is now strong and can jump really, really high. Stephanie's powers follow, she now is so fast that she has time to help her struggling son do school work. Daughter Daphne follows with mind reading capabilities and struggling in school JJ suddenly has it all figured out.

I love how the Mom and Dad Powell, upon finding out they have super abilities confide in friends before talking to each other. It allows us to see how tortured their relationship has become.

What You Will Like About This Show:
Michael Chiklis is extremely lovable. 

The kids aren't annoying or make the parents seem inferior. 
The relationship of the family is easy to relate to. 
Great family TV full of Comedy, Action and Drama
George (Romany Malco, The 40 Year Old Virgin Weeds) is so fun as Jim's friend.

"You're special, but you're not invincible. I don't even know if you're vincible." - George St. Cloud

Ruby Tuesday - 9/11 Tribute

On Friday, I was asked to take pictures at the Senior Center as they celebrated the anniversary of 9/11. There was tons of red, white and blue to snap up.

I have no idea who anyone was but it was fun to just snap a bunch of candid pics. These two ladies where my favorites to shot.They were so cute and dressed for the occasion.

Me? You Want A Picture of Me and My What?

Get your mind out of the gutter people, this is a PG13 blog. 

Remember the post I wrote on August 30th about Avocado Breakfast Pizza?  Well, Thursday I received an email from Mom Central congratulating me.

Congratulations - you’ve been chosen as one of the eight Avocado League bloggers!

What? huh? Yup..can you even believe it? Me either! The Grand Slam prize package of this contest will receive a year’s supply of avocados and a $5,000 grocery gift card. Ok, let me take a drink because I have dry mouth just writing this.

On Friday, I received an email that a professional photographer would be coming to my house to take pictures of me and my breakfast pizza. Geez! As a blogger I tend to be of the shy persuation which is why you will find me behind my computer and behind the camera. Writing is much more comfortable for me than talking and I have so many concerns about tomorrow especially after reading the recipes I am up against.

Now, it is time to follow my own advice and do something I am constantly asking of my children; do your best! No one can ever fault you for doing your very best.

More details to follow as I hear them so will you.

 Ok, wish me luck!a

New Preschool Series - Timmy Time

If your child likes Shaun the Sheep, they will undoubtedly like this Timmy Time.

I have never seen Timmy Time but received a screener copy to check out. We watched it yesterday and found it very cute. This morning when it came on TV, my daughter asked to watch it instead of her usual Sponge Bob show. Interesting since I thought this was too young for her. Even my 7 year old stopped to watch it a few times.

What I Can Tell You: This is the perfect show for kids 1-3. The characters are cute, there is no dialogue other than animal sounds and mumbles which I think would have been great for my own kids. These days my 5 year old asks me a lot of questions about animals talking. In every show she watched from babyhood to now, the animals always spoke and it can be confusing for children who need association to learn.

Each episode follows a day in the life of Timmy and his friends in Nursery School. The daily routine is usually disrupted when Timmy or one of the class is naughty, or over inquisitive, or sibling rivalry erupts. For the young animals it's all in the day to day experience of learning about life, friendship and trial and error.

Kids will get a background in the 3 R's

• Reading - farm signs and pizza menus (all pictorial)
• Righting - getting back on your feet when you've fallen over
• Rithmetic - adding up using familiar items such as lettuce, apples etc

Color Meme - Week 6 - Purple

Color

I love using purple in my jewelry. These bracelets are made from glass beads. The purple is so beautiful up close.

Here is Goddess way back, 3 years old. I am staring at her hair now and I can't believe how long it has gotten.

Blue Monday - 9/11

Friday, I was asked to take pictures for the Senior Center as they hosted a 9/11 Tribute. With tons of red, white and blue to choose from, I just had to grab a quick collage for Sally's Blue Monday.