Coupon Redeemed

All week I've been worried, worried that I wouldn't make it to Edible Arrangements before my coupon expired.

Did you get one?

I'm hardly ever on Facebook, social less butterfly that I am but when told I would get free chocolate just for becoming a fan, I felt an urge to become a fan.


I was excited to open the box but I didn't want them eaten. They were too pretty.
Now I find myself worrying over what will happen when they are gone?
Will I actually buy Edible Arrangements as fridge decor?

The clerks were so very nice and everything was nice and clean in the shop.
They even let us try a chocolate covered orange in the store.
I felt at home, surrounded by all that goodness.

I was kind of disappointed though, because in my vision, the free box had one of each fruit.
Banana, Pineapple, Strawberry, Orange, Apple
but my box only contained strawberries.
Big, giant coma inducing inedible strawberries.
Not to be eaten because of their incredible beauty.
Could I be the only one that feels this way?

I don't think I'd order a bouquet, to be honest.
I'm too cheap.
But I sure would like to be sent one.
I do like the fact that you can also buy
6 piece or 12 piece box , that suits me just fine.

I just wonder what they taste like?
I think I'll shellac mine.

Gone Hollywood

This little cherry antique chair was in bad need of love and yes, even stitches.

I recovered with a minky sort of fabric, in a dark chocolate and cream animal print and I reused the original gold trim and upholstery tacks.
I went all Hollywood on the little chair for a grand total of $14 with 40% off material coupon.
Oh la la.
Now it's my computer chair.

Please join the lovely Suzanne @ Colorado Lady
hosting the everso popular

Vintage Thingies Thursday

Sports Authority Event and Giveaway

Need a Wii Authority?
Now try Sports Authority!

Whether you'd like to try out the new Wii Fit Plus board before buying or you're in need of a personal trainer like "The Biggest Loser" star Jillian Michaels, Nintendo and Sports Authority have got the answer for you. That Wii Fit Plus balance board is the Nintendo hot buy this year and Jillian Michaels new Wii game Fitness Ultimatum 2010 has Jillian fans and new converts all abuzz.

Realizing that fitness and gaming really do walk hand in hand, Nintendo and Sports Authority have now teamed up to bring you the best of both worlds.
You'll now be able to purchase Nintendo Wii products like consoles and games and accessories at Sports Authority. There are sportsmen that prefer snowboarding in the living room you know, and moms that rush to the bedroom for a few calming minutes of yoga on the Wii.

To kick off the Nintendo/Sports Authority collaboration and launch the new Wii Fit Plus, 102 Sports Authority stores will be featuring a demo unit to help us that need training or give you a platform to show off your skills with an audience.

And... if you're fortunate enough (depending on how you look at it, I guess), to live in the Los Angeles area or even if you have to fly there, you are invited to the really big event.

Here's your invitation:

When: Thursday, Nov 19th Event starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until mid-day
Where: Sports Authority store in Torrance, CA (located at 3610 Torrance Blvd.) just outside of Los Angeles, CA
But why?: Because Jillian Michaels will be there! Also slated for tomorrow's event are giveaways galore and (I would love to see this) a "World's largest Wii Fit Plus" demonstration. Featuring 102 people; one hundred and two people on a giant Wii Fit Plus! Kinda makes me wanna get on a plane. Sounds like it will be an incredibly fun time. It's a Wii-experience.

In honor of the big event, Sports Authority would like to offer

One very lucky Fractured Toy reader will win a Nintendo Wii Fit Plus board and a copy of Jillian Michaels new fitness game for Wii, Fitness Ultimatum 2010.

Giveaway is open to US shipping and entries only, please.
Giveaway will end Friday, Dec. 11th at 11 PM, EST.
Winner will be drawn using Random.org and prize will be mailed directly from sponsor.

Here's how to enter: Leave a comment telling us which Wii Fit Plus aspect you think your family will like best. (tightrope, chart progress, etc.) for your main entry.

Additional entries:

• For two additional entries, subscribe to Fractured Toy and leave your email in comment so I'll know it's you! Please leave two comments.

• Five additional entries for blogging this giveaway and spreading the word about Sports Authority/Nintendo big bash. Leave five additional comments with a link to your post.

• One additional entry per day for leaving a comment telling me something you learned on the Sports Authority Wii Authority site. You must visit the site before commenting here

Good Luck and happy game playing!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for my review.
I'm happy to pass on the Sports Authority/ Wii event info and be able to offer readers unable to attend the event the chance to win.

Now you'll love me

Oh sure, now you'll love me.
When I show you where I got my new Bird Song Lace sheers,
you'll change your tune.
Aren't they adorable?
~shriek~



I'll tell you all about that divine little birdhouse.
Another time.
Don't we all need a new birdhouse?



But don't ask about the chair because that's tomorrow's post.
I can get one more post out of this whole thing.

My curtains are lovely, are they not?
I didn't make them, so I can say that.
I only bought them, so I can say what I like.

Angora Mom

Many, many, many years ago when the eldest son was in kindergarten, I got a bad rap.

With all the pink slips coming home, nagging me every time he bit someone, I was at school quite a bit. I got to know the kids.
Other people's children can be so droll.

When one of the kids mentioned to him that his mom was "cool", my son was humiliated.
Kids in kindergarten think everyone is cool so I didn't take that observation as any more than an insipid child's whimsy. Any misinterpretation of my coolness was I believe, due to the angora. Having not yet discovered the refined elegance of cashmere and skirts, I wore a lot of angora and jeans.


When the reputation followed me to elementary school though, I was more than a little concerned.
Things had seemed to be going alright that year. When we went shopping for him school clothes, we bought PTA clothes as well.
Only I guess I made some wrong choices.

It was during Education Week, I remember.
Mingling afterward at the social, a sickly looking fragile redheaded boy in a tank top walked up to me.
"Whoa! , nice yams lady".
And he did the thumbs up thing, like they did then.
The next day at school, the news spread like wildfire.
Dylan's mom was still cool.

But like I said,
that was many, many years ago and since then, I've acquired cashmere cardigans in just about every color.
Apparently, my reign of coolness is over.
I'm no longer cool and I'm okay with that.

Anyway, I don't think kids really want cool parents.
Because what's cool to us, is not cool to them.
And I think maybe it's cooler now to be uncool anyway.
In that case, I guess I am still cool.
I guess I just don't show it.

Men of a Certain Age

I was going to talk about men; Men of a Certain Age.
And then I thought, wait a minute.
Why would TNT invite me to watch a special extended preview of
Men of a Certain Age
and share my thoughts with readers?

I wondered if they thought I was of a certain age,
thereby more equipped to talk about Men of a Certain Age?
Whatever the reason, I'm honored to share with you my thoughts on the upcoming TV series.
I say grab the hubby and some popcorn because Ray Romano is in the house and ya'll know I love Ray Romano.

Premiering Dec. 7th @ 10/9C
TNT's newest original series,
Men of a Certain Age
created by Ray Romano and starring
Joe
Ray Romano
Terry
Scott Bakula
Owen
Andre Braugher

As I said, I was invited to watch an extended preview of the show and it left me highly anticipating the Dec. 7th premiere.
What a cast! Ray Romano is one of my favorite everything , be it stand up comedy or screen.
Such a dry sense of humor and a sweet childish quality, I love the way he sometimes looks as though he's going to slip out of character. And yet he never does.

In Men of a Certain Age, Ray Romano plays Joe. Separated from his wife, Joe's a store owner that likes Bachmann Turner Overdrive and golfing. He's the sweetheart of the bunch but I forsee him getting into a little mischief.
Scott Bakula ( remember Capt. John Archer of Enterprise?) is the pretty boy of the old college pals and depending on the light, he kinda looks like candy. I don't think we're going to like his character too much. Or maybe love to hate?
The part of Owen is played by the very talented Andre Braugher . Mr. Braugher plays a tired, busy car salesman and he's the family guy. I think we're going to love him.

Three friends of a certain age; that age when men question;
What exactly happened to my life and is this what I thought it was going to be like?
Red convertible.
Grab your man of a certain age and some popcorn, save the date for the premiere of this show,
As a matter of fact, I think this might be a show I can look forward to weekly.
And that's saying quite a bit.

See for yourself!

Moving Picture Books

When my kids were little, books were as much a part of their lives as toys and activities. Books, books everywhere and that's the way we loved it. Packing for a car ride or a visit to grandma's, favorite books were never forgotten. Knowing full well that I wouldn't have time to read them on the outing, the books were packed as more of a security object. Just knowing that the same owl and pussycat we visited each night was in the bag was comforting, I suppose.

For a not yet reader, holding a book can be a frustrating thing I guess. Lots of times, a book would smack me in the back of the head, once they realized it didn't read itself and they couldn't read it alone. For those busy on the go times, for that 1-7 yr old on your shopping list, Moving Picture Books can be a great asset, to both you and our child.

With over 35 titles to choose from, both classic and new, read along or not, Moving Picture Books is a nice alternative to reading with your child when it's just not possible. Moving Picture Books will also be requested by kids for reading on their own, inspiring them and developing that love of reading. My only request would be more classic titles and illustrations but I think the library will expand with time. Still, with over 35 books to choose from, your child is bound to find more than one book he can read "all by himself".

In digital format, Moving Picture Books are available as download or DVD. Play them in the car, waiting with mom or dad in line or just to unwind and spend a few minutes alone. Play them in DVD player, iPhone, computer or even as mobile MP4's. With a simple download at a very reasonable price, Moving Picture Books is well worth the money spent.



Thanks to Mom Select and Moving Picture Books for the download for my review.

El Tacodor winner

Winner of the El Tacodor giveaway, sponsored by My Blog Spark, is

that's The Bookworm

Kids Cook Book

I just absolutely adore my
1967
Carnation Company
Fun To Cook Book
for kids

I have the same dream, frequently.

And how is it possible that I can remember buying this Pennsylvania Dutch Cookbook in 1981?
That's what it's dated and my memory proves it.
Yet I cannot remember what lunch was yesterday..



Vintage Thingies Thursday hosted by Suzanne
@ Colorado Lady Come join us!

{sigh}

{sigh}
and only $530
Prada
@ Barneys New York

{sigh}

Lakeshore Christmas

Maureen Davenport is Avalon's favorite librarian and Eddie Haven, guitar hero, is her codirector for the town Christmas pageant. Though fate brings the two together, it's going to take a miracle for them to get along.

Maureen is a quiet, traditional home loving girl that believes in not only the sanctuary of books, but also of the magic of Christmas. But Eddie? Eddie believes in having fun. And, well... to Eddie, Christmas had never been that special, as a matter of fact, the holiday seemed to bring out the worst in him. Still, the pageant was important to both, albeit for different reasons.
The challenge wasn't the pageant at all, that would be fun; the problem was with dropdead gorgeous Eddie and prim proper Maureen.

With just a few weeks left, Maureen was now under the added pressure of trying to save the town's library from being closed forever. How could she possibly raise the money in a town that didn't seem to care? Did no one understand the value of the library? Here was Christmas and yet, where was the miracle?

Would there really be a Christmas miracle this year?
Will Eddie and Maureen get over their differences and meet the challenge ahead?
Will Maureen be able to save the town's 100 yr old library?
And who the heck is Jabez?

~~~~~~
Lakeshore Christmas is author Susan Wiggs latest installment in the Lakeshore Chronicles Series. Ms. Wiggs is a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author that's written yet another delightful book that will land you in the spirit of Christmas. It's a cocoa and fluffy slippers, fireside and dim light kind of story that takes you on holiday. It's the kind of book that you would want to take on the train or plane, home for Christmas.


Find Lakeshore Christmas or the entire Lakeshore Chronicles on Amazon, here.

Disclaimer: "I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by MotherTalk on behalf of Lakeshore Christmas and received a copy of the book to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate."