Happy New Year
credit: Raspberry Road DesignsWednesday, December 31, 2008
Win a DS Game
Several blogs are sponsoring giveaways for Zenes Games for the Nintendo DS. I would really love to win one of these!! Check out the following blogs to sign up to win this game.
- The Clan McLeod as part of Game Factory Games ends Jan 2.
- Bizzie Mommy ends Jan 2.
- Thoughts from the Mrs. as part of Family Review Network & Game Factory Games ends Jan 2.
- Blessings Abound as part of Family Review Network & Game Factory Games ends Jan 3.
- Mom Start as part of Family Review Network & Game Factory Games ends Jan 5.
- Accidental Mommies as part of Game Factory Games ends Jan 6.
- a list of all the blogs holding this giveaway here
Read more...
Thank You!
I want to thank all the EntreCard users that visit my blog. A special thanks goes out to my top droppers (shown below.) The top droppers for December get extra advertising on my left sidebar this month.
Here is an award you can post on your blog if you want!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tues Ramble
I feel a ramble coming on! (that's your warning! LOL!)
It was a good day today. Like I mentioned it in an earlier post it was a warm sunny day, so we got a walk in OUTSIDE. Now the wind is howling out there (we have a wind advisory), so I am sure it's going to be COLD tomorrow. I finished putting plastic on the upstairs windows this afternoon and it does not feel drafty at all. We have replacement windows (put in by the former owner) but they do let a little air through. We used to have our computers downstairs in a front bedroom, but since I got this laptop and then moved my Mac upstairs I don't go down much. So it's really chilly downstairs.
We had a strange dinner. When I was looking for recipes I saw the Coke Roast recipe with chicken instead of beef. I tried it out (actually with a combo of chix and turkey) with a few adjustments and it was just not as good. I don't think the adjustments were the problem. We are just going to stick to the original recipe with beef. It seems as if we haven't paid attention to details with several things we made recently and things just haven't been tasting as good. I am just sick of food all together...but why am I still so big???
Tomorrow night we have a party about an hour away. We don't like to be out driving on New Years, so we decided to get a hotel room for the night. We are going to head over early in the afternoon, check in, swim, hang out, go to the party a few miles away, and then go back and sleep at the hotel. We will wake up on Thursday, grab the comp breakfast, swim, check out, and then probably go out to lunch before heading home. About a week ago I posted that we wanted to get out of town to someplace warmer, but we realized we would have to drive a LONG way to find decent weather...and then we got some decent stuff here...so we've just been hanging out. So tomorrow night will be our little getaway. w00t! I've been tossing around the idea of not bringing my laptop with me (which would be about 24 hours offline!), but Eric has to take his cause he's on call for work...so I might just take mine. If I do, I will grab movies for the kids to watch on it. I really should grab a trashy novel to read, but I don't have any on hand!
I was busy with graphic orders today. Biz was pretty quiet between Thanksgiving and Xmas, but picked up after I lowered my prices. I just did a big post about it all on my Custom Blog Designs blog. My design queue is about a week long now.
I am still behind on my posts....
OK~ The year is almost over and I haven't even taken the time to reflect back on it. And I probably won't. LOL! Nothing big sticks out...so it must have just been a regular 'ole year.
Well...I *might* be offline for a little while. I do have my Wordless Wed set to post in the morning (probably LONG before I get up...we've been sleeping in til 9ish everyday!) and will check blogs if I am not too busy in the morning.
If I don't post...make sure you have a happy and SAFE New Years celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!
Walk On!
We just took a 30 min walk OUTSIDE! That is the 4th day in a row that we walked outside! w00t! The past 2 days were a little chilly, but not horrible. Today was GLORIOUS! I am surprised we didn't see others out...on none of the days. We try to take advantage of fresh air whenever we can. It is supposed to be sunny the next several days, but too cold to get outside.
Read more...New Award!
I created a special award for a special reader of mine, Jim H! Jim is a very interesting guy with a very interesting blog called Planet Ruth. Check it out here! Congrats Jim! Well deserved!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sk8R Girl!
We went roller skating tonight! It was FUN! Eric grew up WT, so he skates well. I am not a fancy skater, but I can go backwards and I don't fall.
Meet My Friends Monday: Andreah
I don't have anything for Make Something Monday so I am participating in Meet My Friends Monday instead. This meme is hosted by Toni over at It Is Nap Time.
I would like to introduce you to a new blogger friend of mine, Andreah of Life's A Hoot. I recently stumbled upon Andreah as I was checking out blog giveaways. I really liked the look of Andreah's blog and appreciate that her blog is a combination of personal blogging and giveaways. So here is my little interview with Andreah.
I honestly started blogging because I enjoyed reading other blogs so much. I thought, I can make a fun blog that others would enjoy to read too!
In what way do you think blogging benefits you?
Besides all the great contests I get to enter!?! I also get to meet some of the most interesting women from the comfort of my home. I have anxiety problems when meeting new people so this is an easier way for me to talk to other moms without being anxious.
Has your blog evolved since you started blogging?
Well, I only started in November so it hasn't evolved much yet. But, I do have a cute new layout and design that I love. Props to Sweet Cheeky Designs and Traci for the design!
Is there anything more that you would like to get out of your blog than you do now?
I would like to start writing and posting more. I get nervous about what to say and then I hit a huge road block. I would also like to attract more readers. And, I hope to start doing more product reviews and giveaways very soon! Stay tuned for that =)
What is your best blogging advice?
Well since I am a newbie I don't have a lot of advice. I would say that I have learned that is good to put yourself out there. Comment on a lot of blogs and get to know people. Sign up on Twitter and tweet away!
Thank you for asking me to participate! I appreciate your interest in me and my blog =)
Andreah @ Life's A Hoot
I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Andreah better. Please stop by her blog and tell her HI! Read more...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Blog Readability Test
I was responding to comments left on my blog and stumbled upon The Blog Readability Test via the Book Babie blog. You just go to the site and enter the URL of your blog and it will tell you the reading level of your blog. I would say it goes way beyond the blog and reflects the author too!
(apparently it will vary from day to day depending on your posts, but let's face it...a genius is a genius! LOL!)
What do you think?
Of the new look? I'll probably keep this one up through Winter, unless I get sick of it! LOL! Are the font colors/sizes OK? Any suggestions? I have a few little tweaks to take care of, but I think it's pretty cute!
BTW~ I changed the name slightly from Diana's Daily Ramblings to Diana Rambles!
2nd Chance Winner
The 3rd prize winner from the Coco Bonbons clothing giveaway never contacted me in the allotted time, therefore I have drawn a new winner. Congrats Nanja. You have 3 days to reply to my email.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Ramble Time
Hi! I've made the rounds with EC lately, but haven't done a good job of responding to comments. I've been busy the past few days with blogs. I redid a blog for Laura and I am happy with how it came out.
I am also working on this blog. I uploaded the new template a few minutes ago, but the margins were all messed up and I didn't feel like dealing with that at 11:30pm...so I put this xmassy look back up. I'll get it all figured out and loaded tomorrow. Here's a sneak peek~
I might just make this blog private for a little bit tomorrow afternoon while I get it all adjusted. So if you come knocking and the blog is down...don't get worried! I showed my husband the design and his first comment was when are you changing that pic? I told him never. He had this look and said that I am holding my mouth weird. Yup...weird...I like it. Dori took the pic!
Speaking of blogs, tomorrow is the last day to enter the New Look for the New Year Blog Makeover Giveaway. One lucky winner will get a fab new blog look done by ME!!! Head on over to I Am Harriet and get signed up!!!
I am behind on posting. I won 3 blog giveaways recently and I need to post about them. I already received 2 of the prizes.
Today we had really WARM weather. Monday it was zero and today was in the 60s. It was a little stormy at time, but we were still able to fit in a walk. How nice it was to get fresh air in December!!! Otherwise I am trudging away each day on the elliptical machine. I started yet another blog to track my progress, but I won't bore you with that.
Hey check this out~ a blogger (from a blog I designed) has been featured in a few newspaper articles. She's an 80 yr old blogger and really COOL! Here is an article from a Seattle newspaper: Octogenarian blogs with the best of them Her blog is very insightful and often humorous!
On the homefront...thing's aren't too toxic with everyone home. I've been doing a pretty good job of being calm with my teen (well except for today when I totally over-reacted and went off on him...but I will chalk that up to PMS!) DH seems a little bored (but not really grumpy!) and the 2 youngest are just their bouncy happy selves. The kids have been having a slumber party in Parker's room each night, but we were worried that Dori would not want to sleep in her bed again if they kept that up. So tonight everyone is in their own bed...except for me who is still up on the 'puter! Imagine that!
Sisterhood Award
I've created a new blog award called the Sisterhood Award (inspired by The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants). This is a special award that should be given to your best bloggy girlfriend(s). Give them the award to thank them for their special friendship. No need to list favorites, addictions or what-not. You can even email them the award.
Here is the larger version (200x200 pixels)~
Here is the smaller version (150x150 pixels), which is perfect for sidebars.
I would like to pass on the award to my bestest bloggy/online buddy, Kim. We IM each other on a daily basis, so not only is her blog awesome, but she is a super friend and support in my life. I appreciate all the laughs and good advice that I get from her. We have not met IRL, but we will sometime. Maybe in 2009!!
Now grab the code and pass it onto your OLBBF (on-line best bloggy friend). LOL! Read more...
Friday, December 26, 2008
FFFF #7: Presents
As I gave a hint for last week, this week's theme is presents. Please post any photo(s) of presents from Christmas, Hanukkah, Yul, birthdays, or whatever. Tell us about the photo(s).
Here is a collage of my kids opening Christmas presents yesterday. We did not put gifts out until after they went to bed on xmas eve, so they were very excited when they woke up. Dori knew which ones were hers because I used Dora wrapping paper. Jake (oldest) got some tshirts and games, Parker got a Rip-Stik, tshirt, games, and anti-gravity car, and Dori got some dolls, a few clothes, toys, and a big container of crafts. They were very excited and had a fun game of playing with everything. Amazing how there was NO fighting or arguing for one day! You can click the photo to enlarge.
Now it is your turn. Please share your Present Photo(s). When you've posted your FFFF come back here and fill in the Mr. Linky below. You have until Thurs, Jan 1 to post your entry.| 1. Kim 2. To Sing and Dance 3. Colleen 4. Cora 5. Wendy | 6. sindy 7. Mendy 8. Lissa at Loving Lydia 9. Tammy |
Learn more about Family FotoFun Friday here.
View More Family FotoFun Friday Participants
Get The Code
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Read more...Another Award!
Harriet at I am Harriet awarded me this~
Thanks Harriet!! I will email it onto another bloggy friend!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Awards!
I am quite late in posting most of these, but better late than never.
Sweet Mummy gave me this Kreativ award. With this award I am supposed to list 6 things I am thankful for and pass it onto 6 other Kreativ bloggers.
*my family
*our home
*abundant choices
*my friends
*my online buddies
*my health
Now I am passing this onto:
Wendy at Adoption & Fire
Dawn at Hummingbirds
Lisa at Maisie Eats Bento
Kristie at Cherry Blossoms
Kristin at My Art and the Mom in Me
Kat at 3 Kids and Us
Melissa at Life with Two gave me this Fabulous award. With this reward I am supposed to list 5 things I am addicted to and pass it onto 5 bloggers.
*My laptop
*Photo Shop Elements
*Cheese
*Socks
*Blogging
Now I am passing this onto:
Andreah at Life's A Hoot
Jamie at Mom to 3 Angels
Gina at The Clan McLeod
Toni at It is Nap Time
Tammy at Queen-Size Funny Bone
Lisa at Adventures of Jujuboo gave me the Christmas Spirit Award. I am supposed to list 5 things I love about Christmas and then pass this award onto 1-45 other people.
*gingerbread houses
*our annual party
*children's faces
*homemade goodies
*being with family
Now I am passing this onto:
Kim at Journey to Isabella
Faye at To Sing and Dance
Colleen at Crazy 8
B Boys Mom at Crazy Mom with 4 Boys
Added 12/24~
I was just awarded the Lovely Blog award by Kim over at Momma Momma.
Thanks for the awards and congrats to the new winners!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
My Living Will
MY LIVING WILL Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her,
'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'
She got up, unplugged the Computer, and threw out my wine.
She's such a &^+@}!!!!
Make Something Monday: Recycled Chair
Go Graham Go & Jolly Mom host Make Something Monday. For today's entry I am putting up a project we completed several weeks ago. I found 2 of these chairs out by a neighbor's trash with a free sign. They looked to be in good shape so I snagged them. The chair structure and finish is GREAT, it's just the ugly seat cushion that was worn out. For some reason pressboard was used and it just crumbled under someone. 
So after the chairs sat in our garage for nearly 2 months, we decide it was time to repair them. Turns out that we already had all the supplies we needed. Some nice weight plywood, thick foam, and some great upholstery fabric. First we took the old cushion apart and Eric traced the shape onto the new plywood (using the old foam as a guide). Then we used a serrated knive to cut the foam. Cut out a piece of fabric for each (making sure the print when the right way) and laid them out like this.
Then we had Parker stand on the board to squish the foam a little bit and started stapling with the staple gun. Eric did the stapling while I held the fabric in place. We trimmed off the extra fabric beyond the staples. Then Eric had me sit on the cushions to hold them in place while he drilled from below. 
Wa-La!! 2 new awesome looking chairs!! They came in handy for our party!! Such an easy project, not sure why we put it off for so long!!
Coco Bonbons Penguin Outfit Giveaway - WINNERS!
I verified all the entries for the Coco Bonbons Penguin Outfit Giveaway and ran an integer generator at random.org and the following 3 numbers are the winners (as a reminder 2 winners get a penguin outfit and a 3rd winner gets a graphics prize from Custom Blog Designs)
Congratulations to the winners. You will be notified via email shortly.
Thanks to everyone for participating. It was a lot of fun to host this giveaway. I hope to have more giveaways in the future!
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