Thursday, November 15, 2012

You're really lovely, underneath it all...


You can’t talk love songs and not include the incomparable, and irresistible No “ effing” Doubt. I’ve been a No Doubt fan for as long as I can remember (along with half the globe), and this song reminds me of why I fell in love with them in the first place.
Enjoy this great pick everyone!



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Love is in the air...






I don't know about you, but to me there is nothing like a good love song to get you all nostalgic and ridiculously happy. It's the kind of happy that reminds you of how it felt the first time you knew you were head over heels and helplessly falling. No matter the genera- pop, rock, indie, oldie, blues, R&B, neo-soul, whatev, whatevs- love songs take you back to a place where the warm and fuzzies are steadily flowing, and fills you with optimism that love springs eternal. Oh-me-oh-my do love songs make me want to sing out loud (as if I don't do that everyday in my car already). 

I’m feeling rather cheesy, and love-o-licious today. Maybe it’s because I’ve realized that with everything that I have going on in my life on a daily basis, love is the most prominent factor in my ability to “just keep swimming”- Or maybe it’s because it’s my (drumroll please)………ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!! – either way I’m feeling the love today.
So, in honor of my 6th year of marriage to the absolute love of my life, and to get all of you feeling the warm and fuzzies, I figured I'd share our love songs (and since one is never enough, yes, we have two) today, and post songs about love for the rest of the week.

First up is our official song (ironically titled Love Song) covered by none other than Adele. I don’t really care for The Cure, and didn’t love this song until I heard 311’s version (which is the version that my hubby dedicated to me). This version is much softer and I just love it so… here it is





Next is our unofficial (but just as significant) second song Dig by Incubus. If you listen closely to the lyrics you’ll understand why this song is so beautiful and so perfect for all couples, no matter how many years you have under your belt, or how many struggles you may face. It’s just rad, and I so us. 




Can’t you just feel the love flowing!

Happy Love songs everyone! 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thankful and Grateful are the words of the day



Happy Veterans Day to all our heroes both past and present, still with us or not; today we honor and thank you. 




Amongst the surplus of “Thank you for your service” acknowledgements that your Veteran will receive today, there are also many organizations in your area that offer free or discounted goodies as a way of honoring the hard work and sacrifices of our Vets and their families. If you’re planning on going out tonight for dinner, or may be interested in what deals may be available in your area, I figured I’d pass along some of the freebies that I’ve found while web surfing.

Happy Veterans Day to all, and to all a great night!



Restaurants with Veterans Day Free Meals 
Applebees Free Meal
Applebees is offering a free signature entree on Sunday November 11th, 2012 at participating locations.  Must present
 valid Veteran’s form of identification.
Arby’s Free Roast Beef Sandwich
Arby’s largest franchisee is offering a free roast beef sandwich at their 280 Arby’s restaurants on Monday, November 12, 2012. This offer is valid only at all participating Arby’s locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Colorado (Colorado Springs and Pueblo).
Bar Louie Free Lunch or Dinner 
Bar Louie is saluting veterans and active-duty on Sunday and Monday (November 11-12) this year with a free lunch or dinner, up to an $11 value.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is honoring Veterans and Military personnel by inviting them in to dine for free on November 11 (Veterans Day) and November 12. Enjoy an pizza and a non-alcoholic beverage for free. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.
Carrows Free Slice of Pie 
Sunday, November 11 get a free slice of pie with any purchase. Present military ID.
Champps Free Cheeseburger and Fries 
On Monday, November 12 veterans and active-duty can get a free cheeseburger and fries all day.
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse Eat Free
Monday, November 12, 2012 Veterans and active-duty military eat free with a
 coupon. Valid ID required or in uniform or photo in uniform.
Cheeseburger In Paradise Free Meal 
Monday, November 12, 2012 veterans are saluted with a free meal.
Chili’s Free Meal
Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm Veterans and active-duty military get a choice of 7 free meals. Must show proof of military service.
Coco’s Free Slice of Pie 
Sunday, November 11 get a free slice of pie with any purchase. Present military ID.
Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes
Get all you can eat pancakes for all active duty military and veterans with a valid ID on Monday, November 12, 2012.
Einstein Bagels Free Bagel
Receive a classic or signature bagel on Sunday November 11, 2012.
Famous Dave’s Free or Discounted Meal
On November 11th, 2012 Famous Dave’s is providing a variety of free meals and discounts at participating locations to former and current military personnel. Offers vary by location.
Great American Cookies Free Cookie
Sunday, November 11, 2012 all those who served get a free cookie with valid military id.
Green Turtle Free Meal
All of the casual dining restaurant/sports bar chains’ locations across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C., will
 free offer meal items on Sunday November 11 from 4 – 9 PM. This is offer is for current and former service members.
Friendly’s Free Breakfast and Coffee
Monday, November 12 until 11:00 am get a free Big Two Do Breakfast and
 coffee.
Golden Corral Free Meal
Get a Veterans Day free meal to any veteran who has served in the United States military or is a current active duty service member. All Golden Corral locations will be participating On Monday, November 12, 2012 from 4 PM to 9 PM. No identification is required to get your free Veterans day meal.
Hooters 10 Free Boneless Wings
On Sunday November 11th, 2012 receive 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of a drink for all veterans and active duty military. Military ID or proof of service required.
Hy-Vee Free Breakfast
Monday, November 12, 2012 Hy-Vee is providing free breakfast during regular breakfast hours.
Krispy Kreme Free Donut & Coffee
On Sunday, November 11 is offering a free donut to all those served or currently are serving. Proof of military service required or those in uniform.
Little Caesars Free Crazy Bread
Receive free Crazy Bread with valid ID Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Longhorn Steakhouse Free App & Drink
On Monday, November 12 get a free appetizer and drink.
Max & Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert
On Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a free cup of Tortilla Soup or side Caesar Salad, a Cheeseburger, seasoned fries and a chocolate chip cookie.
McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree
Enjoy a complimentary entree Sunday, Nov. 11. All veterans must show official verification. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted.
Mimi’s Cafre Free Meal with a Purchase
Free lunch or dinner entree with the purchase of a meal plus two beverages. Valid November 9th to the 11th, must bring coupon.
O’Charley’s 20% Off Your Order
On Veterans Day vets and active duty receive 20% off your order. Bring coupon.
Olive Garden Free Meal
On Sunday, November 11, 2012 all veterans and military active duty will receive a choice of 1 of 5 entrees plus unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks.
On The Border Free Entree
On 11/11/12 15% of purchases will be donated to Carry The Load plus veterans and active-duty will receive a free entrée certificate, valid up to $10 and good through 11/30/2012.
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola®
On November 11th and 12th, 2012 military personnel and veterans get FREE Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola®. Must have valid identification. Also, receive 10% off the entire guest check (excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuity) from November 13- December 31, 2012.
Red Lobster
Sunday, November 11, 2012 a free appetizer to all veterans and active-duty personnel.
Sizzler Free Lunch
Monday, November 12, 2012 through 4 PM Veterans and active duty military will receive a free lunch from a select menu. Valid ID required or in uniform or photo in uniform.
Soup Plantation Free Meal with Purchase
Past and present military can receive a free meal this Sunday and Monday, November 11 and 12th with the purchase of another regular priced meal. Just show proof of military service or be in uniform.
Spaghetti Warehouse Buy 1 Get 1 Free Meal
Friday thru Monday (November 9-12) buy 1 meal and get 1 Original Recipe Spaghetti Entrée for your veteran.
Sweet Tomatoes Free Meal Free Meal with Purchase 
Past and present military can receive a free meal this Sunday and Monday, November 11 and 12th with the purchase of another regular priced meal. Just show proof of military service or be in uniform.
Texas Corral Free Entree
A free entrée on Veterans Day to vets and active duty. Unofficially we believe it’s Sunday but their website just says Veterans Day. Call ahead to confirm.
Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch 
Monday, November 12, 2012 select from a special veterans lunch menu.
Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop Free Donut
Sunday, November 11, 2012 Veterans active duty-duty military will receive a free donut. No purchase required. Valid ID required or show up in uniform.
TGI Fridays Free Lunch
On Monday, November 12 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm get a free Veterans Day lunch.
Travel Centers of America Free Meal
All CDL drivers who are Military Veterans eat free on November 11th, 2012. Up to $15 on a complimentary meal of your choice Must present valid ID or photograph in uniform.
Twin Peaks Free Meal
Twins Peaks provides vague information and it doesn’t look like it includes Veterans. Here are their event details. “For Serving Us, We’re Serving You! Service men and women eat free on Veteran’s Day.” Starts on Thursday, November 8 through Sunday, November 11. We are working on clarifying this information.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

One voice alone may be frail, but the collective voice is shatter proof




Cost of gas to take a trip to my nearest voting station $15
Cost of my ballot $0
The realization of the importance of rising up and letting my voice be heard…priceless

No matter what your political view may be; today please take the time make your voice count.

And for all those who are tired of the campaigning- breathe deep and take solace in   this…