Turntable Thursday

As I have said before, I get most of my new music from my hubby. Since I don't listen to Siruis radio right now (we haven't installed the Sirius receiver in the new car yet) I don't have any of my own new music to review for you. BUT there is a band my Seth has been telling me I should listen to, but since they are classified as "hip-hop" in iTunes...I wasn't really up for trying them out. THEN a song of theirs became well known enough to be played on the local radio stations....and I decided to listen to more of what they had to offer (yeah, yeah, I know Seth is saying "I told you so" right now). Most of you have probably heard the song Handlebars: "I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars...", but do you know who sings it? It's the Flobots. OK...kinda a weird name, I know (reminds me a bit of the "Autobots" you know the Transformer's good guys?, but I digress) but not only do they use a variety of instruments (viola anyone?) but they have a pretty good message in some of their songs. Kinda categorized as "anti-establishment" their lyrics are easy to hear...not like some "hip-hop" and they make some pretty good points about current issues in the world. I don't know if I will listen to these guys all the time, but I think they are worth listening to, and trying out. Poll will be up later, let me know if you like them. (And by the way...these are just my own personal opinions....if you don't like them....no worries!)

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

I turned around and today is Wed! This week has flown by so fast that I got nothin'! Lately we have been foraging for food, not really any specific meals since a late working hubby= chicken nuggets and corn dogs for the kids. So I guess I should as YOU guys this question: Do you cook a big meal when your hubby works late or is out of town? I mean, we all have to eat well most of the time.....but do you nosh on the kids food or do you make something simple for yourself? Do tell!

Finally!

OK....so I think I got my blog all figured out now. It took me a while to add the old widgets again, and to get the new ones on. Hope you like it....if there is something you don't like, let me know!

I was speechless....for a minute.

Today at lunch my son and I had an interesting conversation. It went a little something like this: Son: "Mom, when is the end of the world?" Me: "Um...well...some people think the world is going to end, and other's do not. But if it is going to, we don't know when that will happen." Son: "OK." Me: "Where did you hear "the end of the world' from?" (Me thinking possibly an REM song or something) Son: " Well, Dad said 'It's not the end of the world, so stop whining'!" Me: Speechless, for a minute, laughing inside, then: "That is not quite what he meant, but I am gonna have to get back to you on that one" --------------------------------------------------------------- Later that same lunch trip: Me: "Colin, what do you think 'the end of the world' is?" Son: "I think the end of the world is when there is no more food." Me: "OK....good explanation." And I left it at that.

Fight The Frump Friday

I don't know who said laughter is the best medicine....but they were right. One of my favorite ways to Fight The Frump is to laugh. This week has been rough with my hubby working late and very hard every night (he even worked late Monday after we got home from buying the new car), he also had to work yesterday, our state's "Pioneer Day" the biggest holiday of the year for us Utahans, AND the month of July is slowly coming to an end, moving closer to the date when a a good friend of mine is moving out of state (sorry CB had to say it). SO to keep me in fairly good spirits....I have been laughing. On Thursday of last week, Ricky Gervais was on Letterman....and I love him! His whole "interview" with Dave was sooo funny. If you wanna laugh....watch it on You Tube. I could watch Ricky doing anything...it would be hilarious no matter what! On Sunday I spent some time with a few friends and we watched Superbad....I didn't think I wanted to see it, but after a few yummy drinks, it was funny!!! I laughed so hard, and I will totally see it again! I don't know why I didn't see it earlier. (Thanks J&H for letting us crash your Sunday night!) At some point during the week, I saw a couple of clips from a friend (thanks H) that just made me laugh, period. You can see them here and here. Last night, I watched parts of Last Comic Standing...nothing like a good old comic routine to make you laugh so hard you might pee your pants. I even looked at nbc.com to find out what happened to the Utah contestant, Marcus, and watched a clip of his. God, he is funny! I liked him when he was on the radio years ago (I'm not gonna tell you how many...don't want you to know how old I really am) and he wasn't too bad when he filled in on the local news program as "lifestyle reporter". I hope he wins...glad he won immunity because it would be great for a local boy to win! (And yes, this is one reality show I didn't "own" when I named the ones I watch. It isn't all the time, but I guess I should have mentioned it.) So take my Fight The Frump Advice...LAUGH! It will keep you from killing the kids, and it will make your horrible week, seem not so bad. And don't worry about those laugh lines....I'm sure you've got something in the medicine cabinet to get rid of them! As always, take a look at Mrs. Fussypants and get some more advice.

Still Looking....

I didn't realize that changing my layout to a classic blogger layout would get rid of all my "widgets". So I changed it back and am still looking for a new layout that is fun!

Turntable Thursday

What could be better than music that you AND your kids can listen to together? OK, so a lot of things.....but on a long road trip, or even just to the grocery store, having music that we all can stand is a big thing. They Might Be Giants is one of the funnest bands! Ever since I was younger I loved listening to the crazy, weird lyrics and music like...well all of their songs! Of course I like Birdhouse in your Soul, and Particle Man (the usuals)....but I even like the newest "adult" album The Else, and listen to it when I clean (Colin LOVES, and I mean LOVES Take Out the Trash....and likes to sing along). The kids like Here Come the ABC's and NO!, and are amazed that the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme song is sung by the same band. I think Here Come the 123's is pretty good, and has helped Colin learn new things about numbers. It even comes with a DVD...but since we haven't watched it yet, I can't tell you about it. The huge variety of sounds they use to make their songs appealing to kids is amazing! (Hey, I warned you I rarely hear the lyrics...I usually just hear the music) So if you haven't checked out one of their CD's....I recommend any of them. I wanted to add a song from Here Come the 123's to my playlist...but last.fm doesn't have it. I guess I'd better start doing some research on how to get a...hey wait just a second....let me try something....."HOLD PLEASE".......OK sorry about that...I didn't realize that TMBG has a My Space page....take a look, it has a few songs you can listen to if you'd like! There is one thing I have to say I dislike about TMBG...the last time they came to SLC, right before (or possibly right after) Here Come the 123's came out, they played a 21 and over venue! WTF!!! I would have loved to take Colin to see them...and they had to play at The Depot! Totally pissed me off! (OK rant over, we'll catch them next time they come to town)

Apology

So I guess I need to make an apology to my readership.....I don't know what happened to my blog today...but I am sorry if I did something that made it so you couldn't read today's post, or if your computer's security system wouldn't let you get onto the blog. I got rid of the cute background....I've had problems with the site I got it from before...and am now in the process of either a) finding a new site to get backgrounds from OR b) deciding how to make one myself. Hopefully that will help....but if not, just know that this is a trusted site, and blogger won't give you a virus (well, not a computer virus anyway). OH...and thanks for reading!!! *Edited...I am trying this new layout on for size...comment and let me know how you like it!

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

My friend CB reminded me of a "recipe" I gave her when she was a bind one night for dinner. Her question to me was "What do I make for dinner with ground turkey that is a bit over defrosted since I can't make turkey burgers with it?" (Or something to that effect) I gave her this: 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken) 1-2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken soup 1 can milk (use the soup can to measure) 1 cup sour cream 1 small can sliced mushrooms (optional) salt and pepper to taste rice, egg noodles or mashed potatoes Brown meat and drain. In separate sauce pan mix soup, milk and sour cream to make a sauce. Add mushrooms. Mix in browned meat and heat through. Serve over rice, noodles or potatoes. This is what some people call "Poor Man's Stroganoff". My mom made it with ground beef and mushrooms and always served it with blueberry muffins or bread and butter. I make it with beef and cream of chicken soup (Seth doesn't like mushrooms) and blueberry muffins. Sometimes I add a bit of nutmeg for a little different flavor. According to CB....the turkey version is just as good!

New to Us Car

OK...so more details on the car. It is essentially a new car, 2008 Dodge Caliber that only had one owner and 9300 miles on it. It is to take the place of the Rodeo...although we didn't get rid of the Rodeo (we still need something to tow things and something with more cargo room to haul stuff). I will drive it since it gets way better gas mileage than the Rodeo, and the Rodeo will sit unless Seth needs it. The kids like it, Colin likes the inside better than the outside, and Lilly wanted a ride, but I didn't have car seats in yet. Technically we don't "own" it yet because we couldn't put in any paperwork on a Saturday evening (not to mention we will have to have a loan on it), but the dealer likes us a lot (well, he likes my Dad) so he let us "try it out" until we can get paperwork signed like on Monday (ish). Here are the dealer's pics (they should work until they take it off the internet after that I will have my own up here), and I am sure most of you will see it in person soon....since all I do is drive to MOMS Club stuff (well, and Target too). *Edited....the dealer's pics aren't up yet, and I still haven't had a chance to take my own pic...but I will have one soon....I promise!

Whew!

Whew! I need a drink! The day started out normal enough....Seth working on his bike, and me going to a "color class" for my friend that sells Mary Kay....and it ended up with a new alternator for the Rodeo AND a new car in the garage.

Between the towing of the Rodeo (less than a mile) and the hard time Seth had replacing the alternator (not going to repeat the cuss works that came out of his mouth) AND me going to Orem without Seth to look at cars....I think we each need a LARGE glass of wine, OR a HUGE ASS Margarita! Since you aren't supposed to mix your alcohols (for those that don't know....it makes for one HORRID hangover) I think I'll go for the Margarita....hope Seth will too! Happy Saturday Night!

Fight The Frump Friday

No Fight The Frump advice from me this week.....I'm not doing a good job of fighting it right now. The weather is hot, the house is a mess (and I have friends coming over Monday AM), and the kids are driving me nuts!

Anjie: Right now

What do you do to make sure you aren't the Frumpy, overworked, underpaid (ha, ha), housewife when you are in this situation? Shopping? OR even better Shoe Shopping? Or do you hire a maid to help clean the house? OR are you all better at getting it together than I am, and you wouldn't be in this situation right now? If so, let me know HOW you get it together.....my tried and true method aren't working right now. As of this posting....Mrs. Fussypants didn't have her own Fight the Frump post up....but I may link to her later!

*Edited: Mrs. Fussypants has a great post...check out the other great advice too!

Turntable Thursday

We watched one of my favorite movies last night at MNO (She's The One), and that got me thinking about movie soundtracks. Well, just soundtracks in general. TV show sound tracks; Eli Stone has way too much George Michael. Movie soundtracks; Titanic is a very popular one, although not one I own. And even video game soundtracks; Amped 3 is a bit "brown chicken, brown cow" but still not too bad. (Not sure if you can actually buy a video game soundtrack, but it still adds to the effect of the game). One of my favorite soundtracks of all time, goes along with my favorite TV show of all time. Any guesses??? Does anyone know??? Anyone??? OK...I'll tell you (mostly because I can't heard your answers). "Our Little Corner of the World" has all of the music from the first three seasons of Gilmore Girls. This CD has a wide of array of music...anything from XTC and The Shins, to a cover by Joey Ramone!!! Even Grant Lee Phillips has a song on there, which is fitting since he is the "town Troubador". I love that I know the whole soundtrack by heart, and when I watch the reruns (or OK, my DVD's of the show) I love listening for said music, that is usually just in the background. Do you have a favorite soundtrack? PS...there haven't been many comments on my music posts....do you prefer to comment later?? OR do you prefer to vote in a poll on the right? Also, do you like my last.fm playlist on the side?

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

Whenever we go to my parents for dinner, we are all assigned something to bring so my Mom doesn't have to do all the cooking. We usually switch off someone bringing rolls and a veggie tray (easiest things to bring) and one person brings a dessert (it is becoming harder and harder to find something that everyone can eat since my BIL was diagnosed with diabetes) and someone else brings a salad or two. My Dad, being the meat and potatoes kind of guy he is, usually doesn't eat the salads we bring...well, he'll take a little bit of everything, but rarely goes back for seconds. One salad he loves to eat, is my pasta salad. He even wishes I would leave him the leftovers. I've made a few variations of this salad, and even had it with artichokes (yummy), but the recipe below is my tried and true. (OK so I can't take all the credit...the basics were shown to me by my SIL "G"....thanks "G"!) Pasta Salad 1 package tri-colored corkscrew pasta (Fusilli) part of a red or green bell pepper, diced sliced olives pepperoni slices or diced red onion, diced Roma tomato, diced 3-4 string cheese sticks, sliced 1 bottle of Cesar Parmesan vinaigrette dressing (just Italian, but the other is better!) salt and pepper to taste Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Combine all ingredients, reserving 1/4 bottle of the dressing. Chill overnight. Right before serving add rest of dressing and mix.

Where is my memory?

I had a great idea for a post, and for the life of me I cannot remember what it was. I guess I need to buy a small notepad to jot down my thoughts no matter where I am. I am sure all the great bloggers have one. I'll bet the best of the best even have tape recorders. I guess I will just have to make do with this: Your Heart Out is a local blog that highlights SLC. Things to do, art to see, places to eat, even local handmade goods. This week they showcased an outfit for under $100 as they are wont to do once a month, and I am gonna try to find those shoes! They are so cute, and they are way cuter in brown than they are in black, and I can only hope they have my size in a Target near me! BTW....this is my 100th post....pretty lame post, but 100 is nothing to sneeze at!

Deadliest Catch

I am not one of those reality TV watchers. At least not right now. I started watching "Real World" when the first seasons aired, and even "Road Rules" was pretty good. I admit I watched a few of the first wave of reality TV, and occasionally I will flip through and watch a bit of some current shows. BUT I LOVE watching some of the REAL Reality TV. The mostly unscripted, true to life shows, the ones that have no voting off, no funky challenges, no cattiness and back biting (at least none that is undeserved). Deadliest Catch started out as a documentary on Discovery Channel. It introduced some of us to the crazy, life threatening world of crab boat fishing. Somehow (forgive my ignorance) that documentary evolved into a full blown TV show. I am so glad it did! When it first aired, I had no interest, but as Discovery Channel tends to air mega marathons of most of its shows, I started watching little by little. Then I started watching the TIVO'd or second airing with my husband. THEN I started watching the third season and trying to keep watching when it originally airs. (Not always possible with two kids and a husband working really, really hard at two jobs) Last weekend was a Deadliest Catch marathon and I kept it on the WHOLE TIME! I got to know Sig and his cute bro Edgar and Phil much better than I thought I would, and I even started liking the other captains too (The Hillstrand's are mighty cool) Crab fishing his hard work, you have long days, long runs not enough sleep.....but most guys say the money is worth it. Can't wait to watch tomorrow, and see how Phil is doing, how his sons work the boat, and who is starting to get ahead in the race for the most crab. OK...most of you think I am crazy...but these real life stories are sooo much better than that other "Reality TV" crap that is on most other channels (Although...I do admit, Dean and Tori are pretty cute....but I most likely won't watch them on a regular basis!!)

Memory Post

The Memory Post So here's how this works:

• As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is the most memorable for you.
• Next, if you feel so inclined, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you...!
• If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. And please do this on your page, too, so we can all share in the fun times together. :)

Thanks for the post Katie....it helps get me out of the "three regular posts a week" rut!

Fight The Frump Friday

So here is the post you have all been waiting for! OK, I have really just been lazy and haven't done the research I should have for this FTF post. And I am sure it is not as good as you may have been imagining. A friend and I were talking about shaving legs and body exfoliation one day, and since I LOVE to use a body scrub right after I shave to help with shaving bumps and rash, AND I haven't really been able to find a store bought product that isn't too overwhelming, or has salt in it instead of sugar (ouch!) she gave me the idea to look up recipes for homemade brown sugar scrubs. There are a lot of different recipes out there, and even though I didn't try them all....I did find one I really liked and it is soo simple to make. I wanted one that didn't have essential oils, or weird ingredients that I would have to buy at a health food store miles from my house. I also wanted one that is a bit hypo-allergenic since I have friends that are allergic to tree nuts and such (Some recipes called for ground up almonds and ground up walnuts...but I didn't think even using them ON the skin instead of ingesting them would be a good idea). This is the recipe I found: Brown Sugar Body Scrub --Use instead of salt scrubs, which can be drying or irritating to the skin if it is dry and/or sensitive. Materials: 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup honey 3 Tbs. lemon juice 2 tsp. ginger Mix together thoroughly. Grate fresh ginger, or use the powdered variety if fresh is not available. Take into the shower with you and apply handfuls at a time to polish the skin. * Note: Should keep for several days in the refrigerator in a closed plastic container. (Thanks to Amby Longhofer for posting this on HGTV.com along with some other great homemade recipes http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_personal_care_bath_body/article/0,,hgtv_3144_2535174,00.html) I actually had to half the recipe and it still makes a lot. I used the ground ginger, and it was a bit overwhelming so I might just leave that out next time, BUT this was a great scrub! The ratio of honey to brown sugar was perfect....the "scrubbing action" was sooo nice and the lemon juice didn't sting like I thought it would. When you first make the scrub it seems really runny, but put it in the fridge in an airtight container overnight, and it thickens up nicely! I used a jar I bought from IKEA that has a great seal, so it looks nice on the edge of the tub (in case I leave it out), and it is easy to see what is inside so no one tries to eat it. So go ahead and try it.....I am sure you will like it! Go on over to Mrs. Fussypants for some great FTF posts. I would LOVE to call her "Fussy" but there seems to be some very childish stuff going around on the Internet, saying she is stealing the name of another blogger....so Mrs. Fussypants it is as to not anger the blogger Gods. She will always be "Fussy" in my book though...everyone deserves a nickname!!! (Even if it is a nickname that comes from another nickname!)

Turntable Thursday

To give you guys more of an idea of what music I really like, I have been thinking about some of the music I listen to on a regular basis. I've been trying to think of what makes a band/musician "listenable" for me. To tell you the truth, I am ALL over the spectrum when it comes to music. There is not just one thing that makes a band great to me. You would think with all of my music background (ie. piano lessons, voice lessons, choir up until Junior year of college, having a husband with a HUGE and I mean HUGE music library), I would have some technical term for what makes me listen more closely to the music I hear on the radio. I listen to all different kinds of music depending on my mood. If I am cleaning house, I like stuff that has a great beat, some drums, and some great lyrics so I can sing along. I usually go for the bands that I know all the words to all of their songs, or at least a few albums. If I'm in the car I switch stations frequently, wanting to have a song that I like and that is appropriate for the kids. (I will also change the station if U2* or Coldplay comes on....*shudder*-sorry CB). If I am angry for some odd, odd reason I can listen to heavy metal, and it makes me feel better. I guess for today I will spotlight one of my favorite bands to listen to while I clean. I usually put on my iPod, or hook my iPod up to my stereo and crank these guys up! Hot Hot Heat has lyrics that I can sing, I know when the "non-kid friendly" songs come on so I can skip if need be, and they have a great beat that helps me get through the crap work I have to do on a daily basis. I wish I knew how to get a snippit of a song in this post so you can listen, but check out Pandora to listen to a bit of Hot Hot Heat (Make Up the Break Down, one of my fave albums) *Just to clarify....I change the station when any NEWER U2 comes on. I still love Joshua Tree.

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

Thanks for the potato salad recipes....I guess I'd better start searching for an actual recipe that includes pickle juice so I can get proportions right! So this week, I am getting back to letting you know about the foods I cook for my family. We don't have a very large menu to choose from, but I am slowly expanding my repertoire (big word for a mommy brain, I know). One meal we cook all the time is tacos, I know pretty boring, and I don't really have an actual recipe for it. The good thing about tacos is the versatility. You can have hard tacos, soft tacos, taco salads or even totsadas. You can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or chicken, shredded beef or pork. I pretty much just use the packets of taco mix from McCormick, and follow the directions on the back. We use pre-packaged shredded lettuce, and I grate my own cheddar cheese, sometimes we add tomatos, and sour cream and Seth always uses Cholula hot sauce (I just use the regular red stuff from LaVictoria ). Most of the time, Seth makes the hard shells himself. He heats up a pan of oil and forms taco shells out of corn tortillas. It is soo good, and makes it easier on me...I don't have to heat up flour tortillas or find some good tasting pre-made taco shells. I think next time we make tacos, I am going to try PW's Pico recipe...it looks soo easy and very fresh and healthy, and perfect for summer veggies! (I may even try the guacamole part of the recipe too!) So that is a "recipe" that is a staple in this house. I try to have stuff on hand to make them, and I love having them for dinner since it it a family effort to get dinner on the table and they are one dish that everyone likes!

Independence Day Festivities

It has taken me a while to figure out how to make the slide show seen below. My kids had a great 4th of July, despite the burns Colin got from touching a just spent sparkler and the late night. Seth and I enjoyed being with friends and family, and Seth really enjoyed playing with the fireworks. Enjoy the slide show, and I hope you all had a great Independence Day!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fight The Frump Friday

I am still working on my research for an upcoming FTF. BUT with this being Independence Day, I need to make a pet peeve of mine known. Do not go overboard with your patriotic clothes! Go ahead, wear red, white and blue on the 4th...hold a small flag during the parade...but do NOT wear a funky sweater, or wear a headband with pom poms on it. Be tasteful, show your partiotism in a sutble way. For instance, I will be showing my love for our country by wearing a white v-neck t-shirt with a blue tank underneath, a pair of denim capris and a very cute pair of red wedges (thanks CB!) In my hair I will have a red scarf either in my ponytail, or worn as a headband. No flag t-shirt, or cutoff daisy dukes, and for sure NO sparklers radiating from my head! Nor will I be wearing these:

Flags are not meant to be worn if you are over the age of, well I think 13. Yeah, Yeah, a few retail stores sell t-shirts and tank tops for adults with partiotic themes, but my opinion is to not buy them! My 2 year old daughter will be wearing a cute light blue shirt with a rhinestone flag on the front. My 5 year old son won't be wearing a flag, he will be wearing red, white and blue. But NO FLAG! This kind of "tradition" makes me wonder what other countries have this kind of merchandise for their National Holiday. Do any of you know? Maybe I'll do some research.

Go look at FUSSY for some great FTF advice!

Hope no one was offended during the making of this post. Who am I kidding? If you don't like it, then you can go "suck it!" (Thanks Holly, for that phrase, I don't use it very often, I promise!) The views of the post are most definitely the opinion of the post writer, but may not be the opinion of her readers, so check the comments for an alternate point of view.

Turntable Thursday

I kinda like a bit of trendy music, along with the not so trendy stuff. A "band" I like and that I actually hear the words and not just the music is a trendy "band" or "they" at least have a trendy song out right now. Their whole album is great....but I can't quite put a finger on what I like about it. Coconut Records is a solo act formed by the one, the only Jason Schwartzman! You may remember him from such Films as I Heart Huckabees, The Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy, and Rushmore. OR from newer films such as The Darjeeling Limited, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox story. Not only is this actor's album pretty good, but he has famous friends as guests throughout the whole thing. (Some very unlikely ones at that.) Not all actors have sucessfully formed bands, ie. Keanu Reeves (Dogstar) and Dennis Quaid (Dennis Quaid and the Sharks), but some have ie. Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars), Jack Black (Tenacious D) and even Billy Bob Thornton (Boxmasters). Yes, creepy, creepy Billy Bob does well with Rockabilly. So take a listen, tell me what you think, or don't whatever. But I could listen to this album every day at least once! (In fact, I would be listening to them right now, if I weren't listening to Blue's Clues on the TV).

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

Potato salad is a staple at any summer event involving food. I actually do not have a good recipe for Potato Salad...my Mom's is different every time she makes it, and I am not very fond of most of the store bought ones. So, even though I am NOT Pioneer Woman, I liked Ree's idea of letting everyone share their favorite recipes with her and all of her readers. Will you please share your favorite potato salad recipe with all of us? I am sure a few of the recipes are "family secrets" but I am also sure you may have a "back-up" recipe that you may be willing to share! *This post was modified to include links to Ree's site. Also....I feel like I have asked for your recipes before.....not Potato Salad per say (did I spell that right?) but but this post is a bit of Deja Vu...maybe I just dreamt it.