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
Tuesday nights have become one of the better nights for tv as far as I'm concerned. First with American Idol and then Hell's Kitchen. I just love Gordon Ramsay and I'm guessing maybe it's for the same reasons why people seem to love Simon Cowell. There's just something appealing about a person who knows what they're talking about especially when we're bombarded by so many idiots on tv these days.
I like Ramsay more than Cowell because I don't know that I always agree with Simon. Two prime examples: Il Divo and Leona Lewis, who he helped discover. They're really not my thing.
Gordon Ramsay, however, knows his stuff. If I were wanting to be a chef and was lucky enough to end up studying under him, I'd listen to every word. Unlike some of the people who get on his shows and act like they know better. That, or like season 1's winner, Michael who was given the opportunity to work for Chef Ramsay and ended up flaking out on him. I can't even imagine giving up that opportunity. Oh well, I'm babbling, but that just blew my mind.
I like Ramsay more than Cowell because I don't know that I always agree with Simon. Two prime examples: Il Divo and Leona Lewis, who he helped discover. They're really not my thing.
Gordon Ramsay, however, knows his stuff. If I were wanting to be a chef and was lucky enough to end up studying under him, I'd listen to every word. Unlike some of the people who get on his shows and act like they know better. That, or like season 1's winner, Michael who was given the opportunity to work for Chef Ramsay and ended up flaking out on him. I can't even imagine giving up that opportunity. Oh well, I'm babbling, but that just blew my mind.
Last night, on American Idol, it was Neil Diamond night. Neil Diamond, now that's great stuff! I'm not a die-hard fan, but I enjoy Neil Diamond music when it comes on the radio.
I thought David Cook out-shined the others, yet again. I'm sorry but Brooke White and Jason Castro need to step it up. They seem to have fallen into a rut. Jason may have given up all together.
As it is right now, it looks like it's going to come down to David Cook and David Archuleta. I guess we'll see.
I have found myself spending a lot of time over at blogexplosion.com. It is a great way to get traffic to your blog and there are several fun ways to do it.
You can surf others blogs, each time earning traffic to your own blog. So, the more you surf the more you will be exposed to other surfers. You can also play games. I personally like Blog Tycoon. Blog Tycoon is very much like regular blog surfing except that there are levels. In these levels you could potentially earn a great deal of credits but you also run the risk of being detected during the levels and losing any credits you've earned while playing the game. I like to play this while I'm feeding my baby. I can surf easily with one hand and a click of my mouse.
They also have scratch off tickets you can "buy" for only 1 credit each, but I haven't had any luck with them.
My favorite of all the "games" is Battle of the Blogs where you can compete against other blogs for credits. If you were to check out the site, I'd hope you'd vote for my blogs. My username is Callmekelly. I actually have a few blogs you can check out if you'd like. They're listed here.
If you're competing on Battle of the Blogs and would like a vote, let me know. Or who knows, maybe we'll battle. It's all in good fun really. I mean it's just credits, not money. I, personally, find it motivating to try and make my blogs as nice as possible. I know that when I'm voting on other blogs, I tend to be drawn toward the more visually stunning rather than content. Content is important but when you may only be looking for a short time, it's the visual statement that seems to leave an impression. I'm still working on mine. Let me know what you think so far. I'd appreciate it.
You can surf others blogs, each time earning traffic to your own blog. So, the more you surf the more you will be exposed to other surfers. You can also play games. I personally like Blog Tycoon. Blog Tycoon is very much like regular blog surfing except that there are levels. In these levels you could potentially earn a great deal of credits but you also run the risk of being detected during the levels and losing any credits you've earned while playing the game. I like to play this while I'm feeding my baby. I can surf easily with one hand and a click of my mouse.
They also have scratch off tickets you can "buy" for only 1 credit each, but I haven't had any luck with them.
My favorite of all the "games" is Battle of the Blogs where you can compete against other blogs for credits. If you were to check out the site, I'd hope you'd vote for my blogs. My username is Callmekelly. I actually have a few blogs you can check out if you'd like. They're listed here.
If you're competing on Battle of the Blogs and would like a vote, let me know. Or who knows, maybe we'll battle. It's all in good fun really. I mean it's just credits, not money. I, personally, find it motivating to try and make my blogs as nice as possible. I know that when I'm voting on other blogs, I tend to be drawn toward the more visually stunning rather than content. Content is important but when you may only be looking for a short time, it's the visual statement that seems to leave an impression. I'm still working on mine. Let me know what you think so far. I'd appreciate it.
Word on the street is that the tv show, ER is finally coming to an end. I am surprised, however, to hear that it is still on. I could have sworn it ended 10 years ago, when I stopped watching it. So, to find out that it will have gone 15 seasons before it's end is crazy to me. All I can say is thank goodness for House and Grey's Anatomy, or who knows what ER fans would do now.
Personally, I'm sick of all the hospital dramas and law dramas too for that matter. I've watched House and it is what it is. I won't say anything bad about it or my sister would kill me. I don't really have anything bad to say. It's just not my thing.
I watched Grey's Anatomy up until the whole Isaiah Washington thing. The fact that they kept him on the show for as long as they did after what he said about his co-star, T.R. Knight, that turned me off the show forever.
Like I said, I even liked ER for awhile but it turned into a soap opera with characters that changed every week and the original cast is what made the show for me.
I gave up my daytime soap operas too. I used to watch all the ABC soaps, including Loving, which isn't on anymore. The Nico & Cecily storyline was the best. Nico was played by Maurice Benard, who now plays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, another soap I used to watch. In fact, I named my son Jax, a character played by Ingo Rademacher on the show. It's not why I named my son that but it definitely went through my mind when I thought of it.
I also watched All My Children, but the hardest soap opera for me to give up was One Life To Live. Though, I have to say it was much easier after the original Todd Manning, Roger Howarth, left the show. Still, I hung on for quite awhile after that, hoping he'd come back I guess. It didn't happen and now I think he's on As the World Turns. If he were to come back to OLTL, then who knows, they might win back a fan.
I could just watch him on his current show but it was really the combo of him playing that character and following it from the beginning. Oh well, it's probably for the best. This all fits into my quest to stop watching so much tv.
Personally, I'm sick of all the hospital dramas and law dramas too for that matter. I've watched House and it is what it is. I won't say anything bad about it or my sister would kill me. I don't really have anything bad to say. It's just not my thing.
I watched Grey's Anatomy up until the whole Isaiah Washington thing. The fact that they kept him on the show for as long as they did after what he said about his co-star, T.R. Knight, that turned me off the show forever.
Like I said, I even liked ER for awhile but it turned into a soap opera with characters that changed every week and the original cast is what made the show for me.
I gave up my daytime soap operas too. I used to watch all the ABC soaps, including Loving, which isn't on anymore. The Nico & Cecily storyline was the best. Nico was played by Maurice Benard, who now plays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, another soap I used to watch. In fact, I named my son Jax, a character played by Ingo Rademacher on the show. It's not why I named my son that but it definitely went through my mind when I thought of it.
I also watched All My Children, but the hardest soap opera for me to give up was One Life To Live. Though, I have to say it was much easier after the original Todd Manning, Roger Howarth, left the show. Still, I hung on for quite awhile after that, hoping he'd come back I guess. It didn't happen and now I think he's on As the World Turns. If he were to come back to OLTL, then who knows, they might win back a fan.I could just watch him on his current show but it was really the combo of him playing that character and following it from the beginning. Oh well, it's probably for the best. This all fits into my quest to stop watching so much tv.
Before you get started scrapbooking, you may want to decide what suits your personal style. To do this, you might want to look at some examples of other people's work. There are several scrapbooking magazines out now; the biggest of which are Creating Keepsakes and Making Memories. A lot of times these magazines can be found at the local library. There are also tons of resources on the net. I personally recommend Scrapjazz and Two Peas in a Bucket for their extensive scrapbook galleries.
When looking at others' work, pay attention to what interests you. Are you drawn to towards simple pages with single photos? Or do you prefer the pages with all the bells and whistles? If you like the minimal look, the 8.5 x 11 albums may suit your needs. However, if you like the more involved layouts, you'll probably want to go ahead and get the 12 x 12 albums. They give you more room for more pictures. Paper can be more expensive this way but there are usually sales going on at the local craft stores.
The next question you should ask yourself is, why do you want to scrapbook? If you are wanting to preserve memories for many years to come, than you will want to concern yourself more with photo safety. You will need to make sure that the items you buy state that they are "photo safe" or "acid free". If, on the other hand, you are wanting to scrapbook simply as a hobby and are not as concerned with the longevity of your pages, than you can be a little more free with what embellishments you use.
Another option for those looking to begin a new craft would be altered books or altered art. This is something that is very popular right now and can be a wonderful way to express yourself without as many worries about preservation. There are some wonderful examples of altered art out on the web.
Whether it's scrapbooking or altered art, if the purpose is to keep your family's legacy alive, journaling can be the most important element next to the photos. Just remember to use acid free pens, stickers, etc.
Scrapbooking can be very addictive, and you can easily find yourself buying all kinds of things that you will never use. Hopefully, asking yourself these questions before you go buy supplies will help save you both time and money.
When looking at others' work, pay attention to what interests you. Are you drawn to towards simple pages with single photos? Or do you prefer the pages with all the bells and whistles? If you like the minimal look, the 8.5 x 11 albums may suit your needs. However, if you like the more involved layouts, you'll probably want to go ahead and get the 12 x 12 albums. They give you more room for more pictures. Paper can be more expensive this way but there are usually sales going on at the local craft stores.
The next question you should ask yourself is, why do you want to scrapbook? If you are wanting to preserve memories for many years to come, than you will want to concern yourself more with photo safety. You will need to make sure that the items you buy state that they are "photo safe" or "acid free". If, on the other hand, you are wanting to scrapbook simply as a hobby and are not as concerned with the longevity of your pages, than you can be a little more free with what embellishments you use.
Another option for those looking to begin a new craft would be altered books or altered art. This is something that is very popular right now and can be a wonderful way to express yourself without as many worries about preservation. There are some wonderful examples of altered art out on the web.
Whether it's scrapbooking or altered art, if the purpose is to keep your family's legacy alive, journaling can be the most important element next to the photos. Just remember to use acid free pens, stickers, etc.
Scrapbooking can be very addictive, and you can easily find yourself buying all kinds of things that you will never use. Hopefully, asking yourself these questions before you go buy supplies will help save you both time and money.
First Michael Johns now Carly. Not only should Carly Smithson have stayed last night; she, nor Syesha, should have even been in the bottom. I'm afraid to say it but Jason Castro or Brooke White should have been the ones to leave.
I like Jason alot but he tried to take on Memories, a song sung passionately by Barbra Streisand, and he murdered it. I don't think he got what the song was about, the emotion of it and thus he shouldn't have tried to take it on.
Brooke, Paula was absolutely right, you have stopped and started 2 songs now and you can't do that. I have never been to a show where a professional has done that, never! Randy and Simon should have backed Paula on that one. The one time Paula says something without sugar coating and they left her out to dry. Even Brooke knew she should have been in the bottom.
Thankfully, my husband reminded me that this happens every year, where the wrong people get sent home, and they still get record deals and everything works out. There can only be one winner and that's got to be David Cook.
I like Jason alot but he tried to take on Memories, a song sung passionately by Barbra Streisand, and he murdered it. I don't think he got what the song was about, the emotion of it and thus he shouldn't have tried to take it on.
Brooke, Paula was absolutely right, you have stopped and started 2 songs now and you can't do that. I have never been to a show where a professional has done that, never! Randy and Simon should have backed Paula on that one. The one time Paula says something without sugar coating and they left her out to dry. Even Brooke knew she should have been in the bottom.
Thankfully, my husband reminded me that this happens every year, where the wrong people get sent home, and they still get record deals and everything works out. There can only be one winner and that's got to be David Cook.
I've spent the past could days checking out the blogosphere or others blogs, the blogging community, whatever you want to call it. I find it to be really helpful in getting me more focused. I realize I need a clearer vision with my blogs.
So, I have been trying to go back through old posts:
So, I have been trying to go back through old posts:
- Adding more content and pictures
- Making the content count. If it's a book, I name the title and the author; if it's a singer, I post song titles, etc. Basically, mentioning anything people might be searching for in regard to my subject.
- If I've written about something similar on other blogs, I link to that post
- Asking the reader questions to try and get them engaged
- Trying to find other relevant resources
- Trying to get my blog looking sharp
If anyone has any other tips, I'd love to hear them. I'll keep you posted on any new tips I come across.
Yesterday, I signed up at Feedburner.com. Honestly, feed is a whole area that I get when I read about it but I'm not going to pretend to understand it enough to try and explain it to anyone else. Google has a Feed 101 article that I suggest reading. It helped me.
For those who don't care to go read a long article, I will say this. The short of it is that by having your site's feed available to others, it allows them to subscribe to your blog. That means that they can get updates and information from your blog without having to go back and check your blog everyday. Instead, they can get your new posts through their email, "mobile devices" or they can post it on their site. So, it's a good thing to provide for others because you want subscribers. What good is a blog if no one reads it?
Blogger does provide you with your feed but Feedburner gives you some bonus features including data showing you "how many subscribers you have, where they're coming from and what they like best".
It is super easy. You just set up an account with Feedburner and then put in your blog's url address. They give you your feed address that you then put in your blog "settings" under "site feed". You'll see "Post Feed Redirect URL" and that's where you put the new feed address.
Once you've done that, you should create a "chicklet", universal feed icon (the orange square by "Subscribe in a reader" to the side). They'll put the icon right on the blog for you.
While I was there I also signed up for the email subscription so that subscribers can get my blog via their email. Feedburner simply gives you the code that you can stick anywhere on your blog and it produces a subscription box like the one to the side. It's as easy as that.
If you do have any problems, please let me know and I'll try my best to help. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my blog if you find it helpful.
For those who don't care to go read a long article, I will say this. The short of it is that by having your site's feed available to others, it allows them to subscribe to your blog. That means that they can get updates and information from your blog without having to go back and check your blog everyday. Instead, they can get your new posts through their email, "mobile devices" or they can post it on their site. So, it's a good thing to provide for others because you want subscribers. What good is a blog if no one reads it?
Blogger does provide you with your feed but Feedburner gives you some bonus features including data showing you "how many subscribers you have, where they're coming from and what they like best".
It is super easy. You just set up an account with Feedburner and then put in your blog's url address. They give you your feed address that you then put in your blog "settings" under "site feed". You'll see "Post Feed Redirect URL" and that's where you put the new feed address.
Once you've done that, you should create a "chicklet", universal feed icon (the orange square by "Subscribe in a reader" to the side). They'll put the icon right on the blog for you.
While I was there I also signed up for the email subscription so that subscribers can get my blog via their email. Feedburner simply gives you the code that you can stick anywhere on your blog and it produces a subscription box like the one to the side. It's as easy as that.
If you do have any problems, please let me know and I'll try my best to help. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my blog if you find it helpful.
I actually added a label cloud (like the one below) to my first blog, Green Alert, using this article on how it's done.
It turned out to be super easy, but I've since changed my whole layout. Still, thought I better post this in case I want to re-do it and forget how. Hope it helps anyone wanting to give it a try.
It turned out to be super easy, but I've since changed my whole layout. Still, thought I better post this in case I want to re-do it and forget how. Hope it helps anyone wanting to give it a try.
So, I'm trying to get more traffic to come to my blogs now that they are up and running. ProBlogger sent me to Technorati, which led me to blogged.com and zimbio.com. I signed up for whatever I could, which probably isn't the most efficient way to go about things, but it's what I'm trying at this point.
I'll keep you updated on whether or not these prove to be helpful. please let me know if you found my blog from one of these sites.
As you may have noticed, I have also added links for Digg, Technorati, and del.icio.us at the bottom of each of my postings. The way that I understand it, this is a way for you to share information with others that you have found helpful. So, for instance, if you find this particular posting helpful or interesting in any way, hit one of the links mentioned (Digg, Technorati, and del.icio.us) and this post will be added for others to hopefully see and share in.
So, this could potentially be a good way to help drive traffic to your blog while helping people in general to find quality information.
Before you add the links to your blog, you should set up accounts with whichever social sites you'd like. I know there are more out there, including Stumble and Reddit. Then, to add these links I simply followed the directions given by Amanda at her site, Blogger Buster. To thank her for her help, I hit the Digg this, Stumble It! and Add to del.icio.us links she provided at the bottom of her posting.
I'll keep you updated on whether or not these prove to be helpful. please let me know if you found my blog from one of these sites.
As you may have noticed, I have also added links for Digg, Technorati, and del.icio.us at the bottom of each of my postings. The way that I understand it, this is a way for you to share information with others that you have found helpful. So, for instance, if you find this particular posting helpful or interesting in any way, hit one of the links mentioned (Digg, Technorati, and del.icio.us) and this post will be added for others to hopefully see and share in.
So, this could potentially be a good way to help drive traffic to your blog while helping people in general to find quality information.
Before you add the links to your blog, you should set up accounts with whichever social sites you'd like. I know there are more out there, including Stumble and Reddit. Then, to add these links I simply followed the directions given by Amanda at her site, Blogger Buster. To thank her for her help, I hit the Digg this, Stumble It! and Add to del.icio.us links she provided at the bottom of her posting.
Affiliate programs create a partnership between the blogger and a business. On my blog, On My Lists, I have teamed up with Amazon for instance. So if you look over in my shopping area, you will see my "Amazon Store". When someone buys something from my Amazon store or from the links on my blog, I get a percentage of that sale. There are certain affiliate programs that pay you per click, or everytime someone clicks on the link you've provided on your blog.
Basically, all of the banners and ads that you see advertised on people's sites are affiliate programs that can potentially earn the blogger money. Commission Junction is a site where you can sign up for affiliate programs with relevant merchandise for your blog. I signed up there after it was referred to me by a trustworthy source.
Basically, all of the banners and ads that you see advertised on people's sites are affiliate programs that can potentially earn the blogger money. Commission Junction is a site where you can sign up for affiliate programs with relevant merchandise for your blog. I signed up there after it was referred to me by a trustworthy source.
I have made my career working on the Internet for many years but I have only recently started blogging. I decided I should document my journey on trying to make a successful blog. Whether successful means that I make money at it or that I just have a following, I don't know yet. I just know that I am enjoying doing it and feel this is something that I will continue to do. So, if I can help others learn to blog while I'm learning myself, then that's great!
First thing I do after I start a new blog is to pick a new template. There is a plethora of free blogger templates out there. I've used templates from Blogcrowds.com before. They seem to have as good of a selection as anyone.Then, I usually try and customize the template to make it my own. If you check back, you will see the changes I'm talking about. Now, I'm okay at HTML but there are still things I need help with. In those cases, I Google what I'm trying to do and hope someone has a tutorial.
Blogger Buster has a free ebook that has been very helpful to me. In fact I've been using it to play around with this blog. I think I've made some nice changes as a result.
Some of the stuff I already knew but it's nice to be able to have directions just in case you forget, which I do alot. I highly recommend taking a look. It is super easy to follow and can help you do some neat things to make your blog your own.
I would love to hear where you get your free templates.
I haven't posted sooner because frankly, I'm still in shock over Michael Johns departure last week. I know that people have to go, but the fact that he left before Kristy Lee Cook and Syesha just doesn't seem fair. I'm just hoping one of them leaves this week to balance things for me.
Still, I'm sure Michael Johns will go on to have a great career. I know I'll be ready when his CD comes out.
Now, I guess I'll have to put all my support behind David Cook to win it. He's the only one... now that I can see myself listening to once he's off the show. True, he just slows down every song with a big note towards the end to make it his own, but I like it. It's not genius but it's him and it's far better than what everyone else is doing.
Still, I'm sure Michael Johns will go on to have a great career. I know I'll be ready when his CD comes out.
Now, I guess I'll have to put all my support behind David Cook to win it. He's the only one... now that I can see myself listening to once he's off the show. True, he just slows down every song with a big note towards the end to make it his own, but I like it. It's not genius but it's him and it's far better than what everyone else is doing.
So, I heard John Travolta was on Oprah's The Big Give. If you've read my previous rants, you'd know how sick I am of seeing Oprah bring her rich friends on her shows. It's just ridiculous. What does John Travolta flying a plane and doing a little dance have to do with The Big Give?
Are you hard up for something to do John? How about you get together with Oprah when she's doing all her shows on going green; and maybe you can learn a thing or two about how harmful the joyrides in your private jets are to our planet.
Are you hard up for something to do John? How about you get together with Oprah when she's doing all her shows on going green; and maybe you can learn a thing or two about how harmful the joyrides in your private jets are to our planet.
Related Posts: Oprah & The Big Give
I had started watching this movie awhile back but hadn't finished it because it wasn't holding my interest like I thought it would given that it had so much praise. Finally, I finished it and realized the end is what made the whole movie; or at least for me anyway.
Prior to seeing the ending, I felt that the movie was a watered down version of Cold Mountain. I say it's watered down because the love story between James McAvoy & Keira Knightley's characters didn't come across as strongly as it did between Jude Law & Nicole Kidman's characters in Cold Mountain. I'm not sure why.
The stories mimicked one another in many ways though. In both, the couples had short romances where they were torn apart too soon. They then try and find their way back to one another, meeting many obstacles and cruel adversaries. Only to come back together for an apparent happy ending. A happy ending that was not to be.
Prior to seeing the ending, I felt that the movie was a watered down version of Cold Mountain. I say it's watered down because the love story between James McAvoy & Keira Knightley's characters didn't come across as strongly as it did between Jude Law & Nicole Kidman's characters in Cold Mountain. I'm not sure why.
The stories mimicked one another in many ways though. In both, the couples had short romances where they were torn apart too soon. They then try and find their way back to one another, meeting many obstacles and cruel adversaries. Only to come back together for an apparent happy ending. A happy ending that was not to be.
Yes, I actually took precious hours out of my life to see this movie. I did it for one reason and one only and that is because Eddie Vedder makes an appearance. I love Eddie Vedder and would see anything he's in.Actually, to my surprise, the movie wasn't that bad. In it, John C. Reilly (Dewey Cox) finally gets a starring role, rather than the sidekick (Talladega Nights) or the friend (Boogie Nights), or husband (The Good Girl), like he usually plays. He did a good job. In fact, the whole cast was good. It also had Jenna Fischer from The Office, a bunch of people from the SNL cast and some other interesting appearances.
About half way through it, I turned to my husband and said "This reminds me a lot of the Johnny Cash Story" and he looked at me like I was crazy. Of course, I was joking, but imagine if I was serious. Anyway, it's good for a few laughs. More than the previews give it credit for.
Much like with No Country for Old Men, I thought Javier Bardem's performance made the movie for me. The story itself is a solid love story but not realistic. In real life, if a man follows and obsesses over you for 50 years, then he's a stalker. There's nothing romantic about stalkers. However, movies aren't meant to be realistic. They're meant to remove you from "real life" and this movie did that. I found myself immersed in it's sadness.I have to say though, that I much prefer movies where the love is so great that the person lets the other go. I know it's cliche but if you love them, let them go and if they come back then it was meant to be. Bardem's character never really let her go. Instead, he became tortured by the struggle to hang onto her.
Though also very unrealistic, one love story that I love is Always with Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter. In it, Dreyfuss' character has to let Hunter's character go after he dies. Like I said it's unrealistic but in the end, he's able to let her go so that she can be happy with someone else. That is true love in my book.
My rundown for last night looks like this:
Michael Johns- For two weeks in a row now, he's been my favorite. However, I do agree with Simon when he says that he likes Michael singing more soulful music. He seems to be drawn towards these huge rock songs and he did great on Aerosmith's Dream On last night but I liked the more heartfelt Dolly Parton song to be honest.
Syesha Mercado- I agreed with Randy on this one. She sung Fantasia's I Believe and did a decent job but there's something about her that is missing for me. I can't put my finger on it because she's pretty, she has stage presence, and she can sing. I just always feel like she falls short somewhere.
Jason Castro- I have always liked Jason but I feel like he needs to stretch a little more to show range or I think he'll go soon. That would be a shame because I think that with some guidance, he could make a good album.
Kristy Lee Cook- I don't care what she sings, she needs to go. I'm at a point now I just fast forward through her part.
David Cook- He did an song and I love Our Lady Peace but didn't love his take on it. I completely agreed, yet again, with Simon that the look was wrong and he is coming off as being pompous. I hate that because I want him to win. I just hope the good feedback isn't going to his head.
Carly Smithson- She did Queen's Show Must Go On, which is a tall order, but I liked it. I think she's taking this seriously and she's in it to win it.
David Archuleta- He did Robbie Williams Angels last night. He is consistently good but he's just not my thing.
Brooke White- She did James Taylor's, You Got A Friend. I don't love that song but I liked her version.
Michael Johns- For two weeks in a row now, he's been my favorite. However, I do agree with Simon when he says that he likes Michael singing more soulful music. He seems to be drawn towards these huge rock songs and he did great on Aerosmith's Dream On last night but I liked the more heartfelt Dolly Parton song to be honest.
Syesha Mercado- I agreed with Randy on this one. She sung Fantasia's I Believe and did a decent job but there's something about her that is missing for me. I can't put my finger on it because she's pretty, she has stage presence, and she can sing. I just always feel like she falls short somewhere.
Jason Castro- I have always liked Jason but I feel like he needs to stretch a little more to show range or I think he'll go soon. That would be a shame because I think that with some guidance, he could make a good album.
Kristy Lee Cook- I don't care what she sings, she needs to go. I'm at a point now I just fast forward through her part.
David Cook- He did an song and I love Our Lady Peace but didn't love his take on it. I completely agreed, yet again, with Simon that the look was wrong and he is coming off as being pompous. I hate that because I want him to win. I just hope the good feedback isn't going to his head.
Carly Smithson- She did Queen's Show Must Go On, which is a tall order, but I liked it. I think she's taking this seriously and she's in it to win it.
David Archuleta- He did Robbie Williams Angels last night. He is consistently good but he's just not my thing.
Brooke White- She did James Taylor's, You Got A Friend. I don't love that song but I liked her version.
So, I was checking out my Zimbio account yesterday, just seeing what others are writing about when I found this great blog on saving money. It's called Be Thrifty Like Us, and it talks about printing on-line coupons, combining them with store sales and getting things as cheap as possible, sometimes free. Free being the goal.
Now, I used to be more into this type of stuff than I have been lately, but when I read this blog, I was on a mission. I immediately started looking at the sales at CVS and printing coupons on-line. Then I went to CVS last night and got $48 worth of stuff for $13 including CVS' Extra Bucks. Pretty good but I know I can do better.
I already get some really good deals at Walgreens but I am excited to go this Wednesday because I plan to top my savings at CVS. I will keep you posted on this subject and on other great blogs like this one.
Now, I used to be more into this type of stuff than I have been lately, but when I read this blog, I was on a mission. I immediately started looking at the sales at CVS and printing coupons on-line. Then I went to CVS last night and got $48 worth of stuff for $13 including CVS' Extra Bucks. Pretty good but I know I can do better.
I already get some really good deals at Walgreens but I am excited to go this Wednesday because I plan to top my savings at CVS. I will keep you posted on this subject and on other great blogs like this one.
Dang, I'm trying to boycott Oprah, but it's hard to do sometimes, especially when she has topics like men having babies. I actually hadn't heard about this because I don't read magazines much and I don't watch the news much either. I know you're wondering how I survive. Well, I have my reasons for this.
1. I don't read magazines because I am sick to death of hearing about Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and all of the rest of them. They are bad role-models for our youth and I think they should be shunned not fawned over.
2. Magazines are wasteful and I'm all about going green. You can read more about that on my blog, Green Alert.
3. I do not watch the news because I think it breeds paranoia and I think it's hard to stay in a positive state of mind when all you watch is negativity. Now, I'm not perfect, by no means, I do fall prey to reality tv even though I know it's does nothing good for me. It's a habit I find hard to break.
That being said, back to Oprah's show on a transgender male, Thomas Beatie, becoming pregnant. Like I said, I hadn't heard of this so I wasn't sure what was going on and so I broke down and watched.
At first, I thought it was selfish to have a child when that kid would have to grow up with the knowledge that it was their "dad" who gave birth to them. Then they explained that the "mother" couldn't have children and I totally understood. I once worried that I wouldn't be able to have children and it was devastating. So, more power to them.
It will be hard but the child is who's important here. The situation is what it is and now they'll need support from society. I was shocked, by the way, to hear that the transgender community was against them coming out with the story. I just wouldn't have thought that they would want to keep their issues in the dark. Society can't learn to accept the things we don't know exist. Of course, I'm not in the situation so maybe I don't understand their reasoning.
1. I don't read magazines because I am sick to death of hearing about Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and all of the rest of them. They are bad role-models for our youth and I think they should be shunned not fawned over.
2. Magazines are wasteful and I'm all about going green. You can read more about that on my blog, Green Alert.
3. I do not watch the news because I think it breeds paranoia and I think it's hard to stay in a positive state of mind when all you watch is negativity. Now, I'm not perfect, by no means, I do fall prey to reality tv even though I know it's does nothing good for me. It's a habit I find hard to break.
That being said, back to Oprah's show on a transgender male, Thomas Beatie, becoming pregnant. Like I said, I hadn't heard of this so I wasn't sure what was going on and so I broke down and watched.
At first, I thought it was selfish to have a child when that kid would have to grow up with the knowledge that it was their "dad" who gave birth to them. Then they explained that the "mother" couldn't have children and I totally understood. I once worried that I wouldn't be able to have children and it was devastating. So, more power to them.
It will be hard but the child is who's important here. The situation is what it is and now they'll need support from society. I was shocked, by the way, to hear that the transgender community was against them coming out with the story. I just wouldn't have thought that they would want to keep their issues in the dark. Society can't learn to accept the things we don't know exist. Of course, I'm not in the situation so maybe I don't understand their reasoning.
I was glad to see Dolly Parton on last night even though no one else did her songs but Michael Johns. He was the only one who I thought got the emotion of the song.
My rundown for last night looks like this:
Brooke White-not emotional enough
Ramiele Malubay- she can sing but it was nothing special
David Cook- liked it but didn't love it like I usually love his stuff. He did give credit to Chris Cornell for his version of Billie Jean finally.
Jason Castro- he's not taking things to the level I wish he would
Carly Smithson- didn't blow me away. My husband thinks she should win because she's so polished but she seems too cocky to me.
David Archuleta- I know what Simon was saying last week about animals dancing around him because he's very Disney. His songs are inspirational and would be great on soundtracks but I can't see ever buying his album. I did hear the song Simon gave him so much grief over in the movie, Hot Rod.
Kristy Lee Cook- Wow, the country girl even butchers country music. She had the best song and ruined it.
Syesha Mercado- last night was the first time I understood why she was there, but she won't win because she just doesn't stand out enough.
I think Kristy Lee Cook should go already. Simon keeps saying she's forgettable and she is. Speaking of which, I'm sick of Simon getting cut off during his critique while Paula and Randy babble on, usually by Ryan so he can get his two cents in like anyone cares. In my opinion they've given to much leverage to Ryan Seacrest. He's the host. I don't want his opinion, I don't want to see him go back and forth with Simon. I'm sick of it.
Paula I want to like you. I used to love you as an artist, but she is worthless as a judge. Can someone please tell her she's not judging hair or clothes or how beautiful someone's spirit is. Singing, she's judging singing.
Randy, if I have to hear you say "pitchy" again, I don't know what I'll do. I don't know if he even knows what he's talking about, but I could be a judge like him. "It's pitchy, but you're still my dogg and I'm not mad at cha".
I'm at the point now that I fast forward through Randy and Paula because they might as well not be there. So there's my rant on that.
My rundown for last night looks like this:
Brooke White-not emotional enough
Ramiele Malubay- she can sing but it was nothing special
David Cook- liked it but didn't love it like I usually love his stuff. He did give credit to Chris Cornell for his version of Billie Jean finally.
Jason Castro- he's not taking things to the level I wish he would
Carly Smithson- didn't blow me away. My husband thinks she should win because she's so polished but she seems too cocky to me.
David Archuleta- I know what Simon was saying last week about animals dancing around him because he's very Disney. His songs are inspirational and would be great on soundtracks but I can't see ever buying his album. I did hear the song Simon gave him so much grief over in the movie, Hot Rod.
Kristy Lee Cook- Wow, the country girl even butchers country music. She had the best song and ruined it.
Syesha Mercado- last night was the first time I understood why she was there, but she won't win because she just doesn't stand out enough.
I think Kristy Lee Cook should go already. Simon keeps saying she's forgettable and she is. Speaking of which, I'm sick of Simon getting cut off during his critique while Paula and Randy babble on, usually by Ryan so he can get his two cents in like anyone cares. In my opinion they've given to much leverage to Ryan Seacrest. He's the host. I don't want his opinion, I don't want to see him go back and forth with Simon. I'm sick of it.
Paula I want to like you. I used to love you as an artist, but she is worthless as a judge. Can someone please tell her she's not judging hair or clothes or how beautiful someone's spirit is. Singing, she's judging singing.
Randy, if I have to hear you say "pitchy" again, I don't know what I'll do. I don't know if he even knows what he's talking about, but I could be a judge like him. "It's pitchy, but you're still my dogg and I'm not mad at cha".
I'm at the point now that I fast forward through Randy and Paula because they might as well not be there. So there's my rant on that.
Well, I finally saw No Country for Old Men, Joel and Ethan Coen's movie. I needed to see what all the hype was about. I would have normally seen it right away, but turns out with a new baby, you tend to see a lot less movies.
I thought Javier Bardem's performance was remarkable , especially when you see how is in real life. He seems like he's the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet; but in that movie, whoa, total opposite. He made the movie for me. Without him, the story lacked something. There was no real depth to it. It was almost like they were lazy with follow-through on development, both with the characters and the storyline.
I thought Javier Bardem's performance was remarkable , especially when you see how is in real life. He seems like he's the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet; but in that movie, whoa, total opposite. He made the movie for me. Without him, the story lacked something. There was no real depth to it. It was almost like they were lazy with follow-through on development, both with the characters and the storyline.
My husband and I travel a lot, so we've been most places. I cannot tell you how much it annoys me when:
1. people assume we are from Kansas when we say Kansas City. Yes, it's a stupid thing that we're named after another state. However, KC, Missouri is very different to people in Missouri than KC, Kansas. I'm sure people in Kansas feel the same way. It's kind of like a rivalry really and so it's offensive. Especially since we're bound to hear the stories of how people have went through Kansas and it is soooo boring. Yes, it is, that's why I live in MISSOURI! I will say this though, Kansas has better roads because they have a toll at every block.
Though we may be rivals, we band together as a unified front against people in other regions. It's kind of like a brother/sister type thing where we can say something bad about them but no one else can.
2. One thing people may not know is that KC, MO and KC, KS share everything. On the news, we have to hear about what's happening in KS, if you want a job in MO and you pick up the paper, you gotta look through KS jobs. It sucks! Mind you, I live about 15 minutes away from Kansas, but it's just the point. I don't care what's happening in KS. When tornado alerts come across the screen, I don't care what counties are being affected in KS. I want to know what I need to know and that's what's happening in Missouri.
3. I used to live in Washington State and whenever people found out where I'm from, they would refer to it as "the country". Well, there's definitely country places here, but I was from the inner city. I wasn't raised on a farm. I know nothing about farm animals or tending to the land. In fact, I lived in a bigger place in KC than in Washington.
What I've learned from going other places is that Missouri really isn't that bad. Customer service is actually better here than I've seen in other places. We have 4 distinct seasons and it's actually nice because just when you're sick of it being too hot, fall, then winter. And when you're sick of it being too cold, spring and summer. Washington State doesn't know the meaning of seasons. Rain, rain is what they know. Jeez, I had to get out of there. I get depressed in the rain.
Yes, we have tornadoes but it's not a big deal to us. You get used to it. Before long, the alarms go off and you don't even pay mind to it. You just had down to watch tv in the basement. I figure that's how it is anywhere; whether it's hurricanes, earthquakes, or whatever. The only thing I don't get is people who live here and don't have a basement, what are they thinking? Yes, I'm talking to you trailer parks.
1. people assume we are from Kansas when we say Kansas City. Yes, it's a stupid thing that we're named after another state. However, KC, Missouri is very different to people in Missouri than KC, Kansas. I'm sure people in Kansas feel the same way. It's kind of like a rivalry really and so it's offensive. Especially since we're bound to hear the stories of how people have went through Kansas and it is soooo boring. Yes, it is, that's why I live in MISSOURI! I will say this though, Kansas has better roads because they have a toll at every block.
Though we may be rivals, we band together as a unified front against people in other regions. It's kind of like a brother/sister type thing where we can say something bad about them but no one else can.
2. One thing people may not know is that KC, MO and KC, KS share everything. On the news, we have to hear about what's happening in KS, if you want a job in MO and you pick up the paper, you gotta look through KS jobs. It sucks! Mind you, I live about 15 minutes away from Kansas, but it's just the point. I don't care what's happening in KS. When tornado alerts come across the screen, I don't care what counties are being affected in KS. I want to know what I need to know and that's what's happening in Missouri.
3. I used to live in Washington State and whenever people found out where I'm from, they would refer to it as "the country". Well, there's definitely country places here, but I was from the inner city. I wasn't raised on a farm. I know nothing about farm animals or tending to the land. In fact, I lived in a bigger place in KC than in Washington.
What I've learned from going other places is that Missouri really isn't that bad. Customer service is actually better here than I've seen in other places. We have 4 distinct seasons and it's actually nice because just when you're sick of it being too hot, fall, then winter. And when you're sick of it being too cold, spring and summer. Washington State doesn't know the meaning of seasons. Rain, rain is what they know. Jeez, I had to get out of there. I get depressed in the rain.
Yes, we have tornadoes but it's not a big deal to us. You get used to it. Before long, the alarms go off and you don't even pay mind to it. You just had down to watch tv in the basement. I figure that's how it is anywhere; whether it's hurricanes, earthquakes, or whatever. The only thing I don't get is people who live here and don't have a basement, what are they thinking? Yes, I'm talking to you trailer parks.
I have OCD and so I wash my hands like there's no tomorrow. Thus they are usually dry and cracked. On top of that, Missouri winters are always extra hard on my skin. I've tried many things for this. The one thing that works better than anything else is Maynard skin creams; specifically, Maynard Beautiful Lady Hand Care Cream.
My mother actually had some that I tried for the first time. She couldn't remember where she got it. So, I wrote the company to try and find out where I could get some and they told me that I would have to buy on-line because no store's sell it in my area. Apparently they used to have it at JC Penny's I believe they said, but no more. That's unfortunate because the shipping seems steep to me on their site, but it does work.
If you don't feel like buying on-line, you might want to try, Yes To Carrots Body Butter for Dry Skin. It isn't as good but it does help. This you can buy in stores. I know Walgreens definitely has it. I got a great deal on it with a rebate.
My mother actually had some that I tried for the first time. She couldn't remember where she got it. So, I wrote the company to try and find out where I could get some and they told me that I would have to buy on-line because no store's sell it in my area. Apparently they used to have it at JC Penny's I believe they said, but no more. That's unfortunate because the shipping seems steep to me on their site, but it does work.
If you don't feel like buying on-line, you might want to try, Yes To Carrots Body Butter for Dry Skin. It isn't as good but it does help. This you can buy in stores. I know Walgreens definitely has it. I got a great deal on it with a rebate.
