Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Movie Review: The Blind Side

This movie was, in a word, amazing. Go see it. I was on the verge of tears through the whole thing - you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to go out and change the world and watch college football. This is an amazing true story, and the movie certainly does it justice. I want to say more, but I feel like since it is based on a true story and we all know how it ends, saying much more would ruin the movie. So yeah, just go see it. Trust me.

(For those who don't know - the (extremely abridged) true story is as follows: A wealthy Memphis family adopts a troubled boy from a dangerous neighborhood and a sad past. Turns out, he's great at football. He goes on to become a star left-tackle at Ol' Miss and then he was a first round draft pick to the Baltimore Raves in 2009. He's started every game this season.)

Holiday Pet Safety

The ASPCA has a great newsletter (that you can subscribe to from their homepage) and this week they featured some great holiday pet safety tips that I really want to share with you. So here's the abridged version of this week's newsletter....

People Food
On the "A-Okay" List: mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, small pieces of lean meat

On the "No Way, No How" List: alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough, macadamia nuts, chocolate (all of these can cause severe digestive problems - like pancreas inflammation - that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even death)

People Meds
Did you know that one of the leading causes of pet holiday emergencies is the accidental consumption of human medications? Neither did I. Of course, all of your medicines are properly stored, but what about your house guests? Be sure to ask that they don't leave pills or pill bottles on the bedside table or anywhere else that your pet might accidentally snatch them.

Candles
Fire is bad for kids, pets, and your valuables, so be careful with the candles.

Shiny, Sparkly Decorations
Be careful of breakable decorations like glass ball ornaments, and also string, ribbon, dreidels, tinsel, and anything else that your pet might accidentally swallow. Also be sure to carefully tuck away loose wires, strings, and other electrical things that pets (especially puppies) can chew on.

Flowers
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are all toxic to pets, and all varieties of lilies (including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer, and Casablanca) can cause kidney failure in cats.

Christmas Trees
Trees are fun to climb, so make sure to securely anchor your tree and do your best to keep pets out of its branches. Also, the water may contain fertilizers that could be toxic. Not to mention, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. If your pets are especially fond of your tree you could try putting up a baby gate around it to keep them away.

Happy New Year
Since having dogs I've developed a love/hate relationship with New Year's Eve because the fireworks and all the noise really drive them bonkers. Be sure to keep your pets in a safe place during the loud festivities so that they don't bolt or hurt themselves. Also - confetti can be very rough on your pet's digestive system, so avoid it if possible, or clean it up as soon as possible.

Holiday Travel
When you travel with your pet be sure to have all of its vaccinations up to date and carry your paperwork with you. Also make sure that your pet is collared and, if possible, micro-chipped. If traveling by car be sure that your pet is safe by using appropriate pet harnesses and safety restraints.

The holidays are a great time of year for you and your pets, but be sure to make it a safe time as well! Use caution and common sense and please, pretty pretty please, don't give pets as gifts! Making the choice to adopt a new, furry family member is wonderful and exciting, but with all of the stress of the holidays it's probably better to wait until January. Potty training a new puppy around your holiday guests probably isn't high on the list of things you want to do this December. Plus, getting a new home and family is stressful (and super exciting) for a pet as well, and the added chaos of the holidays tends to be a bit much for them - especially young puppies and kittens.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Wordful Wednesday - Holiday Photo Shoot

So, last weekend I decided to attempt a holiday photo shoot with the Jack-bug to get a great shot for my holiday cards. I wanted to incorporate gingerbread men because I collect them and I am all about the gingerbread around the holidays. My first few attempts were... well, let's just call them less than successful. I did eventually get the perfect shot, but it's more fun to share some of the ones that didn't make it onto the card....


"What are doing to me, Mommy?"


"No, seriously, WTF Mom?"


(This one actually would have been perfect if that danged gingerbread man had been facing the right way. Bummer.)


"I am so over this...."

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Heads Up - Hot New DVD's!!

Just in time for holiday giving The Cove and Food Inc are available on DVD! You can get The Cove from Amazon for $19.99 and Food Inc for $13.49, or you can buy them both together for $33.48.

I haven't seen The Cove yet because it didn't play anywhere near me, but you can bet I'll be watching it first thing on December 8!! I can't wait to see the way they portray the amazing and shocking story of Taiji's annual dolphin slaughter.

I did see Food Inc when it was in theaters and it was AMAZING!!! I think it should be required viewing for every American - there is some really interesting stuff in there about just where our food comes from and how it gets to us.


Friday, November 20, 2009

Keebler Almond Crescents

Have you guys tried these yet? They are oh-my-god-eat-the-whole-box-in-one-sitting-O.D.-on-powdered-sugar good. Seriously. I'm on my second box and I refuse to share them with anyone. Although, I am aware that this trend cannot continue. Not unless I want to be rolled into the New Year. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to stop eating these, but I will start sharing. So yeah, if you come to any of my holiday gatherings just eat them and don't say anything about me serving store-bought cookies to my guests.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Steals and Deals - November 17

***I promise to start doing some more actual posts soon, but with two jobs and grad school there just isn't a lot of time! Also, I would love some feedback - do you guys like these steals and deals posts? Should I keep doing them or nix them? Thanks!

Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Free medium pizza from Papa John's with code PIZZAFBFAN

Free Sample of Always Infinity

Free Sample of Stacy's Chips

Monday, November 16, 2009

Steals and Deals - November 16

Aveda Stimulus Package

Free Sample of Lipton Green Tea

Free Sample of Crest

Free Weekly Meal Planner
 

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