Carries Rambles: May 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

The Ride To Work

I'm sure I've mentioned in the past that I do not work the greatest of areas. Well, the other morning I was driving in, down streets with pot holes that can swallow smaller cars. I swear, some of them you can not only see the old brick road, you can see the dirt underneath the brick.

Now, I am not a morning person and don't actually speak to anyone until I absolutely have to. So here I am, a sunny day in the ghetto, taking a swig of my diet coke and trying to avoid a pot hole the size of Rhode Island when I see something so strange I think I may be still asleep.

Now things that I would normally see include:

scuzzy person of indeterminate race creeping into/out of the creepy adult book store
bunch of hoodlums standing in front of the mini mart instead of going to school
line of people outside the clinic waiting for God knows what.
400 lb white lady with a wagon lumbering down the road
crazy guy in wheel chair that always goes backwards instead of forward
hookers.....really ugly hookers (but usually only one or two at night)
the middle aged black man that comes up to your car and asks you for cigarettes
and if you stop at McDonalds Drive thru (sometimes I'm weak dammit!) the black man with the shockingly white massive amounts of unkempt hair that asks you to buy him breakfast--meanwhile he's drinking hooch from a paper bag.
(and no, I am NOT being racist, I'm just trying to paint a picture---the McDonalds Guy is so darkly skin toned and his hair is SO white that it's really a huge contrast)

All those things are fairly common place and don't normally pull me from my fog. What will pull me from my fog is as I am coming up to a red light I notice about 15 or so women running back and forth across the road. All 40 ish and up. All white, wearing Khaki Capri pants, those little golf visors and really clean white tennis shoes---you know the ladies I'm describing right? So I blink---about twenty times, but they are still there. I'm stopped at the red light and I notice they are running up to cars. I'm all thinking, Crap--I can't deal with someone trying to save my soul or ask me for a donation this freakin early. One of them makes up to me and hands me a brown paper bag and says "God Bless" WTF?

Turns out there's a doughnut in the bag....So I get to work and I'm telling one of the bosses. He's like your not gonna eat it are you? and I'm all "dude, it's a cream stick, yeah"

**side note, I eventually found out they were "celebrating" their churches 100th birthday.....who knew there was a church behind the porn shop?. huh!

Friday Rants

That's right, it's Friday and I'm linkin up with Boobies. Sorry if it offends you (actually not really) but I've got a couple things to bitch and moan about. I know I'm late but it's fashionable and if there is one thing Boobies understands it's fashion. I'm guessing she'll forgive me.

So without further ado:
Fawk you to the stupid insurance company. They denied my mothers last intensive care stay. The letter they sent says that she didn't need intensive care and that her kidney failure could have been taken care of in a less expensive room. WHAT? Right, cuz I specifically remember when I took her in and she couldn't walk, barely talk, was so confused from the poisons building up in her blood stream and had a BP of 68/51 that she specifically said "Hey, I'd like a really comfy intensive care room, cool?"
Now I get to appeal the claim for her, but I'll have to pretend to be her or they won't talk to me. Like I have time for this shit. The woman has been in the hospital 5 times since March. Purty damn sure she ain't there for the sweet ass lodgings.

Fawk you to my neighbor. (not the one I usually hate) One of the contractors that purchases from us call about a gutter color, I happened to answer the phone and because he's a decent guy I OFFERED of my own free will to drop a sample off at the house he was working on on my way home from work. He was cool and thankful and said only if it's not out of your way. Me-- No problem I actually live a couple houses down from where your workin. I'll drop it off after I get done at 5.
At 5:30 I pull in the guys driveway (contractor is done for the day) and the neighbor is like "you here about the gutter?" Me- "Yep here you go, spiel spiel, explain" and he has the balls to say "your late"
Well pardon the hell out of me....you could have driven down and picked it up yourself you ass. No wonder I hate my neighbors.

I could keep going cuz I'm just in that kind of mood, but I'll stop here for now :)
Happy Weekend!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

GourmetGiftBaskets.com, Review & Giveaway

GourmetGiftBaskets.com is your one stop shop for any gift buying occasion. They have the largest selection of gift baskets for any and every occasion that I have ever found! From Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Baby Showers to Graduation, Care Packages, Get Well and just about anything else you can think of. The best part is all of their basket contents are full sized products, not samples and each is carefully selected for quality.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing for Gourmet Gift Baskets before and was so happy with them that I have purchased from them and also talked my boss into using them for when we need to send "corporate" type gifts. If that isn't enough of a testimonial I am not quite sure what is!

This time around I was allowed to choose from the awesome selection of care packages for my review.

Some examples are:


Sports Enthusiast Care Package

Kids Sports Care Package

All of them looked so awesome, but since I so often review stuff that is for women and the hubby gets left out I choose this one:

Midnight Snack Care Package

The hubby is one of those rotten horrible people that snacks on stuff constantly, at all hours of the day and never gains a pound (I'm pretty sure he eats and I gain the weight). So this package is perfect for him. Tons of different snack size portions that will hit the spot of whatever craving he might be having. Everything came packed in the GourmetGiftBasket box, nicely cushioned and all of the products were fresh and yummy (if how quickly they have been disappearing is any indicator!)

BUY IT: You can purchase the Midnight Snack Care Package online at GourmetGiftBaskets.com for $34.99

Now GourmetGiftBaskets.com is going to give one of my readers the Midnight Snack Care Package (the exact same one I received)

RULES: I verify all entries, so please, if you say you did something make sure you follow through or it will be deleted before the end of the contests. I am trying a new entry method that hopefully makes it much easier for you. This is the first time I am using it, so after you enter if you have any comments or suggestions on it feel free to post it in the comments section.

Off visiting....

HEY! I'm off posting at Babe's Rockin Mami today because she totally gave me a Women Who Rock award! Come visit.....and pay me compliments? Please? You can totally read about how I used the phrase "dead in a ditch" and made myself feel really old.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TRESemme Bzzagent Review

I recently had the opportunity to be a part of the Bzzagent campaign for TRESemme Color Revitalize shampoo and conditioner. Let me tell ya, as someone who has been coloring their hair (various colors) since she was 16, I know what I like and I know when something doesn't work.

I have been using it for two weeks now and am extremely impressed. As I get ~~older~~ more mature my hair is getting darker (weird right? I was white blond as a kid and now a light brown) and it's harder to maintain a lighter color the way I would like. The reason I say I am impressed is because I haven't noticed any of the normal fading that ofter occurs after dying my hair and my highlights have been holding up extremely well.

I also noticed, that since I have a ton of hair it often takes quite a bit of shampoo to get a good lather worked up. I used my typical amount the first time with the TRESemme and hello dolly! I had enough lather that I could have washed my hair and pulled in whichever dog was laying outside the shower curtain and given them a bath too!You need very little to work up a superb lather and that means you use less and spend less!

The conditioner pleased me too, it's a nice thick consistency and not runny. It made it very easy for me to comb through my wild curls. The scent was light and very pleasant.

Here is a little blurb from TRESemme explaining HOW it works:

TRESEMME Color Revitalize Shampoo & Conditioner with Advanced Color Lock Technology keep the dye molecules in the hair shaft, helping reduce color loss while cleansing and creating real color fade protection. Finally a solution to help maintain your salon beautiful color longer.

Since I have an appointment this weekend to go blond for the summer, I am definitely going to pick up another bottle from this line, The Color Thrive for Blonds.
If it's anywhere near as good as the Color RevitalizeI just tried I am going to be one happy blond!

Want to learn more?
Connect with TRESemme on Facebook
or visit their website at http://www.tresemme.com

I was able to receive this product as part of the Bzzagent team. No monetary compensation was offered for my opinion. All opinions are 100% honest and mine. Other consumers may have different opinions.

One sided convo's

I was just trying a little experiment. I wanted to see how long Barbie could talk without my responding beyond the occasional nod…….

“my dad just texted me to say his pony tail is all frizzy like a squirrel tail, I told him mine was just one big curl or it would be one big curl if I had it in a ponytail but I’m wearing it down today”

“Really? Stupid computer. ”

“son of a b. f this” (obviously she does NOT pick up her language from me)

“I need gum, I know it’s in here, where is my gum, here’s my gum”

“my sunburn is getting itchy, I hope I don’t peel, I bet it’s starting to peel, oh please don’t peel, I don’t wanna be peelie”

“I really shouldn’t have gone down those stairs right after eating”

“now I have to pee but I don’t want to pee cuz I don’t feel like getting up”

“I wanna go home and take a nap but I know Lanie won’t let me take a nap”

“my should hurts now *rubbing shoulder and rotating* I hit my other side but this side hurts now, it’s tingly like it’s falling asleep but it’s not asleep and Susie says she wants a giant hand sanitizer like you have in the bathroom here”

“So If I am gonna work Saturday and you are taking off then do I do the stuff I normally do when I come to work or should I do your stuff too and count the money for the deposit?’

HELL NO! DO NOT TOUCH ANY MONEY!!! Just sit there and answer the phone!!!!---yeah, that last one got a reaction from me-----before that it was just about a half hour of her random babble and I actually missed some of it because it sorta becomes like background noise and I would have actually had to ask her “what the hell were you just babbling about?”

See I need to concentrate or I can potentially make hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of mistakes with one keystroke...so while I don't mind occassional conversation--for the love of God shut the hell up for five freakin minutes---especially when you see me with a pile of checks & cash and it's obvious I'm trying to do the deposit.
Plus my random mutterings are usually along the lines of muttered --dammit, shit, hell, sonofabitch.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Suicide

Suicide. I don't understand it.
I know there are clinical reasons for depression and I know that there are medical things I do not understand.
I know that there are many days that the weight of the world seems to be pressing down on me.
I freely admit that I take prozac to help stabilize my moods---or as the hubby says "you didn't refill your crazy meds this week didja?" I have an amazingly short fuze without it.
But I have never felt the need or desire to kill myself, no matter how badly life gets me down. Hide in my bed, yes? Get rip roaring drunk on occasion? Hell yes. Mope and have trouble focusing. Check.
But never felt that killing myself would make it better. I would hurt people, I would miss things. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.It could be worse....or it could be better but I want to be here to find out.

What brings this on you ask?
Well I found out today that someone I was very close to in high school killed himself. Was sitting at the dinner table with his father and girlfriend. Got up, got his fathers gun, locked himself in his room and killed himself.
What. The. Fuck.
What in your life is so bad that that seems like a good idea?

Sure I haven't seen him in quite a few years, I moved away, you loose touch....but then Facebook came around and you reconnect with people. I dated a guy through most of high school and his sister dated the one who killed himself. We were together all the time. I never saw him as unhappy. He was usually witty and funny and ready to try anything.

We all went our separate ways eventually and I haven't seen him in awhile, but it's still sad, it still shocked the hell out of me. Maybe it's more sad because I remember him as the younger version of who we are now. I don't know his reasons and never will, but I will remember him for who he was when we were young.

I have an assistant....sort of

So regular readers may remember me talking about my office mate that got fired back in November (totally made her own bed there). I've been fine doing all the work since then, the new computer system makes it mostly a one person job. Except in the summer (it's a roofing, siding, AC, heating wholesaler so we are insane in Summer). The phones ring incessantly and you can't get anything else done, because the guys at the counter are too busy to answer them. Plus we are opening a new store.

My bosses agreed to hire a temp for the summer in order to keep my from pulling out an Uzi and taking everyone out. Problem is finding someone who wants to have no life all summer long, for basically minimum wage and basically to be my bitch. So because nobody else seemed to be doing anything about it, I asked my step daughter if she knew anyone. Turns out her BFF needed a summer job before starting school to be a Surgical Tech in the fall. I told my boss he was hiring her, told her to come in for an interview and made her stay and work the rest of the day.

She (let's call her Barbie) is a great girl, friendly, sweet, mostly soft spoken, doesn't swear like a trucker (ahhemm, she'll just have to get used to me) and basically does pretty much whatever I tell her.

Problem is, she is dumb as a freakin rock and lazy as shit. Let's go with just a couple of examples that make me cringe for the state of our country if this is what is taking over.

We do mail outs mid month and end of the month for all of our customers who have accounts with us. Barbie gets to stuff the 89761657 envelopes because I don't have time, besides it should be a task a monkey could do. Here's our convo:
Barbie- "So how often do we do this."
Me- "Twice a month"
Barbie "so the first day and the last day?"
Me "Barb---today's the 15th, mid month and end of month"
Barbie---"how come not the first and the 31st"
Me--"uh because the 31st is the day after the 1st so there would be no days in between and nothing to mail"
Barbie--"oh"

More envelope stuffing and soon another question:
Barbie "these ones that have more than 12 pages and go in the big envelope? Do I have to write the whole name of the company on it, cuz it's like really long"
Me---"ummmm.......yes....it makes it easier for the mailman to find them rather than guessing"
Barbie-- "how come you make it sound like it was a dumb question"
Me---"just address the envelope Barb"

Another part of her job is to check the fax machine and distribute faxes. I tell her if she doesn't know just ask me and I'll tell her where they go---we get alot that don't have cover pages or Attn: So & So on them.
Barb asks me several and I tell her who to take them too. THEN she says "What about this one? It says To: Rich, who should I give it to?"
Me: "um, how about Rich?"
Barbie: "Okay"
Me: goes into bathroom and bangs head on wall

Don't worry----I have more, but I'll save them for next time

Monday, May 23, 2011

Free To Good Home

Free to ~~good~~ any home: One husband, partially housebroken, has anti social tendencies, grouchy, would be better in a home where he is the only ~~pet~~ husband. Likes to have the tv left on, long naps and blissfully unaware of any chaos around him. Tends to ~~bark~~ talk incessantly only when you are trying to do something else, if you want to pay attention to him he's usually in the garage. Call or email for additional details.

So anycomplainingwife my husband is driving me frickin nuts.

Sent him a text this morning telling him "Pick up the bag of dogfood I ordered from health store. they called to say it's in"

No response.

Half hour later I send another text "Please tell me you checked the windows"
Response "Barely raining here" Since I'm only 10 minutes away and it's raining sideways, so hard you can't see out a window, I translate that to "Oh shit, am I supposed to close the windows when it rains? I'll avoid the question so she doesn't bitch at me"

Then I come home and the first thing I see is this:

In case you aren't grasping the subtle nuances, that is a glassless window. Right.
I have been telling him for days that the glass is coming out, the weather stripping is gone please don't let the door slam because it's going to jar it out and kill one of the dogs. His response is I don't slam the door. SLAM.

Apparently he "didn't slam the door" one time too many today.....and the glass fell out, right on the back of his stupid head.

My first response? Serves you right, I TOLD you not to slam the door. Luckily the glass didn't break so he rigged it back up, should last until I can get a truck and go buy a new damn door. Of course it was like that for hours and naturally he didn't close the inside door to the house. Can I tell you I hate bugs? Flies in my house. UGH.

And when I walk in the kitchen the bag of dog food I ordered is NOT the one sitting on the counter.
His excuse "how was I supposed to know?"
Mine "I order the Same. Damn. Bag. Of. Dog. Food. EVERYTIME."
Him "why are you so mean?"

Now the tornado sirens are going off, so I best grab my dogs and a large bottle of wine and go hide somewhere. Maybe the insurance company will believe storm damage?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bagadocious Review

I used to by cheap purses from department stores and when the wore out I tossed them in the trash. However as I got ~~older~~ more intelligent, I started shopping for prettier and nicer bags. My mom introduced me to handmade Italian leather and I've never looked back since!

I love the smell of a new leather handbag, the texture, the thrill of using it. The only problem is how do you store them when you switch out? I mean these purses cost a pretty penny! You don't want to shove them in a shoe box or toss them in the closet. They could become damaged, dry and crack, get all dusty or even get ripped. Sure the more expensive designers often include a black "dust bag" for storage, but if you happen to own more than one purse then you have no clue what's in each "dust bag" and have to search through each one to find what you are looking for. I don't know about you but I don't have time for that, especially if I am running late (like usual).

This is where Bagadocious comes in. Established in 2009, they create amazing custom bags to store your favorite purses, shoes and boots in. The bags they create are patented custom designed bags that cater to your unique needs. You can choose from the Envelope Bag, the Drawstring Bag, Drawstring Tall Boot Bag, Envelope Short Boot Bag or the Shoe Bag.

How does it work and what makes them so special?
Well, that's easy. You take a picture of the item you want to store and send it to them. It is then printed on the bag you select as a high res. image.

I received an Envelope bag to store my latest Italian Leather purse. The bag itself is made from a 100% unbleached cotton muslin outer shell, the lining is 100% natural fleece with a cotton 1 inch seam binding available in various colors. (size is 18wx16h)


My dream closest & handbag shelf! Courtesy of Bagadocious

The image is amazing and I will be able to tell exactly what is stored in my bag. The lining itself is so soft I wouldn't hesitate to wrap a baby in it, so I know it will treat my purse right! Even the way it was mailed to me was special, I felt like I was opening a gift wrapped in pretty leopard print paper! The bag is high quality, stitching is impeccable and I can tell this will last as long as my purse does. Definitely something I need to look into for my winter boots that need stored.

You can purchase your custom made storage bag at www.bagadocious.com. Prices will vary based on your selections.

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I did receive the above product to try it and offer my opinion.

Flip Flop Wines Review

I'm all grown up and one of the perks of being all grown up is that I can legally relax in the evening with a nice ~~bottle~~ glass of wine before bed. So when I was contacted by Flipflop wines to see if I wanted to work with them on a review I almost offered to send them the postage, I was so excited.

About Flipflop Wines:

“I am excited to be able to craft expressive wines for everyday enjoyment, and to make a meaningful contribution to a worthy cause at the same time,” says David Georges, vintner for flipflop wines. “For anyone looking for a wine that expresses true varietal character at a great value, flipflop is the perfect choice. These wines are comfortable, unpretentious and they deliver on taste. And, at only $7 (SRP) a bottle, they are an exceptional value.”
The flipflop collection includes Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir wines. “With seven varietals, there is a flipflop wine for everyone, which is why we say „to each, their own‟” says Georges.

I have worked in several "fine" dining restaurants over the years, doing everything from hostessing, to serving to managing and to be 100% honest I never quite understood why on earth someone would want to spend $70 or more on a bottle of wine. Sure, I never complained when it bumped the check up, but I couldn't grasp how someone could drop 200 bucks on something that would be gone in less than an hour. Maybe I just don't have the correct mindset, but I prefer to enjoy something is affordable and great tasting.

At $7 a bottle, I wasn't sure what to expect but I ended up being extremely pleased (no--I didn't drink all 3 completely on my own--I let the hubs have ~~one~~ several glasses). Turns out there are several things that I ended up liking about these wines. First of all I loved the labels, both the front pictures because they are so fun and the back labels because they give so much information. They tell you what foods the wine will compliment, what type of "taste" it has, how it should be served and where it ranks on the dry-sweet scale. It's like a "Wine for Dummies" right on the back of the bottle.

Normally I favor a sweet chilled red wine because I'm classy like that, but I fell in love with the Riesling. Maybe it's the spring in the air that makes it taste so good with it's hint of peach, apricot and melon. Whatever it is, I love the chilled smoothness of it. The Pinot Grigio wasn't quite as smooth but I still enjoyed it and would definitely purchase it again. The Pinot Noir was my least favorite of the three, but only because I don't like dry wines. It wasn't so dry it made my mouth pucker but I just preferred the Riesling. However Hubby loved it and had no problem finishing it for me, he said it was a more robust taste than the whites.None of those ring your bell? Don't worry, they also have Chardonnay, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on the list.

If my opinion isn't enough and the $7 price tag doesn't make you run out and grab a bottle (after all, what have you got to loose for $7?) how about the fact that flipflop wines has partnered with Soles4Souls? For the first 100,000 bottles of wine sold, flipflop will donate 100,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. So you can relax, enjoy a bottle of wine AND know you did something good for someone less fortunate.

Flipflop wines can be purchased locally or online (provided you are 21 of course). Want to find out more about them? Connect on Facebook and Twitter!

I was not compensated financially for this review. I was given the above mentioned items in order for me to try them and offer my opinion. Remember: under age drinking is illegal. Drink Responsibly, don't drink and drive.

Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Cream Review & Giveaway

How Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Creams are Different
Filipinos are well-known for their youthful appearance and soft skin, even though they live in a climate that exposes them to the sun’s rays year round. Coconut oil is their main dietary oil, and is also the main ingredient in their skin care products.
All of the Moisturizing Creams that Tropical Traditions offers are made with organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Virgin Palm Oil. No other products on the market are made with finer oils as their base. Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil is traditionally made from fresh organic coconuts, and independent laboratory tests show that it has a higher level of antioxidants than other coconut oils.
Virgin Palm Oil contains high concentrations of a powerful form of Vitamin E called “tocotrienols” which published research has shown is 40–60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol (the most common form of Vitamin E found as an additive in most skin care products.) In addition to these powerful Vitamin E tocotrienols, Virgin Palm Oil is also rich in natural carotenes. It is one of the richest natural plant sources of carotenes with concentrations of 500–700 ppm. It is 15 times more retinol-equivalent than carrots and 300 times more than tomatoes, for example.

I always enjoy trying new products from Tropical Traditions and I have yet to be disappointed in them. This time around I choose to review the Organic Moisturizing Cream in Baby silk scent.

     The Moisturizing Cream are hand-made and 100% natural, containing no alcohols, no artificial fragrances and no petroleum products. The come in scented and unscented and ever the scented ones contain only high quality organic essential oils imported from France.

    I already have a daytime facial lotion that I absolutely adore and I wasn't planning on switching, but this cream is good for Hands, Face and Body so I thought I would give it a shot. I ended up being very glad that I did because by the time it came in the mail I was going through a super dry spell. Nothing I put on my face made any difference, I was peeling like crazy and have zero idea why (I even upped my water intake). I started applying it at night after my shower. The cream is VERY thick, more like a balm, but once it touches the heat of your body it smooths in nicely. Because there is no alcohol it does take several minutes to absorb completely and personally I don't recommend using it as a day cream under makeup, it's too thick in my opinion.
     As a night cream it rocks, I love the super silky feel of my face after I apply it and after about a week of using it daily, the horrible dryness was gone. You need very little as it goes a long way. Some people would prefer the unscented version but I find that I really enjoy the Baby Silk scent, it's very light and just noticeable enough to be soothing. Other scents include: Lavender, Citrus, Peppermint, Arnica and of course the Baby Silk & unscented.

Once again, Tropical Traditions has outdone themselves and created an amazing Organic product!

BUY IT: You can purchase the Organic Moisturizing Cream at www.tropicaltraditions.com. A 4oz jar runs from $12.99 to $14.50 depending upon the scent.

WIN IT: Tropical Traditions has been gracious enough to agree to give one of my readers a full size moisturizing cream in their choice of scent.

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. Make sure you follow through with anything you say you do as I will verify. Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Tropical Traditions and sign up for the Newsletter., enabling you to receive specials deals and sales AND let me know what scent you would choose if you won!

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Tropical Traditions on Facebook+1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1
~blog about this giveaway and leave me a link to it +5
~post my button on your wall (leave me a link) +2

~add me to your blog roll and leave me the link +2

~follow Tropical Traditions on twitter +1

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win a jar of Organic Moisturizing Cream @troptraditions &
@yorkiemomma Ends 6/4/11 US & CA http://bit.ly/iykAbs

Giveaway will end 06/04/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to US & Canada, must be 18+ to enter.
Winner will be drawn by random.org, notified by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Tropical Traditions not responsible for customs fees to Canada.

I received the above mentioned product in order to review it and offer my honest opinion. No other compensation was offered or received.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I know he did something.....

My husband. I know he did or broke something. I just haven't figured what it is yet.

Then how do I know you ask? Simple. He's not a talkative sorta guy under normal circumstances and definitely not a ooshy gushy compliment giver. Normally I have to say "Hey, I colored my hair, it looks nice, RIGHT"

Well I have been getting texts from him. Several saying "hi beautiful" one saying "thanks for the $$ you left me" (I left him 8 bucks cuz that's all I had) and to top it all off I went to nuke my dinner last night and when I opened the microwave I thought I was in the wrong house because it was freaking spotless-brand-spanking-new looking.

So I'm pretty sure it's something really bad.....like there is a giant hole in my roof that I just haven't noticed or maybe he told his brother he could move in with us.

I'm hoping it's a giant hole in the roof....or maybe a girlfriend.....as long as it isn't the brother.

Shopping & Bing Rewards Preview Program

;

Thank you to BING for sponsoring my writing today. To learn more about BING Shopping Rewards, click here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

I like to shop, however I've never been the type that can spend hours and hours rambling around the mall. I guess I should say instead that I like to buy things! Ever since online shopping became available and so common place I am a much happier camper. I love to search out the best deals I can find, comparing items from site to site. Plus I can shop at every store I need too (okay WANT to) without ever having to leave the house and fight crowds, wait in long lines or get to the store only to find out that they are out of stock on what I am looking for.

Even with items I would plan to purchase in store, I often do my research online before heading to the store. Especially larger items like appliances or electronics. It's nice and help full that you can read reviews and hear what other consumers have to say before plunking your hard earned money down on an item that could turn out to be junk or wonder that a salesman is just hyping it up because he'll get some sort of commission by selling it to you.

Now the latest trend is search engines or websites that reward you to shop or search online. The only problem is figuring out which ones are best and which ones you'll never be able to redeem a reward from because the goal is just too far out of reach. It can be really confusing, but lately I have had the opportunity to try out Bing Shopping Rewards.

About the Bing Rewards Preview Program: Shopping on a Search Engine’s Dime
Remember those old cartoons that depicted a character facing a dilemma with an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other? If you enjoy shopping, here’s how the dialogue goes for you: One tells us to spend less, save more; the other beckons us with promises of sales and free shipping. Of course, if you had a gift card to your favorite retailer, you could shut both voices up and shop guilt free, right?
The Bing Rewards Preview program gives you shopping free will by allowing you to earn credits for searching and exploring various features of Bing. Once credits begin to add up, you can go ahead and redeem them toward gift cards, buy merchandise, even give to charity.
There are two easy ways to start earning and tracking your credits:

Go the Bing Bar route. Just install the Bing Bar toolbar onto your browser and register, and you can watch the Rewards credit counter climb.

Head to Bing.com on the Web. Just complete the registration form and track your progress by checking the Rewards credit counter located on the top right of the Bing.com header.

And, upon signing up, you’ll automatically start with 250 credits.
Once you’ve accumulated a fair number of credits (to give you an idea, 1338 credits can get you a $10 Starbucks gift card!), head to the Redemption Center and start shopping. Beyond getting your caffeine fix, you can fuel your makeup obsession with a Sephora giftcard, and not feel bad about splurging on that pricey mascara you’ve been wanting. Or, you may choose to buy just about anything you want by choosing an Amazon.com giftcard. You can also cash in your credits for specific products like the Scrabble board game, a DVD player, and more.
Learn how to hit the virtual shopping aisles at http://www.bing.com/rewards/

signup.

I have found it remarkably easy to rack up the points since I have started using it (of course the 250 point bonus was a huge help). I simply put the toolbar on my home and work computers and whenever I visit a website I use it. Easy Peasy. Sometimes the little button next to my points will tell me that if I click on the link to visit a certain page they'll give me X amount of points, since it's so easy and takes just a second I always click and earn my points. Before signing up for this program I had heard of Bing (who hasn't seen the commercials, right?) but my default engine was already there so I just never switched. Now I'm glad I did, I did the same search on Bing and my "old" engine and compared results. Bing definitely was the winner, giving much more precises information on what I was looking for while the "old" guy had all kinds off extras thrown in.
The threshold for redeeming the points you earn with Bing Rewards is very reasonable too. For example, a $10 amazon card was just over 1000 points. I am already well on my way to earning some new e-books! If you are the type that doesn't like to save up, there are plenty of items and sweepstakes that are even under 100 points.
I am really happy to have found this great program and search engine. It is definitely my default go to from here on out!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Branson & the Legend Kung Fu Package!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone is Kung Fu Overnightin’- Huh! Come stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and see Legends of Kung Fu Show.

What better way to have a great time this summer than taking a trip to Branson, and what better place to stay than the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Complete the vacation with action-packed entertainment at the Legend of Kung Fu Show.

The Legend of Kung Fu Package includes 4 tickets and exclusive Hilton Family Preshow Access 30 minutes prior to Legend of Kung Fu Show, $25 to the Legend of Kung Fu gift shop, and a 1-night stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel for 2 Adults and 2 Children.

Branson’s Best Value Package -
Or if you are looking for a little more adventure the Branson’s Best Value Package is ideal. This 3-night package for a family of 2 adults and 2 children includes 2-day passes to Silver Dollar City and 4 tickets to the Legends of Kung Fu show for as low as $600.00!

Branson has ongoing events for everyone’s entertainment this summer like the exciting Second Annual Branson Mustang Rally, National Kid’s Fest at Silver Dollar City, Family Fishing Fair, Branson Z Fest, live entertainment, theaters and much more. Both hotels are within easy driving distance of Branson’s championship golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters. With so much to offer, this exciting vacation community is perfect for everyone!

I'd love to try the ziplines!

With so many different events going on in Branson all summer long, who wouldn't enjoy staying at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing? They even have pet friendly accomadtaions for those of us her don't like to kennel our buddies!

Keeping Your Relationship Fresh

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TwoOfUs for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

No matter what age you are, whether you have been dating for 5 days, 5 years or married for 20 years, everyone has relationship questions. Naturally all of your friends and family are more than willing to offer you advice, solicited or not! Many times I'm sure, they aren't always the best sounding board and maybe you would rather have some feedback from an impartial party. I mean, wouldn't it be great if there was a place you could go with your relationship questions and get advice without having to endure all the subtext from you friends or family? Honestly, I often need to vent or discuss something but hate to go to a family member because when it's all done and over I will be over it but they can bring it up over and over again or even hold a grudge.

So where should you go when you need a little help in the love department? What happens after the "honeymoon" stage is over? Or how do you keep passion in a long lasting marriage?

I'm not gonna lie, there are days when clobbering my husband of 13 years over the head is something I daydream about. Sometimes I fantasize about what it would be like to live alone. Then I feel guilty about ti because you read all these other blogs with the "perfect" marraiges and ooshy gooshy stuff, so you really don't want to post about it or maybe feel you aren't as "good" as everyone else.

From looking around the Two of Us website, I have learned some great tips on keeping your relationship fresh. And that it's okay to feel that way, while many people don't admit they are often feeling exactly the same. That doesn't mean I want a divorce or that we have a bad relationship....it just means we've been married 13 years and while we are best friends we can still irritate the snot out of each other.

There is an interesteing video by CSI actor/author Hill Harper who talks about the misconceptions about marraige, men and family. He also speaks on how to strengthen relationships between black men and women. I found it very interesting to listen to him talk, most often it seems to be women who open up and talk about these issues and I enjoyed hearing a mans perscpective.

If you are in a relationship of any time length you will find great information at twoofus.org and also it would great to like them on Facebook for daily tips.

To Blog or Not To Blog

That is a question I have been pondering alot lately. It's been a really rough couple of months for me. (for the record, I'm not whining about it--just stating some facts). My mother has been in the hospital 5 times since March 1st. At least two of those times was so bad that she doesn't remember me taking her in or the first day or so she was there. It's been many different factors, such as cellutlitis, kidney failure, possible stroke and all these things stem from her Lupus and her blood disorder. At 56 she has been through more than many people in there 90's.

I know not every feels the same way, but my mother is truly one of my best friends. I was a rotten teenager but when I grew up I realized what she meant to me and how much her (and my father) sacrificed to give us the life we had. We were never rich but they gave us what they could, we were always clean, fed and loved. Now I feel like it's my turn to give some of that back. My sister has her excuses and doesn't really help....ever. So when mom's sick I take care of her while dad is at work, if she is in the hospital I visit everyday after work because I know she gets depressed and scared when she is there alone.

All this adds up to really long days for me. Last year at this time I had a full time co-worker who knew what she was doing, since then she was fired (for good reasons). So now I do all of the work, plus the fact that we are opening a 4th store and all of their paperwork comes through me. It's fine, I can handle it 99% of the time, but summer is crazy for us (a roofing, siding, heating & cooling wholesaler). My hours change to 7am to 5pm and the phones ring incessantly. Last week I hired a 20 year old girl to help out. She's sweet and does what I tell her, but the chick has nothing but space between her ears.

Overall that means I leave the house at the crack of dawn and many nights don't get home until 7 at the earliest. Sometimes if mom is having a bad night it's later, or on the occasions that I am in the ER with her I might get home at 4 am. I still have my grocery shopping, errands, bill paying, laundry and everything else to do.

I haven't had time to pitch companies about reviews & giveaways. I've mostly been taking whatever pitches I get from PR people and running those. I haven't had time to write any personal posts or non-review type posts. I'm tired and I'm cranky. For awhile now I have been thinking of closing up shop. I love doing it, but I've been behind or I end up with a sponsor that wants their stuff done NOW, and sometimes that just isn't possible for me.

I forgot how much I enjoy blogging and doing reviews and giveaways. I forgot why I started doing this and just got tired. Then I remembered. I remembered some of the awesome friends I've made doing this. Friends like Melbie who I actually met on a TTC board 4 years ago, who understands when I say I'm sorry I haven't been in touch, mom's sick. Friends like Babes Rockin Mami, who I text and say Hey--I need a recipe real quick and she sends it. Friends like Boobies who is willing to randomly send me crazy text pictures just to make me laugh when she knows I'm having a rough day. I was still considering closing up shop, I have a couple reviews left, figured I would post them and call it a day.

Then yesterday I came home after a rotten 13 hour day and saw a package from a sponsor I worked with before. As a matter of a fact I had just recently emailed her and apologized that I was taking so long and would have her stuff up soon. She's great. One of those sponsors that sends you feed back about your work that lets you know she actually read it...not the normal "Great Review, let me know when you have a winner" you get from so many sponsors.

I was confused because I knew I wasn't expecting anything from her. I opened it up and found a note that said:

Hello again Carrie,
After reading about everything going on in your world these days, and just imagining the amount of stress you must be under...well, I thought this little guy might help, even if all he does is bring a little smile to your face for a minute or two. I hope your mom is doing better. Hang in there,

and this little guy:

and I cried. I'm not a crier. The last time I even cried at a movie was the one when the dog Marley died. But I cried. Because I have people like Mel, Boobies, Babes Mami and this wonderful sponsor in my life. I've never met any one of them in real life. People I never would have "met" if it was for this blog. I can't tell you what the crazy little dinosaur meant to me when I opened up the box, as a matter of fact if she asked me to wear her companies T-shirts to work everyday for the rest of my life, I'd do it..

So I guess I'm saying I plan on sticking around. I don't know who I haven't met yet that could become just as important to me. It might be a little slow for a bit, but I'll do my best.

Thanks everyone.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Pretty Woman Nails, Review & Giveaway

The must-have “It” accessory for 2011 is bling – but it’s not jewelry. It’s bling for your nails. Hollywood’s hottest celebrities like Katy Perry, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Blake Lively are making nail art a style statement all its own. From the couture runways to Tinsel town’s red carpets, everyone is rocking this year’s biggest beauty trend.

“Manicures are no more limited to just a coating of your favorite nail color,” says Richard Mallon of Pretty Woman USA, a leading manufacturer and supplier of artificial nails, nail foils, nail art, nail polish artificial eyelashes and a variety of accessories. “From rock stars to Hollywood’s A-listers, no outfit is complete without this fashion accessory.”

Pretty Woman’s Airbrushed Nail Kits

It isn't always convenient to run out and get a manicure. You may not have the time, money or the resources. You may not even have time to paint your nails and wait for them to dry. Dry nail appliqués are a great solution to all of these issues. Pretty Woman offers at-home DIY Airbrushed nail kits available in fashion forward designs, colors and ease of use. In minutes, you can have a professional manicure that lasts up to days. “Professional nail art services at spas and salons can be expensive with prices starting at $55.00 per manicure,” adds Richard. “Pretty Woman kits offer a wide selection of designs and colors starting at $5.99 available at Rite Aid stores nationwide.”

About Pretty Woman USA

Pretty Woman is leading the market in bringing new and innovative products in the artificial nail category. The company’s new Metallic nails and nail foils have been introduced to retailers and the professional market over the past year. Its extensive libraries of designs are specifically developed to expand upon the same ‘beiges and pinks’ that are already redundant in today’s USA Planogram. They are designed to increase the market while not cannibalizing what is already there.

Pretty Woman is also one of the larger suppliers of OEM nail polish in the USA, shipping more than 15 million bottles per year. Our base in the professional market, under our European brand, Kinetics, has enabled Pretty Woman to consistently be the first to introduce salon innovations into the retail market. Pretty Woman is a $25+ Million company, worldwide, with more than 450 employees in its factory in China, and their Latvia and United States offices. Pretty Woman owns its own factory and uses the latest nail molds and nail production techniques at a capacity of over 2.5 million nail shots per month. The company’s customers in the United States include Rite Aid. In addition, they sell Claire’s and Icing under their own private label brands.

I got to try one of these kits for myself. Typically I am not a "fake" nail girl as I am very lucky in the fact that my nails grow very long on their own. However someone cursed me recently by saying how nice they were, yada yada, so I broke every darn one. I thought that was a great time to give the Pretty Woman nails a shot. They were very easy to put on, come in amazing colors and designs and I got a ton of compliments! Nobody could tell I did them myself and didn't spend a fortune at a salon.They are a very reasonable length so don't worry about them being to long to do your normal every day routine.

WIN IT: One of my readers is going to win a kit of these gorgeous nails for their own.

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. . Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment.

Mandatory Entry:

~Visit Pretty Woman and tell me what your favorite style is

Bonus Entries

(do as many as you like, or none at all!)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Follow me on Networked Blogs +2

~enter any of my other active giveaways +1 each

~add me to your blog roll +1

~Grab my button and link me back to it +3

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

Have gorgeous salon nails without the salon expense. #Win a set of Pretty Woman Airbrushed Nails @yorkiemomma http://bit.ly/mNIWAn

Contest open to the US only, must be 18+ to enter. Winner to be drawn by random.org and notified by email. Must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn. Ends 5/28/11

I received a sample set of nails to try. All opinions are my own honest opinion. No other compensation was received.

Mentoring Minds Teacher Appreciation Contest

Here's something you may not know about me: I went to college to be a high school teacher. Here is another fact: I hated it! I had no where near enough patience to teach high school kids. I did come away from it with the utmost respect for those who do teach, especially those who teach well. As a matter of a fact I still have dinner at least once a year with one of my high school teachers, I was a rotten teen and yet I never skipped one of her classes. I never wanted her to be disappointed in me.

That brings me to the point of this post, Mentoring Minds is an educational publisher that helps with teacher education and focus on creating a learning environment for children. Mentoring Minds is a huge support for teachers and they work hard to help them with strategies for teaching, flip charts, classroom management skills and even assessments for other subjects.

They are running a contest right now. If your child has a teacher that goes the extra mile, that makes your child enjoy learning then this is a great way for you to show your appreciation. Let them know you appreciate their teaching strategies by nominating them. All you have to do is submit a 200 word essay saying why you think they are an important part of your child's education. 200 words may sound like alot, but trust me, it really isn't. As a matter of a fact, this post is longer than 200 words! The contest ends June 15th so hurry to enter and your child's teacher could win a $250 gift certificate. That would go a long way in a classroom! Click the image or article below to visit the Mentoring Minds website and submit your entry.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Winners

The winner of the Mother of All Giveaway is: #78 Ashley Ohio
The winner for the Juggle away the jiggle is: #12 Kathleen

Congrats Ladies! Thanks for entering and thanks to the sponsors for providing the prizes.