Man Down, Man Down......there has been a ATTACK

---------------BREAKING NEWS----------------

I AmyAmyBoBamey interrupt this scheduled program to let you know that our friend Georgie has been attacked by a virus. It was reported to me today that as of right now her computer is at the Doctor's and is hopefully getting a RX for said virus. Not sure how long she will be MIA for.

I will be keeping up with the Secret Santa Soiree email and if you have sent your gift please email us the DC# so we can account for it. Don't forget the shipping DEADLINE is Dec 15th! 

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at HERE 


You can always visit me at my blog too at Life of a Nguyener (Win-ner) if you need anything. 

THANK YOU, and you can now return to you regular scheduled programming :) 

My Confession for Today: Georgie, hurry back. We already miss you! I would not want your 790 followers to now have to follow me.....cough....cough..........cough....(wink, wink) :)

 

Monday Madness

It's Monday well it's probably Tuesday if you live in Australia, I don't judge, they all end in Y some are just harder to wake up to...


Now that my eyes and ears have recovered from the final act on the AMAs last night, did ya'll watch? Right after I saw the 'glambert' performance I went to twitter to see what was being said, I am pretty sure I was still in shock because I said I was undecided on what I thought and Abby was all like WOW mom and not in a good way in the world of WOWs. I was undecided because I don't judge, I had a choice to turn the channel, it's not Adams fault I couldn't turn away from the trainwreck...

Did he stumble/fall or was that planned, I said the same thing when J-Lo performed...did she just fall? Did he really just shove a guys face into his crotch OMGosh and grind... And I seriously thought lady Ga-Ga was all kindsa nekkid in that glass box. If your screaming "Oh No He didn't" at your TV does that mean your getting old? Should I have know it would have been over the top since the announcer kept saying 'stay tuned for Adam Lambert a shocking performance you won't want to miss' theentireshow...

Moving On....

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I'm pretty sure I am the only female on the planet that did not attend the New Moon Movie premier, even my Grandma owns a 'Team Edward' T-Shirt...I kid I kid...I think...

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Have you seen that Gap Commercial? I can NOT get that jingle out of my head...I walk around saying it under my breath and a sudden urge to go all plaid and do back-flips...I understand Gap has caused some controversy in the past but I don't do drama, I just thought the jingle was catchy and made me really wanna visit a Gap store...

Two, Four, Six, Eight, now’s the time to liberate


Go Christmas, Go Hanukkah, Go Kwanza, Go Solstice.

Go classic tree, go plastic tree, go plant a tree, go add a tree,

You 86 the rules, you do what feels just right.

Happy do whatever you wanukkah, and to all a cheery night.

Go Christmas, Go Hanukkah, go whatever holiday you wanukkah


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I have been having some CRAZZZY dreams first the Pioneer Woman now Beyonce' is tellin me to "turn the Light on!"

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I also think I am the only person on the planet that has a huge dislike for green bean casserole, seriously did the pilgrims have cream of mushroom soup? Just in case I'm not, let me share a better green bean dish for your Thanksgiving table

Depending on the size of your crowd, add or take away(hey this ain't no food blog-I use terms like handfuls,as much as you can tolerate,takeaway,smooshed,red rover red rover...)

6 cans green beans drained
1 small onion-chopped
4-5 or as much as you can handle cloves of garlic smooched and chopped-I happen to LOVE garlic
Lots of tablespoons of butter(2 or 3 or more)
a finger full of basil(I use dried)

In a deep skillet heat butter, throw in onions and garlic and get them to that transparent stage then add green beans, stir, toss in some basil, stir, cover, simmer on low heat-I promise these will be the best green beans you have ever had.

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So we are 3 days away from Thanksgiving and I am scratching my head...no seriously I am scratching my head-dry scalp I think...anyways our Thanksgiving starts Wednesday where we will attend the most traditional Thanksgiving my motherinlaws, the food is always great and her lemon pie is out of this world, the calf-slobbers are a mile high of yummy goodness. Then Thursday is my moms at noon where comfort and that at home feeling reign supreme and then my fatherinlaws that evening for fun times with my sisterinlaws...

I am Thankful for so very much this year:

Family
Friends
Lays Kettle cooked jalapeno chips
Firewood
The Soldiers fighting a war to keep us safe
The wives/husbands of those Soldiers who sacrifice as well
My bloggy family-that's you and you and you and....

The list could go on and on...

What are you Thankful for?

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Due to the holiday I won't be posting much this week but I will be around to catch up with everyone, So I want to take this moment and wish you all a Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday

My confession for today: I am going to snuggle up with my favorite blankie and watch Elf and Christmas Vacation, two of my Favorite Christmas movies

I ♥ My Secret Santa

I know everyone is going to think their Secret Santa is the best but seriously ya'll...mine is...

Just look at what she/he sent me

Let me list the items:

A Christmas book with recipes and cute crafty how to make items
A magazine full of cookie recipes
a magnetic calendar
Thomas Kincade 2010 wall calendar
A Believe candle
Santa ornament
warming oil air freshner
Jingle bell pillow
Snowman Blessings wall hanging
Christmas music cassette
Snowman file folders
Gift tags
Santa cards
Magnetic holiday note pad
Mini stocking post it notes
Green flip case note pad
Inspirational magnetic emergency contact list

Every thing was wrapped in red and green tissue paper, sorry no pic of that-I tore through the box faster than an Oklahoma tornado! Here is a close up shot

Soooo as you can clearly see my Secret Santa is super duper awesome and I can not wait to find out who had my name so I can Thank him OR her personally. I love it ALL!!!! Many Thanks! You Rock! You made my week a happier place!

My confession for today: Ena (my Grandma) is coming to stay with us for the Thanksgiving holidays-we are so excited, she hasn't stayed with me in a long time! Time to deep clean the house...yanno burn some pine-sol on the stove =)

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Well actually better than a chicken dinner...

Congrats to Beverly@The Buzz she was the Skin MD winner
Congrats to P@nmyfreetime she was the winner of my 'secret' B&BW product

I will be in contact ladies

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In HUGE news my SSS package came yesterday as soon as Abby brings home her camera I will get some pics posted because I got the BEST SSS exchange partner ever and I feel the need to brag! Seriously the only thing she OR he didn't send was the kitchen sink. So it has begun, the gift sending/receiving and now I am so excited to see what everyone else gets.

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In case you didn't already know this... It's FRIDAY-I think this has been the longest week of my life and I'm glad it's over. Do you ever just feel depleted? Like your world is crashing down around you and your stuck and can't move... My issues seem so trivial when I visit blog after blog and read of a childs passing, a young woman having a stroke, job losses, the list goes on and on. But they are my issues and they seem big to me, So I am just gonna ask for your thoughts and Prayers and hopefully I'll be back to my silly ways in no time...

My confession for today: I am SO glad the childrens only have 2 more days of school-then it's a LONG Thanksgiving break-6 days off

Want a Deal? Why Not Gottadeal

So far I have shared some unique gift ideas with you but today I want to share a site-a place where you can save and save and save and well you get the idea...

Gottadeal is the place to be for Black Friday 411! They already have a ton of BF ads, yanno the ones you get in your Turkey Day Paper, well they got 'em posted online right now so if you are a CRAZEE and go out with the masses the day after Thanksgiving, well you can be better prepared.

One of my favorite parts of the site is the forum more specifically the Online Hot Deals where you can find some great savings.

Right now GD is running a little contest a $500 virtual BF shopping Spree where you can win a gottadeal BF survival kit just for telling them what you would spend your virtual $500 on useing the already posted BF ads.

Since I had planned to talk about gottadeal already I figured I would help my husband out and give him some ideas for my Birthday and Christmas because when he asks me for ideas I always say 'I dunno' At that point I am to wrapped up buying for others I can never think of anything for myself.

So here ya go honey some ideas to help you find the perfect gift(s) for me:

Burlington has a Ladies Plush Robe for $7.99-the one you bought me, what 10 yrs ago is looking kinda like cousin Eddie owns it

Also at Burlington Coat Factory 300 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets $19.99 thats a great price for 300 thread count-just think of all the... never mind this is a family blog.
They will also have All Designer Fragrance Gift Sets 50% Off

Target:

Sony Blu-ray Disc Player w/ Free $20 Target Gift Card $149.99

Biddleford Twin-Size Electric Blanket $19.99-note to self...this would actually make a great gift for daddy

Home Down Comforter (Any Size) $29.99-I really don't like the fabric of the one you bought me last yr-it hurts my teeth...just sayin

CHI 1" Turbo Flat Iron Hair Straightener $109.99-a girls gotta have good hair

Old Navy

Thermals for Adults & Kids (Saturday Only) $5.00x2-ahhh the warmth

Kohl's

Bed Sleep Memory Foam Bed Pillow $29.99-sweet dreams

Home Classics Down Alternative Throw $19.99-the doggers ate my old one I so need a new one, they are so cozy

iRobot Roomba w/ Bonus Remote Control $99.99- I am SO not lazy!

*disclaimer*
If Gottadeal passed me on the street they wouldn't know me from adam-ette, I was was not paid nor given free product to link this site. I am just being neighborly and passing on a good deal site

My confession for today: I hope you find some AWESOME Holiday deals and gift ideas @ Gotta Deal

Holiday Gift Idea & A Skin MD Giveaway

Hope your holidays are so bright you gotta wear shades!

That is the childrens Christmas card this year, I love that pic of them and wanted a way to use it that was out of the box not your traditional card...I wanted something fun...Oh I made some 'traditional' cards as well but now they have their own cards to send to friends and family.

I made the cards at SeeHere where I got 50 free photo cards and you can too, all of you...just make your cards then at the checkout screen enter the promo code freebies4mom-1109 the code expires on Nov 30th OH and they don't even make you pay for shipping like some other un-named sites do-that's a bonus in my book!

I want to put that photo on a coffee cup and Write 'Mug Shot' on the cup and give to the grandpas for Christmas. SeeHere is offering 30% off all mug orders and that discount makes this a very affordable gift giving idea!

*disclaimer*
SeeHere does not know I exsist, I was not paid to share this free offer with you, however I would LOVE to work with SeeHere so if you happen upon my blog contact me

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Next lets talk skin...it's getting cold and the air is dry and that wrecks havoc on my skin so when Skin MD contacted me about trying their product it was a NO brainer!

One of the MAIN reasons I am in love with Skin MD is it is a 3for1. One product that you can use on your Face,Body and Hands.

During the winter months I get REALLY dry flaky skin and it gives me a reason to be a hermit, well until now...I have been useing the Skin MD natural shielding lotion for a week now and I can honestly say my skin looks AND feels hydrated.

I am going to focus on my face for a minute...MY pores are smaller and my foundation goes on smoother. I was worried The Shielding lotion would be too thick, heavy and greasy like some skin care lines for your face, but I was wrong. It is light, absorbs quickly, frangrance and colorant free, hypoallergenic and dermatology tested!

From The Skin MD Site:

With Skin MD Natural™
irritants are kept - OUT, moisture - IN, making it
the perfect dry skin care product
A shielding lotion does much more than just treat dry skin – it’s a new kind of skin care product that makes a real difference to all skin types.

Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in technology to hydrate and protect the skin.

This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: "Shielding Lotion". A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary "super" humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

Skin MD is giving away a full size product to one lucky Decisionally Challenged reader

How to Win:

Visit Skin MD by clicking this link and tell me where you can BUY the Skin MD product in your town. I now know that Reasors Grocery carries Skin MD by useing the store locator link above and that I won't have to worry about dry, flaky skin ever again.

Contest Ends Thursday Nov 19th 10am CST

*disclaimer*
I was given a free product for this review, I was not paid monetarily for this review, this review was my honest expierence with the product, your results may vary


My confession for today: It's cool and dreary out today, think I'll make a fire...

Friday Fragments

Is it Friday already? I am not sure where this week went, but it's gone baby gone...So I will attempt to recap my unproductive week, Fragment style

* I had a dream that the Pioneer Woman and myself were besties...not sure where that came from, she doesn't even know I exsist

* Most of the week was spent with me in bed, I have been sick sick sick, not the flu or swine flu, just aches, chills and a cough that would give any smoker a run for their money-Nyquil has become my best friend...hmmmm maybe that's why I have been having some funky dreams...

* Jess gave Abby 'The NUB' award, I don't know what a NUB is but the award was pretty and sparkly, Abby didn't think it was as funny as the rest of us

* While pruning my rose bush, with scissors-my pruning sheers were MIA, I almost cut off my index finger, it was a bloddy mess, I blame the nyquil

* Did you know there was an official Call of Duty-World at War skip-day for 9th graders around the world on Wednesday? Reese told me on Monday he was pretty sure he would be sick 'like me' on Wednesday, he said 'he could feel it coming on' My son may or may not have participated (COD is a Xbox game)

* Jess had over 500 texts on her cell phone...we don't have a texting plan...I had over a 100 and I don't text, the majority of mine were incoming from the childrens, so I didn't get grounded

* I REALLY want a cat...just sayin...

* On Dec 20th I will be attending my first concert in over 20 yrs...I some how got ram-roded into taking Abs and 2 friends to see Justin Bieber-I like JB, I don't like crowds or hoards of screaming teeny boppers

* Abby had her Sweet Sixteen party Thursday night-it was lovely, she was lovely, her friends were lovely, all 16 of them (kinda fitting, sweet 16 party and 16 friends came) and  I only had one lovely minor freak out in the privacy of my bedroom and that was when I was told the X factor was bringing HIS X factor...  here are a few pix from her night-you can see them all on FB

For more Friday Fragments head over to Half Past Kissin Time and see Barb aka Mrs 4's

My confession for today: I can not believe Thanksgiving is almost here, where has this year gone?

Marooned

6 reasons why you would be doomed if you were stranded on a deserted island all by yourself is the writing prompt from Momdots Small Talk Six on Saturday

At first I was thinking, really, 'This is a bad thing?' then I realized I'm no Brook Shields and I wouldn't have a Chris Aktins with me

6) no internet I would die right then and there

5) I'm not crafty like the professor so I couldn't make a fishing pole out of sticks with banana leaf bows and a spider spun web line

4) Fear of the 'Lord of the Flies' coming to eat me-those boys are scary!

3) I don't know how to make Fire or the difference between low tide/high tide or what the moon phases mean

2) Bugs, snakes, animal sounds from the jungle *shivers*

and the number 1 reason I'd be doomed: the coconuts don't come in size D

I would make Madonna's 'Swept Away' look like it deserved an Oscar

My confession for today: Amybo I LOVE you and the new look you gave my blog!

Spiritual Realm

I have talked about all kinds of things on this blog, my childrens, my family, life, things I like, the good, the bad, the ugly...

I rarely IF ever talk about God, Politics, or the world wrestling federation...not because those things don't interest me, okay the WWF doesn't...just sayin and sorry to any WWF lovers out there just know I don't judge-WWF lovers are people too... where was I...while I may be a loud, opinionated person, I am that person confined within the walls of my home, I don't like confrontation...

Today, I am curious though, what are your thoughts on the Spiritual aspect of life? Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? Do we have Gaurdian Angels? Did Noah really build an ark?

Some of you may recall me saying I have this "gift" like a 3rd eye or some severe Intuition...if you stop reading right now I will totally understand seriously my own husband thinks I am weird, crazy even...

Let me say, I do believe in God and a Higher Power, I believe Jesus died for our sins on a Cross and then rose again 3 days later and I believe in Angels...I believe in the BIBLE which serves as my Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth...

Now that you know where I stand let me say I recently had a Spiritual Reading done by Sassy Pants Freckle Face aka SPFF

I am not ready to disclose everything from that encounter, I am not here posting this to try and change your mind on how you think, I am not here to try and convice you of anything...I just wanted to share a little bit of what happened...

Okay it isn't so easy to put into words, let me say she knew/said things that there is NO way she could have known and I am not talking about generalizations, I am talking about cold hard facts of my life that I have NOT shared with anyone, not even my bestie.

Shortly after I was married to my first husband I had some serve cramping and bleeding, it would be hours later that I spent in the hospital before I learned I had a miscarriage, once I was informed of what happened I was told I needed surgery, a simple procedure really, for cysts on my ovaries. My family knew of the cysts BUT not of the miscarriage...I never spoke of it...to anyone...

BUT SPFF told me my son is doing just fine and wants me to know that...MY SON!

She told me lots more, stuff that there is no way she could have known, most of which I am still trying to digest and come to terms with...SPFF is NOT a fortune teller, she uses Arch Angel Oracle cards which bring messages of love, peace, and hope. She has a gift a very special gift...I do believe that...

So if you have read this far...tell me, what do you think? What do you believe? Is It possible?
I linked SPFF up there for anyone interested in learning more, but for now lets have a cival discussion in the comment box...


My confession for today: I am in love with the Romano's Macaroni Grill new boxed dinners OMGosh They ROCK!

SSS Gift Idea-smell good edition

It's time for another round of gift ideas to help the SSS participants find some awesome gifts for their exchange partner. Almost every single one of you put that you LOVE lotions, body sprays, chap sticks, candles and smell good products on your SSS Q&A, well guess what...I DO TOO!

So today lets talk Bath and Body Works

Ask anyone and they will tell you their 'signature' B&BW scent is ______ everyone has a favorite.

My 'signature' B&BW scent is Black Amethyst

photo courtesy B&BWonline

When I wear the Black Amethyst scent I get more compliments than when I wear my $100 Tiffany perfume-that is no joke! Then when I tell them it is a B&BW lotion, they looked shocked that a scent that smells so good is so affordable.

Something else I LOVE about B&BW is their Gifts Under $15 where you can find ornament filled duos, the scentbug and anti-bacterial hand sanitizers just to name a few of the wonderful gift ideas at your fingertips. This is where I stock up on my stocking stuffers for the girls, they love the mini sized products.

B&BW is also running a contest What's Your Best Gift Ever? Tell THEM your story for a chance to win a $500 B&BW GC


I am giving away a surprise product of my choice to one lucky reader, for a chance to win all you have to do is Tell Me Your Signature B&BW Scent! Contest open to US residents only

*disclaimer*
B&BW does not know I exsist, I was not compensated in anyway for this review, the prize stated above will be purchased by me.

My confession for today: Thank you all for your uplifting comments yesterday-you make my ♥ smile...

Thank You for Letting me Vent

Ever have one of those days when you feel just blah, every time you turn around your dropping something like you have butter fingers and I'm no Paula Dean...cuz Paula would just cackle and say 'It's all good Ya'll'

Well I'm having one of those weeks, I try to stay positive but it seems around every corner is a brick wall and I slam smack dab into it, obviously I'm no superman either...cuz superman is the man of steel and well I'm not a man and I don't even have buns of steel...

If you stop reading right here I will completely understand, this is a venting session of sorts for me...

Abby's Sweet 16 is coming up...I know right! Well I can most certainly promise you she won't be appearing on MTV's 'My Super Sweet 16' show, although when it's all said and done the X-factor and myself 'may' be appearing on Jerry Springer...

I don't like the X, there is a reason we are divorced, I tolerate him for Abs and Reese's benefit, I am cordial and rarely gripe about the fact he owes upwards of $30,000 in back child support, child care and medical exspenses.

I only occasionally gripe that he still calls my dad and recently my BIL, why can't he stay out of MY families life, MY life... in May we will have been divorced 15 yrs. Seriously it is so fustrating-if you only knew how rude and dismissing he is of me in front of Abby & Reese, then to my family he is a different person...it's hard ya'll...

So when he called Abby last weekend to plan her sweet 16 party I was a little taken back, NOT because he wanted to do a party for her BUT because he was letting her have a friend party...Now how in the HELK am I suppose to have a party for her, I can't honestly expect her friends to come to two parties...It would have been nice for him to consider the fact that maybe we were planning something as well...

Before I go on, your probably saying... but Georgie you dislike Children Bday parties, going to them OR having them, isn't that why you bribe your kiddos with cold hard cash...yes TRUE all TRUE BUT this is a special milestone Birthday...even I recognize that fact.

So I do what any good mother would do...I close my bedroom door for privacy then swear, stomp my feet, shed a few tears and call the X-factor to implore him that we do this party T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R. It's silly to have 2 parties days apart, surely we can put our differences aside and work together for our daughters sake...surely...

Abby invited 20 of her nearest and dearest, to a dinner party, at her favorite restaurant, he will take care of the bill, then I will buy the cake,invitations and any incidentials.

I bought these to go inside little tiny bags that we will decorate and make into place settings putting each girls name on the bag-with 20 girls I thought place setting cards were in order-forgive the quality of the photo-my camera is broke so I had to use Jess's cheapy thingy-it's a wired star necklace set. Hey Nikon or Cannon contact me...I'm certain I could take a good photo with one of your cameras

Just something little, goodie bags are so cliche' for 16 yr olds but I wanted to add a personal touch...

The X has officially complained about the number of girls she invited(she asked him how many friends she could invite...his words...you ONLY turn 16 once so you decide) then he told me I was just ree-dic-u-lous for buying the necklaces and paying $75-100 for a cake...I know the cake is a bit much, I wish one of my friends did cakes, she wants one of those yucky tasting BUT oh so pretty fondant cakes and I'm no Betty Crocker, Cake Boss OR Ace of Cakes...what's a mom to do?

So I lock myself in the bathroom turn on the shower and sob because I'll be damned if he is gonna get the best of me in front of the childrens and I refuse to let Abby know how hard it is dealing with this man-it's not her issue, it's mine. So I take my moment, suck it up and put on my happy face, chanting I can do this...I can do this...

Needless to say I have been a bit preoccupied as of late-the invitations have been sent ONLY to find out Abby will probably have to cheer at a playoff game the night she planned her party AFTER she confirmed with 2 coaches that NO you will not be cheering for that game...so I let her lay her head in my lap and cry as I told her... it will all work out...it will all work out...and no she can't miss the game-10 of the 20 girls she invited are on her cheer squad and I don't expect those girls to miss the game either...

If you have read this far and you have an X-factor feel free to make me feel better by saying yours is worse than mine...


Changing thought process-we are still waiting on 3 SSS participants to confirm they received their exchange partners info PLEASE check your email and let us know you did in fact receive the email with your exchange partners info-otherwise it leaves me scrambling to try and fill those spots with elves...and removing your name from list...

My confession for today: It is just a BEAUTIFUL fall day today and I think I will go rake some leaves and clean out my flower beds