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July 31, 2007

Day is done

Well, the kids are asleep but that doesn't necessarily mean my day is complete. I am being slightly lazy and sitting on my ass in front of the computer. I tried to get a lot accomplished today with my two Girl Scout troops, my PTA executive board responsibilities, AND my regular list of day to day items to be completed. I got real lazy with dinner tonight - just didn't feel like cooking!

I had to drop my car off for service - seems that my vehicle's A/C wasn't cooling as well (or as fast) as it should and the car had a small leak. Hopefully, it won't be too expensive ::crossing fingers:: I did catch a break today with Eldest's retainer. It seems that our insurance paid a little more towards the initial cost which dropped the balance due from $225 to $150. Hooray!

Has anyone been watching Shark Week on Discovery Channel? It's been awesome but I think last year's was much better. Why? Well, my television boyfriend was hosting ALL week! I think I could live with only the Discovery Channel and nothing else. How can you go wrong with Cash Cab, Deadliest Catch, Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, Man vs Wild, Survivorman, and How It's Made?!

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Posted by Cate at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2007

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs

I just love this new song by Fall Out Boy and the video is so funny. Who doesn't love monkeys?


Posted by Cate at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)

Monday again?

Good morning!

I am up early again - Youngestwill be attending a mini-camp at one of the schools. The camp is an activity camp. The kids will be running, jumping, playing games.. all that fun stuff. Perfect for Olivia! Eldest and I will be going out to breakfast after we drop off Olivia.

We had company this weekend which is why I wasn't able to post. My sis in laws, along with my four year old nephew and six year old niece. Youngestwas in heaven. Finally - she had her cousins over for a playdate! The three of them had a great time running around the yard, jumping on the trampoline, swimming in the pool, playing on the swings... it was kiddie paradise!

Eldest ended up hanging with us adults and, after a while, we wanted to discuss subjects that she wasn't ready to hear so she was able to squeeze in a little time on the computer playing on Webkinz, the Crack-like additictive website. I call it CracKinz. Youngesthas three of them and Eldest has two. God, I am so sick of those damn Webkinz. Anyone else have them? Do you play the games as well? I refuse to take care of them online - guess I am the mean mommy.

Mwahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaa!

Posted by Cate at 08:16 AM | Comments (3)

July 26, 2007

Gotta Love The Discovery Channel

I don't know if anyone else is interested but Shark Week will be airing all this week, starting Sunday at 9pm. This particular episode is about the worst shark attack in history, the story of the USS Indianapolis in World War II. It's a horrific but true event - all those poor men, just waiting for help that took days to arrive, helplessly watching fellow crewmates perish a horrible death due to multiple shark attacks.

Be sure to watch this Sunday.

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Posted by Cate at 10:50 PM | Comments (1)

New 'Do

I snapped this with my cameraphone... I love it...

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Posted by Cate at 06:24 PM | Comments (9)

Psyched!

Today I'm finally getting my hair done. Hoooray! I have been in desperate need of a cut and color. I hope the haircut looks decent. My stylist moved out to Las Vegas - Lord only knows she wasn't making any money off of me.

I ordered my three dresses the other night. Let's hope one of them turns out to be decent. I can't find any sundresses now but if I wanted to buy a winter coat, hell, I'd be all set. Ugh!

What I really need is a web designer who would like to help me "redo" by blog. Anyone looking for some extra cash who won't trash my poor old blog? Anyone? Anyone?


Posted by Cate at 08:43 AM | Comments (2)

July 25, 2007

Secret Favorite

I really love "Death To Smoochy". There's something about it that is just so deep and twisted. Jon Stewart and Danny DeVito were so evil - attempting to kill a childrens character! All the marketing that goes along with the kiddie shows is just disgusting.

Posted by Cate at 09:57 AM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2007

Primetime Emmys

Woohoo! Dirty Jobs was nominated! Good luck Mike - I hope you win!

Outstanding Cinematography For Reality Programming

Dirty Jobs • Mule Logger • Discovery Channel • Pilgrim Films and Television, Inc. in association with Discovery Channel
Douglas Glover, Director of Photography
Troy Paff, Camera

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Posted by Cate at 11:20 PM | Comments (1)

Huh???

The last thing I remember from this morning was glancing at the clock and noting the time, 840am. My friend text-messaged me with the news that her car crapped out, could I possibly help her out? Absolutely! So, between the my girls two camp sessions, I picked up my friend's daughter, drove her back to my friend's house so the daughter could get changed and grab lunch for her next camp session and then my friend, her daughter, and I all left so my friend could go pick up her son and then drop off her daughter BACK at anther camp session. Did I mention that we did a quickie stop at the McD's drive-thru so we could could her son? MAN!

After all that, I had to run to the post office and go grab Youngestfrom her camp session. Then it was time to pick up Eldest. Luckily, I had a few minutes to spare when I got to the farm so I was able to schedule two eye doctor appointments and an orthodontist appointment for Olivia. Yeah - already at age seven. Damn crossbites. We stopped at Mom's place so I could hook up a printer for her and then I made the executive decision to take a run up to Ocean County Mall to look for a dress for the wedding Husband and I will be attending in August. Did I mention that it is an outdoor wedding? In August?

Well, I couldn't find any dresses but Eldest cleaned up with all the summer clearance stuff in Macys and Limited Too. Skorts and shirts for $4.99 - wrap 'em up and we'll take 'em, thankyouverymuch! I found a website with some cute dresses for us fat chicks and I think I am going to order the dresses tonight. I can't decide which one I like best so I managed to narrow it down to three and I"ll order them to try on at home. Sheesh, it's easier than wandering through the mall. I have to say that the girls were very well behaved today while I was browsing through the different stores.

We didn't get home until 730-ish and we are all just pooped. The girls hung in there until 930pm and poof. Conked out in bed. Let's hope that tomorrow morning isn't terrible!

Ok, I am pooped from writing all this out. I'm grabbing a cuppa coffee and then flicking on Adult Swim so I can relax to Family Guy. Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 11:06 PM | Comments (1)

July 22, 2007

New Hairstyle

I've decided to get my hair cut/colored/styled into an actual style. Usually, I just get a trim and leave my hair straight. I can't even remember when I found a style that I actually liked until the other day. I was surfing through different hair style websites and discovered this hairstyle. If only I could look as gorgeous as Reese, that would be a bonus! I won't be blonde - it's back to the good old brunette look for me, minus the grey hairs of course!

Busy day here at the homestead. Husband has been trying to finish up all the little things that needed to be done around the house. God only knows he will be busy with that forever - lol. The girls have been doing well, thank goodness. They will be starting camp tomorrow - Eldest is going to horse camp from 9am-2pm and Youngestwill be attending a theater camp from 10am-1pm. Nice planning, eh? I'll even have a couple hours to myself - woohoo!

In happy news, I am a member of a new Buncos group! Hooray! Our first game is Friday at 8pm and it's NKA. No Kids Allowed. Booyah.

Hell, I'm beat. It's off to bed for me. I think I am still recovering from my Harry Potter weekend!

Posted by Cate at 11:27 PM | Comments (2)

July 21, 2007

Don't Say I Never Gave You Anything

I have been getting tons of hits for "Mike Rowe Nude". Please people, if I had any nude pictures of Mike, I certainly wouldn't share them! Well, maybe I would.... I'll tell you what I'll do.. click below to get some great pictures of Mike. Please, if you like them, right click and "save as". No hot-linking please! That goes for you too Liz!

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Posted by Cate at 08:36 PM | Comments (2)

OHMyGAWD!

AWESOME AWESOME!! I love the way Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was wrapped up in the end!!!!!!!!

Oy - I need a drink!

::edited at 5pm to add a couple spoilers in extended entry::

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Ok - not too many spoilers here but I **loved** when Mrs. Weasley kicked Bellatrix's ass. Neville - he's my new hero. I loved when Hermione and Ron finally got hooked up and I actually sighed out loud when they kissed. I am such a dork!

Posted by Cate at 02:33 PM | Comments (1)

The book!!!!!!!!!

It's SO GOOD!!!

:::going back to read some more:::

Posted by Cate at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)

July 20, 2007

Heading Out

I'll be leaving in about an hour to pick up my reserved copy of the final Harry Potter book. Hooray! I will be ripping into my copy as soon as I get home. And, I promise, I won't post any spoilers without major warnings.

Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 10:20 PM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2007

Mad Men

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Husband and I watched Mad Men tonight. It was really fascinating. I love the whole look of the time - the mens suits, the womens hair and clothes.. The one thing that was difficult to watch was the blatant sexism and chauvinistic behavior from the men. Understandably, that was the status quo but I found myself cringing when one of the male characters was obnoxiously rude to the secretary.

I am so glad, for the most part, that times have changed.

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Posted by Cate at 11:06 PM | Comments (1)

Gotta love those deals!

As I have written about many times, I am a serious bargain hunter. I shop at certain times during the week or seasons, depending on the store. I know exactly when some of my “regulars” start reducing their prices in hopes of clearing out merchandise to make room for the “new” stuff.

I love to shop online. It’s exciting to me to find the best deal I can on particular items, especially
Flowers or electronics. KeepCash is a new site that has a ton of coupon codes and online deals. KeepCash is updated daily and they even have a weekly newsletter to help you keep right on track with all your deals. You are able to browse the coupon codes and sales by sorting by store, category, recently added, or expiring soon.

Just for fun, I checked out Liz Claiborne. I need an outfit/dress for a wedding in August. An outdoor wedding. While I saw some cute things, I think I might be checking out some of the other clothing deals, you know, just in case!

I can't forget about Husband either. I wonder if he needs anything special to wear to this wedding. Heck, even Jos A Banks has some sweet deals!

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Posted by Cate at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2007

Guest Posting

I *finally* set up Husband as an author on the blog. I don't know why I waited so long to do it. Hopefully, he will actually blog on occasion.

Posted by Cate at 10:29 PM | Comments (1)

Swimming Alert

My neighbor told me about this condition. She watched it on the news last night and thought about my girls when they are in the pool. It's called Shallow Water Blackout. Shallow water blackout, according to the Norfolk, Va.-based U.S. Naval Safety Center, which trains Marines and sailors on safety issues, happens when a swimmer such as Scofelia hyperventilates or takes a series of short breaths before going underwater. When I did a search on it, I came up with this article about a 15 year old girl and the results of when she was with her swim team. I also found the following tips on another website.

Posted by Cate at 11:22 AM | Comments (1)

July 16, 2007

Where is all my time?

I'm in the midst of my summer vacation but yet I am finding it more difficult to find time to blog. I am trying to think of actual content but, as I discussed with Liz during our visit last week, I am no author. I cannot write brilliant and lightly amusing posts that make one think about our future. I cannot write with any sort of ease.. there's no comfortable flow of consciousness that streams from my fingertips to the keyboard.

I journal. I write how things happen. I am a list-maker.

I wrestled long and hard with making my decision to register for PayPerPost blogging. Sure I can always use the extra cash but did I really want my blog to become "commercial"? I came up with this answer. I don't care what other people think about paid blogging. Am I a sellout? Quite possibly. I'd like to be able to contribute financially, even if it's a little bit, and, frankly speaking, every little bit helps. I don't want to be one of those blogs that have an ad, toss up some goofy entry, then have another ad. But, maybe I will have a day or two like that. If any of my readers don't like the fact I am trying to make a few bucks, well, shame on you. Last time I checked, I pay for all my hosting fees, not you.

I love my blog and I count myself very lucky to have met some amazing people because I blog. I have many more wonderful people that I hope to one day meet. I will continue to blog as long as I can - hell, this November it will be seven years.

Seven. Years. I can't quit now.

I'm addicted!

Posted by Cate at 08:17 PM | Comments (2)

July 15, 2007

Who Doesn't Need Some Extra Space?

I remember when both of our home computer systems crashed last year due to a power surge through the electrical system. Husband and I had to purchase two new CPUs and replace one monitor. I had thought that I had lost all of the photos saved on the hard drive as well as all of our financial information. We were very very lucky that Husband was able to pull out the drives and recover the data. But, if I had used IDrive-E, I would not have has to worry. I-Drive-E is a leading online backup service provider, offers encrypted online backups for free (up to 2GB) and unlimited storage (for $4.95/month). It's easy to use, fast and secure! Everyone needs an extra place to store those extra jpeg images or even copy back-up of a blog template. The price is fantastic. If you do need to store more than 2GBs of data, the prices are quite reasonable.


::this is a sponsored post::

Posted by Cate at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2007

Date Night

Somehow I managed to get both girls sleepovers at their friends' homes. That means that Husband and I will be all alone tonight.

Booyah.

I predict a date which includes dinner and an action flick movie - something along the lines of this.

Double booyah.


Posted by Cate at 08:01 PM | Comments (1)

FDA Food Recalls

I just heard on the news this morning that there is a nationwide recall of Veggie Booty ::link:: and Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks ::link:: produced by Robert's American Gourmet Food, Inc. Apparently, there is possible Salmonella contamination.

Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks are packed in a flexible, plastic foil bag in a 6 oz. size, and has UPC 15665-10356. The brand name is Robert’s American Gourmet and all codes and expiration dates of Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks are being recalled.

Veggie Booty is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in a 4 oz., 1 oz., and l/2 oz. package. The brand name is Robert's American Gourmet, and all codes and expiration dates of Veggie Booty are being recalled.

This is pretty frightening since we purchase Tings from this company. Luckily, there is no contamination but I think I will be tossing out the bag, just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Posted by Cate at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2007

Order of the Phoenix

Eldest and I just got back from watching Harry Potter and the


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It was awesome! Of course, the screenplay was very different from the book. I wish the other sub-plots were included but, for the purpose of time (and money), I understand why it was decided to move on without those scenes. The movie would have been over four hours long! I would sit through a four hour Harry Potter movie. The cast was brilliant. The one thing that was changed drastically was the scene with Cho, Harry and Umbridge. That one I wasn't so happy about because, I think, it wasn't finalized properly. But, I don't write screenplays, I just enjoy them.

I still rate this a four star movie. Go on, go see it now!

Posted by Cate at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)

Bargain Hunting

As a family with one main income, I find that it is mainly up to me to watch for bargains whether I am shopping in a store or shopping from home. I find that I shop from home quite a bit due to time constraints, store locations, and, frankly speaking, ease of shopping. Online websites that feature online coupons and coupon codes make the cost of online shopping quite reasonable. Old Navy is one of my favorite merchants for online shopping. I can't always find what I want for the girls in the brick and mortar stores so I choose to shop online instead. While browsing this website, I found that it was quite easy to find all the online coupons and online codes available for hundreds of merchants. Maybe I will even start the dreaded "Back to School" shopping earlier than usual.

Maybe not too early.

::this is a sponsored post::

Posted by Cate at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2007

Harry Madness

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I cannot WAIT until 12:01am on July 21st. I will be at my local bookstore, picking up my Harry Potter - the final Harry Potter book ever. Eldest wants to come along with me and that's a big NO. I am going to crack that book open the second I get home and read until I am finished.

Posted by Cate at 11:00 PM | Comments (6)

Back up and running again

Well, the bots have been busy attempting to crash my site. If anyone tried to access this blog the past 24 hours, there was nothing to see but a lovely 404 page. My hosting company got me back on track - thank you Hostito!

Of course, I had SO much that I wanted to write yesterday, INCLUDING a post about Eldest turning 11. Lordy, my baby is eleven! She got some great gifts and had a fantastic day and much fun was had by all.

I'm going to wipe out some spam so I'll catch you all later!

Posted by Cate at 08:40 AM | Comments (1)

July 03, 2007

Bandwagon

Ok ok.. so all the cool kids are doing it.

That's right - you are looking at an official PayPerPost Postie. I have been looking for a way to bring some extra cash home and this looks like it could possibly be that way to do it. I've got to admit that the hours are awesome. I could post anytime, day or night. Of course, I will still be keeping up with my day to day postings. Sure there will be some ads but I know a lot of bloggers are making the ends meet by running ads on blogs I guess now you will be seeing me post a lot more. This way, I can sharpen my writing skills, have fun AND get paid!

That isn't such a bad thing, is it?

Posted by Cate at 07:47 PM | Comments (5)

July 02, 2007

Fun in the sun

Click to see larger image.
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Posted by Cate at 06:39 PM | Comments (2)

Perfect Day

We're off to Long Beach Island for a beach day. You all had better play nice until I get back!

Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 09:31 AM | Comments (2)