Mom's Out There

Mom's Out There Has Moved....

2009-01-13T17:43:00.002-07:00

I have been writing on this site for almost two years now..but now it's time to move on and get my own .com so now I have...I encourage you to visit me at my new site. (My daughter is even helping me write here!)

iMOM Online

I hope to see you there!

One Of My Favorite Things....

2009-01-03T08:48:00.005-07:00

I have to admit that I haven't always been into makeup. But lately I have been. I have been visiting Sephora more times lately then I ever thought I would. But my favorite eyeliner actually came to me by accident. I had entered a contest at Sofachip.com and for the prize I got some makeup too. This Revlon Beyond Natural eyeliner came with it. I was really not into trying it out. I have always been so sensitive to eyeliner and actually stopped buying or wearing makeup all together because I couldn't find an eyeliner that I liked.

So the first couple of times that I used Beyond Natural I was impressed. I liked how it applied like it was liquid. And it was so easy to work with. I actually could apply it fast and it looked great. Now I have been on the hunt to find it here but I can't find it anywhere. I hope that it's just not available in the States.

What's your favorite eyeliner??

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas...

2008-12-23T06:59:00.005-07:00

So yes, it's Christmas Eve Eve and my house is going crazy. I am no where done getting ready for it. I have presents to wrap. I can't send the kids outside because it's -30C every day. I can't even handle going outside and with the wind it's so much colder.

And the presents...they are just sitting waiting for me to wrap them. I just never get an ounce of peace in the house to sneak off and wrap them. And in this small apartment where am I going to really sneak off to? May be the bathroom would be the only place that I could actually get away with it, to bad it's so tiny.. :)

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and gets to where they need to be safe and sound. And if you are having a delay at the airport you can write me a letter in the comments. Ha ha...

Photo

I Have A Secret...

2008-12-18T18:34:00.004-07:00

Besides the celebrity gossip writing gig I do, I also do surveys. In the last couple of ones I've had to do I have had to sign a confidentially agreement before I could do it. So, I know about new products others don't know about. I think it's so freaky! But I have seen before with a movie, I had to watch two trailers and tell them which one I liked better. I have seen the trailer in the public now and can't remember if they chose the one I liked or not.

Don't ask me to tell you about the new products...don't they know I can't keep secrets? I gossip for a living...I have to tell everyone everything! Okay, I am pushing publish now before I give away the secrets of everything I know!

Do you need to keep secrets too?

(photo)

Getting Ready For Christmas...

2008-12-15T09:08:00.004-07:00

This week is going to be so busy for me. I don't have my shopping done and I haven't wrapped not even one present yet. The kids are off on Friday for two weeks so I have to get going QUICK!

When I was growing up my mom and I were really into music. And our favourite song to sing? The 12 Days Of Christmas...Canadian style...so here is my most favourite Christmas song of all.

Saying Goodbye...

2008-12-14T11:23:00.004-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been rough for me. It was the anniversary of my Grandfather's death and I don't feel I'm any closer to being over it than when I found out. He was more like my dad than my grandfather. I miss him a lot.

And last week I stopped writing for the blog Go Smell The Flowers, they were really my first blogging friends here so I'll miss them. I was going to leave at the end of the month but I was getting sick and tired of getting beat up by the trolls so I left. But, because if it I can spend more time here.

I really want to get this site going and even switch over to a .com for it soon. I would love to have a place where mom's can feel like they are understood. I hope I can do that.

photo copyright

Eating Healthy For Cheap....

2008-12-09T14:54:00.002-07:00

I am horrible at trying to eat cheaply...I always think that good food has to cost a fortune. But here as some hints to help me and other's to save money and eat healthy.

I'm Bella...YAY!!

2008-12-08T16:15:00.003-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Keeping with the Twilight theme I got this quiz sent to me...And I found out I was Bella. Take the quiz and tell me who you are!

Twilight Rocks...

2008-12-05T15:24:00.003-07:00

I am a little obsessed with Twilight. I'm in the process of reading the third book now. I have to say it's a great get away for me at the night. I'm just sad that someday I won't have anymore to read. I would be content to just read their story for the rest of my life.

See more on Twilight at my celebrity gossip site TEN Gossip.

Have I Ever...

2008-12-04T15:01:00.004-07:00

I saw this list over at P2P today and I had to copy it...anything in italics I have done...

1. Started your own blog - way too many too count!
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world -I've been there twice
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis -I took one to school one day (they liked that one better than the snake I took)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning -My mom sucked sometimes at cooking
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort -I lived in the snow belt...I have made so many!
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse - of the moon
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person -I used to live close to it
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (badly) -we had karaoke at my first wedding reception
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business -Freelancing is my business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book -I was a ghostwriter but it was still published
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - our van.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone -
99. Been stung by a bee

I can't believe how many I have done! I rock!

Finally Bratz Dolls Are Finished!

2008-12-04T13:50:00.006-07:00

Finally someone has listened and are pulling Bratz dolls from the shelf after Christmas. These dolls were released in 2001 and even Dr. Phil said they looked like hookers. And we all know Dr. Phil is right about everything!

The popular line of fashion dolls has been found to infringe on Mattel's Barbie dolls and will be removed from store shelves after Christmas.

In the lawsuit, Carter Bryant, the creator of Bratz, was found to have come up with the idea for the dolls while working for Mattel. As a result, the manufacture of the more than 40 kinds of Bratz figures has been banned. The entire Bratz business has sold $3.1 billion in dolls in seven years. MGA will also need to pay $100 million in damages.

But this won't solve all of Mattel's problems...Hannah Montana dolls are still out there! But this is still a great start!

source

The Hollywood Gift Guide

2008-11-27T18:33:00.002-07:00

By now Thanksgiving is over and you need to start thinking about your Christmas shopping. Well why not take some advice and shop the Hollywood way?

Picture of The Day..

2008-11-23T14:12:00.005-07:00

I totally agree with that cat there. But I use kids to clean out my litter box.

photo

Changing and Coughing...

2008-11-11T20:54:00.004-07:00

I never realized changing a blogger template could change everything else so drastically. Mom's Out There is written by me (and a guest writer) when I have the chance. I dreaded coming over here because the template was gross. But finally I got a hold of this one. I have been dying for this one for almost a year now. I do no promotion on this site. If people come and see me that's fine. I love my loyal readers and they are so much better than thousands. :)

I have a cold...it's horrible...stuck in my lungs and I can hardly breathe. I have had problems with my breathing and almost died a couple years ago because of it. I just hope I can ride it out and not have to go to the hospital where I would have to wait 12-24 hours to be seen by a doctor.

So Tired...

2008-11-09T21:46:00.003-07:00

Yeah, I'm tired...really exhausted actually...I can't believe it. By mid day I think I'm going to fall over because I can't keep my eyes open. NO...I'm not pregnant. It's impossible...but you now that exhaustion is like when you are 11 months pregnant.

The weather has been going up and down, giving me migraines. And I think my body is just saying...I will not have anymore of it. I wish I could lay down and sleep...forever if it's possible.

So who's joining me???

P.S. I am obsessed with Twilight...I finished the first book last night. TENGossip, my other site has lots on the movie. Check it out.

[Image by 123RF]

Funny Picture Of The Day...

2008-11-07T07:40:00.003-07:00

This is from another one of my favorite blogs, Engrish Funny. I don't know why I laugh so hard when I see these silly signs! This is one of the better ones. How would I have an Octopus to present?

Itching For A Baby...

2008-11-01T07:43:00.004-07:00

I have to admit...I am itching for a baby. I hate it when it gets like that. That's all you can think of is a baby. It consumes every minute of your time! But, I can't have a baby. I had a hysterectomy last summer because I had Endometriosis. I am thinking now I really didn't think the decision over. I was told I could only have one kid...I have two now. I was very lucky that I got pregnant at all. So lately, I well up in tears thinking I was stupid for doing that. What if I want a baby so bad...how can I get rid of that feeling?

My daughter had ADHD. She is a handful. I know there is no way I could handle another baby anyways. But, now that I can't make that decision for myself I feel ripped off...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T12:32:00.003-07:00

I have been fighting with our kitten for forever to get a picture in the pumpkin. But finally...after about a hundred shots I got it. So HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone.

Don't forget to check out my Top 10 Scariest Cheesy Horror Movies....

And remember...save all the Reese's Cups for me... they are my favorite!

5 Great Things At The Dollar Store You Can Buy

2008-10-29T13:35:00.004-07:00

I saw this video earlier about 5 great things you can get at the dollar store. I know I live at the dollar store pretty much. Here are their 5 suggested things...

Cleaning supplies - Look for products like laundry detergent and liquid drain opener. You may not see name brands you recognize, but that’s ok. The Good Housekeeping Institute says most dollar store cleaning products have the same ingredients as name brands — although some may be slightly more diluted.
Gift wrap, tissue, ribbons, bows - You can save a pretty penny shopping for gift wrappings. In fact, you might find this stuff at up to 80% less.

Snack food - Check out potato chips, peanuts, chocolate and candy. Hey, if you’re heading for big dental bills, might as well save a buck or two on the causes.

Dollar store shampoo - Hair care experts say most shampoos will clean your hair just fine - there’s only minor differences in a brand’s ingredients and concentration.

Kitchen supplies - Spatulas… measuring cups… can openers… melon ballers… skewers for the grill: basically anything without a blade is a dollar store deal — that could save you up to 95%!

I also say that Scrapbooking supplies is another good one. You can find gems in there!!

Source

My New Look...

2008-10-26T21:52:00.004-07:00

I have been changing a lot of things around here...in my life I mean...so I thought I would for sure change the look of my blog. I thought it looked crappy for a long time! And now that I am drifting back to the personal I wanted something nice to look at. So bare with me while I fix up the sidebars.

Really Cute Funny Picture Of The Day...

2008-10-26T08:33:00.003-07:00

Seriously...this is sooo funny I can't stop laughing. Why does it have to be so funnY? I read this blog every day. It's a great pick me up. Just ask my friend, ConfessingGirl, I always send her the funny ones!

I Love Video Games...

2008-10-22T18:11:00.005-06:00

I want to know who ever thought that video games would be a fun thing to bring into the house? Men and their video games piss me off...So Saints Row 2 is in our house...and can't be played around the kids. And besides if they got in the way we would all get yelled at. And just now...just now...is the swearing and throwing the remote at the tv. I HATE IT!

Why do they feel like they need to control everything...they get mad if the game is too easy and then they get mad when the game is easy. Really people...make up your mind...and leave me out of it. Thank goodness I have my laptop...or I would really go crazy!

My Daughters First Cookies...

2008-10-18T19:19:00.002-06:00

Today my daughter showed me that things change. She made her first batch of cookies today that she made for school. I didn't go in the kitchen at all. She served them to me on a plate so I could taste them and then I looked to see how her clean up was. I was totally amazed! Kids grow up so fast. How can I turn on the brakes?

Someone judging me...

2008-10-15T21:22:00.002-06:00

I think my arm looks amazing. I am so happy that it is finally done! And then times like today make me so mad. Does it look so horrible that people have to treat me differently? I went to pick a pack of smokes for my husband at the store. The lady looked me up and down. I was dressed up in a nice silk shirt and jeans and my makeup was done. I was just like any other person. You can see my other tattoos but of course they aren't as huge as that one. I was like whatever. Maybe she will smile and say that my arm is nice. I'm not used to having to have a conversation every time but I guess that's my own fault.

I asked her for two packs of smokes...she kinda puts her nose up at me and then asks for I.D. Now, you have to be 18 here to buy smokes so I was like in my head...you know I am over 18, I have tattoos all over the place. But I listen and get my license out. She checks it over...I am 33. So I think she has nothing to even worry about. She wouldn't give me back my license but says. We don't have that kind so I don't know what you want to do...I reach over take my license back and walk away.

Why couldn't she tell me that before she asked for my I.D.? Probably because she wanted to treat me differently. Honestly, tattoos are so mainstream now. And if I wore a long sleeved shirt and jeans no one would ever know. So why treat me that way then? It's a fish on my arm...it's not a naked woman...it's not guns...it's not a skeleton. But, even then...why do I deserve to get treated different because of my ink?

How Cute Is This???

2008-10-09T09:48:00.001-06:00

I found this site today...and all I want to do is play with it. How cute does my new cat look?? Spots was just hanging around. Make your own magazine at MagMyPic.

Do You Want Free Movies...

2008-10-01T18:41:00.002-06:00

I know I am so sick of not being able to find free movies...I want to download them and watch them on my TV, but now I have found the place. I Wanna Download...and right now you can get free membership too. Try them out. You won't be disappointed!

Free Stuff...You Just Need To Blog About It

2008-09-29T07:29:00.003-06:00

Would you like a free glue stick? Just go here to get it...It's part of a program that gives you free items to try out as long as you have a blog and you post your review on your blog. I would love to be able to do this. So sign up now.

Tattoos and Mothers...

2008-09-28T18:49:00.003-06:00

So this is my arm sleeve in it's third stage. I still have two more sessions to go.

I was at my favorite mom bloggers blog tonight, Cheaty Monkey, and I thought I better come here and send you some love. I miss talking to you all. But I only have so much of me to give.

But, I finally have the guts to talk about my tattoo. I was really excited to get my arm sleeve. I have wanted a koi fish for years now, and I know that I was ready to get a huge tattoo, I have five little ones already. So the last session, really really really hurt. I lasted maybe an hour and it was heavy duty shading. like all the green in the picture. It was tolerable...until he got to the top of the shoulder.

Someone nailed the sound for me. It sounded like a drill that a dentist uses, but on your shoulder. It vibrates like crazy throught that bone... Now, I was going in every three weeks to get work done on my sleeve. It would just heal and then I was in right away for another session. But now, four weeks has gone by and I say. Hold up...I need to wait one more week...and then I hope next week I'll be okay.

After, that session it hurt...and it didn't stop for a week and a half. Now, the hurt is like a really bad sunburn, times a million. After feeling that for a week I'm not really keen on going back. I have two more sessions left and I the last time I went into the parlor my artist was so happy to see what he had done. That makes it a little more worth it...but still super scary.

I got to get the courage to go through with it...then it will be done...and I probably will hold off getting another tattoo for about 4 years instead of 2. :)

I'm so sorry...

2008-09-05T05:55:00.002-06:00

I'm so sorry I haven't been around. I feel horrible.

I have some great mom stories to share, like how when my son went to Grade 1 it was way harder then I ever imagined it would be...

Or how I thought getting an arm sleeve tattoo would be a great idea...until it really really hurt on the top of my shoulder....

Or how I have been working really hard on the other three sites....

Or how I have pictures to show you from our trip to the zoo...

I'm sorry, please forgive me.

UPDATE: Laying With My Son At Night

2008-06-15T21:12:00.003-06:00

I had said a couple of posts ago how frustrated I was that I couldn't get my son to go to sleep by himself at night. We would have to lay down with him until he was asleep and then we would fall asleep and it would mess up our schedule.

Well, I finally did it. He goes to bed all by himself now. I tell you the first night was really hard having him crying but really...he cried for an hour the first night and then the next night 15 minutes and then the next night not at all. I would stand by the door so he knew I was there and he could see me. The next week I stood on the other side of the door where he knew I was there but couldn't see me. This week I tuck him in and say I'm in the living room so you know I am just down the hall and he is fine with it. I can't believe that it actually worked!

NEXT STEP: Toilet training at night.

Getting Hacked...AGAIN!

2008-06-15T21:03:00.002-06:00

So, how are you? I'm just fine. I think someone hates me...a lot! I have been hacked at my other site Taylor's Entertainment News for the third time! Yes, you heard me. Every time I have had to rebuild it again. This time I have had enough. I am moving on. I have a new website and a new host. I will get them to leave me alone somehow right? I don't want them to win and for me to give up!

When your site is hacked it's like losing everything you have worked on just gone. Like someone breaking into your house and taking that favorite ring of yours. You feel like someone took your heart. I feel so horrible that I am attached to something like that but what can I do? I post on that blog at least three times a day every day. It's my heart and soul.

But I will rebuild again. I have had some amazing support. I know people really care about what has happened.

So, the lesson is to never give up. We can all do what we have set to do... :) Later on, I'll tell you all about the new site.

Free Magazine Subscriptions...

2008-06-06T09:25:00.003-06:00

This is a crazy freebie...A full year's free subscription to a magazine...FREE...

They seem to have different ones all the time on there...yesterday Woman's Day was on there...today it's Family Fun and Bassmasters.

Here's the link. (It says it only delivers to American addresses but it accepted it when I put in my Canadian address...I will keep you updated on that!)

Free Download Of Burger Rush

2008-06-04T14:24:00.004-06:00

Do you like Burger Rush? Now you can have it FREE! Seriously... here is the full version download link!
Enjoy it as much as I did!

Today was About Patience...

2008-05-24T21:34:00.003-06:00

Today...was all about patience for me. We are on our third day of rain in a row. The kids are starting to get antsy. So when we were at the grocery store earlier I already knew my son would cry and cry for that toy he wanted. My husband usually gives in...but not today! I told him you need to say no and stick with it...or else you will only make the big mistake worse. So, my husband stuck by it...except he ignored everyone else too. We walked out of the store ... WITHOUT...the toy that my son was crying for.

On the ride home he screamed and screamed...I was so proud of my husband for not losing his patience because I am sure he was near to it. My son would stop....and then start up again. He carried on into the house until he realized, no his Daddy would not say, "Come on, let's go get you something." If he did I would be so mad! But, I tell you hearing my baby cry is so hard...all you wanna do is hug him forever. But, if you show him that he'll know he'll get anything out of you for the rest of his life.

Now, to solve the problem with us having to lay down with him every night to sleep...maybe we should take it one day at a time....

At the theme park...

2008-05-17T15:22:00.007-06:00

It's the long weekend here in Canada...Victoria Day is on Monday. (Queen Victoria's Birthday! But England doesn't even celebrate it but we do!) So we went to one of the local theme parks here in the city.

I got to ride a roller coaster for the very first time. (I grew up practically at Canada's Wonderland in Toronto...and never went on a roller coaster once!) So today I went on the one here...it was amazing. I'm glad I didn't let my fear stop me this time!

I had a deal with the girl that I work with Confessing and Celebmonkey that I would take some cheesy pictures, just like the ones that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon took at their wedding reception at Six Flags . So girls...here's the best I could do....

"Mom, is this cheezy enough for them?"
"Well, it isn't Mariah Carey so it will have to do!"

"Mom, what do you think of this one?"
"I think it wins the award to me!"
"Mom, look I am holding up this elephant...I hope they are happy!"
"I hope so honey!!"

At the Park...

2008-05-17T15:12:00.003-06:00

My son and I played at the park this week because my daughter was off to camp. I had so much fun playing and laughing that he wants me to go back with him next week too!

Croc High Heels...Would You Wear Them?

2008-05-09T08:06:00.002-06:00

Maybe I just don't get it...but Croc high heels are not for me. I couldn't imagine wearing rubber on my feet. WEIRD ... So would you?

Source

Other Peoples Kids Are Cute!

2008-04-24T20:07:00.004-06:00

I was skipping work the other day ... I went to a neighbors house and she so wonderfully put songs on my Ipod. (I got an Ipod for my birthday!!) Even my emzy.collins music!! But I digress...

So while she was playing with my Ipod I was playing with her son...He was so cute. He would just laugh and laugh at me. What a pick me up to the down days I have been having lately. Just having someone else laugh at you is an awesome feeling. And besides...when I left her house he stayed there and I went back to my own quiet house.

It's kinda scary I won't ever have a baby running around my house anymore...but the next little babies will be my grandchildren...and how fun will they be???

Photo

Ghost Whisperer...It's So Hard To Watch Now...

2008-04-19T12:51:00.004-06:00

I've been meaning to write this post for two weeks now...and finally have enough guts to go through with it. I have been a fan of Ghost Whisperer for awhile now...BUT...now the last couple of shows have been really hard to watch.

My grandfather died in December. I didn't get to go to his funeral because...well it was a family issue and I lived so far away. Anyways, I feel sometimes it's really not helped my grieving process. I still think my Opa is here, and when I think of something I wanna tell him and I go pick up the phone I have to remind myself that he isn't around anymore.

So now, Ghost Whisperer is back with the new shows. And now I am different. That show kills me every time I watch it. I cry and cry at the end when the loved ones get to hear a message from their loved ones. What I wouldn't do to get a message from my Opa...

My house on Thursday...

2008-04-14T10:42:00.001-06:00

Where I lived got hit with 20cm of snow on Thursday...wanna see??

Wow eh? And then yesterday it was 23C!! Can it make up it's mind??

Is this appropriate??

2008-04-14T10:34:00.003-06:00

Is this something that should really be out in the world? A padded bra for 7 or 8 year olds? OMG! I know that life is hard enough they don't need to wear padded bra's to make themselves into something they aren't.

UK superstore Tesco is drawing negative attention for selling a plunging padded bra designed for 7- to 8-year-old girls. Fashion lecturer David Morris called the bra "salacious"; some moms are "shocked" and find the bra "appalling." But in true business-speak-spin, A Tesco spokesperson says: "It is a product designed for girls at that self-conscious age when they are just developing. It is designed to cover up, not flatter, and was developed after speaking to parents. It is described as a padded bra for trade description reasons." Because, you know, it's a padded bra. Which will make an 8-year-old's breasts look bigger.

OMG is all I can say!!!

A Great New Freebie!!! US Residents Only... (sigh)

2008-04-10T11:45:00.002-06:00

I love to read...and I am a little disappointed that this freebie is only in the States. Wouldn't you love to review books for a company before the book is even out on the shelf...well here is your chance!!

Harpers Collins Publishers:
They have three catagories: Adults, Childrens and Teens.
You pick the book you want to review they send it and you have a month to read it and review it.

Adults:
http://www.harpercollins.com/Members...ook/index.aspx

Teens:
http://www.harperteen.com/firstlook/...ICATE&titleid=

Childrens:
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.co...ook/index.aspx

Go ahead...try it out...Lucky people.

PS...we are in the middle of a snowstorm!! HELP!!!

Last weekend was so nice....this weekend not so much!!

2008-03-31T08:32:00.004-07:00

Last night at my house...there was....yup you guessed it...SNOW!!! Last weekend, we were at the park enjoying the nice weather in only sweaters!!!

Here are two of my favorite pictures I took last weekend...ahhhhh...to be snow free!!

We went to see Horton Hears A Who

2008-03-28T06:25:00.002-07:00

So I did it...I ventured into a world so unlike my own. The movie theatre! I tell you I have never been to a big city theatre before!! And I have lived in this big city for 8 years now! It's weird how you buy the tickets yourself. WEIRD! And then the food is way overpriced! For the three of us to go it would have been $100 easy. But oh no, we got in free!

So we sat at the movies with our large popcorns and large drinks in hand...Ty says...mom...I have to go to the bathroom. We were in the middle of the aisle. Now I'm a little freaked out when people sit beside me so I didn't really want to go. But we did.

The movie started and the kids couldn't get over how huge the screen was.

The movie was awesome. I almost cried at the end.

Quote of the Day

2008-03-27T08:52:00.002-07:00

"The best way to get a puppy is to beg for a baby brother." -Winston Pendleton

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Dieting Rules the Way I Like 'EM!!

2008-03-25T15:17:00.003-07:00

It's after Easter and I have ate way too many of those damn Cadbury Eggs! I eat one and I can't stop until they are all gone. So I found these dieting rules that I know apply to me!

• If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.

• If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are cancelled out by the diet soda.

• When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you don't eat more than they do.

• Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER count, such as hot chocolate, brandy, toast and Sara Lee Cheesecake.

• If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.

• Movie related foods (Milk Duds, Buttered Popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) do not have additional calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

• Cookie pieces contain no fat — the process of breaking causes fat leakage.

• Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. Examples are peanut butter on a knife while making a sandwich and ice cream on a spoon while making a sundae.

• Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories. Examples are: spinach and pistachio ice cream; mushrooms and white chocolate.
NOTE: Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.

• Foods that are frozen have no calories because calories are units of heat. Examples are ice cream, frozen pies, and popsicles.

AMEN!!!

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On Being A Non-Custodial Mom

2008-03-23T18:46:00.010-07:00

By Barbara A. Clark, The Spirited Strider

I haven't posted here for awhile and now that I finally finished a condensed version of my personal story on my blog, I think it's time I write about it here, too. I would venture to guess that most readers here are moms who are with their children, everyday, caring and loving them.

I hope you realize that being with your children daily is a tremendous pleasure and privilege that no one should take for granted. I know from personal experience as I am a non-custodial mom. I haven't always been in that role, but it is a title I've unfortunately "owned" these last seven years.

I'd be interested in what thoughts came to your mind in reading that? Perhaps you have met other women who are in similar situations. Perhaps you know women who were drug addicts or had their kids taken away from them due to child neglect. My situation is none of these. I am an intelligent, loving, healthy mom who has joint custody of her kids but for whom I feel the court system didn't serve my children's best interests. My children live 1,000 miles away from me. Unfortunately, it is a story that is more often being told in the United States.

My life as a non-custodial mom has been difficult, full of judgments from all kinds of people, lonely, and heart-wrenchingly painful for my children. There have been a lot of tears on all sides during these past seven years.

Being a non-custodial mom doesn't make me less of a mother. It took me some years to realize that. Intellectually, I knew it to be so, but psychologically, I blamed my actions (and inactions) for my non-custodial state. I lived with regret for awhile, but soon learned that I could be the best mother I could be by taking care of myself and forgiving myself for things I did or didn't do.

Upon reflection, it was the same advice I intellectually gave myself and didn't follow when I was a custodial mom, always doing everything I could for my kids, my husband and ignoring my own needs. How many times do we as mothers put everyone else's needs before our own? I know we all know the answer to that one!

So rather than get into the details of my story, you are welcome to review it on my blog in a series of four posts I wrote called Life Challenges: What Led Me Here (Parts I-IV). It was a bit long, so I had to break it into 4 parts!

My experience and self-growth has led me to where I am now: in a position to serve other moms who are facing a similar situation or who are fearful of losing their children. While I was going through this, I leaned on a lot of other women who are part of a non-custodial mother's listserve group on Yahoo that helped me a lot.

Now it's my turn to give back. If there are any other non-custodial mothers out there, I'd really love to hear from you. If you're moms who are blessed to be raising your children by your side everyday, I'd love to hear from you, too.

What????

2008-03-21T09:33:00.002-07:00

I fill out alot of captcha's during the day...and this one is like the funniest one I have seen. Is this one trying to tell me something???

Confessions of A Housewife...

2008-03-20T09:37:00.002-07:00

I am sooo embarassed!! I really am...I just have to confess! I tried to fix my daughter's door and got it all wrong! My daughter has this cheap door up for her bedroom door. It keeps falling apart...and we have to keep putting it back together. So yesterday, when it fell apart I told my husband I would take care of it because he had to work and stuff.

So there I was gluing it together, feeling proud because once again I would kiss his butt in fixing something. I had hoped when it dried that the door would line up and I would be able to put the pins in and it would be all good. But, I thought..."I'll think about that later..."

My daughter was just about to go to bed and she said she would help me put the door back..GIRL POWER!! So there I was all proud of myself...and then it happened. The pins didn't line up. I would have to put the door up upside down!!!

I still haven't told my husband...he hasn't asked...he is just happy the door is up...but when he finds out ... he will laugh...and say..."Yup, men can do a better job!"

Some people...

2008-03-17T06:38:00.003-07:00

First of all, I have to wish everyone a Happy St. Patricks Day! I am Irish...so you know what that means!! KISS ME... :)

Second.....some people are soooo dumb some days....

I get this phone call on Thursday...and it goes something like this...

RING! RING! (I look at the call display and it's the school, both of my kids are home so I don't know why they would be calling...)

Me: Hello.
Caller: Hi is this Taylor?
Me: Yes.
Caller: Hi Taylor, this is such and such school calling. We have your son, Ty, here in the nurses room he's not feeling good.
Me: What? He's there? In the nurses room? (He's standing in front of me!)
Caller: Yup, he has a sore tummy.

Now I tell you, I was confused...I was thinking how the heck can he be in two places at once??

Me: Ty is right here, though.
Caller: Laughs nervously.....Oh, I guess I have the wrong Ty.
Me: Okay.

OMG!!! What a deal that could have been, what if I went to pick up Ty and it wasn't my Ty?? What a mess that would have been.

The New Site I work for....

2008-03-11T18:54:00.003-07:00

Okay...things have been changing in my world...

I started working at Backseat Cuddler in January. I love dishing about the latest celebrity gossip. But now...I have started working at a new site. Knocked Up Celebs...it was just born a little over a week ago...so go visit.

And like always you can see me at my celebrity site...Taylor's Entertainment News.

And I am still offering a reward to any information leading to my hacker...that is the truth!!

Yesterday's Walk....

2008-03-09T12:26:00.003-07:00

So yesterday we went out for a walk...the weather has been so nice and warm out there was no way we could stay inside. So here are some more pics from yesterday...

I have been having trouble downloading pictures so this is as good as I could get... But if you click on them you can see them bigger.

Mommy and the Owl!

2008-03-08T14:34:00.006-07:00

I saw my first ever real owl a couple of weeks ago on one of our family hikes. I was so amazed that I could see one up close. So I started to take pictures of him...when I got home I was so upset that they didn't turn out the way I wanted. I went out and bought a new camera...more like what I needed.

So today we went back and I went to find the owl. My husband was the one to spot him...so I started to snap away...and I was so happy with the result... :)

I can't believe I took these pics...what an amazing camera!

Pictures of the Day...

2008-03-01T06:43:00.004-07:00

I bought a new camera yesterday...and I was so excited to put some pictures up. It's a Canon and is 8MP with 10x zoom.

This was a picture on the wall I had...I took it from the other side of the room...you can't even tell! (Don't my husband and son look delish??)

Here is Belle!! Isn't she looking great?? It was on the vivid setting. I think I am going to love this camera.

Picture of the Day...

2008-02-28T07:52:00.002-07:00

This is the cutest picture I have ever seen...Dressing up your dog like a baby.... :)

Need I Say More?

2008-02-27T18:02:00.001-07:00

I was checking out at the local grocery store with just
a few items and the lady behind me put her things on
the belt close to mine.

I picked up one of those "Dividers" that they keep by
the cash register and placed it between our things so
they wouldn't get mixed together.

After the cashier had scanned all of my items, he
picked up the "Divider" looked it all over for the bar
code so he could scan it.

Not finding the bar code, he said to me "Do you
know how much this is?"

I said to him, "I've changed my mind, I don't think
I'll buy that today."

He said "OK" and I paid him for the things and left.

The Importance of Listening To Your Kids: A YouTube Example

2008-02-22T21:11:00.012-07:00

By Barbara A. Clark

In today's hectic world, too often we don't take the time to listen to each other. We are busy with our daily lives, our work, our kids, running errands and it seems as if the lists of things to do get longer and longer each day.

Do you have a memory of when you were a child and felt that you weren't being listened to or heard? It is a terrible feeling, even as an adult, but particularly even more frustrating as a child. The effects of not being understood or taken seriously as a child can stay with us for years into our adult years as well.

I found this video on YouTube from a family with a small, young child with a younger baby brother. As a background, the two had been playing together on the bed prior to this video, and his mom kept telling him to be careful with the baby. I'm not exactly sure where the blood came from, but the parents were not concerned when the baby drank water from a cup and had blood around his mouth. The mom took care of her baby, but the baby's older brother was really, really concerned about his younger brother. He honestly believed that his younger brother was hurt. So he tells his daddy about the blood.

Although as parents and adults we may find this video funny, it also has an ironic twist of sadness to it because the child is genuinely concerned and his dad (who is videotaping) can't help from laughing. You can see the anguish on the child's face, the concern for the blood and then you see how the child becomes really frustrated and angry because he is not being heard.

I just thought this was a particularly good video for illustrating the importance of listening to our children, yet also demonstrating our dilemma as parents when we just can't help but laugh at our kids (even when we know it's not the right response). I found myself chuckling at times, but I also felt this child's frustration.

Here's the video: Blood. I'd be interested in knowing what you think.

CheeseBurger In A Can

2008-02-22T19:02:00.002-07:00

Yup, I said it...a cheeseburger in a can!! I first saw this over at Promomaker by way of my email. And I have to say I can't believe it...watch these people eat it...

What I don't get is that the can is hot after you take it out of the water so how can you open it? If you wait for it to cool then the burger is cold. Catch 22 I guess....

MY CRAPPY LUCK!!!

2008-02-20T08:19:00.002-07:00

My luck is really bad lately!! I can't even tell you how many bad things have happened to me since December. And now the latest?? My site was hacked into and I have nothing left.

What would make someone do that to another person? Why hurt them like that? (I have learned the work backup now...but regardless...this shouldn't have happened!)

I have some content that I am really sad is gone...my Heath Ledger tribute things...I will never get them back!! And my first interview I ever did, with emzy.collins.

You know that isn't the worse of it though...I went to get my flu shot yesterday and I was going into the grocery store. And it was getting robbed!! OMG! I think I have "make trouble around me" written on my forehead!!!

I hope everything can settle down for me...

But until then check me out at my old blog...I am setting up camp there until my .com is settled...
Taylor's Entertainment News

Family Holidays...Tips For Peace And Harmony

2008-02-18T22:09:00.001-07:00

What do you like to do on family holidays? Go to the beach or spend a week in the country? Maybe you like camping or visiting relatives. Whatever you enjoy, family holidays are a chance for everyone in the family to get reacquainted and spend quality time together. It's a chance for parents to really talk with their teens and find out what's going on in their lives. It's important to keep the communication lines open, and a family holiday is a good time to do that. Having a good relationship with their parents is one of the most important factors in keeping teens out of trouble.

Studies have shown that when families take holidays together, they are more likely to eat together and are less likely to argue. They do not watch as much television because they are involved in doing things together. Kids even report that their parents seem to act differently while on holiday.

While family holidays are a good time to connect with your kids, communication problems that are already there will not automatically disappear. Especially with teenagers it is important to listen and be flexible. Find out what the kids would like to do and eat and plan accordingly. While even teenagers need boundaries, it is important for parents to try to avoid needless confrontation. Explain why you make the decisions you do and show them positive attention.

Kids will appreciate being included in travel plans. There's a good chance they will choose a theme park or the beach if those are among the options. Sometimes it works well for a teenager to take a special friend along on family holidays. While this might increase the parents' load, the teen is likely to really appreciate it. Also, sometimes it works well for kids to go on holidays with their grandparents instead of their parents. Sometimes there is a special relationship here that can help kids open up and communicate about their concerns.

While on family holidays, if teens are uncooperative or behave improperly, try to deal with the problem in private. Teens are very aware of embarrassmant and it is needlessly mean to exploit this sensitivity. In fact, you might explain to the kids how their behavior embarrasses you, and they in turn might work harder at getting along and acting appropriately.

Kids will be happier on family vacations if they have snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Few kids enjoy a long ride in the car! Try to provide individual CD players or hand-held video games, and don't forget to take plenty of bathroom stops. Sometimes kids enjoy the ride more if they can help you follow the map. This is an educational activity for them as well. By following these suggestions, your family holidays can make a happy memory.

I'm Pulling My Hair OUT!

2008-02-18T21:54:00.003-07:00

Do you ever get one of these days? This is how I feel today! I am so stressed and it's all because of my computer. First, I wake up at 4:30 in the morning. And today was a holiday too!

Alberta is the only province in Canada to have a holiday today...Family Day. And I had a blazing headache from the weather changing...gotta love those Chinook's!! A Chinook is when the weather changes to really warm. It can change like up to 20 degrees in a day!

So that's all cool...but then I go to sign onto my website. The only problem it isn't even there. It just disappeared! I have been talking to Les from My Radical Blogs...who has been a huge help to me! And he has been trying to get me back online. The only problem is he is in Australia and I am in Canada.

The last update he had for me was that someone had corrupted my files. Now why would anyone want to break into my blog and ruin it? It looks like I may have to start from scratch...and all I can think of is how I didn't back up. All my Heath Ledger stuff is what I am really upset about. Blogging about him really helped me.

But I work for another celebrity site Backseat Cuddler and I did an amazing amount of work over there today. I was lost without my Taylor's Entertainment News. :( I am kinda staying up to see what is happening...but sooner or later...I"m going to have to leave.

Thanks for being here for me while I ranted...

Project Wonderful...is Wonderful!

2008-02-16T09:58:00.003-07:00

Have you tried Project Wonderful yet? I love this program! See those ads there on the right side? That's Project Wonderful. You can pay to get your ad put there. I have them on three of my blogs and if you set a minimum price you will be sailing.

Just a word of caution though...it takes a little getting used to in the beginning. When they ask you to approve an ad you are just approving the look of it. The bids are up to the advertisers. It took me a bit to get used to that part of the whole process. They barter between each other for getting the spot.

During the day you will notice your prices being different. Sometimes my ads are at .10 cents and then others are at .40 cents. You can use the money you get to advertise or get it deposited into your paypal. I have already recieved a payment to my paypal.

I must be confusing you. If I am ... I'm sorry... Check out Project Wonderful!

An Awesome Screen Cleaner....

2008-02-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Do you need someone to clean your screen?? Just a while ago I got this awesome email from a BFF of mine, Absolutely True, and she wanted me to check it out. So here it is...the screen cleaner... I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Thanks son....

2008-02-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

I have to thank my son for getting me addicted to High School Musical 2...I swore I would never watch it..now I can't stop...I love Zac in it...he has a great voice. His dancing and acting is a bit cheezy...

I love the sand throwing part...Thanks again son!

He's Watching....

2008-01-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Try and watch this without laughing!!!

He is way too cute...I want one!

This was in my email box today...

2008-01-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

This is really funny...this was in my email box....

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that
you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $873.20.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-9 days in order to
process it.

A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.

To access the form for your tax refund, please click here

Note: For security reasons, we will record your ip-address, the date and time.
Deliberate wrong inputs are criminally pursued and indicated.

Regards,
Internal Revenue Service

___________________________________________________________

Okay, I'm not really smart...but I think this is a scam!!! First of all I'm not American ... I'm CANADIAN!!! And why would I submit my tax forms when I never went through them to get my taxes done? At least they should have put a higher refund....

These people are getting really fancy now adays!!!

It was so cold yesterday....

2008-01-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had a really bad storm...and by really bad....I mean chilly winds. It was -50C with the windchill. I kept the kids home, not because school was cancelled, but because I wasn't going to go out there!!! The kids got bored quick and I was so glad I found this site!!!

You need to go there too!!! New puzzles & printables for the entire family: http://www.wuzzlesandpuzzles.com/!!!!

The kids don't want to go to school today because they want me to print more things for them!!!

Smallest Dog In The World....

2008-01-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest dog I have ever seen...and at 6 inches it's the smallest dog in the world!! How cute is it???

Listening to Instructions...

2008-01-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

This Walmart employee needs to listen better when given instructions. They were asked to put "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that "We Will Miss You". But this employee took it literally....

How scary is this????

2008-01-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

This is something that my nightmares are made of!!!

AN 81-year-old man in the small Chilean village of Angol shocked his grieving relatives by waking up in his coffin at his own wake, local media said today.

When Feliberto Carrasco's family members discovered his body limp and cold, they were convinced the octogenarian's hour had come, so they immediately called a funeral home, not a doctor.

Mr Carrasco was dressed in his finest suit for the wake and his relatives gathered to bid him a final farewell.

"I couldn't believe it. I thought I must be mistaken and I shut my eyes," Mr Carrasco's nephew Pedro told the Ultimas Noticias newspaper.

"When I opened them again, my uncle was looking at me. I started to cry and ran to get something to open up the coffin to get him out."

The man who "rose from the dead" said he was not in any pain and only asked for a glass of water.

Local radio also surprised listeners by announcing a correction to Mr Carrasco's death announcement, saying the news had been premature.

_______________________________________________________
I have always been scared of something happening to me like that at a funeral. And this story doesn't help my fear at all...are you scared of anything silly???

Spinach, Broccoli, Beets & Cauliflower: Tips for Getting Your Children To Eat Those Vegetables

2008-01-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

By Barbara A. Clark
The Spirited Strider

Do you struggle with getting your children to eat those healthy vegetables? Here are ten tips I found to be successful in raising two children who now eat most vegetables, regularly have soup and salads with their meals and are open to new foods.

1. Start early. Recent research by Forestell & Mennella published in the December, 2007 edition of Pediatrics indicates that breastfed babies whose mothers eat certain foods consistently will more likely have children who later accept these same foods once weaned. So if you eat healthy vegetables while you're breastfeeding, chances are that your baby will recognize the taste later and enjoy it, too.

2. Introduce the vegetables with a positive attitude. A recent study by Lumeng & Cardinal published online on the May 17, 2007 edition of Chemical Senses found that serving foods with a positive message increases the ability of the child to better remember the taste and to rate it higher in taste value. So remember to say, "Yummy!" when serving those vegetables and serve with a smile.

3. Always introduce vegetables before fruits. It's human nature to love sweet tasting things, so when introducing your baby to solid foods, start with vegetables first. One vegetable at a time is a good idea. Tip: Don't start with peas or carrots: they are naturally sweet so your child will probably love them anyway.

4. Be patient, consistent and persistent. If your baby makes a face when you serve that spoonful of green beans into his or her mouth, don't give up! Be patient. Your baby will eat it eventually. Too often parents get frustrated or are in a hurry so they move on to the fruit. Take your time and try again.

5. As children get older, make it a habit to start your largest meal with a home-made soup made of nutritious vegetables. If there is a vegetable that your child doesn't like, consider putting the soup into a blender and making a puree out of it. You can always reserve some veggies that the kids love and add to the puree when you serve it. My children loved potatoes and carrots, so I would reserve a few to add to the puree to make it look appetizing. My kids always loved the soups I made, and little did they know they had vegetables that they normally would not eat alone.

6. Be a good role model. Don't start the habit of serving different menus for everyone in your household as you'll end up with a household of picky eaters (and give yourself a whole lot of extra work on top of it!). If you expect your child to eat the vegetables, you should be eating them, too. Children learn from their parents, so model the behavior you wish to produce in your child.

7. Involve your children in the meal-making process. This is a wonderful family-bonding time and children love pretending their grown-up. Being a part of the process increases the chances that your kids will eat it later, too.

8. If you must, find creative ways to "decorate" your vegetables by creating artwork out of the food.

9. Serve salads regularly with your meals and introduce your kids to low fat dressings at an early age.

10. If you garden, involve your children in the entire process of tilling, planting, and picking the wonderful vegetables. They will be more excited about eating the finished product and it's a great family bonding time, too!

Cute Picture of the Day

2008-01-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

I had to share this cute picture I found. I grew up around pigs most of my life. I can't say I ever wanted to do that though!! I found out at really young age that pigs bark when they are hungry.

Tim Hortons Employees Rant About Work

2008-01-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Tim Hortons has the best hot chocolate in the world!! I love the place...and yes it can only be found in Canada. (They sell coffee and donuts!!)

When I saw this article I had to include it since it was so "Canadian"!!

Frustrated employees have banded together on the popular social networking site Facebook to give cranky customers the basic rules on how to order their daily fix if they want to get good service.

A trip to Tim Hortons is part of the daily routine for many Canadians, but it doesn't necessarily seem to be the warm and fuzzy experience the commercials make them out to be for people on both sides of the counter.

Facebook hosts more than 500 groups about Tim Hortons, some appreciative, some definitely not.

"This is for everyone who gets fed up with people who don't know what they want, and for workers who have to put up with this everyday. If people would just listen to these rules when ordering the world will be a better place," writes Janice Morgan, who identifies herself as the administrator of one group called Tim Hortons Rules of Ordering and More that has some 3,400 members.

The 80 rules or so spell out how to make your visit to Tims more efficient: "When you want a coffee with no sugar, do not say no sugar it sounds like your saying 'one sugar', " or "If you don't say you want anything in your coffee don't expect to get anything in it, we can't read your mind" and "Stop telling us to 'stir it well' there is no button on the cash register for that."

Although somewhat amusing, the rules are from people who identify themselves as Tim Hortons employees and who clearly wish customers would spend a day in their shoes.

"Almost everyday someone is rude to me and my coworkers," writes someone who identifies herself as Meghan Watts. "We try hard to get everyone's order right, but we do make mistakes from time to time. That's no reason to jump down our throats, yelling at us and trying to get free coffee."

In other Facebook groups such as Poor Souls Who've Worked at Tim Hortons, I Survived Making Ice Caps (iced cappuccinos) in the Summer (Tim Hortons employees) and I worked @(at) Tim Hortons and SURVIVED!, cranky workers share horror stories about testy clients.

A worked identified as Nick Bolarinho wrote that one customer threw his iced cappuccino in his face and yelled "this is shit!" Another says that he still has nightmares about his former Tim Hortons job.

But the coffee slingers are not the only ones airing their beefs on Facebook. Frustrated clients also have their support groups such as Tim Hortons Screws up my Order Every Time and Tim Hortons Service Sucks.

"Once I ordered a medium coffee, muffin and a bottle of water and I actually got two apple juices (in a bag), a large hot chocolate, a bagel and a muffin (not the one I asked for). They even charged me for what I did order...," complains a Kristine Julian from Halifax.

Someone identified as Rachelle Richards sums it up this way: "unhappy employees makes for shitty customer service, and therefore unhappy customers."

But there is a silver lining for Tim Hortons employees. Many Facebook groups, like Addicted to Tim Hortons, are very positive and they seem to always have time for Tim Hortons.

The public affairs director for Tim Hortons didn't return calls Thursday.

____________________________________________________

How funny is that? I don't think I will look at another Tim Horton's the same again!!

I gotta stop eating cheese before bed time!!!

2008-01-08T06:52:00.001-07:00

I really need to stop eating cheese before I go to bed. I thought it was a really good snack choice on my part....but I WAS WAY WRONG! I have such weird dreams when I eat cheese before I go to bed. And last night wasn't an exception.

There were people chasing me with guns, I was getting mad at people for not telling me phone numbers and I even was swimming to catch forks in a pond for fun!! There was some cool parts! I lived on the beach and I thought the scenery at night was awesome.

So, tonight, I need to tell myself...NO EATING CHEESE BEFORE BEDTIME!! Do you have anything like that that happens to you?

The Squawkers Maccaw and my daughter....

2008-01-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yup....I actually went out and bought one of these Squawkers MacCaw's...actually I bought two. One for each of my kids. We haven't even had it for 24 hours yet and my daughter treats it like a real bird! She says, "Kisses" and it kisses her. I took my sons and cuddled with it and it cooed!!

Back in 2005, I got really sick...like almost died sick. We had two doves, Dory (after Finding Nemo and Ellen Degeneres) and Drew (the winner of Big Brother that year). The kids loved to play with them. But when we found out that it was the birds that was making me sick we had to get rid of them. I guess it's never really been the same around here without them.

So now the MacCaw's have taken over....my daughter wanted to tape a commercial with him for my new .com. So here it is....she says..."I like to visit taylorsentertainmentnews.com and also mommy loves milo ventimiglia"....PRICELESS!!

BTW...visit my new .com.... Taylor's Entertainment News.

A great New Years Story....Baby shares birthday, minute with sister

2008-01-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

My daughter was the first baby of the new year where I lived at the time in 1996...and her birthday isn't until the 4th. But I love hearing about awesome baby stories that happen around New Year's this one is no exception.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (UPI) -- When Claire Wargo was born Friday in Buffalo, N.Y., she came into the world at precisely the same minute as her sister did exactly one year earlier.

Claire was delivered by Caesarean section at 8:33 a.m. Dec. 28, but doctors said the timing was the result of the hospital's schedule, and not a desire for Claire and her sister Natalie to share a birthday moment, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Sunday.

A baby sister is "a wonderful birthday present for Natalie," the girls' grandmother, Trudy Wargo, told the newspaper.

The sisters' grandfather joked it would be a good day to buy a lottery ticket, but their parents, John and Eileen Wargo, said they already feel lucky because their daughters were born after 11 years of fertility treatment. Copyright 2007 by United Press International

Happy New Year!!!

2007-12-31T18:34:00.001-07:00

I have to say Happy New Year to everyone. What an amazing journey 2007 has been to me. I started this blog in April-May 2007, it was my first baby. I don't do as much as I would like to in here but now with my guest writer I hope that can change. I also wish that I could afford to pay someone to help. SO if anyone wants to help for free just email me!!

I have to thank all the people that I have become friends with and those who have brightened my life. Without you I couldn't do this blog. SO here is to 2008...where only good things can happen!!

New Year's in New York

2007-12-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

It seems that New York has become green...it's a new ball...amazing facts. Also it is the 100th year they are doing this. How amazing is that??

You know you are having a bad day when...

2007-12-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

- You wake up face down on the pavement.

- You jump out of bed in the morning and miss the floor.

- You turn on the morning news, and they're showing emergency routes out of your city.

- Your bar of Ivory soap sinks.

- You put both contact lenses in the same eye.

- The bird singing outside your window is a vulture.

- Your horn gets stuck when you're following a group of Hell's Angels on the freeway.

- You get to work and there's a 60 Minutes news team waiting in your outer office.

Doing the Blitz

2007-12-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

By Barbara A. Clark
The Spirited Strider

I am honored to be asked to be a guest blogger here. I hope you will enjoy my first post.

As a mother of two daughters, I can relate to what never seems to be an endless chore of picking up. When my children were little and I was passing time waiting in a doctor's office, I read an article in a magazine about the concept of playing a game called "The Blitz" as a way to get your young children to help you pick up around the house. In my effort to be a conscientious researcher and give credit to the author of the concept, I recently did some research to find the creator of this wonderful concept. What I found, however, was a recent blog posted years after I had read the article in that magazine, but no mention of the person who originally created it. So I'm not sure whose idea it was, but it's a great one. I started using it in the mid-1990's when my kids were little and it quickly became a family tradition in my home.

The game is called "The Blitz," but I like to refer to it as "Doing the Blitz." It doesn't cost a thing, uses only about 10-15 minutes of your time when you do it and it's easy to get the kids involved.

To begin, tell your kids that you're starting a new family game called The Blitz. As long as your kids can walk, all members of the family can and should participate in some way. Here is how you do it:

1. Set a timer for no more than 15 minutes. I recommend at least 10 minutes, but no more than 15.
2. Then shout "BLITZ" with as much enthusiasm as you can generate.
3. Each member of the family looks around the house and picks up items, moving them at least out of sight to another location.
4. When the timer stops, you all stop. No exceptions!
5. Give lots of praise to everyone for a job well done!

That's it! The idea is to move as much out of sight as you can in the little time that there is, while making it fun for the entire family.

The Blitz works well when you want to target a particular area of your home and make it look presentable. Doing the Blitz can be a lifesaver when you find out that unexpected company is stopping by in a half an hour! You can quickly pick up all the toys, shoes and other stuff that your family so conveniently left lying around in the living room. It's great after you've unwrapped those Christmas presents, too. It works well when you are trying to separate items for each family member (e.g. shoes, clothing, toys, etc.) and take them to their respective bedrooms. It works with very young children and older ones, too, and builds on family time together. All around, it's a great family activity for everyone with very visible, immediate results.

A word of caution: please don't use this as a method for thoroughly cleaning your house! It is extremely important that you stop when the timer goes off. Otherwise, Doing the Blitz won't be fun anymore for anyone and your kids will be more likely to whine about all that hard work they have to do. You can always follow-up the next day with another "Blitz" in each person's room, having them put away all the things they brought there the previous day.

So, for the real cleaning jobs, Doing the Blitz is not the best option, but for picking up, it's a great fun activity that also can build on family time together, while making the "public" areas of your home look great. It's a great stress-reliever, too as you'll be laughing together and proud of how much you can do when you work together as a team.

How to make a woman happy!!

2007-12-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, since Christmas is over and we all got what we wanted .... or didn't want from our man...I thought I would include this list for my guy viewers of how to keep us women happy.

It's not difficult to make a woman happy.

A man only needs to be:

1. a friend
2. a companion
3. a lover
4. a brother
5. a father
6. a master
7. a chef
8. an electrician
9. a carpenter
10. a plumber
11. a mechanic
12. a decorator
13. a stylist
14. a sexologist
15. a gynecologist
16. a psychologist
17. a pest exterminator
18. a psychiatrist
19. a healer
20. a good listener
21. an organizer
22. a good father
23. very clean
24. sympathetic
25. athletic
26. warm
27. attentive
28. gallant
29. intelligent
30. funny
31. creative
32. tender
33. strong
34. understanding
35. tolerant
36. prudent
37. ambitious
38. capable
39. courageous
40. determined
41. true
42. dependable
43. passionate
44. compassionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

45. give her compliments regularly
46. love shopping
47. be honest
48. be very rich
49. not stress her out
50. not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

51. give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. give her lots of time, especially time for herself
53. give her lots of space, never worrying about where she
goes.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

54. Never to forget:
* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes

HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

1. Show up naked
2. Bring food

...and people wonder why men and women are so different.

SEE IT'S NOT HARD GUYS!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

2007-12-25T10:28:00.001-07:00

I wish everyone a Merry Merry Christmas...I hope Santa was good to all of you. As I sit here cooking my turkey and seeing what Santa left me I thought I would leave this with all of you!!

Did You Ever Wonder?

- Can you cry under water?

- How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

- If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?

- Since bread is square, then why is sandwich meat round?

- Why do you have to "put your two cents in"...but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

- Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

- Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

- What did cured ham actually have?

- How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Christmas Toys...how can you get the safe ones??

2007-12-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Gerri Willis interviews Camille Chatterjee, editor for Parenting Magazine, about getting "more bang for your buck" with safe, fun, cheap and popular gift ideas for children this holiday season.

OK Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant...now how do you talk to your kids about it?

2007-12-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows by now that 16 year old, Jamie Lynn Spears is 12 weeks pregnant. I am still in shock...not sure why but I am....But the more things that I am seeing is how to talk to your children about it. She is on Nick's show Zoey 101...and has quite a kids following. Now they will have to be told that she is pregnant...so how do you do that??

I read a great article on About.com that explained it really good....They said....

Parents should discuss this situation with their children and use it as a way to “check-in” to determine if their child has correct information about sex and the female body. Also, this is a perfect way to reinforce the notion that not teenagers, adults, or even celebrities are immune to the consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse. Although it is unclear as to which age group may be most affected by Jamie Lynn’s unplanned pregnancy, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that middle-school aged girls are the most likely to be impacted – especially if they suffer from a low self-esteem.

Jamie Lynn tells OK! magazine that she is intends to go forward with the pregnancy and will raise the baby in Louisiana. The bigger question - What message will this send to all the girls who look up to Jamie Lynn as a role model? When asked about what message she would like to send to other teens about premarital sex, Jaime Lynn responded, "I definitely don't think it's something you should do; it's better to wait," she says. "But I can't be judgmental because it's a position I put myself in."

The bottom line. Parents need to discuss sex and birth control with their children. As this example shows, nobody is invulnerable to the consequences that could happen if contraception is not used. Rich or poor. Famous or not – the chances of becoming pregnant and/or contracting a sexually transmitted infection are very real if people choose not to practice safe sex.

Photo Source

Great Gift Ideas

2007-12-17T08:17:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve is a week away!! Have you got all your Christmas shopping done?? Still don't know what to get those certain people in your life??? Well here are some sites that can help you with that!

Gift Suggestions- NPR offers up some fine suggestions for holiday books and CDs this year. There are some good choices here, although those people on your gift list who read paperback novels with images of shirtless pirates clinging to model-quality housewives might not be too entertained.

Gifts Under $50- Real Simple has collected numerous gifts that cost under $50 - and this isn't your run-of-the-mill stuff you grab off the first aisle shelf either. There are a lot of original and creative gifts here that may help you break the Pocket Fisherman pattern you've established for yourself.

Gift List- There are some interesting items on the gift lists at kaboodle.com. And if you aren't into that whole giving thing as much as you're into the getting part, check out the gift list tool, which allows you to pick and choose items you'd like to see under the tree

Gift Wizard- Granted, the gift wizard at findgift.com isn't perfect, but it's a good place to start for people who literally have no idea about what to get for the people on their gift lists. There are some creative choices available once you narrow down your options.

Source

My busy day....

2007-12-15T20:50:00.001-07:00

Today was a really busy day... I took pictures of it all so you could see the madness at Christmas....here we go...

Okay, this isn't it....My son took this pic of Belle sitting in our bedroom....Let's try this again....

Okay?? Where did all the pictures go that I took??? All I can find is these there...

and this one....TYYYYY!!!!!! Where are all my pics???

That was the craft he made in school!

A picture of the cat under the tree....he erased them all!!!! OMG!!!!

I will honestly try and get them up ... really....after I have a talk with my son!

Some great clips to catch!!

2007-12-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

1. SNL Uncensored: Dick In A Box...(please use caution clicking it since it does require viewer discretion)
Video

2. Rare 9-11 Footage of Flight 93 ...
Video

3. Naked Man Interrupts Weather Forecast...
Video

4. NASA Employee Goes Public On UFOs...
Video

A Mommy's Letter to Santa

2007-12-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I got this email in the mail this morning and I had to share.

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leav e your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always, MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

Check out the Just 4 Families Site

2007-12-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this site and why I hadn't seen it before. I know I had visited it a while back when I was lookimg for free ebooks...but it has gotten huge now. I think my favorite part is the free downloads. I love the games that he has...like Diner Dash and Sally's Style Salon....I love them.

There is so much information over there too! I think you should stop by and check him out. Just 4 Families!! You won't be disappointed.

More Free Stuff for you!!

2007-12-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

I found this really cool site today and I had to share some of the cool new magazine subscriptions I picked up from there:

OK! Magazine- 4 Free Issues if you fill out the survey.

Zoo and Aquarium Magazine-To get a free subscription enter subscription code : WDG543 , and fill out the form . Credit card information is not necessary .

Nylon Fashion and Beauty Magazine-To get a one-year free subscription to Nylon magazine simply complete the follow instructions online .

Peta Kids-Free Grrrr! Magazine for kids and teens- Fill out the request form to receive your free copy of Grrr! by mail , PETA’s magazine for kids.

Genre Magazine-Just fill out the form and get a free subscription to genre magazine by nuwear .

Source

Omaha Mall Killer has his last words....

2007-12-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

This was finally released to the public...the Omaha Mall Killers last words. Click on it to see it better. He apologizes to his loved ones and attempts to explain his motives for suicide. But we'll never know what drove him to take the lives of others. The mall has been reopened to the public, and as of this weekend, was filled with shoppers and mourners. Our hearts go out to all who've been touched by the horrific tragedy.

Does the suicide note change your opinion of him??

Photo and Source

This dog is soooo cute!!

2007-12-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

I had to share this picture I saw at flikr...it is also at Cute Overload too...but it was too cute to not share with everybody!!

Photo

A great new site I found!

2007-12-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

I think that sometimes at Christmas people are wondering if they have been regifted. I don't think I am....but there is this cool site that people tell their stories about being regifted. Regiftable.com tells those stories and you can even win for the greatest stories you tell. Here is an example....

Christmas gift time at a family member's home can be filled with regifted items. She thinks no one is on to her regifting. The last gift she gave me was a severing dish holder without the dish. When I opened the gift and looked at it, I knew it was the gift that I had purchased for her and had given her several years before. When I said there is no dish with the holder, her reply was, "It was in there when I wrapped the box". The box was the same box that held the dish and holder when I gave it to her. This was not the first time that she gave me a regifted item, set of Christmas glasses with one missing, a set of bath towels with the towel missing. She always says that all pieces were in the box when she wrapped and doesn't know what happen. Amazing how items get out of a wrapped box.I don't mind regifted gifts, as long as all of the pieces are there. -by Ann H. From: Lawrenceville, GA
So check it out.....

Free Stuff for you!!!

2007-12-09T11:12:00.001-07:00

Free stuff for you today!

Free bottle of Pine Sol
http://www.deloriane.com/offer/bathroom_cleaner_pinesoloffer.php

FREE MAGIC TRICK!!!
Simply fill out this form and your FREE MAGIC TRICK will appear in your mail box, in 7 to 10 business days (school days). One entry per person while supplies last.
http://onefreetrick.com/free_magic_trick_2.htm

Free Soap
http://www.lizardleg.com/

Free Anti Dandruff Sample
http://www.lorealantidandruff.com/index.htm

Free Sample Portfolio
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/splash/splash_samples.aspx?GP=12%2F9%2F2007+1%3A38%3A35+PM

Red Dress Pen
http://www.choosetomove.org/register.html

I hope you enjoy these....

There has been a death in the family...

2007-12-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

My Opa (grandfather) died last night. He was in the hospital for almost a month now...but he has given up. He just gave up the fight. It is so weird because last night I was writing him a letter and it felt like I was talking to him directly. Then I find out he passed on last night. It is so weird. He was such a huge part of my life....he was like my dad. I wish I could have heard that lecture he gave me once again. I wish I could hear him say he loved me. I wish I could have given him a huge hug.

It's so random!!

2007-12-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

My daughter has been such a handful lately...but she has been doing something that makes me laugh. She has a new saying. "That was random!"....It bugs me to the core. It reminds me of when that stupid saying, "Funky" came out! I was so stubborn and wouldn't even let anyone say it around me because I thought it was so dumb. Then one day...it just came out, "Mom, that is a funky smell!" I was probably referring to my baby brothers dirty diaper.

So, here I am about 15 years later, wondering when that day will happen. IF it will happen!

My Belle is a freak today!!!

2007-11-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Belle...she was jumping and jumping...very weird she is!!

It's sooooo cold out!!

2007-11-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

It's snowing here on and off today. I like the snow, it makes me feel all Christmasy...but not today! The wind is crazy...and that makes me cold...and if I get cold...I don't get warm. I stay cold and shivery the whole day.

I used to have to walk to work in this insane cold. It was -50C that day with the windchill and all I kept trying to think as I was walking against the wind was Hawaii, Florida...anywhere warm.

When your hair turns to icicles its damn cold out.

Well, its not that cold out today...The weather channel says it's only -10C with the windchill...it feels worse than that. I was out waiting for my son's bus earlier and it wasn't coming. It was horrible because all the kids were crying they were so cold. I started hugging the other kids to warm them up. It was so sad...those kids broke my heart!! The bus came about 5 minutes after that!! Thank goodness!

My newest award....The Amazing Blogger Award....

2007-11-23T19:02:00.001-07:00

I am way behind on all the awards I have recieved in the last couple of weeks and months but this one warmed my heart. I can't pass it on but I can share it with you all.

I have been having a rough couple of weeks...and this week I have had to deal with a pinched nerve in my hip. As a mom it's funny how nothing can slow you down. While my husband was at home I would just swallow the pain and when he was gone I would weep into a pillow.

But today when I saw this award dedicated to me, it warmed my heart....thanks TeacherJulie!!!

This is what she wrote about me....

Taylor Blue.... tireless, that’s what you are, amazing how you can sustain a number of blogs. You give the WAHM a good name.

So thanks girl...you made my day!!!

My biggest dream...

2007-11-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time over at MySpace yesterday...don't know why...LOL....

Well, actually I do...Hee hee...I found Milo Ventimiglia's myspace page...and there he had a blog post about how he got to fly in a F16 (Click to see the clip). He has always wanted to fly in one and finally got the chance. He was going to join the Air Force back in the day but decided to act instead...thank god. If he didn't I wouldn't be able to drool over him every week!!

But it's made me want to tell you my story...actually it's a little like his!! Which is really weird.

I watched Top Gun when I was a kid....it came out when I was like 11. I remember watching it over and over. I loved the sound that the planes made...(and I still do...I hear planes flying everyday...we live in a flight path...sometimes they get so low and our windows start rattling!!!)...but anyways. I really wanted to fly those planes! My dad brought me to air shows and my passion for planes just became worse. So finally in Grade 8 I made the decision, I would join the Air Force and learn how to fly those planes. I talked to my stepuncle who was in the Navy and he said that because I was a girl I would never fly in combat. (That was a LONG time agO!!!) I was mad at that...why would I learn to fly those planes and never get to use them?? So I decided to not go through with it....

I think about sometimes how I should have went through with it...it would be amazing to sit in those planes and fly...fly FAST!!!