Mr. Ukulele von Itchy Face

I check in frequently with my BF Jason Mraz's journal. He's inciteful, kind, witty and eco-friendly. I drink in his wisdom with a borderline unhealthy obsession. Well, his latest entry is just fun for all as it features this cute kid covering his song I'm Yours. It just goes to show that even if you can't understand the language, music speaks to the soul.

I'm Yours Video

This is for you...Amy

You think The Snuggie couldn't get anymore ghetto? Think again. I needed a white elephant gift for our work party, so I was inspired to make a Redneck Snuggie. Snuggies are sold for $15-$20, but I spent a mere $4. Old sweatshirt...check. Blanket...check. Safety pins...check. Why buy a pre-made Snuggie when you can make your own? Thanks Deseret Industries! And thanks to my lovely model Etta who picked this lucky number as her gift.

Jello, whipped cream, and fritos

This my friends is the Thanksgiving meal of champions. My mother slaved away for days cooking and baking, but leave it to my niece to only eat items that I'm pretty sure were not devoured on the first Thanksgiving. The rest of the family, however, ate anything and everything that wasn't bolted down. It comes once a year and we knowingly put ourselves in misery for the comfort of food. Such joy is felt as that wonderous taste slids across our pallet creating this warm and satisfying feeling. Although in 15 mins, we know that we're going to be doubled over in pain as our bellies are filled way beyond capacity. Just as a turkey-induced coma renders us completely helpless, it's time for pie! Of course, you have to sample a "sliver" of 4 different pies to satisfy an already stuffed appetite. Yet after countless hours in the kitchen, consuming thousands of calories, and popping handfuls of tums, I would do it all again tomorrow...and probably will:)

The Slanket is out of commission

Last year I ranted about this ridiculous product called The Slanket. You know...the blanket with sleeves. I also mentioned that The Snuggie was the poor man's slanket. The Snuggie is more affordable which is great in these hard economic times. It has gained overwhelming popularity and has overtaken all my favorite store shelves. Well, my friend found this new advertisement for The Snuggie and I loved it. I hope you will too.

Snuggie advertisement

Selective environmentalist

I have tried to do my part with being better to the environment. A smaller carbon footprint if you will. It seems with every good habit I've incorporated, I still have an old one to break. I've cut down on my plastics waste by using reusable grocery bags. They are very efficient and much easier to carry around since they hold about 3 plastic bags worth of product. I just put them in the trunk of my car or keep the collapsible ones in my purse so I have them on hand. And since my purse is the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, this is usually sufficient to carry any extra items. Although, my roommates have yet to adopt the same passion I have for reusable bags, I make sure we take any plastic bags back to the stores to recycle properly. At the urging of the Biggest Loser and the fact I moved to a 3rd floor apartment, I have stopped buying bottled water. A Brita water filter and a reusable bottle are the way to go...trust me. We also take advantage of the recycling bins that our apartment complex provide. I try so hard to reduce waste, but I still would rather buy food in individual containers instead of bulk for convenience sake ie. pre-cut fruit or 100 calorie packs. I'd rather spent a little more than have to cut or divide it up myself. I also have a hard time not using plastic produce bags. Just the thought of all the loose produce rolling around in my cart makes me uneasy.

Energy wise, I've saved by turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging any appliances that are not being used, and using energy efficient light bulbs. All this effort though and I still leave the tv on at night to fall asleep and leave the bathroom fan on most of the time. I guess I just feel that this is an area that you need a little "white noise" if you catch my drift.

I'm a sucker for buying products if they are eco-friendly. I have a vast selection of pens and notebooks make from recycled materials. I just saw a commercial for sponges that are also eco-friendly. I'm sure I'll bring these into use at my home, but I don't see me getting rid of those lovely disposable clorox wipes I've come to love. While being as environmentally conscious as I try to be, I realize there are some definite ways I could improve. So for now I'll accept my strengths and weaknesses and embrace my wannabe environmentalist ways.

Check out this link for some recycling facts

It was a monster mash

I love Halloween! Who wouldn't enjoy pumpkin carving, dressing up, and eating candy by the truckloads? I usually visit Frightmares at Lagoon, but I didn't get the chance to go this year. *tear* I spent weeks figuring out the perfect costume. My mind was flooded with ideas and I had a hard time narrowing it down. It only took about 20 ideas before I finally settled on being a Geisha. And I'm super proud of the fact that it only cost me $12. Yeah! It'll be a challenge to beat it next year

Like no pain I've felt before

I have wanted a tattoo FOREVER and I finally did it last night. My love for the Beatles will transcend through the years with me now. I chose a yellow submarine since it's bright, colorful and brings a smile to my face. It's recognizable without having their actual names or faces printed.

I was anticipating the worse kind of pain and expectations were definitely met. Being tattooed has been described to me as a simple scratch or a million razor blades being dragged across the body. The later was a more accurate description. The outline began and it was no problem. Moving across the bones near the toes did sting quite a bit, but I was still in control. After an hour or so the shading began. I've never felt pain like that before. My body wanted to convulse and jump off the table. I tried talking, deep breathing, and watching a movie that my artist had on in the room, but nothing helped. He just kept saying it was a mental game. It was excruciating. I sat through 3 1/2 painstaking hours and I just about lost it during the last hour. I could feel the tears start to well up, but Tash talked me out of it and kept telling me, "It doesn't hurt. You're doing great." My body could not be convinced, but I made it! Thankfully, Tash stayed with me and supported me during this experience. Jared and the kiddies also brought their support out as well. Unfortunately, it is not completed. I will be going back in to finish the background and I'm not looking forward to it.