Nissa's niceties

My little boy?

2009-04-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

I guess not so little anymore. Yesterday was Tristan's 13th birthday. I can't believe my little guy is a teenager! He'll be surpassing my height in a year or two. I don't want to think about all the new complications that come along with the teen years.

He just got his braces on last Monday.
"Gee Thanks Mom. What a great birthday present."*sigh*
"It could be worse; you could get them when you're 16 like I did. You should have yours off before dating age."
"I guess, but that doesn't make me enjoy it any more."
"I feel your pain, son."

We had a little party this past Saturday. With it being the day before Easter, his best friend couldn't even make it. I felt kind of bad about that. He was spoiled rotten again; I'm sure that helped ease the sorrow a bit.

I'm still not in full blogging mode, so I'll just post some pics. :)

My cutie with his braces.

Yep, Star Wars Theme

On the weekend before, we celebrated my nephew Hunter's 10th birthday.. just kidding, he's 5. Boy is he growing, though! He had a Batman themed party and it was a nice day with family.

My niece, Samantha pumping up the crowd.(Her birthday is next month)

Hunter opening the Spongebob movie & Melodie thinking she should have kept it for herself. Tristan in the background excited about the Kindle his Aunt & Uncle gave him.

Robin was the next to go.

I'll get back to my normal blogging soon. I've got lots coming up. Hope you're all doing well!

I heart babies and flowers

2009-03-30T08:43:00.005-04:00

I went to my friend Lauren's baby shower this weekend. It was beautiful! Every mom-to-be should have a party like that. The hostess went all out; it was really quite amazing. Lauren's nursery is 'under the sea', so the shower theme was the same. She & her hubby have waited & haven't found out the baby's gender. It's neat, but I sure couldn't have done it! So everything has to be neutral for now. (I really think it's a boy.)

I was going to make a diaper cake. It was really cool- slide apart tiers with compartments to put goodies in. Then the hostess told me that someone else was bringing one, so I figured it'd be rude to still bring it. It was okay, though, because I was also making a sock rose bouquet. They're not as popular as diaper cakes (yet), so I was pretty certain no one else would bring one.

I think it turned out pretty well; it was my first attempt at one. See the little baby socks?

What do you think about waiting to find out the sex of your baby? Could you/would you do it? :)

Bye Bye Whaler

2009-03-16T08:58:00.005-04:00

I laugh every time I see those Denny's commercials. They show the super silly pancake ideas and then say "Isn't it time for a Real (or Serious)breakfast?" I guess they're making fun of IHOP's Rooty Tooty Fresh & Fruity, or whatever wacky thing they call it nowadays.

As I recall, Denny's named their breakfast plates with stupid wanna be clever names, as well. Growing up, my family loved Denny's, but my brother always got mad that his favorite meal was Moons Over My Hammy. He'd dread having to tell the waitress his order. My dad would laugh & joke about them getting a kick out of it, "We'll serve it to you, but you have to embarrass yourself and say the goofy name first!"

I'm just saying, they're great commercials, but the irony is not lost on me.

-----

That reminds me of this time my Dad took us through the Burger King drive-thru after a movie (in my brother's and my early adult years). He had a great exchange with the pimply, cracking voiced employee. Dad had a craving for one of those fish sandwiches that he hadn't had in years.

"Welcome to Burger King, would you like to try a Combo meal?"
"No thanks. I'll take a Whopper with cheese, one Whopper junior, three regular fries and one Whaler."
"Uh, what was that last thing?"
He enunciated," A Whaler"
"I'm sorry, sir, we don't have those."
Dad's getting frustrated now, & he's scanning the menu, " A Whaler-A fish sandwich. What do you call the fish sandwich??!"
"Uh, a fish sandwich, sir"
"Great, give me one of those."

So apparently he repeated the funny name of the past over and over when he didn't need to. I guess BK didn't want to embarrass fish loving customers anymore. Or they realized that Whaler wasn't an appropriate name in the first place.

So have you ever had a food that was embarrassing to ask for?

Don't Bait and Switch me

2009-03-12T08:34:00.004-04:00

One of the perks of having a blog is it's an easy way to spread the word about great companies, great products, and not so great companies with terrible customer service.

I recently ran into one of the latter. I saw on one of my favorite sites a deal about Spring Hill Nurseries:

"Put Us To The Test! Get $20 Worth Of FREE Plants - Just Pay Shipping. Once You've Tried Us, We Know You'll Be Back!"

Cool! Being a gardener, I love finding new companies to order plants from, and discounts are the only way to do it. So I went on and ordered about $30 worth of plants. The discount appeared in my shopping cart just fine until after I checked out. The confirmation page didn't show the $20 coupon. I tried not to freak out about it, thinking maybe it didn't really reflect the actual total. So I sent an email to customer service with all of the information asking to be reassured that my order would be charged correctly.

Here was the first response:

"Dear Nissa,

Thank you for your email. I apologize for the inconvenience. However, please provide us with the key code. We will be happy to assist you.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

John
Customer Service"

To which I replied:

"I don't know what you mean by key code. Is that a discount code? There was none. I simply went to http://springhillnursery.com/default.asp through one of the blogs I read (imommies.com) It said at the top of the site:

Put Us To The Test! Get $20 Worth Of FREE Plants - Just Pay Shipping. Once You've Tried Us, We Know You'll Be Back!
Limit One Offer Per Household.
Hurry - Offer Expires Shortly!

There wasn't any problem showing the discount until the order actually went through. The confirmation page suddenly didn't show the $20 credit."

Two days pass- then I finally got:

"Dear Valued Customer:

Thank you for your email. The key code is the discount code associated with the special offers. We are unable to apply the offers to the order without any key code.
However, we can offer either $25.00 discount on the order total of $50.00 or more or free shipping on the orders over $25.00.

While placing the orders please leave a note in the “special instructions” box concerning the discount/coupon, and we'll be happy to deduct it from the order.
If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Susan
Customer Service"

So now they want me to make another order for $50?? Yeah, like I trust them to give me that discount, either. I've now lost all patience:

"I am outraged that your company would pull a bait and switch like that and tell me I need a key code to fix the problem when there was no key code. As if you didn't know you had that offer on the website. Cancel my order immediately. I will also inform my bank not to honor any charges made by your company.

I was extremely excited to try your products when I heard about the offer from a fellow blogger, but I should have realized the offer was too good to be true. I will also be spreading the word about this lack of customer service and business ethics.

Nissa H."

While writing this post- I received this quick response.

"Dear Nissa:

Thank you for your email. Please understand that our company is based on 100% Customer Service. While we try to make every effort to ensure that the items you order are of the highest quality, shipped to you in a timely manner, and with the best service, occasionally we stumble. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience we may have caused you, and we ask that you consider giving us one more opportunity to provide you with world class service. However, I have canceled your order number XXXXXXXXXXXX.

If we can be of further assistance please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Steve
Customer Service"

Too little, too late. They still wouldn't even acknowledge the deal the offer on the website. I'm not saying this happens to everyone. I've read others who got the deal just fine. All it takes, though is one big frak(my new clean curse; a nod to BSG) up and I'm done. I don't understand why they couldn't fix it..

Here's to everyone having a great day with fantastic customer service (if needed). *Cheers* (Don't worry, it's just my coffee cup; I'm not so upset that it's driven me to drink at 9 am.)

Reality check.

2009-03-11T08:25:00.001-04:00

I think it's great that American Idol has a blind (almost blind?) contestant. Scott makes you root for him. I can't help, though, thinking about what will happen as the weeks progress. I'm wondering how they'll manage to pull off the group performances..? Will he just have to sit on a stool in the middle of the other dancing kids? Will his brother have to dance behind him, guiding him? Will his vision impairment keep him from participating in some of the 'extra' stuff? Will the stylists put some sunglasses on him?...

What I am SO looking forward to- the Ford commercials. I can see it, now; Scott's driving the Ford Focus (no pun intended- or is it?) all over the road and sidewalk, making all the other contestants jump, roll, & run out of his way. That'll be funny as hell.
----

I am a Bachelor watcher, too. Oh how I was disgusted at the end of this season. They get a single dad (poor guy dumped on the previous Bachelorette) and all these girls think he's just perfect and sweet; even wanting to become an instant mom. He really had us them fooled. Jason dumped Molly and proposed to Melissa (yay!), then that ass hat dumped Melissa on national tv, and said he'd made a mistake. Then he got back together with Molly. What I can't understand is why Molly took him back. *Insert my brother, "Same reason she'd go on the Bachelor in the first place. Desperate chick."* She should have laughed in his face, "Hells to the nah, loser. You had your chance." The one I really feel badly for is his son, Ty. Every other weekend. "Son, this is gonna be your new stepmommy. I love her with all of my heart."then, "Remember how I told you that last girl was going to be your new stepmommy? Well THIS one is really going to be your new stepmommy. I don't love the other girl afterall."

I watched Dancing with the Stars Monday night, and boy am I glad I did. (It's not one of my regular reality shows) Melissa's now on DWTS and it makes me happy. She's the last minute replacement for Nancy O'Dell. Yeah, such big stars on that show. I highly recommend it, though for all nerds. Watching Steve Wozniak dance is bound to make you feel supercool. I'm sure he won't be on for very much longer, though, so catch it while you can. Or just watch on Youtube so you don't have to admit that you actually watched Dancing with the Stars.

How 5 pounds turned into 25.

2009-03-02T16:26:00.004-05:00

Hubby & I are small people; short in stature, not meant to weigh a lot. Through the years, the extra pounds have crept up on me. I didn't pay too much attention. I knew that I was heavier than I should be, but not 'fat'. Until the day I saw Michael's weight on the scale, and decided to step on after. *gulp* I weighed 5 pounds more than my hubby!

Right now I weigh 15 pounds less. I thought I'd be thrilled to be back at this weight, but I realize I'd like to take another 10 off to be at my personal best weight. You know, not necessarily the weight that 'they' say you should be at for your height, but that weight where you feel your sexiest, most confident..

Besides, I'm not toned. I haven't even been exercising, even though I should. My poor neglected Wii fit. Yeah, I know, I promised I'd be using it all the time when I begged Michael for it, but I got out of the habit, and it's hard to get started back up.

I'm not on a diet. I attribute my current weight loss to minor changes. I try to avoid high fructose corn syrup. I know it's under debate whether HFCS is much worse than sugar, but I think so. I've been a Coca-Cola addict since I was a toddler. I don't drink a ton of it, but I can't go days without it, either. I could never drink the diet stuff- yuck! I have a big aversion to artificial sweeteners. They're not natural. I kept thinking, 'Why doesn't someone make a cola with real sugar instead??' It turns out some companies do. I found Jones Natural Pure Cane Soda at my grocery store. It's more expensive, but I think it's totally worth it. I save money in other areas of spending which more than makes up for it.

I've downsized my portions, and I eat all 3 meals, including breakfast! I also have several small snacks throughout the day. I know this is mostly common sense stuff, but it's one thing to hear it and another thing to actually do it.

I had also been struggling with my depression recently. My doctor got my medications adjusted and I am so myself again! I have more energy and feel more motivated to actively work on my weight.
I'm going to be accountable for my weight and my health, and that's why I'm posting about it. Tomorrow I am going to exercise. For real, this time.

Who am I anyway?

2009-02-26T07:02:00.000-05:00

My blog and I are going through a bit of an identity crisis. When I started this blog, it was going to be anything and everything I felt like putting in it. Then people started reading and things began to change. I was so thrilled that people could actually want to read what I wrote! I tried to figure out what it was my readers liked and wanted. Was it my candor? Was it cute pics of my kids? Was it the silly stories? Was it my asides(come on, you love them!)? Was it my crafts and craft tips? Was it my funny Thursday Thirteens? Was it my adventures of a shopaholic? I spent too much time trying to analyze what would keep my regulars happy.

I was quickly grouped into the mommy blogger category. So then I tried to figure out what writing would be interesting yet not offensive to anyone. I like to please; that's just how I am. I am also very random, flighty, foul mouthed, overly emotional, flawed, anxious, a fangirl, a spelling whiz yet a punctuation addict....(I can't stop!!!!)and overall sub par writer. I'm also not usually very self confident(although if you've seen me when I'm manic, that's a whole different story!).

As the days went on, I was feeling stifled. I had all of these ideas to post, but would second guess myself, thinking 'Oh, they're not going to be interested in this', or 'That's too controversial- someone's going to be upset by this; I can't post my feelings.'(That was a valid fear, as I had it happen last year.)

Some of you ask me 'Why do you feel like you can't be yourself?' The answer is because I feel like I'm being judged and graded. I know that's completely contrary to why I started this blog. I don't have to post everyday. If I don't have anything to say, who cares? If I say something stupid, I'll chalk it up to being a blonde. If I'm feeling down, this is my venting spot. If I post something very random, it doesn't matter. If I don't feel like looking through my reader or blog hopping, I'll realize that everyone gets that way sometimes. If people stop reading, I'll remind myself that it's okay and try not to take it personally.

So I guess the best I can figure out is: I'm just Nissa, and this is just my personal blog. I hope you get something you like out of it once in a while, but if not, so be it.

Need a last minute Valentine?

2009-02-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

I actually was making a Thursday Thirteen and was going to use premade somecards, but then I got into making them and lost track of time. So here are some of them if you want to take a glimpse into my demented mind.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope it's filled with sweet surprises!

I've been replaced.

2009-02-11T17:40:00.003-05:00

I haven't been blogging. I know. Haven't felt like it. Been busy with appointments & such.. I could go on with the excuses. Anyway, I stop blogging and suddenly my honey sends me a link to his new blog. (He's never blogged before) I thought it kind of funny, because he never even reads my blog(which is actually a good thing, or I'd probably be in trouble! haha)and I had to twist his arm to get him to join Facebook. So I figure it's just his little private journal about his projects. Then I get this IM:

(02:44:47 PM) Michael : I had 40 viewers of my blog yesterday!
(02:44:53 PM) Michael : I feel so special
(02:44:56 PM) Michael : ;)
(02:45:07 PM) Nissa/Home: hehe

Cute. Then later:

(05:28:43 PM) Michael : cool
(05:28:50 PM) Michael : 65 blog views today
(05:28:52 PM) Michael : ;)
(05:29:14 PM) Nissa/Home: oh no.. you're hooked
(05:29:28 PM) Michael : I posted a comment on a blog today pointing people to my site
(05:29:37 PM) Michael : 25 page hits from that alone
(05:29:57 PM) Michael : ah nice
(05:30:03 PM) Michael : I was all excited to get 2 new comments
(05:30:08 PM) Michael : but it's from you and Dave

And another blogging addiction is born. Maybe we're just having a weird yet temporary Freaky Fridayish role reversal.
Hope you're all doing well, and hopefully I'll feel like blogging again sometime soon.

In the meantime, if you're interested in electronics/computers, or if you just want to make my wonderful sweetheart feel a little more special, go HERE.
Hugs!

Wordless Wednesday-It's the little things

2009-01-28T10:03:00.004-05:00

Or not so little...

So now you see why I haven't been blogging..

Some Valentines for free

2009-01-22T09:04:00.004-05:00

You may not send out Valentines to relatives- I usually don't, but I will this year since I found this deal online. Visit Scrapbooks etc., Make a Valentines card, order a box of six, and enter the code VALENTINE at checkout. Shipping will be free, too! I'm not sure when this offer ends, although I'm sure it's by the end of the week, so if you want to get in on this deal, go now!

*Update- the site says offer ends 2/1/09, but I'd still try to do it quickly- you never know if they might stop it when the response gets overwhelming!

Have a Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday Nis style-mmm..Ramen

2009-01-21T09:08:00.004-05:00

My kids love Ramen noodles. They'd eat them every day if I let them. I like Ramen, too, but I know how fattening that meal is, so try to limit my consumption. We use a chopstick to stir the noodles on the stove so as to not ruin the non stick surface of the professional grade pots (yeah right, our cookware is so cheap- that's why the non-stick is being scratched so easily). I put the chopstick on the table afterward and Melodie picked it right up and decided to use it. Maybe it was instinctual, or maybe she's just paid attention to Michael and me (or perhaps watched too much Naruto on TV eating his noodles). Next up, two chopsticks! Then we're off to Saigon Cafe to eat some pho and show off our little non Asian chopstick wielding prodigy!

Yep, I screwed up her bangs again. Next time we'll go to a salon.

Inspiration and a day to remember

2009-01-20T10:37:00.004-05:00

As we are all witnessing such an awesome moment in history, I feel tremendously proud to live in the USA. There have been times when I've felt shame at what our country has done and the image we have portrayed to the world. Today, I feel hope and promise, even with the current economic crisis and lives still being lost in the war and battles around the world.

It is such an amazing occasion to have an African American president. It certainly doesn't wipe out the racism and prejudice that still exist, but I think it shows such social progress in general. I can't begin to imagine the injustices that have been and are currently done to minorities. Although I am a quarter Mexican, I have blond hair, blue eyes, am ghostly pale, and was raised in an English speaking household, so have always been considered 'white'. I've never experienced any of the intolerance of racism. That doesn't keep the invisible Latina in me from rejoicing at this momentous time.

Barack Obama becoming president is much more than just a racial event. He represents optimism and the possibility of great change. There are so many things that need tremendous help. I am so hopeful that our new government leadership can find and implement solutions to many of our problems. I feel so overwhelmed with joy; I can't even type this without getting all choked up and crying. (Even though it's not that hard to make me cry..)

I know everyone and their brother is blogging about the Inauguration, today. I don't care that my sentiments mirror many others' writing today. In fact, I'm so glad if they do.

Happy Inauguration Day, America!

Bedside winner!

2009-01-15T09:14:00.003-05:00

After a disappointingly low turnout.. *sigh*, Random.org has determined the winner of the Bedside Lovers Tool Kit giveaway.

Congrats to THE best blog designer, and talented blogger, Judith Shakespeare. Hopefully she & her honey will be able to put the kit to good use! *wink*

Thanks to all of you who were willing to have some fun in this naughty contest. I'm so happy you're comfortable enough in your own sexuality to do so! You all rule!

A BIG thanks to Drew & the rest of the Eden Fantasys team for sponsoring this contest. I had a lot of fun (and am having even more fun with a new toy I'm reviewing for the site! xoxo)

Wordless Wednesday - King of the remote

2009-01-14T09:30:00.003-05:00

(and yes, that is the SHIT sock.)

Cheap or frugal? You decide.

2009-01-12T10:50:00.003-05:00

In this economy, pretty much everyone is being affected in some way. We're a one income family, and although it hasn't been a major problem, things are tighter than they were when I worked. Now we've been struggling to sell our old house; after 4 years and 2 contracts that have fallen through, it has been nothing but trouble. That place has run through our savings, and we simply cannot afford 2 mortgages. Now we're trying for a short sale. It's currently listed at $50,000 less than what it was worth 1 year ago, and less than what we still owe on it. So after working for many years to build excellent credit, that is completely shot now. We have to reconsider the way we live. Paying for things with cash has never been a priority. It'll have to be, now.

So I've been more careful about the money I spend. I frequent some really great money saving blogs these days.. like Dealicious Mom, Bargain Briana, and Freebies 4 Mom, to name but a few. I clip coupons, I shop for deals. It really has been good for us. The past couple of months we've spent less than normal (even with Christmas!) My kids still had the toys they wanted, plenty of gifts to open, yet I spent about 50% less than I have in previous years. (Even my cappucino maker; Michael found it on special! I'm rubbing off on him.)

Sometimes Michael thinks I take this stuff too seriously (yet, he doesn't complain when he sees the bills). This weekend, we went to Publix for our weekly grocery shopping. I had all of my coupons ready, matched with the weekly specials, etc. We had to stop at the feminine aisle to get maxi pads- I was out and needed some ASAP. Well, I knew I had a Buy one Get one free coupon for a certain brand, but I couldn't find it. I was freaking. Michael was getting frustrated at my level of distress. "You have to buy them anyway, don't worry about it."
"Yeah, but I could've got TWO! I can't believe I somehow forgot that coupon!" (Hey, I was hormonal, cramping and pissed.) I ended up buying the least expensive pack I could find. That way, I'll still be able to use that coupon when I find it.

Then we got Tristan some Lunchables. Yeah, they're overpriced, but they're easy lunches that he enjoys. They were on sale 2 for $4. Well they had a sign that said it was an extra $1 off of 3 with the ad in the flyer located at the front of the store. So, of course I got 3. We got up to the checkout, and I had looked through the sales flyer, yet didn't find any such coupon. I told the cashier and the checkout girl, and they both said they didn't know about it. I started getting upset again. Michael, of course, was trying to calm me down. "They're on sale. It's not a big deal."
"But I wouldn't have bought 3! If they advertise it, they need to honor it!" We finished the transaction, and I told him to stop at the customer service counter. There was no line. Luckily they knew right away about that ad, and made the $1 refund super easy, and me happy. Michael acted all embarrassed, but I told him on the way out, "Every dollar helps!"
"Well, I just don't think it's worth the time or aggravation"
"It only took a minute, and they were very friendly and apologetic about it. It didn't waste your valuable time."
He shut up. It's really not worth arguing with a woman on her period. He knows this by now. I still think I was right, though. I mean, I saved us $10 in coupons, and $40 including the weekly specials.

Making it even easier for you

2009-01-12T10:23:00.004-05:00

Hmm. I'm noticing that not many of my regular readers are entering my Eden Fantasys giveaway. Don't be prudes. If you're too worried about what people will think of you for naming a product you'd like to try, I'll make it even easier for ya. Tell me a toy that you don't 'get', or one that seems way too kinky for you. How's that?

Here's one of mine: Vibra Dolce. It's a vibrator that looks like a corn cob. Personally, I don't have a farmgirl fantasy, so sticking anything fashioned like a corn cob into my orifices doesn't appeal to me. (If you do, maybe you'll love this product- I'm certainly not judging!) Anyway, you get the idea, right?

There're only 3 more days to enter, so go here to leave a comment and get your chance to win a lovely love treat.

Don't comment on this post to win. Go to the giveaway post.

Dirty Socks

2009-01-09T11:46:00.004-05:00

I have socks disappear every week with the laundry. Sometimes they turn up in the wrong load, sometimes the next week, sometimes never at all. So I leave all the lonely only's on the armrest of the sofa, hoping they'll show up later. Sometimes they stay there the whole week. Like this week.

Tristan sat on the couch this morning, and said shocked,"*gasp*What does this sock say???!!"*giggle under breath*

(Notice the kitty fur from being left where Kitty likes to lay)

"Oh! Silly!" I opened it up. It was sort of like the fold up at the back of Mad Magazine (in reverse).

(Again, I should be embarrassed about the 'cleanliness' of this sock. I'm not, though.)

He just laughed his little butt off. He thought that was just the funniest thing. But then he's at the age where swear words are taboo but intriguing.

Then he said "I bet you're gonna put this in your blog, right?".

"You know it!", as I reached for my camera.

Thursday Thirteen: More bad names for children

2009-01-08T09:28:00.004-05:00

If you've been reading for a while, you may remember the original T13 of strange names. I've decided to do another installment, because I've heard/seen/remembered more. (Plus, these Thursday Thirteens are hard work..I'm out of new ideas.)

1. Adolf Hitler- I was watching the Today show & heard some parents named their child after the crazy, demented f*ck. As a first and middle name. They are some neo-Nazis. Big surprise, but still. What about that poor child? He doesn't stand a chance. It's bad enough if you're ignorant and racist, but to do that to your kids is downright abusive.

2. Shellsea. Uh.. I know the trend is to try and spell names non-traditionally now, but unless your little girl is a mermaid, I don't think this is a good idea.

3. Oleo- I can't believe it's not butter! You may as well just call him/her Margarine. Actually, I think Margarine is actually less teaseworthy.

4. Kal-El Coppola If you didn't know, this is Nick Cage's kid. Apparently he's a big Superman fan. I just think he didn't learn any grammar in school. Do.Not.Put.Punctuation.In.A.Name! -Okay, If you were thinking of reminding me of my terrible habits of parenthesizing all of my extra thoughts or using too many exclamation points, I do know that it's not proper. Still, I wouldn't have named my kid (Mel!Odie).

5. Pearl Harbor. Why would you want to name your child after the place/attack?? As an American. Seriously..? Or perhaps they really liked the crappy movie.

6. Audio Science- This is another celebrity baby. I can't remember whose, but it is.

7. Crystal Ball Apparently her parents weren't psychic enough to predict the damage they were doing with that one.

8. Pilot Inspektor Jason Lee's!! I love Jason Lee, but he must have been high or came up with it after falling off his skateboard and hitting his head. Maybe he'll name his next one Brock. (Brock Lee is my favorite veggie!)

Even Joy and Earl didn't do something funny like Levi Hickey.

9. Holly Cost Sheesh.. holocaust! Maybe I should've picked a Thursday 13 of hate names.

10. Holly Wood and Movie Starr I think these 2 are actually quite popular. I've heard of several women with those names. Stage parents?

11. Eleanor Rigby Although being named as a Beatles song is kind of cool, Eleanor Rigby was a sad lonely woman who died alone & nobody even came to her funeral. Way to go on giving your daughter a positive outlook on life! Strawberry Fields would have been a much better choice IMHO

12. Kyd I kyd you not! haha David Duchovny named his child Kyd. That's the ultimate in laziness. 'Hey Kyd! Get over here!' 'You'd better watch your mouth, Kyd'

13. Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa Lisa Bonet just named her baby boy this wildly long, unpronounceable name.
What's up with these Celebrities? Do they think just because they're famous that their children won't get teased, harassed and bullied throughout their lives??

Happy Thursday 13!

I can't eat that!

2009-01-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

My kids are picky eaters. You know how I have to sneak veggies into our foods because of Tristan's disgust at anything green. The sad part is I feel badly when I preach to them, because I'm a picky eater, too. I happen to love most fruits and vegetables, but do you remember my aversion to cheese? Yep. Mind you, it's really irrational when it comes to American & Cheddar cheeses. I like cheese at Taco Bell, McDonalds, Schlotsky's Deli (Original sandwiches), and Jack in the Box (tacos). I'll also eat it on any loaded baked potato. I won't eat cheese at Burger King, Wendy's, Arby's, Chick-fil-A.. most places.

None of my family could ever remember my special list (that's actually how I tried Schlotsky's. My Dad brought it home & I didn't realize there was cheese on my sandwich. Turned out to be really yummy. I guess you have to trick me for me to try it.) I can remember all the times when we ate fast food growing up (we ate a LOT of fast food. It's a surprise I'm not 500 pounds, really.) and Mom or Dad would bring home something with cheese on it causing me to freak out. "I can't believe you got cheese on my burger!!?! How could you??!!". (I've always been a bit oh.. dramatic?) "Well so-o-o-rry, but we can't keep up with the places you will and will not eat cheese!" I'd then run to my room crying my eyes out.

Recently Michael & I went to McDonald's. He hates Mickey D's so it was a maybe once or twice in a lifetime occasion. I went to find us a seat while he went to order the food. So he came back with our tray & I hungrily opened my burger... wait..."They forgot the cheese!" Michael looked at me perplexed. I continued, "There's NO cheese on here!" He sheepishly said, "I thought you didn't like cheese on your burgers..?" "NO, I don't like cheese at certain places. McDonald's- I do! I told you to get me a Big Mac! Not a Big Mac without cheese! I'll tell you when I don't want cheese!" He told me I should go tell them to put cheese on it. "No, because it won't be melted on to mix into the sauce." So, I ate it, like a martyr. Aren't I a breeze to live with?! haha (I did apologize later, btw. I know it was totally crazy.)

What was I talking about, anyway?.. Oh, I remember. Melodie's turning out to be a diva about her food as well. There are only about a dozen or so foods that she'll eat willingly and on a frequent basis. Can you guess what her favorite is? mmm hmm.. cheese! I hope she widens her tastes soon, because I am so grossed out every time I have to touch cheese to feed her. Yuck.

Even the smell of Velveeta makes me nauseated. I won't go into that one, or the parmesan & other cheeses that really repel me.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Nis and her food fears: Spaghetti noodles.

Latte, anyone?

2009-01-05T09:08:00.007-05:00

As you may already know from previous posts, I'm a complete coffee freak. I could drink it all day and all night (and have before). Well I got the most awesome Christmas present! Michael bought me a supercool professional grade espresso maker from Breville. This was not a 'for the family' type, partially selfish gift, either. Hubby can't tolerate caffeine at all. It makes him mean & jittery. He loves iced tea, but when we go out, he can only have one or two, because of the caffeine. I'm talking he's like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde... At home we only make decaf. Did you even know that decaffeinated tea existed, outside of green tea?

Anyways, here's my beautiful happy maker:

This baby rocks! It makes a mean espresso, a tasty cappuccino & a divine latte. Now whenever I have company, I'm like "Would you like something to drink? Have you seen my Cappuccino maker?*big grin*"

This present was not unexpected, though. It's not something I picked out myself, or asked for ahead of time. However, when it arrived, the box said exactly what it was. Oops! So after getting over his initial disappointment in the spoiled surprise, Hubby decided it would be a good idea to pull it out and make sure it worked before the return period expired. He didn't have to coerce me! We used it for a couple days and I felt like I lived at my very own Starbucks (except better). When Michael packed it back up, I almost cried. I pleaded with him to leave it out. So I went through some major withdrawal for almost 2 months. Regular coffee tasted bland and mediocre in comparison, despite the fact that I buy the good stuff. On Christmas morning, I was like an excited child; I could hardly wait to pull this wonderful device out & set it up.

Now when I wake up, it's easier to drag myself out of my supercozy bed, because I'm looking forward to my morning treat. I may even put my regular coffee maker in a high cupboard. :) Are you totally jealous? If so, you can come visit me and drink all of the yummy coffee drinks you want, just don't forget to tip your barista!

The Niceties go Naughty in 0'Nine Giveaway!

2009-01-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

I keep my "mommy blog" pretty clean, even watching my sailor's mouth in order to not offend anyone. It's a new year, though, so I thought we'd switch it up a bit on this special day!

I recently discovered a cool site called Eden Fantasys. Yes, it's an 'adult' shop, so if by some crazy coincidence you happen to be under the legal age and reading this, close this tab immediately!

Anyway, it's not only a great place to buy lingerie, couples' kits, erotic gifts and other adult items discreetly, but you can read reviews from real people for the products before you spend or possibly waste money on toys & such. ('Isn't this thing supposed to rotate?? That's what the package says!')

Eden Fantasys is also a place where you can get answers to your sex or product questions. Make an alias, visit the Eden Fantasys Forum, and find out everything you ever wanted to know about sex but were too afraid to ask. All of the members are really friendly and some are practically sExperts. Best of all, no one has to know your secret identity!

On to the contest! This is no raunchy prize, but is a fabulous way for couples to spice things up! Eden Fantasys is generously giving one winner The Bedside Lover's Tool Kit By Kama Sutra. I can personally attest to the wonderful items in this Kit. I adore the company Kama Sutra and their products.

This kit contains some great items, including two of my favorites:

Oil of Love- This stuff smells so good- a little spicy & exotic, and it warms to the touch. It is multifunctional. :)

& Honey Dust..- This powder is divine. Sweet, soft, lightly scented, goes on smooth.. I never tire of this treat.

Okay, so without being too TMI.. yeah, I know, too late, right?!

To win this contest: Go to Eden Fantasys and come back & leave me a comment telling me what product you'd like to try. Don't worry- if you're very Vanilla there are some pretty tame items, too, but I know most of you can be pretty kinky, so don't be shy- share! Oh and leave me your email addie in a spam unfriendly way. If you're still too shy to tell me, then you're just outta luck! lol

This contest will end on January 14th at 11:59 EST. Then Random.org will pick the winner & I'll email said winner. The winner will have 3 days to respond before the prize is awarded to an alternate. This contest is for US only: sorry to all of my international readers!

Happy New Year!! I'm off to celebrate! ;)

Keep an eye out for fraud!

2008-12-31T16:53:00.003-05:00

Today I got an overdraft notice in the mail. It was for an account that I don't use- therefore, have had not much money in. Of course, Hubby asked if I had accidentally used it. I assured him that I hadn't. So we went online & looked at the transaction. It was a generated check with my name on it, my old address we haven't lived at since 2004, and it said no signature required- authorized by payee (or something to that effect). Of course the red flag went up. The check was made out to a PHE Subscriptions. So, I went & looked up online, and lo and behold, a ton of other people had unauthorized charges from the same 'company'(with a number that is either busy or just rings & rings), and began noticing a pattern. I was a Mary Kay consultant for a short time about 7 years ago. Others were saying they were/are.. then some Stampin' Up consultants & Beauticontrol & Creative Memories.. What do those all have in common? Propay. If you have ever had a Propay account, immediately check the bank account it is/was associated with. Now I'm going to have the fun of putting fraud alerts on everything and wondering what else these thieves will try.

I don't know for sure if Propay was hacked (They deny the allegation), but it seems to be awfully coincidental..

It's just a reminder that you should always keep track of your accounts and be on the lookout for fraud. It can happen to anyone.

Tuesday is the greatest..

2008-12-30T13:25:00.000-05:00

How I've missed blogging.. How tired I was of being a hostess..

You know how I said my in laws were here for a whole 10 days? I was ~~tricked~~ wrong; they were here for twelve days. It's great that they got to spend time with their grandkids, but man, was it ever tough on me & my hubby!

So much has gone on; where do I start? Well, by hoping you had a wonderful holiday! We did, despite the stress.

I've got lots of pictures to post, but haven't even downloaded them all. Maybe tomorrow will be a Wordy Wednesday post. Then, for the New Year, we have a great grown-up giveaway!

Anyway, it's awesome to be back online!

Winner & Christmas preparations

2008-12-18T08:15:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who stopped by and entered the Victoria's Secret perfume set giveaway! The winner is Marybeth! She has been notified by email & hopefully we'll be able to get it to her quickly!

Are you all ready for the holidays? Although I got all of my Christmas shopping done early, I got my Christmas cards in late. Then I found I had cute stamps with the kids on them- from last year, so I had a bunch of 41 cent stamps. Instead of splurging on some cute winter/Christmas stamps, I bought a couple sheets of 1 cent stamps. Yeah, so my cards are all hodge podge, and I just got the last of them mailed today(except for the few I'm still missing addresses for..been too lazy to get them). ugh.

We've also done some crafting (big surprise!). The kids made some gift tags out of foam sheets, and I made some Christmas napkin holders (upcycling paper towel rolls again). I want to make a centerpiece for our table, but haven't done so yet. We'll see if I get a chance- I hope so; it'll help lower my stress level.

I've spent most of my time cleaning. My in laws are visiting and staying with us for ten days and they arrive tomorrow.. Hopefully, I'll find time to do some blogging while they're here, but trying to be a decent hostess may mean I neglect everything else until after the Holidays.

Just in case I don't blog again in the next couple of days, I hope your holidays are full of joy and togetherness. xoxo