Browsers, baby, browsers.

In our computer world, we rely on browsers, its the program that retrieves web pages from the internet and displays them on the screen for you My personal choice is Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer was driving me crazy with the glitches, its lack of speed to name a few. So a while back, I downloaded Firefox and my craziness has subsided... at least when I'm browsing the internet!

So, my curious mind would like to know, what is your browser of choice? Because you do have a choice, you know.

Do you Google or Yahoo? In the search engine world, I mean. Or do you prefer another search engine?

My preference, Google! I google everything, lol!

Those are my techno questions for the day!

I do not work for Monopoly or Parker Brothers.

Let's get one thing straight, I do not work for or have ever worked for Parker Brothers , the makers of Monopoly. I know I have mentioned monopoly here before, but I am not getting paid to talk about it. Got it?

Day three of summer vacation with my kids. After Erika was invited to sleep over at a friend's and husband was out of town, it was me and Blake. I thought, we can cuddle, watch a movie and eat popcorn. NOT!

Here's how it went down:

He said, "Take a break mommy, ( I was sitting at the computer) and lets play monopoly". It was about 5:30pm, and thought that was a great idea, so he set up the board game and was "not so"patiently waiting for me. I walked to the kitchen table to find "Atlanta in a Box" set up and ready to go.

FYI: "Atlanta in a Box" is a monopoly clone based in Atlanta, Georgia. It has spaces such as Georgia Tech, The Varsity, Zoo Atlanta, Dekalb Farmers Market, Turner Field, Georgia State Capitol, and Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Cards include local events and staples of life in Atlanta. Instead of houses, you build skylines. Instead of hotels, you get keys to the city. Instead of the race car, thimble, cannon and so forth, "Atlanta in a Box' has a Georgia Peach, baseball glove, sailboat, pretzel, etc.

My dad gave us this game before the kids were born. At the time, Craig and I looked at each other, both wondering, why? We already had monopoly. Well, thank you daddy, because we love playing this game as a family and Blake is the monopoly and "Atlanta in a Box" champ in our family. It has taught him to count money, make change, the value of money, saving for purchases and stuff like that. Only he's become slightly obsessed and very competitive.

So the game began, and it was obvious I was having luck landing on good property to purchase and I was getting set-up nicely. I was making a lot of money, too. He was getting really frustrated and started whining about how it was not fair, and I had so much property, and he had no money, etc. And it kept happening, my luck was getting better. Then the alligator tears started falling, and it tore right into me. I mean, come on! He's 7! I purposely skipped a space or two, so his "baseball glove" wouldn't land on my property, I mean, come on! He's 7! So eventually we were in trading mode, and I let him convince me to make a deal that was certainly to his advantage. This was the beginning of the end for me. The tables turned, he started making money, getting more property, yada, yada, yada. You know the story. 4 1/2 hours later, he wipes me out, and thank goodness, too, I was exhausted.

So, was I wrong to let a few things slide during our game to allow a better outcome for him, which in turn paved the way for him to win? Let me remind you, he's 7! He has the cutest dimples and big beautiful eyes. I wanted our evening to be special and memorable. I accomplished that, for sure.

Fun facts about monopoly:

• Over 200 million MONOPOLY games have been sold worldwide.
• More than five billion little green houses have been "built" since 1935.
• A MONOPOLY game made by my friends at Alfred Dunhill, with gold houses and silver hotels, sold for $25,000.
• The longest MONOPOLY game in history lasted 70 straight days.
• The longest MONOPOLY game in a bathtub lasted 99 hours!

Don't tell Blake, or we'll be playing in the bathtub!

More homework from my Mom!

My mom, aka Gaston Studio, tagged me for this 6 Tag game where you post your " Six Unimportant Things That Make Me Happy" and then name six bloggers to play along. All the things that make me happy are very important to me but I'll wing it, so here are my 6 things:

1. The beach! Bet you didn't see that coming, lol!
2. The family playing monopoly and seeing my 11 year old finally winning because normally my 7 year old wins!
3. Seeing how excited my dog Collins gets when my husband walks in the door.
4. Watching my children mimic their daddy at the dinner table - they anticipate his actions before he does.
5. Having a vase of sunflowers on my kitchen counter to enjoy daily.
6. Hanging out with my family and friends!

To play along, I've selected 6 blogger friends:

Are we there yet?

Mom's fortress of Solitude

Peanut Butter & Smelly's Dad

Rundpinne

Ziggy's Blog

Coffee with the Mrs.

Stop and visit these bloggers and see what they're all about!

Happy Memorial Day, ya'll!

I hope this finds everyone safe, happy and filled with joy on this Memorial Day.

Take 20% off at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories , this includes everything already on sale, so hurry over and snag yourself a bargain!!

Use coupon code MEMDAY at checkout to receive the 20% discount now through Friday, May 29th.

Small Talk Six

While visiting Momdot.com, I saw this post and thought it was a nifty idea, yes, nifty and thrifty. Why you ask? Hmmmm...

Maybe its because these two women (let's pretend its me and my BFF - you know who you all are!) are sitting at a table (let's pretend it's at Starbucks), drinking cups of coffee (again, pretending Starbucks) and one is eating a piece of cake (let's pretend its Michel since she is so completely obsessed with cake not like other friends of mine, but she's my blogging BFF, so its all fair).

I just had to play along because its also about one of my favorite things, the beach, ocean, heaven, (whatever you want to call it).

Name 6 things you love or hate about the ocean. This is so easy, I could do it with my eyes closed, thrifty, yes?

1. I love how the sand feels between my toes and how relaxing it is.
2. I love the relaxing sounds of the waves lapping against the shoreline and the squawking of the seagulls overhead - it puts me in a coma.
3. I love how easily entertained my kids are at the beach and how they love it as much as I do.
4. I love walking on the beach picking up sea shells and various other strange treasures.
5. I love ocean sunsets, they are simply the best.
6. I hate jellyfish, 'nuff said.

Hot fun in the summertime!

I love the beach, and when I saw these questions at Crazy Sam's blog, Saturday 9, I just had to join in.

Saturday 9: Hot Fun in the Summertime

1. Is summer your favorite season? Why?

It's only my favorite season when I'm at the beach, otherwise, no because I don't enjoy high humidity mixed with 100 degree temperatures and mosquitos!

2. Do you exercise more in the summer because you wear less clothing?

I wish I could say yes, but no.

3. Do you enjoy tanning or are you more concerned about the dangers of basking in the sun?

I do enjoy tanning, in moderation and with an SPF 30 or higher :).

4. You are on the beach when a waiter appears for your drink order. What do you ask for?

Vodka and lemonade, or something with mangoes in it, heck just throw a mango in my vodka and lemonade :). Refreshing!

5. Do you camp in the summertime?

I don't camp, period.

6. What was your favorite summer vacation as a kid?

Family reunions at the beach. A relative would rent a huge beach house and all the kids would run in and out and all around the beach, in a pack.

7. Do you enjoy sleeping outdoors?

Absolutely not. Please refer to the camping question.

8. Do you throw a summer barbecue every year?

Yes, we normally have a 4th of July bar-b-que.

9. Have you ever been to a nude beach? If yes, what did you think?

You're kidding, right?

Aloha Friday, May22nd

Today is Aloha Friday and gosh how I wish I was on a beach right this very minute.

My question for you today:

Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? Who gave it in your honor and how old were you?

My answer:

I've had two actually. One when I turned 18 years old and my mom surprised the hell out of me at our home, no less. I still cannot figure out how she pulled that one off. The drinking age was 18 back then, need I say more?

The second one was my 40th and my husband organized this one. I cannot say I was excited about it. Embarrassed is more like it. We were living in a new city, so my friends were new,and I was rather uncomfortable about most of it. I like to be the life of the party, but on my terms. Not to mention the house was not clean and there were some invitees that would take notice to this fact. Plus, I thought I had expressed more than once to him, that's not my thing, it's his. The one huge highlight of the event, my mom and sister drove in from out of town to celebrate with me.

Husbands, if you are going to surprise your wife with a birthday party at your home, please clean the damn house before the guest arrive! Otherwise, she may spend the entire party worrying about the bathroom, the dust, the mess, etc.

I follow you, then you follow me, or else.

Blog etiquette, does everyone know what it is? How do you feel about it? Does it bother you when people are not courteous on your blog?

With so many people blogging these days, I believe that personal blogs are kind of like a person's home. Would you stop by a person's home and not use your manners? Let's face it, these days, many people don't have manners or don't use them. This is especially relevant in blogland. Read on...

As I wander around the blogosphere, reading other blogs, a few things drive me crazy. Tell me if you haven't thought some of the same things?

Please don't spam. One thing that really gripes me are the people who leave comments for the sole sake of promoting their business. You know who you are, you blatantly post your url in the comment section without any reference to the post. It's one thing if there is relevance to your link, but I'm referring to those commenters that clearly haven't read the post they are commenting on. Would you leave your business cards and brochures at someone's house you just visited?

Please don't expect anything in return. I'll explain this, if you link to a blog that you find interesting, informative, entertaining, whatever the reason, do not expect that blogger to link back to you. That's not how it should work. Maybe you find a blogger who is following you, you go visit their blog to thank them, and find their blog not your "cup of tea". Do you automatically follow them? Would you return to their house if you didn't have anything in common? I say no. Be honest with yourself and true to yourself.

Commenting. If you are going to comment, please read the post first, then browse what others have already said in the comment section, because if what you are about to say is the same thing, best left unsaid. Think before you comment, be mindful of the blog author who took their time writing the post..Take the time to actually read their post, otherwise what is your point for following them?

While commenting, please do not ask a blogger to follow you. This is really tacky.

Please don't clutter your page with "stuff". If I visit your blog and it takes too long to load because it is bogged down with crap, I will move on. As much as I find it interesting and would like to follow, I will not. We're all busy, so clean your "house" and make it easy for people to come in.

Please don't whine. All the time. Enough said.

Even if you're blogging to make money, as many are doing these days, be courteous, be interesting, be respectful, have class, and above all, use your manners, damnit! Treat other blogs like you would treat your own.

How do you feel about this? I'd really like your honest feedback?

Disclaimer: These observations and statements are the opinion of the blog author. If I have upset anyone, I don't feel I need to apologize as I don't usually apologize for voicing my opinions. I'm not a manners expert. I'm a jewelry artist (this is a relevant link).

Aloha Friday, May 15th

Aloha ya'll!

My thought provoking question for you today:

Do you view life as "the glass is half full, or the glass is half empty"?

My answer:

I'm usually wearing my rose colored glasses while looking at my glass half full :).

LOST ROCKS!

If you are a Lost fan, are you reeling from last night's season finale? I am and I can hardly think of anything else! I've never been this attached to a tv show and to think I have to wait until 2010 to find out what happened? Just freeze me now (is cryonics an option?) and thaw my body out when season 6 begins.

Thank you very much writers and producers, you must be so happy with yourselves torturing us mere mortals. In my wildest dreams, and believe me, I have some doozies, I couldn't have imagined everything that we found out last night in the 2 hour finale. I was on the edge of my seat and checked the time at each commercial to anticipate how much excitment I had left to endure. I was exhausted and drained afterwards, but will watch it again and again! Thank you DVR!

If you are not a Lost fan, you are really missing something special!

Go here for more info on Lost and entertaining and informative interviews with the executive producers of Lost, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof , brilliant storytellers.

Wordless Wednesday.

I'd like to spread a little sunshine today,
and I adore sunflowers, they're so happy!.

Two Fer Tuesday, two giveaways!!

Hold the phone! Another giveaway? I've decided today is Two Fer Tuesday, because I must tell of another incredible giveaway at A Daily Dose of Toni, no its not me, its another strong, confident, go-getter aptly named Toni. Here's a great way to win one of my necklaces from the Metals Collection, visit A Daily Does of Toni and enter to win the Kimberly Necklace, shown below. Toni, (not me, I swear) has multiple ways to enter, so go forth and tweet, blog, comment and whatever else to increase your chances. The contest ends Thursday, May 21st, so hurry on over to enter. Be sure to follow her blog, if you haven't already, Toni tells funny and inspiring tales of her everyday life, and offers fabulous giveaways. We could be twins.

Last 2 days to enter the Happily Handmade Giveaway!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13th is the last day to enter the Happily Handmade Giveaway! A giveaway, you say! Read my previous post for all the details or you may pop over to Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories to get the details and sign up, all you need to enter is your full name and a valid email address! Easy as pie.

They are giving away 25 glorious baskets full of handmade goodness valued over $300 each. Yep, you heard me, so if you haven't already, enter at all the sponsors' websites to increase your chances of winning. Look for the official HHG sponsor badge and follow the directions. Me, myself and I, a.k.a Dee-Zigns, has donated 11 one of a kind jewelry items. I've included photos of 2 of the 25 baskets to be given away.

Here's a link to all the sponsors and the exclusive discounts they are offering to Happily Handmade Giveaway visitors. Show them some love!

Aloha Friday

I know, its shocking I'm posting two times in one day! It's Aloha Friday, stop by An Island Life to learn more about Aloha Fridays. Basically you post a question for your readers to ponder, so here goes!

My question for you today:

If you are fortunate enough to go on vacation with your family for one week and asked to give up your cell phone, computer, tv, video games and all the technology that keeps us connected, could you and your family members do it?

My answer:

I could do it for one week, but I'm not sure my husband would do it. It's all about choices and my choice would be my family for that entire week. It's only one week out of our lives (see, I'm already working on him :). The kids wouldn't have a problem because they would have our undivided attention. And we would be at the beach, see photo of my kids last summer at the beach. No problems here, daddy-o!

Frustrating Friday and Fabulous Friday!

Ever have one of those days when you make a cup of coffee, then lose the cup in your house? I have these days too often, usually when I'm walking around with my mug urging Blake to get off the floor and get dressed. Why he decides to roll around on the floor when the bus will be here any minute, is beyond my comprehension! I've searched everywhere for that cup of coffee. I retraced my steps and still cannot find it. This is so darn frustrating because it was just my second cup. I know I'm obsessed with my coffee, but its better than crack, right?

Frustration took over and I have a new mug with fresh coffee. I suppose I will find that "lost" mug somewhere around the house, unless someone moved it to play around with me. Probably my mom's poltergeist! She probably sent him/she/it over to drive me crazy, not that she doesn't think I am already crazy. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I'm just saying. Head over to Gaston Studio's blog and ask her about the "lost" rain jacket or her favorite shoes. Uh huh! I'm just saying what's true.

I'm over my frustration now and thinking about how fabulous Fridays are. End of the school week. End of the work week. Our family is together for the weekend. And it's two days before Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to everyone and here's hoping you'll take a little time for YOU.

Thankful Thursday

Yes, I'm very thankful. My kids are healthy and thriving. My husband is healthy and has a job. We have a roof over our heads, food on our table, and clothes on our back.

Here are some " rather lame" things I'm also thankful for.

Watching Lost last night! So thankful we're not seeing re-runs.
Grey's Anatomy's 100 episode is tonight.
It's only 3 days until Mother's Day.
It's only __ days until my birthday.
15 days until the last day of school.


Too bad today isn't Wordless Wednesday.

Weird Wednesday!

I had an extremely weird dream last night. My cat saw a very large hamster gerbil guinea pig in the house. If that wasn't wacky enough, because we don't own one of these rodents pets I watched as my sweet little cat "Kitty" took him down! Kitty went to this freaky looking thing, pounced, bit him on the neck like a vampire and left him belly up. Another very strange ingredient to this already, weird and wacky dream, Kitty didn't look like my current cat Kitty, he looked like Romeo, my long haired black and white cat that died suddenly several years ago. Was Romeo trying to tell me something in my dream?

But wait, that's not the end of it, my dream continues, as I walk outside to look for my husband, children and my 80 lb. dog, but I froze in a panic because staring at me from many tree branches were these extremely large guinea pigs with evil eyes, it was like a scene from Alfred Hitchcocks' movie "The Birds. The obvious difference, the "birds" in my movie dream were guinea pigs. Large ones. With evil eyes.

Could it be I've seen Adam Sandler's movie "Bedtime Stories" too many times? Could it be my mom Gaston Studio is rubbing off on me with her paranoia about snakes and roaches?

On a different note, I was blown away when lil Kim and Derek were voted off "Dancing with the Stars" last night! Poor Ty, he looked just as surprised as everyone else. I was disappointed hearing the boos from the audience, that's not nice. I feel very weird about this, I didn't vote, yet again, and now I'm feeling like it was my one vote that caused the better dancer to be voted off! The only way to redeem myself is to vote next week.

Terrific Tuesday

I've decided this week of blogs will be titled with my moods and how I feel on that particular day, so watch out people!

While catching up on the various blogs I follow, I stopped at this post from Confessions of a Moody Mommy, because it mentioned" Dancing with the Stars", one of a my fav-or-rite shows, second to LOST, of course. It's a video of the Ballas Hough Band, ( you know Mark and Derek, two of the brilliant dancers from the show) and their song, "Do you love me" which features cast members, past and present, singing karoake style. It's got a great beat, makes you feel good and cracks you up, all at once. If you're a fan of the show, do check it out. Listening to and watching this video put me in a terrific mood.

I'm torn between which team I want to see win this year on DWTS. Mark and Shawn? Derek and lil Kim? Melissa and Tony? Gilles and Cheryl.? I've listed them in no particular order. They are all so great, Tony is the only pro that hasn't won. I think he has a pretty good chance this year with Melissa as his partner. So, you know where to find me tonight at 9pm, watching the results show, hoping Ty leaves. Did I vote last night? No. Have I ever voted? No. What's that all about? My vote could be the deciding factor. I hope one of my favorites don't leave tonight!

Moody Monday!

I'm moody this Monday, it's raining and supposed to rain most of the week. Yes, I know we need it, Atlanta's been in a drought for 2 years, yada, yada, yada!

Last week, I had stress and anxiety with regards to my website, specifically, my shopping cart was messed up, ARGHH! After going through several freelance web developers, I finally found one who jumped in and corrected the problem. Whew! So if anyone tried to place an order, I'm so sorry, give it another try, everything is working fine now :). It's not too late to get Mother's Day orders shipped and I assure you, you won't be disappointed with the quality and service at Dee-Zigns.

To add to my stress, I spent 12 hours yesterday participating in an artist market, which produced no sales. Because, seriosuly folks, you must let people know there is going to be an artist market, otherwise the people have no clue, and therefore will not come. "If you build it, they will come" only works in the movies with Kevin Costner. It wasn't happening yesterday. This was a well organized apparently organized for invisible people event in conjunction with a world wide bike race. Could have been a spectacular event, the weather was wonderful, the race was exciting, but apparently the organizers never advertised an artist market because there were no people. WTF? Yes, there were some people, the friends and family of the bike racers, but they weren't prepared to shop. Because the streets had to be blocked, it was like the artist market, was secluded, from the outside area. And, yes, I'm still bitter. I got up at 5am and didn't get home until 7pm, the market hours were 10am-6pm, that was time spent away from my family! My dog missed me so much, he didn't eat the 12 plus hours I was gone.

So today, I'm very moody. I'm wondering if participating in art shows are worth my time? I'm sure they are, if they are organized and advertised yada, yada, yada and blah, blah, blah.