Thursday, July 29, 2004

Taking a Mini Vacation

So I am been such a freak about my blogger lately!  Changing and tweaking it so much that I don't even want to look at it anymore.  I am still trying to fix and I did make my husband help me.  He is so proud that I am trying to learn something he already knows that know he is trying to be all "teacher" about it.  But hey- I will take all the help I can get!  (I am so mean!  I love my husband very much)

We are leaving tomorrow morning for Palm Springs for a mini vacation.  We are staying that the La Quinta Resort and I am so excited.  We are also determined to teach Julia how to swim.  She is about 80% there, but still struggles a bit.  It would be so cool if she felt confident enough to swim without any help.  She is also so cute in her little bathing suit and she just loves the water.  As for the husband and I, it will be just nice to get away and not look at the house for awhile.  We have done nothing but do things to the house and I am done (for now that is!)  I am also looking forward to getting a bit of a tan since it will be well over 100 out there in the desert!

Well I hope you all have a great Friday and weekend!  Thanks for all of your advice my page.   

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Problems

So I think this new template might have problems for some of you.  Please let me know.  I have no idea how to fix it, but maybe I can tweak it a bit and see what happens :)  New to this whole html thing and my husband knows it all, yet doesn't want to come home at night and help me :(  I am sure I figure out a way to MAKE him help me!

Anyway, I went to a Purse Party last night and got the cutest purse!  I really needed one (not) since I was using my Target on sale backpack.  I was so afraid when I went to the party they would be pushing you to buy, but that was the not the case at all.  I saw the purse, picked it up, and paid for it- very simple.  On the way home from the party, my friend and I decided to stop by our brand new Krispy Kreme and have a hot FREE doughnut.  It was my friend's first time having a Krispy Kreme so it was fun to see her try it.  Man they are good when they are hot and fresh :) 

Well I am off to playgroup.  Julia has to work off the sugar from the doughnut I gave her this morning.  Not a smart mommy thing to do, but she loved it :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda


Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Another New Template

Okay so this is new template #2.  Please let me know if this works.  Also let me know if you like the colors and if you like the stripes!

Thanks!

-Amanda

Monday, July 26, 2004

New Template

Alright- I need your help!  Please let me know what you think of this new template.  I am having a hard time accepting it. :)  So maybe if you guys can let me know what you like and don't like, I can change it or scrap it. 

Thank you so much!

-Amanda

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Tired!

Long weekend folks!  It was good and tiring!  I can not wait to go to sleep tonight!

Anyway, Saturday I woke up at 5:30 am so that I could go sit in line and register Julia for swimming lessons.  Yes- 5:30 am!  Out here where I live people wait for hours to sign their kids up for cheap swimming lessons.  My friend and I were about 50th in line and we got there 2 hours before registration.  Last year I was about 100th in line and got the last spot for Julia's level.  The things parents do for their kids, but I think it is important for her to learn how to swim.  She almost does so I am thankful that I am able to get in this year.  Then my mom in-law called and they had traveled up to their house in the bay area, but she had left her cell phone plugged in at their apartment.  So we loaded up the car and drove 1.5 hours to go and unplug it for her.  She has done so much for us that we had to go.  Julia was the perfect angel the whole time.  On our way home we decided to make a night out of it so we went to Knott's Berry Farm.  It was so hot and crowed, but Julia was so excited to see everything.  We had a good time and when we came home we all passed out.

Luckily today we didn't really have much to do so we all got to rest a bit.  But boy is the bed looking good to me right now.  I have to stay up though to watch "Six Feet Under" because I think it is the last one.  So today was pretty lazy, but I was super happy about that.

Well that was my weekend.  I am looking forward to this week because I don't have much planned and I like it that way. 

Hope everyone had a good weekend too- Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

 

 

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Lazy

I have been super lazy with the whole blogger lately.  I always think about something to write, yet when the time comes I have forgotten.  I have no clue where my brain is lately.   I need a wee break I guess.  Maybe I will catch a movie by myself this weekend.  And to be honest going to the movies alone is so nice. 

I had my friend's surprise baby shower yesterday and it went pretty well.  We did it the same time as our playgroup so she would have no idea.  It was good, but it is hard to do anything when there are 11 6 months- 2 years old children running around.  My house was a disaster.  Good thing I like to clean I guess :)

So my favorite show on the Food Network is "Paula's Home Cooking"- if you "couldn't tell.  I talk about her all the time.  Well anyway, I am a super sweet freak and she makes the best.  Of course they all contain 7 lb.s of butter and sugar (not really, but she does use a lot), but always makes the down home southern kind.  I have never been to the south so that is how a picture it to be- lots of good home cooking.  Well today she made the most wonderful Lemon Meringue pie!  That is one of my all time favorites!  I think a pie is in my future.


Well I hope everyone had a good Thursday- thanks for reading!

-Amanda




Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Just One of Those Days

Today I wish I had wings and I could fly right out of here!  Ever feel like that??  I slept horrible last night and have no clue why.  I am hosting a surprise baby shower tomorrow for a friend of mine so maybe deep inside I am stressed about it.  I didn't think I was and it is a pot luck so it is not like I have to do much.  I think tonight is a two beer night so I can fall into a blissful sleep :)
 
Has anyone watch the show
Airline on the A&E Network?  I caught a marathon a couple Sundays ago and I watched it last night.  It is a reality show about airport employees for Southwest Airlines.  That has to be the worst job ever!  We fly Southwest when it is a quick trip somewhere, but I could never imagine flying it for more then 2 hours.  Anyway, it is a very interesting show- one to watch :)
 
It is so hot here today, but I am craving chili so that is what I am making for dinner.  It is one of the hubby's favorites.  Also when you have the air conditioning on all day, I have no clue how hot it is outside, so it will be good to eat.  I am also thinking of making something with lime
Jello.  Sounds so cool and refreshing :)
 
Well I hope everyone is having a good day!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda


Monday, July 19, 2004

A Weekend with no Blogging

I didn't blog at all this weekend.  Maybe because there was nothing too special to report.  My in- laws came on Saturday, which was nice.  I have the best in-laws in the world!  They are so great and they love Julia so much.  I got very lucky in that department.  Then yesterday we did nothing but putter around the house doing some paint touch up and such.  See- nothing special! 
 
I found the most interesting
article today on yahoo about how dying your hair could increase your risk of leukemia.  Does everything have to give you cancer?  I remember a couple years ago when they said french fries give you cancer.  What's next- chocolate, sex, sleeping??  It always has to be something :) 
 
Well I hope you all have a great Monday- I wish it was still Saturday :)
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda
 
 
PS I didn't get to the dim sum.  Too hot here to try and cook anything hard.  I still want to give it a try though!
   
 

Friday, July 16, 2004

Poor Martha??

So I want to know what everyone thinks about Martha Stewart getting 5 months jail and 5 month house arrest.  What do you think that odds are that she will write her autobiography while she is in custody and then sell it and make millions of dollars??  Would you buy her book?  I wouldn't- I just care about her recpies and entertaining tips.  Alright that is my rant for the day :)
 
Post more later for sure!
 
-Amanda

Thursday, July 15, 2004

Nothing Really to Report

Is it just me or is blogger a little different today?  I can change font and colors today- never noticed it before.  Well anyway, nothing to really say today.  I did noticed that I have all of this hits on here, but no one likes to comment :(  I love to read what people say so don't be shy- let me know :)  
 
So I did some cleaning today! So exciting my life is.  I am trying to be good since I am spending money on decorating the house.  That way Jon will never noticed that I have bought something new because he will be blinded by the sparkling clean floor.  Well that is my hope anyway.   When I was growing up my mom would buy stuff and then take the tags off and put it in the laundry basket like it was just clean clothes.  Or she would make my dad something extra special for dinner and then break the news to him about what she bought.  I am not that bad.  I do ask if I can spend, but sometimes I don't.  So I think there is nothing wrong with buttering up the husband a little :) 
 
I am thinking about trying to make Dim Sum this weekend.  I love it so much!  Here is a recipe that I found from Tyler Florence.  Looks so good!  If anybody has made Dim Sum before I would be interested in knowing any tips or recipes :)

 
Hope you all had a good day!!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
-Amanda

 


Wednesday, July 14, 2004

My 50th Post!!!

I have to say that this is the first journal type thing I have ever kept. Well that does not include the "Hello Kitty" diary I had in sixth grade. I don't even think I filled it up so it is cool to me that I have been able to keep up with the blog! Yeah for me :)

It is hot AGAIN here- hate it so much! It is the kind of hot that you either stay in the house or if you need to go somewhere you run from your car to the store. Our community pool has helped so I am thankful for that!

So I just read on Yahoo that Courtney Love was admitted to an (as they call) "institution". Well duh?? I could have told you she needed that a long time ago. Hopefully she will get the help that she needs :)

I just saw a pic of the sis on her blog of her pregnant belly. Love it ! I can not wait to see her next month for her baby shower.

Well kids I am off to laundry hell- three loads to fold- YUCK!!! Have an awesome day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

One more thing- here is an article about whether or not it is easier to raise a boy or a girl. Interesting stuff!

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

What a Difference a Day Makes!!

So much better today! I am not sure if yesterday was the lack of sleep from the night before or that I was so sore from painting all weekend. Whatever it was had passed- thank god :) Anyway, the whole downstairs in finally finished and we love it. There are so spots that need touch up, but that is the easy part. The color is a little darker than I thought, but it totally works! I also got my side table I ordered from the Bombay Company so the living room is coming together!

It is so hot here today! We had such a mellow June that I think we are making up for it now. I have to turn my air on at 8 am and it runs till we go to bed. There is a $300 electric bill waiting for me I just know it. I am going to take Julia swimming today to try and beat the heat. Maybe I will get a little tan out of it :)

Julia also said "I love you" for the first time this weekend. It was so cute that I think my husband got tears in his eyes. So has been an angel (hope I just didn't jinx myself) this last week that I want to hug her all day long. It is so amazing when they start to talk like a kid instead of a baby. I can not wait for her to grow up, yet I miss the baby in her too :)

Well I hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Monday, July 12, 2004

Is today over yet???

I am having a bad day. Not kid related, which is sooo nice :) It is just been bad and I want to go to sleep to start all over! So I will not bore everyone with all the gory details! I hope everyone is having a better day :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Saturday, July 10, 2004





In 1976 (the year you were born)


Gerald Ford is president of the US


The US celebrates its bicentennial, marking the 200th anniversary of its independence


The Viking II sets down on Mars' Utopia Plains


Promising, "I will never lie to you," Jimmy Carter is elected president of the United States


Israeli commandos rescue hostages from Entebbe, Uganda


The Concorde begins flights from New York to Europe


George W. Bush is arrested and fined for driving under the influence of alcohol


Cray-1, the first commercially developed supercomputer, is invented by Seymour Cray


Freddie Prinze Jr., Reese Witherspoon, Colin Farrell, 50 Cent, Fred Savage, and Shannon Elizabeth are born


Cincinnati Reds win the World Series


Pittsburgh Steelers win Superbowl X


Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup


Rocky is the top grossing film


Filming begins on George Lucas' Star Wars


The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins is published


The Eagles Their Greatest Hits compilation becomes the first album in history to be certified platinum


"Tonight's The Night" by Rod Stewart spends the most time at the top of the US chart


Charlie's Angels and The Muppet Show premiere



What Happened the Year You Were Born?


More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings




Got this from Miss. J and thought it was cool! I know 28 may not be old, but I am beginning to feel that way everyday. I even found a gray hair the other day! I think my kid gave it too me :)

-Amanda
Painting Sucks!

I am taking a break from all the painting going on around here so that my poor feet can take a rest. The hubby and I went to a wedding last night and we were there till midnight. My shoes of course hurt so bad that I could hardly feel my feet when we got into the car to go home. Anyway, we were up at 7 am to start painting. Painting is hard and it sucks! I do like the color though :) My mom came so that she could watch Julia for us. Love her for that! Well Jon is back from Lowes with more paint so I should go help.

I hope to post more later :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Thursday, July 08, 2004



I found these little chocolate purses in my Bon Appetite magazine this morning. Aren't they the cutest! These ones are made with all milk chocolate and the filling is ganache flavored with honey. I just love when chocolate comes in cute packages!

Nothing to report today. BORING! Did get a Rubio's fish taco today and that made me very happy!

Happy Birthday to Amanda- not me I am #2. Hope she has an awesome day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

It is hot today!!!

I had my weekly playgroup today and it was so hot we all left after an hour. The funny thing is that is not sunny outside- just hot and sticky, which I think is worse! Also Julia is insisting on wearing her "Dora the Explorer" nightgown today, so she looks very special. I guess this when it starts- they have a mind of their own. I can not wait till she wants to wear her bathing suit to the store or her clothes don't match when she goes to school! So funny!

We got all of our paint for the downstairs. We are painting a sage green color. I just hope that I like it and it is a good color for the whole entire downstairs. We will see I guess. I will take pics and try to post them so you can see what I am talking about!

I don't know if I have ever talked about my job, but I have one that allows me to work from home. I do research for Tony Robbins for the book he is writing. I don't work directly with him, but a girl who is his research assistant. She is so awesome and I love the things that she asks me find out about. I feel like I am learning new stuff all the time. For example, today I had to find out the amount of murders in NYC for a typical year. Weird stuff like that. I love to do it because I am able to use my head for adult things for a change. Also it does not take away from my time with Julia because I do it when she naps. I also think that I have a college degree why not use it for a change :)

Well I hope everyone had a great day!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda



Tuesday, July 06, 2004

What a Good Wife I am... Well today that is

So we are going to paint our entire downstairs this weekend and I was kinda bored today so I taped all the trim and doors. I also cleaned out all of our kitchen cabinets and wiped down the counter tops. When Jon (the hubby) came home he was beside himself! So as a reward he took Julia out for a while so I could have "me" time. I love "me" time- I can watch the food channel uninterrupted! Oh the little things in life that can make one happy :)

What is up with Blogger lately too? It has taken me like six times to get on today! Must be all those people who have decided to share their lives through the computer. I love it! I like to read blogs and find out what is happening. I have also meant so many great people too!

Well I am off to see if Tyler's Ultimate is on. He is so cute and he cooks- I just love that in a man :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Monday, July 05, 2004



Your Icecream Flavour is...
Cookies 'n Cream!
Smooth and creamy with a few rough bits mixed in, you are a real treat! You are probably very popular amongst your friends. Remember too much of a good thing is not always good! Don't lay it on too thick!
What is your Icecream Flavour?

Find out at Go Quiz


I guess that is what flavor I am. Pretty close-makes me kinda wonder...

Lowes- What a place!

So we made a trip to Lowes today and spent more money of course. We got a screen door which I am excited about. Where I live it gets to be about 100-110 during the summer and I hate running the air conditioning all day long. The screen door will make a nice air flow in the mornings and evenings. I can hear my husband cursing down stairs, so I think it was a bitch to put in! I also got some new light fixtures for my kitchen light and dining room light. I can not wait till those are up. I hope it will give our track home some much needed character!

Our 4th was great- BBQ, friends, and fireworks! Super mellow, just the way I like it! I would like every holiday to consist of BBQ chicken and paper plates. Would make it so much easier :) I hope everyone had a good time yesterday!

Well that is all for now- Have a good Monday :)

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Saturday, July 03, 2004

Happy Saturday!!

Today I took my friend Leila for her birthday (which is really not until August) to the musical "Movin' Out" It was so awesome! The music is all Billy Joel songs and the dancers act out a story to the music. I swear those dancer guys has the best butts I have ever seen! It was really good and Leila was so excited I took her!

Other than that, came home and had take out Chinese with the family. Tomorrow I am cooking since people are coming over here. So nice to not have to go anywhere when you have a small child. This way she will be in her own environment and I will not have to make sure so doesn't get into anything at someone's house. We are going to BBQ and I think I will make sausage and peppers- Yummy! I also hope we can see some fireworks. Just isn't the 4th of July without them!

I hope everyone has a good time tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Friday, July 02, 2004

Well here is my template- at least for now! I got it from Blogskins. I had to work out some bugs, but I think I finally did it! Very girly I say too! Let me know what you think or if there are things that might need more tweaking :)

I am going to day to go see my best friend Summer who I have not seen in 10 months! I am so excited. She has a little boy and so Julia will have someone to play with. I just hope the weather is nice.

Well I hope everyone has a great holiday! Eat, drink, and be festive!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Wanna Be Domestic Goddess

I had some friends and their children over today and I made the all time best white trash lunch ever-Kraft mac and cheese. Oh you can not get enough of powdered cheese and noodles! Anyway, it got me thinking- There should be a show on the Food Network that basically teaches how to cook with a budget and things that are fast and easy. It would be the poor man's Martha Stewart! Although if I could I would do things her way (entertaing wise, not business wise)

We bought a new couch over the weekend for my formal living room we are re-doing. I got some chairs and this couch has kinda a Bali vibe to it. So we decided that is the theme of the room. Now only if I can go to Bali and see it for myself :)


I hope everyone has a groovy Thursday!

Thanks for reading!

-Amanda