Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Snow Day on February 29th

This year we have had very few Snow Days. There wasn't a lot of snow at all but from what I hear from the news it isn't over. Today was the perfect day for the kids to be off.

Last night I attended a high school meeting which lasted until 9:30 and didn't get to say goodnight. I always try to leave before 8:30 so I can say goodnight to the kids. I got home at 9:45 and they were both obviously asleep since bedtime is 9:00 and it was a school night. I kissed them both and felt a twinge of guilt as the night ended. This morning I woke at 6:12 a.m., said hello to Handsome who was already on the computer like he is every morning and turned the TV on so I could listen while I got my coffee. Returning to the couch with my steaming cup of wake me up juice I noticed the red bar at the bottom of the screen stating CLOSED. What? School closings? What is going on? Looking out the window, I see a perfectly normal, gray, February morning.

I sit and see all the schools in my area are closed. Grabbing the phone and turning it on I eventually get the text message from the Superintendent who states that because of the impending weather school will be closed.

Doing a little happy dance I tell Handsome who jumps up and runs to the window only to be disappointed that there is no snow.

Nope, no snow for until 11:30 a.m. Ended about 2:00 with only an inch but was followed by a lovely wintery mix. We will see what happens but as of now it seems like a joke that the kids were off but I won't complain.

We read books sitting under the covers with one on each side of me, watched movies, looked at pictures of the kids when they were small, watched old videos of the kids as babies, read some more and did some drawing. Great day and after missing bedtime, something I needed so badly. Good Times!

Hope you had a good day too.

Agorfabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom by Sarah Benincasa + Review & Giveaway


Book Description

February 14, 2012
“I subscribe to the notion that if you can laugh at the shittiest moments in your life, you can transcend them. And if other people can laugh at your awful shit as well, then I guess you can officially call yourself a comedian.”

In Boston, a college student fears leaving her own room—even to use the toilet. In Pennsylvania, a meek personal assistant finally confronts a perpetually enraged gay spiritual guru. In Texas, a rookie high school teacher deals with her male student’s unusually, er, hard personal problem. Sara Benincasa has been that terrified student, that embattled employee, that confused teacher—and so much more. Her hilarious memoir chronicles her attempts to forge a wonderfully weird adulthood in the midst of her lifelong struggle with agoraphobia, depression, and unruly hair.

Relatable, unpretentious, and unsentimental, Agorafabulous! celebrates eccentricity, resilience, and the power of humor to light up even the darkest corners of our lives. (There are also some sexy parts, but they’re really awkward. Like really, really awkward.)
The 411 by Maria 
The book came out on Valentine's Day and has been staring at me since than to be read. I LOVE the cover. Sara is very candid and very funny. These are my favorite kind of books. Honestly and telling it like it is in a very real way is exactly how I like my female counterparts although I could never be as funny as Sara.

Sara is a great storyteller who uses truth and humor in a way that makes you feel you are talking to her not reading her book. Certainly people who meet her after reading her feel they have spoken to her before.

If you can have this many issues, (Sara spent some time peeing in cereal bowls and storing them under her bed because she was afraid the bathroom) and people still would love meet you (I do), you are truly a special individual.

Personally, I give Sara a lot of credit. I doubt I would be able to write about the things she has with such , yet her anxieties although very debilitating have enabled her to make me feel in my own wackiness very normal.  Thanks Sara!

If you love comedic writing yet want to understand or are dealing with phobias, this is a read for you. I highly doubt there is another book that should be in the Comedy, Autobiographical and Self Help category at the same time other than Agorafabulous!

Great Links:




Book Trailer


Website: Sarabebenicasa.com

Except

Agorafabulous Live

Sara Benincasa on Facebook

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Trailer

I am so excited to see this movie!

Insight on DVD & Video On Demand As Of Yesterday



PHASE 4 FILMS ANNOUNCES THE DVD AND VOD RELEASE OF THE ACTION THRILLER
INSIGHT
ON FEBRUARY 28, 2012 

Los Angeles (February 22, 2012) – Phase 4 Films is pleased to announce the DVD and video-on-demand (VOD) release of the action thriller INSIGHT on February 28, 2012. Directed by Richard Gabai, this film festival award-winner has garnered critical acclaim from top film publications including Variety, TV Guide, Yahoo! Movies and more. The film was supported by a theatrical release in over twenty markets and stars Natalie Zea ("Justified," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Hung"), Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints, Saw 3D: The Final Chapter, "The Young and the Restless"), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future Trilogy, The Addams Family), Adam Baldwin ("Chuck," Full Metal Jacket, The Right Temptation) and Thomas Ian Nicholas (American Reunion, American Pie, "Party of Five").

While attempting to save the life of a fatally-stabbed young woman, ER nurse Kaitlyn is accidentally electrocuted by a backfiring defibrillator. Upon awakening, she begins to experience memories that are not hers, but rather those of the now-deceased victim. With her sanity in question and nowhere to turn, Kaitlyn must weave through the woman’s past and piece together her memories before the killer strikes again.

Phase 4 Films will release INSIGHT on DVD at all major retailers for a $29.99 SRP in the U.S. and a $32.99 SRP in Canada.

INSIGHT Specifications:
Street Date: February 28, 2012
Pre Order Date: January 24, 2012
Genre: Action, Thriller
Run Time: 90 Minutes
Rating: R (U.S.), 14A (CAN)
Sound: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
SRP: $29.99 USD, $32.99 CAD
Aspect Ratio: 16X9 Widescreen
Language: English, French
Special Features: Behind the Scenes Featurette, Trailer

Phase 4 Films distributes feature films and special interest content across all traditional theatrical and new media platforms in North America.  The company’s previous releases include Kevin Smith’s tour of RED STATE, starring Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman; VIDAL SASSOON THE MOVIE, director Craig Teper's revealing and inspirational portrait of the iconic hairdresser who changed the world with a pair of scissors; and Matt Tyrnauer’s acclaimed fashion documentary VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR.  In March 2012, Phase 4 will release Derick Martini’s provocatively sexy road movie HICK, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Blake Lively, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis and Alec Baldwin.


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

365 Day Challenge - Playing Catch Up - Day 45 - 49

February 15, 2012 - As you can see, the kids take their yoga seriously.




February 16, 2012 - Goddess art! "Look what I found Mommy! It's the star off my old Dora watering can. Isn't it pretty?" Ohhhh ummmm...sure honey. It's pretty.



February 17, 2012 - Goddess' art work remains in the front yard still.  In this picture she is adding hair or a piece of old carpet she found.


February 18, 2012 - Wait, I see buds on the trees. Early Spring!???


February 19, 2012 - The great weather means time to get ready for next winter. There I am!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Office Fantasies: Cover Blown by Symphony



The blurb:

Office Fantasies is a hot and steamy collection of erotic stories between two attractive coworkers, Marcus & Sydney. Marcus “the cute new guy” whom recently moved to Miami seems to be the shy, quiet, mystery guy. Little does Sydney know, she has an insatiable, passionate, sexual terrorist in her presence.

In the first episode of Office Fantasies, "Cover Blown", the obvious attraction between Marcus and Sydney has become the talk of the office. Every day the two of them flirt and tease each other, until the sexual tension finally explodes into the Perfect Chemistry. Parking decks, office bathrooms and building elevators. This fantasy turned reality contains all the elements that make for a once in a lifetime sexual adventure for two.

Sydney & Marcus’s encounters will leave you breathless, wanting to know increasingly juicy details of their explosive sexual relationship in and outside of the office. Are you sleeping with your office fantasy?

Except:
Buckle your seats
And strap in
Because ladies
This is going to be
A really WET and
Explosive ride
I hope you have
You’re favorite
Toy near by
Because trust me
You will need it
Change your batteries
Lock your doors
Slide those panties
To the side
This fantasy
Is going to
Be a while
I’m sure
These encounters
Will have
Your bodies squirming
And dripping wet

The 411 by Maria:
OK...if you know me, I like my books dirty. Symphony likes things dirty too. His sexually deviant mind reminds me that not only woman can write sexually charged material. His writing was lusty but not deviant and I appreciated the fact that he writes about pleasuring rather than dominating.

Personally I like the office fantasy idea. We have all at least once and if you haven't I feel bad for you, worked with someone who we've had a crush on. Acting out your fantasy or having your fantasy actually happen as it does in Office Fantasies: Cover Blown is not something most people do but Marcus does get to live his.

On the first day of his new job he sees Sydney and is instantly attracted to her. He longs to be near her  and when he finds his in (a concert) he takes it. They head to an R Kelly concert and before you know it they are swaying and rubbing up against each other. They eventually make their way to a hotel room where Marcus takes care of Sydney in the best way possible.

If you like hot books, this is the one for you.



Biography

Symphony is a closet freak whom lives his fantasies through his many alter ego's in this case the character of Marcus. Shy to the eye with a sexual appetite for two or even three. Symphony is passionate in all that he does, priding himself on serving his woman with the ultimate experience of endless orgasmic pleasure. A sexual crusader if you will, on a journey to give the experience of a lifetime to the few unknowing women whom fall to his baby face and shy demeanor.

Symphony carries himself as a, passive and shy gentlemen. Giving women a false sense of security in the bedroom, of you know the conversation ladies "Don’t hurt-em girl".

Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Symphony writes his own experiences coupled with fantasies of his just nasty mind. In the first installment of Office Fantasies "Cover Blown" Symphony’s stories will take you on a journey of sexual chemistry at its very best.

“ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH YOUR OFFICE FANTASY”

Links:
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/user/show/6863 577-symphony

Visit my fellow hosts and comment for a chance to win a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card from author Symphony.

2/27/2012 Maria's Space
2/28/2012 Wake Up Your Wild Side
2/29/2012 Of Kink, Romance and Writing
3/1/2012 Rachel Leigh, Erotic Romance
3/2/2012 Sexy Adventures, Passionate Tales
3/5/2012 Erotica for All
3/6/2012 For the Love of Reading
3/7/2012 Sugarbeat's Books
3/8/2012 LASR: Erotic Romance Guests
3/9/2012 Worlds of Possibilities
3/12/2012 One World Singles Magazine Blog
3/13/2012 Romance to Make Your Heart Race
3/14/2012 Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess
3/15/2012 Erotic Interludes
3/16/2012 Christine Young- Romance Writer
3/19/2012 The Black Raven Erotic Cafe
3/20/2012 You Gotta Read Guest
3/21/2012 United by Books
3/22/2012 Wicked Readings by Tawania REVIEW ONLY
3/23/2012 Realmantic Moments

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Things Our Daughters Should Know

Finding Your Prince in a Sea of Toads
What Dads Wish They Could Tell Their Daughters
While most dads would rather watch a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants marathon than talk to their teenage daughters about sex and relationships, Dr. Kenneth Ryan, father of three girls, never runs away from the talk. As a relationship expert, Dr. Ryan seeks to help parents have normal, comfortable conversations about these important life topics.  No one feels the pain of a bad boyfriend more than the dad so start talking before she has a boyfriend - before her mind turns to mush.

According to Dr. Ryan, one of the most common mistakes parents tend to make is lecturing instead of conversing.  Since parents often feel strongly about the issues, we sometimes try to hammer home our point without really listening and understanding what our daughter is thinking.  Ask open ended questions that begin with what,why and tell me.

Another common problem is awkward conversations.  Nobody wants awkward conversations, but what can you do? Discussing touchy topics can be less threatening if you talk about a celebrity or a person you both know rather than yourselves.   Honesty and humor are essential.  Teens can smell BS from a mile away so give it to them straight. She wants and needs the truth.  Don't take yourselves too seriously.  A light touch makes conversations more fun and encouraging.  She must know, without a doubt, that you are on her side.

The third mistake dads make is assuming their daughters will not listen to them.  Unless your relationship has gone seriously toxic, most children really do care what their parents think. However, sometimes it takes them a while to process challenging ideas.  We don't want our daughters to go out and make big mistakes because we didn't have the courage to tell them the hard truths.  Your own mistakes in life do not disqualify you from sharing your wisdom and insight.

To get the conversation started, share one of these concepts with your daughter and ask what she thinks of it. Does she agree or disagree? Why? What examples has she seen in people around her?


1. Lips are your secret weapon - Learning to converse easily with guys is one of the most important skills you can learn.  Guys like being with girls who make conversation easy and interesting.  Conversation is a skill you can learn just like playing the piano.  If you practice, you can get good at it.

2. Fateful Attraction - Attraction cannot be forced or faked but it can be influenced.  Physical attraction will fade if you do not have an attraction based on character and personality.

3. Dump the guy Humanely - Men want to know the truth so if it's not going to work, tell him so he can deal with it and move on.  He would rather know where he really stands than get dragged along.  Sandwich the bad news between a couple of compliments. Be gentle but direct.

4. You can't put a condom on your heart - Contrary to popular opinion, your heart is at just as much risk as your reproductive system.  Since you can't put a condom on your heart, safe sex is a myth. A girl's heart is at much greater risk than the guy's.

5. Sex is like Duct Tape - Sex is meant to help one couple bond together permanently for life.  Each time it is used outside of marriage, it loses some of its stickiness.

6. Guys say "love" to get sex. Girls give sex to get love.  Sorry girls, sex won't buy you genuine love.  It is very easy for men to have sex without love or commitment but women violate their own inner voice of sanity and femininity when they have sex without commitment.  His self esteem may go up but yours will go down.  Perhaps it's not fair but that's how it is.

7. Sex causes blindness - Sex helps married people overlook each other's faults.  Unfortunately, it has the same effect on single people, often causing them overlook critical flaws and make a poor choice of who they marry. Does he truly love you or does he love having sex with you?  That's the million dollar question and sex can give both of you fuzzy vision and confusion.  "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut afterward" - Ben Franklin.

8. Intended for pleasure - Sex is part of the superglue of marriage. Surfaces must be clean and dry for good adhesion. Marriage is tough and you need as much going in your favor as possible.  If you ruin the magic of sex by treating it like a meaningless toy, you are heading into marriage with one strike against you.  Sex is a big deal in marriage and you need the magic.

9.  Never buy a swimsuit at a Hardware store - Your shopping instinct easily steers you away from the hardware store when you need a new suit but your man instinct is letting you down if it takes you to bars and clubs with the hope of finding good husband prospects.  It's a needle in a haystack if you are hoping for a quality hubby.  Flashy moves and smooth talk won't mean a thing when your kid is throwing up in the middle of the night.

10.  Lifestyles of the Rich, famous and confused - Famous people are no smarter than you when in comes to relationships.  In fact,  they are more likely to have a warped perspective of reality. They are not necessarily a reliable role model and they won't tell the interviewer the real problems in their life.  Smiling celebrity photos today, divorce tomorrow.
So...Don't run away from the conversation, get one started.  

About Dr. Kenneth Ryan
Dr. Ryan is a relationship expert and author of Finding Your Prince in a Sea of Toads: How to Find a Quality Guy Without Getting Your Heart Shredded.   He and his wife have counseled engaged couples about sex for over 10 years.  (www.FindingYourPrince.com)

365 Day Challenge - Playing Catch Up - Day 45 - 51

February 8, 2012 - Handsome asked me to take this picture. Check out the prayer hands and shadow! Plus, the pictures behind him show him at 3, 4 and 7 years old


February 9, 2012 - Handsome in his very favorite shorts! Why they are a favorite, I don't know but for the past 2 years, they are the ones! Night two of the same pose. Go figure.


February 10, 2012 - We have our own muskrat who has taken up residence in our creek and backyard. We haven't seen him for a few days but for 2 weeks he visited and ate our grass or something for 2 hours.


February 11, 2012 - I love getting movies in the mail, but they are especially great when they are accompanies by popcorn!



February 12, 2012  - Handsome during his Blue And Gold Cub Scouts meeting! Can you tell how excited he was?

February 13, 2012 - Spartan helmet courtesy of a milk carton, some glue, paper, and a hair band offered by Goddess all designed by Teach who created the helmet. I gave him hell for not doing a tutorial for you guys. It came out awesome.


February 14, 2012- The best tea ever! Look for a giveaway soon. Everyone who has tried it, has only good things to say.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

365 Day Challenge - Playing Catch Up - Day 32 - 38

February 1, 2012 - The beach looks so lonely on a winter day but it was so peaceful and quiet that the beauty was astounding.


February 2, 2012 - I love the bare trees of winter as they lay against the winter sky.


February 3, 2012 - My Daisy troop had a great time making Blinglets.


February 4, 2012 - Handsome and his Cub Scout troop had a great time during the Terror Trail. They came in 3rd place and each boy was allowed to take the trophy home for a week. You can see how excited Handsome was when he was able to take his home.



February 5, 2012 - It isn't a great picture by any means but the moon looked amazing. It was freezing out and very late so I quickly opened the door and snapped quick shot from the doorway.


February 6, 2012 - I took the kids to see the lake draw down and this is one of my favorite pictures of the day.



February 7, 2012 - Another not so great picture shot from the doorway of my kitchen. My neighbor takes pride in his backyard and spend a lot of time on his lovely Koi pond. These are the lights that are around it. With a tripod and actually going out onto the deck, this would have been a much better photo but...

Friday, February 24, 2012

365 Day Challenge - Playing Catch Up 28 - 31

January 28, 2012 - Look what I got at Kohls! It was a bargain although I am thinking of returning it. Possibly defected. Only works part of the time. Although she looks like a Super Model with that pursed lip.


January 29, 2012 - Kids birthday parties are so much fun, why should the kids have all the fun. While I didn't jump into the pit of Styrofoam blocks I did manage to spend some time on the trampoline. Although there will NEVER be pictures of that thank goodness.


January 30, 2012 - Lake draw down has been interesting this winter. The winter has been so warm this is the first year since moving to New York that the lakes haven't frozen over. Praying for a very wet spring since the lakes are down by mega feet.  Headed to the beach for a morning walk and noticed some DPW dudes working on the beach for clean up. Loved how their vehicle looked sitting there with the lake in the background.

January 31, 2012 - Some of Goddess' artwork. I love how much effort she puts into her work.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

365 Day Challenge - Playing Catch Up 20 - 27

Oh my gosh, I have been meaning to toss these up forever.

January 20 - Waiting for the kids at the bus stop. Why not take a self portrait?


January 21, 2012 - Leafy ice-pop - Goddess removed this from a bucket that was on the deck and I thought it looked interesting enough to be in my 365 Challenge Pics.


January 22, 2012 - My Perfume! My sister-in-law got this for me from New Zealand and I love it! I don't wear it but feel very special to have it.


January 23, 2012 - The beach....I love you more than all the grains of sand on the beach.


January 24, 2012 - Mad Science at our School was so much fun. The kids and the adults loved it! Who knew helium was so flammable?


January 26, 2012 - Waiting for the kids at the bus stop so why not take a picture of my cell!?


January 27, 2012 - Goddess took my candle and designed a little bunny! So cute.

Love Female Vocalists? Check out

Teeth & Tongue
 Gets Dressed Up with Debut Single, “Unfamiliar Skirts"
SXSW Shows Announced! 



"There are names often invoked for an artist in this line ­ Patti Smith, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey­ and Cornelius manages to be a beguiling combination of all three."
-Rolling Stone
 
*DOWNLOAD “UNFAMILIAR SKIRTS”*

Melbourne, Australia based artist, Teeth & Tongue, is finally making her U.S. debut just in time for SXSW. Her new single, “Unfamiliar Skirts,” from her second release, Tambourine, exhibits a sultry combination of hypnotic vocals and gentle rhythms, unique to the style of Jess Cornelius-- creator and front woman of Teeth & Tongue.

The conception of “Unfamiliar Skirts” illustrates the fluidity behind the melody. The song was written and arranged in just one evening while making use of an in-home studio, and those first simple demo recordings resulted in Teeth & Tongue’s mesmerizing first single, now nominated for EG Award’s “Song of the Year.”

Starting out playing in full rock bands, musician Jess Cornelius decided to go solo and stock up on some old drum machines, a keyboard and an electric guitar to form Teeth & Tongue. With all the instrumental essentials, the kaleidoscope sounds of mixed genres came nothing but organically to her.

With an unmatchable sound and stage presence, Teeth & Tongue has toured with bands such as The Mountain Goats, The Dodos, Sons and Daughters, J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Lydia Lunch and Dawn Landes, as well as performed at high profile music festivals, the Falls and Laneway.  Cornelius takes to the stage solo with the accompaniment of a drum machine, electric guitar and layered vocal samples to create a live set that must be experienced.

Teeth & Tongue will be headed to SXSW this March as well as playing a handful of U.S. shows. With Rolling Stone and MTV Iggy already fans, be sure to take a listen to what everyone is talking about. It’s time to get familiar with Teeth & Tongue. 

U.S. TOUR DATES

Thursday, March 8th –– The Starry Plough, Berkeley, California
Saturday, March 10th –– The Homeroom, Los Angeles
Sunday, March 11th –– The Echo, Los Angeles
Tuesday, March 13th –– SXSW –TBA, Austin, TX
Wednesday, March 14th –– SXSW Flavorpill Party, Lipstick 64, Austin

LINKS

Get Fit With Flirty Girl Fitness - Are You A Flirty Girl?


Ha! Love that question. The moment I write the word flirty, I get silly and flirty. So...the question is this...are you a Flirty Girl?

What is Flirty Girl?


I've found the fun way to get fit!

Flirty Girl Fitness helps every women (or man, we have to be very PC here), get flirty, fit and Fabulous.

Flirty Girl Fitness is by far the most fun, workout you will ever do.


What I really love about Flirty Girl is that you sign in and immediately get access to live classes. For a lot of us finding time for exercise is hard. I have been walking 2 miles a day but that gets boring and doing the treadmill is never something I can get into. Spending time in front of my Wii Fit is fun and I love it but there is nothing like taking a fitness class especially one that is fun.


The new LIVE Classes are always streaming daily and include signature Flirty Girl Classes, like Booty Beat, Video Vixen, Hottie Body Boxing, Bikini Bootcamp, Sexy Sculpt, KickAss Cardio, and so much more.

I LOVE  the Video Vixen class. I completely suck at it but LOVE it. So much fun. All the moves are completely broken down. You are watching a live class and learning with the other participants.
Before you know it you have the routine and are having a great time.


Check out some of the sample classes listed at the website.

You can check out a class schedule here. There is something for every time so no matter when you get on the computer you will find something that fits your schedule.

You can try a 7 day pass for $10.00 or sign on for the $15.00 unlimited monthly pass. Much cheaper than a gym membership and you don't have to drive there.

Let me know if you check it out, I want to know what you think.

Believe me, I have done all the other exercise videos. They are all great but midway through I am tired, bored and knew in the back of my mind I will not be doing them again anytime soon. This is different. This is like going out and dancing with your girlfriends.

Pssttt…don’t be surprised or insulted if your man isn’t suddenly asking you to work out more often. He just wants to watch!!!