i am in love

Have you ever instantly fallen in love ..... with a product? I am ashamed to say that I am a product junkie. I buy a product because I am wooed by it's pretty package and worldly promises, but when I get it home it - Lets. Me. Down. I know you can relate. So because of this problem I have drawers and cabinets full of once or twice used products. Sigh.... Hubby is not pleased.

So when I heard a lot of positive reviews about SkinCare RX  I decided to give it a try. I filled out a quick and simple survey and they developed a list of skin care products that work with my skin type and fit all the requirements I was looking for. Fabulous!!

Since this lassie has skin so fair and enjoys being outdoors, I am beginning to exhibit some, *gasp* wrinkles. Grandma O'Donnell was quite wrinkly so I know what is in my future. I decided to try Bioelements Sleepwear.  Swoon!! After one application my face was so soft (softer then a baby's bottom I might add) and looked noticeably different. Ok, that was just one night - will you hold up to the test of time?? I am happy to say that yes, Bioelements Sleepwear has passed the test! Hubby notices my new softness and I find myself always touching my new soft skin. 

Since I am hosting 'Giveaway Palooza' this week I thought I would kick off the week with a prize for everyone! SkinCare RX is offering all of my readers a $20 gift certificate! All you need to do is enter you name and email address and they will send you your gift certificate code. The email will come from the address 'promo.sk@skincarerx.com' with a subject line 'SkinCareRx.com Free $20 Gift Certificate. This gift certificate will allow you to purchase products from any of their three websites - SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com & SkinBotanica.com!

So go, shop and enjoy your gift! 

photo hunt 139 - breakfast

Aaaah, the breakfast of champions! (or at least Grady's choice this morning) Grady loves his 'Cocoa Cops'. He cracks me up every time he asks for them. What? There is a fuzzy tail in the picture? Well for those of you with spectacular eye sight - yes that is one of our kitties tales in the picture. Grommet was stalking for some spilled milk. Can't blame him for trying!!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - giveaway bonanza!!!

The season is here
To pass along some good cheer
To all my blog friends

I have lots to give
Prizes, books, music and more
Giveaways for all!

There will be something
For everyone I am sure
That I guarantee

A prize everyday
Keep those winter blues at bay
Some treats just for you!

So tune in next week
And win your self some cool treats
From this giving lass!

wordless wednesday - words to live by (and my favorite tat)

Originally uploaded by Secret-Agent-Mama

tuesday tunage - part duex

In honor of Ann's Tunes on Tuesday, I decided to tag along and introduce you to some great female budding artists. While I am known to dabble in music on the dicey side, I am happy to say that this young girl band is fun and family friendly. Let me introduce you to Groovy Ruby! If you are looking for some fresh and upbeat music for you children - This. Is. It. My favorite summary phrase of the band is: "The Monkees and Beach Boys collide with the Go-Gos....in middle school".

In their sophmore CD, "Strong, Lovin', and Fun", the girls instantly grab you with their fun lyrics and toe tapping beats. I first listened to this CD in the car on my way to work. My mood was instantly uplifted and I found my self B-boppin' along to all their songs.  Groovy Ruby  songs have positive themes - think friendship, helping others, doing your best and making good choices. Uh, what parent doesn't want their kid listening to that? AND did you know they share the same hometown as the Jonas Brothers?? If that doesn't sell your kids right there I don't know what will!

Here is one of the songs from their album "Strong, Lovin', and Fun".

LOVE what you hear? GREAT! Cause I am offering you... YES YOU.... a chance to win their new CD. Just leave a comment below, with your email, and I will scientifically randomly pick a winner next Tuesday.  Good luck!!

A B C D E F G...

Here's Some Crap to Read About Me!

I stealthily stole this meme from Jiggety Jigg who originally shamelessly stole it from Decisionally Challenged. I mean, what is a meme if you don't have to secretly hijack it right? What?? That is not how a meme works? Darn!! I have been doing it wrong all along. Oh well!

A is for age: This lassie just celebrated her 35th birthday a week ago.

B is for burger of choice: Mmmm Cheeseburger! Add a little ketchup, mustard, special sauce and it is all good.

C is for the car I drive: 2004 Mazda 3. I had a totally kick ass car that my husband sold out from under me while I was at work one day... but I won't go there.

D is for your dog's name: Sophie aka: Sophinella or the Sophinator!

E is for essential item you use every day: Coffee maker and tooth brush.

F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Big Bang Theory and Criminal Minds.

G is for favorite game: Everyone say it with me....... SOCCER!!!

H is for home state: Ohio

I is for instruments you play: I am musically challenged, some may even say I have no musical ineptitude.

J is for favorite juice: Any juice mixed in an adult beverage.

K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: My MIL is first in line with a quick second being Hubby's ex-wife!

L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Balzac. The entire time I had to listen to Hubby comment on how it made him think of 'ballsack'.

M is for your favorite Muppet: I love Beaker and of course Statler and Waldorf.

N is for number of piercings: Right now only 5 have jewelry in them right now.

O is for overnight hospital stays: Only when my boys were born, though I refused to leave the hospital without Drake so I ended up sleeping at the hospital for almost two weeks.

P is for people you were with today: Lots of children and teachers at school/ work, my family and the excessively slow drivers in the newly fallen snow.

Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Read.

R is for biggest regret: Ooo, there are too many to list. Maybe being naive enough to worry about what people thought in High School. 

S is for status: Happily married to Hubby.

T is for time you woke up today: 5:10 and I only hit the snooze button once!

U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I am a skater and punk rock princess locked in the body of a mother and wife who is also a devote Christian.

V is for vegetable you love: Corn on the cob and asparagus.

W is for worst habit: Same as Jiggity -interrupting! The idea or thought pops in my head and there is no stopping the spewing.

X is for x-rays you've had: Just dental though I did have an MRI of my knee once.

Y is for yummy food you ate today: I am making chicken Parmesan for dinner. Yummmay!

Z is for zodiac: Scorpio. Yes, I am aware that I am the sexual sign of the zodiac - just don't tell hubby!!
 

Be sure to let me know if you steal this meme play along! I would love to read your answers.

photo hunt 138 - metal

In an attempt to find something different for metal, I decided to take a quick shot of two of my favorite metal belts. My favorite has bottle caps all around with a real and working seat belt as a clasp. Oh yeah! This lassie is stylin!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - plumped and sated

The turkey was stuffed

All the potatoes were mashed

Cooked to perfection

Together we sit

Giving thanks for our blessings,

Family and loved ones

Everyone digs in

A yummy feast well prepared

Let the meal begin

With bellies now full

Plates and glasses are empty

Happy Thanksgiving!!

turkey day!!

Wishing you all a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving!! I am off to enjoy the day with Hubby's family and a bus load of children. Pictures and stories to follow!

weekend wrap up or coffee clutching

Well it was another fantastic weekend in this lassie's abode. If you don't note the dripping sarcasm then at least take notice of my dripping nose. Yep, the lassie has been infected. It was only a matter of time since the boys were sick last weekend. Needless to say it was relaxing and I got to take a long and glorious nap on Saturday. I also got some news that one of my bloggy friends, Ann, from Ann Again, has traveled to the Chicago area and I am excited at the possible chance to meet her. Keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!

In soccer, it was another glorious soccer Sunday. Our team won our game and I have to take this moment to bask in the glory of my utterly amazing goal from midfield. It was beautiful, went through two defenders and past the goalie to the distant corner of the net. If it were basketball you would have heard the 'swoosh' of glory. I guess I should also admit that I got a wee bit snarky during the game too. I had one of the opposing player tell me I was playing 'too close' to her. Ummm, last I checked soccer is a contact sport and if I want to get the ball I have to get close to it and thus... you. Well, the next time she came towards me with the ball I held my arms out nice and wide in an attempt to give her space and let her run by me with no effort. (By the way, my coach didn't like that too much) When I asked her if she had enough room I got the evil eye so I quickly ran and got the ball away from her. I know, not nice or sportsman like, but I do not have a high tolerance for whining. Nor did I feel bad when we pummeled them into the ground *ahem*

Since I was not feeling up to par this weekend I decided to peruse my referring URLs. Some of the things that lead people to my blog are utterly shocking! I discovered that someone googled "Irish girls that talk dirty" and my blog came up! So for that person I will now take this opportunity to give you what you were looking for, "Smelly socks, crusty dishes, grass stains and the dirty nails of the two nasty boys that live in my house." Hope that gives you your dirty fix for a while.

Colleen tagged me for "Seven Facts About Me Meme" so here it goes!
1. I love the ocean and hope to live by it VERY soon. The smell of salt water calms me to my core.
2. I used to downhill slalom race but quit once I had Drake. I think I am too overly cautious to try it again.
3. I have a strong desire to live overseas.
4. I believe there is nothing better then a hand written note - if it is mailed it is even better!!
5. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
6. I made Shepperd's Pie this weekend and hubby all but licked the pan. Ali gave me the recipe but you can find another version of it here! Highly recommend it and was also very kid friendly - YUM!!

7. I have many OCD tendencies that drive hubby insane others he has learned to tolerate, or at least he lets me think he does!

photo hunt 137 - reflection

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

sharin' some bloggy love

I have been seriously slacking. The loverly Diane from The Mommy Diaries nominated me for the Butterfly Award and I have yet to reciprocate. I received this award during one of my "bad" moments last week. I was so shocked and overwhelmed that I almost cried. Sad and pathetic I know, but like I said I was having one doosey of a week. According to all the hoopla and fanfare I am supposed to share the love with seven other blogs. Here are my nominees!

1. The Blarney Spot because she gets me and even though she was oh so close the other weekend we could have had coffee, but I am not holding a grudge, I know one day our green paths will cross.

2. Putz because he can twist anything I say into a story of his own AND he was the honorary invisible  diva on my road trip to BlissDom 08 in Nashville.

3. Ali because she is super cool and can always make me smile!

4. Ann because I secretly (and openly) heart her. have I mentioned I wish she didn't live so far away? I think we were separated at birth... just a thought!

5. Cheryl because she is hot, sassy and blonde AND her daily breakfast make me envious!!

6. Spice a fellow sexy soccer diva extraordinaire and dwindling down to nothing. Congrats!

7. Kaza - My fellow wine lover and lover (most days) of our three year old heathens  angels.

So there you have it. Now go forth and share the love!! Oh, and be sure to check out all the fabulous bloggers I just nominated because, well the lassie said so! You will be glad you did.

wordless wednesday - passionately angry

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

questions of the week

1. What measures have you taken to cut back expenses?
* I am a coupon cutting queen!! We have also cut back on going out to dinner. By the time we get a sitter and go out to eat the grand total can be quite scary!

2. Have you ever bought a book and used the receipt as a bookmark?
* Guilty as charged! I did this just a few weeks ago when I went on vacation!!

3. Can you recall any traumatic, embarrassing or troubling events as a child that
you still remember vividly? If so, care to share?
* Her name is Nicole and to this day I can remember the entire event! It was Brownie Camp and we were sleeping in a cabin with bunk beds. My friend had gotten a top bunk so I grabbed the top bunk next to hers. Nicole, who was sleeping below me, started to cry because she thought I was so heavy that I would fall through the bunk and squish her in the night. To this day I am hyper sensitive about my weight because she also called me thunder thighs. I have always been tall and was always the tallest in my class. All the other girls were very tiny and petite versus my tall and athletic self. In case you are curious here I am now:
I would love the chance to squish her now!!

4. What is the strangest question you have ever been asked at a job interview?
* How do I feel about parents spying into your treatment room?

5. Does it make you uncomfortable if a woman is breastfeeding her baby in public?
* Not. At. All. I was a very open breastfeeder to my boys and got a lot of looks. My favorite was when I was confronted at Sea World by someone asking how I could do that in the middle of the park. I smiled and answered simply "He's hungry." That shut them up pretty quickly!

6. Do you know anyone who has an unpredictable temper? Who?
 * The first person that comes to my head is my three year old. I really think he either suffers from bipolar disorder or has multiple personalities because he can go from happy to evil in no time flat! This little Irish Lad has quite the temper!!

7. What did you have to learn “the hard way”?
* You can't pick your family.

8. Have you ever been dishonest about the origin of a bruise?
* Not that I can remember.

9. Have you ever gotten any kind of envelope in the mail without the senders return address? Did you found out who it was from?
* Not an envelope but I did get a Vermont Teddy Bear once from a Secret Admirer. After a lot of digging and prodding I eventually found out it was from the guy who lived in the apartment across from mine.

10. It’s our 40th QOTW. I am giving away something. Can you tell me why should I give it to you? It’s just a little something to spice up this little Meme!
* Because I am one spunky and sassy lassie who would love to win during her birthday month!! And if that doesn't work how about.... PULLLEEEZZZ!?

Come on and join in the fun! Post you answers to these questions in the comments or on your blog. Be sure to let me know when you do so I can stop by and compare! You can also check HERE for next week's list of questions.

manic monday

Do you believe people are basically good?

   * I feel awful saying this but I think as time goes on I run into more people that are bad then good. At work I am shocked by how mean and nasty many children are towards adults and other children. While I do believe and know people who are genuinely good, I think they are quickly falling into the minority. We are a selfish society plagued by greed.

If you could change the custom of shaking hands, what would you replace it with?

  * Hmmm, I am not sure. I don't mind the fake air kissing since there is no real body contact involved (yes I am a germ phobe) But that would involve a lot of people in my personal space that I don't want there. Maybe we could smile and just give each other a 'thumbs up' or 'hang ten' sign.

What is something that you enjoy that is a chore for most other people?

  * I actually enjoy doing and folding laundry. NOW, putting it away is a whole other entity in itself. My laundry never seems to make it back where it belongs and putting away all the boys laundry is a pain in the rear. Ironically, Hubby never gets his clothes put away either. They pile up on his dresser, sometimes tumbling to the floor. Yet another reason we are a perfect mathc!

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

the lassie IS alive!

Yes, yes. I am alive AND I am posting on a Sunday again. What is up with me?? Well, I have officially flunked National Blogging Month. The pressure was just too intense I tell you and I cracked. This week definitely threw me for a loop and by Friday I was burnt like nobody's business.

Tuesday night I discovered I had not one but TWO flat tires. (damn Chicago construction) Luckily, since these have become a regular occurrence, Hubby decided to get the warranty insurance the last time he had to get me tires. When he called to get my two new, and supposedly free tires, they claimed to not have any in stock. (ironic) They did however have the next level up but of course, we would have to pay for those and because they weren't the same type, buy four. THAT didn't fly with hubby and after many phone calls, he got me the tires I needed. Oh how I heart him!! (BTW, I plan on elaborating on this whole ordeal a bit more in a later post)

Work had been beyond crazy and our tech department had the nerve to block the ability to read blogs while at work!! How am I supposed to keep up with all my peeps?? grrrrrr So I have been trying to read everyone at night but have been seriously slacking in the comment section. Don't worry! I am reading just not commenting - sorry!

To top it off Grady is sick. Nothing like waking up on a Friday night to the lovely sounds of puking! I thought about posting something for Photo Hunt since the theme was "ruined" but opted against the idea of ruined sheets. Letters of thanks can be sent to the email in my sidebar! lol

Finally, I have also been in the process of a little nip/ tuck and facelift. It's my birthday and I decided to get a little work done. Oh wait!! I guess I should mention my blog will be getting the facelift not me. No scary Joan Rivers for this lassie! I like my face just the way it is. I am working with the ultra fabulous Karla at Fruition Designs to create the new and improved look. AND great news for you!! When I unveil my new look YOU get all the perks! I am planning a week or two of giveaways just for this occasion. I have some great goodies and swag to celebrate!! 

Stay tuned. I am still here! I promise to try and make more of an effort to post. So please bare with me while I try and sort all the craziness and chaos that is my life out. I promise.... it will be worth the wait!

wordless wednesday - my life line

tuesday tunage

While running on the treadmill this morning watching the Today Show, I was happy to see that Seal has a new albulm coming out. Now, I know he has been busy with his gorgeous wife making beautiful children, but the fans are ready!! His new albulm, SOUL is being released today. SOUL is comprised of the best classic soul songs ever created, from Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come', Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', and Ann Pebbles' 'I Can't Stand The Rain' to Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes' 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and Otis Redding's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long'. Here is one of the songs off his new release. What do you think??

                                                                                        

manic monday

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
** Dang! I am looking rough. Oh come on! I am way too old to be getting a pimple!!

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.

** I don't have a specific one per say, but I often have dreams where one of the boys is in trouble and I am doing everything in my power to go 'save' them and I just can never seem to get there.

List three foods you can’t stand:

** Swiss cheese, bacon and lima beans

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

work at home closet

Since it is Sunday and NaPoBloMo or GoBloMeMoFo, I am stretching as to what to post about. I had a handful of peeps offer to guest post and now they have disappeared! Where are you peeps?? The ever cute Assertagirl started a group on Flickr called "Work At Home Closet".  Since I was working at home one day I decided to add what I was wearing in my home office. AND since I dislike posting on Sundays I tyhought I would share my 'at home' outfit with you.
Be gentle!! While I did shower I am make up free. I steer away from makeup if I am not going into work. But I think I still get bonus points for straightening my hair!!