Cake Wrecks!

I found this site the same day Alysha posted about her friends darling Diaper Cakes (can't wait to make one...so easy, so cute!!) A new twist on the whole cake thing....too funny!!

This website/blog is hilarious!! My husband and I have been one upping each other with finding the BEST one! I found it on my friends blog...check it out if you have time to knob and want a good laugh!!

http://www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

This one is my favorite so far....(and yes, my husband found it!)

Can we say "oh my heck!!" Go to the site to read the funny write up about it!!

We the Women!

So this isn't really a we know the good stuff kind of a thing but there is nothing as powerful as a group of good women so I know I can turn to you girls for help!  

As many of you know I'm taking my family blog private.  I watched part of an Oprah show the other day that talked about child pornography in this county and I was deeply disturbed by it.  On the show Oprah said that because of lack of funding law enforcement can only track and find 2% of the people out there who produce and trade child pornography.  There is a bill, the Protect our Children Act, Bill 1738 that we need to support.  The Bill would allocate $325 Million over the next 5 years to help fund law enforcement to be able to track and find and arrest and prosecute more of these pedophiles.  We can support the bill by writing to our Senators.  Please everybody go to www.oprah.com and find where it says "Help pass Bill 1738, the Protect our Children Act."  Read the instructions on how to look up and then write a letter to your senators, encouraging them to vote yes on Bill 1738!  There is even a pre-written letter that you can copy and paste!

I know that "we the women" of WKTGS can help make a difference!  

Please tell all the wonderful women in your life to help with this cause!  We need to protect our sweet little children.

ps--those who live in UT...don't bother sending an email to Senator Orrin Hatch...he is sponsoring the bill.  There is another UT Senator that could get the email though!

GYMBOREE BABY SALE!

I'm a SHOPPER. Love a bargin! That is why I spent 1 1/2 hours at Gymboree today! All of the new sweaters etc, are on sale for 20$ and the shirts, pjs, leggings etc are only 10$. And, a bunch of the older lines are on sale. Needless to say, I saved a bundle..and EARLY Christmas shopping, and GYMBUCKS! SO, jump online or stop by.
ALSO, GET ON THE MAILING LIST! Lately, I get coupons for 20-30% off of my ENTIRE purchase. You will want those for Christmas. Then all of that stuff is 7-15 dollars. Alrighty?

Meals for the family on the go...

I don't think I would have ever picked up this book on my own but a friend told me about it. I love to cook but not necessarily what my family likes to eat. Often I hear, "can't you just cook normal food mom?" Anyway - so far every recipe I have made from this book my kids have enjoyed. The recipes are easy and the list of ingredients short compared to most of my books. We are always on the go. I've read so many different ideas for keeping family dinner intact in a busy home and this seems to work best for us - even if it sometimes 9:00 at night :( The reality of having children who play high school sports.

Tomorrow On Ellen

So I just saw a preview for tomorrow's Ellen show... and as soon as I saw it I thought of this blog, of course. Stephanie Meyer is a guest. I haven't heard of her being on any other talk show yet... so I'll be watching (especially since I tivo Ellen every day anyway).

And as a bonus, Ne-Yo (who I also usually love) is on tomorrow also.

Music Whore

Sometimes I get into the funk of spending hours on iTunes, downloading random songs. And boy, have I hit the jackpot this time. Here's some of my newest favorites if you're looking for some new tunes!

Joshua Radin - Honestly EVERYTHING he sings is amazing. He totally masters the art of whisper singing. His new album dropped last week and it's awesome. Some of my favorite songs: "Lovely Tonight" (duet with Ingrid Michaelson, and it's gorgeous, on an older album), "Sky," "One of Those Days" and "I'd Rather be With You."

Amos Lee - His voice is just dreamy. Check out "Arms of a Woman."

Jon McLaughlin- He sang on the Enchanted album (and was in the movie) and I just die when I hear his voice. Listen to "Beautiful Disaster." Oh, and he's sooooooooo easy on the eyes...

Matt Nathanson - He's kind of Jack Johnson-esque to me, and I really like "Come on Get Higher." I remember going to one of his shows while at BYU, and really like his tone.

Karina - She's hip hop, but at only 16, this girl has got pipes! My faves are "Can't Find the Words," and "The Love We Got."

Enjoy Friends! Let's share the music love, post any others you're enjoying right now!

Photofunia

I found this funny "time waster" website where you can take your own pictures and have them put into cool backgrounds so that they look like real posters, etc in the real world. It's hard to explain but it will make perfect sense once you're on the website. Click here to check it out. Here are some of the pics I made with my own photos for fun!

I'm A Believer!

I have had a major issue with my dishwasher for well over a year now. Let me tell you why. One day, while my sweet 6 1/2 year old was tying to help with the dishes, he tripped over the dishwasher and pulled not only it out of the cabinet, but the piece of the cabinet that it attaches too. I have had zero lucky reattching that piece of board and thus the dishwasher because it is virtually impossible without removing the counter tops. Since that is not an option I have just lived with a rickety dishwasher. Well about two or three weeks ago, my silly efforts to secure it completely failed and I have not been able to open both shelves in the dishwasher or even just one really full shelf without the whole dishwasher tipping forward and the bottom drawer crashing out and rolling across the kitchen floor. To say the least this has been DRIVING ME NUTS! I am not proud to admit that a few swear words may have escaped my lips each and every time this occured! Hey, I'm not perfect! HaHa


The other day, I had a brilliant idea. After having seen this commercial a thousand times and thinking to my self, "yeah right like that really works!" I decided it was worth a try, what do I have to loose and if it works my dishwasher will stay in place. Well, I am most delighted to tell you all that it completely worked, my dishwasher is attached and secure! Yippy.


What is this magic product you ask?

Laugh if you wish, but this stuff totally worked. It was my last hope and I love it the MIGHTY PUTTY!

BrA-llElUjAh!!!!!!!

Sara Blakely......bless her! Has done it again girls!! I have been a fan of the SPANX body shapers for years, and now a super fan of the new Bra-llelujah- all hosiery comfort bra!!!!
I just got it in the mail, and you really do forget you have it on! I absolutely love the soft straps and the less visible lines in the back.
Yahoo! Just spreading the love ladies. You can order directly from the web site.

Dots N' Daisies

Dots N' Daisies is a local Utah company that creates custom designed letters, sayings, names, etc. If you are interested in custom work, they do that too. They match colors to your rooms, etc.

Amanda is one of the owners and is my friend. They make such cute letters and sayings! I just love them.

We are going to have a shopping party together for Christmas. So, if you are in town and would like to stop by please do so. You can still place orders online even if you live out of town or are not able to come. The party will be half Dots and Daisies and half Scentsy party.

November 4th

6:30PM-8:30PM

As it gets closer I will post a reminder. So, mark your calendars now! It will be a great way to get some of that Christmas shopping out of the way! If you have any questions just email me!

Here are the websites to check out!!

http://dotsndaisiesblog.blogspot.com/

www.scentsy.com/8594

Fashion in the Kitchen!?!

I must admit that I have become obsessed with something!!! Back in May, just after my baby was born, I was knobbing around the mall trying to find the perfect gift for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day!! When all of a sudden I happened upon a little kiosk! I fell in love!! Flirty Aprons are the latest, most adorable fashion for the kitchen!! (at least in my opinion!) My husband surprised me with one for my birthday this past June, I've had my mom pick out hers for her b-day (bummer, it's on backorder), and then I just bought a half apron at the Women's Expo that I went to on Friday!! I've now decided to start collecting them....call me crazy but I've been wearing my new 1/2 apron for the last few hours and I was teasing my husband that I was going to wear it as my "housewife" apron!! (that's most definitely a joke...lol!) He thought I was pretty cute!! How to choose which one to purchase next!! These make the most adorable gifts--totally fun!

This is the one my husband bought me for my birthday!!

Le Mystere? Or Something Else?

Help help help! I am sick and tired of horrible bras! This is a question I'm throwing out to all you larger chested ladies. Meaning, D cup or bigger. I'm about a 38DD, or 40D, and I have about 20 bras that I can't stand wearing. My most recent purchase was at Lane Bryant (the balconette bra). When I first tried it on, I was like "whoa" because it makes "the girls" look super fab, nice and round, and high. Loved it! Then I started wearing it....argh! The straps are so far at the edge of my shoulders that they constantly fall off (so annoying). But the biggest annoyance is that the sides of the bra contain a piece of underwire that runs vertically kind of underneath the armpit (I think its purpose is to kind of hold the boobs in from the side). The thing that makes me crazy is that it comes up so high under my armpit, that it rubs it raw. So I'm trying to find the bra that will make me look great AND feel comfortable. I guess I'd say the Victoria Secret Body by Victoria is the most comfortable one I've got, but it's so stretchy that it tends to stretch out really quickly. I've heard the "Le Mystere" bra (found at Nordstroms and happens to be Oprah's favorite--pictured above) is really good. But it's pricey. At this point, I wouldn't care. As long as it was comfy! So, if y'all know of any great bras for us larger chested ladies....I'd love to know the "good stuff" about them like what kind they are and where you bought them. I am desperate.

Hey, I'm a Newbie

As promised, I will answer these questions right quick:
1. Name - Amiee (hate to put last name just b/c of privacy internet stuff. you know...)
2. Age- 33
3. Married/Kids - married with one baby
4. Work - Realtor
5. Resides - Northern area of Utah, but I'm born and raised Louisiana girl...go South! Woo hoo!
6. Hobbies - singing
7. Loves- my boy, hubby, dogs, friends, family, eating out, movies, boating, entertaining
8. I am on this blog thanks to...- Shannon. I stumbled upon it from another blog months ago, and I love keeping tabs on it. But I can't remember who's blog I linked from!
9. Dreams - would love to be a famous country singer one day...but for now the little "gigs" are good enough!
10. Addictions - unfortunately, food! also addicted to music and blogging.
11. Biggest Dislikes - dislikes?? Hmmm...I can't stand mean people. You know, the kind that are mean and they KNOW they are being mean and don't care. I hate raw tomatoes (but I will eat them any way as long as they are cooked), & spiders (I am terrified of those brown recluse/black widows)...

Well that wasn't too exciting, was it? Thank you for letting me be a contributor! I had about 5 cool things to post about, and now I am going blank (of course). I hope to help keep the site up and running with more "good stuff." I'm so excited to be here!!! Oh, I added a pic of me for fun!

Banana Republic 30% Off Code

Hi everyone - I got an e-mail today from Banana Republic. In honor of their 30th Anniversary, they sent me a coupon code for 30% off your entire purchase plus free shipping. The code is HAPPY30 and it expires tonight (9/8) at 12:00 Eastern. If you've had your eye on anything at Banana - now's the time to get it! Enjoy.

PRAYERS

Hi Girls,
I just wrote a similar post on my blog but wanted to put it here as well. Sorry to those of you who read both this and my family blog. Anyway...
The following story isn't, in any way, what I consider "Good Stuff". It, in fact, is one of those things in life that we almost never talk about when we have one of those "what if" conversations with someone. However, I decided to post it here in the spirit of why we blog. With all the scary things that can happen out in the blogging world with stalkers, and pshyco's, etc., there is ALOT of good that comes from blogging. Support, love and faith offered by total strangers, who, without the internet, would remain strangers forever.
Please click on this and read the story of a young couple, who are fighting for their lives after being involved in a private plane crash. You'll have to click on "older posts" about three times until you get to the August 17th entry. The sister of the wife updates the couples condition and tells an amazing story of love and faith as she shares their families experiences. Let's all include them in our prayers, and hope that should we ever find ourselves in one of those "what if" situations in life, that others would do the same for us.

Cool Website/Idea

I'm sick of paying full price for anything. I am an avid online shopper, I don't ever have the time to just go to the mall and shop, or go from store to store trying to find what I am looking for. I also don't mind buying 2 of each, trying them on, and returning via mail or store to store. I honestly think that I waste more gas driving around than I do for shipping. So here's what I found: I found baby bedding I loved on JC Penney.com. I decided to google "JC Penney Coupon Code" and found a WHOLE SCHLEW of coupon codes. One of the best sites is retailmenot.com. I can't believe I've never done this before, and this totally may not be new to anyone else, but I ended up saving $30 on my order with a free shipping code. They also had 15% off and 20% off codes that were dynamite. Can't wait for my new bedding to arrive!

Tex-Mex Egg Rolls w/ Creamy Cilantro Sauce

I just KNOW your mouth is starting to water already. I made these little babies for the Olympic Opening Ceremony barbecue/celebration we had last month. Get it? China...Eggrolls? However, (at the time) I was in the mood for some Mexican food so wallah...problem solved!

DELICIOUS is all I'm going to say...

Ingredients:

1 (5 ounce) package yellow rice (I bought the packet that you just heat in the microwave for 60 seconds...save you tons of time)

1 teaspoon salt

1 pound ground hot pork sausage (I used Reduced Fat mild or you could substitue with chicken)

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14.5 -ounce) can Mexican style diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

6 green onions, finely chopped

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

28 egg roll wrappers (these are usually found near/in/or by the produce section)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

4 cups peanut oil (I used Canola oil...much healthier)

Instructions:

Cook rice using 1 teaspoon salt. Cool completely

Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until it crumbles an is no longer pink; drain well. Let cool.

Stir together rice, sausage, black beans, and next 4 ingredients in a large bowel. Spoon about 1/3 cup of mixture into center of each egg roll wrapper. Fold top corner of wrapper over filling, tucking tip of corner under filling; fold left and right corners over filling. Lightly brush remaining corner with egg*; tightly roll filled end toward the remaining corner, and gently press to seal.

(*I used water instead of egg)

Pour oil into heavy Dutch oven (I used my wok); heat to 375 degrees F. Fry egg rolls, in batches, 2 or 3 minutes or until golden. Drain on wire rack over paper towels. Serve with Creamy Cilantro Sauce. Devour immediately!

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Creamy Cilantro Sauce:

2 (10-ounce) cans Mexican-style diced tomatoes

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese softened (I used Fat Free)

2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves (about 1 bunch)

1 cup sour cream (I used Fat Free)

3 garlic cloves, minced

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

(for the health cautious...you could probably bake these in the oven instead of frying. I'm going to try that next time)

SAFETY KIDS

When Heather, Julie and I were growing up my mom bought us this activity/coloring book and accompanying tape called the safety kids. It is all about being safe. Don't talk to strangers, learning your telephone number, etc. The songs were so cute and catchy that all three of us have sung them to our own children over the years. Well.....a few months ago Heather and Julie found a website that sells the books and cd's. They have even added two more books. One is about drugs and alcohol, the other about pornography. All three books are VERY well done and are a fun way to teach your kids about important things they need to know to protect them. I ordered them and made my kids listen to them in the car on the way to Canada this summer. One of the songs talks about what to do if you get lost. It says "Look for a grandma or mother with children". Julie's little Natalie was in the car with me at the time and said "hey, my mom always tells me that".

Check out the website http://www.familysafemedia.com/safety_kids_-_child_safety_edu.html. You can preview the songs and can order all three books!. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll be singing:

"All ya gotta do is yell and scream!!!
Sometimes its the only thing to do!!!
Noisy as a firetruck, you just gotta open up
and get the crowd's attention turned to you!!!"

(you'll know what I mean after you hear the song :-)

A few good things

I thought I'd share a couple of my newest favorite things:

1. I got this book while in Utah this summer:

It has FHE lessons based on the Book of Mormon. We are using it for our scripture study too. It breaks down each verse in the BoM individually and has questions to ask about the verses. My 5 year old does great with it! I highly recommend. Available at Deseret Book

2. The best book I've read in ages. These Is My Words by Nancy Turner. This is the first book in a series of 3 (so far) about a pioneer homesteader in the late 1800s. Very clean but a little violent with Indian wars and such. Seriously, a great read.

3. Febreze Pumpkin Harvest and Fall Spray smells so so good and is perfect to freshen up your house if you don't have time to burn a candle. I found mine at Target!

4. Burt's Bees baby products. I got a big gift basket full of these products after I had my baby and I LOVE them. My favorites are the buttermilk lotion and diaper cream. They smell divine and are very mild.

Dryer Balls - Good Stuff??

I bought a pair of Dryer Balls at Restoration Hardware and have been using them all summer. I never have liked using dryer sheets and am happy to get rid of them. I don't know that they have reduced my dryer time any though. Still worth it in my eyes. Any input?

Where's the Good Stuff Love?

This place is a dead zone lately! C'mon ladies - tell us all about your stuff!

My mom just sent me this book in the mail a few weeks ago and I'm loving it! Good mamma group craft date ideas as well as fun projects with your kids on rainy days. Check it out if you get the chance!