tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86109057136230139692024-03-05T00:26:52.063-08:00Out of the MomentAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-53756713341749991462012-08-01T22:04:00.000-07:002012-08-01T22:04:45.180-07:00Bite of Las Vegas 2012!September 29, 2012. Desert Breeze Park. 11a-9p.
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The line-up:
Matchbox Twenty, Alanis Morissette, Ed Sheeran, Tristan Prettyman, Phillip Phillips, Rebecca Ferguson, & the winner of Band Battle for Bite
I'm more excited for the lesser-knowns this year, particularly Tristan Prettyman and Phillip Phillips. I like this older one with Tristan Prettyman and Jason Mraz:
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vTjc5Xtz3ho?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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Find all the details, including how to get a discount admission and info on the new "Premier Ticket" and "VIP Ticket" <a href="http://mix941fm.cbslocal.com/show/bite-of-las-vegas/">here </a>and <a href="http://biteoflasvegas.eventbrite.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://mix941fm.cbslocal.com/2012/07/30/mix-94-1s-16th-annual-bite-of-las-vegas-info-tickets/">here</a>. Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-39216506709516777582012-08-01T21:50:00.000-07:002012-08-01T21:50:44.877-07:00Songs for a ToddlerMy two and a half year old's favorites:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ccg18RPUUnE?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qybUFnY7Y8w?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nHlJODYBLKs?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dZn_VBgkPNY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lM8C0EmcbMs?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>
Apologies for the last one.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-43331966615699279142012-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:002012-07-02T07:00:13.005-07:00Perk up!Some Rockabilly to perk up your Monday...<br />
J.D. McPherson - North Side Gal<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aZGn4LncY0g?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-7240274119586401412012-06-22T11:40:00.000-07:002012-06-22T11:40:00.665-07:00Cowboy musicAnyone need some cowboy music today???<br />
My Rifle, My Pony, and Me/Cindy - Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson in Rio Bravo<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v2ssbgThljU?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-70720567954504448412012-06-20T11:37:00.000-07:002012-06-20T11:37:59.958-07:00To make you think...<a href="http://cozyhunter.com/musings/watch-to-the-end/" target="_blank">Get closer</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://dearphotograph.com/" target="_blank">Dear Photograph</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tomhussey.com/#/SERIES /Reflections/1" target="_blank">Tom Hussey</a> reflections seriesAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-64333168552522841522012-05-07T09:40:00.000-07:002012-05-07T09:40:00.452-07:00Books for Toddlers, Part IIINew favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.marycasanova.com/pages/books/bk_onedog.html" target="_blank">One-Dog Canoe</a> by Mary Casanova - an adorable story about a girl and her dog heading out for a trip in her canoe and all the other animals that want to come along. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Head-Toe-Board-Book/dp/0694013013" target="_blank">From Head to Toe</a> by Eric Carle - another great Eric Carle book (our other favorites are The Very Clumsy Click Beetle; Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, said the Sloth; The Very Lonely Firefly; and The Very Quiet Cricket)! This one encourages readers and listeners to get active and act like animals. It's impossible to get through without giggling fits!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Walk-Elisha-Cooper/dp/0439687837" target="_blank">A Good Night Walk</a> by Elisha Cooper - a beautiful, quiet story about the things to see on a walk down the block near bedtime. This book is gorgeously illustrated by the author, and I often find C looking at the pictures on his own and pointing out the things he recognizes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Bed-Book-Hildegarde-Ford/dp/0805446524" target="_blank">My Go to Bed Book</a> by Hildegarde Ford - This book was originally published in 1956, and it shows in a lovely, nostalgic way. C calls it the "boy book" and there's something peaceful and sweet about it.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-75336967049301637762012-04-10T09:04:00.002-07:002012-04-10T09:05:02.256-07:00Music to get through Tuesday<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Sv6dMFF_yts?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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OK Go - White Knuckles. My son loves all of the OK Go official videos, but I prefer this low key live version of White Knuckles.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7TzdCImSTg?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-86132879051638113832012-03-13T19:09:00.002-07:002012-03-14T08:27:07.494-07:00DIY Williams Sonoma Air Freshener<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX51VdSv7d014WScxcRizvZU6Vs7yuarOSvrG0egxgrkPXMHaHTTQZ5WT2-ZuZ0svNrKGIRU37uHqSVHyCd_cnSK3HzSAAWjAD5TRRIgZoKy3uqBuPygeZ9WJgyndemtsBnQxCbOvPCr3/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-03-13-at-8.46.43-AM%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX51VdSv7d014WScxcRizvZU6Vs7yuarOSvrG0egxgrkPXMHaHTTQZ5WT2-ZuZ0svNrKGIRU37uHqSVHyCd_cnSK3HzSAAWjAD5TRRIgZoKy3uqBuPygeZ9WJgyndemtsBnQxCbOvPCr3/s320/Screen-shot-2012-03-13-at-8.46.43-AM%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You know how some candles smell so artificial that the house doesn't really smell better when burning it, just....different? Here's a solution I pinned and finally got around to trying. It's a simple concoction of rosemary + lemon + vanilla + water simmered on the stove and brought to you by <a href="http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2010/03/spring-is-here.html#comment-6a00d8341c51ba53ef0120a9772f44970b" target="_blank">One More Moore</a>. As advertised, it makes the house smell lovely and fresh. My only suggestion would be to use a decent sized pot and keep it at a very low simmer. It got a little strong after a while, but the fragrance lightened and lasted several hours after I turned it off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1zg7OkzKy_doRMP5EQLiWDfBS5_w2wuet9Ed6A1ztaZ9PjTXcG4VxzKLi6ZitC9XaL5XfGYsazPelaM_0p5sRHiEbwncbz-y5TOA37apMJrV77NhI62tjDKQANZl_g2u9UHhHvlm6UuY/s1600/100_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1zg7OkzKy_doRMP5EQLiWDfBS5_w2wuet9Ed6A1ztaZ9PjTXcG4VxzKLi6ZitC9XaL5XfGYsazPelaM_0p5sRHiEbwncbz-y5TOA37apMJrV77NhI62tjDKQANZl_g2u9UHhHvlm6UuY/s320/100_3485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rosemary came from my front yard and the vanilla <em>wasn't</em> the good stuff, both of which might make a difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out these Pinterest follow-throughs, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" target="_blank">Bower Power</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/03/winter-pinterest-challenge-bag-it/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YoungHouseLove+%28Young+House+Love%29" target="_blank">Young House Love</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://tatumgreatindoors.blogspot.com/2012/03/winter-pinterest-challenge-mason-jar.html" target="_blank">The Great Indoors</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/pinterest-challenge-day-diy-faux.html" target="_blank">Hi Sugarplum!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC1TyUmzUs-5GD4mAaVz6z4TrtqJ6Cmqo1XKv418n9pNh1SkPgAwUdkuLyGws6flr6PHrOm3G8yjUwHOFNXaoOPJzuCnuLwOOR4ueoZvboYnVeJWWYiP9plpsNugZjbSOvm6wvR4em6eq/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-03-13-at-8.47.15-AM%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC1TyUmzUs-5GD4mAaVz6z4TrtqJ6Cmqo1XKv418n9pNh1SkPgAwUdkuLyGws6flr6PHrOm3G8yjUwHOFNXaoOPJzuCnuLwOOR4ueoZvboYnVeJWWYiP9plpsNugZjbSOvm6wvR4em6eq/s320/Screen-shot-2012-03-13-at-8.47.15-AM%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
and a few of my other finished Pinterest projects are <a href="http://outofthemoment.blogspot.com/2012/02/pinterested.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-89030181137717613822012-02-13T12:23:00.000-08:002012-02-13T12:23:31.994-08:00Back to the StartI've fallen in love with this:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aMfSGt6rHos" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Hopeful, isn't it?Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-30922906969132201562012-02-05T13:16:00.000-08:002012-02-05T13:16:03.478-08:00PinterestedLike almost everyone, I have a slight addiction to Pinterest. In order to justify the stupid amount of time I spend on there, I've compiled a list of pins that I've actually done something with....<br />
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1. <a href="http://nicandkate09.blogspot.com/2011/08/alphabet-board.html">Magnet board</a> (link to the inspiration, below is a photo of mine) Ignore the hook on the left. Eventually I will use it to hang a bag for the magnets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WDn2rLfwRagT9gfjkbDp7PDSOGJYF5mUtZlx7yIhsRLo3OVouhUfb6u67XRFePoESAiokSsbNzPrN24ZjI0h7JfP1ixW0gWx3NLwGATg5il0sppg4Byg8jMASJPHujtX1rPExQeIfjl0/s1600/100_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WDn2rLfwRagT9gfjkbDp7PDSOGJYF5mUtZlx7yIhsRLo3OVouhUfb6u67XRFePoESAiokSsbNzPrN24ZjI0h7JfP1ixW0gWx3NLwGATg5il0sppg4Byg8jMASJPHujtX1rPExQeIfjl0/s320/100_3369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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2. <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/09/do-it-yourself-drawer-organizers-diy.html">Kitchen drawer dividers</a> (link to the inspiration, below is a photo of one of mine)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6hdHPVmxt0hHcdRyOVi5C1ahzridXahX4pzk_C00jBGwbhz51qZGTyEvzS5uYJLpyggu0wU-99U0bTk3cf2acygdb1a4X1lt-lKmmh1mDcfa_TDTA8RCeUwcQWnH8GPSgGgR9PfcYy4E/s1600/100_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6hdHPVmxt0hHcdRyOVi5C1ahzridXahX4pzk_C00jBGwbhz51qZGTyEvzS5uYJLpyggu0wU-99U0bTk3cf2acygdb1a4X1lt-lKmmh1mDcfa_TDTA8RCeUwcQWnH8GPSgGgR9PfcYy4E/s320/100_3368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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3. Tons of recipes, but here are my favorites (all linked to the source):<br />
- <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/03/caramelized-onion-prosciutto-pizza/">caramelized onion and prosciutto pizza</a> <br />
- <a href="http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/skillet-gnocchi-with-chard-and.html">skillet gnocchi with chard and chickpeas</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/baked_parmesan_tomatoes.html">baked parmesan tomatoes</a><br />
- <a href="http://suziethefoodie.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-bake-stovetop-peanut-butter-special.html">no-bake peanut butter cookies</a> (I used Rice Crispies instead of Special K)<br />
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4. <a href="http://outofthemoment.blogspot.com/2011/11/airplane-tray-cover-for-toddlers.html">Airplane tray cover</a> (link to my play-by-play and pictures)<br />
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5. <a href="http://outofthemoment.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-car-seat-cooler.html">Car seat cooler</a> (link to my play-by-play and pictures)<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2010/04/framed-mirror.html">Framed mirror</a> (link to the inspiration, below is a photo of mine)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvzw0QsLLM3VhMwdSJIogE60WqOf45JKPS07ZKO8-R3r2mGPJ8HG4iDKLmWF1SbcfncSyfHuZVBZoaUQApBrFrqvwL7_YxgFxzQF_b46-FipRTY6imMTCKMyK15J_mOIk_siaOW0EwNGf/s1600/100_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvzw0QsLLM3VhMwdSJIogE60WqOf45JKPS07ZKO8-R3r2mGPJ8HG4iDKLmWF1SbcfncSyfHuZVBZoaUQApBrFrqvwL7_YxgFxzQF_b46-FipRTY6imMTCKMyK15J_mOIk_siaOW0EwNGf/s320/100_3370.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
7. <a href="http://back40life.3dcartstores.com/The-best-things-in-life-8x10_p_155.html">"The best things..."</a> hand print picture (I forgot to photograph my version before gifting them, so the link is to my inspiration)<br />
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8. <a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/2011/11/easy-candle-upcycle.html">Candle upcycle</a> (link to the inspiration)Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-45303865622829258872012-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:002012-01-19T10:13:01.736-08:00Parenting, in words I didn't haveThis is the most accurate, insightful essay on parenting I've ever seen....<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html">Don't Carpe Diem</a> by Glennon MeltonAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-71081075868705365992011-12-25T22:02:00.000-08:002011-12-25T22:02:24.703-08:00Christmas 2011 is in the books...and it was a fine, lovely, enchanting Christmas it was. There's something about watching a toddler at Christmas that brings some of the wonder back into the season for adults. I don't think C really understood that he'd be receiving gifts today. Everything is wonderful and fascinating and exciting to him these days that the gifts were no more or less exciting than looking at lights or dancing to Christmas songs or helping to bake cookies, and that awesome little boy was so delighted by it all. As for the gifts, he loved the first one - a wooden truck full of boxes of produce - so much that I thought we'd never convince him to look in his stocking or open his other gifts. He did eventually get around to the others, and was nearly equally pleased with the other things, even a plate, bowl, and cup set that I thought he'd toss aside was exciting to him. I hope I can always remember his beautiful, honest reaction...especially when he grows into a harder to please teen. Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-74768101813606369592011-12-23T14:23:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:23:38.248-08:00Happy holidays!To all of us, everywhere, a merry Christmas!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-47440179809074554742011-11-16T08:11:00.000-08:002011-11-16T08:11:39.019-08:00Las Vegas Air ShowLast weekend was the Aviation Nation airshow at Nellis AFB. BB hadn't been to an airshow before and C loves airplanes, so we packed up and went to the show on Sunday. I've never felt part of this community, but at least for an afternoon I sort of did. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz64FSTP7opoiFoF09iKiSnWGCVACZgjBBu3QVW6KiWrlQfTyifxDHTbhhqyC8T1-isv0TAMjrz6epHA8UTOKnV0YV4HuKcx0rb2U_xqTIYaV3v0Xps-IMQfFpVtUxhSJU9ZhcccOS2DZY/s1600/100_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz64FSTP7opoiFoF09iKiSnWGCVACZgjBBu3QVW6KiWrlQfTyifxDHTbhhqyC8T1-isv0TAMjrz6epHA8UTOKnV0YV4HuKcx0rb2U_xqTIYaV3v0Xps-IMQfFpVtUxhSJU9ZhcccOS2DZY/s320/100_2995.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSZs6PzZZGSy_YyGxl2dhCnWMC-6YCOjBmVdMIcdBwcmJ3230RfWUH8PDLOt59akgmWXMYLFmdr5uEKHhLh9Y_p55IkIvr-sm-kkV6D3KkYsOTpXM5VB2KaZTsV5LLaaHfmzzEPMMQoeO/s1600/100_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSZs6PzZZGSy_YyGxl2dhCnWMC-6YCOjBmVdMIcdBwcmJ3230RfWUH8PDLOt59akgmWXMYLFmdr5uEKHhLh9Y_p55IkIvr-sm-kkV6D3KkYsOTpXM5VB2KaZTsV5LLaaHfmzzEPMMQoeO/s320/100_3002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nTulpWyWzzcub-JPAT7C9AbrwKKLADRDre2uRDxDPi-PiCJSp3QsdJu5tVVnWknTtzGDDO1kzG2E7bZXlc1snUXLCfTGZ9KKffLwpq2kRHEIb7Kx6-osoLQJWdyD-Itq7znkKTPLSylv/s1600/100_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nTulpWyWzzcub-JPAT7C9AbrwKKLADRDre2uRDxDPi-PiCJSp3QsdJu5tVVnWknTtzGDDO1kzG2E7bZXlc1snUXLCfTGZ9KKffLwpq2kRHEIb7Kx6-osoLQJWdyD-Itq7znkKTPLSylv/s320/100_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9YC0Vjk4kbJTZRB-gVWtopL0XlRzlfIUjEng-wYQuThqECHuvFMQJnRZLY80aE0K9iC6B_jvOZ530qjz2BZUhzz7RNI5T7fgARgPSwvoHXTwHQNH45kaJMzAxHQ1nFynlBtJZs9sb21o/s1600/100_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9YC0Vjk4kbJTZRB-gVWtopL0XlRzlfIUjEng-wYQuThqECHuvFMQJnRZLY80aE0K9iC6B_jvOZ530qjz2BZUhzz7RNI5T7fgARgPSwvoHXTwHQNH45kaJMzAxHQ1nFynlBtJZs9sb21o/s320/100_3004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
ps. We saw a couple of Thunderbirds pilots. They are so young. Young and beautiful and lovely, with everything in front of them. It reminded me of just how much our young servicemen and women are sacrificing for us. Also of how pathetic it is that this country has turned Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day into reasons for sales and time off work, rather than times of thankfulness and reflection.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-84552076015913058562011-11-02T07:38:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:13:23.841-07:00Airplane Tray Cover for ToddlersHaving flown many times now with my child, I can tell you that two of my biggest worries are 1. the germs he will encounter/suck in/consume, and 2. that he'll get bored/anxious/restless and freak out. To combat both problems, I threw together a little solution. Not long ago I <a href="http://pinterest.com/">pinned</a> a brilliant idea I found at <a href="http://servingpinklemonade.blogspot.com/2010/07/airplane-tray-cover.html">Serving Pink Lemonade</a> to create an airplane tray table cover that includes activities to entertain babies (another version is sold <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VEBXYU/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003NGF4PE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Z0M0FJ9QS3TZ7QXGNYN">here</a>). Fantastic, but my kid is 20 months old and needs more entertaining, so I sort of combined that idea with a number of ideas I'd pinned for a quiet book. Here's the final product:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ2vtO46aNGZ5kf5mKa_dj7lzeszMYV36wXPPBOdXe-qfUWKb7KLfx8YGNiWgsBtBrTO8_jJc4W4HHfBtalexUSMUljzyMQp4MggDSYrpoZwKzUoqICF64J5IHuzKD5N1N2oDOcgmKefg/s1600/100_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ2vtO46aNGZ5kf5mKa_dj7lzeszMYV36wXPPBOdXe-qfUWKb7KLfx8YGNiWgsBtBrTO8_jJc4W4HHfBtalexUSMUljzyMQp4MggDSYrpoZwKzUoqICF64J5IHuzKD5N1N2oDOcgmKefg/s320/100_2807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9hX6iRRkexBOjcswaTydQ0hypAgjwGlMFalWt96r74Q-oEupVUMyeT3i7H2UL8QCC-bczDgv3wfdSv18X_2fRMY5mgCDrcGyvoMcSqy12ZFkDHljAmXLjIMP5VykWQwX5QBNanC0euOX/s1600/100_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9hX6iRRkexBOjcswaTydQ0hypAgjwGlMFalWt96r74Q-oEupVUMyeT3i7H2UL8QCC-bczDgv3wfdSv18X_2fRMY5mgCDrcGyvoMcSqy12ZFkDHljAmXLjIMP5VykWQwX5QBNanC0euOX/s320/100_2808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I strayed from the originals by using elastic on the sides so that hopefully it'll fit any width of tray table, and I made my cover double sided. Thus, twice the entertainment.<br />
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Side 1 has:<br />
-Counting activity - I knotted embroidery floss strung with either 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 buttons on it so you can slide each button up and down. I used tractor, tiger, flower, fish, and ladybug buttons.<br />
-A zipper pouch - this was the worst part. I read up on how to sew a zipper in, but I couldn't iron the fabric I used (a remnant from JoAnn that instantly scorched when I tried. I don't know what the fabric is, but it feels like a coated heavy-duty canvas) and it turned out pretty ugly. I'll put either small books in there or small surprises to be determined.<br />
-Two doors hiding animals - I velcroed a wooden tiger behind the grass (made of felt) and a wooden whale behind the felt water. Both animals can be removed since they're just velcroed on. I sewed small buttons on the front of each door and added embroidery floss to create a "lockable" door by winding the floss around the button. This part is important since the cover is double sided and I didn't want the doors hanging open when flipped upside down.<br />
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Side 2 has:<br />
-A felt roadway<br />
-Two vehicle iron-on patches that are secured with velcro and can be removed<br />
-A garage for a toy car that velcros shut<br />
-A felt doghouse that holds a dog keychain I found at Michaels that lights up and softly barks when you push a button. If it's annoying, I can remove it.<br />
-Next to the doghouse are food and water bowls made of felt and glued on. C is really into "feeding" his stuffed animals, and I thought he might like to do the same with the toy dog.<br />
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So now we've gone on one flight where I used the tray cover. It was on Southwest, and my cover was wider than the tray, which was fine. If it's too big for the tray on another type of airplane or airline I'll consider either removing or shortening the elastic on the sides for a snug fit. Anyway, the flight was supposed to be 2 1/2 hours, but ended up being about 3 1/2 gate to gate because of a delay in take off and a 1/2 hour of circling the destination airport. We <em>needed</em> extra entertainment. C loved the cars, the road, and the dog (although he wanted the dog off of the chain and I promptly lost the chain). The counting beads were trouble. C wanted to pull them and I ended up flipping it over to the car side right away since C was getting frustrated about not being able to remove the beads. Maybe he'll appreciate it when he's older. I think the cover bought us about 45 minutes of peace and quiet.<br />
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More Information:<br />
- The fabric was 21" deep x 17 3/4" wide to start with, unfolded (resulting in a finished product, after hemming all around, of 20 1/2" x 17 1/4" unfolded or 10 1/4" x 17 1/4" as you'd see it on the tray). The elastic bands add an extra 2 1/4" (each peice was cut to about 3") on each side (unstretched). I could've went smaller, judging from our first use. If I were doing it over, I'd probably make it 10" x 16 1/2" (after hemming) with 1 3/4" elastic on each side.<br />
- I glued most of this together, but sewed on the dog house, garage, doors (hiding wooden animals), and obviously the zipper pouch and counting game.<br />
The whole thing cost less than $20, with the most expensive parts being the patches (on the roadway side), the buttons used for the counting activity, and the toy car. It could easily be done for less if you have buttons and velcro on hand and use toys your kids already have. I found the wooden animals and dog keychain on clearance for pocket change at Hobby Lobby and Michael's and had the thread, floss, and glue on hand.<br />
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I'm adding this to the Pinterest Challenge sponsored by:<br />
<a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2011/11/pinterest-challenge-project-antiqued-window/">Bower Power</a> and<br />
<a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/11/fall-pinterest-challenge-ornaments-a-plenty/">Young House Love</a>, with guests<br />
<a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/11/princess-pocket-bookshelf">Ana White</a> and<br />
<a href="http://www.houseofearnest.com/2011/11/02/a-little-gold-lining-for-your-wednesday/">House of Earnest</a><br />
<br />
Go see what they did for the Pinterest Challenge, as well as all the fun projects completed by their readers! Also, check out my last Pinterest Challenge project - a DIY car seat cooler - <a href="http://outofthemoment.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-car-seat-cooler.html">here</a>. <br />
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What are your favorite Pinterest finds?Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-72017154301629695752011-10-31T16:23:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:23:00.152-07:006 rolls of gauze + 1 t-shirt + 1 pair grey pants = Superman??Everyone knows someone who waits to do or finish their Christmas shopping until Christmas Eve. Friends, I am not one of those people. I started Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago, and although I'll likely be shopping well into December, the head start makes for a more relaxed, enjoyable holiday season. Halloween, it would appear, is a different matter. We decided to dress C as a mummy, in a costume I'd make. No problem, right? It's just a little gauze and thread. I started on Saturday night. Last night at 11p I had yet to start the pants, and I gave up. As luck would have it, my work load was light today, so I took some time off, hit NINE stores (2 Targets, Babies R Us, 2 party supply stores, Baby Gap, Pottery Barn Kids, 2 Walmarts) and finally settled on a Superman t-shirt at Gap with a velcro on cape. C doesn't even eat candy or understand Halloween, so maybe it shouldn't have mattered so much, but somehow it does. The kid needs every chance to celebrate all of the silly, crazy, fun aspects of childhood. I'd go to a hundred more stores to make sure he does just that. Now I'm just crossing my fingers that he enjoys seeing all of the other kids dressed up (we're going to a safe event at a mall) and doesn't get scared.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQzd8d1y8Izisd1p1IB5buRIzOwgpCXUQDgaXtuAuWTkfFlsrXWAxvnzr1tI922kflqrzjPzt9auin9f8yPd4UefGoSExYKWg_e6AhRYAZMr2All7ElKYCYvl3_TId-Txv-a7-VIRFpYT/s1600/100_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQzd8d1y8Izisd1p1IB5buRIzOwgpCXUQDgaXtuAuWTkfFlsrXWAxvnzr1tI922kflqrzjPzt9auin9f8yPd4UefGoSExYKWg_e6AhRYAZMr2All7ElKYCYvl3_TId-Txv-a7-VIRFpYT/s320/100_2982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the abandoned mummy top</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjTPwdZpmPO2pwHxHYIrOgGjWaBCFqggNqPTrTT4VmOtEWPiGc5Cwi9FSqrry2Kam8BcBcOYTsNM4rL2lOIVXriFfU9MqYmrr33HWGWFc2g8AU6vaztFymPTQmNgOTn2Hz2V6Yme8RYsC/s1600/100_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjTPwdZpmPO2pwHxHYIrOgGjWaBCFqggNqPTrTT4VmOtEWPiGc5Cwi9FSqrry2Kam8BcBcOYTsNM4rL2lOIVXriFfU9MqYmrr33HWGWFc2g8AU6vaztFymPTQmNgOTn2Hz2V6Yme8RYsC/s320/100_2983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Gap Superman shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Happy Halloween.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-37390509676384517522011-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-31T12:00:02.440-07:00TED inspirationEveryone's aware of the TED talks, right? Have you heard this one, by Matt Cutts?<br />
<object height="374" width="526"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2011U/Blank/MattCutts_2011U-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/MattCutts-2011U.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=1183&lang=eng&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days;year=2011;theme=how_we_learn;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;event=TED2011;tag=Culture;tag=success;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="526" height="374" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2011U/Blank/MattCutts_2011U-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/MattCutts-2011U.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=1183&lang=eng&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days;year=2011;theme=how_we_learn;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;event=TED2011;tag=Culture;tag=success;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Right. Not long ago I set out to do something, learn something, or experience something new every day. That didn't last long. I ran out of ideas or didn't have time to come up with something or just felt uninspired. So here's the deal. Maybe I can come up with just twelve things to try and give each one my attention for one month. November starts tomorrow...first month-long challenge: increase the art/craft activities C and I do at home. He's not terribly interested most days, so I'd like to pique his interest without forcing anything on him. I'm shooting for 3-4 activities per week (he also has art activities daily at day care). Anyone else up for the challenge? Tell me what you're planning.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-4299589446493001032011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:41:00.634-07:00Las Vegas Park Review #13: Mesa ParkLas Vegas Park Review #13: Mesa Park, 5401 Mesa Park Drive (Summerlin, near Bishop Gorman high school)<br />
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Pros: <br />
- Nice, new playground equipment with two specific age group areas<br />
- A lot of green space (generally used for sports - lacrosse when we were there)<br />
- Lovely playing fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts<br />
- Beautiful views of nearby cliffs<br />
- A real feeling of distance from busy streets and activity. <br />
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Cons:<br />
- I hesitate to say this, since it's based on just one visit, but there was a group of really snooty moms there that was not interested in playing with, watching, or disciplining their children. One little kid probably 3 years old or so somehow made it across the large, depressed lacrosse field and up the other side and was about to run into the road before her mom came barrelling over to get her. <br />
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- Noise from construction on nearby houses (but yay for construction resuming!!!) <br />
- No splash pad<br />
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All-in-all, this was a good park. C had more fun exploring the greenspace than playing on the playground equipment, which was great since the "parents" were lounging there while their kids took over. We felt completely safe here (at about 2:30 on a weekday afternoon). I didn't see any security. <br />
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There were restrooms, but we didn't venture inside. Seemed like a nice building, though. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ2Be7T8J7TbWI1EiXbl2LYtG9R6d8ez-oTuOs6pn3Dr0XF7RD-u3KR2bevisFh7VHg3L7vN2mkM9SvXCpLYyG1Zka8ZPsQ5T2gfTvryQMaqJfTcftAtMBu0ZsLng74ZA0XIYThPPghrD/s1600/100_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ2Be7T8J7TbWI1EiXbl2LYtG9R6d8ez-oTuOs6pn3Dr0XF7RD-u3KR2bevisFh7VHg3L7vN2mkM9SvXCpLYyG1Zka8ZPsQ5T2gfTvryQMaqJfTcftAtMBu0ZsLng74ZA0XIYThPPghrD/s320/100_2910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-20016082535525170632011-10-17T11:41:00.000-07:002011-10-17T11:41:20.333-07:00Pumpkin Patch, Las Vegas StyleLast weekend, BB, C, and I met one of C's classmates and her parents for some fun at the "pumpkin patch." As always, Las Vegas does things in its own way. In eastern Nebraska, when you mention a "pumpkin patch," this is what comes to mind:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10msgQ8tTOx_ME8Rr2tSJ-N9iDC0KJsDj-cGeOmiTY5jy9LjJ9R0nuk5ODkTWgancezR6QaA3pwUaPNbPyvifm0RU0tFTdenmY3PLQUXDaoG3EJYOs8RmVOTHSjIcf-s1KcabAkWTpr2u/s1600/img21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10msgQ8tTOx_ME8Rr2tSJ-N9iDC0KJsDj-cGeOmiTY5jy9LjJ9R0nuk5ODkTWgancezR6QaA3pwUaPNbPyvifm0RU0tFTdenmY3PLQUXDaoG3EJYOs8RmVOTHSjIcf-s1KcabAkWTpr2u/s320/img21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos from valaspumpkinpatch.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
These pictures are from<a href="http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com/"> Vala's Pumpkin Patch</a>, probably the most widely-known - and biggest - pumpkin patch in the area, but there are dozens of similar pumpkin patches around Nebraska (smaller versions of Vala's). They have corn mazes, hay rack rides, haunted houses, food of all kinds, games, rides, campfires, flowers, produce, pumpkins galore, etc, etc. It really can be an lengthy event, and so much fun. Here, it's different. It was 95 degrees, for starters (I bet those overpriced pumpkins are all cooking inside). Anyway, I'm not saying the Vegas pumpkin patch isn't fun, but it shouldn't be considered a pumpkin patch. However, it was pretty great for entertaining an under 2 year old for an hour. We went to <a href="http://www.seasonaladventures.com/index.htm">Stu Miller's</a> patch at the corner of Rainbow and Warm Springs. They were very very nice there. C and his buddy enjoyed the petting zoo (the parents loved the free hand sanitizer for afterwards!), and played a pumpkin game, but mostly just ran around and had fun. There are a few rides and bouncy things for older kids (one looked like so much fun - it had a climbing wall and slides), but the parents were too old and the kids too young). Anyway, once I shed my idyllic notion of a pumpkin patch, I had a great time. Besides, it's kind of nice to not have to worry about mud, bugs, or bundling up the kids. So go to the "pumpkin patch," eat cotton candy, pet goats, jump on a bouncy, and enjoy autumn, however it comes. Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-72834983539307839822011-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:002011-10-14T08:59:00.125-07:00Bite of Las Vegas 2011 ScheduleMain Stage<br />
<br />
10:30 a - 100 Monkeys<br />
12:00 p - Colbie Caillat<br />
1:30 p - Imagine Dragons<br />
3:00 p - The Cab<br />
4:30 p - Michelle Branch<br />
6:15 p - Mat Kearney<br />
8:00 p - OAR<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mix941fm.radio.com/bite-of-las-vegas-restaurants/">Restaurant List</a><br />
Develop your plan of attack people!!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-38668220278237606792011-10-11T08:52:00.000-07:002011-10-11T08:52:36.822-07:00Bite 2011 ExcitementAre you ready??<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8m0y6BL9_P4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KU5o6M7S5nQ?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-44761329101599037602011-10-06T11:27:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:27:06.570-07:00Fall To-Do List- visit a pumpkin patch<br />
- drain the water heater<br />
- get the air conditioner serviced (or should we do this in the spring?)<br />
- bake something for the nice neighbor and some of B's co-workers<br />
- go on a nature hike, collecting pretty leaves, pine cones, and acorns if there are any<br />
- host a football/poker/dart night and serve chili and focaccia<br />
- donate winter clothes to area charities<br />
- annual donation to the NSPCA in H's honor<br />
- start Christmas shopping<br />
- can homemade applesauce<br />
- bake apples<br />
- plant some cool weather loving flowers<br />
- C's first viewing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"<br />
- hike somewhere leaves are changing<br />
- can homemade pasta sauce while I still have fresh summer tomatoes<br />
- take a picture for holiday cards<br />
- attend a local high school football game<br />
- bake bread with CAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-33900767422287907982011-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-31T10:12:32.245-07:00Best (Unexpected) GiftsOnce the Halloween candy goes on display at the store, I start thinking about holiday gift-giving. My family has several birthdays and anniversaries between October and November, so it pays to formulate a plan early. Isn't it the best when someone knows you well enough to get you something you never knew you wanted or needed, but end up loving? Here are a few recent gifts I've received and loved, unexpectedly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.penzeys.com/scstore/giftboxes/new/herbGift8jar.html">Penzey's Herb gift box</a>, $29.95<br />
- Penzey's has a number of gift boxes, or you can order a la carte. This was a wedding gift, and <br />
considering how seldom I replace my herbs, it was much-needed. I found the herbs to be of a higher <br />
quality than I normally purchase, but I loved this gift because it was a nod to the life we were <br />
embarking upon. It came with a note about being conscious of little ways to make every day special, <br />
and something sort of cheesy, but true, about the spice of life. I thought of it often in our early days of <br />
marriage, and it reminded me to light candles during dinner and turn off the tv to talk and laugh together. <br />
<br />
City guide book<br />
- I received a Las Vegas guide book as a Christmas gift from a co-worker shortly before we <br />
relocated here. Although it's intended for tourists, we used it often during our first few months here. I <br />
found it to be a thoughtful way of getting us excited about a scary step we were taking. These are also <br />
good bridal shower gifts if you know the couple's honeymoon destination. <br />
<br />
Framed nostalgic photo<br />
- Last Christmas my favorite gift was a framed photo of all of my cousins, my sister, and I that was taken <br />
more than 30 years ago on Christmas Eve. It was perfect for a couple of reasons...a. it reminds me of <br />
how blessed I am to have such a lovely family; b. it reminds me that the fun of Christmas was not just <br />
gifts, it was togetherness; c. it reminds me that every day we are making memories not just for ourselves,<br />
but for our son; d. it reminds me to live in the moment and not get caught up in the stress of planning <br />
"perfect" events/holidays. We will remember how we felt, rather than if the food was three-star Michelin <br />
quality or if the family pictures were perfect anyway.<br />
<br />
Slippers<br />
- I'm not kidding. I loved receiving those slippers as a baby shower gift because when I was pregnant I <br />
felt my job was 100% to take care of my baby, plan for my baby, and take care of myself <em>for my <br />
baby</em>. Of course, that was mostly true, but those slippers were a really nice way of telling me that it was <br />
also a time to sit back and enjoy what was happening and also to take care of myself <em>for myself</em>. A <br />
pregnant lady is not merely a vessel. Now I always buy something specifically for the expectant mother <br />
that is wholely unrelated to the baby, as well as something special for the baby.<br />
<br />
Blue ribbon<br />
- Yes, another odd gift. We invited very few people to our wedding, including just one friend each. <br />
When we sent the invitations I knew my invited friend wouldn't be able to come, so I wasn't surprised <br />
or disappointed when we received her regrets. The real kindness, though, was that she sent a spool of <br />
blue ribbon with her RSVP and a note expressing how much she would've liked to attend. The ribbon <br />
was just in case I didn't have a "something blue," but I ended up using it in my wedding scrapbook, and <br />
whenever I see it I'm reminded of the people that are not near physically, but are very close in spirit. <br />
<br />
No one ever thinks "oh, how I'd love to receive a spool of ribbon/old photo/rosemary/etc," but sometimes receiving those things mean more than a big tv or a beautiful bouquet. Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-24639353082640623962011-09-22T22:51:00.000-07:002011-09-22T22:51:05.026-07:00Music for the weekend"It's Time," Imagine Dragons<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d712Th-4y0Q?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Loving this!! They're going to be big. :)Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610905713623013969.post-3581749795501081642011-09-19T14:36:00.000-07:002011-09-19T20:02:45.826-07:00Bite of Las Vegas 2011The Mix 94.1 Bite of Las Vegas line-up is complete! Band Battle for Bite resulted in a pretty great day of music. In no particular order, you will see O.A.R., Michelle Branch, Mat Kearney, Colbie Caillat, Imagine Dragons, The Cab, 100 Monkeys, and local bands The English Channel, Avalon Landing, Play For Keeps, and Offset Season.<br />
<br />
Of course, don't forget the fantastic offerings of more than 40 Las Vegas restaurants. All items will be under $5. Awesome, right? <br />
<br />
See it all on October 15 from 10a to about 10p at Desert Breeze Park. Tickets are $9 (those under age 5 are free), but if you bring a canned food item for City Mission of Las Vegas you'll get $1 off the ticket price!<br />
<br />
Chairs and coolers are NOT permitted, but you are allowed bring a blanket and ONE unopened bottle of water. One more thing to note - there is NO re-entry. If you leave, you must pay again to come back in, but there's no reason to leave anyway. Port-a-potties are all over (including those big, nice ones with running water), there's food and drinks a-plenty, there are designated smoking areas (just make sure you use one of them - the event is smoke-free), the entertainment will thrill, and you'll have plenty of company.<br />
<br />
More information <a href="http://mix941fm.radio.com/shows/mix-94-1s-bite-of-las-vegas/">here</a>, from KMXB.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06355216573797243541noreply@blogger.com0