Alas 3 Lads

Birthday Girl Wants A Schwinn Bike!

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:19:00 +0000

My daughter will be turning 16 this summer. *Sigh*...where does the time go? She's a typical teenage girl. Messy room, clothes all over the floor; she loves to go shopping at the mall; she listens to music and texts 24-7; and she is boy crazy!

Here's a silly photo of us that she snapped on my phone recently...

So, she's turning 16. And, around here, turning 16 means getting your driver's permit. We've already been through one kid learning to drive and let me tell you, it's pretty stressful. I know that she cannot wait to start driving but imagine my surprise when, instead of a car, she asked for a new Schwinn bicycle for her birthday! She has decided that it would be fun and "hipster" (her words not mine) to get a cool retro-looking Schwinn and ride around for some fun and exercise. She even said we should both get new bikes and ride together! (Note to those who have not yet raised teens: if your teenager actually invites you to participate in an activity with her, you better take advantage of it).

We've been doing some window shopping on the Schwinn website and they have the most awesome bikes. I'm partial to this Clairmont Women's model - the bright blue color is hard to resist but I would have to add a basket. We also came across this sweet video from Schwinn and I wanted to share it with you. It's great and I think you'll enjoy it.

What about you? Do you have a bicycle and/or enjoy taking bike rides?

This is not a sponsored post. I'm just sharing what happens to be going on in our little corner of the world at the moment.

Disney Pixar Summer Movie Weekend at AMC Theatres - May 25-28

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:15:00 +0000

It's the Memorial holiday and many of us will enjoy the long weekend while spending time with our families and friends. If you are looking for something to do, you might want to check this out...AMC Theatres is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a special showing of four popular Disney Pixar movies. From May 25 through May 28, "Toy Story 3," "Ratatouille," "Up," and "WALL-E" will be playing at AMC locations around the country. Each film will be accompanied by a classic Pixar short film and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie, "Brave."

The Disney Pixar Movie Weekend at AMC Theatres is the perfect activity for all ages -- fun, affordable, and something that the entire family can enjoy!

Ticket prices are only $6 per movie (pricing and schedules may vary). Visit www.amctheatres.com/pixar for participating locations and details.

ProFlowers Gift Code Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Check out these gorgeous lilies I recently ordered from ProFlowers. They were so colorful and big and vibrant! Flowers are always such a thoughtful (and easy) gift to give to just about anyone on your list.

Would you like to treat someone special (or yourself) to a gift of flowers from ProFlowers? I have a $50 Gift Code that's up for grabs. If you would like to enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite flower.

You may earn extra entries by doing the following (leave separate comment for each):
1) Subscribe to my blog via Email (see sidebar)
2) Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway is open only to U.S. residents and will end at 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday 5-26-12. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible comments. Please make sure you provide valid contact information in case you are the winner.

ProFlowers via Buttoned Up, Inc. provided this gift code for giveaway.

Mommy Blogger Trip To Hilton Sandestin

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:54:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida. A small group of mommy bloggers and their kids were invited to the resort for the official "Mother of all Fam Trips" and I went as a representative of 5 Minutes For Mom. This fun-in-the-sun beach getaway was a chance for us to learn more about the Hilton Sandestin Resort and experience all that it has to offer. Be sure and visit 5 Minutes For Mom and look for my blog posts detailing our trip (you can find the direct links at the end of this post).

For the trip, we were invited to bring one of our children, ages 5-12. Our youngest (Zachary is 11) accompanied me on the trip. He was so excited! Not only was it his first time to fly, but we got the chance to spend some quality one-on-one time together (something that doesn't happen that often when you have four kids).

The Hilton Sandestin Resort sits on the Gulf of Mexico in the Panhandle of Florida. The beaches here are known for their stunning emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands. Not only does the resort offer a beautiful beach, but there are also three pools, a huge beach-and-pool-side deck, two whirlpools, one kiddie pool, six restaurants, a luxury spa and fitness center, golf, shopping, gameroom, and many other outdoor activities. Zachary and I stayed in a Junior Deluxe Suite which had the most incredible balcony views. Check it out...

During our trip, we learned about Hilton Sandestin's Kids Krew program - an optional pay service for guests that offers themed programs for children ages 5-12. Zachary was able to take part in several fun activities that included a sand-castle building contest and scavenger hunt.

I was invited to the Hilton Sandestin's Serenity By The Sea Spa for a complimentary treatment. I chose a Serenity Facial and it was one of the most indulgent things I've ever done for myself. The spa is so luxe and inviting...I really didn't want to leave.

We also enjoyed a bike ride around the Sandestin community, some time at the beach and the pool, some evening smores by the beach, and lots of good food. Take a look at what I had for dinner from Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood (AAA Four-Diamond Restaurant)...

We loved our vacation getaway at the Hilton Sandestin. The property and amenities were all top notch and we couldn't ask for a more beautiful location. While the prices are on the higher end, it's totally worth it if you are looking for an incredible, all-inclusive beach vacation experience. What really struck me was the service that we received from each and every Hilton Sandestin employee. Everyone we encountered went out of their way to greet us and/or offer to help us in any way. Whether you're looking for a family vacation spot, a girls getaway trip, a romantic trip, a guys golf trip, or just about any other kind of beach vacation experience, I highly recommend Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

Don't forget to visit 5 Minutes For Mom to see more photos and read all about our trip. You can find my posts here, here, and here.

Hilton Sandestin invited my son and me to their "Mother of all Fam Trips" mommy blogger getaway. We were treated to a free stay and able to experience many of their resort amenities. I was not obligated to write a positive review and all opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

I'm Lovin It! - McDonald's Unsweetend Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

You know how some people have to visit their favorite coffee shop every morning for a cup of Joe? How they frequently hit said coffee shop to buy their favorite mocha latte or cappuccino or iced coffee? Well, for me, I love to hit the McDonald's drive-thru and get a large cup of Unsweetened Iced Tea. Seriously, it's one of my favorite things. Whether I zip through the drive-thru or walk there on my lunch break, it's something I get just about every day.

A lot of places assume that everyone drinks only sweet tea (which I loathe, by the way. I just can't do sweet drinks, bleh!). So, to get a refreshing cup of fresh-brewed Unsweetened Iced Tea in a large foam cup for only a buck....that's what I'm talkin' about! Thank you McDonald's! See you tomorrow.

This is not a sponsored post. It's just me singing the praises of one of my favorite places to get my favorite beverage.

A New Clip From Disney/Pixar's BRAVE

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:54:00 +0000

BRAVE, a Disney/Pixar film hits theaters this summer (June 22, 2012).

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

I'm looking forward to this one, looks like a lot of fun. Here's a new clip to share from the movie:

Aloha Friday - Doughnuts

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:01:00 +0000

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday, hosted by Kailani over at An Island Life. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So, on Fridays we can take it easy on blog posting, too.

I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer - nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life where you can link up with your own question and also visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

What's your favorite kind of doughnut from the bakery/doughnut shop?

I like the glazed doughnuts filled with raspberry jelly...yum!

SwagBucks Carnival and Code Extravaganza

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:21:00 +0000

I wanted to let you know about the latest promotion going on with Swag Bucks. The Swagbucks Carnival has started, and it gives you an opportunity to earn bonus Swag Bucks each day just for earning the way you normally would. Check the meter on your homepage and you'll see your daily goal and how close you are to hitting it. Every day you hit the goal, you add to your bonus! As if that wasn't enough, you'll get additional bonuses based on how many days of the Carnival you're able to hit your goal! To top it all, Swagbucks is having a Swag Code extravaganza on Monday - that means lots of codes, lots of Swag Bucks and lots of fun! Don't miss it!

If you are not yet signed up for Swagbucks, what are you waiting for? It's free to join and so easy to earn swag bucks, which can then be traded in for gift cards and other items. I've been using it for a couple years and have earned numerous Amazon gift cards. I'm a casual Swagbucks user and earn an average of 1-2 Amazon gift cards per month. Sign up today, just in time for the Swagbucks Carnival!

*This post contains my Swagbucks referral link*

Things I've Learned Since I Re-Entered The Workforce And Became A Working Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:51:00 +0000

You may remember me mentioning that I was getting a new job. For the past few weeks, I have been working in a medical office. It's just a temporary position - I'm working 3-5 days per week, 6 hours per day (I'm still able to get all my kids off to school each morning, which is nice). The medical practice is in the process of transitioning all their patient records over from paper charts to electronic medical records. I'm helping to get the records scanned and placed into the new system. My plan is only to work for about 6-8 weeks, although I could probably work much longer if I chose to do so. The job of getting all the records changed over is a big one and will probably take quite some time.

I have to say, after being out of the workforce for 14 years, it's been quite an adjustment. Back years ago when I worked as a registered nurse, I always worked night shift. Getting up every morning and getting used to this daily "9-5" routine is something new for me. Having to wear nice, grown-up clothes every morning and fight rush hour traffic is definitely something I'm not used to doing.

The job itself is not difficult or overly stressful. It's a pleasant work environment and most everyone in the office is friendly. Oh, and did I mention that I get to work right next to my sister? Yep, she's a long-time employee of the practice and I sit at a work station right next to hers. We have enjoyed chatting and walking downtown to have lunch together. She and a couple of her workmates are also on a big healthy kick - they have been working really hard this year to lose weight and get in shape. I've happily joined in their calorie counting and exercising. We will often hop up from our desks throughout the day and go make a quick trip up and down the 5 flights of stairs to our office. When we walk to lunch, we power walk and burn those calories. I must admit that losing a few pounds has been much easier while working than when I stay at home. I've already lost about 2-3 pounds in the couple weeks I've been there.

There are a few other things I've learned since I re-entered the workforce...

1) Blaring music and belting out loud to my favorite tunes while driving in rush-hour traffic is a good stress-reliever and a fun way to start the day. Some of my most played IPod songs include music by Hall & Oates, Patsy Cline, The Beatles, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

2) I'm not too bad at styling some outfits! My working wardrobe was pretty non-existent before I started this job. But, after buying a few pair of khaki and black pants, I've been able to put together some decent looks by mixing and matching with items already in my closet. It's also been especially nice to wear some jewelry pieces that I don't normally wear. I've even gotten some compliments on several items - a bright gold cardigan sweater, a statement necklace, my lavender Sperry shoes, my hair - that's always a nice confidence booster.

3) I've always had an appreciation for working mothers and thought they had a difficult job. But, after experiencing it for myself, I now truly know just how difficult it is. When I started having babies, I only worked for a short time. I left the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom early on, so my kids have really never known me as a working mom. Juggling kids' activities and schedules, missing school events, and just not being there when they get off the school bus has been a real bummer for me. It's also totally reaffirmed my decision to be a stay-at-home mom and made me appreciate my opportunity to do that. I honestly miss being at home so much already and can't wait to stop working.

4) I feel a sense of pride at earning my own paycheck again. While it's not that much money, it's something that I can feel I'm contributing. My husband has always worked very hard, often at multiple jobs, to provide a good life for us. I love and appreciate him for that and we both have always felt strongly about me staying at home with the kids. I know the few paychecks that I'll earn from this job won't amount to anything extraordinary, but, it's still a good feeling.

5) I've also remembered what terrible handwriting many doctors have....Seriously, why do doctors suck at handwriting?

6) Now that I'm working most weekdays, I've had little to no time for blogging. I have fallen way behind on reading my favorite blogs and writing my own blog posts. I haven't had any time to spend on Twitter (oh, I can feel my Klout score dropping as we speak) and I have missed out on earning my usual amount of Swagbucks. Once I finish working, I plan on kicking things up and re-charging my blog a bit. I have a lot of plans for my blog that I want to accomplish this year so I hope you'll stick around with me through this short period of low activity.

Now, I'm off to enjoy a day off. It's the last day of school for our kiddos and we have 8th grade and 5th grade graduation ceremonies to attend. Talk to ya soon!

Movie Trailer Tuesday - The Odd Life of Timothy Green

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:07:00 +0000

I'm really looking forward to this upcoming film. Check out the newly released trailer for The Odd Life Of Timothy Green, hitting theaters August 15, 2012.

Blog Tour - Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Blog Tour Link

In the book Crazy Dangerous, we meet Sam Hopkins. He has found himself associating with the wrong crowd, some real thugs who are nothing but trouble. When these so-called friends harass a girl named Jennifer, Sam makes the decision to stick up for her. You could say that Jennifer is different - she has frightening hallucinations that involve the devil and death. After getting to know Jennifer, Sam wonders if these visions might be for real and if they are foretelling something terrible that's about to happen.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed the book and liked the character Sam. He was smart and a good kid who couldn't help but do the right thing. Jennifer was an interesting character. It's apparent early on that she suffers from some kind of mental disorder. The way the author writes in Jennifer's voice - with her rhyming, sing-song talk - was clever and intriguing. The story kept me guessing for quite a while, trying to decide if super-natural forces were really at work or if there were reasonable explanations for all the events that Jennifer was predicting. The author did a great job at creating a scary, mysterious atmosphere in the book.

About Andrew:

Andrew Klavan was hailed by Stephen King as "the most original novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich." He is the recipient of two Edgar Awards and the author of such bestsellers as True Crime and Don't Say a Word.

His books and screenplays have been turned into films directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Michael Douglas, Ed Burns, Michael Caine among others.

Andrew Klavan's Crazy Dangerous $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway and Author
Chat Party {5/29}

Enter Today - 5/8-5/28!

@AndrewKlavan's Crazy Dangerous $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway! RSVP for
#Facebook Party {5/29}!

Celebrate with Andrew Klavan by entering his Crazy
Dangerous giveaway and connecting with him during the Author Chat Party on
5/29!

One fortunate winner will receive:

A $100 Visa Cash Card
A copy of Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan for YOU and
5 of your Friends!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at
noon on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Crazy
Dangerous" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/29. Andrew will be hosting an Author Chat, testing your survival trivia skills, giving away books and gift certificates to
iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the "danger"!

Grab your copy of Crazy Dangerous and connect with Andrew on the evening of
5/29/12 for an author chat and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP
today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see
you on the 24th!

Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free copy of this book. Any opinions expressed are my own.

APASSIONATA - Extended Show Dates in Louisville, Kentucky

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:13:00 +0000

Just a quick note to my Kentucky friends...due to the popularity of the classic European horse show APASSIONATA, they have extended their dates in Louisville, Kentucky.

APASSIONATA, Europe’s most successful live entertainment show, featuring more than 40 horses, has altered its performance schedule at Freedom Hall in Louisville and will give one encore performance in celebration of Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 at 3pm. We have a special offer for the performance we wanted to share with you – four tickets for the price of three! Use code FAMILY when placing your order at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office, at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or when calling 800.745.3000.

Purex and Oprah Magazine Team Up For Special Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Purex and Oprah magazine have teamed up to bring you a special subscription deal. Use the special link below and you can get a 1-year subscription to O magazine for only $10. This normally runs somewhere around $19.99 so it's really a great deal. If you are a magazine junkie like me, or if you know someone who might enjoy this magazine subscription as a gift, take advantage of the special price now. This promotion ends May 25th at 5pm PST so don't miss out.

Use the special link below for a 1-year subscription to O Magazine:

http://insiders.purex.com/omagazine?id_712

This post contains my referral link. I am eligible to earn gift card rewards when my referral link is used.

Inspiring Words - A Video Share

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:08:00 +0000

I recently heard this clip shared on one of our local radio stations. It's a gentleman named Ric Elias talking about his experience aboard Flight 1549 - that's the flight that crash-landed into New York's Hudson River back in 2009. His words are so moving and powerful and I think his message is one that can be a benefit to us all. Check it out and then share your thoughts below...

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Red Envelope

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:16:00 +0000

If you are looking for some gift ideas for Mother's Day, be sure and check out Red Envelope. They are a respected online shopping site that offers a nice assortment of unique and personalized items. You're sure to find something for everyone on your list!

I loved browsing Red Envelope and found a really cool gift. Check out this culinary salsa growing kit. We're big salsa & chips fans in our family so this little item will be a great gift to share on Mother's Day. Won't it be fun to grow the ingredients needed to make our own salsa for family gatherings later this summer? The ceramic planters and wood stand are so attractive - very modern. I think it will make a nice addition to any kitchen and it's both fun and practical. I can already taste the yummy salsa!

(How cute is this? I love that it's such an unexpected and quirky Mother's Day gift)

My order was shipped quickly and if you visit their homepage right now, you will see a promotion code good for 20% off your entire order. So, if you still need to pick up some gifts for mom, remember to visit Red Envelope. I bet you will find just the perfect thing for the special mom in your life.

Red Envelope provided me with a shopping code to use on their site. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Shop ProFlowers for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Mother's Day is fast approaching and one of the most thoughtful (and easy) gifts to give is the gift of flowers. ProFlowers is a great source for Mother's Day flower delivery. They offer a large variety of fresh flowers, plants, and even gourmet gift ideas.

Maybe you don't have a lot of time to shop or your loved ones are scattered throughout the country. Shopping ProFlowers is one way you can take care of those Mother's Day gifts quickly and in one place. And, I think just about everyone loves to receive a beautiful bouquet.

I ordered these gorgeous oriental lilies, a favorite flower of my mom, and they are just stunning! They come to you in bud form so that you get to enjoy them as they open up and bloom. The lilies are huge and so vibrant - Really beautiful!

With most of the flowers, you have several vase options. You can even choose to order the flowers with no vase if you plan on using your own. My only complaint is that the vases cost you a little extra -- I think at least one vase option should be included with the flower purchase price. But, it's not that much and it's still such a handy, convenient way to shop for flower delivery. You can also add on chocolates or other little goodies to your order.

Check out ProFlowers for great Mother's Day gift ideas.

ProFlowers provided me with a gift code to use on their site. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Mother's Day Gifts From Personal Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:09:00 +0000

If you are looking to personalize a gift for Mother's Day, then you should check out the online shopping site Personal Creations. They offer a large selection of gift ideas - everything from jewelry, keepsakes, and apparel, to kitchen and garden items.

Maybe there's a new mom in your life who would enjoy receiving a special piece of birthstone jewelry. Or, perhaps your kids would like to pick out something special for Grandma, such as a personalized sweatshirt or mug. You will find a lot of unique and fun gifts that would be perfect to give for Mother's Day.

I ordered this glass keepsake box and had it personalized with our family initial (there was also an option to have it personalized with your own custom message). It's really pretty and just the right size for storing those few special trinkets or jewelry items. The brushed metal trim and quartz glass gives it somewhat of a vintage look.

I'm very happy with my purchase and can't wait to share it on Mother's Day. I think it makes a cute and special gift! Ordering from Personal Creations was very easy and shipping was very prompt.

I encourage you to visit Personal Creations and shop their mom gifts. Not only will you find lots of great gift ideas, but they also offer gift boxes, gift cards, various shipping options, and a handy, free reminder service (to help you keep up with those special dates/occasions in your life).

Personal Creations provided me with a free shopping code to use on their site. I was not obligated to post a positive review and any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

A New Job And A Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:05:00 +0000

I have some news to share...I'm now officially a working girl! After 14 years of being a stay-at-home mom, today I re-entered the work force (there were some butterflies in my stomach, big time!). I am working in a temporary position at a medical office. My sister works there and they were looking for someone to help them as they transfer all their patient records to electronic medical records. It sure felt strange having to get up and get ready to go to work after all these years. Everyone was very nice and the work will not be overly difficult, just really time-consuming. I think I will be ready for the job to end before the work is completed. Rush-hour traffic and early mornings are just not my thing. But, for now it's okay and probably good for me to get out of my comfort zone for a little bit. And, it's pretty great that I get to work right next to my sister.

Another fun bit of news...in a few days I will be taking a cool trip on behalf of 5 Minutes For Mom. I'll be joining some other mom-bloggers and their children in Florida for The Mother of All Fam Trips! Hilton Sandestin has generously invited us to come and experience their wonderful resort while we have fun in the sun. I'm sure it's going to be a great time and I'll be sure to share more about it when I get back. We will be tweeting with the hashtag #HiltonSandestinMoms if you would like to follow along with our adventures. I'm taking my youngest son (11) and it will be his first time flying - he is so excited!

Kentucky Derby T-Shirt Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:01:00 +0000

It's officially Kentucky Derby time again! I have a tradition here on my blog at this time of year of giving away a Kentucky Derby T-Shirt. It's just a fun way for me to share a little hometown pride with my readers. Giveaway details can be found below, but first, here's a repeat of a previous post that I did telling you a little bit more about our Derby Festival events...

************************************************************************

Being a Kentuckian my entire life, this time of year is always exciting. The Kentucky Derby, and all the great events leading up to it, are a fun and historic tradition around here. Here's a little information about The Kentucky Derby from Wikipedia:

"The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival and is widely considered the most prestigious horse race in the world. The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg). The race is known in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes. The attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America and usually surpasses the attendance of all other stakes races including the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and the Breeders' Cup."

"In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race. The historic drink can be served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup but most Churchill Downs patrons sip theirs from a souvenir glass printed with all previous Derby winners. Also, burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables, is a popular Kentucky dish served at the Derby."

"The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party with abandon. By contrast, "Millionaire's Row" refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich, the famous and the well-connected. Women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, the University of Louisville marching band plays Stephen Foster's 'My Old Kentucky Home'."

Check out some of these fun festivities leading up to the Derby:

Chow Wagon on the Waterfront - food feasts and live music on the river
Thunder Over Louisville - huge airshow & fireworks display
Pegasus Parade
Great Balloon Race
The Great Steamboat Race
Run For The Rose'
Great Bed Races
...and much, much more. There are concerts, parties, luncheons, wine fests, and all kinds of celebrations. It's really a terrific time to be in Louisville!

Even though I have lived in or around Louisville all my life, I've only attended The Kentucky Derby once. It was a spectacular experience and watching the horses parade by as they played "My Old Kentucky Home" was truly moving. I tried a mint julep and I have to admit it was one of the worst things I've ever tasted, LOL! But, it was fun to dress up and wear a pretty hat and then get to see it all in person.

GIVEAWAY
If you would like to enter, please leave a comment on this post. Tell me whether or not you will be watching or celebrating the Kentucky Derby in any way. Also, tell me your shirt size (Adult S, M, L, or XL) in your comment. I'll pick a random winner and then choose a cool Kentucky Derby T-Shirt just for you.

*You may earn an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway (1x daily, leave link to tweet in comment section below)

I entered to win a Kentucky Derby T-Shirt from @alas3lads - Details on #giveaway: http://tinyurl.com/bngxdqy

Giveaway will end at 10:00 pm EST on May 1, 2012.

U.S. entries only

*This is not a sponsored giveaway. The T-shirt for giveaway is being supplied by me.

Aloha Friday - Dream Job

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:09:00 +0000

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday, hosted by Kailani over at An Island Life. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So, on Fridays we can take it easy on blog posting, too.

I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer - nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life where you can link up with your own question and also visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

I think I've asked this before, but it's always a fun topic...if you could have any type of career that you wanted, what would your dream job be?

I'm very happy being a stay-at-home mom, but if I had to choose a career, I would love to be an author of young-adult books or a concert pianist or violinist.

I Think I'm Finally Cutting The Cord. A Little Bit.

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:03:00 +0000

I've mentioned before that I'm somewhat of a control freak and that I tend to micro-manage the people around me. I think it's because I'm a Virgo -- I like things orderly and straight-forward. Check out this excerpt about Virgos from the website Explore Astrology:

If you ever decide to question a Virgo, make sure you know your stuff because it will be hard to convince them they are wrong. A Virgo's thought is so precise that they are not very tolerant of other people's procrastination or lack of common sense. They simply cannot understand why other people cannot function at the same level as they do. Virgos also pride themselves on their excellent memories.

Because Virgos have such clear thought, they may be critical of others. They are perfectionists who despise carelessness and incoherence in others. However, as critical as they are of others, they usually turn that criticism inwards on themselves. They dislike being criticised by others because they already know their own faults.

Oh my gosh. That is me!

Anyway, back to the topic of today's post. I'm a control freak and a micro-manager. Nowhere do I see this more clearly than in the way I parent my children. Instead of teaching my kids to do laundry, I tell myself it's easier to just do it myself so it will be done the right way. Clutter needs to be picked up around the house? I'll do it because it's quicker and I know I'll put things back in the correct spots.

This is not a good thing. In fact, I think I've been doing a great disservice to my children. I'm so busy doing everything the right way that I'm not teaching them to do things for themselves.

Take my oldest son...he is almost 19. He graduated from high school one year ago. School never was his thing so he didn't immediately enroll in college. He decided to work (for that brown company that delivers packages;) and take a little time to decide his path. He's still trying to figure out what the heck he's going to do. One minute he wants to go to community college, the next he wants to move away and go to college. He wants to work. He doesn't want to work. He hates his job. He wants to party. To tell you the truth, it's been driving me crazy, seeing him so lost and aimless. I just want to shake him and fix things and set him on a path.

Operating in my usual M.O., I have spent the last year "micro-managing" things for him. I balanced his checkbook (why should he take the time to write in a checkbook when he can just look up his account online, he says); I call and find out information about colleges for him (surely he won't ask the right questions); I make sure he has clean uniform pants, gas in his car, that he wakes up in time for work, etc. etc. And, you know what I have finally realized? That is ridiculous! He is almost 19 and I cannot control him and manage him into his future. He has to do all of these things (and more) for himself.

So, over the last month or two, I have let it all go. I never look at his checking account balance (if he's overdrawn, that's his problem). If he throws some clothes in the laundry basket, I'll do them. But I will not seek him out and ask him if he has clean clothes to wear. Or gas in his car. Or when the deadline to X-college is. I'm not doing any of that. Nada.

It was scary at first. But, now it feels really good. I have come to terms with the fact that he will do things his way, in his time, and that he will probably make mistakes along the way. I have to bite my tongue and look the other way sometimes. But, I'm dealing.

I guess this means I'm finally starting to get the hang of cutting the cord. Just a little bit anyway.

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Janie Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:07:00 +0000

Washed up musician, Ethan, is on tour with his floundering band when a woman from his past pays him a surprise visit. When this woman tells him he's the father of her 13 year old daughter, Janie, he doesn't want to believe it's true. The teenage girl is left in his care and he is forced to take her along on the band tour. Along the way, drinking and fighting among the band members begin to take a toll and everything in Ethan's life starts to crumble. As everyone else walks away from Ethan, will Janie be his saving grace?

I really loved this movie! Ethan is a total mess and a real jerk. But, as he started developing a relationship with his daughter, I liked him more and more. Abigail Breslin is so good as Janie - innocent and scared but also brave and tough. Even though she's constantly dealing with dysfunctional family situations, she keeps trying to make the best of things.

This movie is not rated. There is a lot of language and drinking.

McDonald's "Happy Meal Chefs" Contest - Plus Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:35:00 +0000

This Giveaway is closed

Recently, I shared details of a fun contest sponsored by McDonald's -- the "Happy Meal Chef's" contest. If you plan on entering or want more information, hurry! Time is almost up as the deadline to enter is April 18, 2012.

GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the wonderful folks from the McDonald's Family Arches community, I have some FREE Happy Meal coupons to share with my readers. If you would like to enter to win some of the coupons, simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite McDonald's menu item.

*You may earn an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway (leave link to tweet)

I entered to #win free Happy Meal coupons from @alas3lads and @McDonalds. For details: http://tinyurl.com/cyo895v

-U.S. residents only
-Giveaway ends 12:00 Noon EST on 4-20-12
-Two random winners will be selected and each receive coupons for Two FREE Happy Meals

McDonald's provided me with free Happy Meal coupons to share with my readers in exchange for helping to spread the word about their "Happy Meal Chefs" contest.

Aloha Friday - What Would You Change About Yourself?

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday, hosted by Kailani over at An Island Life. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So, on Fridays we can take it easy on blog posting, too.

I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer - nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life where you can link up with your own question and also visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

If you could change any one thing about yourself, what would it be?

For myself, I would want to be more outgoing, outspoken, and self-confident (I guess that's actually three things but that's what I would want to change).

Details On A Giveaway - $50 Sephora Gift Card

noreply@blogger.com (Kari) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:53:00 +0000

Do you need some fresh new spring makeup or fragrances? I know I do! Head over to BB Product Reviews and enter for your chance to win an awesome $50 Sephora Gift Card. Giveaway ends on 4/29. Good luck!