50' Forever 8 XT Houseboat

I need a vacation. I am thinking Lake Mead sounds nice. Get enough people together and this houseboat is an awesome deal. Let's see.....within driving distance, check.......80 plus degrees, check.......no cell phone service, check.......I can picture myself in my new Modbe swimsuit basking on the top deck........sigh.

Danny's Song

It's a rarity that you will see music featured on this website, I am not the music guru I once was, but I never get tired of listening to Kenny Loggins, Danny's Song. I just love it. House at Pooh Corner is awesome too. Danny's Song makes me glow inside. It is one of three favorite songs I have had for about 8 years now.

Easy Button

I was soooo needing one of these today. You have no idea. As it turns out, you can really get these for $2.48 at Staples.

Eastern Redbud

A good friend of mine and neighbor planted some Eastern Redbuds a few years ago. Every time I drive past her house in the spring it reminds me that I want one. I think blossoming branches are so beautiful. This particular tree has really beautiful bark as well, really dark.

Converse One Star

I wonder if it's a law that Converse are re-introduced every 20 years. I am usually quite the girly-girl, but sometimes the tom-boy in me is hard to repress. I bought these Converse One Stars today at Target. They had some cute women's styles, but these were in the kids. This isn't the first time that a recent discovery of mine has saved me a little bit of cash.......a 7 1/2 in Women's is the same as a 5 in kids.

2008 Dining Awards-Salt Lake Magazine

I am not too much of a magazine person, except Martha Stewart, I've been a loyal subscriber for years. One issue I like to pick up every year is Salt Lake Magazine's Dining Awards, not that I eat out a lot, but if I did, I would want to know where to go. Plus, it seems like I always get people asking me for suggestions on the subject. If anything it's good conversation. Anyhow, if you're interested, it's on newstands now.

Fropper

My goal in life is to find the perfect gift, not just for any one person, but anyone that I happen to need a gift for. So, you shouldn't be surprised that I am already thinking about what that perfect gift might be for my special little "W" on that "oh so important" 1st birthday, even though it is 5 months away. I think Fropper will definitely be in the top ten for a final decision. I found it at ebeanstalk.com.

Collapsible Serving Bowl

What's with me and the home parties lately? So, my mother-in-law had a Pampered Chef party a little over a week ago. I am not one for Pampered Chef items, or so I thought. As they were demonstrating their products, I realized that I already had most of the stuff, and I've never even been to a pampered chef party, weird. They must make great gifts. I did buy one item that I thought was very cool, a collapsible serving bowl. These collapsible things are all over the place, Williams Sonoma has them, Target, Avon, and of course Martha's "Cooks Tools" have them in Macy's. But, this thing is 8 quarts, nice size, haven't seen any that big. I needed a new bowl for popcorn and salads and such and I really loved that this wouldn't take up a whole lot of space. It also doubles as a chip and dip when it's in it's collapsed state.

Forced Tulips

I love the look of a whole bouquet of forced tulip bulbs in a shallow vase. I've always wanted to do my own but haven't ever gotten around to it. I'll have to put that on my to do list. I've seen a starter kit at Costco, it even includes the vase. I found this website that has step by step instructions for a cheaper route. I am so ready for spring.

Down East Basics

I discovered a super cute store today in the Southtown Mall, Down East Basics. Now, don't roll your eyes if they have been around forever, I haven't been to the mall in ages. I wanted an easter dress, but all they had in anything was L-XXL. I am not sure what that was about. I did happen to buy a very cute hoodie. The tops are priced about average, but the dress prices are soooo low, no wonder they didn't have any sizes left.

I would have bought this dress if I would have found my size.

Eco Babies Wear Green

From the same author of Urban Babies Wear Black, Michelle Sinclair Colman. It's always a plus when baby books are fun for mommy too. I thought this was a cute book to mention for Green Week. Teach 'em early to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Ectasy

What's better than a hoodie at a perfect price? I thought these were so fresh looking. Do you think that if I bought one warmer weather would arrive sooner?

Ectasy is an Etsy shop that I discoverd today while browsing for a hoodie. I love hoodies as much as I love gumball machines. I don't have a hoodie with short sleeves....hmmmmm.

Mini Classic Gumball Machine

Ok, this may be my absolute favorite post yet. For those of you who don't know, I have a crazy obsession with gumball machines. They call out to me. I think that I am forever searching for the perfect gumball. It makes me so happy inside when I get a soft, fresh gumball in a yummy flavor. Although, I get extremely disappointed if the gumball is not fresh or tastes like medicine.

Design Mom is always referring to sk*rt, so I decided to see what all the commotion was about today. I must say, very interesting. Anyhow, I found this awesome gumball machine. I need one! I am not sure why yet.

Nordstrom Shoe Clearance

Nordtrom Shoe Clearance.......need I say more? These were all under $44.00 and I also found some cute flip flops that were only $19.90. I am not a fan of the heels, in case you didn't notice, maybe it's part of my mommy uniform.

Lucky's Lucky Corned Beef & Cabbage

I have never actually celebrated St. Patrick's Day other than to wear a little green to prevent getting pinched. This year, some friends of ours invited us over for corned beef and boiled cabbage, a traditional meal for them on St. Patty's Day. I am so excited. I love celebrating holidays, I don't know why this one has skipped my attention in the past. I found this recipe online, it looked pretty easy and it got at least one good review. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.

INGREDIENTS:
1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket
with spice packet
1 head cabbage, cored and
coarsely chopped
6 medium potatoes, peeled and
cubed
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger Irish
whiskey
DIRECTIONS:
1.Place the beef brisket and contents of the spice packet into a pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for about 2 hours. Add the cabbage and potatoes, and simmer over low heat for 2 more hours. Stir in the whiskey when it is almost done. Check the water level occasionally and replace as needed.

D.I.Y. Photo Block Kit

I was searching for some additional blogs for my inspiration list and discoverd Minor Details. I love, love this blog. I decided to choose something from their blog for todays bolt. I think that this DIY photo block kit from Photojojo is pretty clever, although not extremely inexpensive, 2 blocks for $25. I think that little "W" would love to see familiar faces on his toy blocks.

Red Tulip Chair

I saw this Tulip Chair in a Target ad in the April issue of Real Simple. I think it's awesome. I would get them for the island in my kitchen if I didn't have one wall painted green. I think the Duchess should get them for her bar. They are a great price, $59.99. I haven't seen them in person to judge the quality.

August Rush

Watch it.......... it's the best show I've seen in I don't know how long.

PSA Essentials

I've always wanted one of these. I have a very early recollection of a distinct desire the first time I saw an embosser. I am not sure where the attraction stems from, but it's definitely on my must have list. I think I could even settle for this stamp that kind of has the same feel for less money. I got a cute little flyer in the mail from expressionery.com. They have some really cute things, but the stamps and embossers are what really caught my eye.

Lingua Di Suocera

I saw this pasta in a Bed Bath & Beyond ad. They had it displayed in the tupperware. I found the actual pasta for sale at Village Market San Francisco. I might be strange, but I love colorful pasta. I would love to have guests over and serve it. Lingua Di Suocera translates into Mother In Laws Tongues, hmmm strange.

New Banner

Anna is so amazing. She made new banners for both of my blogs and yes, that is me with the broom. No, I do not own a black cat.

Best of State

I was driving on I-15 today and noticed a billboard announcing that the Best of State nominations are due before March 15. I visited the website and learned that it has been extended until March 31. I didn't know that anyone could make nominations. This is a little blurb from their website on what they're about:

"The Best of State Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. By recognizing excellence in our community and sharing examples of success and triumph in so many worthy endeavors, we hope we will all be inspired to reach a little higher, to try a little harder, and to work a little longer for our dreams and goals."

So, if you want to be a part of something that makes Utah a little bit happier, go nominate someone/someplace.

Sophie the Giraffe

The Duchess informed me that she was going to buy a rubber giraffe for her 4 1/2 month old baby today. This peaked my interest, especially since she is the frugal type and the said giraffe costs $20. And, it just so happens that I love this little giraffe. It reminds me of a picture on the front of a Little Golden Book. The Duchess knows a lot of little urban babies that own one of these giraffes, so apparently I am not the only mommy they appeal to. I found them for sale at Land of Nod, a lovely little children's store I visited once during a trip to the PNW.

Cadbury Eggs

It's the Cadbury Creme Egg Vs. Cadbury Mini Eggs at my house. PBTB and I each have our favorite must have for the Easter season. I swear I am the only person who likes Cadbury Creme Eggs. They must be an acquired taste, I never liked them as a kid. I like to eat the middle out of the shell and throw most of the chocolate away. PBTB loves any candy coated chocolate, Kissables, M&M's, but especially Cadbury Mini Eggs.

Fun Facts about our favorite Cadbury Eggs:

The first Cadbury shop was established by John Cadbury in Birmingham, England.

1923 Cadbury introduces CADBURY CRÈME EGG.

1993 Hershey airs the CADBURY "Clucking Bunny" campaign.

The most famous Cadbury product is the CADBURY CRÈME EGG available only during the Easter season.

Martha on Egg Dyeing

I don't care what anyone says.......I still and will always love Martha Stewart. She has inspired me above and beyond any other person on earth. If all else fails, consult Martha. I want my easter eggs to look like this, it is a must try. Check this link for more fun ways to decorate eggs....beading, stamping, stenciling, you name it. PS Martha, if you're reading (a girl can dream), BRING BACK YOUR BABY MAGAZINE.

Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Chips

After trying a variety of different recipes for chocolate chip cookies, I have made a few discoveries. 1. the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is the BEST, of course I only use 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 2. I don't like semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies, the milk chocolate are much better. 3. You won't miss the nuts. 4. Oats make them irresistible 5. PBTB can eat cookies faster than I can give them away (We took cookie plates to all of our new neighbors....6 months after they have moved in, oops.)

Little Man Ties ~ Dainty Couture

These awesome finds were spotlighted on Tangled & True (a site recommended by the Duchess) I definitely think that "W" needs one for easter. Lets take a vote, these are my three favorite. His vest that I am knitting him is navy blue. And if you haven't been to Etsy, where these are for sale, you are missing out.

These ties are only $10, but you can get 15% off after a visit to Tangled and True.

Juke by Samsung

I bought this phone back in October, so about a century ago in phone years, but I love it. I bought it mostly because of how small it is. Mine, of course, is red, because red accessories make me happy, shoes, purses, phones, etc. I don't carry a purse all the time, so this is perfect to fit in my jeans. Oh yeah, for those of you who are mp3 fanatics, it does that too.

Attention Readers

I don't really know if I have any readers, I don't get many comments, but I would like to throw something out there. If there is an item that you think is cool, please e-mail it to me and I will put it on my sidebar, along with who suggested it. I will list it under "Lightning Stikes".

Cherry Passion Tic Tacs

I am a candy fiend. I love sugar more than chocolate. Since Easter is second only to Halloween in holiday candy sales, you may see a lot of candy on this site for March. I love fruity tic tacs. This is a new flavor, Cherry Passion. I highly recommend them. The colors aren't as fun as my previous favorite, Fruit Festival, but Ferrero forgot to consult me when they decided to discontinue that flavor.

Curious Cupcake

I Love These!

Curious Cupcake

Dwell Studio for Target

Why did't they come out with this last year? "W"s crib set is a Dwell Baby and let's just say it wasn't $79.99. This may be old news to some of you, but I am very excited to see this brand team up with my favorite mass marketer. My favorite accessories are the blankets and wall decals.

The Squirt

Carrots, carrots, everywhere. Mealtimes at my house have turned into a three ring circus. "W" has head to toe bibs that are no match for flying baby food. I was cleaning up my favorites links and re-discovered Sparkability, a very cute baby/kid website. Even better, I discovered, the Squirt. This looks ingenious, I hope it turns out that way.......I'll report back.