tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69094622024-03-13T03:44:32.216-04:00What are YOU looking at?Rants, Rambles, Rediculousness, and other stuff I think about.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-28259556743747074722013-10-10T20:30:00.000-04:002013-10-11T09:54:25.633-04:00Bzzzz -- Curel Intensive Healing Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="" src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/curel.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=9837235127&Campaign=3266738375&Uid=1498996&token=304c8c811c62da4e0dcb800e6c51ce05" />
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So I've started using Curel intensive healing cream on my elbows and seeing great results.<br />
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I am a member of <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/" target="_blank">bzzagent</a> and received some samples of Curel Intensive Healing cream. I have been neglecting my poor elbows lately and they were absolutely unequivocally horrendously dry and awful looking. Embarrassing!<br />
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After only a short time using the Curel lotion, I have definitely noticed an improvement in the condition of my dry skin. I use it once per day and within a week I was very pleased to report that my elbows no longer were cracked and scratchy. I would imagine that with use 2x a day the progress would be even better.<br />
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If you've got horrendous dry skin , give it a shot. <br />
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<i> disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product, but all opinions are my own </i>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-17935197568633585532012-01-01T13:58:00.000-05:002012-01-01T13:58:50.890-05:00It's been a while....It's been a while since I've posted. <br />
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Seeing as it's 2012 <b>(yay!!! ) /sarcasm </b>, I guess in 2012 I resolve to blog more. <br />
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I not only want to blog more, I want to blog with a focus. I don't really have that much of a focus. I do have a <a href="http://tastecrave.blogspot.com">food blog</a> and I have a <a href="http://ponoliver.blogspot.com">blog for my dogs</a>, but I don't post on those as much as I should. So I think I'd like to give THIS blog some focus. I can't very well ramble on about everything and anything and expect people to be interested, right? <br />
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So -- 2012 -- the year of more blogging and more focus. We'll see!<br />
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Happy new year everyone!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-40986084422038130672011-02-13T14:35:00.001-05:002011-02-13T14:39:30.616-05:00Help raise funds for the Humane Society's SpayDay 2011Please vote for my cute little Astro! It's his first photo contest and he's all nervous he won't get any votes. Votes will make him feel so happy! Click <a href="http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=96941&contestId=3">HERE</a> to vote for Astro!<br />
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OK in all seriousness, the Humane Society's SpayDay 2011 is such a worthwhile cause and every dollar raised goes directly to spaying and neutering animals. <br />
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You can vote for as little as $5 so please help if you can :) <br />
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<div style="background-color: #eaeaea; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; width: 175px;"><div style="background-color: #f6884b; background-image: url(http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/images/facebook/petTopVery.jpg); background-position: top center; background-repeat: no-repeat; padding: 2px 3px 0px 3px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 16px; padding: 4px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: center;">"Astro"</div></div><div style="background-image: url(http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/images/facebook/petTop.jpg); background-position: bottom center; background-repeat: no-repeat; height: 20px;"></div><div style="padding: 0px 3px 0px 3px; text-align: center;"><div style="padding-bottom: 5px;"><img src="http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/calendar_contest/thumbnails/128395.jpg" /></div></div><a href="http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=96941&contestId=3"><img alt="Vote" border="0" src="http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/images/facebook/petVote.jpg" /></a> </div></center><br />
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For more information on the Humane Society, please visit their<a href="http://www.humanesociety.org"> website</a>.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-77254391486921026222010-02-14T09:10:00.013-05:002010-02-14T12:15:39.633-05:00Changes in AttitudesI'm a Jimmy Buffett fan. This won't come as a surprise for those of you that know me. I've been to over 30 concerts, most at "Great Woods" (aka Tweeter Center, aka Comcast Center in Mansifeld, Ma but my love of Buffett music and concerts has brought me to Jones Beach, NY and even Las Vegas a few times. So bottom line, I love the music, and seeing Buffett live, is just something everyone should experience, oh at least ten or twelve times.<br />
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So on Friday, I received an e-mail from Ticketmaster (aka TicketBastard) saying Jimmy Buffett tickets for Mansfield, MA were going on sale on Saturday February 13th. I checked the dates, and it was looking good. I decided to try and get tickets right when they went on sale. Just so you know, tickets are generally hard to come by. They sell out within minutes (one time it was 4 minutes) of going on sale. You have to be really lucky calling in or using the internet. <br />
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As luck would have it, come Saturday morning, I woke up way to early (for a Saturday) and got distracted doing this and that and <b>completely forgot</b> about buying the Buffett tickets. I didn't remember until this morning at 8:00am -- <i>24 hours after they went on sale</i>. On a whim, I went to Ticket Bastard and punched in 2 tickets, best available. I got the spinning icon and waited, and waited, and lo and behold, what was presented to me? <b>Two Tickets. Available right now, <i>for me</i>!</b> The seats were in section 15, all the way to the end. Now, those who know Great Woods/Tweeter Center/Comcast Center will recognize that section 15 is one of the "newer" sections that they built on a section of the lawn. So basically these are uncovered seats on an area that used to be the lawn (so they're not particularly good). Still, a seat was a valuable thing at a Buffett concert and I was happy anyway.<br />
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Happy, <i><b>until I saw the price</b></i>. I went from happy to confused, to downright pissed off. I think this screenshot captures it perfectly:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yIMJiyotO4HQ8LDMeQ5QzFH503ORcNGbYCxfNJI6tEKE-s7rkrKoIBYQzAd5hXxZE9pKwQ1km5yg30-x0GD_-pl10hvURQj4KpC66NoR0tCCKkk-FWV7epCNYHGH9edbLy3D/s1600-h/buffett2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yIMJiyotO4HQ8LDMeQ5QzFH503ORcNGbYCxfNJI6tEKE-s7rkrKoIBYQzAd5hXxZE9pKwQ1km5yg30-x0GD_-pl10hvURQj4KpC66NoR0tCCKkk-FWV7epCNYHGH9edbLy3D/s400/buffett2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Do you see this? Base price for a crappy seat is $128.50? And, that's when I saw... the bear... hmmm no, that's not what I meant; I meant that's when I saw the "convenience charge". Sitting there, glaring at me - <b>bold</b>, <b>cocky</b>, and <b>utterly ridiculous</b>. But it was there, nonetheless, saying to me, <i>"yeah, we know you really want these tickets. You're going to pay me, this fee. If you don't, some other sucker will!" </i><br />
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<i></i>So I ask, what is a convenience fee? I assume it's something imposed on you because you are using the internet vs. walking up to a Ticketmaster window (do these still even exist?) -- however anyone who knows anything about anything, will realize an <i>automated system</i> (i.e the website) is cheaper to run than hiring a bunch of people to actually sell tickets (whether in a shop or on the phone)! Furthermore, the convenience fee is <b>per ticket</b> - which means that even though I am doing <b>one transaction</b>, the fee is per ticket. So it doesn't make sense that the convenience fee is anything to do with anything, except putting more money in TicketBastards pockets. It's important to note that Ticketmaster charges different convenience fees, based on the popularity and venue of the concert. Check it out - some are $13.50 per ticket. Some have none, even. So this 'convenience fee' is an arbitrary fee that they use to just plain get more money out of their customers. <br />
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And now that TicketBastard & Live Nation have <a href="http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/01/doj-approves-modified-ticketmaster-live-nation-merger/">merged</a>, it's not going to get any better. <br />
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Now, the $7.50 facility fee per ticket? Isn't the $128.50 enough to cover that? I know that Comcast paid millions to get their name on the billing, however, why should I have to pay for it?<br />
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And finally, who sets the ticket prices? I have to say that I feel that $128.50 is a bit greedy for that seat (or any seat, really). Surely Mr. Buffett makes plenty of money on record sales, merchandise, beer, tequila, restaurants, prepared foods, and kitchen appliances that he doesn't need to<b><i> bilk </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">his fans for every last cent they have when they see him live. We love the music, we love the scene. We'll even buy an overpriced $40 tee-shirt, drink lots of Landshark Lager, do shots of Margaritaville tequila, and proudly display all of our Buffett paraphernalia we bought in the gift shop after dining at the Margaritaville restaurants. Clearly, Jimmy, we are giving you our money. Do you need to charge so much for the tickets? </span></b><br />
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I'm speaking with my wallet. I'm not buying ticket master tickets. I'm not going to any shows at the Comcast center, and sorry Jimmy Buffett, but there'll be a few less "real" parrotheads in the audience this year... I don't want a 12 pound Nestle crunch for $25, I'm mad as hell, and I don't want to take it any more.<br />
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From "Trouble on the Horizon" that Jimmy wrote in 1997 -<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: nowrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I hope that all the greedy bastards in the world</span></i></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: nowrap;"></span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Come back as lobsters.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">You know that life at the bottom of the food chain</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Suits them well</span></i></div></div></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-66241168740275848812009-11-01T12:05:00.002-05:002009-12-20T20:58:36.554-05:00Halloween 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuD6mwW30tJwNo-AFSDYPUltlCORrcbv60tX_OmLI-1eIjJzfsTJja51JKxzZtr4S_zqSnMivDEFGLYi6YJ0mHjKW2Uf8Ca0Jq1542jCyTqqsbs6jGIW9J8GKRqm5nWLiSbzT/s1600-h/IMG_3126.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuD6mwW30tJwNo-AFSDYPUltlCORrcbv60tX_OmLI-1eIjJzfsTJja51JKxzZtr4S_zqSnMivDEFGLYi6YJ0mHjKW2Uf8Ca0Jq1542jCyTqqsbs6jGIW9J8GKRqm5nWLiSbzT/s320/IMG_3126.JPG" style="clear: both; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a> For Halloween we dressed up as a "scary dead bride and groom". I wish there was a better name for our costumes but that's the best I could come up with. <br />
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</div><div>We actually won 1st prize at my friends Scott & Jessica's halloween party (and there were some great costumes there, too!) ..<br />
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</div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-26011917273136541592009-04-18T10:10:00.003-04:002009-04-18T10:12:38.628-04:00Leftovers?Ever cook a fabulous meal but had some leftover ingredients that you don't want to waste? Well the folks at the Kitchn have compiled a list of what to do with all sorts of leftover ingredients... <br /><br />Check out the list <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-fruit/what-can-i-do-with-tips-for-leftovers-and-ingredients-082260">here</a>.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-38858031996880368162009-04-15T19:11:00.004-04:002009-04-15T19:16:31.187-04:00I'm unravelling...I'm going to become unravelled. (Not literally, of course)<br />I've signed up for this e-course that will help me see the real me. I don't know anyone that's done it but it sounds like a really interesting journey. <br /><b>From the <a href="http://www.waysofseeingmyself.com/Ways_of_Seeing_My_Self/the_e-course.html">website</a></b><br /><blockquote>The Unravelling process is a new way to view your world, taking time to appreciate the beauty around you. And we do this in the simplest way – we stop and look.<br />We’ll be using the camera as a tool to unlock how we see not only ourselves but also the world we live in, including the immediate surrounds of our homes, places of work and our friends and family. We’ll delve into the past and turn our thoughts towards the future. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">To read more:</span><br />http://www.waysofseeingmyself.com/Ways_of_Seeing_My_Self/home.html<br /><br /><br />The price for the 8 week e-course is 65 GBP (approximately $100 USD) so if it's not that interesting I won't feel terrible about it. I have to say, I'm pretty excited about this thing! It starts May 4th, stay tuned for more.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-63277529962744313752009-01-13T20:38:00.004-05:002009-01-13T23:25:41.352-05:00ResolveIt's January 13th already -- new years was almost 2 weeks ago. My how time flies, doesn't it? <br />Anyway, I did manage to make several resolutions this year -- except I'm not really calling them 'resolutions' -- I've never been super successful with any New Years resolution so I figure I best be calling it something else for a greater chance of success. <br />So -- what are my 2009 goals? Glad you asked!<br /><br /><ul><li> Eat more green vegetables</li><br /><li>No trans fats! This will involve some label reading because not all foods that advertise "0 trans fats" are actually free of trans fats. You have to look at the ingredients and if you see "partially hydrogenated" oils .. bam! Trans fats. The labels can say 0 if they are less than .5 gram -- so this means that foods with hydrogenated oils have up to .4 of trans fats, and if you eat several servings of these "sneaky" foods, you could be getting a lot of unexpected trans fats</li><br /><li> Diet. Well not really a diet per say -- but healthy eating. Whole foods -- and only 20% fat per day. </li><br /><li> Increasing good fats like almonds, salmon, avocados</li><br /><li> Drinking more water -- I used to be so good with the water but lately I have just stopped. I need to go back to ensuring at least 64oz per day</li><br /><li> Drink green tea - it's so good for you so I'd like to drink at least 1C per day</li><br /><li> Ditch the fried foods -- I never really used to eat them that much but for the past year or so they've crept back into my diet. I want to eliminate them as much as possible. I do know that here and there it may be unavoidable but I will try to avoid at all costs. Besides, a baked sweet potato tastes just as good as french fries to me</li><br /><li> Tracking calories - I want to track everyday so I can see my progress. </li><br /><li> Exercise. I need to get back into it. I never really enjoyed it but I do know it's a necessity. Ideally I'd like to aim for 5x per week but I'll be overjoyed with 3x per week at this point </li><br /><li> De cluttering! This is a big one. I have TONS of shoes, handbags, and clothes that I need to sort through and get rid of. I want to have an organized closet! I plan to sell off my spendy bags and shoes and donate the clothing. With the handbag money, I'll probably buy more handbags, but my collection will be more rounded and I'll only keep bags that I will carry. </li><br /><br /></ul><br /><br />Long list, huh. Well I 'officially' started on January 7th. I have remained on track for all the health goals and I have lost 5.4 pounds (note the neat ticker I have on the right side of the page (if you're reading this on my <a href="http://finzup.blogspot.com">blog</a> site)-- it will update as I lose weight). I haven't started exercising or de-cluttering but that is coming soon!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-88908550121677543652008-11-25T01:05:00.006-05:002008-11-25T09:16:10.189-05:00Reinterpreting Pumpkin Pie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8eWjRNUvjaJd8UGEinICeARpYKrVfzEMR91jaCoMnLqTnQxTVbWMwUjEwKonOrXKwV07x8uvEe1aEaEBrrYWzqpNQzD6yAPZ9AGDd1OunwWCfZk1fPFH9jsnd_3tMVr1W5MQ/s1600-h/pumpkinMartini.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8eWjRNUvjaJd8UGEinICeARpYKrVfzEMR91jaCoMnLqTnQxTVbWMwUjEwKonOrXKwV07x8uvEe1aEaEBrrYWzqpNQzD6yAPZ9AGDd1OunwWCfZk1fPFH9jsnd_3tMVr1W5MQ/s320/pumpkinMartini.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272474390000468354" /></a><br />So how delicious does a pumpkin pie martini sound? I'll answer that for you - it sounds damn good! Instead of making a boring old pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving, why not whip up a batch of Pumpkin Pie-tini's ? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: courier new;font-size:85%;" >Ingredients:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Graham cracker crumbs</span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">1-1/2 ounces milk (or splurge and use half and half -- it's the holidays)</span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">2 tablespoons pumpkin puree</span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">1-1/2 ounces vanilla vodka </span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">1-1/2 ounces white crème de cacao</span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Cinnamon stick for garnish</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: courier new;font-size:85%;" >Instructions: </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Rim a chilled martini glass with graham cracker crumbs.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake milk and pumpkin puree to combine. Pour in vodka and crème de cacao and shake well. Strain into the graham cracker-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.</span> </span><br /><br />The recipe makes 1 martini but you know as well as I do that one martini is never enough -- so multiply the recipe amounts by 8 and make a whole pitcher. Share if you like.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-78231781633652674552008-11-19T18:41:00.012-05:002008-11-19T19:45:24.056-05:00Do you heart handbags? Have I got a deal for you...I heart handbags big time, and my all time favorite brand is <a href="http://www.belenechandia.com/">Belen Echandia</a>. Never heard of them? Not surprising... I really believe they are the best kept secret in the handbag world. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiGMTIsjvbkfmYDgQfXlOiYzA6vIXTRnR9gqtqP4FAuonQ5-G3fZ8o6_EvkwX9IPtDbjbBP_W5UCzsX47fVDZ6SQsHnGnswVR6WhWUKSC9HOapiGxd3tdCibvRivBFkyvubxj/s1600-h/BlackCrashLM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270520959411668050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiGMTIsjvbkfmYDgQfXlOiYzA6vIXTRnR9gqtqP4FAuonQ5-G3fZ8o6_EvkwX9IPtDbjbBP_W5UCzsX47fVDZ6SQsHnGnswVR6WhWUKSC9HOapiGxd3tdCibvRivBFkyvubxj/s320/BlackCrashLM.jpg" border="0" /></a> To put it lightly, the bags are simply amazing. The customer service and quality is superb and the leathers are divine. Oh, did I mention they are <strong>handmade</strong> in Italy? No "Made in China" stamp on these bags! (There's something kind of disheartening when you spend $500, $1000 or more on a bag that is mass produced on an assembly line).<br />The genius behind Belen Echandia is the super fabulous and very nice <a href="https://secure.belenechandia.com/asp/info.asp?intUrlId=3&intId=145">Jackie Cawthra</a>. How cool is it to have a conversation with the founder/creative director of the company where she helps you with your handbag purchase decisions? I'll answer that -- it's very cool indeed.<br />Additionally, BE offers a bespoke service so that should you desire, you are able to customize and create the bag of your dreams (I am patiently waiting for my bespoke Luxe Chocolate Glossy Hug me and my Turquoise Angel Purse -- both should be arriving soon!) Seriously, I really could go on and on about how great these bags are.<br /><br /><br />Well let me get to my point!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vzTXW4bBByQc8CGJ0TE0rchcyYo9G8pFHkPdiHAtUW9RvXtDyIpRacTrvBBC-vbRDQIcW8sKnnaWGYO25xIrtUVhAFrCSO9Mdxtjj8ZQScjaCsJiZP9yrTHDnITW9A-KZDm8/s1600-h/plumcrashholdme.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270525076483055426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vzTXW4bBByQc8CGJ0TE0rchcyYo9G8pFHkPdiHAtUW9RvXtDyIpRacTrvBBC-vbRDQIcW8sKnnaWGYO25xIrtUVhAFrCSO9Mdxtjj8ZQScjaCsJiZP9yrTHDnITW9A-KZDm8/s320/plumcrashholdme.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jackie is having a fantastic sale on what she is calling <span style="color:#ff99ff;"><strong>Pink Tuesday</strong></span>- you know, as opposed to <strong>black friday</strong>...(I think "Pink Tuesday" sounds much more fun and happy anyway, don't you?)<br /><br />So... Jackie is offering (for a full 48 hours starting at 4pm GMT on Tuesday, November 25th) a rediculous, unheard of <strong>40% off</strong> any in stock bag! Simply select your bag, add to your cart, and use the code: <strong>newbie</strong> at checkout.<br />Of course you can contact any of the BE girls (Jackie, Ashley, or Rose) to help you with your purchase as well -- that's the beauty of buying a Belen Echandia!<br />This promotion is <strong>only</strong> for the newbies and is an outstanding opportunity to own a Belen Echandia Bag. </span><br /><br />Full details can be found <a href="http://blog.belenechandia.com/index.php/luxury%20handbags/Italian%20handbags/leather%20handbags/handbag%20designer%20London/finallydetails-for-pink-tuesday/">here</a>. <br /><br /><br />Please note: If you purchase a bag or sign up for their mailing list, please mention you were referred by me - Katie (khargraves (@) yahoo.com)--and I'll be entered in to win a fabulous BE prize. </span><br /><br /><br />Also, check out my BE Love Me Mini in Black Crash's appearance on the BE home page, or visit the <a href="https://secure.belenechandia.com/asp/info.asp?intUrlId=5&intId=149">BE World Tour</a><br /><br /><br />The bags pictured in this posting are the <a href="https://secure.belenechandia.com/asp/product.asp?intId=3228">Love me in Black Crash</a> and the<a href="https://secure.belenechandia.com/asp/product.asp?intId=3384">Hold me in Plum Crash</a>. (the Love Me is my absolute, postive 100% most favorite handbag ever. I own it in Black Crash and beautiful Petrol.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-36666508268976866102008-11-09T14:50:00.002-05:002008-11-09T14:56:19.816-05:00Rue la la<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ruelala.com/images/content/event_main/event_main_sidebar2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 295px;" src="http://www.ruelala.com/images/content/event_main/event_main_sidebar2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://ruelala.com/">Rue La La</a></span> is an exclusive online destination of premier brand, private sale Boutiques that are open just two to three days each. Joining is free, but you must be sponsored by an existing Member. Brands include Frye, Gucci, Natori, Betsey Johnson, Vera Bradley, and more!<div><br />To join, visit <a href="http://ruelala.com">http://ruelala.com</a> and click the link for "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">referred by a member</span>" and enter in my e-mail address - khargraves (@) yahoo (.) com. (Remember to remove the formatting and spaces). </div><div>Or, if you prefer, post a comment with your e-mail address and I will send you an invite.<br /><br /><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-8740839127379321892008-11-04T06:36:00.008-05:002008-11-09T13:09:54.472-05:00Island time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS06TtLFx5bJ5ExfMd30bmxOJhA32Y7HWihE6c9WtgnmjRQcWZP84dAMKHDW7_jiIusfugdkClI4cyZwDTdZgblQXLzzmz4_efe96BpJXlWJfzPn7Oagt_OnJby6ZtrikAp1Mi/s1600-h/prov_traffic.bmp"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_KuZhvaPiRFEEpMSaxRwQCiA2UoZGRiyvqcu3t75_4QBCB32lXtX-VDMBtE_u_aOD5Z8Hk9vhlmTobXk0Wg4irMASQvAsXvIy3TihO1sWr8pn1dmhQ8aP66VnZTAK_YbBfWB/s1600-h/barbados.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266720298314348626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_KuZhvaPiRFEEpMSaxRwQCiA2UoZGRiyvqcu3t75_4QBCB32lXtX-VDMBtE_u_aOD5Z8Hk9vhlmTobXk0Wg4irMASQvAsXvIy3TihO1sWr8pn1dmhQ8aP66VnZTAK_YbBfWB/s320/barbados.gif" border="0" /></a>A while back, I visited Barbados for a vacation. While we were there, we rented a little car so we could explore the island. One morning, we headed out early and lo and behold, what did we come across? Traffic. Now, Barbados doesn't really have a highway system so this traffic was nothing like traffic jams we have here in the US. In Barbados it's more of a single lane road with smaller roads perpindicular to it. People live on the perpindicular roads and are trying to merge into the traffic, which moves fairly slowly indeed.<br />So there we were, trying to turn left (towards Bridgetown - we were in St. Lawrence Gap) and faced with traffic. Matt and I just kind of looked at each other in frustration, but almost as soon as we arrived at the intersection, someone let us go - and they didn't just let us go, they let the 5 or so other cars behind us go as well. I was amazed. And it wasn't just the road we were coming in on, every time a road merged, someone stopped and let ALL the cars onto the road. I'm thinking to myself, "Don't these people have to get to work?? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUmtV1Qp-y02KaSW0WmKe4_yhlsrJG2iCMxp4djL4PTp_gN4-C9BnUoRJhSJuWk_E51bZPHJcPVtqa3Pe4OWZfNwstLFxIVRsf2iNbhvStvfMuGAj2Tob7IoBcw1Kd_6faC23/s1600-h/prov_traffic.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUmtV1Qp-y02KaSW0WmKe4_yhlsrJG2iCMxp4djL4PTp_gN4-C9BnUoRJhSJuWk_E51bZPHJcPVtqa3Pe4OWZfNwstLFxIVRsf2iNbhvStvfMuGAj2Tob7IoBcw1Kd_6faC23/s320/prov_traffic.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266721258985803650" /></a>They're going to be late!" and I actually started to get all worked up about it. As we continued to sit in traffic I began to see that this is just another facet of "island life" in motion - the laid back, "not in a hurry" kind of attitude that I love - Why is it that I don't mind waiting a few minutes for a cocktail in a bar in Barbados, but home, if the bartender hasn't started working on my drink within 5 seconds of my ordering it, I start to get upset. I am so impatient. <br /><br />Here in the US (at least in New England), IF someone lets you go they hurry up and get on your tail so that no more than one person is allowed into traffic. God forbid the guy behind you also gets to turn onto the road. Sometimes nobody will let you merge into traffic and they don't even look at you -- it's like people have this feeling that if they don't look at you, they can ignore you. Now, I admit, I am completely guilty of all this as well. We are in such a hurry that we forget sometimes the common pleasantries and courtesies we owe each other. Why are we so concerned with "not letting people get ahead of us" or "getting there first"? Are we all always running late or could we take a few seconds and allow someone to go in front of us? I know I can, and I will start to (try to) improve my level of impatience while driving. While sitting in traffic, I can pretend I'm back on sunny Barbados, on Island Time...</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-20037288836484246632008-10-30T21:03:00.004-04:002008-10-30T21:22:32.942-04:00Years grow shorter not longer...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszOauwql9mJ_QUwZmgFczJlfZo5xtOCt_Tgg1aRZTFHQqJOKAOJVzKqOA8yTwSwYxeHhL2XGuYDx4sLuot225sikc3vMmYDl1KSRNODi5R9JGFl_alx3YjSVYwwr2oz7-2Nto/s1600-h/Margaritaville.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263121575622653874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszOauwql9mJ_QUwZmgFczJlfZo5xtOCt_Tgg1aRZTFHQqJOKAOJVzKqOA8yTwSwYxeHhL2XGuYDx4sLuot225sikc3vMmYDl1KSRNODi5R9JGFl_alx3YjSVYwwr2oz7-2Nto/s320/Margaritaville.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>So as many of you know I'm (kind of) a big Jimmy Buffett fan and while most people kind of think that it's all about the margaritas and mayhem, it's really about more than that. Don't get me wrong, the icy cold salted margaritas are great, as is the party in the parking lot when Buffett rolls into town. The parrotheads flock to the parking lot hours early, setting up tents, tiki bars, mock beaches complete with mini pools, and so much more. We spend the day dressed in tropical shirts, wearing flower leis and grass skirts. We drink margaritas, umbrella drinks, and coronas, laugh, and everyone is happy. We have no worries or troubles. We have "escaped" into the place we'd like to spend our time every day. After the parking lot we head into the concert where we sing every word to ever song and it never gets old. Truth be told, the concert ends far too soon and we head back to the parking lot to our cars waiting to take us back to our everyday lives.<br /></div><div>But it's in our daily lives where the fact that you're a parrothead really shines through. Jimmy Buffett is first and foremost the ultimate dreamer. His stories tell a song, and speak a truth that we just seem to all understand. His lyrics remind us that we are on this earth only for a short time and we should all enjoy the ride. The years do seem to grow shorter, it's no lie, in a blink of an eye, it goes from New Years to Summer to Christmas. As a child you think that life goes on forever and the days seem to never end. Somehow, as adults in this hectic world, we lose sight of that. Have we just lost our childhood innocence? Is there away to get it back? I think that the music and escapism of listening to Jimmy Buffett kind of gives us that .. if only temporarily.<br /></div><br /><div>The trick, I think, is figuring out how to keep that feeling permanently -- Not feeling the need to "escape" but enjoying every minute and every day you have here -- because it'll be over before we know it. </div><br /><div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-56217639998526842042008-09-13T14:13:00.007-04:002008-09-13T14:58:39.389-04:00Be Fierce!<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/goto/team-fierce"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jq3C_g3GEuPKr6ecTqoYPRk4qB-rigi5QezZzuLUXodWShrfyTMiOd5ElbMoCNSyQ6vZ4Mry5M4ATZh3liJFDk805nXol2R6QWsWZ4Q-2Kn0Fv6pVRgqgWWMyI_8go4eI_Gv/s320/teamFiercelogo.jpg" border="0" alt="Join Team Fierce! "id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245571424701525426" /></a><br />Today, there is more hope than ever for people facing breast cancer. However, there is much work to be done to find promising new treatments, increase awareness about the importance of mammograms, help all women get access to screenings and care, and connect those impacted by the disease with the information, day-to-day help, and emotional support they need to wage their battle against breast cancer. <br /><br />I believe that hope for a world without breast cancer starts with me. That’s why I'm walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Providence on Oct. 19. Not only is this my opportunity to join my community to fight back against breast cancer, it is a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease and save more lives.<br /><br />And you can be a part of it, too. Please visit the <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/goto/team-fierce">Team Fierce</a> page and join my team or visit <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/goto/katiehargraves">My Page</a> to make a donation. <br /><br />All donations, no matter how small will help!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-82163289269376046352008-05-10T19:01:00.005-04:002008-05-10T19:18:34.772-04:00Everyone's got an inner BAD gal...If you wear black eyeliner (and these days, who doesn't) you know it's tough to find perfection in an eyeliner. Ok so "perfection" is pretty strong of a word for makeup -- but Benefit's BAD gal black eyeliner comes as close to makeup nirvana as possible without being totally weird. Seriously -- You can throw out all your old pencils that pull and tear your skin or disappear by lunchtime -- this one glides like butter over your lid and stays put all day. You like to smudge it? Smudge away -- it is perfect for the smokey eye look that everyone's all into right now. This thing's got Rock n Roll with staying power -- You won't be disappointed. <br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9OfvirkOiGg&offerid=141122.602004070302&type=2&subid=0" target=top><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Y2AT2ZBXL._SS500_.jpg" border="0" /></a><img height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=9OfvirkOiGg&bids=141122.602004070302&type=2&subid=0" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9OfvirkOiGg&offerid=141122.602004070302&type=2&subid=0" target=top>Benefit BAD Gal - $18 </a>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-79399002235106582432008-04-19T08:26:00.004-04:002008-05-10T19:12:02.349-04:00Puppy loveSo we've decided on a Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Their polish name is Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON for short. <br /><br />The litter was born on March 14 and if all goes well, we're getting the puppy on May 14th. <br /><br />Still need a name but hopefully that will be evident once we see him. We don't know which puppy we are getting yet - the breeder is going to select one for us. We're pretty sure it will be a male dog though.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-10799012532805304772008-02-22T18:10:00.006-05:002008-11-10T12:02:30.816-05:00Guiltless Designer Shopping!Love the fancy brands but hate spending a ton of money? Join the <a href="http://www.gilt.com/">Gilt Groupe</a> !<br /><br />Launched in November 2007, Gilt Groupe brings the invitation-only sample sale to all of America, through our website. Gilt Groupe’s sales, which are exclusively online, provide members access to coveted fashion and luxury lifestyle brands at sample sale prices. Every sale is designer-specific, and held over a one day period.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.gilt.com/images/gilt-logo-blackgold.jpg?1203711207"></a><br />Gilt Groupe’s team of buyers hand selects both established and up-and-coming designers relevant to members, from American designers like Zac Posen to Italian designers like Alessandro Dell’Acqua.<br /><br />As a preview, Gilt Groupe’s production team creates a reel to introduce each designer brand to members and makes additional background information available through our website so that members have the opportunity to fully experience that particular brand.<br /><br />Membership is by <strong>referral only</strong> and there is <strong>no fee </strong>associated with joining!<br /><br />I am a member at Gilt -- if you'd like to join, simply visit <a href="http://www.gilt.com/">http://www.gilt.com/account/register<br /></a>and use my e-mail address finzup_kt@hotmail.com as the referrer.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-8866503426630832192008-02-11T18:04:00.002-05:002008-05-10T19:18:46.657-04:00Just like when Harry Met Sally ... only better.OK I never thought I'd be blogging about blush. Seriously -- I love makeup, but out of all the makeup I own, I generally consider blush to be my least favorite item. I never even used to use it. But that all has changed - <strong>bigtime</strong>!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5luWEs1O0sVonE40fwc39Bz__ZNO5J6eeOwzx3pmfF1JkB6LCf_wmKK97kghbTitBjHfF1OCm64UEFL3thLVTTFyMpbCkT4GFrgtUvl5QzcM-rOm0TN0nhsN0_3QIaNkwnWc/s1600-h/main_blush.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5luWEs1O0sVonE40fwc39Bz__ZNO5J6eeOwzx3pmfF1JkB6LCf_wmKK97kghbTitBjHfF1OCm64UEFL3thLVTTFyMpbCkT4GFrgtUvl5QzcM-rOm0TN0nhsN0_3QIaNkwnWc/s320/main_blush.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165863181364597346" /></a><br />I've seen the light. I've been using Nars blush in Orgasm. Silly name for a blush, right? Well - not really. The color is a peach hue - and when applied on the cheeks, it gives you a glow that looks like you've just spent hours romping in the hay - I called it the "JFF" - Just f**ked flush! <br /><br />I don't stop at my cheeks either - I put a little bit on one side of my nose, and on the line of my forehead, too. I don't know if anyone has looked at me and said, "geez, that girl looks like she just had some serious fun" but for me, it's worth it.<br /><br />Nars Blush in Orgasm is $25Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-30024623700468481262008-02-07T01:21:00.002-05:002008-05-10T19:13:23.200-04:00Totally tubularDo you remember laughing uncontrollably? Hard to remember sometimes, in these hectic days of running around, "getting stuff done", working, and fixing this and that. <br />Sometimes you wake up and realize you cannot even remember when you've had such fun.<br /> <br />I'm not trying to get all depressing here.. so I'll get to the point. This past weekend I went to <a href="http://www.cranmore.com/info/winter/tubing.asp">Cranmore Mountain </a> in North Conway, NH and went tubing. Yes, tubing. What seemed like an overpriced thing to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bLS2vL65fj9iRhU8qq-AqzM-O6iBzFUJyoRgM1WOXfS6Mv-fFO36ELdouWiy01yHueBi9S9GsrznTfeau9ECDBXou10usZk6wyehvBDrWvyHxbpGrybl-HR1uEPEFqQhiyhK/s1600-h/arctic_blast_tubing_logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bLS2vL65fj9iRhU8qq-AqzM-O6iBzFUJyoRgM1WOXfS6Mv-fFO36ELdouWiy01yHueBi9S9GsrznTfeau9ECDBXou10usZk6wyehvBDrWvyHxbpGrybl-HR1uEPEFqQhiyhK/s200/arctic_blast_tubing_logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164126667398362642" /></a>do to "fill the day up" actually turned out to be something awesome. <br /><br />On the outside, it seems pricey - $18 for 2 hours or $24 for the whole day. So we figured that as long as we went down the hill at least six times, it'd be worth it for the all day pass. We got our tickets and headed towards the pile of tubes. We each grabbed one and headed towards the lift line. (Yes, they even cart you up to the top of the hill -- making that $24 a bit more bearable). <br /><br />We got to the top and found that a few steps away was another lift. Thinking it'd be less crowded, we headed up there. The lines were about the same, but it didn't matter. It took less than five minutes to wait in line and get to the top. Now -- there were three tracks ajacent to each other. You could go alone, or in groups. Some tracks were "too fast" for 3 adults to go at once, so they limited it. <br />My first journey was solo. I brought my tube to the top of the hill, sat in it and waited for the go-ahead from the teenager working on the hill. <br /><br />"Spin or straight?" the kid said to me with a blank stare. <br /><br />I looked nervously around -- what should I do? Finally I realized I was taking way <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvD8Fy3vlXZ96t61dc7_JmG2PqI8eD5I-FX5cfaTivMzsZh6y_uxa3AIVw5xa21TEgwr2HvZsZYUm-9_HK5OUQQYf5kXZv71joado8ZwOBx7LFpZB1qlpvKbIsCKgx9-nvXBP/s1600-h/snow_tubing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvD8Fy3vlXZ96t61dc7_JmG2PqI8eD5I-FX5cfaTivMzsZh6y_uxa3AIVw5xa21TEgwr2HvZsZYUm-9_HK5OUQQYf5kXZv71joado8ZwOBx7LFpZB1qlpvKbIsCKgx9-nvXBP/s200/snow_tubing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164125816994838018" /></a>too long, so I just said "spin". I have no idea WHY I said spin -- I hate to spin. But it was too late to change my mind. The kid spun my tube around and shoved me off - fast. Let me tell you, if you've ever felt like you were heading down an icy slope in an old Yugo with no roof or no working brakes - you know kind of how it felt. It was scary; but it was <em>fun</em>. Although I screamed my head off (I *think* I might've swore ("<em>ohhh shiiiiiiiiiit</em>") too - probably a big no-no at a family friendly location - but it couldn't be helped.) I had a blast. The wind whipped through my hair as frantic thoughts of flipping the tube over and bashing my head in ran through my head. When I reached the bottom, I instantly ran back to the lift line for more. <br /><br />The second time I went in a group of two. I went with my sister. We each sat down at the top and when faced with the "spin or straight" we both emphatically said straight. We <strong>flew</strong>. If going alone and spinning like a whirlygig was fun, than going in twos and flying was like fun on steroids. As the day went on, we rode alone, in a group of two and even in a group of three. We rode sitting in the tubes, sitting ON the tubes, and also on our stomachs face first. <br /><br />Whichever way we went, we smiled ear to ear and laughed like idiots. It was truly fun and something I need to remember to do everynow and then.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-29885538041288185982008-01-09T20:36:00.001-05:002008-05-10T19:13:55.106-04:00Shameless plug.. forgive me!Who doesn't like a bit of healthy competition?<br /><br />I love <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?id=2350320">Ebates</a>. Seriously, I do. My next check is going to be $135 (yes I'm painfully aware that I shop a lot). But now there's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=finzup&s=4364">Big Crumbs</a>.<br /><br />Will they steal my love away from my beloved <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?id=2350320">Ebates</a>? We'll see. One thing really cool that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=finzup&s=4364">Big Crumbs</a> has that <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?id=2350320">Ebates</a> doesn't - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=finzup&s=4364">Big Crumbs</a> offers you cash back on ebay purchases.. and I <i>do</i> shop quite a bit on ebay...<br /><br />Only time will tell if <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=finzup&s=4364">Big Crumbs</a> will steal my heart (and pay me back!)<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=finzup&s=4363"><img border="0" src="http://images.bigcrumbs.com/images/nononsense_400x243.jpg"/></a>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-290762294129720202007-11-20T16:16:00.001-05:002008-05-10T19:14:17.485-04:00Imbibing on the HolidayHere's a cocktail that is great for Thanksgiving...<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1 1/2 oz Wild Turkey <br />1/2 oz Applejack <br />1 tsp Rose's lime juice <br />4 oz Cranberry juice <br /><br /><strong>Mixing instructions:</strong><br />Fill highball glass halfway with ice, add ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.<br /> <br />Of course you can also make it as a martini (which is what I would do. For the martini use:<br /><br />1 1/2 oz Wild Turkey <br />1/2 oz Applejack <br />1/2 tsp Rose's lime juice <br />1.5 oz Cranberry juice <br /><br />Add all ingredients to martini shaker. Mix and strain into chilled martini glass. YUM.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-54073390164868537162007-10-28T14:22:00.001-04:002008-05-10T19:14:33.525-04:00Ridiculousness reinterpretedThe dictionary defines the word <strong>ridiculous</strong> as: <em>causing or worthy of ridicule or derision; absurd; preposterous; laughable: a ridiculous plan. </em><br /><br />I beg to differ.<br /><br />I'd like to propose a new definition of ridiculous:<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgPpBobtuzIL9gsaVn4GAUN2g1Mp_hB68B_48gtEnPitaEVlCJBcy8TrtxdiW8A6AfjZWrVx8zk0jJCVqmECODC3zOZHC_fMR7qohS5DT1r-b049k8_Y9yfR37E0tVJxkB7FZ/s1600-h/SportsAuthority.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126455655815698146" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 111px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" height="146" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgPpBobtuzIL9gsaVn4GAUN2g1Mp_hB68B_48gtEnPitaEVlCJBcy8TrtxdiW8A6AfjZWrVx8zk0jJCVqmECODC3zOZHC_fMR7qohS5DT1r-b049k8_Y9yfR37E0tVJxkB7FZ/s200/SportsAuthority.gif" width="195" border="0" /></a></p><br />Let me give you a tiny bit of back story on this one. Last week, my bf and I went into the Sports Authority (in Warwick, RI if it matters to you) to look at a paintball product he saw on sportsauthority.com for $89.99. We bring with us, a coupon from the newspaper that was for $25 off $100 or more. So we figured he'd buy his paintball thing and we'd buy something else for $10 and be able to use the $25 coupon. Simple, right?<br /><br />Not so much. So we get to the store and the <strong><em>exact</em></strong> same product was $119.99. So doing some remedial math, I realize that even with the $25 off he'd still be paying more than if he ordered it online. <br /><br />More backstory: The Sports Authority brick and mortar store is not affiliated with their own website (go figure, right?). If you ever shop at Dick's Sporting Goods online you'll notice that the products (inventories, pictures, descriptions, and prices) are the <em><strong>exact</strong></em> same. So it's not hard to figure out that Sports Authority's website is one that is not really their own. They've just sold their logo to a sports website. That bothers me some, but then I guess there are other brick and mortar stores that sell out as well (i.e. Target). <br /><br />OK, so then I realize that the Sports Authority does price matching. We go up to the desk and ask if they do match online retailers. The woman (looking extremely DIS interested in us) says that 'yes' they do online price matching. Here's how our conversation went from there:<br /><br /><strong>Me:</strong> Great! We found this item on Sports Authority.com for $89.99 and you sell it for $119.99. Can we price match it?<br /><strong>SA:</strong> Yes but you need to bring in a print out of the price from the website.<br /><strong>Me:</strong> { Politely } Well, we're here right now in the store. Can you just go online and verify the price for us ?<br /><strong>SA:</strong> No. We need you to bring in a print out. <br /><strong>ME:</strong> { incredulously } Are you kidding? You don't have Internet access in this store?<br /><strong>SA:</strong> Nope. You need to print it out and bring it in. <br /><strong>Me:</strong> { Leaves the store, muttering } That's ridiculous. <br /><br /><br />As we walk to the car, I get angrier and angrier. Thoughts going through my head that further substantiate that Sports Authority is the epitome of <em>ridiculous:</em><br />If it's really true, what the employee said, then it follows that you could print out <strong>anything</strong> from <strong>anywhere</strong> and they would honor it without verification? <br /><br />Lets say I'm sneaky. Lets say I go to SportsAuthority.com and edit the html of the page before printing it. Let's say I make the paintball thing cost $29.99 instead of $89.99. I hit print. <br />I waltz into my local Sports Authority store, and they will just honor it, without verification??<br />I find it difficult -- no, wait - that's not right. Actually I find it <strong>impossible</strong> that they do not go online and verify price matches. This means, that the customer service clerk was a complete liar; they <strong>must</strong> verify price matches. Seeing as how they price match online retailers, they would definitely have an Internet connection available. <br /><br />So either the Sports Authority is ridiculous because they will accept any printed piece of paper with a price on it<br />or<br />they're ridiculous because they'd rather have customers leave their store and buy from sportsauthority.com (where someone else earns the profit) than help them out. <br /><br />Either way - <strong>Ridiculous !</strong>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-76559650966328168272007-06-13T23:43:00.001-04:002008-05-10T19:14:51.523-04:00Jessica Simpson Tried to Kill Me Today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53Pgwp7nKjmAHA3zQIld-LR5C3pc-FkuQLa6etG1w6EfmfI39AiSb1TMOxZ-WAu4HZ7d3Yrjf9Ms5KDTW23-9vDixWvGVhCQQeeCZGZMWtQ5gC5OTeDIPetmuos4lxsGhihrp/s1600-h/js_shoe1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53Pgwp7nKjmAHA3zQIld-LR5C3pc-FkuQLa6etG1w6EfmfI39AiSb1TMOxZ-WAu4HZ7d3Yrjf9Ms5KDTW23-9vDixWvGVhCQQeeCZGZMWtQ5gC5OTeDIPetmuos4lxsGhihrp/s200/js_shoe1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075762729452879250" /></a><br />Boy do I love shoes. I really do. Especially the platform sandals with lots of sexy straps. I kind of like how tall they make me feel. I don't think they're that difficult to walk in - they do have a platform after all. <br /><br />So tonight, I'm in Nordstroms. Completely sober, mind you, and I spot a sale rack. Instantly I'm drawn to these platform sandals. I put one on. My size. My color. A good price. Now I'm happy. But then something happens.. my foot starts to wobble a bit; then I can't stop it. I twist my foot and my ankle touches the floor, while I'm still standing. Ouch! I almost fell and knocked down the size 8 sale rack at Nordstrom<br /><br />I take the shoe off, a bit sad, looking at it with contempt until now completely reserved for rival Red Sox and Yankees fans. I look at the brand and see "Jessica Simpson" written in nice cursive letters. I make a mental note to stay away from all things Jessica Simpson from that point on. I don't take the attempt on my life lightly! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5Yvx_fpeUhcyxsN7zjzEpJ3j8QtOX1q4EiaTovhPwIsjP0_1sKpXqQ-F6i5dbevDYzMrecARggp2uvK7pJKQA90MMjXKfXWi5EKKLyCQtBqlkJZ_8GGDx583SAAFDbCa6gFZ/s1600-h/js4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5Yvx_fpeUhcyxsN7zjzEpJ3j8QtOX1q4EiaTovhPwIsjP0_1sKpXqQ-F6i5dbevDYzMrecARggp2uvK7pJKQA90MMjXKfXWi5EKKLyCQtBqlkJZ_8GGDx583SAAFDbCa6gFZ/s200/js4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075763128884837794" /></a><br />So, I work through the pain in my ankle, and continue to shop. Now, I'm not kidding you one bit when I say that on EVERY damn pair of shoes I looked at after that, what did I see? "Jessica Simpson". All cursive and cutesy. Beckoning me to stick my clumsy foot in it and try it in. <em>Go ahead, try them on; You know you want to.</em> I swear the shoes call to me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET3j9Y8fbThX6yR8stpixWVLHUY_XPqBKfH69Vqu21aU4i4XKuvRBHuy2kPHxLevTaztdMcEqKpD_v1WqFm_qG12ytqsLmYGfUndfdCeKTFp4JXq1-T8XzEW-24eaqutfSmEH/s1600-h/js7.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET3j9Y8fbThX6yR8stpixWVLHUY_XPqBKfH69Vqu21aU4i4XKuvRBHuy2kPHxLevTaztdMcEqKpD_v1WqFm_qG12ytqsLmYGfUndfdCeKTFp4JXq1-T8XzEW-24eaqutfSmEH/s200/js7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075767007240306114" /></a><br /><br />They're sexy, edgy, fun, flirty, AND dangerous; probably not unlike the *real* Jessica Simpson; but that's a story for another day. In any event, I find myself completely loving them for some reason, despite their sheer lack of any sort of practicality whatsoever. I didn't buy them but still, someone needs to stop this girl before she actually manages hurts someone! Next time the Nordstrom's shoe rack might not survive my attempts to try on sexy shoes. Maybe ultra high heels should come with a warning label. Now <em>that</em> is most definitely a blog for another day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5NoPkDCFcJA6eYQzIi1WwEmof_FR2tU1yN1ncVpdQOnN8iPXo8Etc-IJXmGG7fEyp-rAPPZag-rXTEdfHXXUieB4qbRGcPPwG3U2F91EMu4M3frkGNWzAbBAgO_DY5CAB71g/s1600-h/Jessica_simpson.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5NoPkDCFcJA6eYQzIi1WwEmof_FR2tU1yN1ncVpdQOnN8iPXo8Etc-IJXmGG7fEyp-rAPPZag-rXTEdfHXXUieB4qbRGcPPwG3U2F91EMu4M3frkGNWzAbBAgO_DY5CAB71g/s200/Jessica_simpson.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075768334385200594" /></a>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-4672201696043351612007-06-03T00:25:00.001-04:002008-05-10T19:15:13.782-04:00Craptastic!Have you ever been so excited for crap?<br /><br />I have. Repeatedly!<br /><br />So there's this website -- <a href="http://www.woot.com">www.woot.com</a> they sell all sorts of random stuff - radar detectors, headphones, kitchen computers, camera memory, screaming monkeys, etc. They do one item per day until it's gone. Sometimes they have what's called a "woot-off" where they sell one item after the other for a random amount of time (a few days usually). Anyway, at some point during the woot off - in between the dry but strikingly unpretentious chardonnay and the plastic green frog that can detect leaks (aptly named "leak frog") there's an item that comes up for sale called a "Bag of Crap". <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRMR0_0BVgRM2dH5xyKxXOdYQy57yEZpGYur0jiVRjddXILIAzCKmURA90nZ0PR_YMIp-Eo_Wct8TC8dE8ziFyHc4Oaohk1xM8olGH3-mQm-ixA9mC7p9x6EtyD_eW8zUy4wb/s1600-h/Random_CrapRBL-detail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRMR0_0BVgRM2dH5xyKxXOdYQy57yEZpGYur0jiVRjddXILIAzCKmURA90nZ0PR_YMIp-Eo_Wct8TC8dE8ziFyHc4Oaohk1xM8olGH3-mQm-ixA9mC7p9x6EtyD_eW8zUy4wb/s200/Random_CrapRBL-detail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071691488872036658" /></a><br />Just try and get one of these guys! They usually last, oh about 10 seconds or so and they cost $1 plus $5 to ship. You can buy 3. So, for a measly $8 you can look forward to waiting up to three weeks for a bag of.. well, crap. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I'm the first one running five different "wootbots" while continually refreshing the page every millisecond, hoping, praying for the coveted Bag of Crap (BOC). I know I'm not alone (the "server too busy" message tells me so). So why do we do it? <br /><br />Well, a teensy tiny percentage of crap buyers actually get something good. One time a lucky wooter got a Wii. Several more people have gotten things like Roomba's (now who doesn't want a robotic vacuum cleaner?? for $8!!), Robosapiens (scare the kitties!), and a host of other cool things. <br /><br />Of course for every "good" item there are about 600 crappy items. I've seen people get used coffee makers, answering machines with messages from mexican inmates, broken glassware, jesus bandanas, mexican action figures that don't actually move... (I guess they're really just plain old mexican figures). It's almost worth the $8 just to get some crap to talk about. <br /><br />Yesterday I won my third bag of crap. My past 2 craps were nothing to write home about (a phone for deaf people, an ugly furry owl keychain that my cats won't even play with, 2 camera bags (actually every bag of crap comes with a "bag" and up to 3 "craps"), an insulated pub glass and the aforementioned mexican (non action) figures. <br /><br />Hopefully in 21 days time I'll be posting about my new Robosapien robot that can sense my presence and conduct my evil bidding, but if not, well it'll be interesting anyway. W00T!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909462.post-12841099682560650462007-05-19T19:26:00.001-04:002008-05-10T19:15:32.424-04:00Right out the windowI have to vent. I just don't know about people and thier manners these days! I don't understand how difficult it is to RSVP for an event. It's not like the person has to do anything other than to e-mail, call, or write! <br />Recently, I've had the amazing (aka heinously stressful) job of planning my sister's bridal shower. I mailed out professionally printed invitations (old fashioned "snail mail") to each event. On the bottom of the invite it was clearly marked 'RSVP by [date]' with a working phone number. <br /><br />As the date got closer (and the 'RSVP by' date had passed), I wondered why not everyone had responded. We called people up and asked them if they intended on coming to the shower. I got responses such as:<br /><strong>"Oh, I can't attend, I'm working that day."</strong><br /><em>Ok so how am I suppoed to know this?</em><br /><strong>"Oh, I really meant to call you but I'm trying to get a babysitter."</strong><br /><em>A phone call letting me know this would be appreciated!</em><br /><strong>"Yes, I'm coming. "</strong><br /><em>I'm not a member of the psychic friends network so how the hell would I have known this?</em><br /><strong>"Yes, I'm coming and I'm brining a friend and her child"</strong><br /><em>#$%^& (blood vessels bursting)</em><br /><strong>ANSWERING MACHINE.</strong><br /><em>So I leave a VERY NICE messaging asking for a response by x date. Of course none arrives.</em><br /><br />What the hell is wrong with people? Where has etiquette gone? Do people realize that brisal showers cost money? We had to provide a headcount in advance. We were charged on that headcount. If more showed up, we were billed more of course. <br /><br />I came up with a few theories as to why people don't rsvp:<br /><br />1) They don't know what RSVP means. No excuse in my book. If I were to receive an invitation with four letters on it next to a phone number, even if I didn't know what the letters meant, I'd call that number. The number is there for a reason. <br />2) They decide they can't go and don't bother to call. <br />3) They decide they can go and don't bother to call. <br />4) They plan on RSVP'ing but put it off until later and forget<br />5) They lose the invitation<br />6) They are ignorant assholes and plan to show up with their kids unannounced because they are entitled to. <br /><br />The shower was in March. The bachelorette was in May - same kind of thing. I guess people just don't rsvp anymore. It just annoys me and I needed to vent. Please people -- when you get an invitation RSVP <strong>right away</strong>! Forgetting is not an option. If you lose the invitation, call the host/hostess of the party. Parties cost money and it's just the courteous thing to do. <br /><br />There is no excuse!<br /><br />Ok I feel better.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07573322288184866347noreply@blogger.com3