Archive for the ‘Things I love’ Category

Classic Games and Christmas Shopping

September 9th, 2010

I know some of you may be a bit surprised, but I’ve started thinking about Christmas.   In fact, I’ve already started buying a few Christmas gifts.   I know that gift cards seem to be all the rage these days- and I happen to like gift cards myself, but I’m one of those people who like to give gifts that I know the person will love.    Throughout the year I listen to what they say and if they mention wanting something- I take note.  

I happen to be a huge fan of the “O” Magazine and this month’s issue has the latest and greatest version of Monopoly.   It’s all electronic, which means no more ‘money’ at the bank, but instead little ATM cards.   It has cool sound effects and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was something I’d love to have.   I haven’t played Monopoly in years, but I love the new round board and the overall look.    Something I didn’t realize when I went to the Hasbro website that Monopoly has been around for 75 years!  

Marcel and I both grew up on Monopoly and he thought it would be fun to have the new version.   We don’t have the old version here, but I know mom and dad have the version we used to play as a family when Matt and I were growing up.     I think it will make a great Christmas gift for Marcel, so I plan to order it from the Habro website or somewhere online.    Of course, he doesn’t know it yet, but since he did show interest in having it, I think it will make a great surprise come Christmas morning.

I’m curious-  What’s you’re favorite childhood game?

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Day Brighteners

September 1st, 2010

You haven’t seen much of me because I’ve been under the weather and not spending any time on my computer.   The little bit I’ve been online has been through my phone.    This is the second time I’ve been sick this summer, in addition to having a case of vertigo and that is definitely not typical for me.  

I started thinking about why I got sick – yet again- and aside from going in and out of the cool weather and pouring rain- (plus going to bed with my hair wet one night after getting soaked in a downpour),  the only thing I could attribute to not feeling well is the fact that I haven’t been exercising as much as I should, plus I have dealt with a lot of stressful events this year and I honestly think it has all finally caught up with me.  

I’m on the mend (I hope)  and even though I don’t have a lot of energy, I’m going to try to start working again tomorrow.   I’m still going to take it easy though, because I don’t want to jump into the swing of things too quickly and make matters worse, but I’ve got to start somewhere.

This afternoon the doorbell rang and it was someone delivering me a package from my dear friend S.   It was a belated birthday and Christmast gift, which included (amongst other great things), this very awesome coffee mug that she got me on her recent trip to New York City.   It reminds me of Sex in the City and I’m drinking coffee out of it right now.

I have to say that the package couldn’t have come at a better time, because it was the highlight of my day.  Thanks again S.   You’re the best.

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He’s Here!

August 20th, 2010

Yesterday morning I recevied a text message that I thought was from a friend.  When I walked over to my phone, it was a message that said-  “The iPhone 4 that you ordered has arrived and you can pick it up at the store location.  Don’t forget your deposit receipt to claim your phone.”    Needless to say, I was over the moon about that text.  I immediately started squealing with delight (Yes, it’s the little things that make me happy) and I finally told Marcel what I was squealing about.

I finished breakfast and we headed to the store to pick him up.   I came home, synced my old iPhone with iTunes (because I hadn’t done it in a while) and then set up my new one.   iTunes transferred all my stuff from my old iPhone to my new one and I’m loving it!  All I can say is WOW at the performance, the speed, the everything!    

Because the new iPhone uses a micro SIM card- I’m going to need to go back to the store and get another ‘duo’ SIM so that I can use it in my old phone.  It won’t allow me to use both phones at the same time, but what it will do is allow me to use the old iPhone as a backup, or to use it when I’m out running and such.  I haven’t noticed any issues with the antennae problem, but I’m going to order the free case to have on hand, just in case.

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Waiting- Not so Patiently

August 17th, 2010

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I finally couldn’t stand it any longer and ordered the iPhone 4. I’m still waiting to get the word that it has arrived and needless to say my wait isn’t very patient. I can’t wait to start using it. Several people have asked me what I plan to do with my current iPhone, and I plan to keep it as a back up, just in case. I’ve also been considering iphone 4 insurance after seeing one of my Facebook friends with a crushed iPhone 4 after a night out with ‘friends’. He said he woke up to find his phone like that, but I’m not sure I completely buy that story. It still makes me think that maybe insurance wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

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Best Google Doodle Ever

August 12th, 2010


This morning when I finally turned on the computer, I had an email from my brother with this picture.  He said he’d been on Google, saw this picture and thought of me.   He took a screen print and sent it my way.   

Anyonw who knows anything about me, knows that the Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie. I have tons of Wizard of Oz memorabilia, including every one of the Hallmark ornaments since they started producing them many years ago. 

Of course, it wasn’t enough that my favorite (and only) brother sent me this picture, because I wanted to see it for myself.  I went to Google and it wasn’t there, but with a few more tries- there it was, in all the yellow brick road glory.    I figured it had to be some sort of anniversary of the movie- but as much as I love the movie- I really don’t know all the stats and such.

I used Google (imagine that) and was able to find that today Google is celebrating the 71st birthday of the Wizard of Oz.    The movie was released nationally on August 25th- but premiered on August 12th in Wisconsin. I also found this article which also compares the movie to the early version of Inception and after reading their logic behind the thinking- I tend to agree with them.

Happy Anniversary Wizard of Oz- and for y’all- remember “There’s No Place Like Home.“

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Mmmm Mmmm Illy

August 5th, 2010

This picture is actually one out of my archives that I came across a few days ago when I was looking back on the trip that Samantha and I took last summer. 

It is no secret that I’m a huge coffee fan, and this is by far my favorite coffee.   Illy is Italian and I literally smile when I see the ‘Illy sign’ hanging outside of a restaurant or cafe.    I always say if they sell Illy then they have to be good, and so far, I haven’t been proven wrong.

If you are a drinker of the java- what’s your favorite?

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Ode to iPhone

August 4th, 2010

Ok, this isn’t really an ode to the iPhone, but instead it’s more of a confession that I gave in to temptation (in spite of a year left on my current contract) and I ordered the new iPhone 4.   Don’t get me wrong- I love my current ‘eye’, but I also love gadgets and technology so much that I caved to the temptation.    Several people have asked why I ordered it now when it meant that I have to pay a fee to extend my contract.   The answer is simple- because I wanted to.    

Other’s have asked if I’m worried about the current ‘antenna’ issues that some people have reported and the answer to that is, No, I’m not.   IF I need it, I can use the case that Apple is providing, but I honestly don’t expect that I’ll need it.  I don’t hold my phone the same way that people who reported having problems hold their phone, PLUS my friend Samantha has one, along with several other people that I know, and they haven’t had any problems at all.    I’m going to have to wait several weeks to get it, but I honestly can’t wait to have it in my hot little hands. 

Yes, it’s the little things that make me smile and some of those little things come in the form of the iPhone 4.

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Inception

August 3rd, 2010

Inception is by far one of the best movies that I’ve seen in a while.    We went to the late movie, which didn’t start until almost 10, and since the movie is quite long I was concerned that I may fall asleep.  Generally that wouldn’t be a concern, but because I haven’t been feeling my best, it was definitely something that I thought could happen.  

It didn’t!  The movie grabbed me from the very beginning and I held on until the very end, glued to the edge of my seat.   I knew that it was a movie that you really needed to pay attention to, so I was ready to do that.   I ‘got’ the movie completely and actually loved the fact that it challeneged me to think.   The special effects were amazing, and the acting also great.  

Oddly, I had very vivid dreams last night, more than I’ve had in a long time.  I’m sure it’s because I was thinking about dreams so much, but I did find it odd.

If you haven’t seen it- I highly recommend you seeing it on the big screen.  Something tells me that it would be harder to follow on a television but I could be wrong about that.    If you see it, stop back in and let me know what you think.

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Travel Partner

August 1st, 2010

I have a new travel partner and even though I don’t have any big travels planned in the next little while, I will share more about my new ‘friend’ a little later on.   You’re going to be seeing a lot of him in the future, so look for more information regarding my new friend within the next couple of days.

Oh, and in other news, Mister M. has expressed an interest to start blogging again and will have a few appearances a month.  His entries will be listed under Cat Tales,  which was the name of his old blog from back in the JS days.

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Sinful Treats- Frozen Chocolate Mousse Squares

July 28th, 2010

Marcel is a huge fan of chocolate mousse, so when I had this email yesterday from Kraft I couldn’t help but add it to my ‘to make’ file.    The photo to the left is the finished product and one that I stole borrowed from the fine people at Kraft.  

In addition to thinking about how delicious it sounds, I couldn’t help but think about how great it would be to serve at a BBQ or even as a cool dessert on one of these warmer than warm evenings.  I actually think I may make it for a little get together that I’m planning later with friends, and even though I’m trying my best not to indulge these days- I may have to have a little bite or two of this.

Even though as made it is not for the calorie conscious- there are ways to make it ‘lighter’ by using fat or sugar-free Cool Whip, or using fat free sweetened condensed milk.  Both of thsoe could shave off quite a few calories, plus if you use low-fat Oreo’s that would help as well.     Then again, sometimes an indulgence is nice.

I leave you with the original recipe- compliments of Kraft Foods.  In the meantime I think I’ll go wipe the drool off my mouth. haha\

Frozen Chocolate Mousse Squares

12 OREO Cookies, crushed
1/4 cup  Butter or margarine, melted
2 tubs (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1 can  (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
4 squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted
1 cup  thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

LINE 9-inch square pan with foil, with ends extending over sides of pan. Mix cookie crumbs and butter in prepared pan; press onto bottom of pan.

BEAT cream cheese spread in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Blend in chocolate. Whisk in COOL WHIP. Spoon over crust.

FREEZE 6 hours. Remove from freezer 15 min. before serving. Use foil handles to lift dessert from pan. Let dessert stand at room temperature to soften slightly before cutting to serve.

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