tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:45:30 +0000creative, clever, candid and heavily caffeinated conversations about my imperfectly inspired life that will always be a work in progress.http://www.christiecrowder.com/christiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)Blogger264125Health/Self-Helpchristiecgc@gmail.comnocreative, clever, candid and heavily caffeinated conversations about my imperfectly inspired life that will always be a work in progress.christiecrowderhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1265697221641008336Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:15:00 +00002010-03-12T12:15:27.135-05:00ReviewsThe ChatterBox Reviews Apparently the word has gotten out that I'm blind as a bat.  I mean, why else would GlassesUSA contact me out of the clear blue sky and ask me to try out their site and a new pair of specs?  I've guess they've also seen the handful of pictures floating around out there of me wearing my current (and dreadfully boring) eyeglasses.  As luck would have it, I'd just gotten an eye exam an a brand new http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/BTdKVUA1KFo/review-i-can-see-clearly-now-thanks-to.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)2http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/review-i-can-see-clearly-now-thanks-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-2381947467597484553Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:00 +00002010-03-10T10:57:33.509-05:00InspirationWordless WednesdayAwarenesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/jtmLfUnjWcI/wordless-wednesday-im-rockin-it-03-10.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)0http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/wordless-wednesday-im-rockin-it-03-10.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-9013086000044473498Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +00002010-03-08T15:54:41.976-05:00Monday Morning AnnouncementsLife's WorkWriting and BloggingEmbracing ChaosI Just Gotta Tell YaYes, my header has disappeared and so has my grab button. I have taken the plunge and assumed my full identity as The ChatterBox. Though as my former title and new tag line above suggest, I still am and always will be "A Work In Progress," I am simply foregoing the use of it as the name of this blog. All content and focus (or lack thereof) will remain the same. But now I'm on the hunt for a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/dWeI6l6eomo/do-not-adjust-your-browserthe.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)4http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/do-not-adjust-your-browserthe.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-4699313326882813721Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:06:00 +00002010-03-07T23:06:28.752-05:00I'm Just Sayin'Sunday ConfessionalsLife's WorkWriting and BloggingEmbracing ChaosYes this is exactly what it looks like a post about nothing. It's not that I have nothing to write about. In fact I almost have too much...which actually is kind of the issue. I've started about four drafts for today but cannot bring myself to finish them. I would get to a point and poof...boredom and/or the thoughts would just stop coming. It was really pissing me off. I mean, I haven't http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/heqrNF1VyYM/sunday-confessional-i-got-nothinn-o-t-h.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)5http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/sunday-confessional-i-got-nothinn-o-t-h.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-655887491113696920Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:57:00 +00002010-03-03T09:57:29.222-05:00I'm Just Sayin'ReviewsContestsThe ChatterBox ReviewsDon't laugh at the picture of my newest favorite drinking vessel.  You all know this about me!  You've seen my tweets and statuses about how I cannot get myself together without the aid of a "fully leaded" (caffeinated) cuppa joe.  You would not want me talking or tweeting without it...trust me!    I guess I am what you would call a "coffee snob" but not in the sense that most would classify a "http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/R0ELoV5izxE/im-stalking-juan-valdez-and-so-will-you.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)6http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/im-stalking-juan-valdez-and-so-will-you.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-6963038657447632877Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +00002010-03-02T09:43:49.749-05:00ReviewsThe ChatterBox ReviewsInspirationI'm always a bit skeptical when one of Disney's great animated features is brought to the live stage.  Well, maybe skeptical is not the word...but I do wonder how all of the magic and wonder of these films will be captured on a stage with limited space, special effects, and... well... animation.  Let's face it, you can achieve death-defying feats with animation.  Nevertheless, my http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/I8LhXoYqKFU/disneys-mulan-comes-to-life-at-alliance.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)3http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/03/disneys-mulan-comes-to-life-at-alliance.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1644916123038900917Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +00002010-02-24T09:53:54.833-05:00Wordful WednesdayGratitude AttitudeBlog BuddiesWordless WednesdayA very special friend asked for my assistance and adviceand, of course,  I happily obliged.  A few days later, this little treat arrived...  Thank you, Angela, for the best "thank you" I've ever gotten! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/Tx5IhqEPHEM/wordless-wednesday-best-margarita-ever.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)9http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/wordless-wednesday-best-margarita-ever.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-6891654763961384570Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:44:00 +00002010-02-21T12:44:54.790-05:00Sunday ConfessionalsLife's WorkWriting and BloggingEmbracing ChaosCoach Inspire ThyselfImage credit: this person on Flickr Yes, it would seem I am having yet another internal battle with myself.  This time over branding... my personal brand, that is.  At the end of last year, I outgrew my little zen lady and performed the extreme blog makeover you see here.   But somehow, that wasn't exactly the change I needed. It should have been painfully obvious on the day I decided to change http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/d2cEmyzp6XA/sunday-confessional-identity-crisis.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)14http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/sunday-confessional-identity-crisis.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-8219520791379954480Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:09:00 +00002010-02-20T14:09:44.097-05:00VideosSix Word SaturdayI Just Gotta Tell YaNow THIS should have been a SuperBowl commercial! Maybe it was and I missed it but if not...it should have been. Hilarious! What a way to re-market a brand that usually makes you think of Grandpas in red flannel! Wait, this was supposed to be "Six Word Saturday"... I'll shut up and let you watch the clip... This ad is more funny than "sexy" but just for a split second, in the midst of your http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/u1UL7tr86p0/six-word-saturday-who-knew-old-spice.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)2http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/six-word-saturday-who-knew-old-spice.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1017031596959705481Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:54:00 +00002010-02-19T11:54:54.380-05:00I'm Just Sayin'Flashback FridaysForehead Smack FridaysWell I'm devastated! Just devastated! (said a la Blanche from The Golden Girls) Seriously, why do people feel the need to mess with "the classics?"  First "We Are The World" and now (gasp) "The Last Dragon?" Yes, you heard correctly...they are remaking "The Last Dragon!"  (insert forehead smack #1) A classic, iconic film forever immortalized in 80s, African-American pop culture and not to mentionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/gO2AJ6sRjA8/flashback-friday-with-couple-of.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)5http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/flashback-friday-with-couple-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-7697147515130103684Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:32:00 +00002010-02-15T12:32:39.640-05:00ConferencesLife's WorkI Just Gotta Tell YaAs most of you know by now, the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was part social media conference and part family vacation.  It also was nothing short of fabulous...I mean, it's Disney for heaven's sake!  Even in the freezing rain, Disney can be fabulous!  That's just how they roll!  But anyway, I digress.  I do not wish to drone on about Disney's fabulousness right now...I'll be doing that http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/tXpwwjD7PaI/what-i-learned-at-disney-social-media.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)10http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/what-i-learned-at-disney-social-media.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-8036763822997954807Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-02-10T05:00:00.181-05:00GiftsThe ChatterBox ReviewsI Just Gotta Tell YaHolidaysYou already know I LOVE The Kiwi Tree and their fabulously funny greeting cards for any occasion imaginable.  If you didn't know, then click here.  Well, just when I thought they could not crack me up more, they split my sides with The Kiwi Sutra Position of the Day!  Yes, those kind of positions, people!  What, did you think this was a joke?  Uh uh! The Kiwi Tree doesn't tip toe around the timidhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/Ssdj8FP_KRw/practice-for-valentines-day-with-kiwi.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)5http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/practice-for-valentines-day-with-kiwi.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1855149356126144083Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:18:00 +00002010-02-08T21:22:38.677-05:00Monday Morning AnnouncementsI Just Gotta Tell YaAs I prepare to go frolic in a warmer climate with my fellow Disney Social Media Moms, my mind drifts to my friends and family under drifts of snow that would tower over my two year old. The last time I experienced snow like that, I was in high school. It's times like these that I'm glad I had the sense to move to the south! Since I'll be otherwise occupied this week and cannot promise I willhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/M562tj65tPo/snowpocalypse-dc-2010-view-from-my-moms.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)6http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/snowpocalypse-dc-2010-view-from-my-moms.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-5621190523376088879Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:26:00 +00002010-02-05T12:43:20.170-05:00ReviewsThe ChatterBox Reviews 99 Designs - 99designs.comThis is very cool! I love how this is a win-win for graphic designers/web designers and the people who need their services! The clients give a no-haggle price of what they are willing (or can afford) to pay and designers get paid for their work in 2-3 days! Cuts out the back-and-forth hassles. This is also great for those of us who are not necessarily "graphic http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/DxQdzF_0YoE/99-designs-sponsored-post.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)2http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/99-designs-sponsored-post.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-7093187256132294256Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:06:00 +00002010-02-04T11:08:45.652-05:00BooksBlog BuddiesThought Provoking ThursdayForehead Smack FridaysI am like a million months overdue with this post (which is why it bears Forehead Smack Friday tag on a Thought Provoking Thursday), but better late than never, I always say. :)  (okay, I'm a slacker, I get it...sheesh!) I love it when my bloggy buddies do great things and I can't wait to share their accomplishments with the world.  My heart gets especially full when they cross over from bloggerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/ke_tu9Va954/who-needs-confucious-when-weve-got.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)9http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/who-needs-confucious-when-weve-got.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-5337943231849641436Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:50:00 +00002010-02-03T10:51:38.987-05:00Wordful WednesdayMommy HullabalooWordless Wednesday This is what my kids did while I was sick all weekend. And they are so proud! Jackson:  Mommy look! It's a Kenny Cake! See! We made it! Me:  Oh it's so nice and looks yummy!  Where's the "Jackson Cake?"Jackson: (blank stare with cricket sound effects) Hey, well, I had to ask.  According to his sister, his name wouldn't fit.  I can see that :)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/eDCrwiykGfo/not-so-wordless-wednesday-kenny-cake.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)10http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/not-so-wordless-wednesday-kenny-cake.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-5355493122712554483Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:21:00 +00002010-02-01T10:58:45.970-05:00I'm Just Sayin'I Just Gotta Tell YaImage credit: TeeRish on Flickr I heavily debated whether or not I was going to write about this.  I try really hard to not be dry or boring but every once in a while, I just write what is in me to write and worry not about how it will be received.  Okay, well, I do worry a little bit.  Like I said, I'd hate to bore you but think of this post as a PSA. On Friday morning, I woke up with the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/dN1VSArbe_s/never-underestimate-power-of-tummy-ache.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)13http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/02/never-underestimate-power-of-tummy-ache.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-3938741287472343967Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:19:00 +00002010-01-29T11:19:07.178-05:00Elance - www.elance.comA great way for freelancers to connect with the individuals and businesses that need them! Go to elance.com and get your next gig! a:visited._splink {text-decoration: none; color: white;}}sponsored likeChristie Crowder's profile on MyLikeshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/-E9sf4Fp1d0/elance-sponsored-post.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)4http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/elance-sponsored-post.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-6713043965170156525Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-25T05:00:01.443-05:00ReviewsMonday MavensFaithThe ChatterBox ReviewsLife's WorkInspirationAuthentic EntrepreneurThe BlogRollers To say that I was excited about the newest Disney Princess, Tiana, of The Princess and The Frog would be like calling New Year's Eve in Times Square a house party.  Not to take away from the other princesses before her but you must understand how wonderful and truly special it is to finally have a Disney princess that looks like me...and more importantly, like my daughter. I've been a fan of http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/iHnvewTT2V0/carols-daughter-magical-beauty.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)6http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/carols-daughter-magical-beauty.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-8758377032795660895Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-21T05:00:01.621-05:00QuotesThought Provoking ThursdayCoach Inspire ThyselfImage credit: Ainhoa on Flickr At some point in our lives, we've wanted to know from our parents, from our siblings, from our friends, from our co-workers, from our spouses, from our children...that no matter what we look like, what we wear, how much money make, how we choose to celebrate, how educated we are, how we deal with tragedy, what our life choices are...no matter what...that we are http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/rNLYS3CfWyM/thought-provoking-thursday-acceptance.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)7http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/thought-provoking-thursday-acceptance.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-9077024752693292735Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-20T09:43:35.523-05:00Wordful WednesdayVideosMommy HullabalooInspirationWordless WednesdayI realize I may be really late on seeing this video...actually I know I'm late because it was posted to YouTube back in November. But it is WAY too cute not to share! If you've got kiddies (or know some kiddies) hating on school...watch... and be inspired! (I was!) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/iIYMew5ov1k/if-you-learned-it-you-should-have-got-a.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)3http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/if-you-learned-it-you-should-have-got-a.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-6461208717390549390Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:34:00 +00002010-01-17T15:34:10.715-05:00Sunday ConfessionalsMommy HullabalooEmbracing Chaos Yes, you've read correctly, my two-year old son, Jackson, has a potty mouth. And before those of you who have the pleasure of knowing me IRL fix your mouths to say "Well, I wonder where he got that from...hint hint?" or "Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" Let me explain... Before I explain, I just have to ask... Is it just my kids or or do all little kids go through a phase http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/R2Ph0ZVEE_c/sunday-confessional-my-two-year-old-has.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)9http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/sunday-confessional-my-two-year-old-has.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1951049613321600020Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-15T09:23:10.460-05:00Flashback FridaysI Just Gotta Tell Ya I'm sorry to say that only if you grew up in the Metro Washington DC area in the 70s and 80s can you truly appreciate this video clip. If you are anything like me, you still remember the words... ...and you winked too, didn't you! For those of you who unfortunately did not grow up in "the area" (and those of you from "the area" know exactly how to say "the area"), this was a real commercialhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/d3tZJLUMysM/flashback-fridays-nobody-bothers-me.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)4http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/flashback-fridays-nobody-bothers-me.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-840926460551601742Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-14T21:47:45.001-05:00QuotesFaithThought Provoking ThursdayInspirationAwareness Image credit: morganmuffle on Photobucket A few days ago, I was cleaning out some old writing files and came across this poem that I apparently found and copied in the Spring of 2006. I have no idea what was on my mind back then that would make me save this (though I have a few ideas) but for what has currently been on my mind, this is eerily appropriate... The Invitation by Oriah Mountain http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/f-DRRaoeSE8/thought-provoking-thursday-youre.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)4http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/thought-provoking-thursday-youre.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2747140348523625378.post-1079290347616290158Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +00002010-01-13T22:04:51.612-05:00Your Big SisterMonday Morning AnnouncementsBooksLife's WorkWriting and BloggingAuthentically InspiredCoach Inspire Thyself When I first wrote and published "Your Big Sister's Guide to Surviving College" in 2006-2007, I had the grand idea of creating a whole "Your Big Sister's Guides" series. Little guides to all aspects of life for all of my little sisters out there. I even have a few drafts in progress of what I thought would be the next installments but the high of being a newly published author came crashing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/christiecrowder/~3/zqeSt7gVz_8/monday-morning-announcements-dont-call.htmlchristiecgc@gmail.com (Christie-The ChatterBox)12http://www.christiecrowder.com/2010/01/monday-morning-announcements-dont-call.htmlen-usnonadult