Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What Part of Speech Are You?

You Are a Noun




You are very concerned with the material world and what is actual.

Facts interest you, and it's likely that you keep up with the latest news.

You do well with ideas and concepts you can actually see. You are a very visual person.

You are the type who knows every person and place in town. You're very well informed.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Three Book Reviews

In my slacking...I have neglected to blog about the last 3 books I read.  While I am doing better at reading than last year, I'm not doing as well as I hoped.  But I am currently working on cleaning out my magazines LOL

On to the book reviews....

Book #5 is "To Wed A Wicked Prince" by Jane Feather.  I had to start the book twice because the beginning was so boring...and it never got much better.  I did want to know what happened, because I am curious, but I really dragged through this book.  I wouldn't recommend it...unless you just love books that take place in the 1700s in England.  Oh, and I should probably add that almost all of the reviews I have found for this book are negative.

Book #6 is"One Day at a Time" by Danielle Steel.  She never fails to disappoint!  This is an amazing story about a free-spirited woman and a male Hollywood movie star.  The characters are very well developed, and I felt like I was a part of the story!!!  The female lead is a dog walker, which I think is really cool.  Since I try to always not give away too much, just read it and see how amazing it is for yourself.  I think I read it in 2 or 3 days!  I definitely recommend this book :)

Book #7 is "The Husband Tree" by Mary Connealy.  I won this book from Good Reads.  To be blunt, I read it because I felt obligated after winning it.  But to be honest, I loved it!  I was truly surprised that I loved it, but I did.  It is listed as a Christian romance, but I am Jewish and did not find it to be Christian at all.  There was no mention of religion whatsoever.  It takes place in the Old West.  It's about a lady named Belle, her 4 kids, and her ranch.  It kinda starts with a cattle drive...which I had never heard of.  I read it as quickly as I could...and I definitely lost some sleep while reading it.  I highly recommend this book!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Oops

Well...I haven't blogged in a week!  I thought I was getting back into my online groove...but I feel like I have barely been on the internet!

My acrylics are holding up okay but they feel too long now!!!  I can't wait for them to grow out so I can get them painted a cool color!!!!

I had two little kids over from my work to try out this cool new Spongebob game for Wii that I was given to review...more on that later!

I did 6 loads of laundry or something the other day...who knew I owned so much stuff?!?!?!  I also spent $100+ at Old Navy on new skirts...it's about time they got in some decent skirts!!!!

I went to Los Angeles to do all of my Passover shopping...the food is so expensive!!!  I feel like I barely bought anything but spent a fortune.

I'm doing an awful job of losing weight...my weight just seems to hold where it is because I eat enough for like 10 people (or so it seems...tho since I'm short I probably just eat as much as "normal" people)

I think that's about it...I really do wanna get back to blogging every day...and I do have winners, new giveaways and new reviews to post!!!!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Life Update?

My grandpa is now at ER.....and my grandma just had surgery a week and a half ago.  This is like...too much.  My mom is finally going to push them to make some life changes.  My mom and I have talked about them moving to where one of their three kids live, hiring help, getting services life grocery delivery...if anyone has any additional ideas they'd be appreciated.

In random news, I got acrylic nails.  My regular nails are beyond weak, so having acrylics is a nice change for me, even though everyone says they are bad for you!

And I am just getting to watching Idol now....omg!  I don't know how I have managed not to find out yet.  Rolling Stones are next week's first theme.  Katelyn Epperly didn't make it :(  Todrick Hall didn't make it.  Poor Alex Lambert, he is so freaking cute.  I bet my sister is heartbroken.  Poor Lilly Scott.

Top 6 Girls:
Didi Benami
Siobhan Magnus
Paige Myles - I would have rather seen her go.
Crystal Bowersox
Lacey Brown - I was worried about her!
Katie Stevens - not who I expected but happy

Top 6 Boys:
Casey James
Tim Urban
Lee Dewyze
Michael Lynche
Aaron Kelly
Andrew Garcia - OMG Why is he always last??????

I am going to go clean or something now...I have all this stress about my grandparents!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Whole Foods Coolness Through March 31

I received an email...Whole Foods has its own charity and they are doing a big push in March.  I will definitely be going into the store to donate.  The info is below:

Year round, the Whole Planet Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market raises money for micro-lending in developing countries where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Through March 31st, Whole Foods Market is putting an extra push to encourage customers to donate to this worthy cause. A majority of the funds have gone to women in Mexico, Haiti, Peru, Argentina, Kenya, Turkey, Ethiopia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.
100% of shoppers’ donations will be used to start home-based businesses, from tailoring and producing artisan goods to tortilla making and small-scale farming. If we raise $1.5 million by March 31st, the Whole Planet Foundation will have enough money to provide 40,000 people in developing world communities with the chance to change their own lives.
We’d love for your readers to support this worthy cause while they shop at our stores through March 31st. For more information about the Whole Planet Foundation, please visit: http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Puns for Educated Minds

My friend sent me this..and it was too funny not to post!

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
 
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
 
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
 
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.
 
5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
 
6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
 
7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
 
8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
 
9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
 
11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
 
12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
 
13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
 
14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
 
15. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
 
16. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
 
17. A backward poet writes inverse.
 
18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes..
 
19. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

Kroger Cart Busters

From now through March 14th, shop the Cart Buster Savings Event and find the hottest prices around on your favorite name-brand products in over 60 categories at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.

Here are just a few of the great brands participating in the event: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino’s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice and many more!

I am going to have a Kroger gift card giveaway coming up soon. :)

The Kroger Family of Stores gift card, information, and giveaway were all provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

American Idol - Top 8 Guys

Lee Dewyze - Owl City "Fireflies" Randy thought it was a strange song choice but he liked how he made it his own.  Ellen thought it was good and said people have crushes on him (I'm one).  Kara liked his confidence.  Simon didn't really like it but liked his progress.  I thought it was fine but apparently I'm not cool since I don't know that song.

Alex Lambert - Ray LaMontagne "Trouble"  Randy liked the song choice but thought he could have done more with it.  Ellen called him a mushy banana (he is ripening quickly).  Kara wants him to be less stiff.  Simon also wanted him to relax more.  I really like him :)

Tim Urban - Jeff Buckley "Hallelujah"  Can I just say before even listening...that this is one of my favoritest songs in the world and he better not mess it up!!!!!!  It was good...but not as good as when Jason Castro did it a few years ago.  Randy thought he did a pretty good job.  Ellen thought it was fantastic and ran on stage to hug him.  Kara thought he was in it..and in the top of the boys.  Simon took credit for him doing well LOL

Andrew Garcia - Christina Aguilera "Genie in a Bottle" Randy said it didn't quite work for him.  Ellen loved the song choice but thought it didn't get great until the end.  Kara was sad cuz she said he peaked so early on.  She wanted it to be better than it was.  Simon called it desperate.  I didn't think it was his best performance, but I love him so I am going to vote for him.

Casey James - Keith Urban "You'll Think of Me" Randy thought it was too safe of a choice.  Ellen thought it was great.  Kara said she is kind of back on the Casey train.  Simon said it was his second best performance.  I thought it was okay.

Aaron Kelly - Lonestar "I'm Already There" Randy thought it was really good.  Ellen loved his confidence but thought the song was a bit much for him.  Kara thought the song wasn't relevant to his life.  Simon thought Kara's thought was rubbish.  Another mediocre performance.

Todrick Hall - Queen "Somebody to Love" Randy said, "Todrick is back."  Ellen thought his song choice was really brave.  Kara thought it was really dramatic.  Simon thought it may have gotten him into the Top 12.  It was pretty good!

Michael Lynche - Maxwell "This Woman's Work" Randy was over the top about the performance.  Ellen called it beautiful, and said he was the one to beat.  Kara cried.  Simon thought he 100% nailed it and said it was the best performance of the show to date.  It was pretty dang good!  He's an amazing performer!

I don't even want to guess at who is going home, because I love these boys.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

American Idol - Top 8 Girls

Katie Stevens - Kelly Clarkson "Breakaway" Randy thought the song was too big for her.  Ellen liked the song choice but didn't think she felt the words.  Kara thought she has a great radio voice, but doesn't know who she is yet.  Simon also thought she hasn't worked out what kind of artist she wants to be.  I liked it....I didn't really have feelings about her when she made it to the top 24, but I still really like her now.

Siobhan Magnus - The Animals "House of the Rising Sun" Randy raved about her, and even likes that she doesn't listen to their advice.  Ellen said she is why she loves music.  She was captivated and loved how she made the song current.  Kara loved the a capella at the front.  Simon wasn't such a fan.  He thought it was a bit weird and she didn't have a moment like last week.  I liked it.  I always like her.  I wish my sister liked her as much as I do lol

Lacey Brown - Brandi Carlisle "The Story" Randy thought it was a bit boring, but thought it was her best performance in a long time.  Ellen thought it was really good.  Kara thought it was the kind of record she should be doing.  Simon didn't love the song, but thought she sang it really well.  I like the Earth-y tone to her voice.

Katelyn Epperly - Carole King "I Feel the Earth Move" Randy didn't feel like she connected to the song, but liked her whole look.  Ellen didn't like the song choice.  Kara didn't feel like she was competing, she felt like she was just going through the motions.  Simon thought it was simple and she didn't do anything special with it.  I thought it sounded good, but she looked really awkward.

Didi Benami - Fleetword Mac "Rhiannon" Randy thought it was better than last week.  Ellen loved how strong she came back this week.  Kara said it was one of her favorite moments of the show this season.  Simon agreed with Kara.  Oh, I am so happy.  I love Didi so much and she always picks the best songs!

Paige Myles - Charlie Chaplin "Smile" Randy said it didn't work and the song was too big for her.  Ellen thought it was sad and heavy instead of uplifting.  Kara said it was all wrong.  Simon thought it was a horrible song choice with an awful arrangement.  I didn't particularly like it.

Crystal Bowersox - Tracy Chapman "Give Me One Reason" Randy loved everything about it.  Ellen wanted new adjectives for how amazing she is.  Ellen thought it was the best performance of the night.  Kara liked how much she knows who she is.  Simon said she will definitely be in the Top 12 next week.  I really like her and liked the performance, but she wasn't my favorite of the night.

Lilly Scott - Patsy Cline "I Fall to Pieces" Randy loved the mandolin and thought the performance was hot.  Ellen loved her voice and originality.  Kara thought she made Patsy Cline feel current.  Simon thought she was brave for choosing that song, but didn't think it quite had the wow factor.  I thought she sounded good but thought it was a bit weird.

I'm ready for Paige Myles to go.  I have no connection to her.  I don't really want anyone else to go home, but Katelyn might...the judges haven't been loving her.

Monday, March 8, 2010

What Popular Career Are You?

OMG I wasn't going to post this quiz...but my answer was so cute!!!!

You Are a Rock Star




Even if you can't play a single instrument, you're a total rebel and creative type.

You couldn't imagine yourself with a corporate job, and you couldn't imagine having a boss.

You are expressive, original, and often times a bit moody. You are very real about who you are and what you're feeling.

You tend to get in trouble a lot. You have a total bad girl or bad boy attitude, and you just always seem to be landing in hot water!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Dean's Dip Review and Giveaway

I have always been a snacker...for as long as I can remember!  I was super excited when I got the chance to try out some Dean's Dips products.  I bought the French Onion dip and Guacamole dip to try...and then shared them with all of my party guests last week!


The French Onion dip is soooo good and goes with everything.  I love it with pretzels, celery, chips..and just about anything else!  It's hard for me to stop eating it!
The guacamole dip is delicious with chips and pretzels both!  I love that you can just open up the tub, instead of having to hand-make it!

And after all of this yummy goodness, I have one coupon left for a lucky winner!

For your first (and mandatory) entry into this contest, comment with what your favorite food to serve at a party is. 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 Dean's Dip! http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/03/deans-dip-review-and-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 mailing address that is 18+. Contest ends Sunday, March 14th at 11:59 pm pacific time. Winner will be picked and notified by email shortly after.

I was sent coupons to review and give away.  All opinions are honest and my own.

Winners!!!!

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR Giveaway






I was really excited when I received this NASCAR Chicken Soup book.  I met a friend about 5 or 6 years ago who was really into NASCAR, and have since met many more friends who are really into it.  Because of their love of NASCAR, I have definitely become more into it.








NASCAR and   Chicken Soup for the Soul join forces, with well-known  NASCAR   columnist Cathy Elliott   leading the charge. NASCAR drivers,  their families, and teams slow down   enough to share their   stories of  family, fortitude, and fast cars. Readers will get a    behind-the-scenes look at the action on   and off the track. Famous  drivers and those closest to them, pit crews,   families, and fans all    share their stories of perseverance, triumph, comebacks, and life. Fans  will get   a front row view,   and be inspired, surprised, and  sometimes amused by these exclusive, up   close stories from the    track, pit, and the road.







The book is  divided into 12 sections, including Lessons Learned, Dale, The Business of Speed, All in the Family and more.  From Dumpsters to a Dream Come True is a cute story written by Joey Logano, who is best known for being young haha.  Confessions of a NASCAR Convert kind of mimicked what I said above.  Scott on a Stick was an amazingly touching story about a woman whose husband died of cancer.


I  am pleased to offer a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR - 101 Stories of Family, Fortitude, and Fast Cars  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: NASCAR! http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/03/chicken-soup-for-soul-nascar-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 Sunday, March 14th 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.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Blah

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00053932So looking back at my blog, wow.  I think Avi's death really threw me for a loop and really messed with my groove.  I had been blogging regularly, sometimes multiple times per day.  Now I am blogging about American Idol and not a ton else.  So I am going to try to re-cap the last month or so.

Purim was last weekend.  For any non-Jewish readers, we read the Megillah on Purim.  In English it is sometimes called the Scroll of Esther.  The Megillah contains the whole story of Purim.  Basically, a bad man named Haman tried to kill all of the Jews but ended up killed in the gallows he had built for the Jews.  The "goal" of Purim is to get so drunk that you can't tell a man from a woman.

There are 4 things you have to do on Purim.  1 is to hear the Megillah read in its entirety twice...once in the morning and once at night.  Not a problem, we did this easily. (It took almost 30 minutes each time).  You have to give gifts of food to at least two people...also not a problem.  You have to eat a Purim meal...we ate a meal on Purim, but not even together (but it counts lol).  Lastly, you have to give money to charity.  We were a day late on this so it didn't exactly count...but the thought was there. 

We also went to a fun re-telling of the story in English and to a carnival after.  The highlight of the carnival for me was the cotton candy LOL

I got really upset at the end of February that I hadn't read any books, so I did finish one on the 27th or 28th.  I also started another one during that time that I finished a few days ago.  I need to blog about both of those still!

Oh in really exciting for me news, my FRIEND Danny helped me find the perfect dresser.  Back at Chanukah time, my mom and dad offered to help me with both a new TV and a new dresser (I have always only owned hand-me-downs of both).  The other night when Danny and I were hanging out, he decided to go to Ikea.com and found me the awesomest dresser.  It's taller than the one I have now and has an extra two drawers (because of the split drawer on top)  Yay!!!  Now we just have to get to Ikea (the closest one is well over an hour away)

Oh, to prove I have other friends, my friend Julia is back from Davis.  I randomly decided to look at her Facebook a few weeks ago and was soooooo surprised to see that she had moved back to Santa Barbara.  I messaged her right away and we hung out 3 times last week!!! LOL  I don't know if I had seen her more than once or twice since she went to Davis like 5 years ago...so this is amazingly exciting!

Let's see....in terms of how dieting/exercising are going...I have noticed a slight difference in the firmness of my upper arms.  I even had my dad feel my unflexed biceps to show that my arms aren't so flabby!  And...I wore a shirt yesterday that hasn't fit me since I bought it (yeah, I bought something off the internet that ended up being too small).

And in "bad" news, I have what I hope is going to be my last cold of this Winter.  I have quickly progressed to the  "coughing every time I lay down" stage so I might be taking something to assist me with sleeping tonight hahaha

That's kind of all I can think of right now.  I have some reviews/giveaways that I would love to post tomorrow if I get around to it.

Thanks for reading this longer than usual blog post! :)

American Idol - Second Round of Go Homes

I think I am gonna blog...just to see if my predictions were right!

Well..my two picks are in the same row...so I must be wrong!  John Park went home and Todrick got to stay.  I have to admit that Todrick has the best voice of the two of them by far...John is good though!

OMG Andrew and Jermaine are left.......not breathing!!!!!  I'm sorry to have been rooting against Jermaine....but I LOVE Andrew!!!!

I love Danny Gokey....that's all I have to say about him!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle Delamor went home...that's okay since I never really remember her!

Haeley Vaughn went home finally.  She's a sweet girl but it was really her time to go!

I think we're down to 16 contestants now!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

American Idol - Top 10 Girls

Crystal Bowersox - Credence Clearwater "Long As I Can See the Light" Randy loved her and how true she is to herself.  Ellen liked her raw, natural talent.  Kara said she hit a new level.  Simon admitted to having underestimating her.  I liked it...but I've always liked her!

Haeley Vaughn - Miley Cyrus "The Climb" Randy said it was excruciating.  Ellen didn't feel she connected to the song.  Kara said she is a good performer but said she needs a year of strengthening her voice.  Simon called it a complete and utter mess.  I kind of felt like she took a not so hot song and made it worse.

Lacey Brown - Sixpence None the Richer "Kiss Me" Randy liked the song choice but felt it was too karaoke.  Ellen thought it was adorable and it sounded good.  Kara liked the beginning..but said she needed to step it up.  Simon thinks she is good and happy but not memorable.  I thought it was alright.

Katie Stevens - Corinne Bailey Rae "Put Your Records On" Randy liked when she sang in her upper register.  Ellen still wants to see her younger.  Kara agreed with Ellen about being younger...and also wanted her to do her own thing more.  Simon thinks she still needs to find herself...but didn't think the performance was a winning performance.  Weird...I liked her way better than last week!!!

Didi Benami - Bill Withers "Lean on Me" Randy didn't like the song choice.  Ellen loves her voice, presence, etc...and also wished for a different song.  Kara said it wasn't good but that she is still a fan.  Simon said it was all over the place.  Weird....I didn't love the beginning but I thought it got a lot better after the rough beginning.

Michelle Delamor - Creed "With Arms Wide Open" Randy didn't think she did enough with the song.  Ellen thought she did do a lot with the song...and she forgot it was a rock song.  Kara said it was her favorite performance of Michelle's so far...she said it felt believable.  OMG Simon agreed with Kara.

Lilly Scott - Sam Cooke "A Change is Gonna Come"  Randy loved how unique she was.  Ellen said she has "it" and did the best performance of the night.  Kara likes how much she stands out and that she tried out for a show where she doesn't really fit in.  Simon thought it was good but not as good as last week.

Katelyn Epperly -Coldplay "The Scientist" Randy thought it was really slow but he really liked it.  Ellen kinda fell asleep because it was sooooo slow.  Kara kind of loves her? LOL  Simon liked it but thinks she is too corny...but did think it was way better than last week!  I liked it...but definitely understand what they all meant about slow.

Paige Miles - Kelly Clarkson "Walk Away" Randy liked it but wasn't sure if it was the best choice for her.  Ellen loved it and thought it was fantastic.  Kara thought she smiled too much for what the song was about...as in she didn't quite connect with the song...but she did like it.  Simon agreed with Randy..and didn't like her choice for the 2nd week in a row.  I thought it was okay.

Siobhan Magnus - Aretha Franklin "Think" Randy liked how bold and fearless she is...and said it was "dope".  Ellen loved it also. Kara loved that she could hit such high notes.  Simon thought it had good and bad parts.  I liked it...I was impressed!!!

Haeley Vaughn needs to go!!!!  Other than that...I didn't think any of them "deserved" to go home.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

American Idol - Top 10 Guys

Spoilers!!!!!!!

OMG The girls were supposed to perform but can't because Crystal Bowersox went to the hospital.  Scary!

Michael Lynche - James Brown "This is a Man's World"  Randy really liked it.  Ellen thought it was the one to beat and the way to start out the night.  Kara said she didn't get him until this performance.  Even Simon really liked it...he sang his praises!  I thought it was good but didn't know the song so didn't love it.

John Park - Wow, English is his second language...Korean is his first!  John Mayer "Gravity" Randy didn't think it was as good as the original.  Ellen and Kara thought it was better than last week.  Ellen thought there could've been more soul in it.  Kara doesn't believe it when he sings it...and needs him to let loose and take risks!  Simon thought Purple Haze might get their lead singer back...he called it a "so what" performance.

Casey James - Gavin DeGraw "I Don't Wanna Be"  Randy was pretty happy with the performance...he said he would produce this record.  Ellen said you can't go wrong with that song.  She wants him to be less stiff on stage.  Kara said it took two steps backwards for her.  Simon agreed with Kara.  I was relieved to like it since I love that song!

Alex Lambert - John Legend "Everybody Knows"  Randy said it was a big improvement from last week and wasn't as sound alike as previous performances.  Ellen thought he "ripened" super quickly (like a banana in a brown paper bag) LOL  Kara said there isn't a person out there not rooting for him...and that he has an incredible, recordable voice.  Simon said it was a million times better than last week.  He said you should only be nervous if you're useless and Alex isn't useless.  Simon really wants him to have more confidence.  I really like him...he's so adorable!!!

Todrick Hall - Tina Turner "What's Love Got to do with It" Randy still thought he re-did the arrangement too much.  But...he did like his falsetto run at the end.  Ellen wanted him to dance more and didn't like the song choice.  Kara really liked his audition song but hasn't been thrilled since.  Simon was mean and I don't even want to repeat what he said.  I liked it but didn't love it.

Jermaine Sellers - Marvin Gaye "What's Goin' On" Randy liked it better than last week but seemed to have highs and lows with it.  It didn't work for Ellen and she thought he pushed too hard.  Kara thought it felt forced, and that he was trying to show too many tricks.  Simon thought he was too old-fashioned and too over the top.  I thought it was okay but I am actually not a huge Marvin Gaye fan (don't shoot me!!)

Andrew Garcia - James Morrison "You Give Me Something"  Randy thought it was pitchy and thinks Andrew is better than the performance.  Ellen liked it a lot and liked that he takes chances.  But she did say he had a peak with the Paula Abdul song and will always be compared to that.  Kara agreed with Ellen about it going down since "Straight Up."  Kara thought it was too safe.  Simon didn't like that he chose the wrong song 2 weeks in a row.  I always like Andrew so I am biased LOL

Aaron Kelly - The Temptations "My Girl" Randy liked the first half better than the second half...but thought it was way better than last week!  Ellen liked how much more confidence he had...but thought the song was a bit forgettable.  Kara threw out a slew of compliments!  Simon didn't like it...he thought it was all over the place.  Simon had a lot of negativity...but I stopped listening to him LOL  I liked it!!!!

Tim Urban - He is from a family of 10 kids...wow!!  Matt Nathanson "Come On Get Higher"  OMG My opinion first....so much better than last week!!!!  Randy didn't get it, he thought it was very karaoke and unspecial.  Ellen thought he should be on Glee acting and then singing, because singing isn't his strong point.  Kara liked the song choice, but didn't think he made it his own.  Simon disagreed with everyone and thought it was a huge improvement, liked his song choice, listened to the criticism from last week etc.  I never agree with Simon LOL 

Lee Dewyze - Hinder "Lips of an Angel"  Randy could tell he felt awkward but liked it!  Ellen heard a few pitch problems but also really liked it.  Kara thought it was a huge improvement from last week but heard way fewer pitch problems.  She also said she could hear him on the radio right now because his look and sound are both so commercial.  Simon thinks he is the best vocally for the boys' side.  I have liked him also from the beginning.

Oh dear...how to pick my 2 that I think will go home.  Todrick Hall and John Park?  I like them both but they seem to be having a lot of trouble each week!!!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Oroweat Sandwich Thins House Party

Thanks to Oroweat and HouseParty.com, I got to host a really fun Oroweat Sandwich Thins House Party.

I woke up bright and early Saturday morning to clean and then prepare all of the yummy food!!!  Oh...and make goody bags!  I was sent 15 reusable grocery bags, recipe cards, shopping lists, coupons for $1.00 off and more.

I received two types of coupons...$4 off for me and $1 off for my guests

An Oroweat Cutting Board!

Recipe cards and grocery list

Oroweat Nutrition Guide...they're really healthy!

The back of the card with healthy living tips!

Reusable shopping bags!

Undressed caesar salad

My sister, Jen, plattering cheese

My dad, Gregg, cutting perfect veggies

A finished cheese platter!!!!

Crunchies to munch on!

Yum, so much food!!

Little pizzas made out of the Sandwich Thins

Guests taking food...I think they were first!

Elana got one of me taking a chip..but you can't really tell!

My sis's big ole' plate of food!

An even better picture of all the food..and someone's plate lol

Hanging out after a yummy lunch!!!!

Thanks so much to HouseParty.com and Oroweat for providing me with the awesome supplies for a fun party...and thanks to everyone who came!!!!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Quizzes

I love reading the quizzes at my friend Thom's blog and then posting my results!! :)

What's Your Chinese Zodiac Animal?

You Are the Rabbit





Like a rabbit, you are quick on your feet and fast to act. You don't procrastinate or dilly-dally.

You are ambitious, and likely very lucky when it comes to money. You know how to work hard when the time is right.

You are conservative in your decisions and actions. You want to protect and defend what's yours.

You are a kind and polite person. You make sure not to step on any toes, and if someone is mad, you get out of his or her way.


What part of the morning are you?

You Are the Alarm Clock




You don't have much of an opinion on mornings. No matter whether you like them or hate them, you have to get up.

Your mornings tend to be a bit of a rushed affair. You have to be out the door by a certain time, and you have to hustle.

You are not a big fan of wasting time, and the morning is no exception. You have a lot to get done, and it's time to get cracking.

It's fair to say that you're on autopilot during the wee hours of the day. You have mornings down to a science.



What are your results???