Friday, February 26, 2010

American Idol - First Go Homes

Mega Spoilers....2 Guys and 2 Girls are going home...

Everyone sang "American Boy" together.  I was generally impressed as a whole.  There was one group of boys who were a bit weak but it could have just been the part of the song they had!

Siobhan - Safe!!!! :)

Haeley - Safe also....I could have gone either way with her.

Michelle - Safe...I barely even remember her lol

Katelyn - Safe..yay!

Katie and Janell - They were the last 2 in the back row standing up.  Awww man, Janell is out.  She was truly one of my favorite girls.

Allison Iraheta sang her single "Scars".  I wasn't really liking it at the beginning...but I really liked it after the beginning LOL

Paige - Barely remember her...but she made it

Lacey - Safe, phew!

Lilly - Safe...yay!

Crystal - Safe....yay...I really like her!!!!!

Ashley and Didi - They were the 2 left from the front row.  Didi is staying....phew!  I was gonna be really upset is TWO of my favorites went home.  Ashley honestly hadn't made an impression on me really one way or the other.

Big Mike - He made it!!  I want him to keep making it since his voice rocks and he missed the birth of his child to be on Idol!

John - He made it through.  I'm relieved cuz I like him but his song wasn't great last night.

Aaron - He made it through also...he's so young...yay!

Todrick - Phew, he is safe.  I was so scared after the judges ripped him apart....but his voice is amazing!!!

Tim and Joe were the 2 guys in the back row.  OMG Tim was safe and Joe went home.  I don't agree based on Wednesday's performances.

Kris Allen Kris Allen Kris Allen.  I would let everyone go home if Kris Allen could just sing all the time!  Hmmm I didn't like the beginning of his performance either but I liked everything else!  It's so awesome that he went to Haiti....he is so wonderful!!!! :)

Casey - He is safe...I was never worried for him.

Jermaine - Safe :)

Lee - Safe...yay cutie!

Andrew - Safe......thank goodness!!!!  I couldn't bear for him to go home.

Tyler and Alex were the two left from the front row.  Alex made it through and Tyler is going home.  I think that was the right choice!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

American Idol - Boys

Woohoo.....way more excited for the boys than I was for the girls!

Todrick Hall - Kelly Clarkson "Since You've Been Gone" My thoughts...his version was way better than Kelly Clarkson's!!!  Ellen liked it but didn't love the chorus.  Randy, Kara and Simon didn't like how much Todrick changed the song. 

Aaron Kelly - Rascal Flatts "Here Comes Goodbye" I am not a huge fan of slow songs on Idol...but he does have a really good voice!  Simon thought he lacked self-confidence.  Kara kind of agreed but was nicer about it.  Kind of the same from Randy and Ellen.

Jermaine Sellers - Oleta Adams "Get Here" He started off slow but his falsetto is great!  Ellen thought he tried too hard and went out and off..but she likes him and the song!  Randy thought he should have done something more current.  Kara agreed with Randy.  Simon was rude of course and hated it.

Tim Urban -One Republic "Apologize" His low notes were okay but his falsetto was not good.  Simon thought they made the right choice the first time around not letting him into the Top 24.  Kara said the music overpowered him...but that he was likable and cute.  Randy thought it was the complete wrong song choice.  Ellen said he needs to do more than be adorable.

Jou Munoz -Jason Mraz "You and I Both" His version was okay but since Jason Mraz is like my favorite singer ever...it takes a lot for me to like other people doing his songs!  Ellen liked how comfortable he was on stage and thought he sounded good.  Randy didn't love the song choice but liked his voice and his sound.  Kara liked that he picked a song she wouldn't have guessed he would...but she thought he was the best so far.  Simon thought it was only okay and forgettable. 

Tyler Grady - "American Woman" Is there only the Lenny Kravitz version?  Ummm the beginning was kinda painful for me and it got a little bit better.  Simon said people would remember it...but maybe for bad reasons.  He thought he was cliched.  Kara actually agreed with Simon.  Randy thought he should bring the 70s into 2010.  Ellen said he lacked charisma and excitement.  She also wanted him to work on his singing.  I actually feel really bad for him.

Lee Dewyze - Snow Patrol "Chasing Cars" I really like his as a rule but he messed up some.  Ellen liked his song choice but thought he screamed too much.  Randy didn't like the song choice but does like his voice.  Kara agreed with Randy.  Simon loved it.  He said he is a naturally good singer..and to go in the direction of David Cook. 

John Park - "God Bless The Child" It started off rough for me...I couldn't even tell if he was singing in English.  But it did get better...minus the super low notes!  Simon didn't think his voice was good enough for the song.  Kara agreed..she thought it was loungy and sleepy.  Randy likes his voice but not his song choice.  Ellen agreed...but did like his performance and thought he sounded great.

Michael Lynche - Maroon 5 "This Love" I don't particularly care for this song...but his version was alright.  Ellen loved the song choice but thought there were some pitch problems.  She also loves his personality.  Randy agreed...and liked his energy!  Randy made fun of him for hurting him and Ellen when he picked them up LOL  Kara really agreed that he uplifted the energy in the room!  Simon thought he was a "good opening act".  Ellen and Kara both wanted him to challenge himself a bit more.

Alex Lambert - Given his hatred for Mary Powers....I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!  James Morrison "Wonderful World" Simon thought it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night.  Simon did say he has a nice voice...and just needs to do better up there!  Kara really likes his tone and his potential.  Randy also loves his tone.  Ellen loves his mullet...that's the only thing about him I don't like.  And...Ellen compared him to a banana that isn't quite ripe.

Casey James - Bryan Adams "Heaven" The performance was okay...the stars in Kara's eyes were ridiculous!  Kara was beyond flustered and couldn't hardly comment.  And Ellen was so distracted by Kara...LOL.  Ellen loved him and thought he'd get votes like crazy!  Randy likes his voice and his swagger.  Kara gathered her brain...and said she is both eye and ear candy.  Simon liked his song choice and his personality...and said it was Casey's best performance yet.

Andrew Garcia - Fall Out Boy "Sugar We're Goin' Down" I wish it went a little faster like the original...but I really do freaking love him!!  Simon was looking forward to him the most but was disappointed.  He thought it was indulgent and not original enough...and too serious!  Simon did say he has a fantastic recording voice though.  Kara kinda agreed with Simon but really did hope to see him again.  Randy agreed also.  Ellen was the 4th to comment about doing "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul.  She also liked him smiling at his wife and how he opened up more after that.

I think I am most worried about Tim Urban unless he gets the sympathy vote tonight.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

American Idol - Girls

My mom asked why I am blogging about American Idol this year.  At this point, I think I am doing it because it helps me remember all of the contestants!

Paige Miles - Simon didn't like her song choice.  Kara disagreed and sang her praises.  Randy agreed with both of them LOL  Randy did say that she showed her big voice and I definitely didn't see that.  Ellen liked her too.  Wow, why do I basically disagree with all of them???

Ashley Rodriguez - She sang "Happy" by Leona Lewis...which I don't think I had ever heard before.  Kara, Randy and Ellen seemed to think she was good, but not great.  Simon really didn't like it!  Disagreement number 2 for me...I really liked it!

*Janell Wheeler - She sang "What About Love" by Heart.  Randy didn't like her song choice...but I did!  Phew, Ellen liked her song choice..but did notice she was off on a few notes.  Simon liked her effort but wasn't over the top about her.  Kara was also slightly negative.  But...everyone thought she'd be back next week!

Lilly Scott - "Fixin a Hole" by the Beatles.  Ellen really liked it.  Simon thought it was the best to that point.  Kara said she was believable.  And of course Randy liked her.  Weird....I didn't like her so much.

Katelyn Epperly - "Oh Darlin'".  She pulled off her look really well!!  Simon was happy.  Kara liked everything but her look LOL  Randy was highly complimentary.  Ellen also liked it.  Glad we all agreed!

Haeley Vaughn - "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles.  Kara had some technical issues but loved how much fun she had.  Randy loves her variety but had the same issues as Kara.  Ellen liked it.  And Simon thought it was terrible.  I thought it was decent!

Lacey Brown - "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac.  Randy didn't like her song choice and thought it was terrible and pitchy.  Ellen thought she was better than her performance.  Simon thought it was depressing and indulgent.  Kara really didn't like her song choice but hoped she would be back next week.  I thought it was okay LOL

Michelle Delamor - "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys.  Ellen thought it was fantastic but safe.  Simon thought she did very well but wasn't wowed.  Kara was pretty pleased but saw some problems.  Randy thought she did a pretty good job.  I agree that it was fairly good...but I did find myself comparing her to Alicia Keys and that isn't good for her since Alicia Keys is over the top amazing.

*Didi Benami - "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson.  Simon thought everyone was sounding the same.  Kara liked the changes Didi make to the original.  Randy wanted more star factor.  Ellen thought it would be okay as part of a set but wasn't great as a standalone song.  I love that song and I love Didi's voice so I was happy! :)

*Siobhan Magnus - "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak.  Kara liked it!  Randy liked it as well and thought she should have gone bigger.  Ellen loved it and forgot where she was (at a competition), she felt like she was at a show.  Simon called her a funny little thing this time.  He liked it and didn't love it.

*Crystal Bowersox - "Hand in My Pocket" by Alanis Morissette.  Randy said she is one of his favorites.  Ellen said they're lucky she auditioned cuz she adds something fresh to the show.  Simon thought she should do something more creative instead of sound-alike..but he does like her.  Kara thought she was good but not as great as she has been.  I can't stand this song normally and I really enjoyed it.  I love the harmonica and guitar playing!

*Katie Stevens - "Feelin' Good" by Michael Buble.  Ellen thought it was great but too conservative for a 17 year old.  Simon agreed with Ellen and went so far as to call it annoying.  Kara said she was pitchy which is out of character for her...but did say she has ridiculous chops.  Randy thought she was pushing so hard that she kept going sharp...but he did say she reminds him of Jordin Sparks.  Sigh...I liked it!

I starred the people I really liked....who did you like???

Monday, February 22, 2010

What Monopoly Piece Are You?

You Are the Thimble




You are a very resourceful and crafty person. Some may even call you cunning.

You are always looking for opportunities to get ahead. You are very creative and original.

You like to survey each situation and carefully plan your move. You have a good instinct for defense.

You like to protect what's yours, and you never take on too much at once. You believe in holding back until the time is right.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love Giveaway

 

As a child of divorce (which is not a bad thing for me), I was excited to read this book about love stories.  I know that when I do get married, it will be forever!  I love hearing / reading about people who are truly in love.

Everyone loves a good love story. And we all love stories about how the love started and blossomed. This fun new book about dating, romance, love, and marriage, will make readers laugh and cry, and is guaranteed to inspire a renewed search for that special someone or open the heart a little more to the love already found. Stories of how couples met, when “they knew,” good and bad dates, proposals, maintaining the relationship, second chances, and all the other ups and downs of love, romance, and marriage will entertain, encourage, and warm the hearts of all readers. A great Valentine’s, wedding, or romantic gift!

The book is divided into 10 sections, including Adventures in Dating, Keeping the Love Alive, Love Everlasting and more.  Loathing at First Sight is a hilarious story that shows that first impressions aren't always lasting.  We can probably all relate to Adventures in Online Dating in one way or another.  Married to a Metrosexual was a fantastic tale about a woman married to a very metro husband.  I was surprisingly touched by Best Friends, a sweet story about a married couple.

I am pleased to offer a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love - 101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about Dating, Romance, Love, and Marriage to 3 winners.

For your first (and mandatory) entry into this contest, comment with another Chicken Soup book you are interested in. Please make sure to leave your email address in your comments.

To earn extra entries you can (please leave a comment for each additional entry):

1) Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already follow (you must follow publicly, I have to be able to see you)

2) Become an email subscriber of my blog or let me know if you already subscribe

3) Blog about this contest (and comment with the url)

4) Mention this giveaway on facebook with a link to this post (comment with your facebook name) 

5) Add my button to your sidebar (and comment with the url)

6) Follow my Becca's Contest List blog

7) Follow me on twitter and tweet about the contest using "@sbshortie Win Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love! http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/02/chicken-soup-for-soul-true-love.html" (comment with your twitter name and the url of your tweet)

8) Become my friend on Facebook (click here and comment with your facebook name)

This contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address that is 18+. Contest ends Sunday, February 28th at 11:59 pm pacific time. Winner will be picked and notified by email shortly after.

I was sent a copy of the book to review and the company is sending out the books to the winners.  All opinions are honest and my own.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales Giveaway

 

When I was young, I really wanted to be a teacher.  Now I work in a school office and get to interact with way more kids and families than I would if I worked in a classroom.
I was super excited when Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales arrived.  I couldn't wait to read the stories inside.  I had some amazing teachers in high school and college, and couldn't wait to read other peoples' stories!

This is a great gift for new and experienced teachers, providing them a morale boost and the knowledge they are appreciated. The teaching industry has embraced this book, and more than half the stories are from "celebrity" teachers, including all of the 2009 State Teachers of the Year and the 2009 National Teacher of the Year. There is a lot of buzz about this book in the teaching industry and those teachers who don't receive it as a gift are sure to buy it for themselves, to read these 101 true stories by great teachers and appreciative students, with lots of laughs, poignant moments, and some tears too.

The book is divided into 11 sections, including First Year Tales, That Was Embarrassing, Tough Kids and more.  I enjoyed the story First Year Drama  about the mistakes of a first year teacher.  Real World Math was a great story and had an idea I had never heard of!  The story Five Words was extremely touching and inspirational!  Angry Blue Eyes was probably my favorite story...you just really never know about people until they are willing to open up to you!!!!

I am pleased to offer a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales - 101 Inspirational Stories from Great Teachers and Appreciative Students to 3 winners.

For your first (and mandatory) entry into this contest, comment with another Chicken Soup book you are interested in. Please make sure to leave your email address in your comments.

To earn extra entries you can (please leave a comment for each additional entry):

1) Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already follow (you must follow publicly, I have to be able to see you)

2) Become an email subscriber of my blog or let me know if you already subscribe

3) Blog about this contest (and comment with the url)

4) Mention this giveaway on facebook with a link to this post (comment with your facebook name) 

5) Add my button to your sidebar (and comment with the url)

6) Follow my Becca's Contest List blog

7) Follow me on twitter and tweet about the contest using "@sbshortie Win Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales! http://is.gd/8Ui0o" (comment with your twitter name and the url of your tweet)

8) Become my friend on Facebook (click here and comment with your facebook name)

This contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address that is 18+. Contest ends Sunday, February 28th at 11:59 pm pacific time. Winner will be picked and notified by email shortly after.

I was sent a copy of the book to review and the company is sending out the books to the winners.  All opinions are honest and my own.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

What Dairy Product Are You?

You Are Milk




You are caring and nurturing. You like to make sure that your friends are well fed and well loved.

As long as the basics are covered for you, you're happy. All you seek is a roof over your head and a full stomach.

You are a calming influence on others. You haven't figured out why or how, but you're a pretty naturally peaceful person.

You help remind people of simpler, easier times. You make others feel like everything is going to be okay.

Friday, February 19, 2010

3 Winners

I finally re-drew a winner for the Duct Tape Wallet giveaway and picked winners for the $50 Safeway GC and ReUsies

Congratulations to Amanda - new winner of a wallet!

amanda said... 22
I love the dinosaur wallet! oheeyore at hotmail dot com
Congratulations to Cal - winner of the ReUsies

Cal said... 153
I liked the sunflake, but they have many cute prints.
Congratulations to Avs, winner of the $50 Safeway GC.

avs96bm said... 190
Apples and carrots are my favorites.
I am sending out emails now and winners will have 72 hours to contact me.  Congrats again to all!

Old Post

I wrote this a few days ago and forgot to post it...but I do want to let everyone know these two things....

I guess I do have a few things to say....I was at the grocery store and saw Frosted Wild! Grape Pop-Tarts®
So for everyone who has been waiting to try them....they are on shelves for your consumption!!!!!

And...I won another house party a few days ago.  I am hosting the Oroweat Sandwich Thins House Party on February 27th.

American Idol - Hollywood Week, Night 4

I HAD to go to the casino last night so I didn't get to watch...til now

Janell Wheeler - Yay, I was ready to cry if she didn't go through.  I'm never this attached before the show even starts!!!

Tyler Grady - He made it through.  I don't remember him at all so hopefully I will now.

Lacey Brown - It's nice that she made it through after not making it last year...but I don't remember her from last year or this year.

Ashley Rodriguez - Went through

Alex Lambert - Also went through

Joe Munoz - Him too

Crystal Bowersox - She made it through...yay!!!

Katie Stevens - I was the teensiest bit worried about her...until I saw Ellen was talking to her.  Ellen doesn't give bad news!!

Angela Martin - Why does she keep not making it?????  It's kinda cruel.

Lilly Scott - She made it through...I never remember her voice as much as her hair lol

Paige Miles - Who is she? LOL  She mad e it.

Siobhan Magnus - Yay, she made it.

Michelle Delamor - Again, who is she?

Jermaine Sellers - Yay, I love him!

John Park - I like him too!!  Yay!!

Tori Kelly - She didn't make it.

Haeley Vaughn - She did make it.  Woohoo!

Thaddeus Johnson and Andrew Garcia are the final two boys.  And Andrew Garcia is my favorite of the whole freaking show!!!!!!!  OMG The suspense....  And I have tears in my eyes.....Thaddeus went home.  I'm really sad for him...but grateful that I get the watch the show this season lol

OMG I forgot to post this after the show ended....and so Feb 18 was the first day I didn't blog in months!!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

American Idol - Hollywood Week, Night 3

This is all spoilers...please don't read unless you have watched Tuesday's show or don't care...

Oh wow, another 2-hour show!!  Final solo auditions time!

Since I am blogging in real time...are they really not going to show us the auditions????

I am rooting for Room 1 and I think Room 3...no strong attachments to Room 2.

Phew...flashing back to auditions.

Angela Martin did really well!

Jermaine Purifory - Brick House...I might have liked his version better than the original lol

Casey James - Bubbly...I like his voice but I don't like her version better haha

Jermaine Sellers - I thought his audition was okay...but what was he thinking insulting the band????

Siobhan Magnus - I don't really remember her...but I am impressed!

Crystal Bowersox - I love how Earthy her voice is!!!

Alex Lambert - Anyone who sings Jason Mraz - I'm Yours and does a decent job has to have my affection...I love that freaking song!

Michael Lynche - His version of I'm Yours was okay...but he changed it too much for my liking.  His voice is good of course though.

Todrick Hall - And he ventured away even more....he did a good job of singing but I love the song too much to like the changes!

Thaddeus Johnson - Poor guy...I can't imagine having the band play the wrong song...how nerve wracking!  I really enjoy his voice and his personality!!! :)

Charity Vance - oh no, she is in room 2!  I like her!  Her solo was really good!

Tasha Layton - I don't much remember her but her Day 1 audition was great.  Why didn't they show her name or her second solo???

Mary Powers - I'm sorry, I don't like her.  I don't like her voice and I don't like her attitude.  And she's not Katy Perry!  Her kid looks cute tho lol

Lloyd Thomas - Hmm I don't remember him well.  His voice seems okay but not over the top outstanding.

Brian Walker - They didn't show his name either.  I just hope that isn't indicative of anything!

Hope Johnson - She's such a sweet girl.  I thought some of her prior auditions were a bit better than her final solo.

Shelby Dressel - I don't really remember her...but I do really enjoy her voice!

Aaron Kelly - Oh no, my heart breaks for people when they forget their lyrics!

Ashley Rodriguez - Her voice is nice...but I feel like it isn't that strong yet.

Lee Dewyze - I don't remember him from before..but I like him and he's cute!

Joe Munoz - I don't remember him either but he's alright...

Haeley Vaughn - Her personality is so bright and shining!!!!  Again, I enjoy her voice but I just don't enjoy other peoples' interpretations of Jason Mraz - I'm Yours.

Janell Wheeler - I couldn't tell from her audition that she was struggling with her voice....I really enjoyed her version of Love Story by Taylor Swift.  But Kara didn't like it :(

Tori Kelly - Hmmm why don't I remember so many of these people?  I like her okay...but don't love her interpretation of Katy Perry either.

Lilly Scott - I barely remember her...and wasn't impressed by her final audition.

Andrew Garcia - I just love him.  If he doesn't make it I will yell and wake my whole family up lol

Room 1 - I'm sure my family will be appreciative at not being woken.  Lilly Scott, Siobhan Magnus, Tyler Grady, Thaddeus Johnson, Michaele Lynche and Katie Stevens to name the people Ryan Seacrest named.

Room 2 - They didn't make it through.  I had a feeling.  GOODBYE Mary Powers.  Sadly...Charity Vance, Brian Walker, Kristian Spear, Lloyd Thomas and Hope Johnson.

Room 3 - That means they made it.  Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, John Park, Angela Martin, Jessica Furney and Shelby Dressel to repeat Ryan again lol

I'm puzzled as to why they are doing part of the top 24 tonight and part tomorrow...wouldn't it make more sense to do it tomorrow?

Anyway...46 people down to 24....

Michael Lynche - He made it!!!  Yay!!!  It was worth missing the birth of his daughter...and they all agreed!

Didi Benami - Good to see her since my sister was worried about where she went...and glad she made it through!  My sister will be so happy when she watches!

Katelyn Epperly - She made it after Ellen totally messed with her!!!!

Shelby Dressel - Awww the first no.  And they made Randy do it :(

Casey James - Okay I'm sorry, but he deserved to go through from the beginning when he took his shirt off!  His voice is amazing and his personality keeps on developing!!!!!

Aaron Kelly - He made it through.  He is so cute and polite and his voice is so good...he just needs to remember his words! :-/

Lee Dewyze - He made it...and told Kara to shut up LOL

OMG A Glee commercial!!!!!!  But it won't be back until April :(

Todrick Hall - Kara just gave him a simple yes....I had forgotten how great his first audition was...yay!!!!

Jessica Furney - OMG She didn't make it through Hollywood 2 times in a row now...and does Randy have to give all of the bad news???  And ummm I hope that wasn't her real personality...because it wasn't nice!

17 more finalists to be revealed tomorrow night (7 girls and 10 guys)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A New Day

Throughout everything yesterday, I had a slightly worrisome wake up call.  Around 3 or 4 pm, I realized I was really craving sugar.  And it wasn't the kind of craving sugarless gum would help.  I almost made everyone go somewhere for dessert after dinner...but I controlled myself..knowing I'd get something when I got home.

So I am going to try...for at least this week...not to have any dessert type sugar!  Obviously I am going to eat foods with sugar in them.  I guess I need to go buy more fruit lol

Monday, February 15, 2010

Today

Today had to have been one of the worst days of my life.  I tried to blog about it and I'm just not ready. :(

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Not A Good Blogger....

I feel like a bad blogger since Friday morning.  I just don't have anything to say.

A bunch of my friends live in a house together.  They seem to always have a ton of drama.  With everything that has happened lately, I feel like at least for the time being, my outlook on life has changed.

You just NEVER know when the last time you see someone might be.  You never know when someone you thought would always be around will just be gone.  Knowing that, how can you justify being mad at anyone about anything trivial??????  So someone made a snide comment to you...so what?  So someone drunkenly yelled at you...so what?  You can remove yourself from a situation without being completely dramatic.

I have noticed a lot of blog hits from people searing for Avi Schaefer.  I am going to his service and burial tomorrow morning.  The number of people who are affected by his death is astonishing!  And at least for now, his death has had an impact on my life outlook. :(

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Valentine's Day Swap

Once again, Shannon at The Mommy-Files was nice enough to host a bloggy "present" swap for all of us.

My swap partner was Aggie of The Loca Loba.  I bought her some candles and lots of chocolate!!

She got me an amazing chocolate cookbook and a quickly disappearing jar of chocolate hearts.  Thank you so much Aggie!!!!  I hope you enjoyed what I got you as much as I enjoyed what you got me.

And thanks to Shannon for organizing all of this...I can't wait for the Easter swap.



Friday, February 12, 2010

Tragedy Today

I tried all day to think of something to blog about...and nothing came to me.

A 21-year old from my town, Santa Barbara, was hit and killed by a drunk driver in Rhode Island at about 2 am this morning.  He was a freshman at Brown University.  He started college late because he had been serving in the Israeli Army for the last 3 years.

This was some of the worst news I could have woken up to this morning, and our whole community is just devastated.   Avi was one of the nicest, most amazing people you could have ever met.

So this post is dedicated to his honor.  You'll be missed Avi Schaefer.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fiber One Yogurt and Safeway Giveaway

Thanks to MyBlogSpark, Fiber One and Safeway, I got to review the delicious Fiber One Yogurt.

Best-selling author and food expert Lisa Lillien, AKA Hungry Girl, has given her “seal of approval” to the new Fiber One yogurt, the only leading nonfat yogurt with 50 calories and 5 grams of fiber (20 percent of the Recommended Daily Value). It is also a good source of calcium and vitamins A and D, making this a guilt-free and all-around great choice for dieters and those watching their weights. Each cup includes the creamy, delicious taste you expect from Yoplait, and you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying it. Fiber One is available in a variety of flavors including, Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla and Key Lime Pie (see what Hungry Girl thinks about the new yogurt here:http://hungry-girl.com/news/newsdetails.php?isid=1772 !) 

I was so excited to go to the store to pick out my flavor of choice - vanilla.  I brought it home and had to have one right away...with a few M&M's tossed in of course.  The yogurt is great!!!  And how exciting is it to  have something so yummy for only 50 calories and with 5 grams of fiber?!?!

I am pleased to offer a $50 Giftcard to Safeway (also good at Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons, Genuardi’s) to 1 winner.

For your first (and mandatory) entry into this contest, comment with 1 or 2 of your other favorite healthy snacks. Please make sure to leave your email address in your comments.

To earn extra entries you can (please leave a comment for each additional entry):

1) Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already follow (you must follow publicly, I have to be able to see you)

2) Become an email subscriber of my blog or let me know if you already subscribe

3) Blog about this contest (and comment with the url)

4) Mention this giveaway on facebook with a link to this post (comment with your facebook name) 

5) Add my button to your sidebar (and comment with the url)

6) Follow my Becca's Contest List blog

7) Follow me on twitter and tweet about the contest using "@sbshortie Win a $50 Safeway Gift Card! http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/02/fiber-one-yogurt-and-safeway-giveaway.html" (comment with your twitter name and the url of your tweet)

8) Become my friend on Facebook (click here and comment with your facebook name)

This contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address that is 18+. Contest ends Thursday, February 18th at 11:59 pm pacific time. Winner will be picked and notified by email shortly after.

I was sent a VIP coupon for the yogurt and a $50 Safeway giftcard.  My winner is also being sent a $50 Safeway giftcard.  This is courtesy of MyBlogSpark, Safeway and Fiber One.  All opinions are my own and honest!!!!!

Winners


The winner of a wallet from Lisa's Custom Duct Tape Wallets is Genny

Genny said...
Lisa's Duct Tape Wallets Facebook fan (Genny Heavenly) 

The winner of a pair of reading glasses is ZestyWonderland

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I follow Beccasbackyard ! zestywonderland@xxx.com

WTG to both winners...emails are being sent now!

 

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

American Idol - Hollywood Week, Night 2

96 people started off for Group Night
 
Michelle Delamor, Charity Vance, Ashley Rodriguez - I really liked Charity...Michelle was okay...and Ashley not so much...but they all went through!

Michael Lynche, Seth Rollins, Tim Urban, Michael Castro - Poor Michael's wife gave birth like...right before he performed!  Michael Lynche and Tim Urban went through...the other two went home :(

Liz Rooney, Thaddeus Johnson, Jessica Cunningham, Paige - They all went through...I didn't think Liz was that great tho.

Todrick Hall, Theri, Jareb Liewer, Siobhan Magnus - I don't think they had shown us most of these people before...and they are really good!!  They all made it through.

Then they didn't show us a bunch of groups LOL

Tori Kelly, Maddie Penrose, Mark Labriola, Kimberly Kerbow, Danny Jones - Tori and Maddie only made it through...2 of the others forgot their words and 1 they didn't show

Someone named Cat Nestle? left before the group audition...weird

Ben Honeycutt, Jeff Goldford, Moorea Masa, Jermaine Sellers - Moorea forgot her words!!  Jeff and Jermaine made it...Jermaine was the best in the group!

Matt Lawrence, Amanda Shechtman, and 2 others they didn't show...because they were all so bad.  I'm sorry but I am so glad she is gone....I can't stand her!!!!

Leah Lorenti, Carmen Turnet, Kimberly Carver, Dave Pitman - old familiar faces, gone

Janell Wheeler, Jermaine Purifory, Casey James - great!!

Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens, J.B. Ahfua, and one other guy they didn't show - they all made it!  I really really really like Andrew!

Mary Powers, Hope Johnson, Margo May, Alex Lambert and one other girl whose name they didn't show - Ouch!!!!  And I can't stand that Mary lady..and she made it through...ewwwwww

71/96 made it through to a last performance in Hollywood

Uh oh...my sister liked a girl named Didi and they didn't show her.....

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

American Idol - Hollywood Week, Night 1

Hollywood Week at the Kodak Theatre....181 people there!

Ellen DeGeneres....woohoo!!!!

Day 1 of Hollywood Week

1)Katie Stevens - They highlighted her story about taking care of her grandma at her original audition.  She went on!

2) Skii Bo Ski (Antonio Wheeler) - He looks way more normal than he did at his first audition!!  But his voice wasn't so great...he's out!

3) Andrew Garcia - Ooooh wow, Straight Up by Paula Abdul.  But kind of in the new style I like....like how Jason Mraz sings I'm Yours.  Does this style have a name????

4) Vanessa Wolfe -  Oh no, she was awful in Hollywood.

5) Tasha Layton - They skipped her Hollywood audition but had shown her original audition...don't know if she made it through or not.

6) Cornelius Edwards - I wondered if he went through to Hollywood because his pants split...and that's what Ryan just said...he stunk in Hollywood!

7) Maegan Wright - Too bad she didn't do so well in Hollywood..I bet her little brother will be sad :(

8) Amadeo Diroco - Awww...sad that he didn't do well in Hollywood.

9) Janell Wheeler - She sang American Boy by Kanye West and Estelle.....what an awesome second audition and her guitar playing was great!!!

10) Haeley Vaughn - I wasn't overly impressed by Randy liked her!  She got through to the next round.

11) Mary Powers - She sang Sober by Pink in Hollywood...Ellen loved her.  She went on...and I think she deserved it!

12) Todrick Hall - He is moving on but they didn't show his Hollywood solo...

13) Charity Vance - Also moving on...also didn't show her solo

14) Ashley Rodriguez - See notes on above two lol

46 people made it through at the end of Day 1...and they only mentioned 14!!!

Day 2 of Hollywood Week

1) Jay Stone - Uh oh...I am rooting for him...did they not like him?  They didn't really show his solo...sad times!!!

2) Lilly Scott - She is the first person they showed in Hollywood whose original audition they didn't show...I thought she was amazing!

3) Michael Lynche - He sang while his wife was in labor!!!!  He sang Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer and played guitar....I still really like him!!!!  Remember when Sanjaya sang this song???  Much better lol

4) Justin Williams - He got cancer while serving a mission?? :(  A vocal coach who can sing...yay!  How did I not notice how cute he was before????  Sad that his first audition was better than his second.

5) Tim Urban - He auditioned in Dallas but they didn't show him or I didn't blog about him. He sang Come Back to Me by David Cook.  He was a big shaky but went through.

6) Paige Dechausse - They didn't show her solo but she didn't make it...

7) Erica Rhodes - Awww the Barney girl didn't make it...

8) Bernadette and Amanda Desimone - They both didn't make it.....


9) Maddy Curtis - I didn't comment on her first audition...but the fact that she has 4 brothers with Down Syndrome is just amazing!  They didn't like her song choice :(  Awwww she didn't make it...poor thing!

10) Casey James - He plays Blues guitar!  Should he have auditioned with his shirt off?? LOL  I'm really glad he made it through...his audition was great!!!

11) Didi Benami - She sang a song by Kara...and much like her first audition...I loved her solo!!!!  I'm so glad the judges did too!  Yay, she made it!

12) Crystal Bowersox - The judges liked her first audition more than I did...but I thought she was really good in Hollywood!  Yay, she made it also!

95 people total went through to the next set of auditions?


Wow....they didn't show a ton of people in Hollywood whose first audition they showed!!!!!

What's Your Grandma or Grandpa Name?

Your Name is Grandma Sadie





Eh? Speak up!

I feel like that could totally look like me when I get older!

Weird Finger Thing

So twice in the last month or so after showering...I have gotten weird white marks on some of my fingers.  The first time it happened, I thought I was crazy.  The second time it happened, I took pictures.


The bottom picture is the same picture as the top finger...like 30 minutes later.  Does anyone have any idea what it could be?????

Monday, February 8, 2010

Homemade Mac N Cheese

OMG I am so behind on blogging about my life.  2 weekends ago, I invited a friend over for homemade Mac N Cheese.  I have never made this before and my friend is super picky, so I was really nervous!  But I found a great recipe on Recipe Zaar and went for it!

I haven't done a Tempt My Tummy Tuesday in a long time, but what great timing!  As I started writing this post, I remembered that awesome meme, and this post is just perfect for it!



Those are all of my ingredients..minus the Windex and juice of course ;)

2 uncooked cups of noodles...that's a lot!

Noodles "boiling" on the stove

Butter and cheese in another pot...not fun to wash!!!

Melted butter and cheese in the bottom of the crockpot...ewww lol

Everything mixed together...raw

The final result....yum!!!!

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 1/2 cups about 10 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

*Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
*In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
*In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well.
*Then add drained macaroni and stir again.
*Cook for 3 hours on low, stirring occasionally.

Holey Donuts! News


As I posted a few days ago, Holey Donuts! is running a contest. They have also sent me info for a special offer....

Need a special offer to try America's best tasting ,Hand Made,Gourmet Low Fat Donuts?!


Buy 2, get ONE BOX FREE (3 for the price of 2)


This is great if you want to try"a smaller" order or don't have so much room in your freezer. Each box is as small as a frozen dinner entree so they will fit easily in your freezer too!


And while you're at www.holeydonuts.net remember to enter our Blog reader giveaway for a chance to win 4 assortments and a $250 store credit! Just find the contact page then add your email address and the NAME OF THIS BLOG (Becca's Backyard) in the subject line and you're in. PLEASE ONLY ENTER ONCE.


Here the code information


BUY 2, GET 1 FREE - place 3 assortments in your cart, enter the code VDAY1 at checkout, click recalculate and the cost of 1 of those assortments will be FREE.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Review


Thanks to my friend Kailani at An Island Life blog, I got the chance to review Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash and beauty bar.

From their website...

Caress® makes skin the ultimate fashion statement with the introduction of the Caress Skinwear Collection®. Caress gives you gorgeous skin – right out of the shower – that you will want to flaunt just like the season’s hottest styles. Now you can shower on your look with Caress body washes and beauty bars for even toned, radiant or silky skin … and have the confidence to show it off!

The “Latest” Look: Even Tone
NEW! Evenly Gorgeous™ Exfoliating Body Wash & Beauty Bar
With Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter
Caress® Evenly Gorgeous™, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal smooth, even toned skin.


I am always eager to try out any body wash that claims to moisturize your skin.  Until I tried Caress, I had only found 1 brand that actually moisturized as advertised.  I was pleasantly surprised when I tried out the Caress and it moisturized just as well as the other kind I like.  And...it smells way better!  It has the sweetest most amazing smell.  I love smelling it every time I use it.  I also love how well it lathers up!  There is nothing worse to me than a body wash that doesn't lather!


I have to admit, I am not a beauty bar fan.  I have been using body wash for as long as I can remember.  So to be fair, I had my mom try out the beauty bar because I knew she would give it a "fair" shot.  In my mom's own words:


"I’ve been using the same brand of soap for over ten years now, so I was very excited to try Caress Soap. I was immediately impressed when I opened the box and didn’t smell that typical soap smell. Instead I was greeted by a very pleasant, light fragrance.

In the shower, as I began using the soap, still no soap smell. This was very exciting. I loved the texture of the soap as I began to feel the burnt sugar. The soap washed off without that sticky feeling many brands leave.

The soap left my skin soft and clean. I definitely see a new brand in my future."

As you can see, we both loved it!  If you are in the market for a new soap, or just like to try high quality products, check out Caress Evenly Gorgeous!

I received Caress body wash and beauty bars from RocketXL on behalf of Caress to do this review. I was not paid in any other way and all opinions are mine and my moms ;)

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Blog Awards

A number of bloggy friends have gifted me with blog awards recently.  I have felt really behind on everything and haven't had a chance to post them.  But I am finally sitting at home so here goes...

My friend Amy at Keeping Up With the Schultz Family gave me the Sugar Doll Award.


I am supposed to list 10 things about me....

1. I am only 4'10...I think with shoes on I am about 5'
2. I am half-Japanese (from my dad's side)
3. From my mom's side, I am Jewish.  With all of the cool Jewish holidays coming up, you will probably see that side of me coming through :)
4. My favorite colors are turquoise and purple.  Those were my colors for my Bat Mitzvah at 13, and are still my favorite colors to this day.
5. I run an online dominoes league on a site called Eliters
6.  I love love love almost anything chocolate
7. I love to bake yummy treats!
8. I really miss my doggies and can't wait to get new ones!
9. I am addicted to TV shows aimed at teenagers such as Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210 and more!
10. I also love Reality TV shows such as American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Hell's Kitchen and Survivor (it might only be those 4 lol)


My two friends Audrey at Audrey's Country Crafts and Missy at Loving My Children's Gifts gave me the Sunshine Award

 

What a pretty award!  Thankfully I don't have to do anything except pass it on...

And finally...my friend Ms Bibi from From Misery to Happiness gave me the Beautiful Blogger Award




For this award, you have to list 7 things about yourself...this is hard since I just listed 10 up above

1. Sunflowers are my favorite flower...I think they are gorgeous!
2. I have one little tattoo of something called a "foppy."  I thought my friends made it up, but apparently it's from a video game.
3. I am "addicted" to Bejeweled Blitz on facebook.  I swore I wouldn't play any facebook games that were addicting, but this one tricked me!
4. I was a total band geek in high school.  I marched flute and played clarinet in concert band.  I was also band manager my senior year.
5. I have 3 holes in each of my ears...but I only wear earrings in my top 2 holes most of the time
6. I own way too many pairs of shoes...I stopped counting at 30 (that's how many my shoe rack holds)
7. To go along with my too many shoes...are too many socks.  I love crazy sock designs!

Thanks to Amy, Audrey and Ms Bibi for these great awards.

Instead of tagging individual people, I "tag" all of you.  If you want to accept 1 or all of these awards, please do!

ReUsies Review and Giveaway


I was so excited when I discovered ReUsies.  I am always looking for ways to be "greener", and this was something I had never heard of before!!!  Who knew you could use reusable baggies instead of plastic, throwaway ones???

ReUsies are 100% cotton lined with leak resistant nylon and have Velcro closures.  They come in snack size (perfect for chips, crackers, pretzels, grapes etc) and sandwich size (perfect for sandwiches, bagels...or lots of chips!)  They can be hand-washed, put in the dishwasher or washed in the laundry.

"The EPA estimates 500 billion - one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. A typical school/work lunch contains 3-4 plastic sandwich bags each day amounting to upwards of 1,000 each year for one person. These bags will all be around long after we are gone!"

I was so excited when my sample arrived in the mail.  I had been waiting for something like this for years!  The design is absolutely adorable.  They were even larger than I expected them to be.   And of course, they hold my food well!


I am pleased to offer a set of ReUsies (1 snack bag and 1 sandwich bag) of the winner's choice from ReUsies

For your first (and mandatory) entry into this contest, go to ReUsies and comment with which print you would pick if you won. Please make sure to leave your email address in your comments.

To earn extra entries you can (please leave a comment for each additional entry):

1) Subscribe to the ReUsies Newsletter (click here, then comment with your email address)

2) Become a fan of ReUsies on facebook (click here, then comment with your facebook name)

3) Comment with why you want to win ReUsies

4) Mention this giveaway on facebook with a link to this post (comment with your facebook name)

5) Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already follow (you must follow publicly, I have to be able to see you)

6) Become an email subscriber of my blog or let me know if you already subscribe

7) Blog about this contest (and comment with the url)

8) Add my button to your sidebar (and comment with the url)

9) Follow my Becca's Contest List blog

10) Follow Reusies and me on twitter and tweet about the contest using " @sbshortie @reusies Win a set of ReUsies of your choice! http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/02/reusies-review-and-giveaway.html" (comment with your twitter name and the url of your tweet)

11) Become my friend on Facebook (click here and comment with your facebook name)

This contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address that is 18+. Contest ends Thursday, February 18th at 11:59 pm pacific time. Winner will be picked and notified by email shortly after.

I was sent one set of ReUsies to review and the company is sending another set to the winner. All opinions are my own and I was not monetarily compensated for this post.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Win A Holey Donuts Prize Pack!


Holey Donuts! is giving away a PRIZE PACK to one lucky reader of their very special February Love Assortment consisting of 4 boxes of their latest, best selling, super yummy Holey Donuts! Low Fat Treats and $250 Holey Donuts! store credit good for 1 year.


To enter, go to Holey Donuts find and click on the contact us link. Put “Becca's Backyard” in the subject line as well as your name and email address in order to enter. The Message can be anything, just let them know you want to enter this contest. Please only enter once.



For an extra entry, become a fan of Holey Donut's Facebook fan page! Write this on their wall: "I became a new fan because of Becca's Backyard!"


Contest ends February 28th!


The blogger who gets the most people to sign up will win $500!!! Thanks so much for helping me!!!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Eggs In A Frame

Hmmm, I seem to write about eggs a fair amount.

Anyhow, some time last week Danny decided to ditch class (don't tell anyone) and came over to my house.  He came over right around dinner time, and we somehow got to talking about eggs in a frame.  He had never even heard of it before but thought it sounded cool and wanted me to make it for him.

Ummmm, I had never cooked it before!  I had no idea what to do LOL  Oh, for those of you who haven't had this before or call it something different, you cut a square in the middle of a piece of bread and fry an egg in that hole.

Below is my finished result....He made his own after he ate mine and his turned out way prettier hahaha

Apparently bread isn't flat..and the egg leaked out!

The finished result...not too bad for my first attempt!


Thursday, February 4, 2010

Family Fridays



My friend Amy @ Keeping Up with the Schultz Family asked me to try out this awesome new Friday meme.

"Since this is the first Friday this is what you do.
Family Fridays:
All you have to do is write about your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins.
You can share a favorite memory from growing up.
Or you can even tell a story that was told you to by your great-grandparents moving
to the USA from another country.
You can even talk about your own family and your children.
This is a time for you to share your family memories."

I decided to do my first post about my Uncle Greg because it was just his birthday so he was my first family member that came to mind.


 (My papa, nana and uncle)
When I was younger, my parents, sister and I lived with my grandparents.  My uncle also lived with them on and off (Thank goodness for their 5-bedroom house!!).  Because of this, and because of the fact that my uncle is about 19 years older than me, we ended up being very close.  I consider him and my aunt almost more like way older siblings.


When I was 10, we moved up to Santa Barbara because my dad got a job transfer.  My uncle had gone to community college up here, and ended up coming up to visit and eventually moving back.  One of my favorite memories with him is going out for late night snacks at Carrows.  I don't even remember the food we ate.  I just remember that I was the only 12 year old kid I knew going out at 10 or 11 at night.


My uncle might be one of the few people who moves more often than we do, and I haven't been to visit him in his new house in Minden, Nevada yet.  I can't wait to go in May!


My uncle and aunt

My uncle's wife Rhonda, my uncle and my papa

My nana, Rhonda, uncle and papa

What Do You Love To Talk About?

You Love to Talk About Ideas




You like your conversations to be deep and meaningful. You are not a big fan of small talk.

You are open to all sorts of conversation topics, especially if they are unique or interesting. You love it when a conversation takes you somewhere unexpected.

You will talk about anything, even if it's controversial or weird. You aren't shy about speaking your mind.

You may shock people with what you're willing to talk about, but at least it's more interesting than discussing the weather.


I like my result!!

American Idol - Night 8

Thank goodness for DVR...I don't know how I managed before it!!!!

Final night of auditions...they're just showing the best auditions???

Jessica Furney - She picked a song Simon co-wrote hehehe   I had no idea Simon co-wrote songs!!!!  I agree with the judges...she was way improved from her audition last year!

Amanda Shectman - I liked her normal singing voice better than any of her tricks!  I hope she isn't dramatic like that one awful girl last year!!!!

Lee Dewyze - He was okay but his humming was weird. LOL

Crystal Bowersox - Her voice was okay to me...but I don't know if I would call her a "best of"

Lacey Brown - I barely remember her from last season.  Why does everyone sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"?  What am I missing that makes that song soooo popular?  Yay that she gets to go to Hollywood again.

Stephanie Fisher - Why don't women realize what they look like????  It's sad!

Rachel Hubbard - How can a 16 year-old have such a beautiful voice? 

Thaddeus Johnson - Hmmm why didn't his voice do anything for me?

Genesis Moore - Again, I thought her voice was okay but nothing spectacular.

Adrian Chandtchi - I feel a bit sorry for him.  He seems a bit "lost."

Michael Lynche - What a nice voice out of a muscle man LOL

Didi Benami - What a sweet story.  I love Hey Jude by the Beatles.  Why didn't the judges love her as much as I did?

Aaron Kelly - I didn't think a boy could sing a Miley Cyrus song well...but he did!  And he had such a sweet story about being "adopted" by his aunt.

Kimberly Bishop - I agree with the judges...weird!

Shaddaii Harris - I'm actually glad she didn't get through, because I have a problem with her name.

Hope Johnson - *Sigh*.  I come from a culture and a family where I have no problem with families having 8 kids..or however many kids they have.  But they should only have as many children as they can care for!  I'm glad she was good, hopefully she can use Idol to better her life situation. :)

Yay, Ellen is going to be at Hollywood week!!!!!  They're going back to 12 guys and 12 girls this year?  Good!!

Can't wait for next week!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fiber One Yogurt Deal

You have until Tuesday, February 9th to take advantage of the special Safeway deal where you can purchase two 4-packs of Fiber One yogurt for only $4.

Yum!!!!

Keep your eye out for a review and giveaway...coming soon!

I've received this info and will be receiving the VIP coupon, Safeway gift card and additional gift card to giveaway from Fiber One and Safeway through MyBlogSpark