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Saturday, October 17, 2009

Barnum & Bailey Circus

Thursday evening we went to the circus. This was Kaitlynn's first circus. My mom said that I saw the circus when I was younger, but I don't remember it. We had awesome seats - 7 rows from the floor / stage and right in the middle of all the action! I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences blogging has given me and my family.

We arrived early enough to go down on the floor for the Clown College and pre-show festivities. Kaitlynn got autographs and pictures taken with some of the performers. We saw the elephants up close. It was a really great experience!

We missed a little bit of the beginning of the show because there was a problem with my giveaway winner's tickets being at will call. It got worked out though (and we didn't miss much).

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The circus was an excellent experience! It was so neat to see these talented performers and these amazing animals. Zing, Zang, Zoom!

You still have time to see the circus. Show Dates for St. Louis are:
Saturday October 17: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
Sunday October 18: 1:00pm, 5:00pm

HERE IS A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
Receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM.

****Get $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Brandi Carlile / Give Up The Ghost Review

Washington state-bred Brandi Carlile was inspired to pick up the guitar and learned to play after seeing the Indigo Girls in concert at Lilith Fair. Her last album, The Story, debuted on Billboard's Top 200, peaking at #2 on iTunes and was named one of VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists in addition to having many of her songs featured on various episodes of "Grey's Anatomy".

She's toured with Ray Lamontagne, Dave Mathews Band and Sheryl Crow, who raved about her live performances, "She has the most amazing voice I may have ever heard. Soulful. Country. Perfect in every way and propelled by taste."

Paste Magazine calls her the "best voice in indie rock" and her childhood idol, Elton John, duets with her on her new album, Give Up The Ghost, which was released by Columbia Records on October 6th.The recording of this album gave her the opportunity to work with her idol, Elton John. They sang duet on Caroline. “Brandi has an amazing voice,” he says. “She’s a great songwriter and has a tremendous career ahead of her.”

Give Up The Ghost, Brandi's third album, was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, birthplace of legendary recordings by The Doors and Led Zeppelin. The first single, Dreams, was written with her longtime bandmates, twin brothers Tim and Phil Hanseroth. Click here for a sneak peek of her first single Dreams.

Album's tracklisting:

1. Looking Out

2. Dying Day

3. Pride And Joy

4. Dreams

5. That Year

6. Caroline

7. Before It Breaks

8. I Will

9. If There Was No You

10. Touching The Ground

11. Oh Dear

She reminds me a little of Melissa Etheridge. If you like Indie Rock, such as KT Tunstall and the Indigo Girls, you will enjoy listening to Brandi Carlile. My favorite songs from the album are That Year, If There Was No You and Touching The Ground.

ON TOUR NOW

“Give Up The Ghost Traveling Show” kicked off September 10th in Salt Lake City, UT. Brandi donates $1 from every ticket sale to The Looking Out Foundation, a helping hand foundation she created to help the many causes she's passionate about. Go to BrandiCarlile.com to buy your tickets now!

Sep 28 Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Theater

Sep 29 Toronto, Canada The Mod Club

Oct 01 Northampton, MA Calvin Theatre

Oct 02 Boston, MA House of Blues

Oct 03 New York, NY Beacon Theater

Oct 06 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theatre

Oct 07 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Oct 08 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live

Oct 10 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle

Oct 11 Birmingham, AL Workplay Soundstage

Oct 12 Fayetteville, AR George’s Majestic Lounge

Oct 14 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom

Oct 15 Santa Fe, NM The Lensic Performing Arts Center

Oct 16 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre

Oct 17 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern

Oct 20 San Francisco, CA Fillmore

Oct 22 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Oct 24 Seattle, WA The Paramount

To learn more about Brandi, check out these sites:

Brandi’s Website: http://bit.ly/O2O_BC

Brandi’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brandicarlile

In the video below, Brandi talks about the making of Give Up The Ghost.

“I was just overwhelmed by the years, and by the influence that somebody can have on another person’s life without even knowing it.” – Brandi Carlile

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Free Fonts


Want some fun free fonts for your scrapbooking, print or website projects? Find more than 9000 free fonts to download at Free Font Fun - all free!

Five for Fighting

Five for Fighting's newest release, Slice, was available in stores on October 12. This album is a snapshot or blog of John Ondrasik's life experiences. It is Five for Fighting's fifth album. You may remember him by the Grammy-nominated song Superman — from the Five for Fighting album America Town (2000).

If you're a fan of them, you will like this album, with a tracklist of the following:
1. Slice: "more than a slice of american pie." This song sounds like it should be in a Chevy commercial.
2. Note to the Unknown Soldier: John sings "I never knew you, but I'm told you were the best that we had," "I never knew you but I know your the best man I know," "It's a better world because you came", and "my kids'll know your name." What a great tribute to our military / service men and women.
3. Tuesday: The events of 9/11 are at the core of this, on which John sings: “The thing about memories/They’re sure and bound to fade/Except for the stolen souls/Left upon her blade”. He explains: “That song isn’t ‘Superman Part 2,’ there’s none of that in there. It’s much more of a plea for us to not forget the lessons we learned that day.”
4. Chances: is the first song released from the album. Check below for a video of John performing this song.
5. This Dance
6. Above the Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story of Your Life: was written for his wife of 12 years
10. Love Can't Change the Weather
11. Augie Nieto

Check out John Ondrasik's TV Appearances:
CBS Saturday Morning 10/10
The View 10/14
The Today Show 10/16

John will be hitting the road in October with An Acoustic Evening with Five for Fighting. To find out about how to get tickets in a location near you, go to his site.
Five for Fighting Website: http://bit.ly/FFFWebsite

Five for Fighting Twitter site: http://www.twitter.com/johnondrasik

Five for Fighting Videos: http://bit.ly/FFFYouTube

Five for Fighting Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiveforfighting



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Crazy Love

Singer and songwriter Michael Bublé has sold over 22 million albums worldwide. His previous album, 2007’s Grammy winning Call Me Irresponsible was a #1 album in over 15 countries.

Crazy Love is a collection of passionate songs that embodies the deep mysteries of love sung by one of the most exciting, young (witty, handsome...we could go on) performers today.

Monday, October 12, 2009

My Blog is Over the Top!

I received this award from Tami at Hearts Make Families.

Thank you so much Tami!

The rules are to pick 5 blogs that are new and that I am happy to have found.

Here are my 5:
Jessica's Lil Corner
Super Mommy to the Rescue
A Nut in a Nutshell
Kelly's Ideas
Me, the Man and the Baby

Stop by and check out these blogs. Happy blogging!

Happy Birthday Dado

Monday, October 5th was my dad's 66th birthday. This year I really had intentions of starting a tradition in memory of his birthday, but as the date grew closer I just couldn't bring myself to plan anything. It was difficult to be around anyone that day, even my family. As some of you may know, my dad passed away on May 5th, 2008.

I miss my dad everyday. It still feels like a nightmare that he is gone. It is still shocking and hard to believe. Most days I don't know how I will go on without him in my life. Some days I just push forward trying not to think about it. Other days I am extremely angry and upset about his loss and very irritable. Kaitlynn always seems to make things better, though. She will do or say something that reminds me of my dad and in that moment I know he is with us.

I think losing a parent is something that you never get over. It is always with you. There will always be something missing from who you are.

I know that my dad is in Heaven and is no longer in pain, but it is sure hard to deal with the pain / loss in my heart / the emptiness. I will cling to the years of memories I have of him until we meet again.

Happy Birthday Dad / PawPaw Dado! We love you and miss you. We will never forget you.

Ottertoberfest

Sunday the 4th, we met MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and Uncle Jeff at the Zoo for Ottertoberfest. We also ran into our friends Casey and Addison. They did a craft together. We went into the Insectarium to see the butterflies and then to Caribbean Cove. It was the last day to see the stingrays this year. We got to see the 3 stingray babies. The stingrays were ornery. They were splashing and almost diving at our hands. We ate lunch, went to Historic Hill, Jungle of the Apes and listened to the band. Kaitlynn rode the Carousel, we saw the penguins, bears and went through River's Edge.
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Jim Gill

Thursday October 1st Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to MawMaw's to run a few errands. Then after dinner, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I attended Family Night at the ECC. Jim Gill is a children's musician and author who played at the Family Night. The evening was so fun. He got everyone up and dancing.
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Friday, October 2, 2009

Ticket Giveaway

I am holding a giveaway for a 4-pack of tickets to opening night to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ZING ZANG ZOOM playing at Scottrade Center this month! Opening night is Thursday October 15th at 7:00pm. The winner will be able to pick up their tickets (with a Picture ID) at the will call window the night of the show.

To enter this giveaway, check out my other blog. If you don't have the link to my other blog, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com for the link.

Circus is Coming!

Come experience the all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ZING ZANG ZOOM playing Scottrade Center with your family!

A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows, or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM.**

St. Louis Show Dates:
Thursday October 15: 7:00pm
Friday October 16: 10:30am, 7:00pm
Saturday October 17: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
Sunday October 18: 1:00pm, 5:00pm

**Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday‐Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers.
Service charges and handling fees will apply.

Click on this link to see a video about the show.
Click on this link to meet the stars.

Your Songs

I was sent Harry Connick, Jr.'s newest released album Your Songs to review. It is available in stores now. Harry sings the classics by some of the greatest musicians of all time.

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):
All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Enough said with this great tracklisting, right? His version of these songs are great. I think "the original" versions are almost always better, but Harry Connick, Jr. did a great job with his own flare on these songs with a full jazz big band and string orchestra. My favorite on this album has to be "Just The Way You Are."

You might have seen Harry kicking off the release of Your Songs on Oprah! His TV appearances are listed below. Tune in to hear him talk about Your Songs and perform songs from the album.
9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday”
9/28 – Today Show
9/29 – The View
9/30 – Imus in the Morning
9/30 – Letterman
10/1 – Today Show
Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray

Get a Behind the Scenes look at the 'Making of' the album by clicking here.
Check out Harry’s website here.
Find him on Facebook by clicking here.

It Works Body Wraps

I received the It Works Ultimate Body Applicator / Wrap in the mail. I was super excited to try it. Barbara, the It Works independent distributor said she lost 7 ½ inches around her waist (one dress size) after her first application in March of this year and has kept it off.

I reviewed the packet and information sent by Barbara. I drank the amount of water recommended the day I used the wrap. I measured my 3 areas before I used the wrap. The 3 areas I measured were at my waist, belly button, and lower abdominals. I marked the spots with a permanent marker (Sharpie), so that my measurements would be accurate each time I measured.

As I took the Ultimate Applicator out of the package, there was an immediate smell of menthol, similar to Ben-Gay or Head On products. I was afraid I was going to rip the applicator / wrap as I was pulling it apart, but it was pretty durable.

After I applied the wrap, I felt a tingly and warm sensation. After a few seconds, it became a hot sensation. I eventually felt sweaty, but wasn't. The applicator can be worn anywhere from 45 minutes to over night. I chose to wear it over night.

When I took the wrap off, I immediately measured myself and had lost 5 inches. Day 1 and day 2, when I measured myself I had a 3.5 inch loss (on each day) from the first measurement (which was immediately before I used the wrap). Day 3 measurement, I had a 4 inch loss from the first measurement. 4 inches, not bad for just wrapping my waist!

To see more reviews on this product, click here.
To try this product for yourself, click here.
I would strongly recommend this product. Each box you purchase comes with 4 wraps. Imagine what my loss in inches would have been if I had all 4 to try!

To view my weight loss pictures, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com for the link to my other blog.

Greek Fest

Sunday evening Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the Greek Festival. We look forward to these festivals as we love the food (deserts included).
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Parties in the Park

Friday September 25th Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to Parties in the Park. Kaitlynn had a great time riding a pony named Clarabell, sliding, climbing in the inflatables, bouncing and being wild. She also enjoyed several rainbow snowcones - one before dinner and one after dinner!
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MLM Children's Garden

Wednesday, September 23rd Dave, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to the MomsLikeMe.com playdate at Botanical Garden - Childrens Garden. We had a great time. We met up with Trisha, Kylie, Emily and Ella. Kaitlynn had fun sliding, climbing and playing in the fountains. She also loved the penguin balloon SammyJ made for her.
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Welcome Fall

Tuesday the 22nd was the first day of fall. I love fall! It is my favorite season. I love the leaves changing colors and the cooler temperatures. I look forward to drinking coffee and hot tea and eating chili and soups.

Playground Pizzazz and More

Monday the 21st Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to the ECC for the Playground Pizzazz. We ran into Tara and Bailey there. It was such a hot day. The girls were so sweaty. Kaitlynn did well with telling us when she needed to use the potty. We saw her P.A.T. Educator there and I talked with a lady I used to work with.
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Afterwards, we picked up MawMaw from work and went shopping. Kangaroo Kids was one of our stops. We also visited the new Walmart in our area. It is huge! I can't wait to go back. We ran into Tara, Jonathon and Bailey there. Kaitlynn and Bailey ran around the grocery isles for awhile.

Grant's Farm

Sunday the 20th, we were supposed to meet some friends at Grant's Farm, but it was raining that morning, so we canceled. Later on it cleared up, so Dave, Kaitlynn and I decided to go. We had a great time. Kaitlynn enjoyed a snowcone while Dave and I enjoyed the samples of beer. We were so excited to get to sample a new product coming out on October 5th (which is a great day - my dad's birthday). Bud Light is launching a wheat beer and it is awesome! I love sampling new products before they are on the market. I recommend everyone trying this product out. I know we will definitely be buying it on October 5th.
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After Grant's Farm, we went to MawMaw's. We hung out there for a bit and then went to Casa Gallardo's for dinner. Yum!
What a great Sunday it turned out to be!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A Busy Friday

Dave, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to the Zoo. Dave and I were a little nervous about taking Kaitlynn out, since she was only on day 4 of potty training. Kaitlynn did awesome! She was a little unsure of using the big potty at first, but eventually was fine with it.
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After Olivia went home, we picked up MawMaw and headed out to Eckert's Millstadt location for the MomsLikeMe.com Apple Fest and Haunted Hayride playdate.
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The Haunted Hayride was definitely not kid / family friendly as Eckert's website and staff stated. It was way too scary for the younger kids.

Kaitlynn did such an awesome job all day with using the potty. She didn't like the porta-potties at Eckert's, but who does? We are so proud of her!

Potty Training Adventure

Kaitlynn is potty trained!
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Remembering PawPaw Dado

Happy Grandparent's Day!
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Manchester Homecoming

Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I attended the Manchester Homecoming a few weekends ago. We visited and talked with the EMS & Fire Department where Kaitlynn got a cute little stuffed animal, a bag of popcorn and helmet. We went to the Kid's Corner, but they were getting ready to close. Kaitlynn got a coloring book, coloring page, some beads and pipe cleaners to make a bracelet and necklace with. We voted on the cutest pet. We ran into our neighbors and Kaitlynn was so excited to hang out with the girls. We had a great time, except for at the end when Kaitlynn was on a slide with Mya and decided she wasn't going to slide down. She grabbed the side and was hanging off of it. Mya's grandma jumped up on the slide to help Kaitlynn down. It was an awful and scary moment.
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Grandparent's Day

MawMaw spent a weekend at our house. Sunday, September 13th for Grandparent's Day we took MawMaw to dinner at St. Charles Vintage House and Wine Garden. We tasted wine and ate dinner. Dinner was so yum! After dinner we walked around Main Street. We had a great time! Thanks for being such a great grandma to Kaitlynn!
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Build and Grow and More

A few Saturdays ago, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I met Denise (Aunt Neese) and Brandon at Lowe's for their Build and Grow event. The project for the week was making a drum. Kaitlynn had fun making the drum with Aunt Neese and MawMaw.
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Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I attended Parkway ECC's Bubble Picnic. Kaitlynn blew bubbles, made some crafts, played on the playground, listened to music, ate and played with her new friend Elizabeth. Kaitlynn met Elizabeth at the PEC-PTO meeting.
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Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I attended Barney's Sprouterrific Playdate at the Galleria Mall. Kaitlynn did great meeting Barney. She wasn't afraid of him at all. She also met Barney's new friend Chica and did a weather report with her. It was so awesome! Kaitlynn went up all by herself to do the weather report. She answered Kelly's questions and talked into the microphone very well. I was so proud of her. What a big girl! Maybe she should be on commercials, like people always tell us.
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