I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Friday, January 31, 2014

Funny Friday - Fish Tales

Me -

My Mom was talking about Manti Teo and how someone was pretending to be his girlfriend. She told me it was like what happened between Ryder and Unique on Glee so I said "Oh, you mean tunafishing."

Mom-

Aurella had a stuffed toy Flounder from the Disney movie The Little Mermaid. She thought it's name was "Clownder."

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Braces

Me - Braces, wow! I recently got braces. While they were putting them on, I was in a lot of pain, and I cried. It hurt even more than I thought it would. For the first couple days, they hurt really bad. I was upset that I couldn't eat hard food. All I could eat was soup, mashed potatoes, noodles, and chocolate ice cream. Now I actually like them a lot. My Dad said he doesn't think I used to smile as bright before I got the braces. I still can't eat every food. I can't have caramel and chew gum and have other chewy candies. I miss those. A lot of my friends already have braces. Even way back in third grade, some people I knew already had braces. My sister even knows a girl in her second grade class who has braces. My Mom got braces when she was my age. My brother also had braces when he was about my age. My Dad had braces when he was an adult, and my brother was already born. Just remember if you get braces, and if you haven't had them you probably will most people do, the pain gets better. Good luck!

Mom - Braces, ugh! I had braces from the time I was 11 until the time I was 13. At the time braces were just braces there was just one kind. They didn't have so many options like they do now. They were just those ugly railroad tracks. They were all silver. There were no different colors like you can get now. I remember getting the top braces and the bottom braces put on at different times. When I had the bottom braces put on, it was hurting me so much I had to come home from school early. I was in 5th grade then, and I came home from school early a lot. I twisted my ankle, I had itchy poison ivy, it was always something. Just about every week it was something else. The funny thing it was just that year. Every other year of school, I hardly even went to the nurse. I don't know what they school nurse is like now, but in those days all they did was ask you if the pain or whatever was so bad that you had to go home, and if you said yes they called your mother. I must have actually thought I was in pain because my teacher was nice that year, and I didn't necessarily want to get away from her. Anyway, back to the braces, every time they got adjusted, they hurt. I really missed chewy foods like caramel and gum. The first thing I did when I got them off is get a pack of gum and immediately put a piece in my mouth. I still remember it was like this grape Hubba Bubba or something. The funny thing is that now my braces are gone, and they have been for a long time, I could chew gum all the time if I wanted, but I don't. I don't chew gum at all anymore. It give me a headache. I still love caramel, however, and I still don't miss those braces.

And that's our view. How did you feel about your braces or were you one of the lucky few who didn't need them?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Tips for Tuesday - Movies: Legally Blonde and Last Vegas

Me - Today I am recommending Legally Blonde. It is a really good movie. It is about a woman who gets into a really good law school so she can win her boyfriend back. It was funny. I liked the cast. I like the way she proves to herself that she is good for things other than being pretty. I liked that it shows that hard works really does payoff. I would definitely recommend.

Mom - Today I am recommending Last Vegas. From the commercials it looked like this movie had the potential to be a really stupid over the top comedy. While there were moments that could be considered that way, over all, it was a smart funny movie. On the surface, it was a movie about four old friends uniting for a bachelor party. In reality, it was about much more than that. Each of the men had an issue in his life related to getting older that he was dealing with. I like that the women in the movie were not all hot twenty year olds either. Mary Steenburgen and Joanna Gleason both in their 60s also played important roles in the film. However, we will really have come a long way, when we see a movie of this kind with four women in the starring roles. I still did enjoy this move though. Besides, who could turn down the rare chance to see 4 of our greatest actors starring in one movie. I would highly recommend it.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Just Bead Yourself

Me - Just Bead Yourself, wow! Just Bead Yourself is a small shop in Westfield,New Jersey. It looks much bigger on the inside than the outside. Everywhere you look it's awesome. I liked that there are so many kinds of beads there and so many choices of what jewelry you can make and how you can make it. I thought we would just be making necklaces with cheap plastic beads on a string that you tie around your neck. Instead, there was really beads like you would find on necklaces you buy in a craft store and we made jewelry on a wire with a really clasp like you would buy in a store. I love my necklace. I wear it every day. It worked out well for me because my previous favorite necklace had just broken. They also had all kinds of stones  at Just Bead Yourself. that were supposed to help for different things. Every person has a stone or a combination of stones that it best for them. My stones are Amethyst and Rose Quartz. They also had spray for different things like calming spray and love spray. I would like to go back sometime. I would like to nake more jewelry. I would like to make more necklaces as well as other kinds of jewelry. It is a really fun place.

Mom - I was not expecting Just Bead Yourself to be so fun. I was not expecting the jewelry we made there to be so beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised on both counts. The only hard thing for me was that there were so many choices that it was hard for me to narrow down what I wanted to make and how I wanted to make it. When I first saw the store from the outside, it looked tiny and dinky. Inside, however, it was filled to the brim with jewelry, objects for making jewelry as well as a few other things. The place was like a cheerful rainbow of color. The staff was very helpful and welcoming as well. You can't help but be happy when you walk  in there and even more so when walk out with your beautiful self-made jewelry. We all had a great time on our visit. Even my husband made a Tiger's Eye bracelet for himself even though I am sure  before we went he was probably just expecting to be bored while the girls and I made jewelry for ourselves. My only problem is is that that I didn't make my necklace as long as I would have liked to so it chokes me a bit, and I probably won't wear it as much as I would have otherwise. My husband and the girls are all very happy with there jewelry, however. Aurella is convinced she wants to have her next birthday there. She tends to change her mind a lot, however, so we will see. We would all definitely like to go back though at least the girls and I. I am not sure about my husband although he did have a good time when we were there.

And that's our view. When is the last time you went somewhere that turned out to be a lot more fun than you thought?

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Saturday Special - Swag for Your Sweetie Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop



Welcome to the Swag for Your Sweetie Valentine's Day Giveaway Hop
hosted by Lauren Paints | a beautiful life.
This hop is all about items that you or your sweetie will really love!
Lauren Paints | a beautiful life
is spreading the love by offering 5 DIFFERENT prizes including:
a couple of gift cards {ONE $25 Victoria Secret GC+ ONE $25 Sports Authority GC},
and Headbands and Bow Ties for Babies + Toddlers from Sweet Little Bow Peep's! 
hosted by Lauren Paints | a beautiful life.

 I am also giving away Candy Kisses by Jean C. Gordon

Candy Kisses 



and

a $50.00 Dining Dough Gift card




For more about Candy Kisses see yesterdays Talking Topics post, Candy Kisse by Jean C. Gordon. For more about Dining Dough and to find out what restaurants near you participate in the program go to https://www.restaurant.com/diningdough.
To enter to win these items. Fill out the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


It's almost time to spoil your valentine,
be sure to enter all of the giveaways below so that you win all kinds of goodies:

Friday, January 24, 2014

Funny Friday - Everybody Wants to Read

Me -

When Melia was learning to read, she was reading  a book to Mom about a character named Pip. Aurella wanted to read a book too. She got out a book from Melia's bookshelf and started turning pages on every page she said "Pip, Pip, Pip, Pip."


Mom -

When Melia was 2, we were amazed when she could read Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford the Small red Puppy from cover to cover until we realized that she had completely memorized the books and was reciting them from memory.


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Candy Kisses by Jean C. Gordon

Me - Candy Kisses, wow! Candy Kisses was a really good book. It is a love story of a girl named Candy and a guy named Mike. I liked the character of Candy.  I didn't like her brothers. They annoyed me. They were too overprotective. It made the characters seem more real, but it was just annoying. They were typical older brother's protective of their little sister. Not like my older brother, however. I liked that Candy didn't let her brothers push her around. As the story went on, her character became stronger and she knew what she wanted more.  I also liked the character of Mike. He was nice. He was romantic. He was manly but not too tough or bossy. The whole story was very romantic. I like it when friends end up dating. I hate it when you know characters belong together, but they won't admit to each other. I like it when it works out in the end though. This book is a really sweet love story.


Mom - Candy Kisses is the story of Candy and Mike. They are housemates. They make a bet that every time, one of them gets kissed, they have to place candy kisses in a candy dish based on how good the kiss was on a scale from one to five. At the end of the bet, whoever has placed the most kisses in the candy dish wins. However, the problem is that they each separately discover that they would rather be kissing each other, but for various reasons they are afraid to tell each other. This is a really sweet romantic story. The characters were all very likeable and their actions were understandable. Even when you would have liked to change their actions, it was very understandable in terms of the story why the characters would react they way they did. While Candy and Mike were well drawn characters, the secondary characters were a little weak. They were very one note and not as well drawn. There was the demanding boss, the overprotective brothers, the loving father (Candy's), the not so loving father (Mike's), the supportive best friend etc..  The one thing that was different was that the supportive friend was a friend of both Candy and Mike. In general, the supporting characters did serve to move the story along, but they didn't seem as real as Candy and Mike. Ultimately, however, of course, it was Candy and Mike's story. The two of them were mostly a very likeable pair, and you couldn't help rooting for them. If you are looking for a a  really sweet love story that you know is going to turn out right, this book is a good choice.

And that's our view. What is the best book you've read lately?

To win a copy of Candy Kisses see this Saturday's Saturday Special post.

Disclosure: We were given a copy of Candy Kisses for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are our own based on reading the book.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Where-To-Go- Wednesday - Just Bead Yourself

What: Just Bead Yourself

Where: 113 Central Avenue
             Westfield, NJ

Who: Ages 3 and up

Our view: If make your own jewelry makes you think of cheap plastic beads on a string then you have never been to Just Bead Yourself. The store is filled with endless rows of containers of high quality beads, crystals and gemstones. In fact, it is hard to believe that so much could fit in such a small space. The jewelry you can make here is very high quality. It is so well crafted that it looks like something you could have purchased at a store. There are many possibilities of what you can make and how you can make it. There are plenty of options not only of what bead, crystals and/or gemstones you can use in your jewelry but also of what type of jewelry you can make. Choices include necklaces, chokers, bracelets and earrings. Contrary to what you might think, Just Bead Yourself is not just  a place for women and girls either. Not everything is pink and purple and girly. There are plenty of dark colored beads, stones and even little skull charms as well that should appeal to men and boys.  If you would like to purchase jewelry, there is ready made jewelry that is available for purchase as well. If you would like to purchase beads and supplies to make your own jewelry at home, you can do that here too. They even offer jewelry repair. Just Bead Yourself offers many birthday party packages for different ages of kids including Bracelet Making Parties, Necklace Making Parties and various other theme parties including Gemstone Energy Parties, Princess Tea Parties, and Feather and Tinsel Hair Extension Parties. They also offer other theme nights or days. There are children's activities such as Afternoon Tea With Dolly and Me. Adults activities, such as,  Ladies Night Outs.  There are even adult and child activities, such as, Mother/Daughter Workshops. Drop ins are also welcome. However,  if you are planning to drop in,I would recommend calling first as the place is rather small and it can get tight  especially if there is a birthday party or other big event going on. For more information about Just Bead Yourself, to find out about upcoming events and/or to plan a birthday party or event go to just-bead-yourself.com/.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topics.  Tune in  to Monday's Talking Topic post for more about Just Bead Yourself.

*Disclosure: Our visit to Just Bead Yourself was partially compensated. However, the opinions expressed here are our own based on our experiences visiting the store.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Flipped and Come Home

Me- Today I am recommending Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. Flipped was a really good book. It was short and quick. It is a two sided story of Julianna Baker and Bryce Loski. They tell the same story but each from their own point of view. At first, she liked him but he didn't like her, but then it flipped. It was a good book. There is a movie version but the book was better.

Mom - Today I am recommending Come Home by Lisa Scottoline. It is a mystery like Ms. Scottoline's usual books but it is more similar to her book just prior to  this one, Save Me, than to her series books about the law firm of Bennie Rosato and her associates. It is about a woman named Jill Farrow whose ex-husband dies. His daughter, Abby is convinced that he was murdered and she wants Jill to help her prove it. This books raises some interesting questions about family bonds and whether or not a parent/stepchild relationship is or should be broken by the dissolution of the marriage that created the bond. I enjoyed reading it.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday

Monday, January 20, 2014

Golden Globes 2014

Me - Golden Globes 2014, wow! I didn't actually see most of the movies up for awards. I do watch a few of the TV shows, but not that many. Even though I did not see most of the movies or watch most of the shows, I still like to watch awards shows to see what everybody is wearing. This year the clothes were terrible. They were all really ugly. I paticularly didn't like this red dress that looked like a cape. I only liked like two outfits. I liked Reese Witherspoon's dress. I also liked some of the clothes that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey wore. Amy and Tina were really funny. I especially liked when Amy Poehler dressed up and pretended to be Tina Fey's son. I also liked they're joke about the Olympics. I liked when Amy Poehler was kissing Bono even though I don't really know who Bono is. I was disappointed that The Big Bang Theory didn't win best comedy. Over all, it was okay but not very exciting.

Mom- Today is kind of a special day for us. It is our third blogoversary. Exactly three years ago today we started this blog. We will talk more about our blogoversary in a future post. Today we are talking about the Golden Globes since our very first post was about the 2011 Golden Globes.  On the whole, this year's Golden Globes were not very exciting. The fashion wasn't very exciting. I mean it wasn't outrageously bad or horrifying or anything. It was just kind of boring. There was not one outfit that stood out. The day after I saw the show I couldn't remember what anyone was wearing.  I hardly saw any of the movies that were nominated for awards. I did see a few of the movies but I don't think any of the movies I actually saw won anything. There are other movies that were up for Golden Globes that I haven't seen but I would like to see though. I don't think I watch any of the TV dramas that were up for awards. Of course, I think a lot of them are cable TV series, and we don't get any pay cable channels so I never see them. I do watch some of the TV comedies that were up for awards, but again I don't think any of the shows I watch won anything. I was particularly disappointed that The Big Bang Theory didn't win for best TV comedy. It is a great show that is only getting better as it gets older. I am sure I am not the only one who thinks so judging by it's consistently high ratings. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were okay, but I thought they were funnier last year. The rest of the presenters banter was boring and stupid like it usually is.  All in all, the whole thing was kind of a waste of my time, and if I hadn't seen the show I don't think I really would have missed all that much.

And that's our view. What show or movie or performer do you think should have won a Golden Globe this year, but didn't?

Friday, January 17, 2014

Funny Fridays - Kid Grammar

Me -

When I was little we were riding in the car, I asked my Dad if we were almost there. He told me we weren't. A little while later, I asked my Dad if we were almoster there.

Mom -

When Melia was little instead of saying "no I'm not",  she would say "No I amn't."


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Cinderella on Broadway

Me -I like Cinderella a lot. It was really good. The music was really good also. I don' have a favorite song because there were a lot of really good ones that I really like, My favorite character in the show is Cinderella. I also really liked the Fairy Godmother and the Prince. The Prince had a really long name. I liked a lot of parts of the show. One part I liked was when Cinderella took off her shoe. The Prince backed away because he thought she was going to throw it at him, but she just put it down on the steps. I also liked a lot of other parts  a lot, too many to say. It was a really good show. The costumes were really pretty. I don''t understand why the Fairy Godmother had horns though. My favorite costumes were the dresses Cinderella wore to the ball and the banquet. I think that this was better than other Cinderella's I have seen because it was different. It was more funny. The other versions weren't really funny at all. I liked that one sister was nice to Cinderella unlike in other versions where both sisters were mean. Nobody was really evil in this in this one not even the stepmother and the stepsisters. The one sister was nice and the other sister and the mother were kind of mean but not really evil. I like how the stepmother kept saying things like "Come on, real daughters" or "daughters that count." I thought that was really funny. The nice sister was so nice that she even offered to let Cinderella go to the banquetl instead of her. The mean sister was just kind of silly and not very smart. She didn't even recognize the Prince at first. Over all, it was a really really really really good show.*

*The above is guest post by little sister, Aurella

Mom - I wouldn't say that Cinderella on Broadway was the best show I've ever seen. However, it was enjoyable except maybe for Melia who came down with the flu literally in the middle of the show and slept through the entire second act. That is why Aurella is guest posting today. I liked that in this version of the show the heroine is somewhat fiesty. Her stepmother is mean but not quite evil. The sisters are not really evil either. One is not even mean. Here the story is about more than just Cinderella meeting her prince. It is reminiscent of Pretty Women as well as Ever After, another version of the Cinderella story, in that the Prince doesn't only rescue Cinderella but in a way she rescues him too. While there were no famous stars from other media appearing in the show when we saw it, there were many well known and experienced theater actors, such as, Rebecca Luker and Harriet Harris. Rebecca Luker was previously nominated for three Tony awards among other awards. Harriet Harris  won a Tony for her portrayal of Mrs. Meers in the stage version of Thoroughly Modern Millie. I was much happier to see actors the caliber of these than actors who were only put in to the show to sell tickets. I'm glad I got to see the show when I did.

And that's our view. What is your favorite version of the Cinderella story?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Cinderella

What: Cinderella

Where: Broadway Theater
             1681 Broadway at 53rd Street
             New York, New York

Who: 5 and up

Our view: If you are looking for the Disney version of Cinderella, this is not it. This is a much hipper much funnier version of the show. With its new book by Douglass Carter Beane, it is even a little hipper and funnier than the original. Mr. Beane also wrote the very funny stage adaptation of Xanadu. Rodgers and Hammerstein version of the story that it is actually based on. The basic elements of the show are still the same, however, and it still should appeal to princess loving little girls. However, it is more appealing to adults as well who may find the original story a little bit sappy. Although, if you are purist and you are particularly attached to the Disney movie, the original Rodgers and Hammerstein version or some other  earlier version of the story, you may not like this version. All in all, though this Cinderella is well done. The acting is good. The sets are nice. The costumes are beautiful particularly Cinderella's ball and banquet gowns. The music is nice. The songs are pretty. They are not particularly memorable, however . They are certainly not among Rodgers and Hammerstein's best. If you are interested in seeing pop singer, Carly Rae Jepson and/or The Nanny star, Fran Drescher appear in the show, better hurry up and get your tickets. They will be appearing as Cinderella and her stepmother respectively from February 4 through April 12 only. For more information or to find out how to order tickets go to cinderellaonbroadway.com.

And that's our view. Tune in for tomorrow's Talking Topic post where will be discussing more about Cinderella.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Tips for Tuesday - Apps. and Web-Sites: Monkey Flight and Broadway Boosters

Me - Today I am recommending Monkey Flight. Monkey Flight has a lot of fun levels. You try to slink the monkey across the room to collect fruit. You have to have a certain amount of fruit to pass the level. To sling the monkey, you tap the screen. You slide your finger up or down to adjust the aim. You let go when you have gathered enough speed. It's free and it's fun.

Mom - Today I am recommending Broadway Boosters. Broadway Boosters is a site where you share information regarding current and upcoming Broadway shows through your social networks. Sharing content gives you stars. Stars automatically enter you into contests to win cool theater merchandise, CDs and even show tickets. If you are crazy about the theater like we are, I would highly recommend this site. For more information or to sign up go to http://sot.ag/Lgm2/.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Monday, January 13, 2014

In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Doughterty

Me - In Polyester Pajamas, wow! This was a good book. I liked the lesson learned which was there is always a silver lining, and you should always look to the bright side of things. I like the character of Rosie because she is always cheerful and always puts a good spin on bad situations. I like the way Jean's character develops.  At the beginning, she had a bad attitude. Later, she became a nice caring person.   Before, I read the book I thought it was going to be about teenager's who were best friends since they were little but it wasn't like that at all.  However, I did like the formation of Rosie and Jean's friendship. I like the way Jeans fixes things with so many people in her life as a result of her friendship with Rosie.   I like the way she becomes friends with Jacob when she visits her Mom. I thought the book was going to end very differently. I though things would be wrapped up more. I didn't really like the ending. However, over all, it was a good book.

Mom - In Polyester Pajamas is the story of Jean and Rosie. On the surface, they seem to be the unlikeliest of friends. Jean is a person who is kind of mad at the world. Her husband can't wait to divorce her. Her sons have moved to another state to get away from her. She hasn't even spoken to her own mother in several years. She is not at all pleasant or likeable. Rosie, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She is the eternal optimist.  Even though, she has been through a lot in her life, she has come out of it a better happier person. However, in her own way, she can be as annoying of a character as Jean. It is hard to believe that anybody could be that sunny and positive all the time. When these two opposites come together, they balance each other out and both become much better. Jean in particular goes through a huge metamorphosis and comes out of it a much better, much happier, much more likeable person. Not only does it change her relationship with Rosie, it changes her relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband, her children, her mother, and every important person in her life.This book was very different from what I thought it would be initially. I assumed from the description I read that it would be a book about two women who have been best friends since they were children. Jean and Rosie don't even meet until they are both adults working in the same real estate office. They are not immediate friends either. At first, Jean can't even stand Rosie. The fact that at 50, the age she is as the book begins,  she could still find a friend as great as Rosie and form a friendship as special as theirs gives me hope. On TV and in the movies, and in many other books as well characters always seem to have the same best friend all through their childhood into adulthood. This book shows that it is never too late to find a true and loyal best friend.  The end of the book is a little disappointing, however, because it doesn't really wrap up Jean's story completely. However, the important thing is that Jean has met and become friends with Rosie and because of that she has changed and she will continue to grow and change. Her journey is not ended at the end of the book. It has just begun.

And that's our view. When did you meet your best friend?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Disclaimer: We received a copy of In Polyester Pajamas for free for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are own based on our reading of the book.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Funny Friday - I Want to Be Just Like You

Me -

When I was little I said that when I grew up and had grandchildren they would call me "Grandma Ann"
(Ann is my grandmother's name)

Mom -

When Aurella was little she said "I'm not Aurella. I'm Melia 2."


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Fantasticks

Me - The Fantasticks, wow! I liked this show a lot. It was a really good story about next door neighbors who fall in love and their fathers who seem to hate each other.  My favorite character was El Gallo. I also liked the girl a lot. Her name was Luisa. I really liked all the characters though. It was a really funny show. The theater was smaller than I am used to. That is because it is considered an off Broadway. I had never been to an off Broadway show before. I liked that the theater was smaller. The show was as good as almost any Broadway show I have been to.  We had really great seats in the front row. I accidentally kicked one of the performers by accident when he ran right by me. Another time, he accidentally hit me with his cape when he went by me. Still another time, he winked at me when he went by. The music was all really good too. I liked all the songs. I really enjoyed this show.

Mom - The Fantasticks is a really good show. It has a good characters, a good story and a really good songs. It is one of the those rare shows where I actually like every song in the show. I never saw the original off Broadway production of The Fantasticks. The first time I saw the Fantasticks I was 11 years old. My Dad was in it in the community theater. He played El Gallo.  I liked it then.  I still like it now. I am glad that I got to see the Off Broadway production this time. It was really well done. The acting and singing were both good. We had really good seats in the front row. There wasn't really a stage just a little bit of a raised platform. A lot of the action took place in front of the platform though. The actors kept waking right by us all the time. We loved the girl, Luisa's costume. It was a really pretty white dress. Melia and I always notice things like that. We watch Award shows and look at magazines partly just to see the clothes. The actress who played the girl is just out of college. Pretty impressive to get right out of college and get a job right away like that when you are in the acting field. I used to want to be an actress for a while when I was younger. However, I would have had to have a little more talent and a lot more guts. Instead, I became a paralegal. I haven't done that for a while though, and I don't miss it. I like what I am doing now being a Mom and blogging. 

And that's our view. What was the last good show that you saw or what show would you like to see?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Fantasticks

What: The Fantasticks

Where: Snapple Theater Center 3rd Floor
             210 West 50th Street
             New York, New York

Who: 10 and up

Our view: You may be surprised to learn that The Fantasticks not Phantom of the Opera is the longest running musical in history. In 2013, Phantom of the Opera celebrated it's 25th anniversary and 10,400th performance on Broadway. The original production of The Fantasticks ran for 42 years and 17,162 performances.  As far as we are concerned, it should run forever. It is  great show.  It involves the universal theme of young lovers torn apart by feuding families. However, it is not the same old Romeo and Juliet story that you are used to. Not only is this version of the story more of a comedy than a tragedy, it involves a unique twist to the story in which the families aren't actually feuding at all. They are just pretending to feud so that their children will fall in love. All in all, it is a very entertaining story with great songs that will run through your head long after you've left the theater.  The most famous song from the show is Try to Remember but all the songs are great. There is not one clunker in the bunch. It may not be as big a production as shows like Phantom of the Opera or Mamma Mia and the like, but that does not take away from what a wonderful production it is. The fact that the theater is smaller and more intimate only enhances the show. It makes the audience feel much more like a part of the action and much more invested in what they are watching. Children will enjoy the songs and the numerous comedic bits in the show. We would generally recommend it for children 10 and up because younger children will not understand some aspects of the show and very young children may be frightened by some scenes, such as, an attempted abduction and the pantiomiming of a man being beaten.However, children who enjoy fantasy and make believe, can tell the difference between reality and make believe and are not easily frightened may enjoy the show even if they are slightly under 10. I wouldn't recommend it for very young children though. For more information or to order tickets go to thefantasticks.com.

And that's our view. Tune in for tomorrow's Talking Topic post where we will be talking more about The Fantasticks.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Tips for Tuesday - Misc.: I-pod Touch 4th Generation or 5th Generation and Bobs

Me -Today, I am recommending I-pod Touch 4th generation or 5th generation. 4th generation is the first one that has a camera. You can download many apps. A lot of the good apps. are free. In fact, I recommend a lot of the really good apps in other Tips for Tuesdays posts when we post about apps. and web-sites.

Mom - I am recommending Bobs. When you belong to their frequent shoppers rewards program, for your birthday and at various other times throughout the year, they will send you a $10.00 off a purchase of  $10.00 or more coupon. I always use them to get shoes off the clearance rack. I have gotten a lot of really nice shoes including  from such well known brands as Champion and Skechers quite inexpensively that way. In fact, if it wasn't for Bob's shoe section clearance rack, I probably wouldn't have half as many shoes as I do now. And, if you know anything about me, you know that I love shoes and I like to own a lot of them.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Welcome to 2014

Me - 2014, wow! I think back to not only this year and last year, but my whole life, and there are so many things to be thankful for. I really truly love my life. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my school. I love my room. I love my toys. There are just so many great things that I have to be thankful for. In 2014, I already know that there are places we are going to be going thanks to the blog. I'll have a choir concert in school. I'll spend time with my Mom and Dad and my sister. I'll play with our kittens. My birthday will be coming up soon. This year, I am going to try to read more even though I already read a lot.I am going to try to be a better student even though I am a good student now. I am going to try not to procrastinate so much.  I am going to try to exercise every day and spend less time with electronics. I am really looking forward to the rest of 2014.

Mom - Well, here is it another year. While there were a few great things about last year like how much our blog has grown and how many wonderful opportunities we've had because of it, there were also a lot of not so good things that happened which I am happy to be passed. In this New Year, there are already many things to look forward to. We are already going to to two Broadway shows this week alone. We already have a bunch of other places to visit so far this year too, and there will be lots of good places to talk about in our Where-To-Go Wednesday posts. I have lots of books to read both on my kindle and off. There are movies to look forward to seeing. There are TV shows to watch. There are stories to write for my younger daughter on our other blog, Stories for Aurella. There are sunny days coming eventually and spring and summer. Before that, there is Melia's birthday and then mine and then our kittens will turn 1. Later more toward the end of the year, will be Aurella and my husband's birthdays. There are people to meet and places to go and lots more blogging to do. Unfortunately, not all of the bad things from last year have been resolved and there are still some very worrisome things hanging over our heads. However, at this moment I am feeling mostly hopeful and optimistic, and I am looking forward to so many things.

And that's our view. What are you looking forward to this year?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sunday Special - The Mommy MD Guide To Losing Weight and Feeling Great

The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great
by Rallie McAllister, MD.MPH and Jennifer Bright Reich

Our view: If you want to lose weight and feel good about yourself, this book is for you. It gives you doctors recommendations for losing weight, exercising, and feeling good about yourself among others things. This book is not just about doctors giving advice but they are actually telling you what they themselves do to lose weight, maintain weight, exercise, feel good about themselves etc. Therefore, you know that the tips they are giving have actually worked for somebody and they are not just spouting suggestions. We also like that they make recommendations throughout the book about products, foods etc. The recommendations are very detailed including prices and web-sites where the products can be purchased among other things. Also, the recommendations are not at all pushy. It is not like they are saying you have to get this or that. It is like they are saying here is something that worked for me. There two sections of receipes included in the book: recipes for losing weight and recipes for feeling good. They don't just give you receipes either. They explain why the particular recipes are good choices. All in all, the book is very encouraging. Having it is liking having a good friend with you on your journey not only to lose weight but to feel good about yourself. 

For more information or to find how to get this book or to find out about other Mommy MD Guides go to mommymdguides.com.

Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Disclaimer: We were given a copy of The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are our own based on our reading the book.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Saturday Special - New Year, All New You Giveaway Hop







It's time to Celebrate the New Year & an All New You 
with this giveaway hop hosted by LaurenPaints.com!

Here at Says Me Says Mom we are giving away a $25.00 Bath and Body Works gift card.

 To enter to win just fill out the rafflecopter below:



Disclaimer: This giveaway is open to the U.S only. We will be providing the prize ourselves



After entering my giveaway head over to LaurenPaints.com

to enter to win the Grand Prizes,

One winner will win a $100 Visa GC 

and another will win a $50 Sephora GC!

This event will run from January 3rd {12:01 am EST} through January 20th{11:59 pm EST}

Be sure to check out all of the other giveaways below, there are some great prizes included.




Friday, January 3, 2014

Funny Friday - Allergies

Me -

Aurella told my dad that he was allergic to red cars, and I was allergic to green ones.


Mom -

Aurella to Mom: If your not nice to me, I won''t tell you what your allergic to.


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

New Year's 2014

Me - New Year's 2014, wow! This year my aunt and uncle and cousin came over. We had Wendy's for dinner. It was really good. They stayed for like five hours. The adults talked. My sister and my cousin and I went in the basement and hung out. Then, they left. My Mom and Dad watched TV upstairs in their room. My sister watched TV downstairs in the living room. She doesn't like to be alone so I sat on the couch by her and read my book. Then, my Mom and Dad came downstairs. We were all going to sleep in the living room  in sleeping bags by the fire. My Mom's back hurt so she slept on the loveseat. My Dad didn't have a sleeping bag so he had to share with my sister. She didn't want to sleep on the floor alone. I slept on the couch because I don't have a sleeping bag either. We really need to get new sleeping bags. Happy New Year's Everybody!

Mom - This New Year's was very low key. It wasn't the best ever. It wasn't the worst ever. It was much better than last year when some people we knew pretty much invited themselves to stay over our house. This year our very best friends who are like family to us came over. We brought in Wendy's for dinner. They stayed a few hour, but not until midnight because they had a long drive. After, we watched TV for a while. Closer to midnight, the girls and I made popcorn. We sat in the living room and watched the New Year's ball drop in Time Square's on Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve with Ryan Seacrest. My husband lit a fire in the fireplace. Even though the fire never got going really well, we still slept around the fireplace. We didn't have enough sleeping bags though because we had to throw some of our old ones out. Melia and I slept on the couch and loveseat respectively. I prefer sleeping on the couch or the loveseat anyway. My husband and Aurella slept on the floor. It was nice having less people on the floor because we didn't have to move as much furniture as we usually do. I especially didn't want to have to move the table because my back had been bothering me the last couple of days. Anyway, that was my New Year's.

And that's our view. How was your New Year's?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.