No surprise here! However, I was pretty shocked to see that Houston only made #5….LOL Being a transplant, I can recall when I first moved to Houston and not knowing which main arteries to stay away from, I found myself “parked” on I-10 trying to get home. A trip that usually takes 20 minutes dragged on for 1 hour and 55 minutes. Needless to say, I thought that I had made a HUGE mistake moving from a quiet country town in Ohio with no red lights….:-) When I’m able to catch a news report it never fails that travel times on 290, 10, and 45 averaging 90+ minutes…. Talk about a nightmare for anyone trying to get anywhere fast! I guess it’s only fitting being in Texas, where everything is bigger, why wouldn’t our traffic jams be included? LOL
When I first read this I thought, “Are they crazy!” You mean, actually live without my internet connection for an hour? Yeah right! Everyone these days are thinking “green” and while I admit I’m not one to always recycle and use less gas these articles intrigue me. I can recall being taught in elementary school on Earth Day to shut the water off while you brush your teeth and to reuse your towels to limit the amount of water we waste. To this day, I can still sing the songs we learned about conservation…I’m a nerd, I know…LOL But I do turn the water off while I’m brushing my teeth and I do reuse my towels. Something clicked obviously! But, now I think to myself, how aware are we all of these wonderful luxuries that we indulge in and take for granted, especially electricity? Now, I am the farthest thing from a tree hugging hippy or extremist but I like to do my part. What kind of human would I be if an article like this didn’t get my brain churning with ideas on what I could do to participate? I have to say, I am thoroughly amazed at how many cities are actually involved in this self induced black-out! Anyone from the North-East can easily recall the unforeseen black-out that we suffered a few years back and while we got to leave work early that day… we couldn’t do much of anything else either…LOL So, if you’re feeling green tomorrow at 8pm local time turn off your lights for an hour! Although this isn’t going to stop global warming it will raise awareness. So, consider yourself AWARE! You can read more here about the initiative and growth they expect for a 2009 black-out! And remember your 3 R’s…. REDUCE- REUSE-RECYCLE!!!!! Check out THIS website
From: MSN ….We all have an idea of what our wedding dress will look like on our big day! Let’s be real girls, we’ve been planning it since we were 5….LOL We all usually tend towards the more traditional gowns but here are a few more “daring” choices! You can see the top 10 here:
Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way? We’ve collected a bunch of unique ideas - special ways to show how much you care about your spouse, family members and friends you cherish.
Heart-Felt Valentine’s Meal
Make up a batch of heart-shaped pancakes for a yummy Valentine’s breakfast or brunch. Just pour the batter in the frying pan in a free-form heart shape and serve with strawberries and whipped cream.
Balloon Goodies
Insert candy surprises into balloons before inflating them - add a folded-up Valentine’s message then inflate each balloon. Tie with a red ribbon and attach to your loved one’s chair for them to find Valentine’s morning.
Family Affair
Have the children help you prepare red Jello with cinnamon hearts mixed in, mashed potatoes colored with pink food coloring, heart- shaped cookies and any other creative ways to present your Valentine’s Day meal.
The Gift of Time
Give a hand-made coupon for some work you can do to free-up some time for your spouse or parent. For example, a coupon good for cleaning Dad’s garage or for a full-house vacuuming for your wife. How about a coupon for your best friend - you can walk her dog or baby sit one evening (more…)
That’s right… it’s that time of year again that all of us girls anticipate flowers and goodies! It’s almost Valentine’s Day!! YAY!!! I came across some of these interested tid bits to share:
Did You Know?
There are many opinons as to who was the original Valentine, with the most popular theory that it was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome. In any event, in 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages and St. Valentine became a patron saint of lovers. In the 1840s, Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for sending the first Valentine cards. The spirit of love continues as valentines are sent with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.
Looking for Love
- 188 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)
- Over 50 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. (Source: Hallmark research)
- Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine’s Day by purchasing a greeting card. (Source: Hallmark research)
- There are 119 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages. Corresponding numbers for the following race and ethnic groups are:
Hispanics: 153 men per 100 women
Asians (single race): 132 men per 100 women (This ratio is not significantly different from that for Hispanics or non-Hispanic whites.)
Non-Hispanic whites (single race): 120 men per 100 women
Blacks (single race): 92 men per 100 women (The numbers of black men and women in this age group are not significantly different from one another.)
- There are 34 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) age 65 or older for every 100 single women of the same ages. Corresponding numbers for the following race and ethnic groups are:
Hispanics: 38 men per 100 women
Non-Hispanic whites (single race): 33 men per 100 women
Blacks (single race): 33 men per 100 women
Asians (single race): 28 men per 100 women
(Note: None of the ratios for the individual groups differ significantly from one another nor from the ratio for all people age 65 or older.)
- 904: The number of dating service establishments nationwide as of 2002. These establishments, which include Internet dating services, employed nearly 4,300 people and pulled in $489 million in revenues. (more…)
I’m the type of person that I always try to drag my boyfriend along with me when I go shopping. It’s a total girl thing! I just look at it as one more opportunity that we can spend time together and at the end of the day, I appreciate his input. However, it seems that I should stop dragging him along and leave the shopping to me and my girlfriends! A study found that the stress levels that men experience are compared to the levels of fighter pilots and riot officers. I guess it’s just one more excuse to have a girls day out shopping!
Don’t miss out on these hot new trends for 2008 from MSN! I have to say it has spun some new ideas for that perfect day! I especially like the idea of doing a charitable shower with friends. What a way to make a difference!
Green Weddings: Couples continue to be earth-conscious in 2008, from buying conflict-free diamond rings and recycled gold wedding bands to serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding dresses made of 100 percent silk and cottons. They’re also honeymooning at eco-resorts and gathering friends for charitable showers at soup kitchens and local park events.
Honeymoon Hopping: By now, it’s no secret: Brides and grooms are going big this year for their weddings, and that includes the honeymoon too. Newlyweds are jetting off to not one, but two or three different destinations to celebrate their union. And they’re traveling further than ever before. The hot spots: South Pacific jaunts to Tahiti and Bora Bora; Mediterranean getaways to Sicily and the Greek Isles; and African expeditions to Zambia, Botswana, and Johannesburg.
Home-Spun Weddings: For the utmost in personalization, couples are choosing to wed in their own or their parents’ backyard. While it may be harder to plan than a ballroom wedding (you’ll need to bring in your own caterer, tent, decor, etc.), your day will be truly one-of-a-kind.
Cover Bands: You heard it here first. Cover bands are in demand for 2008. From ’80s cover bands to other genres such as classic rock, swing orchestras, or Latin ensembles, it’s all about specialized live music to keep guests on their feet.
Believe it or not, there is a website named Trash the Dress!
A growing new trend shows Brides are having photographs taken after the wedding to show their love for their husbands, by trashing their wedding dresses! I have to admit it’s definitely creative. It beats the alternative to packing it in plastic just to sit in your closet taking up space. Let’s be real, your daughter is not going to wear your dress in 30 years! Check out the photos here: http://trashthedress.wordpress.com/
From MSNBC - A Florida man was about halfway through a plate of steamed clams when he chomped down on something hard — a rare, iridescent purple pearl. George Brock and his wife, Leslie, had been spending a day at the beach Friday in South Florida and stopped at Dave’s Last Resort & Raw Bar for a bite. Their find could be worth thousands. “Few are round and few are a lovely color, so this is rare,” said gemologist Antoinette Matlins. “I think they have found something precious and lovely and valuable.” The gems occur most frequently in large New England quahogs, clams known for violet coloring on the inside of their shells. The clams in the $10 plate came from Apalachicola in the Florida Panhandle, said restaurant manager Tom Gerry. The Brocks, of Royal Palm Beach, plan to have the pearl appraised and said they may sell it if it is valuable.
Tonight is the NCAA Championship game! I’m super proud that my Buckeye’s are going to have a chance to redeem themselves after that unspeakable game last year….. I’m sure the Tigers will put up a good fight but here’s to the Ohio State Buckeye’s being the NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!! GO BUCKEYES!!!!
Jamie - Its absolutely beautiful. I couldnt be happier! I got the automated call this morning from FedEx at 8:30!! The size is perfect and the ring is just breathtaking. Thanks so much for all your help and answering all my incessant questions… Hopefully, I will be bothering you again later this year for some earrings to go with this baby! - Jodie, UT
I am a HUGE fan of the Celtic Women and have been eagerly awaiting their concert date for Houston! They will be coming to Jones Hall on February 17, 2008. I am suuuper excited! They always feature their Christmas Program, which is a ritual for me to watch, on the PBS station and by donating a certain amount of money to the PBS station; they will give you tickets for your contribution. This will definitely be a Valentine’s day present for me! J We were able to catch Haley Westenra, who sometimes tours with the Celtic Women, back in February of 07. Not sure if she will be with them this year but we’re keeping our fingers crossed! It was a major treat! We are regular symphony goers and it’s always so great when Jones Hall has their intimate concerts. So far we’ve been able to catch Norah Jones, Haley Westenra, Sara Chang, Tori Amos, The Lord of the Rings Soundtrack, and now the Celtic Women! These are truly gifted women with voices that are so amazing!! If you’re able to catch them I promise you won’t be disappointed! Here’s a little treat:
Each year comes and goes and we all jot down our wonderful resolutions. But what we find is sticking to them is the hardest part! I came across the following pointers that may help us all make 2008 different and stick to our goals! I wish everyone a wonderful and safe 2008!
Write Them Down. It’s a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.
Commit. Move beyond the land of “good ideas” to the land of true “commitment”. Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.
Tell People. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.
Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your “secret” dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, “So, how’s it going with your goal?” Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!
Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Electric Kites Success Coaching loves to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You’ll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality. (more…)
So, I know everyone is on this Guitar Hero madness….. and I’m no different! Every time I would go to Best Buy I would stand there and watch all these kids rocking out and secretly wanting one for myself. To no surprise it was at the top of my list for Christmas this year…LOL And what to my wandering eye’s should appear??? But a great big shiny box that held my Guitar Hero III for the Playstation 3!!! YAYY!! From the moment I tore into my package like a 3 year old child it has become a nightly ritual to rock out before bed. Did I mention all the killer 80’s hair band music….. which, I adore! Well, I still have to play it on easy and miss quite a few here and there but I’m getting better. My wrist hasn’t quit hurting since I opened it but what’s a little pain for some guitar classics, right? LOL So I was perusing on YouTube over the Holiday’s and came across this astounding video! There is a song on your playlist by Dragonforce called “Through The Flames”. Even on easy me and the bf got booed off the stage…..LOL He can play on expert and I can’t so there’s a little background. Check out the clip of this 9 year old totally rocking out… it’s truly profound for those who have attempted the Dragonforce song. Enjoy!
Who doesn’t have chocolate lover on your Christmas list this year? I had heard about these wonderful throws a while back and someone on my list this year asked for one. I purchased the Chocolate throw and I have to tell you….. it’s absolutely wonderful!!!! Although, it definitely makes the temptation for chocolate even more overwhelming…LOL I was shocked at how true to the actual Chocolate aroma it truly is! Just imagine, enveloping yourself in a super warm and chocolaty dream. To my surprise, they were just featured on GMA today as well as an excellent office gift for your co-workers. The thought hadn’t crossed my mind but it would be an excellent gift for the office, especially those super cool offices like here at Whiteflash! You can select from apple, chocolate, lemon, raspberry, strawberry, and orange. I definitely plan on getting the apple for myself! :) You can only find them at Owen Lawrence but I don’t mind buying online! Be sure to indulge your senses this Christmas and stay warm!
They featured this on Good Morning America today. If you’re an avid reader like me… it’s like HEAVEN! I know Celina can fully appreciate this new gadget also. It’s called the Amazon Kindle. The hand held can hold up to 200 books. You basically go and upload the book that you want. You can also get magazines and news papers. I think this is SUPER cool and it’s reasonably priced. A definite for any book lover on your wish list! Read more here: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/59794
I saw this on Good Morning America today and it was sooooo cool! Who would have thought? They actually worked the numbers of you working an 8 hour day + walking at 1mp (the average for people) = An estimated 40 lbs per year! The doctor that created it noted that people are much more alert and active, thus creating a more productive employee. Here’s the company. Sign me up!
From ABC News -At least half of the 150 million Americans who go to work every day wind up sitting at a desk. This makes for increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. Walking is often recommended as a good antidote to sitting all day, but who has the time? Well, what if you could walk while you work at your desk? (full story)
As if having hot, sexy, sports cars wasn’t enough, now the Ferrari designers are tackling bathrooms. That’s right, you can have a Ferrari in your bathroom….not a car of course but the next best thing, a whirlpool tub. Take a look at this super chic Ferrari Whirlpool tub! You can read more here.
I am sooo excited! Houston has finally received it’s first cold front of the year. It’s long over due if you ask me!!! I know it’s not going to stick around much longer so I’m taking full advantage while I still can. I’ve finally had the opportunity to sport my favorite college team hoodies & long sleeve tees but I can’t give up my flip flops just yet. I’ve had enough Starbucks the past 2 days to hold me over for the rest of the year. I mean, what goes better with cold evenings than Starbucks, right? LOL. Being from up North I can fully appreciate this cooler weather. I definitely miss all the leaves changing and the cool, crisp weather of fall. We are actually planning on making our way out to the Renaissance Festival that is going on and I do hope it will be cool and very fall like. I’ve never been but a group of us are planning on going so it will be a fun time no matter what! So, to everyone else enjoying this lovely time… HAPPY FALL!
Jamie - We have been traveling across the country since last Friday (from Nashville to Camp Pendleton in California). The ring is perfect–she loves it! The proposal went really well too. I did it on top of the tallest building in Nashville last Thursday night and surprised her completely. I staged a Prevent Blindness benefit party and told her when we got in the elevator that we needed to sneak up to the top (when in reality I had spoken to the general manager and security guards and had them leave all the doors open). She kept saying we were going to get arrested but wasn’t suspicious at all. At the top, I had roses and candles leading to the edge where we watched the sun set. Afterwards, I surprised her with both families for dinner. She told me it couldn’t have been more perfect. The next morning we left for our trip and are now in San Diego, California. On the way we hit the Badlands, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Yellowstone, and Las Vegas. - Jameson and Anna, VA
I am sooooo excited! The Bucks just keep rising. They are now up to #3 from #10 where they started at the beginning of the season. I hope they continue to make their way to the top and eventually claim their spot at #1! They’re looking pretty fierce and strong so it’s well within reach! GO BUCKEYES!!!!!
Anyone who has ever been on a Carnival cruise can attest to the amazing service that you receive as a guest. On this trip we made friends with guests from all over: Romania, Bulgaria, South Africa, New Zealand, and many many other places just to name a few. However, here are a few of our cute towel friends we had waiting on us each night when we made it back to our rooms. They are so cute and it totally amazes me how they make these cute little animals. Carnival now provides a class where you can go and learn how to make them yourself. Without further ado, please meet, Mr. Elephant, Miss Swan (we thought she was a snake until some of our fellow cruisers corrected us..LOL), Mr. Puppy, and Mr. Lobster!
Jamie - Philip proposed a few hours after picking up the ring from FedEx. (I warned him that if he made me wait I’d tear his place apart looking for it, I was so anxious to see it! Thankfully, he had planned to propose that night anyway, so it all worked out.) He took me to the restaurant where we had our first date and proposed during dinner. The couple at the table next to us kept commenting on how sparkly the ring was, and they were definitely right! I had never seen such a beautiful diamond before… It was way beyond my expectations, which were pretty high to begin with! - Amy & Phil, MI
Ya’ mon! I realize this is completely long over due but I have to say that spending 7 days in paradise really makes coming back to reality very harsh…LOL I was completely spoiled having my room cleaned everytime I left and having an endless buffet of food… no matter what time of day. So, I won’t make you wait any longer. Our first port of call was beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica. I had huge expectations for Jamaica and I can tell you I was completely blown away. The culture and the people are absolutely amazing. Everyone loves to have fun and there doesn’t seem to be a care in the world, other than what drink to order next….LOL As we arrive at the Sandal’s resort we get settled in for our welcome party. There’s lots of reggae music played and we start off with some fun games. From the moment we arrive, we get our first drink handed to us and if they catch you without a drink in your hand they’ll give you 2 more…LOL So, everyone is feeling very festive and so far we haven’t even seen the beach yet. They make sure to tell us that there are 3 bars located on the beach and in the pool area there is a swim up bar for you to enjoy as well. As we make our way out to the beach the beauty is absolutely breathtaking. Not one picture that I took in Jamaica didn’t turn out to look EXACTLY like a postcard.
The Sandal’s resort and it’s team was absolutely amazing! No request seems too much. We have full access to the sail boats, snorkeling equipment and every watersport you could imagine. (more…)
The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization. Any errors are the authors' responsibility. In fact, let's blame that kid in the sandbox. I heard he got caught with a lighter once.
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I’m the type of person that I always try to drag my boyfriend along with me when I go shopping. It’s a total girl thing! I just look at it as one more opportunity that we can spend time together and at the end of the day, I appreciate his input. However, it seems that I should stop dragging him along and leave the shopping to me and my girlfriends! A study found that the stress levels that men experience are compared to the levels of fighter pilots and riot officers. I guess it’s just one more excuse to have a girls day out shopping!
Believe it or not, there is a website named Trash the Dress!
From 
Well, I still have to play it on easy and miss quite a few here and there but I’m getting better. My wrist hasn’t quit hurting since I opened it but what’s a little pain for some guitar classics, right? LOL So I was perusing on YouTube over the Holiday’s and came across this astounding video! There is a song on your playlist by Dragonforce called “Through The Flames”. Even on easy me and the bf got booed off the stage…..LOL He can play on expert and I can’t so there’s a little background. Check out the clip of this 9 year old totally rocking out… it’s truly profound for those who have attempted the Dragonforce song. Enjoy! 
Who doesn’t have chocolate lover on your Christmas list this year? I had heard about these wonderful throws a while back and someone on my list this year asked for one. I purchased the Chocolate throw and I have to tell you….. it’s absolutely wonderful!!!! Although, it definitely makes the temptation for chocolate even more overwhelming…LOL I was shocked at how true to the actual Chocolate aroma it truly is! Just imagine, enveloping yourself in a super warm and chocolaty dream. To my surprise, they were just featured on GMA today as well as an excellent office gift for your co-workers. The thought hadn’t crossed my mind but it would be an excellent gift for the office, especially those super cool offices like here at Whiteflash! You can select from apple, chocolate, lemon, raspberry, strawberry, and orange. I definitely plan on getting the apple for myself! :) You can only find them at Owen Lawrence but I don’t mind buying online! Be sure to indulge your senses this Christmas and stay warm!
They featured this on Good Morning America today. If you’re an avid reader like me… it’s like HEAVEN! I know Celina can fully appreciate this new gadget also. It’s called the Amazon Kindle. The hand held can hold up to 200 books. You basically go and upload the book that you want. You can also get magazines and news papers. I think this is SUPER cool and it’s reasonably priced. A definite for any book lover on your wish list! Read more here: 
I’ve had enough Starbucks the past 2 days to hold me over for the rest of the year. I mean, what goes better with cold evenings than Starbucks, right? LOL. Being from up North I can fully appreciate this cooler weather. I definitely miss all the leaves changing and the cool, crisp weather of fall. We are actually planning on making our way out to the Renaissance Festival that is going on and I do hope it will be cool and very fall like. I’ve never been but a group of us are planning on going so it will be a fun time no matter what! So, to everyone else enjoying this lovely time… HAPPY FALL!
