Adrienne's House

Green Beer

March 12th, 2010 · No Comments

St. Patrick?s Day is right around the corner, and it?s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe ? it?s planning now for a safe and sober way home.

Are you headed out with friends after work this Wednesday to celebrate the holiday? No? Well when you and your family are on the road headed to choir practice, a t-ball game, or coming home from school, you may be sharing the road with those returning from a fun St. Patrick?s Day event. It?s time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

Let’s remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick?s Day, keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. And for those who don?t plan on over-indulging?a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the ?Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving? PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had ?only a few? drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that ?Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.?

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick?s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI:

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@Buzzeddriving).

Filed under: Blog
©2010 Adrienne's House

Toy Review

March 10th, 2010 · No Comments

Ebeanstalk sent the Twins a couple of adorable elephants last week. After Matthew tried riding on it, he soon realized it was a shape sorter! And loved it. I keep reminding myself that they are supposed to be 2 months behind other kids their age because of being premature. But they continue to amaze me with everything they can do. They figured out this toy lickity split. Of course they didn’t figure out which shape goes where without a little bit of help from big sister, but when she said put it there, they did and they worked it until it went in. Thanks ebeanstalk for providing some fun times.

Ebeanstalk is a toy website dedicated to selecting the best toys by age and kids toys. The in-home feedback of bloggers and moms like me around the country help to make sure ebeanstalk continues to provide the best educational toys for your child. Check it out for yourself!

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2010 Adrienne's House

My View

March 9th, 2010 · 1 Comment

So I got a little flack for last weeks post, but I also got some praise.

It is an example of what I like most about The View, everyone has an opinion and everyone can state that opinion, and then we can all move on.

Anyhoo, now that the Oscars’ are over we can stop hearing about the special once and for all. Whoopi is back where she belongs and Elton John will be sitting at the table with the ladies this week. The only thing that can spoil that is that Kate Gosselin will be back as a guest co-host again, no doubt to plug her stint on Dancing With the Stars )another show I enjoy that is quickly going down the tubes).

No espousing from me this week, just an update to tell you what is on:

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 – Guests -Andy Garcia and his daughter Dominik Garcia-Lorido (“City Island”); Elissa Stein and Susan Kim (author, Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation).

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 – Guests: Forest Whitaker (“Our Family Wedding”); Jesse Ventura (author, American Conspiracies).

THURSDAY, MARCH 11 – Sir Elton John will be sitting with the women at the table and partaking in “Hot Topics”; Guest – Eric McCormack (“Who Is Clark Rockefeller?”).

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 – Co- Host Kate Gosselin is back and will join the women and the return of “The View: Fashion Friday” with designer Carolina Herrera.

Remember, take a little time to enjoy The View.

Filed under: Blog
©2010 Adrienne's House

Giveaway – Business Cards

March 8th, 2010 · 6 Comments

Raise your hand if you don’t have a business card.

Why not? Everyone can use a business card, no matter the business they are in.

Heck, they didn’t used to be called “business cards” they were called “calling cards” in days long ago. Really, what they are is an easy way to let someone know who you are and that you would like to hear from them again. So whether you are working in a 9-5, or retired, or just doing your own thing, business cards can be a way to share who you are.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because I want you to get 500 FREE business cards!

Uprinting.com is a great place to get Business Cards online and they have asked me to let my readers know about them and in return they will give one of you the following prize:

500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner

Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (slim card)

Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Not too shabby, eh? They also have a chance for you to receive a free 16 x 20 Canvas Print on their Promotional Printing page. All you have to do is:

Place an Order Over $50
Review your shopping experience
Share your design in their idea gallery

Got a conference coming up? Need to let your students know how to contact you? Want something to hand out at the coffee clatch next month? Now is your chance.

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what design if any you will put on the backside of your card. Contest will close on Sunday, March 14 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Legal schtuff: I too am receiving free business cards in exchange for this post.

Filed under: Blog, Giveaways
©2010 Adrienne's House

Late Oscar Thoughts

March 7th, 2010 · 4 Comments

: Image by grebo guru via Flickr

I know, I am late. The Red Carpet has begun and I am typing furiously. Most of these thoughts were jotted down yesterday on my iPod while enjoying 4 of the Best Picture Nominees at the AMC Theater Best Picture Showcase. Having 10 films nominated has made it more difficult to be sure to see them all. Lucky for me there are a couple I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to see even if they win.

Even seeing it a second time didn’t make me like it any better. Yes if is a good movie but best picture no not in my opinon

Up in the air

This movie to me is pretty much George clooney being George clooney. I had a very hard time separating the actor from the character.

Precious

Compelling is the best word I can use to describe this movie. If you allow yourself to become immersed in the plot become a part of the movie it will touch you jn ways you may find hard to deal with.

Blind side

The performaves in this movie stand out to me more than the story itself. Sandra Bullock is amazing as the mother and a surprisngly good performance by Tim McGraw as the dad to say nothing of the youngest son SJ.

Avatar

I may rent this eventually but I doubt it.

Inglouriois bastards

Yeah no I don’t think I can ever bring myself to watch this.

A Serious Man

Gah! The Coen brothers perplex the hell out of me.

The Hurt Locker

Wow pretty much sums it up. Although the ability to lose myself in the movie kept getting interrupted by the thoughts that our men and women go through this shit everyday. And that people in many countrys
live this horror all the time. Amazing film.

An Education

A good movie all the way through until they pulled out the pink shiny ribbon and tied it into a perfect little bow in the end.

Crazy Heart

As Erika pointed out it is the Wrestler, but with no wrestling. To which I think is a bonus as well as the fact that there is no Mickey Rourke.

Best Picture – The Hurt Locker

Best Actress – Sandra Bullock

Best Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique

Best Actor – Jeff Bridges

Best Supporting Actor – Matt Damon

Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow

Filed under: Blog, Screening Room
©2010 Adrienne's House

Census

March 4th, 2010 · No Comments

Every child loves a good game of hide and seek. There are the fun butterflies they get in their tummies when they’re waiting to be discovered and the pride they feel when they’re able to count to ten and then yelling, “Ready or not, here I come!”

But children who are hidden from the U.S. Census counts (taken only once every 10 years) are not a laughing matter. So, ready or not, here comes 2010 Census … and you have an important role to play!

Many parents may not realize the importance of accurately reporting the number of children in their family, including newborns. The truth is that the under count of children means that we do not get a true picture of our nation and our communities do not get their rightful share of public funds.

Why Children Count Too

Children have been undercounted in every census since the first one in 1790. Local communities rely on census information in planning for schools, child care, health and other critical services. Babies need to be counted today, so they can benefit tomorrow from community services.

Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and localities, including such child-focused programs as:

Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)

Head Start ($6.9 billion)

State Children’s Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)

Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)

Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)

Unlike adults, who may bear some responsibility for making sure they are counted in the Census, children are dependent on others to make sure they are included. Yet in 1980, 1990, and 2000, Census Bureau data show children, particularly young children, are one of the groups most likely to be missed in the Census. In fact, in the 2000 Census, there was a net under count of more than 1 million children under age 10.

When playing hide and seek your children have the opportunity to be found after ten seconds.

The Census only comes around every ten years. So when you receive your Census form in mid-March, make sure your child (no matter how old) is counted!

Dora Census

My letter to Barbara Walters

March 3rd, 2010 · 4 Comments

I know I promised you a View related post every Tuesday and since I am on the West Coast I have not yet breeched that promise.

But I have to admit, I am finding it hard to write about this right now.

I want to go on and on and wax poetic about how much I love the show and how much I believe everyone (especially women) should watch it as often as possible. But they aren’t making it easy.

I don’t even want to revisit the horror that was last week with all of the guests from hell.

So let me just say this about the show this week.

Barbara Walters, I adore you. You are an icon among women and journalists. You have not only cracked glass ceilings you have burst through them leaving millions of shards in your wake. Unfortunately, I think all of that activity has taken it’s toll on you. Your patience has been shortened with Sherri’s immaturity. You have taken to reprimanding Elisabeth as if she were a child. Whoopi has had to, more than once, bite her tongue when you won’t – a) Let a subject go and move on to another, b) Let anyone else speak, c) wax on and on about a guest without letting the guest speak for themselves.

I say this with love and respect Barbara, please, you have created a remarkable show, with a now amazing panel of women (this is the BEST group yet). Please reward yourself with some very well deserved vacation time and let these women carry on in your stead.

Back to you, my readers, here is what will be on The View the rest of this week:

Wednesday, Mar 3: This show will feature the best of “View Tube,” including backstage antics and celebrity exit interviews. Lisa Kudrow of “Who Do You Think You Are” will be joining the hosts as well.

Thursday, Mar 4: Celebrity guest co-host Valerie Bertinelli, former Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin from Broadway’s “The Miracle Worker,” Mia Wasikowska from Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and a musical performance from Broadway’s “Fela” will be featured on this jam-packed episode.

Friday, Mar 5: The View’s “Road to the Oscars” episode welcomes former Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes and “Fashion Friday” celebrates “The History of Oscar Fashions” with a two-part look back at some of the most memorable – and perhaps forgettable – Oscar hits and misses, with host and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. Hosts of “At the Movies” Michael Phillips and Tony Scott will also be on set to unveil their 2010 Oscar predictions.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

A New TV

February 25th, 2010 · No Comments

: Image by johannesfreund via Flickr

Friends just bought a new TV, and paid over $1,000 for a flat screen under 30 inches.

I think they got ripped off, but they think they got a deal. They obviously never saw this 26 inch TV website. Even when you do the currency exchange and the shipping from the UK to here, it still comes out to less than what they paid.

Turn the Other Cheek

February 23rd, 2010 · 7 Comments

Erin asked today on Twitter: “Someone explain to me why we are so quick to forgive Toyota and we so easily bash Detroit?” And I responded, that it is just like real life where it is easier to forgive a stranger than it is family.

I worked in retail management for many years, mostly in the customer service area. I have won many awards and completed many trainings in how to make the customer happy. Whenever the customer was happy, say at the Toys R Us, I was the first manager they would call over. I am able to listen to an irate person and empathize and concur and then I am usually able to make what they want or need happen or if not, I am able to make them satisfied. It is a trait I have tried to instill in my kids from the time they were little. It is not what you say, but how you say it.

So when I would come across a customer that would YELL or RANT I would be able to step back, perhaps think they had a bad day and I was the recipient of their pent up anger at their boss/spouse/kids. I would let them get it out and then try to move on with making them satisfied. I had a boss while working in the school district who would belittle me in front of students, staff and parents, it seemed to bring her pleasure. I spent many a lunch hour crying in my car, but I always went back in to work, I always turned the other cheek.

So why is it, that I have these skills to calm others and to tolerate othersbut when it comes to my family I cant?

Why is it when my Aunt makes a mean comment about me on another blog, it still hurts over a year later?

Why is it when my adult daughter says things like “Fuck You, I hate you, You are nothing to me” and then the next day acts as if nothing happened, why am I the only one having a problem?

Why is it when my sister calls me an Idiot because I voted differently than she, I can still hear it coming out of her mouth almost two years after the fact?

This, Erin, this is why we forgive Toyota and not Detroit. Because when it is family, it is hurtful. Because when it is family, they aren’t supposed to treat you that way. Because when it is family, it is real.

Green Beer

March 12th, 2010 · No Comments

Toy Review

March 10th, 2010 · No Comments

My View

March 9th, 2010 · 1 Comment

Giveaway – Business Cards

March 8th, 2010 · 6 Comments

Late Oscar Thoughts

March 7th, 2010 · 4 Comments

Census

March 4th, 2010 · No Comments

Every child loves a good game of hide and seek. There are the fun butterflies they get in their tummies when they’re waiting to be discovered and the pride they feel when they’re able to count to ten and then yelling, “Ready or not, here I come!”

But children who are hidden from the U.S. Census counts (taken only once every 10 years) are not a laughing matter. So, ready or not, here comes 2010 Census … and you have an important role to play!

Many parents may not realize the importance of accurately reporting the number of children in their family, including newborns. The truth is that the under count of children means that we do not get a true picture of our nation and our communities do not get their rightful share of public funds.

Why Children Count Too

Children have been undercounted in every census since the first one in 1790. Local communities rely on census information in planning for schools, child care, health and other critical services. Babies need to be counted today, so they can benefit tomorrow from community services.

Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and localities, including such child-focused programs as:

Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)

Head Start ($6.9 billion)

State Children’s Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)

Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)

Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)

When playing hide and seek your children have the opportunity to be found after ten seconds.

The Census only comes around every ten years. So when you receive your Census form in mid-March, make sure your child (no matter how old) is counted!

Dora Census

My letter to Barbara Walters

March 3rd, 2010 · 4 Comments

A New TV

February 25th, 2010 · No Comments

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Green Beer

March 12th, 2010 · No Comments

Toy Review

March 10th, 2010 · No Comments

My View

March 9th, 2010 · 1 Comment

Giveaway – Business Cards

March 8th, 2010 · 6 Comments

Late Oscar Thoughts

March 7th, 2010 · 4 Comments

No Better Deal

March 5th, 2010 · 1 Comment

Census

March 4th, 2010 · No Comments

Every child loves a good game of hide and seek. There are the fun butterflies they get in their tummies when they’re waiting to be discovered and the pride they feel when they’re able to count to ten and then yelling, “Ready or not, here I come!”

But children who are hidden from the U.S. Census counts (taken only once every 10 years) are not a laughing matter. So, ready or not, here comes 2010 Census … and you have an important role to play!

Many parents may not realize the importance of accurately reporting the number of children in their family, including newborns. The truth is that the under count of children means that we do not get a true picture of our nation and our communities do not get their rightful share of public funds.

Why Children Count Too

Children have been undercounted in every census since the first one in 1790. Local communities rely on census information in planning for schools, child care, health and other critical services. Babies need to be counted today, so they can benefit tomorrow from community services.

Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and localities, including such child-focused programs as:

Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion) Head Start ($6.9 billion) State Children’s Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion) Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion) Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)

When playing hide and seek your children have the opportunity to be found after ten seconds.

The Census only comes around every ten years. So when you receive your Census form in mid-March, make sure your child (no matter how old) is counted!

Dora Census

My letter to Barbara Walters

March 3rd, 2010 · 4 Comments

A New TV

February 25th, 2010 · No Comments

Turn the Other Cheek

February 23rd, 2010 · 7 Comments

Feeds

Grab a button

Who’s Had What to Say:

Archives

Search and Buy from Amazon (I get a cut!)

Twitter Tweets

Family Blogroll

Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)

Head Start ($6.9 billion)

State Children’s Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)

Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)

Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)