Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Cup Is Coming



‎2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Commercial - For Red Wings fans, the Stanley Cup Playoffs is more than hockey. It’s everything! Call 313-396-7575 or visit DetroitRedWings.com to get yours today.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Yes Michigan



"Yes, Michigan- the Feeling is Forever."
Produced in 1986 for Michigan's 150th birthday.
This is a 3 minute music video / montage featuring very amazing video clips of Michigan's nature, people, communities and attractions.
This was a P.S.A. (public service annoncement) for Broadcast Television and Cable Company Local Access Channels.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

KONY 2012 is working

KONY 2012 is working - U.S. from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.



So far 3,530,673 people from countries all over the globe have pledged support. The world is responding. Policymakers are hearing your voice and are starting to take a stand in support of ending LRA violence. In just the last two weeks, two bipartisan resolutions supporting the effort against the LRA have been introduced into Congress.

Together, the House resolution (bit.ly/AoO9eo) by Congressmen Royce and McGovern and the Senate resolution (1.usa.gov/GTXVNc) authored by Senators Coons and Inhofe, have already gained over 67* bipartisan co-sponsors. Today, the UN and AU announced that the four LRA-affected countries would cooperate in a regional task force targeting the LRA. This is momentum that must be sustained.

Please continue to reach out to your leaders. If they have not already signed on to the KONY 2012 resolution, encourage them to do so by writing to them, attending events, and signing up for local lobby meetings (HERE: bit.ly/wd8aEk). If they have already signed on, then thank them. They need to know that we stand not just behind them, but beside them, in the fight to end LRA violence and rehabilitate abducted women and children.

And coming next week: the release of KONY 2012: PART II. This is the video that takes you deeper into the story and the solution.

*As of March 24th, 2012 the House and Senate resolutions have a combined 76 co-sponsors

Cone & Get It

Tuesday, April 3rd is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s, and you know what that means... Free Ice Cream for You!

As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 34 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away!

Of course this year we’re also giving away plenty of our new Greek Frozen Yogurt. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is a great opportunity to give it a lick! Of course you can always enjoy an old favorite and savor in the deliciousness that is free ice cream! Hey, either way it’s time for you to come on in!

Around the world, Scoop Shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Please check with your local Scoop Shop for more info!

Grab a pal and come on down to have some good, ’scream fun on us!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Running Accomplishment

I am actually super pumped about what I did this week. This past week was my first week running outside. I mean of course in the past I have run outside (a couple years ago when I was training for a 5k that was all that I did, not to mention all of the running in college and high school for different sports, etc), but I mean this time around while training for my half marathon.

I was waiting for Ryan to get back from Australia. He likes to know where I am running so that in case anything happens he knows where he should start looking (and I like knowing that he knows where I am). NOT that I expect the worst or anything, but it is good to have a plan and to have people that care enough to want to know where you are and when to expect you back. Obviously when I was running indoors at the gym they had all of my contact info in case something happened, but when I am running outside, by myself, it is good to let someone know where you are at. NOT TO MENTION HAVE A ROAD ID (it can talk for you when you aren't able to). Check out my blog post about it if you don't know what I am talking about.

Anyway, back to the running. This week I decided I would move out of the gym and onto the open road. There is a boardwalk (more like a sidewalk path) down by the beach at work. Ryan and I both feel comfortable with me running there (as opposed to closer to where we live), so I have been running after work. Monday and Wednesday I ran for about 30-40 minutes (since that is the guideline that my training plan calls for). Both days I started off WAY TOO FAST. Along with starting off way too fast, I wasn't totally familiar with the path that I was running on (and all of the hills), which took me the firs run to really get a feel for. Also, I got side cramps (which from what I have read online is mostly because I was not breathing correctly (taking short breaths, which doesn't allow the bottom of my lungs to stretch out and then stretch my stomach). I did have to walk a little in both of those runs (but I wasn't too discouraged, seeing as it was the first time I had been outside - getting used to the terrain, the air/ weather, etc). All in all I think I still ran about 3.5 miles outside both days - not too shabby.

Yesterday was so much better though. When I was walking on my lunch break I was thinking through my run. I decided that it didn't matter how slow I went, I just wanted to run it all. And I wanted to start off slow enough that I could monitor my breathing and not get a side cramp. I make Friday my 'long days' since I get off early and don't have to worry about things like it getting dark out or having to rush home to cook dinner. I decided I would run 5 miles (mind you, this is probably the first time I have ever run 5 miles straight outside - I was running up to 8.5 miles inside on the elliptical, but you have the momentum going with you there, running outside is MUCH different - at least for me). I started off slow (another reason I love that Garmin 110, because I can look down to see what my current pace is, and know if I should be slowing down or not). I kicked butt on the hills, ran on sidewalk, road, gravel, packed dirt, etc, and really did great. I even had negative splits (each mile was faster than the previous). I did get a side cramp around mile 4.5, but thankfully I only had to push it another 1/2 miles before I could stop (not to mention I was close to my car, so I decided to just run around a big block, so it made it seem shorter and more doable with the cramp in my head).

I am super proud of myself right now. Not to mention, the training plan that I am (partially) using doesn't even have me starting until MAY. I am having fun while running, enjoying the beautiful creation around me (kind of hard not to when you are running about 20 yards from the beach), and I can feel myself getting better.

Garmin 110

I ordered a GPS watch the other day - the Garmin Forerunner 110 to be exact. It came last week and I got to use it for the first time earlier this week (when I did my first ‘outside’ training run). It is a watch through Garmin (the GPS company). Since it has GPS in it, it can track your distance along with your time. They are pricey gadgets, but I thought I would really get use out of it. The main reason I liked running on the treadmill/ elliptical at the gym was because I knew exactly how far I was running (distance and time). Of course I could guesstimate with like Google maps or something like that, but this is so much easier.

Some of the features that I like is that it beeps at me every mile, tracks my current pace, time, distance, etc. So for example say I am running 3 miles, at mile 1 it would beep to let me know I hit 1 mile and show me the pace of that mile (say 9:02), then when I am at 1.5 mile (for example) it would show me that I am at 1.5 miles, what my current pace is (so say I slowed down and it was more like 9:28 minute mile pace it would show that), and the total amount of time (for example 13:45). Again, it probably isn’t something that I “”need””, but I think it will force me to train (since it was a pretty penny and I wouldn’t want to have wasted that money) and it will be accurate (so I know if it really was 3 miles I ran or if it was 2.5).

This model seemed to be the most basic model (although it does have a heart rate monitor that I haven't even looked at how to use yet), but does everything that I am looking to do. Not to mention, I bought it refurbished which cut down the price a bit. I have only run with it 3 times so far, but really like it so far. I am excited to use it when Ry and I go on our bike rides or even geo caching (since before all we did was guess how far or long we were doing something for). Obviously it is not a necessity, but if you are looking for something like this, I would highly recommend this model (especially since it comes in a girly pink and grey color combo :) ).

Thursday, March 22, 2012

lh in Rolling Stones

Behind the Scenes With Little Hurricane

Little Hurricane, the San Diego blues duo made up of drummer Celeste "CC" Spina and guitarist Anthony "Tone" Catalano, met through a Craigslist ad only two and a half years ago. Shortly afterwards the duo were voted San Diego's Best New Artist. Since then they've sold their belongings, toured the country, had some luck and hit stages at Lollapalooza and ACL. "Really awesome," they say, "considering no one has heard of us." Rolling Stone got to know Little Hurricane during SXSW, where we hung out with them around Austin before they opened for M. Ward and the Shins on the Auditorium Shores stage.

"I played drums as a kid and wanted to find someone to be in a duo with," says Spina, a former culinary student, of posting the ad that attracted her music partner. The bewitching beauty, who describes herself as "very aware and very paranoid in general," says she got a lot of "creepy responses" and didn't respond to most.


Read the rest of the article here.

2012 Playoffs



Datsyuk for President!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Custom Portrait

Okay, so if you have followed my blog for very long, you know how much Ry and I LOVE Kelli Murray's art. We have 4 of her pieces in our living room. She posted on her Facebook today that one of her friend's was having a giveaway on their blog - FOR A CUSTOM PORTRAIT BY KELLI!

OF COURSE I had to enter, but if I don't win, I would LOVE it if YOU COULD!!! Check out the blog here, and make sure to ENTER!!

Angel

A friend of mine had this video on her Facebook page today... IT IS THE SONG I WALKED DOWN THE ISLE TO... So of course I had to post it too :)

Crash course in LRA 101

Who is the LRA from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.



Who is the LRA

A three minute video on Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), explaining the group's motives, movement, and ability to carry out 25 years of atrocities in Central Africa.

TWLOHA Movie

SO PUMPED TO SEE TWLOHA ON THE BIG SCREEN!!!



Jamie Character Profile: Chad Michael Murray on playing Jamie Tworkowski

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Snow White and the Huntsman

Hope it's not too scary... And I'm not too sure about the casting... A vampire as Snow White... But it could be promising :)

Monday, March 19, 2012

Bike to Work

Bike to Work and Save Money

Pump prices got you down? Get a bike, says the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition

As the prospect of $5 dollar gas looms large some San Diegans are becoming reacquainted with an old friend from childhood: their bicycle.

Across the country one-fifth of all Americans say the recession has changed the way they commute. Since 2001, the number of trips made by bicyclists in the U.S. each day has increased to 4 billion and for good reason. In recent months the news at the pump has not been good. The National University System Institute for Policy Research calculated that if gas remained at $4.37 per gallon, the average commuter will have spent close to $500 extra dollars by year's end.

Here, gas prices have risen from $3.50 last December to $4.37 in March - a boost of 87 cents per gallon.

On the other hand, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition reports that on a ten-mile round trip, bicyclists can save $10 a day. Not to mention the health benefits: three hours of bicycling per week is said to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50 percent.


The rest of the article here.

Spring Practice #1



IS IT FALL YET?!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Funfetti Cake Batter Buddies

Ryan and I made one of the desserts I had pinned on Pinterest this morning. Funfetti Cake Batter Buddies. It was like pure sugar, but Ryan likes it :) When I was growing up it was called PUPPY CHOW. I don't know if they have changed the name because kids were being dumb and eating dog food or what, but nonetheless it was scrumdidilyumptious!






In case you would like to try it (and don't get to it before Ryan eats it all), the ingredients and directions can be found here and are pasted below.

Do you have 10 minutes?
Then I HIGHLY recommend running into the kitchen and throwing this amazing little snack together!
It's is CRAZY addicting . . . so you might want to double the batch!
My husband loves all things made with a Funfetti cake mix, so I made it for him but ended up eating most of it myself.
Trust me . . . you are going to LOVE this!

Ingredients:
5 cups Chex cereal (I used Rice Chex, but Corn Chex would work great!)
10 oz (5 squares) vanilla flavored Almond Bark
1 1/2 cups Funfetti cake mix (any kind of cake mix would work)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vegetable shortening

Directions:
1. Melt Almond Bark according to the package directions, adding vegetable shortening to thin (I heard that you can make it without the shortening, but it worked great for me to use it).
2. Pour the cereal into a large bowl and drizzle the melted Almond Bark over the cereal. Mix gently with a large spoon or spatula.
3. Dump the cake mix and powdered sugar onto the cereal and mix gently with large spoon until all the cereal is evenly coated.
4. Enjoy!! It's so good! :)

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Pretty Nails

Last weekend, when I was doing my running clothes shopping spree, there was a pack of NEON nail polish at TJ Maxx. I picked it up, since I hadn't had new nail polish in a while. (My original collection contained pink, blue, and black.) Ryan actually asked me before he left if I would paint my 'upper' nails (yes, he did mean finger nails, he is cute like that) for when he came back. I told him I don't paint my finger nails, just my toe nails. (And honestly the only reason I paint my toe nails is because it makes feet somewhat less disgusting.) I don't think I had painted my finger nails since our wedding, and even then it was just like a ivory/ clear coat. But, since that was Ryan's one request, of course I did it. So now my finger nails are neon pink and my toe nails are neon orange. (There is also green, blue, purple and a couple more BANGIN' colors in my 7 pack of polish).

Normally I don't like painting my nails because if it isn't perfect I just pick it off. I know I only did it yesterday morning (yes, I did wait until the last minute to paint them, hehe), but I think I like it. Even if they aren't perfect, because believe me, I have a difficult time painting my right hand (using my left hand), I still think it is fun. Maybe it makes me feel a little more 'girly', maybe it is just a change of pace, but I think I might keep it around for a while :)

Ryan's Home!

Ryan's back!! YAY!!! He has been in Australia for the past two weeks with Reef on a photo shoot. He got back to California yesterday morning around 6am (into LAX). By the time they got through customs, got all of their luggage (with all of the product that they had to shoot), and made it back down to the office it was closer to 9:30am.

I actually thought that he wasn't supposed to get in until 6 PM for the last two weeks. It wasn't until he called me Wednesday night and left a voicemail about him having to start packing things up so that they could head to the airport the next day did I actually look at the itinerary again and notice he would be home a whole 12 hours earlier than I expected.

Since he would be home earlier in the day, I decided to take off Friday from work so that I could hang out with him. With all of the jet lag, we didn't do much. He showed me his pictures, unpacked his clothes and did a load of laundry, got lunch, he took a 4 hour nap, then loaded him with coffee so that he could wake up a little, took a walk on the pier, got dinner, watched a few shows and then went to bed again.

Right now it is 11:40am and he is still asleep (I think not only the jet lab, but the stormy weather outside is helping him sleep, since it is still dark out). But hey, at least he is asleep in our bed!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Megadeal for Megatron

Megadeal for Megatron: Lions sign Calvin Johnson to record seven-year, $132 million extension

The Detroit Lions gave wide receiver Calvin Johnson a seven-year contract extension worth $132 million on Wednesday. With $60 million of it guaranteed, Johnson, 25, becomes the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.

The deal will keep Johnson with the Lions through the 2019 season. It trumps the eight-year, $120 million deal the Arizona Cardinals gave wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald last August.

Johnson emerged as the league's most feared and dominant wideout as an All-Pro the past two seasons. With Detroit's front office taking care of his contract, he's ready to earn what he will be paid.

"What a tremendous blessing this is — not just for me and my family, but my teammates and future teammates to come," Johnson said in press conference. "We're very appreciative, and we're ready to work."

Although Johnson, the second overall pick in the 2007 draft, was established as a league-wide star before the 2011 season, his career took the next big step while playing a full, healthy season with quarterback Matt Stafford, the first overall pick in 2009.

With Stafford throwing for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns, Johnson had career highs of 96 receptions for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. The man nicknamed "Megatron" capped it off with a scary performance in the Lions' wild-card playoff loss to the Saints: 12 catches, 211 yards, two TDs.


The rest of the article here.

Happy Couples

Does 'Peter' or 'Sally' count as a pet name?! :)

The 9 Secrets of Happy Couples

Loving couples: In a world where 40 percent of marriages end in divorce, you can't help but notice them. There they are, finishing each other's sentences or laughing in some dusky corner of a Chinese restaurant. They seem so wonderfully in sync, and they make the work of being a couple seem effortless. Of course, no intimate relationship ever is, especially once you factor in life's built-in pressures, like work deadlines, laundry and your daughter's orthodontist appointments.

But, says Jane Greer, Ph.D., Redbook Online's resident sex-and-relationships expert, there are certain core values that make some marriages more intimate and resilient than others. You could probably predict the list: trust, mutual respect, commitment and a strong sense of "we" in the relationship. What is surprising, experts point out, is that when you ask loving husbands and wives about the key to their devotion, over and over you'll hear the same things, specific habits that mirror these values. Learning these secrets can make your marriage closer too.

1. They use terms of endearment

2. They do stuff together

3. When the going gets tough, they don't call Mom or Dad

4. They stay connected to their parents

5. They don't nickel-and-dime about chores

6. They fight constructively

7. They give each other gifts

8. They never lose their sense of humor

9. They take "for better or for worse" seriously


Read the rest of the article (and the details of each 'secret') here.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sunday, March 11, 2012

7 Weeks

Tomorrow marks 7 weeks of being soda free. I have to say, it hasn't been bad. I didn't really have any headaches from the lack of caffeine, I have been able to 'wake' up in the mornings without my 'ritual' soda, etc. At times I have been bored with JUST water, so I have thrown in a glass of Kool-aid every once in a while (I know, I'm living on the edge, huh?!). Every once in a while I have craved a glass or two, mostly when we are out to dinner with friends and everyone else is enjoying the 'sweet treat', but nothing too tempting. I am thinking I will stick this out. In the past I have given up soda for a while, but usually go back to it. I think this time I will stay away (but I can never say never :) ).

Baby Joey

No, this post isn't about the baby kangaroo that Ryan has adopted and will be bringing home as a pet, although that would be cool too, this post is about our youngest nephew. HE STARTED WALKING!! YAY!!



Not sure who he was calling on the phone, but I am sure he was giving them a call to say HEY, I CAN WALK ON MY OWN.

Shopping Spree

Yesterday I hit up TJ Maxx and Target for a few items - running gear! I got 2 pairs of shorts, 2 long sleeve shirts, 3 shirt sleeve shirts, and a sports bra. All bright and fun colors. Also (not pictures below) I got a pack of BRIGHT and NEON nail polishes :) I got great deals on it all (which is obvious if I spent money on it, right, hehe). I think I spent less than $80 on 8 items - not too shabby.






I figure, not only do I need the gear, but just like with putting up money for a registration fee, if I put money into something (me being the cheap-o I am) you better believe I will get use out of it!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Frankenweenie



An upcoming 3D black-and-white stop motion-animated film, directed by Tim Burton, and it is a remake of the Burton's 1984 short film of the same name. The screenplay was written by Burton's long time collaborator, John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride). The film will be the first stop-motion film to be released in IMAX 3D.

The voice cast including Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder, Martin Landau, and Martin Short, who previously worked with the director. Like the 1984 version, it is a parody of and a homage to the 1931 film Frankenstein based on Mary Shelley's book of the same name. In the film, a boy named Victor (voiced by Charlie Tahan) loses his dog and uses the power of science to bring it back to life.

Skype Date

Ry and I tried skyping this morning. The audio worked well, and he said he could see me with no delays, but what I saw was extra slow and choppy. Oh well, at least we got to connect for a few minutes. (And he could check out my new hair cut)





He still hasn't seen any roos, dingos or koalas... They are moving to another house today, so he had to go pack up his teepee (YEP, HE WAS STAYING IN A TEEPEE THE LAST COUPLE NIGHTS - HOW FUN).

Hair Chop

This morning I went in and got my hair chopped. I cut off about 10 inches and have already shipped it off to have it donated and made into wigs for cancer patients. I took a few before and after shots, so that you can see the difference. Now the after shots are not 'done', I had just gotten back from the salon so hadn't washed it, dried it, etc.

I gave the stylist these two pictures to go off of (after she cut off the hair to donate).




My main requests were I wanted to be able to tuck the shortest parts behind my ears (so not too short) and hopefully get some of it in a ponytail for when I am working out and running.

Before:




After:




Oh yeah, and the quality of picture isn't the best because I don't have a camera at home right now (Ryan has the good one in Australia), so I am taking the shots with the computer camera...

Friday, March 9, 2012

Beauty

Ryan's Aunt Leslie has been going through radiation and chemo for a few weeks now. Today she shaved her head. I think she looks just as beautiful as ever! [Oh yeah, and Theo is a cutie too!]

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart” - Kahlil Gibran

“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.” - Sophia Loren

Spring Forward

Not looking forward to Sunday... Losing an hour of sleep isn't fun... I normally say that the weekend is never long enough, but LITERALLY THIS ONE IS AN HOUR SHORTER! At least that means it will stay light out later (which means my hubby will be happy - because that leads to evening surfs).

PS. Why are all the 'spring forward' icons on Google so happy?! I know Spring is a lovely season, but losing an hour in the day isn't something to be all happy and smiley about :)

Road ID

I started running about 2 months ago, slowly incorporating it into my routine, while in the process of starting to train for a half marathon. My biggest focus at the beginning was to go slow and make it part of my schedule - that way it was a habit in my life and then I could work on increasing my milage, training, etc. Since January now I have been running and biking 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and trying to walk every day on my lunch break (I have missed a few days due to the weather not cooperating or work being crazy and not being able to take a lunch).

I feel as though running is now a part of my routine and I am ready to start training. Yes, I was 'training' before, but it was all inside in the hotel gym that we are "members" at since our office in technically in one of the hotel buildings (expect for one of the runs Ry and I did on the beach one Saturday). I mean I think I am ready to hit the pavement, now that I think I have at least built up a little endurance to be able to run for a good chunk of time/ distance.

With that being said, I do want to be safe. I know I always want to believe the best in people - but bad things happen. And I want (and NEED) to be prepared. What would happen if I got hit my a car while I was running across a street? What would happen if someone tried to grab me and make me into a skin suit?

My friend Megan, over at Running Toward The Prize mentioned the Road ID a while back. I was intrigued. I started looking into it and decided that when I decided to move my running outdoors that I would need to pick one of their products up.

Earlier this week I ordered my Wrist ID Sport.

Meet your new training partner. This sporty little guy is extremely durable and comfortable...never mind the fact that it might save your life someday. Wear it running, cycling, swimming or on any of your adventures. In fact, make a lifestyle statement and wear it all the time. The Wrist ID Sport is the perfect piece of gear for every athlete. Like all our IDs, it can be laser engraved with your emergency contact information. It comes standard with two 3M reflective stripes to enhance your visibility when training in the dark.



I got my name, location, husband and parents' phone numbers and quote on it. I ordered mine in pink. It should arrive in the next week or so. I know that Ryan and my parents will feel a little bit more comfortable with me running alone (don't worry - I will still run during the daytime, where there are lots of people, where I am comfortable with my surroundings, etc).

**With my purchase, the awesome folks at Road ID sent me a goodie for YOU TOO. When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number:

Coupon Number: ThanksCarlee13109164

The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 04/08/2012. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:

http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksCarlee13109164

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Blue Rage

Great idea alums! Go BLUE!



What happens when the student section, the Maize Rage, goes on break during basketball season? A group of dedicated alumni and fans fill in. They are known as the Blue Rage. It's a hard job, but someone has to do it.

Veggie Tater Casserole

Yay! There will be yummy, veggie-friendly food in Cars Land when it opens this summer :)



Vegetarians rejoice! This delicious spin on the classic shepherd's pie is one of our Disneyland Resort test kitchen favorites for the menu at Flo's V8 Café in Cars Land -- and now you won't have to wait until the grand opening on June 15 to try it. Get the full recipe at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/wacQBV

Check out the blog post about it here.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

KONY 2012

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.



Joseph Kony is the worst living criminal.

He has abducted over 30,000 children and forced them to be child soldiers in Central Africa. He remains at large because he is invisible to the world. Few know his name, even fewer know his crimes. This year we are making Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice.

After watching the film you can help by taking action at KONY2012.COM.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Michigan Friends

So our cars are definitely decked out with Michigan love. My car has a Great Lakes Proud decal on one of the windows [and YES a picture of it is on their website :) ], a Block M on my back window, along with a Detroit D decal on the back window. Ry has a Block M on his truck also (he has most decals, but they are more surfing and less Michigan).

Anyway, back to the story. On Saturday we were driving to pick up some wax for Ryan's surf boards and a guy pulls up next to us. He asks where in Michigan we are from (yelling from his car window, while we are driving down the 101. We let him know. He says he is from Flint, but moved out to California about 25 years ago. Then when we get to church later that night, we get out of the car and a gentleman walks up to us. Says we have been parking by him for a while now and he always has wanted to meet us. Said he grew up in East Detroit and wanted to chat with us about Michigan. We chatted a while on our walk into church, reminiscing about the sports teams, Hash Bash on campus (don't worry, he told us that with Jesus' help he hasn't done drugs in over 12 years), etc.

I know, I know, some people don't like stickers on cars, some people don't like sports, some people don't like Michigan, but I am NOT one of those people :) And I especially love all of the random conversations I have with fellow Michiganders!

$5 Photo Book

KODAK Photo-book $5 (INCLUDING SHIPPING)

Before the winter holidays, our My KODAK MOMENTS Facebook App launched to offer prints and three fantastic photo books created right in Facebook. $14.95 gets you an 8.5x9.5" soft over book which is great for sports teams and teen memory books. A large 9x10.25" hard cover book is just $29.99 and makes a perfect gift for the most important memories.

This month only the 5x7" soft cover book is just $5 including FREE SHIPPING (typically $7.99 plus Shipping & Handling) shipped right to your front door! This book is great for nearly any occasion you want to memorialize and inexpensive enough to make for everyone!




The original post here.

Cricket Pop-Up

I saw this on Pinterest today and they are AMAZING!! Ry and I watched the videos and kept clicking around on the Cricket website. Maybe we will get one someday - hey a girl can hope can't she :)

CRICKET POP-UP TRAILER





Cricket is a a small, self-contained, lightweight pop-up trailer. Cricket is the versatile, stowable, affordable, environmentally-thoughtful, solution to all your outdoor adventure needs. The Cricket can sleep up to four people (kids in hammocks, adults in beds) and when the trailer is parked and popped, it has over six feet of headroom. With a single touch roof latch that opens in seconds, Cricket removes the tricky set-up associated with most pop-ups, making it easy to use for all ages and abilities.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

611 FEET?!

Prince Fielder hits 611 foot home run in batting practice, report says

Oh, he really got all of that one. Just like his daddy.

Detroit Tigers slugger Prince Fielder, during a round of batting practice Wednesday, reportedly hit a ball 611 feet — a distance measured by longtime Detroit News scribe Tom Gage.

Yes, 611. Starts with a "six." Hey, 611 — isn't that the number you call when your telephone is broken? Talk about dialing long distance. That's Cecil Fielder-sized. And that ball must be misshapen something awful.


The rest of the article here.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Free Pretzel Tomorrow

Free Pretzel Day



Mark your calendars and visit your local Auntie Anne’s store* for Free Pretzel Day on Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to receive one complimentary Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel – no strings attached. Auntie Anne’s expects to give away one million of its freshly-baked pretzels during the nationwide invitation for individuals to fulfill their snacking obsession with a fresh, hot Auntie Anne’s Pretzel.

After experiencing a mouth-watering, golden brown soft pretzel, guests will be encouraged to visit Auntie Anne’s Facebook page and complete a three-question survey about their free pretzel experience. Five hundred entrants will be randomly selected to win a limited edition Auntie Anne’s T-shirt.

Free Pretzel Day also provides the opportunity to introduce guests to Auntie Anne’s new national charitable partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Throughout 2012, Auntie Anne’s will help change children’s lives by fighting childhood cancer with this nonprofit organization, which is committed to raising money and awareness of childhood cancer causes (primarily research into treatments and cures). Auntie Anne’s will embark on its inaugural nationwide fundraising event for ALSF this summer.

See you on March 3!

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