ABOUT ME

My Blogs allow me to rant and rave about movies, scrapbooking, motherhood, saving money, and whatever else I'd like. I'm finding it to be a great release for me. I hope that others enjoy it as well.


Click my name to find out fun facts about Moi

Game Party & Wii Sports (wii)
Game Party is probably the cheapest game we have other than the Wii sports (free with the system) and it's one of my favorites. I really like Wii Sports too. Unlike with other systems, where if you don't like sports, you're probably not going to want to go out and buy a sports game; with the Wii it really doesn't matter if you like sports or not. The Wii, honestly, has a way of making everything fun for everyone.

The sports and the games featured in Game Party (darts, hoops, ski ball, table hockey, etc.) make you feel like you have skills. For instance, I'm 5'2" but I am the reigning champ on basketball. Who knew I was so good? Well now you know.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (wii)
My husband wanted Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for the Wii so bad, I just had to get it. He had played Guitar Hero on other systems, over at other people's houses, and I'd always just watched. So, I never really thought I'd play it once we got it for the Wii, but I did and I liked it. Mind you, I suck royally but I'm getting better. It is a lot of fun just trying. I know, I'm never going to be Slash, but I've come to terms with that.

We went ahead and looked up the cheats on-line so that we could unlock all the songs and things because who knows how long it would have taken us to do it the way you're supposed to. I highly recommend that to anyone who isn't going to play it every day but wants the full choice of songs when they do play. Just google it.
Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party (wii)
We got Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party for the Wii a couple weeks back. I've been doing it every day for the exercise. They actually have an exercise mode that helps count calories. Also, this game allows you to use the remote and nunchuk so you're getting more of a full-body work-out than with the other DDR games.

I personally like this alot better than Guitar Hero because I'm a much better dancer than musician, that's for sure. The different levels make it easy for anyone. Well, I say easy as in it can be a lot of fun even if you're not that good. You work your butt off though, literally.
Hot Rod with Andy Samberg
Well, my husband finally convinced me to watch Hot Rod with Andy Samberg. I like Andy Samberg on SNL so I thought maybe I'd like this movie. However, let me put it to you this way, if not for SNL's Bill Hader, I would have hated it. You know Bill Hader as the guy who plays Vincent Price on SNL. Well, he saved the movie for me, but barely mind you. It still wasn't my thing.

For one thing, Isla Fisher is also in it. You know her as the girl in every movie out right now. Enough already! Another thing about this movie is that for you've probably seen the first half hour of this movie on previews. It was so bad, I was wondering if I had seen it already and just didn't remember

My husband did like it but he should because it's a total guy movie.
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Pampers vs other Diapers
Before I had my baby someone recommended Pampers over the other diapers and I so I bought some. I also bought the Luvs and Huggies, just to see; and man, were they right. I much prefer Pampers over Luvs or Huggies. You can tell by the feel of them that they're better. They fit much better.

Another good thing about Pampers is that they have points on their products that they call "grow points". These can be collected and exchanged for different toys and things. So that's an extra bonus.

If you go to their web site, you can read more about the points, including where to find the points within the packaging.

One tip for moms to be is to start stocking up on diapers before you have the baby. Luckily, someone told us this and it turned out to be great advise. I just wouldn't get too many newborn diapers because they go through them so quick. My baby was 10 lbs. so he didn't use them much at all. I'd get 1's or 2's. They'll eventually need them so you can't go wrong. Most stores will let you exchange them if you do happen to outgrow something you've stocked up on. Hope that helps.
Books by James Redfield
The Celestine Prophecy. I don't know how to describe this book really. It's about a journey of discovery. I guess you could say it's like the book "The Secret" in that it makes you look at life in a different way.

Celestine Prophecy is the first of three. It is the best of the series. Though it is a work of fiction, it felt very believable. The book does leave you with real questions about what you think about life’s “coincidences” and about purpose. Any book that can make you think about deeper meaning, fiction or not, is worth the read.


The Tenth Insight. I thought this was a great follow-up to The Celestine Prophecy. Anyone who liked the first book should not be disappointed by this one.
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Books by Gregory Maguire
Mirror Mirror. This was the first Gregory Maguire book that I read. I almost didn't get past the first chapter of this book because it read too much like Shakespeare to me. However, I pushed on and I was glad that I did because it didn't take long to catch on.

True, the story took some bizarre turns, but I actually fell in love with the way that Maguire writes. I liked the different perspectives that he told the story from. I thought it was an interesting take on the story of Snow White. The only thing that I would warn against is that it isn't child-friendly and I didn't feel any real resolution in the end.


Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. I liked this book alot better than Gregory Maguire's "Mirror Mirror". Once you get used to the way that he writes, it flows really nicely. I thought the imagery was nice. In some places it reads alot like poetry to me and I like that as well.

As with all of Maguire's books, it was done from a new perspective and it actually made me dislike Cinderella, which I didn't expect. Finally, there was resolution at the end and I didn't walk away disappointed. What more can you ask for?


Son Of A Witch. On the good side, this book had interesting spins on the characters; and once I got past the first few chapters, I was riveted to the point that I could not put it down.

On the negative side, I didn’t care for a lot of the military storyline and I didn’t feel real resolution at the end at all. The more I read Gregory Maguire’s books, the more I realize how disappointing his endings tend to be. It’s unfortunate because he is a good writer. Even if you don’t like the ending though, something has to be said for the journey.
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David Cook's rip off
Now I love David Cook. As I've mentioned before, he's from my State; only a hop, skip and a jump away. But I cannot go without mentioning that his version of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean is not his own but is Chris Cornell's (Audioslave & Sound Garden lead singer) version. Just like Chris Daughtry took Live's version of Johnny Cash's I walk the Line and tried to pass it as his own.

I keep thinking that maybe he said where he got the idea and I just didn't hear it. If that's the case, feel free to let me know. I'd feel better about it actually. I just think credit should be given to Chris Cornell on this one for those who didn't know, otherwise you're left to think how inventive David Cook is.

Now I'm wondering about his version of Lionel Richie's Hello. Was that someone else's version that I just didn't know about? That sucks because I loved both songs a lot and I still love David Cook. Just want him to fess up.
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Tyra Banks & America's Next Top Model
I do watch America's Next Top Model and have since the beginning, but I cannot stand Tyra Banks. Now I'm hearing that she's some sort of gay icon and I don't get this at all. I find her to be just plain annoying. Mind you I'm not gay but if you are and want to explain it to me, please do. If I couldn't record the show and fast forward through her parts, I couldn't watch the show at all.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
I was wondering why whenever I heard anything about this movie, all of the glory went to Casey Affleck instead of Brad Pitt and now I know it's because Casey Affleck did a great job, while Brad Pitt just didn't.

At the start of the movie, they tell you all of these idiosyncrasies about Jesse James (Brad Pitt) like how his eyes blink more than usual and how sick he was. But you don't see Brad Pitt blinking an excessive amount, nor do you really see much of the sickness that they're talking about. Now I get that he may have been hiding his sickness but to make a point of mentioning it and then not portraying it just confused me.

Other than that, like I said, Casey Affleck did a great job. The movie was solid and especially interesting for me considering that I've lived in many of the places that they mention in the movie. My family still lives in the town where he was born. They have a museum there. That being said, I've always been more of a Billy the Kid fan myself. I even went to Lincoln county to see Billy's old stomping grounds.
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Hefty kitchen bags vs. Glad
Do you remember the Hefty commercials where they'd show their bags being picked up and they'd say, "Hefty, Hefty, Hefty."; then show someone else's bags falling apart and say, "Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy"? Well Hefty is "Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy". I find that they fall apart easily and so Glad bags are all that I use now.
Oprah & The Big Give

Ugh, I've had this show recording since it started but never watched it because frankly, I can't stand Oprah. Yes I said it and I know it's like blaspheme for some, but she is not a God people. I actually used to love her as much as anyone else. This is back when she was one of us and had problems we could relate to. When she had weight issues and didn't preach about losing weight when anyone could lose weight if they had a personal trainer and a personal chef.

Back before her show was just about her sitting down with her rich friends and talking about their great lives. I swear if I have to hear her mention John Travolta again, I'll die. Speaking of which I have this theory that she's a secret-Scientologist because she is friends with so many of them.

My final straw was when she did the traveling show with her friend Gayle, like we care anything about Gayle. Before they went to break they set it up like, "see what Oprah hasn't done in 25 years". Then we come to find out she hasn't pumped her own gas in 25 years. I knew right then, that she is no longer one of us. Not even close. So, I took her show off my DVR and never looked back.

Anyway, I've steered off course. About The Big Give, I, finally, got through an episode and I'm not impressed. All I could think the whole way through was, "Can they tell people that they're doing an Oprah show?". If they can, then the whole thing is a farce because even homeless people would give their last bread crumb if Oprah's name was mentioned. If the purpose is to show us what we can do to give, then it's misleading. I mean I'm all for giving but I just wish Oprah's name wasn't attached.
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American Idol Country vs. Rock
So, Amanda Overmyer ("the rocker"), one of my top girls, was voted off American Idol last week. That's fine because they'll all have to go before one of the guys wins it. However, I think Kristy Lee Cook ("Country Girl") should have went first.

In fact, I don't think country singers should be allowed on the show. Country music is it's own thing. They have shows specifically for country singers. Most people who like country music, as far as I've seen and I've known some real country lovers, listen to country and nothing else. Thus, all the country lovers will vote for this girl whether she's the best or not.

Now, I know rockers could be considered to be in their own sect as well. However, there is more than one rocker to choose from. Amanda Overmyer was an acquired taste and I get that so I'm not heartbroken. Now, if David Cook goes, the show might as well be over for me.
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Walgreens and my secret
I hesitate to let people know this because it's like it's my little secret but Walgreens has the greatest rebates. Honestly, they have everything from shampoo and toothpaste to skin products and vitamins. You can get it all free thru rebates. You can view their rebates on-line at their site. I love that store!

Speaking of Walgreens; I recently went to Chicago and man, they have one on every block almost. It was insane because here, in KC, hardly anyone goes to them. I'm sure it's because you can't always run into a giant supermart everytime you want to pick up something in the city, but Chicago's not messing around. They don't want anyone to have to walk any distance to have to get to a Walgreens.
Schick Intuition Razor
I don't remember how or why but I got a free Schick Intuition Razor. This particular razor has a moisturizing bar around the top. While it was good for the first few days; once the moisturizing bar wears down, you're left with this big, awkward razor.

Disappointed, I wrote Schick and they ended up sending me a coupon for another free one, just in case the first one was faulty. It was not. I just don't like the razor. However, I was impressed by their customer service.
Provo Craft / Cricut vs. Fiskars paper trimmers
I originally bought the Provo Craft paper trimmer when I couldn't find blades for my Fiskars trimmer at JoAnn's and was very disappointed. For one thing, the surface is too slick. The paper slides around and causes you to make crooked cuts. On top of that, the arm snaps into place, making it tedious to have to make multiple cuts.
So, I wrote Provo Craft and complained so they sent me their Cricut version. Well, it's the same exact thing. Now, I'm stuck with two worthless cutters and I go to Michael's to get blades for my Fiskar's paper trimmer.

Fiskars is well worth the money. I think it's only $15. It's arm raises to the side and does not snap into place, making it easy to turn your paper and make straight cuts.
Fisher-Price Rainforest
I have the Fisher-Price Rainforest bouncer, playard and the Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym and my baby really enjoys them.

I actually use the playard (playpen) as a changing table. Then, when he wants to play, I just snap off the attachment. It's great!

The bouncer stays in the office and is great for when I'm working.

The Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym is just great all-around because you can attach whatever toys you want to it and he can just play on that all day and never get bored if I let him.

The only problem I have with these, like with all the toys is that the songs get old fast. I know we considered buying the Rainforest swing but we use that to help him go to sleep and the songs are just too upbeat. Now that we have to hear the songs play in his other Rainforest items, I'm really glad we went with another swing.
Ninja Reflex (wii)
We just got Ninja Reflex for the Nintendo Wii. I'm not as impressed as I'd hoped to be. It seems like we went through the games pretty quickly.

Though we didn't go through all of the levels, we did sample everything and it left me wanting more for the money. If it had been $20 or even $30 then I'd have no problem. $40, now that's the problem. I don't know that I would have bought it if I'd played it beforehand. Still, it is fun and I'm sure I'll play it again now that I have it.
emusic.com
I had signed up for emusic.com, advertised with Netflix, where you can get 35 free music downloads. It sucked. I mean I like to think I have a wide variety of music knowledge and taste, but the choices there were too obscure. They didn't have any big name artists that I wanted and not alot of middle of the road artists either. I ended up cancelling before the trial even ended and still had songs remaining because there just wasn't enough selection to make it worthwhile. Personally, I don't have hours to spend searching for decent songs.
Nintendo Wii
I'm 30 and the last time I enjoyed gaming was with the original Nintendo (NES). However, the Nintendo Wii has changed that. It is the perfect system for me and my family. It is wholesome fun, not like the shooting games that I might enjoy if I were a teenage boy. After playing some of the games, you feel like you've had a workout and it's not just that your thumbs are sore like with the old games.

Everyone who has played our system, has ended up buying one of their own because it truly is fun for everyone. My mom has played it, my husband's parents. People we never thought would enjoy video games do with this system. I just love it and I'm so glad my husband stood out in the cold for hours to buy it. Even he says it was totally worth it.
Avent Bottles

Okay, I wrote Avent bottles because my husband and I are both unhappy with their products. Everytime we go to shake the bottle, formula goes everywhere. Then when it seems like we've got it, formula comes pouring out, down our baby's face.

Their response:



Thank you for contacting us about your AVENT Feeding Bottles. We have some advice that may help resolve the problems you have experienced.



The connection between the bottle and the nipple is very important as it provides a seal and vacuum to avoid leaking. Please be aware that over tightening of the screw cap should be avoided and that the nipple should be wet or damp during connection to ensure the best seal. This is achieved by wetting the skirt on the nipple and snapping it into the ring, making it upright and ready for use.



Additionally, we also suggest thoroughly cleaning the neck of the bottle when using formula as any residue of powder could obstruct the anti-colic valve. In this case, it is more advisable to mix the formula prior to putting it into the bottle, making sure the powder is completely dissolved.

While all of that sounds fine and good, the fact of the matter is when you have a screaming baby demanding a bottle and fast, you don't have time to do all of these steps to ensure a perfect seal. So they can suck it. I won't be using their products anymore.
K-Mart
  • Coupon doubling cannot exceed price of item
  • Limit 1 coupon per item
  • Only 1 coupon doubled per item
  • You can only double up to four like coupons per purchase
  • Excludes Buy 1 Get 1 Free Offers
  • You can use up to 75 coupons per person per day
  • Kmart now accepts internet printable coupons
  • No cash or in store credit awarded for any amt. exceeding retail price of item
  • Does not apply to sales tax
  • Limit 75 coupons per customer per day
  • Excludes items limited by law - including alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medication.
  • Not valid on non-merchandise, federal or state regulated items, prior purchases, Land’s End, Sears merchandise rung on Sear registers within Kmart and Kmart.com.
  • If you return an item, coupon amount may be deducted from refund

    You can get $5 off your $50 or more order when you sign up for the email newsletter.

    Thanks to Deal Seeking Mom among others
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American Idol Leaders

Here are my top 3 guys who happen to be my top 3 in general. When they were first showing the contestants who had made it, I thought the women looked strong but I've since changed my mind. I actually love the men this year. They make me glad that my family forced me to watch, I'm sorry to say.

David Cook is from my state, Missouri but on his myspace it shows that he lived in Tulsa Oklahoma. That's OK with me because I used to live there too.

Michael Johns is an Aussie and I love Aussie's.

Jason Castro, he's a genuine sweetheart; unlike David Archuleta. Something about him comes off as cocky. Maybe he should be because he's so young and so good but I'd rather him just be openly cocky than secretly so.
These are my favorite ladies on the show:

Amanda Overmyer, aka "the rocker chick". I like her but doubt she'll make it the whole way.

Carly Smithson- she's good, very Celine Dion-like

Brooke White- she doesn't sing my favorite type of music (Carly Simon, Joanie Mitchell etc.) but she knows who she is and I like that about her. It's really the same thing with Jason Castro. I like him but he's not normally my style.
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American Idol B.S.
Okay, this is fresh in my mind so I'll start with this. I can't get over the fact that American Idol is keeping David Hernandez on after finding out he worked as a nude stripper. Of course it shouldn't surprise me after they kept Antonella Barba on after finding she posed for provocative photos. None of which do I even care about except for the fact that they kicked off Frenchie Davis for similar behavior due to it being a "family show". The hypocrisy kills me.

I should say, I didn't even want to watch the show anymore after the whole Antonella Barba thing but my family's hooked. Reality tv is like drug. I swear it's rotting our minds and yet we keep watching. I've cut out a lot though. I used to watch it all, and now I stopped watching Survivor (after the rich/poor thing that was also B.S.), The Apprentice ("you're fired" I get it), The Bachelor, and some other smaller shows. So, I'm definitely working on it.
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Facts about Moi
  1. The picture shown is a patch I manipulated of a girl I thought looked like me when I was in my 20's.
  2. I have been with my husband for 10 wonderful years now
  3. We have a beautiful baby boy, Jax
  4. I have OCD
  5. I am somewhat "obsessed" with going green. See my Blog, Green Alert
  6. I love army green anything
  7. I am not very girly but I do like bags, winter hats and coats
  8. I am probably the least materialistic person you're going to meet
  9. I am not very observant
  10. I like cutting coupons, saving money and going to garage sales and thrift stores
  11. I grew up poor, in a bad part of town and I'm so thankful for the experience
  12. I am also thankful to have moved on
  13. I love to travel
  14. I have a degree in psychology/criminal justice
  15. I have made my living at home, doing on-line sales
  16. I started blogging to fill the space when my baby was first born and slept alot.
  17. I like to scrapbook, do altered art, paint, make beaded dolls, etc.
  18. I'm also a movie buff. before I had my baby, I had a group of people who'd go see 2 or 3 movies a day on the weekends with me and my husband.
  19. I tend to complain alot, but in the end I truly know that...
  20. I AM BLESSED!
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