Thursday, December 27, 2012
Just A Few Pictures from Christmas
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Pitch Perfect Is A Must See!
The 411 by Maria:
Anna Kendrick is Beca, who is starting her first day of college because her dad is forcing her. She wants to be a music producer, and spends her free time doing mashups on her DJ equipment. She is pissed and just wants to get through school so she can live her dream.
She eventually is coerced into trying out for the prestigious a capella all girl group the Barden Bellas. Who are suffering as well. They lost the singing competition to their arch rival the all-boys group, the Trebles when their leader Aubrey (one of my favorite True Blood Characters from season 2) played by Anna Camp suddenly chucked all over the audience. Now the group is hurting for participants and have a seemingly nonredeemable stigma placed upon them.
The new blood in the Barden Bellas are an eclectic bunch including Fat Amy played by Rebel Wilson who is hysterical. I loved when she was on screen.
What's a girl movie without a love interest. Skyar Astin plays Jesse who is very interested in Beca. He is charming, adorable and can sing. What more can a girl ask for?
This is a comedy on so many levels with funny lines, moments and the hysterical duo of Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins who stole each scene they are in.
I LOVED it. Seriously, I wasn't as interested when it was in the theaters. A lot of my friends wanted to see it but it seem young and boring to me. A bunch of girls singing in a competition. Whatev! It was so much more than that. This for me was a breakout film with so many favorite moments it is hard to sum it all up. It was funny, entertaining, and made me smile. There were some serious performances here by some of Hollywood's young actresses. Anna Kendrick was awesome. I had never seen Anna before Twilight and had no idea she had such chops. She has lead actress written all over her and I love watching her. There is so much to say but I will just leave you with this...see it. The movie is actually funny and the soundtrack great! You will find yourself singing along and any movie that continually references The Breakfast Club can't be bad right!?
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Friday, December 21, 2012
The Outpouring Of Generosity Is OverWhelming
I am a crier. Some of my crying is done because of hurt feelings, and sad movies, but most of my crying happens when I feel love.
Today, I felt overwhelming love from so many people in my community. It happens often. I live in a wonderful town where I know sooo many people. This is the first place I ever set down roots and stayed longer than 5 years since I was born. We are here since 1998 and since the town is small, I know a lot of people.
Yesterday, the school principal asked me to come in before school started because she had something for me. It turned out her house was hit by a falling tree today so she was late. The nurse handed me a bag with two wrapped presents. One for each of my children. I was so touched. Goddess who was sick was with me so I put the bag behind my back and we both ran to the car in the rain. She asked what they had to give me and I said, a piece of paper. I stashed it in my trunk.
We pulled out of the parking lot and I was tearing up thinking about the school and how good they are to my family when I get to the stop sign my phone rings. It is the school. "Can you come back? Nothing is wrong, it is a good thing."
I head back and leave Goddess locked in the car because she asked if she could please stay. Her fever makes her tired so she asked for my phone to listen to music and I headed in.
Heading to the office I told them she was in the car, the all said they hoped she was better soon and we talked for a second about how so many kids and teachers have been sick. I could see the car from where I was and was getting anxious that my sweetie was alone for 3 minutes now. The principal walked over and handed me two gift cards. She hugged me and said, "from my hometown who wanted to help families in this area that are hurting" I started crying and was hugged by all in the office. The school has been so generous to my family after hearing that we were financially struggling We are part of a snack pack where they send Handsome home with a backpack of snacks so I don't have to buy them for the kids. It really helps us budget better. We, like so many I know have been really affected financially. I am praying for a better new year but between my medical bills and Teach's business loss, it has been hard.
We have been so fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives who understand our situation and want to help. My sister in law has been amazing to us. My Uncle and Grandparents have offered to help although I can't bring myself to say yes, friends have provided hand me downs for both kids where we didn't even have to buy them anything new this year except for sneakers for Handsome, underwear and PJs for both and the school has helped in so many little ways.
I count my blessings every day but today, I counted them twice.
Today, I felt overwhelming love from so many people in my community. It happens often. I live in a wonderful town where I know sooo many people. This is the first place I ever set down roots and stayed longer than 5 years since I was born. We are here since 1998 and since the town is small, I know a lot of people.
Yesterday, the school principal asked me to come in before school started because she had something for me. It turned out her house was hit by a falling tree today so she was late. The nurse handed me a bag with two wrapped presents. One for each of my children. I was so touched. Goddess who was sick was with me so I put the bag behind my back and we both ran to the car in the rain. She asked what they had to give me and I said, a piece of paper. I stashed it in my trunk.
We pulled out of the parking lot and I was tearing up thinking about the school and how good they are to my family when I get to the stop sign my phone rings. It is the school. "Can you come back? Nothing is wrong, it is a good thing."
I head back and leave Goddess locked in the car because she asked if she could please stay. Her fever makes her tired so she asked for my phone to listen to music and I headed in.
Heading to the office I told them she was in the car, the all said they hoped she was better soon and we talked for a second about how so many kids and teachers have been sick. I could see the car from where I was and was getting anxious that my sweetie was alone for 3 minutes now. The principal walked over and handed me two gift cards. She hugged me and said, "from my hometown who wanted to help families in this area that are hurting" I started crying and was hugged by all in the office. The school has been so generous to my family after hearing that we were financially struggling We are part of a snack pack where they send Handsome home with a backpack of snacks so I don't have to buy them for the kids. It really helps us budget better. We, like so many I know have been really affected financially. I am praying for a better new year but between my medical bills and Teach's business loss, it has been hard.
We have been so fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives who understand our situation and want to help. My sister in law has been amazing to us. My Uncle and Grandparents have offered to help although I can't bring myself to say yes, friends have provided hand me downs for both kids where we didn't even have to buy them anything new this year except for sneakers for Handsome, underwear and PJs for both and the school has helped in so many little ways.
I count my blessings every day but today, I counted them twice.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Candice Night - Reflections Review
The 411 by Maria and Goddess:
The songs are a mix of folk, pop and country to me. Goddess like them too. She is so into music so I usually just ask her what she thinks. 7 year old Goddess thinks she looks like an angel and sounds like she would be nice.
What I love most and this is usually something I say about female vocalists is that she writes her own stuff! Singer/songwriters amaze me.
My favorite was Black Roses, the melody is beautiful and haunting it reminded me not of Stevie Nicks or Karen Carpenter as some have been saying but Lee Ann Womack.
I've Loved, I've Lost
My Dreams Were Well Worth The Cost
Her voice is light and sweet.
We like Wind Is Calling (Hush the Wind) with it's catchy chorus. We actually sang it in the car together after hearing it one time.
While she isn't what I would normally listen to. I prefer a more powerful voice, her voice is pretty and soft!
Our least favorite song was Dangerous Smile. While I appreciate the rock guitar the funky vocal reminded me of Britney Spears.
If you are looking for a power house singer who gives you chills or makes you feel raw emotion this is not for you but country music fans and easy listening fans, this may be the new singer you have been looking for.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
NYC Through My Car Window
Two weeks ago, Teach, the kids and I went to visit my grandparents. On the way back, we drove through Manhattan as the kids have never been there and after many, many Home Alone 2 viewings, they talk about it all the time.
I am not a good passenger on a good day but driving through Manhattan during the holiday season in Times Square made me even a worse passenger (I swear Teach was a Livery Driver in another life). To keep myself from freaking out, I kept myself busy by taking some photos.
I am not a good passenger on a good day but driving through Manhattan during the holiday season in Times Square made me even a worse passenger (I swear Teach was a Livery Driver in another life). To keep myself from freaking out, I kept myself busy by taking some photos.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst - REVIEW
The 411 by Sonia:
I really loved this book even though I haven't had
a chance to read Jennifer's first two books The Marriage Trap or The Marriage Bargain. Now that I have read The Marriage Mistake, I
do plan on reading them as soon as I can. I absolutely adored The Marriage Mistake by
Jennifer Probst! Right from the beginning you immediately
know Corina a 26 year old feisty virgin who has a thing for her brothers best friend Max
since childhood. I can really appreciate how she goes about getting Max to see her as a woman and not a little girl anymore. You are gonna absolutely love Mama
Conte.
Throughout the story I just want them to realize that they are so right for each other. Jennifer, weaves their story beautifully. It is not only a very sexy love story but I also amusing.
You absolutely must read the Married to a Billionaire Series by Jennifer Probst.
Disclaimer: We received a copy of this book for our honest opinion.
Throughout the story I just want them to realize that they are so right for each other. Jennifer, weaves their story beautifully. It is not only a very sexy love story but I also amusing.
You absolutely must read the Married to a Billionaire Series by Jennifer Probst.
Disclaimer: We received a copy of this book for our honest opinion.
Footprints In The Sand by Mary Jane Clark
The 411 by Maria:
I had handed this off to one of my new book reviewers but she was unable to read it stating that she just couldn't get into it with so much going on in her life. Knowing I now had to read it upset me a bit. I didn't have the time and that is why I had finally decided to start handing off some reviews. I opened it wondering why she couldn't get into it. I still am not sure why she couldn't it was a really good story filled with intrigue and mystery. Normally I am not a mystery fan but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
There is a murder, we know who the victim is, we know who the unwilling accomplice is and we know who the witness is. We also get to hear the voice of the murder although we are unsure of who it is, these chapters from their prospective were my favorite.
The characters are written very well. I could totally see them as Mary wrote what I feel would be a great movie. It still feels like it was a movie. While it was slow at times, I really think the characters, especially Piper, the main character was someone I would hope to be. She is headstrong and never gives up. She keeps trying to piece together this mystery that has rocked this little town.
Our Personalized Mat
This year I polled my friends and community to ask what I should give my grandparents for Christmas. They are in their 90s. Over 35 people responded with things like, plants, gift cards, visits, pictures, a day of help, candy, home made cookies, etc. We did take them a few of those items but we also brought them a Floor Mat from Personal Creations.
We took one of my favorite colorful photos and through Personal Creations created a personalized photo floor mat for my grandparent's house that they loved!!! It is really amazing and bigger than I had expected!
Here is the original and the mat with my Goddess holding it. Both kids are asking for a mat for their room of their favorite photo and at the price, I may just do that.
It is so easy, you simply upload your favorite photo and wah-la!!!
With Personal Creations, you can create the perfect gift for someone you love.
We do love how it came out. We may just have to get one for our house.
We took one of my favorite colorful photos and through Personal Creations created a personalized photo floor mat for my grandparent's house that they loved!!! It is really amazing and bigger than I had expected!
Here is the original and the mat with my Goddess holding it. Both kids are asking for a mat for their room of their favorite photo and at the price, I may just do that.
It is so easy, you simply upload your favorite photo and wah-la!!!
With Personal Creations, you can create the perfect gift for someone you love.
We do love how it came out. We may just have to get one for our house.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Not Too Old To Ride!
Recently the hub and I took the kids to Ice Caverns in Fairfield NJ. I knew they had these rides and brought a bag full of change so the kids could ride the silly rides that you find at malls. They are big for them but I love that they still want to ride them. Before you know it, they won't be able to even fit in them so I say, ride em while you can.
My New Favorite Show: Call The Midwife! REVIEW
The 411 by Maria:
If you have not watched Call the Midwife yet, you are truly missing out. The series is so well done I have to remind myself it was created NOW. It is set in the 50s and full of drama. The midwives cater to the lower middle class in the poorest areas of London's East End with woman having babies in sometimes the most deplorable situations. The acting is incredible and while I do have my favorite characters there isn't a single actor/actress on this show that isn't wonderful. Even if you feel this is not sometimes you will enjoy, give it a try you may be very surprised. I have laughed and cried in almost every episode. Only on episode 6 Season 1 but will continue to watch until!
If you have not watched Call the Midwife yet, you are truly missing out. The series is so well done I have to remind myself it was created NOW. It is set in the 50s and full of drama. The midwives cater to the lower middle class in the poorest areas of London's East End with woman having babies in sometimes the most deplorable situations. The acting is incredible and while I do have my favorite characters there isn't a single actor/actress on this show that isn't wonderful. Even if you feel this is not sometimes you will enjoy, give it a try you may be very surprised. I have laughed and cried in almost every episode. Only on episode 6 Season 1 but will continue to watch until!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Our Yearly Trek Brings Us Company
The kids and I have spent 3 years heading over to Ice Caverns in Fairfield New Jersey. Usually it was after our Santa visit at the mall, we would head over there and see the holiday inspired animated windows. Last year we couldn't go because I was in the hospital but this year when we headed out, Teach came with!
It was awesome going out as a family. It isn't something we do often enough and I was happy just to have him with us. The kids were really excited too. Over the years, I rarely asked him to come anywhere because he needs to be worked into going out and sometimes we head out without much thought. This year, I asked him and he said yes.
When we got there it was much later than when I travel alone, I unlike most prefer getting everything done early in the day, so that at the end of the day, we aren't rushing around before bedtime. I was like that at work too. In the morning everyone wanted to socialize where I wanted to jump into work and talk later but that was usually when everyone else was trying to meet deadlines that they didn't meet during the day. Let me get back to the story. This year we decided instead of doing Santa pics at the mall, we would do them at Ice Caverns. When we got there, there was a line. I have never waited in line for Santa because usually I am the first one on the line, waiting for Santa to come in. This year, not so much.
Ice Caverns has TVs playing holiday classics. You can't hear them but you can watch. They also have a Christmas Village and seating for the wait which is something the mall doesn't have.
After our photos, which I paid $16.99 for an 8 x 10. Not bad considering. You are allowed one photo with your own camera. I took 3 this is the best of the three.
Then we headed to the Ice Caverns....the cost? $3.00 each! Not bad considering and the kids love it.
There are more photos to come after we left the Ice Caverns and ventured into the store to look at all the beautiful Christmas decorations but I have been sitting at this computer for 2 hours and it is time to get moving.
Have a great day.
It was awesome going out as a family. It isn't something we do often enough and I was happy just to have him with us. The kids were really excited too. Over the years, I rarely asked him to come anywhere because he needs to be worked into going out and sometimes we head out without much thought. This year, I asked him and he said yes.
When we got there it was much later than when I travel alone, I unlike most prefer getting everything done early in the day, so that at the end of the day, we aren't rushing around before bedtime. I was like that at work too. In the morning everyone wanted to socialize where I wanted to jump into work and talk later but that was usually when everyone else was trying to meet deadlines that they didn't meet during the day. Let me get back to the story. This year we decided instead of doing Santa pics at the mall, we would do them at Ice Caverns. When we got there, there was a line. I have never waited in line for Santa because usually I am the first one on the line, waiting for Santa to come in. This year, not so much.
Ice Caverns has TVs playing holiday classics. You can't hear them but you can watch. They also have a Christmas Village and seating for the wait which is something the mall doesn't have.
After our photos, which I paid $16.99 for an 8 x 10. Not bad considering. You are allowed one photo with your own camera. I took 3 this is the best of the three.
Then we headed to the Ice Caverns....the cost? $3.00 each! Not bad considering and the kids love it.
Have a great day.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Gift Idea for the Golfer!
I am so not a golfer but a lot of my friends/and or their husbands are. These are a pretty cool idea for the holiday or just because.
Visit Quick Spikes Golf
Thursday, December 06, 2012
My New "Take Along" Dish
Everyone I know has a "take along" dish that they are famous for or that they always bring with them when they visit for dinner or parties.
I have never had one dish. Usually I made whatever I felt like making but over the summer I met someone who made this and said everyone asks for it when she visits.
She didn't write the recipe for me but I remembered most of it (I hope) and altered it for my own taste.
This is an olive dip that tastes even better the second day.
In the fridge for at least two hours and serve with chips or baked Italian toast.
This is an olive dip that tastes even better the second day.
- Kalamata Olives
- Green Olives
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Basil
- Pepper
- A dash of mustard
- Sun dried tomatoes (not in hers but I had some)
In the fridge for at least two hours and serve with chips or baked Italian toast.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Goddess Casts Her Vote
I have the best teacher for Goddess this year and for me!
She is a crazy photographer like me who always has the camera with her and every two or three weeks sends a link to all her kids parents of photos she took in the class.
Here is one she took of Goddess casting her vote for the President.
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She told me who she voted for and wanted to make sure I cast my vote for her "guy". We were on opposing teams but never told her who I was voting for because I told her we are not supposed to share that.
I love that her teacher had the kids learn how important it is to vote and why they should do it. She is a great teacher with a great bunch of kids.
She is a crazy photographer like me who always has the camera with her and every two or three weeks sends a link to all her kids parents of photos she took in the class.
Here is one she took of Goddess casting her vote for the President.
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She told me who she voted for and wanted to make sure I cast my vote for her "guy". We were on opposing teams but never told her who I was voting for because I told her we are not supposed to share that.
I love that her teacher had the kids learn how important it is to vote and why they should do it. She is a great teacher with a great bunch of kids.
Thanksgiving 2012
I had a lot to be thankful for this year.
My stomach issues have all but disappeared. Thankfully! Knock on wood and all that jazz. No hospital stays or medication and I was ready to eat whatever I wanted.
Cooking started at 10:00 AM and didn't end until 4:00 PM.
I dragged Goddesses table from her bedroom into the kitchen, put my computer on it caught up on General Hospital on You Tube will I made pumpkin and chocolate cream pie. Diced onions, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, olives, and more.
Stuffed mushrooms, made stuffing, cooked the bird and a small chicken for Goddess who decided she didn't want to try turkey this year and got ready for a peaceful dinner of 4 with Goddess dressed as Pocohontas.
Goddess had the table set by 10 AM complete with name tags and stayed in the kitchen with me doing a few chores as asked while the Teach and Handsome stayed on the couch watching the football.
It was a perfect day except the house was wayyyy to hot. I had to keep stepping outside because between the wood stove and the oven all day...yikes.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
 |
| I could so go for this right about now! |
My stomach issues have all but disappeared. Thankfully! Knock on wood and all that jazz. No hospital stays or medication and I was ready to eat whatever I wanted.
Cooking started at 10:00 AM and didn't end until 4:00 PM.
I dragged Goddesses table from her bedroom into the kitchen, put my computer on it caught up on General Hospital on You Tube will I made pumpkin and chocolate cream pie. Diced onions, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, olives, and more.
Stuffed mushrooms, made stuffing, cooked the bird and a small chicken for Goddess who decided she didn't want to try turkey this year and got ready for a peaceful dinner of 4 with Goddess dressed as Pocohontas.
Goddess had the table set by 10 AM complete with name tags and stayed in the kitchen with me doing a few chores as asked while the Teach and Handsome stayed on the couch watching the football.
It was a perfect day except the house was wayyyy to hot. I had to keep stepping outside because between the wood stove and the oven all day...yikes.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Don't Waste Those Potato Peels!!
While peeling potatoes this past Thanksgiving for mashed potatoes, Teach asked me to try something.
We tossed the peels with some olive oil and sea salt and put them in the oven for 25 minutes. They came out crispy and tasty as he had expected they would.
We ate them just like that but I bet they would taste delish dipped in a BBQ sauce or yogurt and salsa dip.
I will never toss potato skins again!
I will never toss potato skins again!
Monday, December 03, 2012
Some Lovely Holiday Decorations
We went for Santa photos last weekend and while I didn't have more time than usual to take photos of the beautiful holiday products all around me, I grabbed a few. It was much more important that "Teach" with with us and the kids "had the best day ever."
Which one is your favorite?
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