Sunday, May 27, 2007

Do Do Do de da da Da...


... is all I want to say to you. These lyrics are part of the fabric of my being, bringing up many memories from childhood. That is why I am very excited about the new police cd with 28 classic tracks of great music.

Check out this track listing:

Disc: 1
1. Fallout
2. Can't Stand Losing You
3. Next to You
4. Roxanne
5. Truth Hits Everybody
6. Hole in My Life
7. So Lonely
8. Message in a Bottle
9. Reggatta de Blanc
10. Bring on the Night
11. Walking on the Moon
12. Don't Stand So Close to Me
13. Driven to Tears
14. Canary in a Coalmine

Disc: 2
1. Do Do Do de da da Da
2. Voices Inside My Head
3. Invisible Sun
4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
5. Spirits in the Material World
6. Demolition Man
7. Every Breath You Take
8. Synchronicity I
9. Wrapped Around Your Finger
10. Walking in Your Footsteps
11. Synchronicity II
12. King of Pain
13. Murder by Numbers
14. Tea in the Sahara

Even though I already have all of these songs on previous releases, it would be nice to have all the best ones together on only two discs. In addition to the new police cd, they are also currently on a world tour. I heard part of a recent live concert on the radio, and I must say the band still rocks after all these years. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend their live show because the tickets are out of my price range. Plus, we would have to travel to a larger town which would cost even more with these outrageous gasoline prices.

I'm sure the live shows are fantastic. The Police have a timeless sound, guaranteed to hold their popularity for years to come.

Labels: ,

Not very funny at the moment

Right now, my son is going through a new phase that I'm sure will cause endless bouts of uncontrollable laughter in the future, but right now it is very gross. He can take off his diaper and does it all the time. Usually he does it in his room when he should be taking a nap. I hear him call out, "Mom, I took off my diaper and there is poo on the floor."

Great. That really makes me want to go in there. Afraid of what I might find, I slowly open the door and the smell hits me right away. Gross. Needless to say, I think we will be working harder on potty training so we can just be done with the diapers all together.

Labels: ,

Friday, May 25, 2007

Rev it up Florida!


The purpose of this video on YouTube is to help spread the word about Florida agriculture and increase awareness about Fresh From Florida markets. Farming is one of the top industries for the state, generating 87 billion dollars for Florida annually. I think this is a great way to get people's attention and highlight farmers' impact.

Labels: , ,

Going back to the classics

In my never-ending quest to save money, we are now popping our popcorn the old fashioned way on the stove. It is cheaper and the popcorn tastes better, although it takes more time and I burned one of my pans beyond repair with a hot oil mishap. Great, so I have spent less on popcorn, but now I have to replace my pan.

Oh well, I need to get some more cookware anyway, since a lot of the non-stick surfaces on my pans are coming off. I worry that we are eating it in the food I cook and I am planning to forgo non-stick cookware from now on. I think stainless steel, cast iron, cast aluminum or Terra Cotta stone cookware would be better and longer lasting.

Labels: ,

Thursday, May 24, 2007

I'm excited about PPP again


As you know, one of the companies that I make money blogging for is PayPerPost. Today they made several exciting announcements that will help us bloggers. The biggest news is their PPP Direct program. Instead of the opportunities being listed on the PPP website for all bloggers to choose from, you put a widget on your blog that lets advertisers click if they want to advertise specifically on your blog. You state on the widget the minimum you want to be paid for a Direct opportunity, then an advertiser clicks on your widget to make you an offer to write a special blog post.

This is a similar program to ReviewMe.com, but from what I've heard, ReveiwMe is much more complicated and I know the fees they charge are ridiculous - from 50% to 100% markup! PPP Direct only charges a 10% service fee, of which about 5% of that is PayPal and credit card fees. PayPerPost feels that since the blogger is generating the leads from the advertisers, they deserve to keep most of the money. I agree with this statement and don't see how some of the competing companies can justify such a high markup fee.

Another new announcement by PPP is that when we click on an opportunity, the system reserves it for six hours while we research and type the post. This is great news, since previously we only had one hour which is kind of stressful when you have distractions at home that sometimes catch you in the middle of a post.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

My 400th post!!!

Wow, I can't believe this is my 400th post on this blog, which I just started last September. I know that high number is directly related to the fact that I do sponsored posts for two (soon to be three) paid blogging sites. I want to thank all of you that have stayed with me and continue reading my posts.

I only write paid posts that are consistent with my beliefs and I try to keep them from sounding overtly like advertisements. My pagerank has increased and that is all because of my readers!

Thanks again and keep on reading and blogging!

Labels: ,

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Movies on the go


I'm quite behind the times when it comes to technological gadgets like cell phones and iPods. As such, I was surprised to learn that iPods can be used to view videos because I thought they were just for listening to music. You can convert DVDs, TV shows, and even home movies into iPod form for viewing on the go.

The DVD iPod Converter can be purchased for the one time low price of $39.95, which allows you to convert an unlimited number of videos to iPod format. Now I see why so many parents purchase iPods for their children. It's like a walkman and a portable TV all in one tiny package.

Labels: ,

Monday, May 21, 2007

White Street walk

Last Friday was the White Street walk here in Eureka Springs. It is a big event for artists as part of the May Festival of the Arts as they display their work out on the sidewalk, on the porches, and within the galleries on White Street. My husband thought it would be a bad idea for our two year old to go and suggested that he stay home with him while just me and my six year old daughter go, but I wanted my husband to come too, so we all went.

We rode the trolley downtown and that part went fine, but when we started walking around, my son didn't want us to carry him and he wouldn't even hold our hands while walking. So we spent the whole time watching him instead of looking at the art displayed. What I did see was nice, but my husband was right, we would have enjoyed it much more without the little one. Our daughter was disappointed too because she is a very talented artist herself and would have liked to spend more time looking at the artwork. She did see four of her teachers from school, so that made her happy.

Labels: , , ,

I can still get deals without TV

Since my family has lived happily without watching television for over a year now, I don't get tempted by commercials or infomercials. Sometimes I do like to check out new products on my own time and I found out that there are websites devoted to the top "As Seen On TV" products. They even have internet specials for ordering through their website.

For instance, if I wanted to try the new Nutrisystem Nourish Diet, I could get a week's worth of free food for signing up through TVTopTen.com. The food is conveniently delivered directly to your door. Nutrisystem even created special eating plans for diabetics, vegetarians, and senior citizens.

Labels: , ,

Dog tangles no more!

I solved the problem of my puppies matted dog fur with the Safari De-Matting Comb I ordered a couple of weeks ago at Dog.com. It is easy to use and my dog doesn't freak out like she does when I try to brush her.

Now if I could just get her to calm down and stop trying to attack the brush whenever I try to groom her, we would be all set! I give her a bone to chew while I brush her, but she is still more interested in the brush. Do you have any dog brushing tips?

Labels: ,

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Save time in your business

One of the biggest wastes of time in a major corporation has to be hiring new employees. The screening process is so in-depth and there are so many company rules and requirements, that some companies have a specific department dedicated just to recruiting prospective employees and going through the hiring process.

One way companies can save lots of time and money is by going through an outside recruiting firm that assesses, pre-screens, and interviews candidates ahead of time so when you come to them with your requirements they may already have a perfect candidate in mind. Imagine finding the perfect employee in a matter of days or weeks, as opposed to months. Online recruiters can be especially helpful in the areas of risk management jobs, financial and accounting, legal, communications and technology fields.

Labels: , ,

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Movie review: Night at the Museum

Upon the recommendation of my mother-in-law, I checked out Night at the Museum from the library. The main character is played by Ben Stiller, with many well-known supporting actors like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Carla Gugino, Owen Wilson, and Robin Williams.

We watched it as a family and it was very entertaining. There are lots of surprises and the kids absolutely loved it. They woke up the next morning and wanted to watch it again right away. The special effects are very good and the characters believable. It reminded us a lot of Jumanji, which also stars Robin Williams. I would definitely recommend this one for the whole family.

Labels: ,

It happened again

Friday, when my daughter came off the bus, she told me that they had "Library Character Dress Up" and a parade at school. What?? Just like the Field Day, I had no notice about this and it is something I would've liked to see. It seems her teacher didn't inform her class, and as a result, no one in my daughter's class came to school dressed up as a book character except two of them whose mothers work in the school so I'm sure that's how they knew about it.

Luckily, my girl is very creative and since she wore a blue checkered dress, tights, and her fancy Mary Jane shoes that day, she said she was Alice in Wonderland for the parade. But she said all the other classes were all dressed up in animal costumes, wigs, and the whole bit. Such a shame.

I can't wait until next school year.

Labels: ,

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Vacation or not?

We are debating whether or not to take a vacation to Orlando this year. We took our daughter just before she turned three and that was a good age and this summer our son will be the same age, but can we justify spending the money? Part of me says the kids are only this age once and you have to take vacations for the sake of family bonding, but the other part of me says until we are making enough money here and not dipping into savings a bit each month, we shouldn't spend money on luxuries.

Of course, we could just do lots of research and find the best deals on airline, hotel, Disney World, and Universal Studios Tickets. Our frugality carries over into vacation planning, and we've been very careful to get the best deals on previous vacations. But somehow, we always end up spending thousands of dollars. Usually the highest expense is park tickets and meals. The meal prices are so unpredictable and it's almost impossible to budget for that, but at least you can buy park tickets online before your trip and save money by planning ahead.

Labels: ,

Field Day without notice

I was more than slightly perturbed yesterday afternoon when I picked up my daughter from the bus stop and she is all excited and says, "Mom! We had Fun and Field Day today!!" What?? We got a notice two weeks ago that it would be last Wednesday, but then they canceled it because of rain and said they would announce the new date when they knew. I didn't get any notice at all about the new date, and as a result I missed her first Field Day.

I asked her if there were many parents there and she said there was one parent from her class. Luckily, they had plenty of water and sunblock to give to the kids, but if I would've known they were going to be outside all day my daughter would have been wearing comfortable shorts instead of jeans. I don't know if there was a note that should have been sent home and since the teacher has been absent a few days lately, maybe the notes didn't get distributed? Either way, I'm sad I missed it.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Where to turn for help

I know I've blogged about drug rehab recently, but I feel it is important to promote all the non-profit drug rehabilitation referral services available out there. When people need help for themselves or a loved one, they deserve to have many options to choose from for treatment.

These referral programs have an informative website, or a toll-free phone number to call to get matched up with the program that is most suitable. Even if someone just wants more information about drug addiction, the counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions. The site also has useful links and testimonials of success stories.

Labels: , ,

Movie review: Little Miss Sunshine

I checked out "Little Miss Sunshine" from the library last week and we were pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a total "B-movie", but my mother-in-law saw it in the theater, so maybe not. But there weren't any big name actors in it and all the previews were of B-movies, so that's what led us to that assumption.

Let me tell you, this movie is hilarious. We were laughing hysterically many times throughout the film. It reminded me of National Lampoon's Vacation for today's family. We watched the rated R version, which is not for kids at all because of the obscene but hilarious grandfather, but apparently there is a PG rated version also. I would definitely recommend this movie - we haven't laughed that hard at a movie in years.

Labels: ,

Friday, May 11, 2007

Swept away

It seems that the latest new breed of sites on the internet are sweepstakes where you can win cash and prizes, all for just being a member. Take whogets.com, for example. I'm waiting to see if there is a catch, but they claim that it is totally free to join and there is absolutely no spam to worry about. The prizes they offer at WhoGets are more realistic, and things that people like me can really use, like Target gift cards, DVDs, and airtime on phone cards.

Some sites offering prizes have outrageous claims like winning one million dollars or a plasma TV or a car, but WhoGets looks like the real deal with more down-to-earth prizes. This is one sweepstakes site that is worth checking out.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, May 10, 2007

My son, the musical prodigy

We knew our kids would probably be artistic and musically inclined, since those are our interests and we start them at a very young age with art and music. Our 2 year old son has been surprising us lately, however, with his ability to remember songs including the tune. We'll hear a song in the car and then a week later, he'll start singing it. Last week, he started singing "Shout" by Tears for Fears, remembering all the words and the melody. This is what he sang at the dinner table, "Shout, shout, let it all out... These are the things I can do without, Come on, I'm talking to you... Come on."

Yesterday in the car, we were listening to a new CD comp my husband had just put together and a new David Bowie song came on that I hadn't even heard yet since it was off his latest album. Then from the back seat, we hear my son call out, "Hey, that sounds like Labyrinth!" So he actually recognized David Bowie's voice and connected it with a movie he's only seen about three times (not recently). The style of the music is completely different and even Bowie's voice has changed quite a bit in the last 25 years since Labyrinth was made. Kids really amaze me sometimes with their adept perception of the world. We think they don't notice everything that goes on or they don't understand, but I think they comprehend a lot more than we give them credit for.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Another gift idea Mom will love

I guarantee that if you ask any woman you know if she would like a day of pampering at a spa (at no cost to her) she would jump at the chance. Day spas are very popular and can be found in any major city, and most of the smaller cities as well. The services offered at day spas and the fees charged varies, so shop around to make sure you get the treatments you want at reasonable prices.

All spas have basic services like massage and nail care, but more advanced spas also offer Botox, laser hair removal, non-surgical facelifts, microdermabrasion, skin peels, and more. If your mom lives in California, Ontario, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Indiana, or Missouri, Pure Med Spa is the leading day spa in these states and offers all of the advanced cosmetic techniques I mentioned.

Call a spa and make her a surprise "day at the spa" appointment for Mother's Day. It will be a gift she never forgets!

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Matted dog fur!!!

Our puppy has gotten her fur matted pretty good and she hates being brushed. So today I trimmed her fur to about 1-1/2 inches all over and she looks so different! She is a Jack-a-Poo (Jack Russell Terrier / Poodle mix) and with the haircut she looks like a Fox Terrier. The mats are better to manage now, but I'm still waiting for the de-matting comb I purchased from Dog.com for extra help.

Any other suggestions? What tools work for keeping your dog tangle-free?

Labels:

Abrupt change in toddler behavior

I've been battling with the "terrible twos" attitude my son has had for a very long time now, and finally I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It seems like all of a sudden his attitude is much better on a daily basis overall. He wakes up with smiles instead of screams and when you ask him a question he answers nicely instead of always saying "NO".

Mealtimes have been a lot less stressful lately too, which is directly related to the little one's behavior. We used to have a full four hours a day of whiny, pouty sounds from him, and now that has completely stopped. The weird thing is, I've been trying to figure out what has changed in our lives and really there is nothing. If anything, the kids have been going to bed later than usual since it doesn't get dark until after 8:00pm. But you can't tell me less sleep would improve a kid's behavior, could it??? Regardless, I am very glad this phase is passing and happy to see my son's smile regularly again.

Labels: ,

Monday, May 07, 2007

What to do with so much family?

My mother-in-law in Denver, Colorado, just found out that she will be having two families visiting from out of town during the same week in August. If they want to do things together as a large group, there will be nine people total. They already know they can't all fit in one car, so they will have to drive two cars everywhere. Plus, they will have to call ahead to make sure restaurants can accommodate them. I suggested she be on the lookout for a new website for Denver Magazine, which will be launched in June.

It will be the one-stop site for all the area attractions, restaurant reviews, and help in planning activities for such a large group. Denver Magazine promises to be the most advanced informational site and area guide in Colorado. We'll check it out too, when we are planning our next trip to Denver.

Labels: , ,

Here's to Mom!

Upon doing some online shopping for Mother's Day, I went to my favorite online coupon codes site, Coupon Chief. They have added some new deals just in time for Mother's Day. For example, Lerner is offering a 40% off one item special. I don't have too much money to spend this year, since we are still establishing our online home businesses. So finding a good deal on quality items is important to me.

Of course, I can dream can't I? Let's see... if I could give my mom anything and money was not an issue, I would send her on a Caribbean vacation. Coupon chief even has a Travelocity coupon with $75 off Caribbean packages. My mom could really use a relaxing getaway in the tropics, and she deserves it for all the hard work she's done throughout the years.

Labels: , ,

Dog milkbones recipe

I found this recipe for a tasty treat for our puppy, since the Wal-Mart milkbones were recalled:

Doggie Milkbones

2 cups wheat flour
2 cups while flour
2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup milk powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup bacon grease
water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients with enough water to make a stiff dough.
Roll out to 1/2 inch thick.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
Bake on cookie sheet about 30 minutes or until hard.
(makes about 3 dozen)

Labels: ,

Overcoming obstacles of a small business


One of the scary things about starting a small business is the idea of keeping track of all the money. Managing the accounting and payroll for small business can be a daunting task. Hiring a professional accountant is very expensive, and there could still be mistakes.

If you decide to modernize and go with an online bookkeeper, Accounting Paradise charges amazingly low rates for accounting and payroll for small businesses. Bookkeeping services include reconciliations, entering transactions, credit card accounts, bank accounts, merchant, PayPal, and more. The fee is only $10 per month! Payroll services include federal taxes, W-2 filings, direct deposit, year-end filings, email reminders, export to QuickBooks and complete tax forms. All this for only $6 per employee per month.

Another option is to purchase QuickBooks at a discount and manage the accounting and payroll yourself. Accounting Paradise is a great site to visit for general accounting advise, news, and articles to better manage your small business.

Labels: , ,

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Dog food recipe

In light of all the dog food recalls, I have decided to make all the food and treats for our puppy. It was pretty scary to see the recall list and find out the milkbones we had been giving her daily had been contaminated with rat poison.

Here is the food recipe I have been using for three weeks with great success:

Dog Food

1 bag frozen peas (or 1 can peas)
2 carrots (chopped)
2 cups rice
1 cup rolled oats
1 pound ground beef
1 pound chicken livers with juice
2 eggs
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in crockpot.
Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours.

Cook 2 cups (dry) of additional rice separately and mix with the meat mixture when it is done.
(makes approximately 20 servings of 1 cup each)

Labels: ,

Don't pass up this deal


What's better than opening a totally free and paperless checking account with free online bill paying and direct deposit? I'll tell you - being entered in a drawing to win an iPod when you apply. Every day, Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union is having a 30 gig ipod give away! No Joke! The iPod giveaways end on May 17th, so hurry!

Labels: , ,

I do it!

This is what I hear all day lately from my toddler. Whenever I try to help him with anything, it's "I do it! I do it!" He is definitely getting more independent, but he often gets frustrated with himself if he can't do it all by himself. So I try to help very little and let him do whatever he can by himself.

When it comes to things like feeding himself, I just have to accept that there will be a mess. But this phase will pass and then he will have better fine motor skills and able to do more for himself, which will then improve his self-esteem.

Labels: ,

Recovery is possible in 28 days

There have been a lot of opportunities recently for drug rehab programs, but this one is a brand new 28-day program in Michigan that treats addicts from across the country. Many other programs are very long term and I believe this may scare people off who may otherwise seek help. The thought of leaving your life behind for months at a time may be too much, and a program that can be completed in about one month sounds more attainable.

Labels: , ,

ART-rageous parade a success

Yesterday was the 20th annual ART-rageous parade here in Eureka Springs. My daughter was in the parade with her dance class and they were dressed like little butterfly ballerinas. The parade theme was Spring garden and the whole thing was very colorful and beautiful.

After the parade, my daughter performed at the Basin Park stage along with her Evolve dance class and other classes from the Main Stage after-school program. The audience loved them and we had a great time!

Labels: , ,

Friday, May 04, 2007

Deliver something different

Did you know research shows that 83% of people like to receive flowers unexpectedly? I suspect the remaining 17% are probably people that just don't like surprises in general because I would think everyone would like to receive flowers or gifts delivered. If you've already sent Mothers Day flowers, why not try something different this year?

Check this out: you could deliver Mom a "Home Spa Package" which includes a comfy chenille robe, an aromatherapy backwrap, chocolate covered berries, and a lasting orchid potted plant. If orders are placed by noon in the recipient's time zone, same day delivery is generally available in the US and Canada. This is possible because Flowershop.com is affiliated with local florists and they have almost 35 years experience in the flower industry.

Their website has many different gift options available for any occasion. You can shop by occasion or by flower type, and then by price. Flowershop.com offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so why not give them a try this Mother's Day?

Labels: , ,

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Track your sales leads with ease

I can't think of one business that likes to lose money, especially on advertising. There is software available that can track leads so companies know where their sales are coming from and which advertisements are working the best. AIMPromote has improved customer relationship management, or CRM and now offers a 14 day free trial of their software in your business. When you decide that AIMPromote is right for your business, there are no set-up fees and integration into your website is even free.

Once the software is integrated, you can always reach someone if you require support. They offer support staff via email, toll-free telephone, or the new support forum where you can get answers from other users as well as the knowledgeable personnel at AIMPromote.

Labels: , ,

OK, I better stop whining now

Last night, I went onto BabyCenter to read some posts on the bulletin boards and see if I could get any advice on the bedtime trouble we've been having with my toddler. Well, I saw posts from several moms with kids his age and they are having the same problems at night. It felt good to know that I am not alone in this and that it is normal for his age.

I felt much worse, however, when I read three other women's posts about nighttime battles. These women are not only dealing with their toddler, but they are also nursing a younger sibling, and are already pregnant with the next baby! Wow, I guess I can't complain about my life being tough anymore. These women amaze me and they are truly "Super Moms". Happy early Mother's Day to all the hard working moms out there!

Labels:

The news puts Eureka in a bad light sometimes

There has been national coverage on our town of Eureka Springs lately because of the recent bill passed to lessen charges on people found possessing marijuana. Basically, the drugs are still against the law, but the police are putting it at a much lower priority than other crimes. Even though it is still illegal to possess the drugs, everyone thinks Eureka is "pot friendly" because of all the news coverage. I am shocked that there are so many adults who smoke pot. I just assumed people would figure out at a young age how dangerous drugs are and how irresponsible it is to continue them as a parent or grandparent.

I understand, however, that many people are addicted to drugs and have a very hard time giving it up even when they have the best intentions of quitting. I found a drug rehab referral service that matches people with their best option for treatment. Their website has lots of helpful information for anyone who wants more information about the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction and is ready to seek help for themselves or for a loved one. They offer plenty of support options and helpful links as well.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Ah, the joys of aging

I just had a birthday last week, and now that I am in my thirties, I am really noticing a difference in my skin. I used to go without wearing make-up all the time, but now I feel I must wear it to cover up discolorations appearing on my face. I have always gotten by with drugstore variety make-up and cleansers, but I'm wondering if it is time to try the fancier stuff. Sure, it's more expensive, but they use higher quality ingredients so you can use less and the products absorb more readily into the deepest layers of your skin.

Or maybe I should take a more "Zen" approach and let people see the real me, flaws and all. What's your opinion?

Labels: ,

Auction prizes for the lowest bid


At first, bid4prizes sounded like a lot of fun. I thought it was the opposite of Ebay, meaning that instead of the highest bid on an item wins, at Bid4Prizes, the lowest unique bid wins the prize. These aren't items put up on auction by individuals, but rather they are prizes you can win by playing the game. It sounds simple enough, but upon watching the instructional video I became confused. You must have a cell phone in order to play, which seems fishy to me. You text message your bid and they will text back to let you know if you are the low bid, or give you hints as to what the low bid may be.

If you are the lowest unique bidder at the end and win the prize, you don't pay the amount you bid. You don't even pay shipping - they will send you the item absolutely free. So now I am wondering if the other people who bid have to pay? I looked at the Frequently Asked Questions and couldn't find an answer. They do offer online customer support, as well as a toll-free telephone number to answer more questions. I think there should be more information on the website to explain the process and possibly a way to bid without requiring a cell phone number.

Of course, if I were to play I would go for the prize of one million dollars, which I could find many uses for. I would bid $3.13 because that is my daughter's birthday and because of her, I no longer think 13 is an unlucky number.

Labels: , ,

May is for ART in Eureka Springs

Ah, the month of May is upon us, and that means a whole month devoted to art. This is the 20th annual May Festival of the Arts for our city. There will be different art events happening all month and I am so excited! The ART-Rageous Parade kicks off this Saturday at 4:00pm and my little girl is looking forward to being in it with her dance class, with a performance following the parade on the Basin Park stage. The parade will have a "Spring Garden" theme, so there will be lots of flowers, butterflies, and greenery.

Labels: ,

Paintball

As a parent, it is startling how much violence is a part of our everyday life. Almost all movies, video games, or TV programs have some elements of violence in them. And we all know boys are drawn to "action-packed" themes, even if you don't promote it. At least there are non-violent outlets for these feelings. One such option is paintball guns. There are paintball arenas where players can get together for a game.

From the novice to the serious players, Ultimate Paintball is an online paintball store which carries all the paintball gear you need. They have the best prices and they offer free UPS shipping on orders over $200. Ultimate Paintball is a member of the Better Business Bureau's Online Reliability Program, so you can shop with confidence.

Labels: , ,

Restaurant review: Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe

For my birthday, we went to eat at Sparky's. It is a very popular restaurant and has won awards for their burgers. We've tried eating there before, but the wait was always over an hour, so we hadn't yet experienced Sparky's. Since my neighbor works there, I asked her what time we should come to be sure to get a table. She said anytime before 6:00pm and you'll get a table right away. We got there at 5:30 and were taken right to a booth. My husband and I both noticed the booths were pretty worn down and could use re-stuffing or replacement.

Our chips and salsa came right away, so that was good. They brought over coloring books and Crayons for the kids and the atmosphere is fun and retro - so kids like it there. Our order came in a good amount of time, not super fast, but not too long either. We enjoyed our meals and the taste was good. It seems my husband liked his chicken dinner more than I enjoyed my veggie burger. Since they won "best burger" award, I expected the veggie burger to be out of this world, so I was a little disappointed. But all the food was good.

We didn't tell the waiter that it was my birthday, but my neighbor must've remembered because they brought me a piece of turtle cheesecake for free. It was super rich and wonderful. I would definitely recommend Sparky's for dessert or for a fun meal for the family.

PS. In case you are wondering, the S.U.A.E. that they have on their T-shirts and billboards stands for "Shut up and eat."

Labels: ,

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Arizona, anyone?

For anything you need to know about Arizona, whether you are a local or planning a visit, can be found at Azcentral.com. Having recently beefed up their travel section to include more area attractions and destination guides, now they are planning a major revamp of their hotel booking engine. They are currently working with Alliance Reservation Systems of Phoenix to make these improvements.

Azcentral has been a top-ranked newspaper affiliated website, giving area news in addition to travel information and online booking at Arizona Hotels. The website is chock-full of information, and the front page appears somewhat cluttered. The navigation bars at the top are the site's saving grace, however, and you can use them to find your way around with ease.

Labels: , ,