Cha Cha Cha CHANGES

I'm so excited, we just purchased the tile to upgrade the floors in all 3 bathrooms, a hallway and our kitchen. We've never done anything like this before so it's a big deal for us. I finally feel like a GROWN UP. OH NO........And I turn 32 on Sunday. Sheeesh!!!!!!

What do you think of the tile?

450 12X12 tiles!

This is the tile for the Master Bathroom upstairs and The Boy's bathroom which is upstairs as well. It's really not as yellow as it appears here, it's more of a sand color. We opted for the lighter color upstairs as apposed to the darker color we picked for the downstairs kitchen, hall and bathroom because it's not as bright upstairs and the darker tile would make the rooms seem smaller and not as bright.

Depending on the budget, after all is done, I'll probably use this same tile in our Laundry room which is also upstairs. This is only if there's money left over.

This is the tile we chose for the kitchen and the downstairs bathroom and hallway. It too looks a bit yellow here and it's not. It's a mocha color with nice swirls in it. It really POPS against the stainless steal appliances. We are going to lay this in the kitchen in a diamond shape instead of the laying them all square side by side. I think it will really make it look a lot more "fancier!" LOL

I feel like we should have tiled both floors with the same tile, however the darker tile just didn't look right upstairs and the lighter tile didn't look as elegant downstairs. I think I watch to much HGTV where they say everything should be the same. Screw HGTV, I'm going with my personal taste and what we think looks good! LOL I didn't mean screw HGTV, I still love them and am hoping I can be on one of their renovation shows. If you're reading this HGTV, my backyard needs a massive make-over!

Hopefully we will be able to start the Master Bath the weekend after Valentines Day. We are just too busy these next few weekends to have it all done.

No we are not doing it ourselves, but we have connections to a tile guy who's amazing. So we are super excited!!!!

The Quickie

Book Club starts FEB 1, 2010. We will be reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Feel free to pick the book and join us.

I just completed The Quickie, by James Patterson. I was a bit hesitant to read this book as I'm not one for murder mystery type books. I have to admit I was into the book in the beginning, then in the middle not so much. I forced myself to continue reading and I have to say that this book surprised me. I didn't think it was as great as everyone portrayed it to be, however the ending really made the book. There were a lot of twists to the book, however it started to become a bit predictable, and left you wondering what was going to happen next. I was expecting it for some reason to be a choppy read, because of all the twists I was told this book takes. I actually found it a smooth easy quick read. I actually think this would make a great movie.

Have you read it? What was your take on the book?

So I'm going to attempt something I've never done before. Read two books at one time. OH YEAH! I will be reading The Help along side, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think I could use a little inspiration these days. It's been raining for 10 days straight and I need a pick me up. I love the rain, but this dark gloominess that is my world needs a bit of sunshine.

What are you reading? Will you be joining me in reading either of these two books?

Chinese Luck Tag

I stole this tag from kys at Stir-Fry Awesomeness:

8 TV Shows I Watch:

-Greys Anatomy

-Private Practice

-House Hunters

-Dog the Bounty Hunter

-The Real World

-Tough Love

-Survivor

-30 Minute Meals

8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink:

-Blue Fin Sushi

-Qins

-Red Robin

-Uno's Chicago Grill

-Fish Market

-Specialty's

-Mint Leaf

-Subway

8 Things I Look Forward To:

-The weekend

-My Birthday - Jan 31st

-Getting a new kitten

-Landscaping my backyard

-Granite Counter tops

-Thursday Night - Greys Anatomy

-5 O'clock

-Tomorrow

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

-Watched the rain

-Painted my finger nails, becoming a nightly habit, I think I'm obsessed

-Watched the news

-Went shopping

-Made Dinner

-Worked

-Played with my Kitten

-Helped The Boy become famous - He's making video's and posting them on YouTube

8 Things I Love About Winter:

-The sound of the rain

-Wearing Scarfs

-Sitting in front of the fire

-The landscape - Green everywhere

-It's not 112 degrees, it's easier to get warm than cool off

-The sound of the rain - Yeah I know I said this already

-Staying indoors with family and friends

-Hot chocolate

8 Things on My Wish List:

-See previous post titled, Bucket list

8 Things I'm Passionate About:

-My Job

-The Boy

-The BF

-My House

-My coffee

-Sending my son to college

-My love of reading

-Not failing

8 Words I Use Often:

-You've got to be kidding me

-Seriously

-Come one

-Love you

-Hello

-Yes

-Please

-This is Lisa

8 Things I've Learned From the Past:

-Never regret anything you do

-Everything happens for a reason

-Don't sweat the small stuff

-Be free to do as you will

-Don't judge or let yourself be judged

-Money and possessions bring temporary happiness

-Accept people for who they are, or let them go

-Never settle

8 Things I Currently Want/Need:

-Pedicure

-Food Sealer

-To go grocery shopping

-A raise

-Yellow Camero

-New boots

-A cup of coffee

-A stiff drink, even though I don't really drink. It just sounds nice

8 People You Should Follow or blogs you should read:

-I don't believe in being a follower, you should be a leader

-If you want to read some good blogs, than check out the list of blogs I follow on my right sidebar.

Consider yourself tagged if you are reading this. Come on you know you want to play.

Root Beer, YUM!

The Boy received a really cool Root beer making kit from our neighbor's D and A for Christmas. Saturday after bowling and before penguin making, we decided to make the yummy Root Beer.

Items needed to make your Root Beer.

My brown sugar was hard as a rock. I hope I got enough out to where it will taste right. If not, it's okay because the kit allows you to make 8 bottles. We made four!

It smelled so good! As Rachel Ray always exclaims we need smell-o-vision, I'm declaring we need smellblogs.

Now we wait 3 days to 2 weeks for the flat Root Beer to naturally carbonate, before we can refrigerate and drink.





I know, the 4th bottle was not completely filled, we had some spillage. Opps.

She's Pregnant

Will it be a Boy or a girl? Hmmm.................

He's just going crazy wondering.

Congrats to the happy couple.

Penguins created by Maddie and her Mom Judy. Nothing like a Saturday spent crafting.

The Lovely Bones

NO SPOILERS HERE, HECK THERE'S NOTHING TO SPOIL

“These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence: the connections - sometimes tenuous, sometimes made at great cost, but often magnificent - that happened after I was gone. And I began to see things in a way that let me hold the world without me in it. The events that my death wrought were merely the bones of a body that would become whole at some unpredictable time in the future. The price of what I came to see as this miraculous body had been my life.” (p. 320)

That is the ending quote of the movie. A poor choice since the movie doesn't delve into the lives of anyone in Susie's life, except her father, unlike the book.

I rate it - 5 cups of coffee ouT of 5. Because that's how many cups I'd need to drink just to sit through the movie again. I was all excited to be able to review this movie for you all, until I lost all desire after seeing it with The BF, Friday night.

I think this quote best describes my take on the movie, "The saddest thing about it is that the movie is not really balls-out-bad, just VERY BADLY HANDLED"

As you all know my review of the book was just eh. I was a little skeptical to see the movie as it was only give 2.5 stars out of 5, however the BF was intrigued as the director Peter Jackman, is the same person who filmed the movie Lord of the Ring; and like me, who doesn't love a good Marky Mark movie?

Make sure to eat some shrooms before seeing this movie. It will actually help you to sit through it. Or drink 5 cups of coffee and a Red Bull. I almost walked out after the first 15 minutes, and only stayed because I didn't want to just throw away the $40 we had just spent on tickets, popcorn and a soda.

Heaven - Nothing like the book at all. I mean seriously, couldn't you have made it semi-similar to the book? No houses, no school, no Mother figure and certainly no one singing you to sleep. She sits in a gazebo the entire time staring down on earth or seeing these psychedelic images. I was so confused. Who ever thought up this heaven was definitely on something. Was I missing something when I read the book?

I really want to go on and on about how much of the book was left out of the movie, it wasn't even funny. The main point of the book was properly portrayed, however it was seriously lacking. I don't want to spoil it for you all so I'll leave out the details.

I do have some positive things to say about the movie. The girl who played Susie, Saoirse Ronan, was AMAZING. Un-like some lead rolls (Uhh HUMM Bella Swan, aka Kristen Stewart). This was the best book to movie character translation I've seen yet. I couldn't help but focus on her teeth and how small they were. Like a 5 year old child's teeth, small. Yeah I was that bored. I mean at least for me and my vision of Susie she was perfect and really in my eyes made the movie. You felt for her and wanted to scream in your seat, no don't go in there, run! If you have not read the book, I think you would be totally lost seeing the movie. You have to read the book before you see it to truly understand what's going on. I think it would be even worse, if that's possible, if I hadn't read the book. I have to admit, I really liked the part where Susie encounters all the other people in her Heaven. It was my favorite part and is probably what add the .5 to the rating of 2.5.

Despite the poor review here, I think I'd actually be willing to give the movie another shot. I mean it was past my bedtime when the movie started. That and every time I see the previews, it makes me want to see the movie or read the book.

All I can think is what happened? How could the previews be so good and the movie not?

Why can't all book to movies be done as well as The Time Travelers Wife was done? I thought that movie would be a hot mess, and I loved it. I don't get it.

AnyWHOOO, I actually didn't know if I was going to laugh or cry when it ended, out of joy that it was over.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Why I love to shop!

I've seen the movie (quotes below), now I want to read the book.

-When I was 7 most of my friends stopped believing in magic. That's when I first started. They were beautiful, they were happy. They didn't even need any money, they had magic cards.

-You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that's what it's like when I see a store. Only it's better.

-When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again.

-A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags... oh yes... oh yes.

In the past 24hrs I've spent $75.00 at a Pampered Chef online pary and $97.00 at ABC Distributers. I finally bought my scissors, they were on sale for $9.99. All stuff I could do without, but couldn't resist.

The Bucket List

*In case you were unable to visit WE BELIEVE BLOGS and read my guest post, here it is for your reading pleasure!*



As with the start of every New Year we usually find ourselves making resolutions even though we know we are just going to break them. I’m tired of making the same old resolutions, only to fail. I’ve decided that this year is going to be different.

I’m creating my very own BUCKET LIST!

A bit morbid you say? If you think about it, no, not really. It’s just a list of things I want to do before I die. I’m not limiting myself to any specific time frame, except for the fact that I’d like to get it done before I die.

So here’s a list of the top 10 things I’d like to do before I kick the bucket (In no particular order):

1) Take a ride in a Hot Air Balloon – In Napa, CA you can have the best of the wine country by combining two of Napa’s favorites, Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. and the Platypus Tours group wine tour. Package Rate: $299 / per person.

2) Drive a Nascar on a professional race track – You will be provided with classroom instruction on how to drive a real racecar and then you can take the wheel. Race against your instructor or "ride along" with a veteran Busch North driver. We can
create a racing package to meet any request. Packages start at $199.00 for 10 laps.

3) Swim with Dolphins - The Dolphin Swim Adventure is your chance to live out a classic vacation fantasy and swim with dolphins. You will enjoy a fun belly–ride, handshake, and an unforgettable dolphin kiss! Prices start at $200.00

4) Visit Santorini, Greece - The Cyclades, Aegean, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in Greece and in the world. The traditional villages of the island, built on tall cliffs, offer a breathtaking view over the submerged volcano. They represent the beautiful Greek cliché you have always dreamed about! Among them you mustn't miss Oia, the place gifted with the most famous and stunning sunsets. You will find on this portal site all the information you need about the island as well as Santorini hotels. I have no idea what this would even cost.

5) Ride a Mule down the Grand Canyon - Riders travel down the canyon walls on the backs of nimble-footed mules that pick their way as delicately as any mountain climber. Led by well trained and experienced guides, mule rides Grand Canyon tours stop every 30 to 45 minutes to rest the mules and drink water; dehydration is a very real risk in the immense heat of the canyon. Prices start at $100.

6) Ride in a Helicopter, preferably around Hawaii - 60 sq. feet of panoramic glass for maximum visibility, 4-camera digital DVD system—cockpit camera puts you in the in-flight video, Two-way communication between you and your pilot, plus Bose® aviation-grade noise-canceling headsets, First-class seats, 23% more cabin area—you’ll love the extra personal space and shoulder room, The most advanced 21st century helicopter technology—ultra quiet, smooth, and fuel efficient. Prices start at $138.00.

7) Paranormal Investigation – I’m not sure how to even go about doing this. I’d like to perform an investigation in an old run down Insane Asylum or Prison. You’ve seen people do this on TV. I really want to do this.

8) Indoor Skydiving - Earn Your Wings with two flights in the vertical wind tunnel, the equivalent flight time of three tandem skydives. You also get your training session, use of all the flight gear, and hands on personal assistance from an instructor and a personalized flight certificate. Packages start at $50.

9) Fire a Gun - Classroom session covering safety and the basic fundamentals of shooting. Our staff will then accompany you to the range and work with first-time shooters while ensuring safety and being available for questions and requests. Packages start at $38.

10) Scuba Diving - On the conservation side, the Caribbean is devoted to the preservation of the underwater environment. It has a host of protected marine parks with thriving aquatic life. Indeed, the area offers the most varied examples of tropical marine life imaginable, including anglefish, barracuda, crabs, dancing eels, goat fish, grouper, lobster, octopus, parrot fish, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, snappers, spiny puffers, and stingrays. Prices start at $100.

So there you have it, the top 10 things I’d like to do before I die. What’s on your list?

We Believe Blogs

I'm guest posting today on We Believe Blogs.

Everywhere you look in Blogland these days there are new blog groups popping up. Blog groups for moms, blog groups for specific religions, blog groups for bald guys. Okay I haven’t actually seen the last one, but I’m pretty sure it exists. The super brilliant masterminds behind We Believe Blogs wanted a place where all bloggers belonged.

So while I may believe this and you may believe that… it doesn’t matter…because we all believe something. We Believe Blogs is all about people uniting regardless of the differences they may have.

What are you waiting for? Click on the link, read my post and then JOIN!

*Comments are turned off*

Love Stinks, Ya, Ya.

I'm super excited!

Why you ask?

Because I purchased a NEW SWIFTER WET JET! (The one I currently have, I've mopped it to the ground)

If you own a Swifter, than you can understand why I'm so excited. This thing ROCKS! It's the best invention since sliced bread. I totally can't wait to use it. Yeah it's that good. It actually MAKES you want to mop all of your floors. I never dread mopping the floor, it's as easy and quick as sweeping your floor.

If you have any type of floor other than carpet in your house, then this is a must own. This is not an advertisment for Swifter. When I find a great product, I just like to share it. Trust me you won't regret spending the $20 to purchase it. The commercial definetly says it all. What you haven't seen the commercial for it? Well then YOUTUBE it! Before you purchase it, google it as I'm sure there are tons of coupons for it online.

The Ugly - The only downfall in my opnion. My opinion is the only one that actually matters, is the replacement pads. I think they are a bit pricey, I'm CHEAP though. They are also very wastefull, GO GREEN. It would be nice if they had re-usable pads you can just wash in the washing maching after you have used them. Maybe one day! I might actually email them to find out if it's in their plan for the future.

So what are you waiting for, go buy one. If you have one, go mop something!

SERIOUSLY!

Grey's Anatomy is back people, and I can't wait for Thursday night.

Let's jump straight to the recap:

In one two hour episode we experienced the joy and shock and sadness that is
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Not to mention the drama of:

Mark Sloan - I mean SERIOUSLY, McSteamy became a Father and a soon to be Grandpa all in one episode. It's true, Callie performed the paternity test. To top it off, It's a girl named Sloan. It comes as a shock to Lexi who chops off the tip of her finger after finding out that her boyfriend's new daughter, who's practically the same age as she is, is moving in! McDreamy doesn't help the situation by telling Lexi, " There could be a gaggle of Sloans!" LMAO. I totally believe it too. He's such the Man Whore but he makes a great wing man.

The Chief - The Chief has fallen off the wagon, hard. The Chief tells Meredith he's not an alcoholic, he just has "Situational Depression." In hopes of Meredith keeping quiet about his "situation" the Chief t gives Meredith special one on one training and she's milking it. I mean with the merger and all, she's finding it hard to get any OR time. Who knows how long the secret will be kept, for at the end of the episode the Chief is so drunk at the bar, that Joe has to page Meredith to pick him up. Yeah, SERIOUSLY, "Daddy Issues!"

Cristina and Hunt - Their love triangle with the new so-called Cardio-God has now ended. Possibly, Maybe. Cristina goes all dramatic on Hunt, telling him she knows she's not perfect but.....Before she can finish talking, Hunt grabs her and gives her a dramatic kiss. He confesses his dire love for her. I hope this doesn't make Cristina all goo, goo gaga while Meredith becomes dark and twisty for having to keep the Chief's secret.

Meredith - Is all happy go lucky since getting married to Derek via a post-it note. I was in shock that she even gave up a part of her Liver for her non-existent father. No more dark and twisty Meredith. It's so weird to see her happy and so positive. Knowing Meredith, this can't go on for much longer. The Chief's secrets got to drag her back down, especially with how the show ended.

The Bitches -

Alex to Meredith: "You're his bitch." (talking about her relationship with the Chief)
Meredith to Cristina: "Well, in that case, you're Teddy's bitch." (Teddy is the new Cardio God who loves Hunt, but Hunt loves Cristina)
Alex to himself: "Maybe that's my problem. I'm no body's bitch."
Cristina to Alex: "You were Izzie's bitch."
Alex to Cristina: "You're the bitch."

Alex - Alex and Izzy, I'm not sure what the heck is going on here. One minute Izzy is on the show and alive. Then she's dead. Then she's back to being alive. Then she's just gone and now she's back. I don't get it. She just needs to permanently be gone. Alex is just as bad. One minute he's all the Good Guy Alex and then he's back to his usual rude, womanizing self. Snooze button on these two.

Bailey - Is having "Daddy Issues" when her father comes to town after finding out she's gotten a divorce. Bailey, because she is the bad ass of Seattle Grace, not to mention my FAVORITE character! SERIOUSLY, my favorite! She sticks the knife right where it belongs during Christmas dinner. She proceeds to tell her Father, that despite her son not being with her for the holidays, he's a healthy, well loved and a happy boy. She shouldn't raise him in a home that's not suitable. You go girl! There's nothing wrong with being divorced and a single Mother.

Derek - After being fired by the Chief, but working anyway, he finally gets an apology from the Chief. Nothing exciting going on with him, unless you consider him donating his paycheck to save a child's life. He's just pretty eye candy. It's totally the hair.

Arizona and Callie - They are still together and appear as blissfully happy as ever. Joy! Something good has got to happen with these two.

Am I missing anyone? If I am then they probably aren't to important. Like the lame Mercy West people. Who do they think they are invading Seattle Grace. LOL

I think I've pretty much covered the basis here.

Are you as excited as I am?

Snowballs, shmmmo balls

I've been reading all these posts lately, in regards to how it's snowing everywhere. I'm constantly seeing pictures of snow laced trees, homemade snowmen, bundled up chitlins and long sharp icicles on gutters.

You see where I live there is no snow. So being the creative people that we are, we decided to improvise. I think we came up with the perfect solution to those of us who rarely ever see snow.

Introducing sand balls.

In my opinion, they're actually a lot better than snowballs. They are warmer and don't hurt at all when you get hit by them. Sand balls can pretty much be made all year round. No need for big ole, "I can't put my arms down," coats and cute hats with pom pom tails.



Word on the street is that they are edible too, just like snow. Though I'm not sure I'd eat one. You don't have to worry about "YELLOW" snow here people. Just crunchy sand particles. YUM.



I'm melting. Like snowballs, sand balls melt away. Be careful not to drop your sand ball in the water. You're likely to never see it again.

You've got to love sunny California, even in the winter.

Brrrrr It's Cold In Here!

It's been a few months since the "crafty" side of me has come out. I've been on craft overload since Halloween.

However, it's just YOUR luck, because I'm back in the saddle and off to an intense start thanks to one of my FAVORITE blogs, FRUGAL FAMILY FUN BLOG!

Last week, Valerie and her daughter made this really cool penguin play set out of old stockings! Now in my household, penguins are our best friends. I mean hello, the background on my Mytouch is a bunch of rolly polley penguins. PO, our pet penguin also lives between the rails of our staircase (pictures can be found in other craft posts). So you can imagine when I saw her post, I couldn't wait to make one. Thanks Valerie for the inspiration.

If you are crafty and not following her blog, you should start now! Valerie also hosts "sewing in baby steps," for those of us who have sewing machines, and have no idea how to use them. I've taken 2 of her courses and have really enjoyed everything I've made (The Halloween Trick or Treat bags idea, came from her class.)

INTRODUCING, PENELOPE PENGUIN


Okay, so isn't she just ADORABLE? She even has a tail! She's made out of a "RIBBED" Nylon, knee sock. She was so cute and adorable, I decided she needed a mate.

And so, PAUL was born.



Supplies:

1) Nylon Socks - 5 pairs for $5 dollars at Walmart. One sock makes one penguin.
2) Felt - $.37 a piece at Walmart. Black, White, Orange, Yellow, Red and Blue.
3) Thread - $.97 Walmart. Black and Blue. Don't forget to buy your needles if you don't have any. These are all sewn by hand.
4) Velcro - $1.27 at Walmart. I purchased the small self adhesive circles. This is what you use to attach the fish to the hands and beak.
5) Poly-Fil - $2.27 for that large bag at Walmart. You barely use any of this, so grab the smallest bag you can find. With this bag, I have a life-time supply.

STEP 1:



Measure approximately 7 inches from the toe of the sock down towards the heal and then cut. The toe will soon become the penguins head. Since Paul is a boy, I used a smooth knee sock as opposed to the ribbed one.

Step 2:



Stuff the sock with the Poly-Fil and pin the bottom closed. Sew the bottom closed.

Step 3:



Use a round object to draw out the penguins belly and 1/2 teaspoon to draw and cut out the eyes.

Then free cut the feet (two orange triangles), the beak (One yellow, One Black and One Red triangle. The black and yellow should be the same size and the red one slightly smaller.)

Finally, cut out the tail and small black eyeballs.

Step 4:

Pin all the parts onto the stuffed black sock and then sew each piece in place with a Whip Stitch. Once you have sewn on all the parts, then sew a Gather (Google it) stitch around the neck of the penguin to give it shape.



Don't forget the tail. I did, twice.

Step 5:



Free cut your flippers. For the male, I used four pieces of black felt and two pieces of white. Just to give him personality. Sew two black pieces together to give the flippers some "thickness." Then sew the smaller identical white piece to the front of the flipper with the Whip stitch.

So PAUL was born!



SOON THEY WILL HAVE BABIES!

If Chloe doesn't get to them first. Isn't she getting so big?

BTW: Feel free to cut out fish using the blue felt. Whip stitch two pieces of blue felt together part way then stuff with the poly-fil. Whip stitch it closed. Place a small piece of Velcro on the fish and on the penguins hand and inside of the black part of the beak.