Morning everyone,
Another busy day at the Law Firm. The office manager is on vacation so I have to pick up the slack. I wonder if I can yell at my brother without getting fired LOL. My family (hubby, 2 girls and dad) are going over to his place tonight for a Birthday Bash for Dad. It will be the first time all summer all 5 Grandkids will be together. It should be a blast. I've saved lots of points for anything not Core! Big baseball weekend for us. We play Boston 5 times starting this afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed Niki. Better get back to work. I'll stop by again later.
Stacey

Morning chicks,
Dh is off for a couple of days now so I think we are going to go rock hunting... Im putting a rock garden in the back yard next. Tomorrow is our church yard sale and then a baby shower. Sunday will be a day of rest..haha
or more rock hunting, who knows?? Have a great weekend everyone

Saundra, you are making such great memories with your grandkids. I only had one Grandmom growing up and she was always old. Natan will never forget all the things you and Bernie do with him.

Niki, that dress is absolutely gorgeous! It REALLY was an amazing deal, wasn't it? I hope you do post a picture of you wearing it. We'd love to see you. I tried to talk my Niece into listing the kids clothes on Ebay. She buys such expensive items it seems like she should get something back for them. I guess she feels she's too busy. I wouldn't!

Melissa, I'm SO glad you got your AC fixed. I hope it wasn't too expensive. Ours is the original from when my house was built in 1991. I'm always holding my breath because I heard they only last 15 or 20 years. I'm trying to save for a new heater/AC unit now.

Sandra, are the killer brownies the ones you gave me the recipe for? I still have looked for the brownie mix. I'm craving chocolate. Must be because I'm on my hormones now. I'm on a shopping budget too. I need to stop now! Ok, I read and reread your message about the swimsuit and I must be supremely dense because I don't get it. Can you pm me with out the spaces?

Frouf, I don't know how you and Kathy survive your kids! I'm glad DD is acting better after going to dance. Whatever it takes, right? Could you consider packing your makeup in the luggage to be checked? I'd go crazy if I had to throw away expensive makeup.....and they will make you throw it away! I feel the same way about the water though. I always travel with a huge bottle of frozen water. I'm sure they will be more accommodating now because of the restrictions. I hope your database is performing better this morning. Think what you could have missed out on because of the malfunction. I hope you're feeling less tired today. I bet no one even noticed with that cute Quaker Factory top you were wearing! How is your coworker today? Did you two get together later yesterday?

Kath, I DID see the fight! Word in the baseball world is that Padilla is the one starting all of the problems. You know Padilla drilled Pierzynski with a fast ball twice in a row in the same spot on his elbow in the same game with us. Jim follows all the teams and said that Padilla hit one of the Angels on Tuesday. So maybe the teams are all thinking that Padilla is out of control. Retaliation is a big part of the game. There was that whole story about Ozzie Guillen being mad at one of our young pitchers because he didn't come in and hit one of your guys like he was told to do after Padilla was hitting Pierzynski. People think baseball isn't deep but I love all the intrigue and strategy!

Stacey, can you tell that I don't follow things with other teams as closely as my husband? I didn't realize the Yanks were in first. He's a White Sox fan AND a baseball fan....I'm a White Sox Fan! At this point, it will take a small miracle for us to repeat again. Good thing I believe in miracles!

Patti, enjoy your break! I fall asleep sitting straight up....and I'm never embarassed. Jim and I used to sleep straight up sitting on the train to downtown. Gotta get those naps when you can!

Angela, how's it going? I haven't noticed your menu. Usually that means you are struggling. Anything we can do to help?

Ok....I'm off to do my banking. I'm sure I'll be back to check on you all later.

Stacey, enjoy the birtday party and the kids. It's not often I can root for the Yankees but this weekend I can! I forgot to tell you that I have close family in Jersey, most of whom are Yankee fans. We've been teasing each other for many years. It was the best baseball year of my life!

Patti, have fun hunting rocks. Where do you even go to do that?

Hi all! I'm now enduring yet another sinus infection. I went back to the dr yesterday, and got my usual antibiotics, a refill of my steriod nasal spray, and a referral to a nose doctor for mid-September. I'm glad we're finally moving on this, because I'm really tired of dealing with infection after infection. As far as my eating goes, I'm doing OK, but since my antibiotic makes me queasy the first day or two, I eat what I can stomach, whether it be Core or not.

I have a pint of blueberries in my fridge that are just sitting there. I need to do something with them quick. I'm thinking either a quick bread or this interesting blueberry sherbet recipe I found. I'll give the recipe here...I'm wondering if it would turn out if you used Splenda and ff sour cream...

Blueberry Sherbet
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients; cover and process till smooth. Press through a sieve; discard the blueberry seeds and skins. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before serving. Yield: 2 cups. Can also be made with raspberries or strawberries.

I think I'll try it with Splenda, and give you all a report on it tomorrow.

Later,
Angela

Angela - sorry you are sick again - but I agree that hopefully the referral to the other doctor will put an end to your miseries. The blueberry dessert sounds delish - let us know what you think!!!

By the way forgot to mention the other day that my brother went to Berklee as well!!

Vickie - I couldn't even bear looking at a winter coat yet - I am already depressed when I go into the stores and see all the 'dark' fall clothes already in - and have to go to the very back for the summer sales rack!

Of course I will pack my 'regular' makeup in my luggage - but I am anticipating a delayed/lost luggage situation at O'hare and want to be prepared in case that happens - which may mean no access to makeup/toiletries - so I am preparing my carryon with 'acceptable' replacements just in case. My final dilemma is mascara - seems 'liquid' mascara is not allowed - and I'm told that means a tube? Like is there any other kind (like that cake mascara from the old days? I don't think so!).

The issue also becomes challenging on the way back - on cruises you need to pack up your luggage the night before and leave it outside your cabin by midnight to be picked up for unloading in the morning. Which means you better be WELL ORGANIZED and not forget to leave out clothing/essentials. Again there are some products to be used in the am which will be liquid - so need to have an empty spot or outside pocket in luggage to you can transfer prior to airport checkin! So much to think about!

Kathy - poor you - I can't imagine doing all that - and esp in the heat! People must be dropping like flies - I sure hope the heat wave ends soon! Is Shaun packing up yet???

Patti - enjoy your time off - I think a nap on the patio is a wonderful idea!

Niki - good luck w/your ebay sales - One day I too might attempt to actually sell something - I am a good ebay buyer tho!!!

Stacey - the party sounds like fun - hope everyone has a great time!

Well good news is seems we have come across with some moving $$ for my potential employee and the option of deploying him (which means no permission needed from his superiors). He is now investigating relocation cost and will call me Monday morning - at which point if all goes well he can give his 2 weeks notice!.

I am still feeling tired - dh and I went out to dinner and movie last night as I just feel so mentally tired and needed distraction - japanese food and Scoop (woody allen movie - cute but not outstanding - good rental if you like woody). Then home and to bed earlier than usual - still had trouble getting up this morning - throat a bit raw? but we think it's from the BRAND NEW ceiling fan - you know those rotating fan with lights? SIL got a new one for her son's room and 'offered' this (used) one to us! (and it's blue and matches our bedroom). We actually have no 'fixture' in the bedroom (besides bedside and desk lamps) so this was great. Unfortunately dh was up at 3:30 am and asked if he could turn it off - too much 'wind' on him! ha ha ha

and tonight is TRIVIA GAMES NIGHT at my cruisemate's place - we are so well matched that we both love trivia and are looking forward to winning those chintzy gold plastic trophies on the ship. So we have organized a games night - and invited some of our co-workers to attend (6 are coming) and snacks/drinks provided (I hear there will also be a chocolate fondue!).

I don't think I shall go home after work - need to drop my fancy/sequin blazer off to finally get sleeves shortened and will mosey around before heading over to party around 6:30 pm!

Wish me luck!

Frouf

Foufie, did you get the pictures . I am not the best at the computer and I hope they went okay. Everyone else seem to get them, but I did mess it up as far as saying what they were etc. I got them out of order.
Rose

Angela, I'm SO sorry to hear that you have another sinus infection. That's horrible! I guess it's time to get it taken care of, huh? It's amazing that your eating is ok, considering the circumstances. Good for you! The recipe sounds good. I'm sure you could use splenda and FF sour cream. You might have to reduce the liquids though since both are more runny. What about the blueberry lemon Core muffins? They used at least a cup of blueberries.

Frouf, I think they mean the actual "gel" kind of mascara and not the Maybelline great lash kind that I use. Is there a TSA website you could check that might have a list of acceptable items? You're like me. We could definitely travel together. I have the plan AND the backup plan! My fingers and toes are crossed that you get the employee you want. Shame on those folks for trying to keep him hostage. It's always been my experience that it's better to let folks leave. Keeping them does not make for a happy, productive employee! Have fun with your trivia tonight. Jim still seems sad. I kept the list of everyone's strengths so we can try again next year. But.....back away from the fondue. Sugar is NOT your friend!

I'm off to cook dinner now. We are going to try eating our big meal early and just picking later if we are hungry.

hi there, chickies. this is one happy chicken here. i hadn't been talking much about being in the 70's because it wasn't official. however, (drumroll, please) :drum: today at ww i weighed 178.5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i dropped 3 lbs this week to get there so that took care of the 1 lb gain i had last week.

thank you all for your love and support. you are all a very important part of my success.

melissa, i'm glad you're going to have a fun weekend. curtis and i are redecorating our downstairs bathroom. i am finished with the prep work. now i need to buy red towels, etc. that's the fun part.

kathy, my sil in the austin area is having an influx of scorpions in her home. are you having any problems? she's having the exterminator come. my bil got stung 2 times yesterday. i hate scorpions. they scare me to death.

vickie, i'm going to go through my closet today or tomorrow. that's one of my plans on the "to do" list. i was wondering where you were yesterday and last night. i kept looking for your shopping report. i'm glad you and your family had a good time out. i envy your relationship you have with your family. i miss that here in montana.

stacey, you're smart to save your wpa's for the special occasion. have fun and enjoy every minute.

patti, you and hgtv have inspired me to do more around the house/yard. i'm already thinking of what to do outside next year. i know i'm planing more honeysuckles. i love the smell.

vickie, the killer brownies are the ones i posted. i am making mine with regular brownie mixes now. i can't find the carb monitor ones any more. i think the atkins craze is over. i just look for the ones that look lowest in calories and use them. so far that's working for me. this time i also added 1/4 cup walnuts. i put 1 walnut half on each top of each serving. curtis said he'd like more walnuts, but it ain't gonna happen. 1/4 cup is 5 pts. so i don't think that's too much to split 20 ways. let me know if you make them.

vickie, here's the website that popped up when i clicked on the lane bryant ad that's on the side of my screen right now. http://lanebryant.charmingshoppes.co...ue_landing.asp

angela, i'm sorry you're sick again. i'm glad you're going to a specialist. i don't know about the ice cream. have you thought of freezing them and making a sorbet?

frouf. can we see a photo of that sequin blazer? it sounds gorgeous. i'd love to see it.

hi, rose. i'm glad you're still here. i miss you when you're away at the cottage.

well, i'm off to look for some red towels. have a terrific friday,everyone.

Congrats Sandra - you are just melting away - good for you!

Here's a pic of the blazer I found on ebay- not that good tho - but you get the idea - black blazer with sequins on lapels and pockets and fancy button.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Quacker-Factory-...QQcmdZViewItem I got the 1X and it just/barely fits - the button a bit tight on my tummy (but I usually wear blazer open anyways) and good incentive to lose more weight! ha ha ha

Good luck with the remodelling and shopping for new accessories!

Okay I am assuming scorpion bites are not fatal? Or are there poisonous and non-poisonous scorpions? I would absolutely freak out if any of these critters were in my house!!!

Rose - have not checked my home email yet (too tired last night and not home tonight) but I will let you know once I log on! Thanks!

Vickie - on the TSA website they list liquid mascara as NOT allowed as carryon? and many cruiser pals are indicating this means mascara in a tube? esp gel? I hardly think the security people will care whether your mascara is gel or other when you show them the tube - and they will probably make you chuck it! I shall simply pack my mascara in my checked luggage and if need be buy another one in Miami if luggage does not appear on time??? (I tend to use expensive mascara and no way would I risk losing it! Just splurged and bought a VERY WATERPROOF MASCARA and eye shadow (in wild pink of course ) from Sephora so I can wear it while out on the beaches!)

I am so tired - mostly mental exhaustion I think? I was even considering going home and napping before the trivia games - but a) I probably wouldn't fall asleep b) everyone would be bothering me and c) I am not a good napper and tend to wake up very groggy and cranky so this would not be a good thing. Shall go to the mall - drop off blazer and shop (still on the hunt for that hard to find black bra!) and grab something to eat (japanese?) before heading to Andrea's place!

Frouf

P.S. Just browsing ebay and found this outfit - like I need more clothes - but it's very froufie-like - what do you think??? http://cgi.ebay.com/Quacker-Factory-...QQcmdZViewItem

P.P.S Never mind - they won't ship to Canada!!!

Congrats Sandra!!!! Those little milestones are as important as the big ones. They always give me incentive to try harder.

Froufy, I like the outfit. It reminds me of an outfit I wore to a Dinner Dance last year.

Getting ready to go to my brothers. Have a great night everyone.

Hi Ladies, hope everyone is having a great day. I just finished putting my kids shoes & sneakers they outgrew on Ebay. They wear the shoes once or twice and outgrow them. I live near A Outlet center, which has Stride Rite,Oshkosh,Tommy Hilfiger,etc....So the stuff I sell is mainly name brands, which people love on Ebay.
I am so looking forward to this wedding tomorrow, It is going to be alot of fun. My hair finally grew out enough for me to get it fixed from my last disaster haircut, so I went on tuesday and the girl did a great job, I cannot believe they charged $50.00 for a trim and blowdry, I don't have super thick long hair, my hair is just touching my shoulders, I think I am stuck in the 80's & 90's pricing, that is when I worked in a salon. At least I like it!

Vickie, the dress definitely was a great deal, very happy with it and it does look nice on. Your niece should sell the clothes, she would make some money doing it.

Froufie, I also thought all scorpions were poisinous, yuck I would freak out also. You sound like me, I don't go no were without my makeup, I also like expensive mascara, right now I am usind estee lauder. They will make you throw it out, you should put all your make up in the check in bag. The blazer is very pretty! Good luck, I hope you get the employee you want!

Patti good luck rock hunting, I love rock gardens!

Kathy I hope you are getting some rest & relief from the heat!

Sandra congratulations, you are doing excellent!!!

Angela hope you feel better soon, it is good you are going to see a specialist!

Stacey my fingers are double crossed, have fun at the party!

Sandra, we don't have bugs inside because we have an exterminator come every three months. I would fa-REAK if I saw a scorpion in the house.

Well I'm home from work (going in tomorrow though) and now I'm trying to decide what to do for dinner. I could cook the fish and broccoli that I planned, but Judd just called his friend to see if he wants to go riding bikes tonight. We're waiting until the friend calls back. Meanwhile ... I wait. Should I cook for just ME? It's pretty labor-intensive, this thing I was going to make. But if it works out, I'll post the recipe for you.

Anyway, Shaun just left for his last night out. He'll be home tomorrow night because we are getting him ready to go all day Sunday.

frouf, that jacket's going to look great on you. i freak out at scorpions, too. the ones in texas aren't fatal. i've seen movies that had huge black ones that were. i always have nightmares after seeing them. curtis likes the red rug/towels i got. i can tell he's been watching hgtv, too. his comment was "it makes everything 'pop'." he thought of a picture he wants to hang on an empty wall. now this is the guy who used to be super conservative and thought of extras as clutter. i'm loving it!!

thank you, stacey and nikki. i'm close to halfway to where i'm going.

nikki, you'll be gorgeous at the wedding. folks may not look at the bride.

kathy, i'm glad you don't have scorpions. my son has an exterminator regularly, too. that's the only way to go. shaun's time to leave is almost here. is he getting anxious?

Good Morning All,
It's a beautiful day in NY! The Yankees took 2 from Boston. :clap: (Yeah I know I'm obsessed) And the party was great. I shared a wonderful bottle of Italian sparkling wine with my brothers' beautiful lady (who I adore), got to see my 2 nieces and my nephew (who leaves for college next week) and had some yummy healthy food. Ok I did have a few pretzel chips with dip, but then I had grilled chicken, shrimp kabobs, corn on the cob, and barley with mushrooms and onions. I feel great.

Niki, We love to walk around Tanger. We used to go there once a year when we lived in Brooklyn, now it's only about 30 minutes from us. I think we're going to shoot out there soon for some school clothes. Have a great time at the wedding.

Froufy, How was trivia night? I'm a geek for games and puzzles.
Does anyone ever play at Pogo? I'm addicted.

Anyway going to finish my coffee and enjoy the use of the computer. My older one will take control of it soon enough.

Talk to you all later.
Stacey