Must Have Monday

This week's Must Have Monday are Price Matching Policies! We bit the bullet this weekend and purchased a new washer and dryer set. We walked away from the store, swallowing hard, but feeling good about what we had just done... planning for the future and all that. Lo and behold, the next day produced sale prices we couldn't believe at a competitors' store! Taking advantage of the posted Price Matching Policy at Sears has earned us $600 cash back on our purchase... making our decision that much sweeter!

The moral of the story, kids: When you spend a lot of money, be sure to keep an eye on the sales afterward, and don't be afraid to go ask for your money back!

Prepare to be BLAZED!

Here's an ABOVE-Average Homeboy for you...



I can't find any words... thanks, BWE!

JINX!

Have you ever wondered out loud while sitting in queue about what would happen if cars got jammed up in the automatic car wash?

DON'T!

You. Will. Get. Stuck.

(Don't even think it, and especially don't say it out loud!)

Sunday Sustenance

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out.

Don't worry.

I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out.

Put your trust in God,

and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.

The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us.

If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

"You smell like SANDWICH!"

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

I *heart* Jack McBrayer!

Thankful Thursday on Friday...

There's a lot I'm grateful for this week, but first and foremost is Brian's job. A year ago, he was just getting out of a truly horrible experience that rocked us to the core. He's come a long way in a year and we're very fortunate that he is employed, that he works for a company he can believe in, and that he works for people who definitely and finally value his contributions. He had a much deserved, stellar performance review this week and I couldn't be more proud of him! I'm also very grateful that his job has afforded me the opportunity to retire from mine, and focus on other things like being a housewife, blogging, eating bon-bons, and watching soap operas. (Just kidding...)

I'm also grateful for our personal growth... in showing restraint... by not making hasty, expensive purchases... like we used to! We're currently in the process of updating our washer/dryer, and we've been working hard by doing copious amounts of research (thanks, Dad!), talking to as many people as we can, and collecting advice. We've "remodeled" our laundry room to accommodate larger machines, but now have a few concerns, since it's on the 2nd floor. Anyone out there own front-loading machines? If so, we need to talk...

How to get strangers to talk to you

Wear one of these t-shirts:

I got this one for Brian in Scottsdale, AZ, back in February. Now that it's t-shirt weather here, he's worn it out a few times. Without fail, 2-3 people will stop him and comment about In-N-Out Burger.

Today in an elevator, out of the silence, we heard, "Double Double with Fries."

Flashback Friday

Remember this song? Good times...



Thanks, Mindi, for turning me on to Rhett & Link!

When is she FINALLY going to announce the winners???

I know the suspense is killing you...

this day has been marked and highlighted on your calendars all week!

The 2 WINNERS of my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY are...

TIBURON of Shark Bait
&
KRISTEN of The Birkmeyers

CONGRATULATIONS, Ladies!

(Yep, I visited each of your blogs to grab the funniest picture I could find!
Read more about Tib's pic here and Kristen's pic there.)

I will be delivering your mixtape packages
to the Post Office on MONDAY!

Big thanks to all y'all* who entered and
take the time to read and comment on my little blog.
I appreciate it more than you know!

*(Had to work this phrase in... it drives my dad CRAZY! ;)

Recent Read

Have you read a Jodi Picoult book yet? If not, you're totally missing out... promise. I've only got about 50 pages left of this one, and it hasn't disappointed!

Change of Heart
by Jodi Picoult

From Publishers Weekly
Picoult bangs out another ripped-from-the-zeitgeist winner, this time examining a condemned inmate's desire to be an organ donor. Freelance carpenter Shay Bourne was sentenced to death for killing a little girl, Elizabeth Nealon, and her cop stepfather. Eleven years after the murders, Elizabeth's sister, Claire, needs a heart transplant, and Shay volunteers, which complicates the state's execution plans. Meanwhile, death row has been the scene of some odd events since Shay's arrival—an AIDS victim goes into remission, an inmate's pet bird dies and is brought back to life, wine flows from the water faucets. The author brings other compelling elements to an already complex plot line: the priest who serves as Shay's spiritual adviser was on the jury that sentenced him; Shay's ACLU representative, Maggie Bloom, balances her professional moxie with her negative self-image and difficult relationship with her mother. Picoult moves the story along with lively debates about prisoner rights and religion, while plumbing the depths of mother-daughter relationships and examining the literal and metaphorical meanings of having heart. The point-of-view switches are abrupt, but this is a small flaw in an impressive book. 1,000,000-million copy first printing.(Mar.)

** LIFETIME MOVIE ALERT **

Don't miss Saturday's premiere of another Jodi Picoult novel, The Tenth Circle, on Lifetime at 9pm Eastern/Pacific. With Ron Eldard and Kelly Preston starring, it looks really good!


Next up on the nightstand?
Per Emily's suggestion: These is My Words by Nancy Turner


I love the library!

Wednesday Wishin'

I'm hoping that I never have to see any of these on any car ever again.

You know, when I see them hanging off your F150, Odyssey, or Neon... I'm just figuring you must not have any of your own.

T minus 36 hours and counting...

Did you enter yet?

If not, hurry on over to here.

Remember, give a shout-out on your blog,
and you'll have 2 entries in the
BEST GIVEAWAY EVER!

(Yes, I realize it's only a mixtape,
but new tunes are always fun,
and I'm going to throw something else in there fo sho!)

Darrin would be proud...

We're not huge superhero movie fans in this house... but occasionally, we'll indulge. I had previously seen "Iron Man" and really enjoyed it, so we decided to check out "The Incredible Hulk" last week. Ed Norton made a great Bruce Banner, and all in all, the movie was very entertaining. Definitely worth the matinee price!

Tunesday

This week's tune is from Gavin Rossdale's new album, "WANDERlust". I've always been a fan of the band Bush, and Gavin, so far, has not disappointed me with his solo efforts. (I'm just going to ignore any reviews that compare his sound to Daughtry - who I can't stand.) Have a listen to: "Love Remains the Same".

You should have been here...

Sunday dinner was uh-may-zing! (IMHO.)

The main dish was Citrus-Honey Chicken, with Crash Hot Potatoes and Lemon-Butter Snow Peas. Dessert was a Wild Strawberry Shortcake. All served beneath a lovely bouquet of fresh-cut sunflowers... fresh from the Farmer's Market. Mmmm, mmmm good!

Sorry, no leftovers here... you're going to have to try these recipes for yourself!

Must Have Monday

This week's Must Have Monday is mineral make-up. I was introduced to the Mineral Essence brand by Miss Andi just in time for my wedding three years ago, and I haven't used anything else since! It gives me a nice, smooth, even finish and keeps my face from getting too oily during the day. With mineral make-up, my face has a much more natural look to it, versus using liquid foundation (a la Tammy Faye). I think Mineral Essence is great, because it's a lot cheaper than the other stuff, and I can almost always find it on eBay. A 30g jar of foundation and magic finish lasts me an entire year. Using a Kabuki brush, both applications are super quick and easy... which helps me get out the door faster, but doesn't keep me from still being late! Anyone got a miracle fix for that??

"MIssed it by... that much."

After reading a few so-so reviews, we were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed "Get Smart" on Saturday. Casting Steve Carrell as Maxwell Smart... was GENIUS!

Sunday Sustenance

"If we were logical, the future would be bleak indeed. But we are more than logical. We are human beings, and we have faith, and we have hope."

- Jacques Cousteau

Happy Father's Day!

Any man can be a father.
It takes someone special to be a dad.

WE LOVE YOU!

Flashback Friday

Classic.

What's wrong with this picture?

Looks like you're going to have to shift it into reverse.

What? You eat your dumplings stuffed with something else??

Your tax dollars, hard at work!

It's bottomless until 64'11".


Making reservations now... looks like it's hard to get in to...


Chinese sign... Thanks, you cleared up a lot of confusion for me.

Shhh... don't tell anyone!


(As seen on The Telegraph.)

Flip-Flop Fun

One of Martha's crafts this week was this adorable, and super-easy idea for flaring up your flip-flops. And all along, I thought that if I wanted flowers on my shoes I'd have to BUY them that way...

Thankful Thursday

This week, I'm thankful for...

• My mom who allowed me to bring stacks and stacks of books home from the library each week to read, during the summers when I was a kid. Because now, I love to read!
• Being in the right place at the right time. We found a new mesh chair at 60% off last weekend for the office - the hottest room in the house. Although it's not the most aesthetically pleasing design, it was what we were looking for and was the last one there. My back and butt are really enjoying the breezes!
• Living far away from a flood plain. Not too far from us, people are spending their days sandbagging and hoping flood waters won't rise any higher. I'm grateful for my dry basement!
• My hubby who worked really, really hard today to cheer me up. Thanks, sweetie.

This calls for a celebration!

It all began with this post 21 months ago... and look at how much fun I've been having lately! :)

300 posts later...

Blogging has been really good for me... I've learned a lot, I've developed new interests, I've met new people, and I've reconnected with old friends. I've also figured out that this blog can be anything I want it to be... there are no rules! I view it as my current creative outlet, and I hope that something here entertains or inspires you, gives you a peek into our mundane lives, or just distracts you for a bit.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally won something on a blog giveaway! Being the recipient of Tiburon's Totally Awesome '80s CD, got me thinking about how I should totally rip off her idea of a mixtape, make one of my own, and have my first. ever...

That's right, folks...

In honor of this,
my 300th post on Sprik Space,
I present to you my first ever GIVEAWAY!

At the very least, I will be sending you a mixtape exploding at the seams with sweet musical heaven. I pinky swear with you that this will be a mixtape worth winning! (Yes, it will actually be a mix CD - so Mom isn't confused... "What are you doing making tapes? Don't you kids use those silver discs now??") I promise that it won't have any tracks from Barry Manilow, Lindsay Lohan, Nelson, or Johnny Mathis. It will be the mixtape you can't stop listening to this summer... at least I hope so! And, you never know, I might even throw in another goody or two!

I'm gonna make it real easy for you to win:

• Anyone can enter... family, real friends, imaginary friends, even strangers (come out, come out, wherever you are!)
• Leave a comment... just say hello... on this post. (Be sure to leave your name and e-mail address if you're posting anonymously/without an account.)
• If you'd like to give me a shout-out on your blog (extra traffic is always appreciated), I'll count your entry times 2! (Please leave in your comment that you're going to do so.)
  
• All comments will be swiftly deposited into my Warm Fuzzies Collector Pouch... meaning I will treasure each and every one!
  
• All comments/entries must be received before 11:59pm CDT, Wednesday, June 25th.
• I will randomly select and announce 2 winners next Thursday, June 26th!
• Winners will receive their prize package, valued: priceless, within the first week of July.
  

So, come on! What are you waiting for?? Just click on the word "COMMENTS" right below this line... I promise I won't bite.

Scare tactics

Southwest is not my favorite airline. They don't have the cheapest fares anymore, and you have to go directly to their website to see their fares anyway (snobs). They don't fly out of O'Hare, only Midway. Their flight attendants are not as funny as they think they are. And finally, I don't like flying like a bunch of cattle - everyone rushing to get in line to get a good seat on the plane (I know they've tried to remedy that situation with their new line system, but there's still too much of the livestock thing happening once you're on board).

Brian flew to Norfolk, VA this week... on Southwest. He took the aisle seat in a row with a guy already in the window seat. As people are filing on board, salivating over where they're going to plop down, the light bulb turned on above Brian's head. He leaned over to his row-mate, and said, "Let's both look BIG and lean into the middle seat." Nobody chose their row to sit in. (Of course this would only work on flights that aren't overbooked, as most Southwest flights are.) Good job, sweetie!

Wednesday Wishin'

Today I wish that one of these:

would move into the neighborhood to take care of these:

Sounds horribly cruel, I know... but we have a serious overpopulation issue over here! Today alone I saw 6 as roadkill on my way out of the subdivision... and they were fresh. I'd much rather see them be part of the food chain, than as speed bumps. I know they look innocent enough, but they do so much damage to the landscaping... there's too many of them now, so they're getting desperate for food and eating the plants they're not supposed to like.

One of these days, I'm afraid Brian's going to think he can teach them a lesson with his BB gun! Because if he shoots at one of them, they're sure to run back and tell the rest of their bunny friends to avoid the Sprik lot. Instead he'll just scare the neighbor kids, and make Redneck think he needs to pull his own rifle off the gun rack to protect his homestead.

"If you want to destroy my sweater..."

Happy Birthday, Erika!

He's got a big year planned, and we can't wait to be there in November!

In honor of your birthday, here's one of your favorite songs.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner...

Yesterday, I made a quick run to the local library for some more reading materials. The lovely librarians had already pulled my books for me, so it was going to be a fast in and out.

I approached the desk, noticed that management was attempting new methods of order, and saw a sign that pointed to where the line for check-out was to begin. I was the first one waiting when a caveman gentleman with his children in tow approached me and asked if I was waiting in line. (I really don't like obvious questions... Bill Engvall called them stupid.) Not wanting to make a snarky comment, I simply and kindly pointed to the sign above me with a friendly smile on my face. Next thing I hear: "WOMAN, I asked you a question!" (Did I mention, that in my opinion, he appeared to be from this region of the world?) Still smiling, I replied, "I was trying to help you be a little less ignorant," and moved forward to the desk of a grinning librarian.

Someone may argue that it was a cultural norm for him to treat me this way... oppressive, subservient, less than. He was lucky my inner Rosie didn't try to school him on how this country, the one in which he's currently residing, treats women!

Jump on the bandwagon...

Mahvelous Mindi is hosting an island-themed giveaway on her always hilarious blog, Word to Your Mother. Enter here.

(P.S. If you win, and I don't... I'm writing you out of my will.)

"I GOT IT AT POTTERY BARN, OKAY?!?"

Classic...

Also classic...

















FYI: The Barn is having its annual Summer Sale right now.

1. Buttons
2. Wall Ladder
3. Baskets
4. Cake Stand
5. Spoons
6. Leaf Plates

I also found out that they are closing their Michigan Avenue store at the end of the month... Must. Get. Down. There. to check it out!

Like Phoebe, I've never been 100% in love with everything they offer, mostly because I don't want the inside of my home looking like it came straight out of their catalog. But, in moderate doses and at sale prices, they do sell some very lovely things! Check it out!

Tunesday

Today's tune is from... (you guessed it) COLDPLAY. Here's another track from their new album, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, which finally drops today! Have a listen to "Viva La Vida":



OK, OK! I'll try to lay off the Coldplay posts for awhile, though I can't imagine there are any of you out there who aren't fans... YET!

Band your head

The Long Thread has a super-easy tutorial on how to make these cute reversible headbands... looks like something even I could do! Too bad I never bought that sewing machine like I was supposed to...

Must Have Monday

This week's Must Have Monday is air conditioning!

I can't stand being hot... it just makes me too lethargic and uncomfortable.

I would so much rather be cold... ice cold!

"Hey... dollface! You got it goin' on..."

I know... I've been posting a lot of videos lately... but I couldn't resist this one! Check out this SATC parody by the classics: Bea Arthur as Carrie, Sally Struthers as Samantha, Katherine Helmond as Miranda, and Charlotte Rae as Charlotte.



(As seen on Best Week Ever.)

Stating the obvious

While I'm not a lover of Kanye's... I can appreciate this video for at least two other reasons: 1. Chris Martin 2. Great cityscapes of Chicago. After listening to it a bazillion times, I must admit... it has grown on me!


HOMECOMING from kwest on Vimeo.

Top Banana

Sorry, Mom... but I've found a new favorite banana bread recipe. And, dare I say it... it's slightly better than yours! {Just waiting for the lightning to strike...}

For super-easy, super-delicious, yummy goodness, try this with all of your overripe bananas:

Paula Deen's Banana Bread

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 ripe bananas, mashed

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar; mix well. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, baking powder and bananas. Mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes.

Note: I used my KitchenAid for this recipe, which made it super-easy! I mixed the butter and sugar first, then just dumped the rest of the ingredients in... my bananas were so overripe, that I didn't even bother mashing them ahead of time. I also added 1 c. chopped walnuts to the bowl towards the very end. DELISH!

(Recipe found here.)

Just Do It!

"There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Oh how I miss this!

Arrested Development is one of my all-time favs... ever! Such a shame it's not on TV anymore, but thanks to the internet, you can watch the entire series online. Perhaps sometime in 2009 we'll be blessed with a movie? I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Here are some choice snippets from the show:

"I'm a hyper-hypo."

"Phillip" is my favorite Mike Myer SNL character of all-time! I crack up every time I watch this sketch! I'm excited to see more of him on Sunday's airing of SNL: The Best of Mike Myers... the DVR is programmed.

"I'm really glad you're taking nutrition seriously."

BREAKING NEWS!
We will all die of something, someday.

I know that may shock you, but you should really try to come to grips with it now. Life is way too short to be constantly consumed with fear and worry. You could spend your whole life avoiding everything you deem dangerous, and then one day, you're in a horrible car accident. Will you have enjoyed your time here on Earth? Everything in moderation, people!

"Never go to excess,
but let moderation be your guide."
- Marcus Tullius Cicero

Flashback Friday

Seeing a picture this week of Madelyn on her blessing day...

For some reason, made me think of these little guys...

They're both pretty cute, and furry, wouldn't ya say??

Do you remember the Monchichis,
back in the day when Saturday Morning Cartoons
were the best reason to wake up early on the weekend?

From the ToonTracker site:

“Way up in the trees live the Monchhichis…”

The Monchhichis resided in the woodsy kingdom of Monchia, under the rule of a benign wizard, Wizzer. This tribe of highly-developed monkey-like creatures lived in the tops of very tall trees, high above the clouds. Their idyllic life was continually threatened by the gloomy Grumplins of nearby Grumplor, whose evil leader enjoyed being called "your loathsomeness" and "your nastiness". The wise Wizzer would often conjure up powerful spells to save the Monchhichis from the evil grasp of the Grumplins. Fortunately, the Monchhichis were smarter and more resourceful in their efforts to protect their treetop society. The Monchhichis originated as a line of dolls in Japan in the 1970's. Their success in Japan prompted toy maker Mattel to introduce them to the American market, spawning this Hanna-Barbera Production. The show aired from 9/10/83 through 9/1/84 on ABC-TV.

Go here to listen to their theme song.

Thankful Thursday

So, I've decided to finally jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the nationwide movement of gratitude that is Tiburon's Thankful Thursday... so, I guess this means each week you can now look forward to Must Have Monday, Tunesday, Wednesday Wishin', THANKFUL THURSDAY, and because I don't put Baby in a corner... Flashback Friday. (Not sure what that will be yet, but you'll have to tune in!) Anywhoooo... on with my list o' gratitude for the week:

1. A loving husband who tries really hard to surprise me, and this week succeeded! :) (Just don't ever tell me there's a surprise coming... I hate that... and I will get it out of you... slowly, but surely... until you're so annoyed with me you'll do anything to get me off your case!)
2. Health insurance! We got some great news this week regarding our benefits, and although it's thrown us for a bit of a loop, it's all good.
3. A patient mother who forced me to learn taught me how to cook! Some days, it's nice knowing I can at least do that... :) Now if I could only get Brian to love leftovers...

Just because

On Wednesday, Brian brought home "Just Because" flowers... my favorite kind!

I definitely won the lottery when I found him!

An URGENT message from Chris Martin

(At least the way I imagine it in my head...)

Dearest Aimee,

Before you're first in line on Saturday to buy tickets to our Chicago show, I have to let you know that we've had a slight change in plans. We know how hard it would've been for you to have to wait until August 4th to see us at the United Center, so we're going to make it a little easier for you... Have any plans for Wednesday, July 23rd? In fact, we've had to move up several of our dates, so please be sure to tell all your friends. Thanks again for preordering the album on iTunes... I'll make sure you're able to download it first on Tuesday. Meanwhile, don't miss the opportunity to hear the album in its entirety on IHeartMusic... I know you're going to love it. You're the best groupie, EVER!

Forever yours,
Chris

37 years ago today...

Mom & Erik Dad got married.

(Seriously, Dad looked then just like Erik looks now... it's uncanny!)

Happy Anniversary, you two!

Knock, Knock...

Who's there?
Cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe who?

Cantaloupe with you tonight!

In my college days, I had a 2-week stint as a salad prep girl at Deseret Towers, before I moved on to a bigger and better job as a telemarketer. While being a cafeteria lady at DT, I learned all kinds of tricks... that I've since forgotten. However, when I saw this how-to video, memories of cantaloupe came flooding back to me! Here's how to quickly cut and peel a cantaloupe, in case you were wondering:



(As seen on My First Kitchen.)