Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Wordless Wednesday--Dessert Edition! Dieters BEWARE!

This is the dessert that Breeze and I had for dessert on my birthday.
YUM.

Then my other friend--Debbie had Tirimisu. Very good if you like coffee flavors.

Did I just make you go off your diet for a minute or two?
Chocolate gets me EVERY time. Put it with caramel and you have a winner!!

Between Laundry, Dishes and Blogging....


Image obtained through legally Google image, I think.

I am a little embarrassed to be admitting this but--
I found out that one of the contributors to MMB, is AN AWESOME writer!
I mean just plain awesome.

And she is a mom just like me.

I just finished three of her posts. That girl has me hooked. I am wondering if she has wrote any books.
And to top it all off, her blog title says it all--Serene is my name, NOT my life.

Go check this woman out today if you have a free minute.

Tell me what you thought.

I mean, come on, we all have shoulder devils on our shoulders telling us what to do, don't we?

No? Maybe that is just me. *sigh*

Go check Serene today. Tell her I sent you.
She might act surprised.
She might even change out of her sweatpants for you.

Wait. That is just me that wears sweatpants on Spring break.

Ok. Talk at you people later.
I've got short stories to write. I HAVE competition out there NOW. I have seen it.

:)



Monday, March 29, 2010

I need a little HELP from my friends..PLEASE?


I was recently chosen to be the NEW humor columnist over at Blissfully Domestic. Just google it for the link. I'm lazy today. I believe it might be Blissfully Domestic DOT COM or something like that.

So ideas for humor posts? (It has to be between 140 words and 500 words long)

It is already FIRST day of Spring Break and the kiddos are fighting.
*sigh* Will I make it to the end of the week?
I'm not sure.
So leave some post suggestions in the comments. Please.
Am I even funny? Sheesh. I hope so or this columnist thing is NOT going to work out. HA!
I hope your Monday is fairing well.

Chocolate, take me away. PLEASE!







Sunday, March 28, 2010

March 29th Mingle--Friends, Organization and Necessary inventions!

So I guess Youtube officially HATES me now. It won't let me upload any of my videos anymore! *sigh*
Thank goodness for Viddler, right?




Friday, March 26, 2010

My first ACTUAL tag in Blogger land...Cool huh?

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO READ MY SCARY MOMMY POST....!

Again I am drawing on the old archives again. I am driving back from my wonderful mini-vacation today!
Yippee! I'll be back again NEXT week for more fun! Thank goodness for scheduling posts, huh?

I think I did something on Facebook similar to this. But since Helen "officially" tagged me I decided to play along. Hopefully I will get someone to actually play along with me.:D


1. Where is your cell phone?
With my husband, he is gone for the day. (Yes, we only have one.)

2. Your hair?
Straight and Blonde

3. Your mother?
She is in Virginia, probably at work.

4. Your father?
He is at work in Pennsylania.(parents are divorced.)

5. Your favorite food?
Right now it is Pumpkin Bread....YUM-O!

6. Your dream last night?
I probably dreamed about the submission I sent to my critique group, Am I really good enough to actually be a writer?

7. Your favorite drink?
When I need caffeine, It's Diet Coke, When I'm thirsty, Water, when I want something sweet, orange juice, AND when I have NONE OF THE ABOVE...there is always milk!

8. Your dream/goal?
My dream is to become a published Author someday.

9. What room are you in?
Kitchen

10. Your hobby?
Writing, quilting, blogging, laughing...:)

11. Your fear?
My fear used to be never EVER getting published. But I'm NOT gonna give up. I will keep writing and maybe one day, I'll have a book. Besides that, probably EXTREME heights....

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
A published author, hopefully, and in a house of my very own...

13. Where were you last night?
In my bed sleeping soundly.

14. Something that you aren’t?
I AM NOT a sell-out! I will never sell myself short. This here is the REAL thing Amiga/Amigo!

15. Muffins?
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip or Blueberry.

16. Wish list item?
A NEW computer and a couple of Labtops...AND a blackberry phone.

17. Where did you grow up?
Richmond, Virginia

18. Last thing you did?
Checked my G-Mail account. I am addicted to getting and checking email. I LOVE to hear from my friends.

19. What are you wearing?
pajamas...No I haven't showered just yet anyway.

20. Your TV?
In the living room, tuned to Disney channel for my little one...

21. Your pets?
Two cute cats, Fuzz and Mask.

22. Friends?
Many, we just moved here to Mesquite so I am working on making LOCAL friends... AND then there are ALL of you blogging buddies...:D

23. Your life?
Pretty darn good. I have my health a fantastic husband, and three beautiful daughters, What more could a girl ask for? (Diamonds and chocolate...LOL)

24. Your mood?
Pretty good AND kinda impatient 'cause nobody has put up a critique for my story yet.

25. Missing someone?
MY mom. I wish I could fly out to her right now.

26. Vehicle?
Red Mini-van...YEAH, I'm a Caravan Queen...LOL!

27. Something you’re not wearing?
Shoes. I HATE wearing shoes.

28. Your favorite store?
Hmmm. I like Target. And I would like Bloomingdale's if I had an all expense paid shopping spree to that store...

29. Your favorite color?
Blue and purple. Is it a little obvious?

30. When was the last time you laughed?
Today, while writing this list. I amuse myself A LOT of the time.

31. Last time you cried?
2 days ago when my hubby and I had a fight. (All better now, we made up...in case you were wondering.)

32. Your best friend?
Right now I'd have to say Wendy :) I have had LOTS of best friends though...another good friend I have is Ruth...And ABOVE everyone else... MY sweet husband!

33. One place that I go to over and over?
Wal-mart. I can't help it. I live in Mesquite NV.

34. One person who emails me regularly?
Gwen. My writing group. My blogger friends...(Sweet comments that get sent to my email.)

35. Favorite place to eat?
Olive Garden...I LOVE Italian food.

WHEW! You got through the list. Now if you have ENOUGH guts and 15 or 20 minutes extra, Consider YOURSELF tagged. Maybe one or two of you will fill this out...Maybe? It will bring a bring SMILE to my face if you do....:)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

AHEM....50 things about Me!



I am pulling this one from the archives. Just so YOU can know a little more about ME. Links to people may or may not work since this is an older post. :)
As you are reading this I am celebrating with some old friends that I live 6 hours away from. <----Sad but true story.

Since this is my 50th post and everything I asked around to see what people are doing for their most important 50th post. MERRIANNE told me I could mention 50 things about myself. SO here it goes. . .

1-I am first and foremost a friend. My husband and I started off as friends. Friendship is wonderful, don't ya think?

2-I like to write. Part of the reason I started blogging is because I thought it would help my writing. (It has. It also has helped me make GREAT friends.)

3- I like cats. Recently I picked up a stray that was hanging out at my doorstep a couple of months ago. Found out she was pregnant and NOW we have 4 sweet kittens. (We are giving them away.)

4-Blogging is an excellent way to make friends. (Oh and BTW, I like blogging can YOU tell?)

5-I LOVE chocolate! (Who doesn't?)

6-I like laughing with my friends. (Especially at your blog posts. You PEOPLE are something else.)

7-I like to read. Probably should post a current reading list on here sometime. (So many books, so little time.)

8-I LOVE the beach! (How did I end up in Utah where there is NO BEACH at all? Went to college out here,got married, had children, and haven't been back. I WILL someday make my move to the EAST. I miss my family.)

9-I LOVE romantic comedies!(I watch other shows too but ROMANCE is where it's at BABY.)

10-I am OBSESSED with Law and Order SVU. (I love Christoher Meloni! And yes my hubby already knows.)

11-I google everything!!! (Well, almost everything. When is the last time you googled yourself?)

12-I DON'T like getting stuck behind SLOW people when I am obviously in a hurry. Period.

13-I am a compulsive email checker. I mean honestly how many times does one really have to check their email? (As many times as it takes.!)

14-My HEAD is brimming with ideas for stories. That is why I decided to write. It beats talking to yourself OUTLOUD in stores. People look at you funny. No kidding.:)

15-I am afraid of HEIGHTS but I will ride a roller coaster for a thrill. Go figure.

16-I HATE doing the dishes! Honestly can't we just stop eating for a week so I can catch up? :) (It's not that bad but you get my point?)

17-Cell phones. Gotta love them. But sometimes PEOPLE HANG UP and drive! Enough said about that one.

18-Twitter. To twitter or NOT to twitter? I have mixed feelings. I have an account but I hardly ever post anything there. Facebook is where I post. Look for me in Facebook, OK? :)

19-Make-up! Defintely. Eye make up and lip gloss for sure. Definite essentials in every woman's life.

20- LAte night Comedy. It's funny. I've been known to watch Leno but honestly it's WAY PAST my bedttime.

21-Blog buttons. Gotta LOVE them. Still working on mine.

22- I LOVE vacations. Doesn't everybody? I just HATE packing and UN PACKING!

23-You tube. It's awesome and funny and IT HAS MORMON MESSAGES!

24- Manicures. Love a good manicure and pedicure. Takes me to my SPECIAL PLACE. . .

25-Favorite Holiday? Easter. Renewal of life and growth. And IT's not so STINKIN HOT yet.

26-Giveaways. Love them. But I hardly ever win.

27- Toilet Paper. I just can't live without T.P. Can you?

28- Ice cream! Always makes me happy. Any Flavor is right up my alley.

29-I LOVE my KING SIZE BED! Lots of room to roll around in bed and NO FEAR at all that you will FALL OUT!

30- Newspaper. Love it. Even though everybody gets their news onling these days I still read the paper.

31- I HATE it when the blankets are tucked in too TIGHT on my bed. Give my feet to move arounf PuLLLEEESE!

32-How I read the newspaper: Headlines, editorials, COMICS! YES!

33- I HATE CLEANING! Where's my maid when I need her?

34- Tag it entries in the BLOG WORLD! If they are interesting enough I will participate.

35- I like reading creative blog titles and headers. You ALL are so talented!

36- I love MomBabe's 5 BLOGGER LOVE LANGUAGES Everyone should read her. She is so funny.

37-I wear glasses. I like contacts better but I need to go to an eye dr. first to renew the proescription.

38- I am an avid Facebook user. It's a good way to connect, ya know?

39-I am NOT a blog stalker. If I like what I am reading I will usually follow. And if you update weekly or daily BONUS points for me! YES!

40- I like to comment on almost all blogs. I tend to read the funnier ones first and if you make me laugh, I give you a comment.

41- I think the MOMNERD is a great blog. Check her out!

42- I was unsure about blogging at first but now that I have been doing it for a while, I like the results.

43- I'm not athletic in the least.

44- Cloth or disposable diapers? The cloth diapers now are way CUTE but I will always use disposable. Potty-training is HARD enough.

45-I LOVE PAYLESS Shoe store! I just wish I had more money to buy more shoes.

46- I LOVE my family. I'm so lucky to have married such a wonderful man!

47- FRiday night pizza from Papa Murphy's. Any night where I get an excuse not to cook is a GOOD night.

48- Blog awards. Gotta love them. Can anybody just give those things out?

49= Saturday sleep in. I just wish the kids slept in longer at times.

50- LAST but certainly not least is HAVING as many friends as possible at any given time. It's fun to read what your REAL LIVE friends write but even better when you make "Bloggy" friends.

Thanks for reading. Now you know more about me whether you like it or not! :)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday~ Excited edition!



Today is the day I get to drive almost 6 hours to see some old friends tomorrow!
YES, I am a tad bit EXCITED!!! Pictures to follow. *Birthday pictures.*

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Moment we all have been waiting for...Okay, maybe just me--READ ON!

Ahem. I got the chance LAST week to interview a fabulous person. Mombabe Bingham. For those of you who are not familiar with her she helps design the website and other such stuff over at MMB~ Mormon Mommy Blogs.
She is also an organizer for Casual Blogger conference~ A conference for the casual blogger, comfortable AND affordable at 175 bucks a person!
And now my interview...:)

First of all, Who came up with the idea of a Casual Blogger conference? You or Motherboard?

Oh gosh, credit definitely goes to Motherboard. We had talked about it a little bit, and one day, we just said, you know what? We could do this.. and thus is began.

How in the world did you get such great speakers to attend and present at this conference?

I DON'T EVEN KNOW! (Kidding.) Really, it just came down to asking. When we explained what we were doing, and why we were doing it, we received tremendous support. The positive response has just been absolutely amazing.


How do you do ALL that you do in ONE day?*managing all of us contributors at MMB, Tweet, Check up on blogs, email, promote yourself online...etc.*

There's the question I was waiting for. I feel like things are finally "settling down". What a lot of people don't realize is the hours and hours of work that go into running a website and heading up a conference. MMB is growing like crazy, and it takes a lot of maintenance. We're definitely lucky to have such an amazing team to help us behind the scenes. Psst, and I happen to be on the TEAM she is referring to. Yippee! I love it, I am meeting so many people!

Of course, by utilizing the online tools and applications that are available these days, simplifying gets easier. I have a "hub" where all my information comes in, so that I don't have to be in 8 different places.

I also allot a certain number of hours each day to the computer. I cannot be popping in and out all day, because I will get sucked in. I turn the computer on, do my stuff, then I shut it down.


That's the online side of it. Now how do you manage the Mom side of it--keeping up with the kids and such?

My family comes first. Period. My kids are still so young, (ages 6, 5, 3, and 2) that they need a lot of mom time. And I give it to them. I'm sure in another couple of years, I couldn't pay them to spit on me, so I'm definitely enjoying it while I can.

Of course, if you want to get in to the actual logistics of things, it really is just multi-tasking. If I'm on a conference call, I'm folding laundry or cleaning the bathrooms at the same time. I always have someone on my lap when I'm answering emails.

When it comes down to it, I'm a wife and a mother first, and a blogger second. I'm not superwoman, and I don't pretend to be.


What are some tips that you could give us if we don't have a blog yet but would like to get started?

Do it for you. So many people get caught up in the numbers, and the drama. Blogging is not a popularity contest. It's just like real life, there's always someone that's going to be better than you at something, so get over it. We're not perfect, and that's what good blogging does. It helps you enjoy your imperfections.

You classify yourself as a "HTML geek". You say it excites you. Has it always been like this? Because quite honestly, HTML used to scare me. It is getting better for me though. And with that, what are some good books or websites that can teach me more of HTML stuff?

Short answer: I like structure, and HTML is the epitome of structure! Does this make me a complete and total dork? Yes. Yes it does. But how can you not love it? It just makes SO. MUCH. SENSE. And if I ever read a book about it, I would tell you, but I'm completely self taught so I'm not much help in that arena.

How long have you known The Motherboard? What role or roles does she have on MMB? What role do you have on MMB? *Besides the fabulous website design.... by the way*

Oh man, I don't even know. All my days blend into one another. I think I've known OF her for two years, and we started really working together about a year ago? (I could be totally wrong.) As for roles, we really do a lot of it together. She handle more of the advertising and sponsor inquiries and legal stuff, while I handle more of the posting and website maintenance. We work really well together, and I feel lucky to have such a great business partner. She's the good cop to my bad. (And yes, I'm always the bad cop.)


Lastly, what is one thing you want people to know who are nervous about the upcoming conference? *I got my tickets to Casual Blogger Conference, got learning about it--the classes and such, and then all of the sudden got nervous about it. Ya know, will people find me as fascinating in real life as they do on my blog?*

There is no way you're dorkier or more awkward than me. When I get nervous, I start making fun of people... be prepared for a lot of really bad jokes.

The ultimate question--Are you nervous about Casual Blogger Conference?

Nah, not really. I'm WAY too busy to be nervous.

What are some of your favorite posts on your blog?

My whole love story for one. There's a whole lot of parts to that one, but I think it is rather glorious. The whole thing can be found here, Love Story. This is WAY creative. I mean really. I would read it if I were you.

Oh, and the one about the time the police came to my house while I was in the bathroom.

I had the worst first date ever. No really, it was probably worse than yours.. unless you got shanked.

And just because everyone always likes to know why I had my kids so close, my pregnancy journey.


And you have been awarded BEST parenting blog of the year one time? Is that right? By who?

That's almost right. I got my trash kicked in the 2008 Weblog awards. And when people say it's an honor just to be nominated, they're lying. Winning is the only thing that matters, okay? WIN.NING.  Ahem. I think you deserved that award. I mean, you are funny, a terrific writer, blogger, mother and I am just not saying that either. Consider yourself awarded BEST BLOG in 2010 on MY blog. OK? :)

There you have it folks. The interview to TOP all other interviews. And if you are going to Casual Blogger Conference, you will get to meet MomBabe Bingham. Everyone should go, just for that chance.  And of course to meet ME, of course. LOL. :)

Thanks, Mombabe for giving me the chance to interview you!
Now go read some of her favorite posts! She is an excellent WRITER!




Sunday, March 21, 2010

Birthday Mingle Edition--My questions!!! Yippee!


I had to use Viddler this time, cause Youtube doesn't like me today. *sniff, sniff*
So ENJOY my Birthday dancing and mingles this week. Sorry you can't hear the song very well--I had it up ALL the way. Someday I will get better with my editing skills!




Have a Great week, everybody! Thanks for commenting and stopping by! I hope you enjoyed yourself!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Look, I decided to join up with a new meme! Friday Confessionals with Glamazon Mom


Okay, First time for everything here.
I decided to be brave and join the confessional meme. I have been watching my good bloggy friend, Angel, do these confessions for a while. I do believe Angel has the BEST confessions of all.  And now since Angel has gotten so good at this vlog thing, she does her confessions VLOG style. She is just AWESOME! And she sings! So that is my little shout-out to Angel. :)

On with my confessions,
1. I hate mornings. It starts with waking the kiddos up for school. *SIGH*
The morning ruckus and complaining begins.
"Do I hafta go to school?" "Can I have 5 more minutes of sleep?" 

2. My mornings are always a TON better with Diet Dr. Pepper. I don't know, it just gives me the pep I need in the morning to get through it.
 
3. Today would have been a  TON better if I would have just stayed in bed. I like sleep. I like dreaming. Why must I get up every morning again? Oh yeah, now I remember, I have those short people around. Who I love DEARLY, Really. I just need more sleep sometimes, ya know?

4.I probably have way too many blogs and contribute to TOO MANY blogs. But I can't help it. I am addicted.

5. I used to be addicted to Yo-ville AND Farmville on Facebook until the programs started to crash every time I used them.


6. I like Facebook, but I think Twitter is a better networking tool.


7. I like my webcam probably a bit too much. :)


8. I am wondering if my confessions are kinda lame tonight. Is this what they are suppose to be?


9. Sometimes I often wonder if I truly have LOST it. Then I remember, I have lost it.


10. And last but not least, I am addicted to entering really cool giveaways. I can't help myself. And I just don't enter once and be done, I have to enter many times..you know EXTRA entries, tweeting and such, becoming a fan on Facebook, Twitter...*sigh* That's why my Google reader hates me.

So there ya have it folks. My confessions.

Go run over to Glamazon Mormon Mom  confess something of yours now, Ok?
Make it as embarrassing or as funny as you like.

Sorry I didn't post yesterday--Thursday, my heart just wasn't into it. And since this is MY blog, I'll do what I want--OK? :))))

Oh and one more thing, if you would like to see me chair dancing today, are there any requests?
I might record a video in the morning, when I am not so tired....So leave a request in the comments. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.  


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Psst. I got YET another totally awesome offer for you people...


Guess What?

PR people are coming out of the woodworks for giveaways lately.
I've had the fabulous Planet 51 giveaway, the Mikarose giveaway AND NOW...
I am about to offer yet again, ANOTHER giveaway.
Except this time, I get to review the product and offer my fabulous opinion on it.

What am I offering you ask?

Well, well, well, I am glad you asked. CSN stores offered me a chance to review a product from their stores. There was some rules. I searched their website trying to look for the perfect giveaway item for review for my fabulous readers.

 I saw some terrific kids kids bedding and comforters.
Take a look. I'll wait.
Pretty neat-o huh?


Then I saw it. The perfect idea for a giveaway item. An educational game for the kiddos and fun for the adults too!

How many of our kids know the geography in the country that we live? Huh?
How many of us would like our kids to know about where we live? In an entertaining way?
That's what I thought.

Check this out! *Yup, that's right, click the word this.*


What do you think?
Pretty neat-o huh?

You are EXCITED now huh?

That's what I thought. Get ready, Cause the actual giveaway post is a-coming.
This is a post let you know what is in store.
I take care of my readers now, don't I?

All you have to now, if you are interested is leave me a comment telling my WHY it is so important for our kids to know the geography of the United States. Please leave me an email or Twitter name, so when the REAL-LIVE post/giveaway post goes up, you will be ready to comment, so YOU can win!!!

You might want to follow me on Twitter as well. Aquamarine76.

Thanks for watching and STAY tuned for MORE giveaways!!!

P.S. If CSN stores likes the way I handle reviews/giveaways they might approach me with more opportunities like this one. Fun, huh?

Tweet this one to the masses would ya?

Thanks!!!


Happy Saint Patty's DAY! *A little Irish jig for you!*

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!



The WINNER of the MikaRose Dress!

First of all, Never EVER, let a giveaway post end on your daughter's birthday.
YOWZA!
And Youtube is so SLOW today.
*SIGH*
SO my lovely assistant and resident birthday girl picked a name this morning...
And AFTER much time, upload to Youtube AND Viddler, WE have a winner!!!

Watch results below.
Silent version has an awesome song playing if you wanna hear!



I will post more GOOD news when I am not so Busy, busy lately.
Until then, have an AWESOME DAY!!!!

P.S. And one more thing, to those of you ENTERED and DID NOT win, the lovely people at MikaRose said they would be willing to give you a 15% discount to their dresses if you want. Let me know who is interested and I will get you the coupon code, OKAY?



And the Viddler version WITH SOUND! Always nice, isn't it?
I am so excited for YOU!!! And I will be contacting you shortly, so you can see this post.
Or I will just email you a link to this post!!!
YIPPEE, right?




Sunday, March 14, 2010

Monday Mingle March 15, 2010--Rock Climbing and Wishes...



Click the ABOVE button to the Fabulous host of Monday mingle--Speedy Jen!
Hey y'all!
It's MY FAVORITE time of the week!
And look we have NEW minglers! YAHOO!
If you are not too, TOO busy, don't forget to mingle AND COMMENT, K?
Thanks! Next week--are MY questions-- EVERYONE MUST linky up NEXT week--OK?




Thursday, March 11, 2010

Some good news and Friday Follow






Okay, y'all. I have some GREAT news! One of my bloggy friends, Redheaded Stepchild, asked me if I wanted to be a a part of a blog. The basic concept is sound, she just wanted a place to go where she could go to be uplifted. A place to smile and to laugh.

We all have our down days when nothing goes right. Basically this blog that I am NOW a part of is a blog that UPlifts. I love the idea.  Whatever perks you up, makes you happy, whether in pictures or words or perhaps a video--that is what this blog is about.

I hope you will join me in my latest venture in blogland. I am excited to grow this NEW blog.

You can visit us at A Note a Day.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for post I hope you will let me know. This is ultimately a blog for you.
A place where you can relax and be happy. A place where you can forget all the things that went wrong.

*And now I must ask you a question. If you agree with this new blog, and are just as excited as me to get it going please visit and follow us there as well.*

So I ask you a favor. Follow me here on Cluttered Brain AND my latest blogging adventure.

Thank YOU all.

I am probably going to post a short chair dance over on my NEW blog. I hope you will join me later. :)

I normally don't do this but...

When something this fabulous comes along, sometimes I have to play along.

And if I won this Hannah Montana DVD my girls would freak out.

Heck I might even freak out. Yes, I am admitting I watch the show. Let's face it, it IS funny.

Do any of you have 10 year old girls in the house?

Does this particular show (Hanna Montanna) come on A TON in your house?

It does for me.

This AWESOME gal over at Trying to stay calm, had the pleasant opportunity to review this wonderful DVD. And that's not all. She is going to give it AWAY on her blog!!!!
Yes, that's right folks, you too can hold this wonderful DVD in your hand.

*DVD image obtained from Google images.* Thanks for the image!

So what are you waiting for? Go on over to Trying to Stay calm and enter to win.

Or NOT, 'cause then I would have more of a chance to win! Hopefully.

GO ME!

Scroll down for more posts today! (I didn't realize when I woke up this morning I would HAVE so MANY great opportunties for blog posts this morning.)

Do you just HATE to get out of the bed in the morning?

I am writing this post a little bleary-eyes this morning. So sue me.

I want to know if there are indeed other mother out there that loathe the mornings as much as I do.

Let me break it down for you.

I am a mother. I have school children, *plus one sweet adorable 2 year old*. The 2 year old thinks when I wake the other "school age kids" up that she needs to wake up too. And waking up these kids isn't easy. I am literally a human alarm clock.

"Just give me 5 more minutes Mom."

And than there's me-- "It is 8:00 already. You guys coming to eat breakfast?" *The bus picks them up at 8:20.*

There is usually some screaming in my house.

There is usually some whining.

I can't wait to just get them OUT the door. All I want to do is go back to bed.

Do I get the chance? Most times, I don't because the little one has woken up and now I must tend to her needs.

So with a Diet Dr. Pepper in hand I get through the morning. Sometimes I need some chocolate to get me through.

And pictures of Matthew M. never seem to hurt either.

I am tired this morning, can you tell?

Look forward to tomorrow, please! I am taking on the challenge AGAIN to chair dance--This time it might be a tad shorter. 'Cause let's face it, ME chair dancing for over 2 minutes might be a tad too long--ya think?

Tomorrow, ME, this blog--chair dancing. Make sure you are there. You won't want to miss it!


Scroll down for my review of The Sapphire Flute by Karen Hoover! Everyone should read this wonderfully written book! If you like adventure and NOT too much romance than this book is for you!!




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Where I have been hiding out lately?

I admit it. I have had my nose in a book.

The Sapphire Flute by Karen Hoover  is being released March 16. I had the opportunity to read this book.
Wow. Just Wow. I found this summary on the Valor publishing website.
Here take a look.


It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.
In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother's wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father's secret--a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father's greatest enemy.
At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C'Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls' paths are set on a collision course...a course that C'Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.



  I loved the descriptions in the book. I remember a certain description that caused my mouth to start salivating. Kayla was at a dinner feast and they were eating spicy steak.  My mouth started to water.  Karen's ability to have her readers experience what the characters are feeling is incredible.  I enjoyed the intensity of the book. The main character, Kayla has a choice--should she play the sapphire flute and risk having C'Tan find her OR should she just keep it in her possession? This book is an incredible adventure and if you have the slightest interest in fantasy OR romance even, you must read this novel.
I'm not even a fantasy book lover. But I really enjoyed this book.


The other character in the book that we follow is Ember. She wants and desires to be in the mage trials but her mother does not want her to participate at first.  She sneaks out in the quiet of the morning to attend. She does not get very far when she is captured.


Karen just keeps me guessing from the minute I picked the book up. Her ability to make me see each of her character's strengths and weaknesses--Beautiful. I can see why Valor Publishing is publishing this particular series of books. Wow. I hope I get to meet her at the writer's conference next month. She needs to sign the copy of the book I reviewed.


Thanks for letting me review this book Tristi. I enjoyed it very much.
 I won't spoil it for you.


Read it for yourself.  You can order your copy of the book HERE.





   





Triple Book Launch Party! *I wish I could go.*

Okay, here it goes folks. Here is the CHANCE of a lifetime. Well it could be for me if I won--about 60 dollars worth of books!!!! Sweeeeet, huh?

Here's the deal.
Sarah Eden , Julie Bellon AND Annette Lyon are all putting out all of their books together on the SAME day.
Here are their awesome books.













Plus these fabulous authors are going to get together and hand out more prizes on Friday in Orem UT. Totally cool huh? *Except I don't live in Orem UT. Durnit. I live in Nevada. Nuts.
If you live near UT and are interested in this here is the nitty-gritty on all the details and such.


THIS FRIDAY, March 12
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Deseret Book at University Village
(East of University Mall in Orem)

I think that is about it.
More entries to win Annette Lyon's fabulous books. I mean who doesn't like FREE books?

I'm off to comment on this post AGAIN. Hopefully there will be so many Cluttered Brain entries I am bound to win something. 

YAHOO!

This is post in an attempt to share the love and tell everybody about this super sweeeet book launch party. If you get to actually attend event, there will be gift baskets, door prizes and much much more. See HERE for more details.

May the best loudmouth win! I hope it is me.





Wordless Wednesday * not really though,'cause I don't know how to shut up.*

So yesterday I drew the winner of the Planet 51 giveaway.
I was so revved up about the post--recorded myself drawing the name and such I forgot Wordless Wednesday. Or in my case Wordful Wednesday. LOL.
Anyhoo, without further ado, here is my contribution to Wordless Wednesday---->

Mmm. Orange rolls. A perfect dessert to end dinner on.
Have a happy Wednesday!
Hump day! We made it Wednesday--Friday is just around the corner. Yippee!!!!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Winner of the Planet 51 Giveaway~!! Woo-hoo!

This is the moment you all have been waiting for.

You want to know who won the Planet 51 giveaway...

Here it is, but FIRST a blooper reel.



Here it is folks. I recorded myself and had my daughter draw it on camera so you would know I didn't play favorites.



And now the name my daughter drew on camera, forgot to show it last time. Oops. It IS my first giveaway, guys. But I am honest. You can trust me.




Congratulations! I will contact my person at Sony and you will be receiving this DVD soon!
YAHOO! YEAH!!!!! GO WINNER!
Yes, that was done on purpose. You must watch the video to see who got drawn, OK? LOL. It's funny, ok. Short and sweet too.
CONGRATS again. As you can see I had a lot of fun drawing names.
If YOU did not win this giveaway, please make sure you enter my dress giveaway! Dress GIVEAWAY! CLICK HERE!
Thanks for entering! Enjoy your movie!


Monday, March 8, 2010

Spotlight Blogger--Singedwingedangel

 
 


 Here is goes. I've been around bloggy land for a little while and I have met some fabulous people. And I figured I would spotlight my favorites ones each week. The first one I would like to spotlight was my 100th follower--Angel. She is most certainly that, an angel. She is funny, she sings, she comments on your blogs, she even recently has taken up vlogging--YAHOO!

So without further ado, here's the interview (email interview I conducted with her) I'm too poor to fly out and see her. I wish.  I'll make my questions that I asked her in purple so you don't get confused. Then I'll link up some of my favorite posts that I have loved of Angel's. K?

Let's get this party started.


WOO-HOO!

 1. Why did you get into blogging?

  I started blogging after I found a spot called Cafemom and they had journals, but I wanted to reach more people then just my little group there. I have never been a cliquey person. I pretty much like anyone UNTIL you give me a reason not to. I was also getting a lot of things going through my head and found that blogging gave me the ability to write it down and get it out there.

If you go back to my archives you might find somethings of interest to you. I am an overcomer of childhood sexual abuse and coming from where I have come from I know I often thought I wish there was someone who could have told me all this. So I guess that is truly why I started. I know it is a silent problem and I decided to kind of be the generational chain breaker and the silence breaker for my family and generation.IT just kind of grew from there. I know way too serious huh lol.

2. Tell us a little about yourself. What are your interests, besides blogging of course?
   I love to sing, mainly country and gospel.. and Lee is asking me to sing Reba on my next vlog eeeekkkk.. I'll link that up below if you haven't heard it. She has a beautiful voice!

 the things I do for her lol. I would love to being quilting if I ever had a free moment lol. I also care for my mom who lives behind us and has been facing several health issues. I am an advocate for children with silent disabilities like my oldest son who is bipolar. I love to write and take pictures which of course drives my kids crazy lol. Spending time with the hubby and long hot bubble baths with bubbles up to my eyeballs lol..
3. Favorite book?

Umm the Bible first and foremost.. but then I would have to say nearly anything by TD Jakes or Paula White.. IF you don't know who either is look em up and GETREADY GETREADY GET READY lol..
 4. What type of music do you listen to?
 gospel, country some pop LOVE Kirk Franklin, Donnie Mcclurkin, Vestal Goodman, Mark Lowry, David Crowder Band, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, REba, Loretta Lynn, um why don't I just say eclectic lol except for screamo THAT drives me batty Yup, I'd say she was a country fan folks. That's cool. I like country too.

5. Why comment? (Yes, yes I know, I just joined CCWA too--It's official now, I'm an addict.) But why do you comment? And what make you comment on people's blogs?


OH see I very rarely DON'T comment on a blog, unless it is just somethign that I cannot deal with which isn't very often. I comment because I know it was not too long ago when I had NO readers. I would pour my heart out and get nothing in response and that is the worst feeling in the world. I don't want anyone to feel that way..  Yup me too. But lately I have had to be a little more discrimatory--commenting is hard work lol. :)

6. Favorite movie?
Oh do I have to pick one?? Anything by Tyler Perry although I prefer the actual PLAYS, AS Good as it gets, Pay It Forward, Twister are you noticing the Helen Hunt theme here lol.. I loved the movie Sybil and got to watch the remake last night, which was cut way back from the original and was ok but not as good as when Sally Field played th role. I just found it so fascinating.. and intriguing and at some point relatable since she suffered sexual abuse as a child as well.
7. Do you prefer dogs or cats?

OH see I am an animal lover that means all of them, I have 3 dogs, 3 cats ( 2 out 1 in) and a rabbit, I have also owned2 ferrets, at one point nearly 300 mice counting mama's daddy's and babies of various stages, green anole, gecko, fire bellied salamanders and yellow bellied frogs.. I have 2 cats as well. I love animals. :)

8. Favorite blogger of ALL time, besides me of course....:)?


Oh see that is a tough one cause I like so many for so many different reasons. Pretty much if I have you on my blog roll I like ya I am not one who tends to follow just to give you numbers.. I have to actually LIKE you and what you write about.. See why I like her? This girl is genuine!

9. What made you get into all this video blogging stuff? Have you enjoyed it thus far?

. OH watching you on vlog and Jen at my fabulous life with the crazies, but the absolute deal cincher was Lee and Erin from The mother Load and Headaches hormones and hotflashes and their joint vlog now THAT was so funny I was laughing till I nearly cried..
10. Final Question: Are you also a Twitter addict like me?
(twitter can be almost as addicting as commenting.) It is exhausting my day....


Hmm not so much into twitter lol I sometimes forget I have it.. I am in one of my frustrated with all the social sites which is another reason I have slowed down on blogging. I mean the carnivals are great but I would like to get to normal blogging and only carnival if I have nothing better to do if that makes sense..

There ya have it folks. Angel is a wonderful blogger with a sweet voice. Just listen. Well, click on the link and then listen.


CLICK HERE to HEAR ANGEL SING!  MOST favorite post--Angel is a wonderful singer!


THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. Thanks for entering!

Please read. I have MORE good news for YOU! And even me. I could enter this fabulous Mother's Day Giveaway too. YAHOO!


For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2010

MikaRose Clothing announces A “Marvelous Mother Giveaway” in Celebration of Mother’s Day. 


(March 4, 2010), Provo, UT – Mikarose, an industry leader in women’s modest clothing and apparel, announces its ‘Marvelous Mother Giveaway contest to celebrate their upcoming 5 year anniversary and Mother’s Day. “Being a able to bring attention to and celebrate the wonderful things that mothers do is exactly what Mikarose is all about,” said Michaella Lawson, President of Mikarose Clothing Company. In order to say thank you to the many mothers that have made Mikarose a success, Mikarose Clothing Company is offering the ‘Marvelous Mother Giveaway.’  The Giveaway offers an exciting grand prize package which includes:

• Two Economy Class, round-trip tickets to Tampa Florida from any major city in the
Continental United States.
• A Five night Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Cruise Line. 
• Round Trip transportation from Tampa International airport to the Tampa Cruise Terminal.
• A $100 dollar MikaRose Gift Certificate.

The sweepstakes runs from March 08, 2010 through April 12, 2010. To Nominate a Marvelous mother simply go to www.mikarose.com. Visit this same site to view the complete giveaway rules. No purchase is required to enter the Giveaway.  Four finalists will be chosen and their stories placed online where individuals will have an opportunity to vote for the mother they feel deserves the giveaway out of the four finalist.  The winner will be announced on May 3rd 2010.

About MikaRose
MikaRose is a modest clothing and apparel company that was started 5 years ago by Michaella Lawson.  After spending countless hours searching for a modest clothes that were elegant, classy, and fashionable modest dresses, Michaella Lawson decided to end the search by launching her own line of modest dresses and apparel.  After just 5 years, they have grown and expanded their lines to not only include modest dresses but modest skirts, modest shirts and tops and modest children’s clothes.  Mikarose is a company that is ran by women, for women.  We strive to make sure that our modest apparel is not only fashionable but also affordable.  Mikarose has been the brand of choice for women who are looking for classy and affordable, and high quality modest clothing and apparel.  Mikarose is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with their customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their modest apparel needs.  Please visit Mikarose Clothing at www.mikarose.com for our latest styles and a list of retail store locations.





I've got a surprise for you! I have ANOTHER giveaway for you! And this one was too good to pass up. I mean I even LOVE the dresses on the website, and will probably purchase a dress or TWO from them!

I know, *GASP*. I am promoting a wonderful website with many gorgeous dresses and I can't enter my OWN giveaway. Aww, shucks man. That's too bad for me.

But YOU can win.

First let me show you some of my favorite dresses from the site.








See I told you they were gorgeous!
This came just in time for me because I will be attending two conferences this year and I want to look GREAT!

Here's what you have to do to WIN one of these dresses:

REQUIRED entry:
1. Must go to their website, Mikarose.com  and choose a dress. Any dress, not just the ones I listed here. Unless you like them of course. :) Then come back here and tell me which one you liked.
Please leave your email with the required entry so I can contact you directly when you win.


That's it. That's the required entry.

EXTRA entries: *To be sure you will win.*
1. Become a fan of Mikarose on Facebook. *let me know in a comment that you are.*
2. Follow http://twitter.com/mikarose25 on Twitter.
3. Follow me on Facebook. http://twitter.com/aquamarine76
4. Tweet about this giveaway once a day until the deadline. Please link back to the permalink, NOT just my blog.
5. Follow me on my blog. (Because I have other sweet giveaways up my sleeve besides this ONE!)
*That's 5 EXTRA entries for you!*

For each EXTRA entry please leave a separate comment, so I can keep all your entries straight.

The winner will receive a gift certificate to Mikarose. (Value of 60 dollars!)


This giveaway ENDS March 15, 2010 10 PM PACIFIC time. (That's 1:00 AM EST.) Right?


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