Amazing! It's November and I still have flowers blooming outside here in North East Wisconsin and oddly getting ready to put a few Christmas decor outside. Cleaned out some old pots and pans to make room for my new Paula Deen pots and pans...Love them! I am happy to say I am almost done with Christmas shopping. Yippeeeeee!

Oh happy days...I at last have red tomatoes on my topsy turvy...This has been a very cool growing season here in Wisconsin this year. I already have next years garden planned, but wanted to do just one tomato plant, but I have tried some new types that are WONDERFUL!!! Stipies are so cool looking and so sweet and the mamoth type I got my dad (four tomato plants grafted together are huge (one tomato got to a pound, they say you can get a 2 1/2 to a 4 pound tomato fruit (cool weather)) and per dad is the best tasting tomato he has ever had...I will find out in a few weeks.

Now I will be getting ready for Fall and hitting my local garden center that I found a great coupon for.  For $25 I get one corn stalk, one bail of hey, two mums, two pumpkins and I forget the other goodie that comes with this, but I am excited to do my outdoor fall decor...even got the neighbors excited to do theirs too. Oh the fun!!

My girls (my cats) are doing wonderful and we are working on what they will be wearing for Halloween and even made them some extra fashion hats...the feathers are tricky to keep on because the hats turn into play toys (big sigh, but all smiles).

Tried out some great new products and some well UGGGG products that I can't wait to share with you all.

I hope your summer has treated you all well and your growing season was even better...Happy Harvest and don't forget to share with your local food pantries!

Well I think summer finally arrived this week...I am happier with the cooler weather, but this too shall pass and fall will be here before you know it.  My favorite time of the year. 

I think with all this heat we will see A Lot of booming in our gardens. My pickles, tomatoes, mint and onions were doing pretty good in the cooler weather, but stand by your gardens...there will be a lot of harvesting starting I am pretty sure.  Don't forget to water, water, water!

This coming weekend is the neighborhood rummage and I hope all the rain got it out of it's system this weekend.  So this week it will be digging, and digging for more stuff that I haven't looked at in a year.  (my rule)...hubby? not so good with that rule lol.

Well the Master gardeners plant sale was packed.  I picked up a few nice basil plant and no luck with finding cuke plants, but did meet a bunch of neat people and I am even considering taking some classes to become a "Master Gardener". Ya know I love my hands in the dirt.  Even found out of a new tea compost they are working on.  Goose bump neat stuff LOL.  I did make a pit stop and bought some bush pickle plants...told the hubby I am making him some pickles this fall. 

Off to go water the crops...my garden is now complete...just need to baby them and enjoy.

I am so excited today. Going to the Master gardeners plant sale today.  Have a few plants to buy and a couple of questions for the masters.  With luck they can answer a question that was asked of me that has me stumped. 

My upside down tomato plant is growing strong..I think I like it!

EEEEK gads...almost June and we still have frost warnings going on here in NE Wisconsin.  Plants are holding on strong and doing good.  Loving this years rose bush...it is about ready to explode with a blast of color...carpet roses are so nice and easy to grow...they pretty much take care of themselves. Topsy Turvy is still growing strong and happy to see that...I see buds on the plant already (YIPPY).  (oh a tip on growing tomato plants...if you see your tomatoes having black where the bud fell off...save your egg shells and put them on top of the dirt...works like a charm).

Yes, it's May 2nd and I have my garden planted...yes I am antsy, but have the plastic on stand by if needed.  Feels good to have the fresh soil running through my hands and super happy I didn't run into that mouse that has been hanging out around my patio. 

YIPPY, KICK, KICK. Happy spring all.  I am so in garden mode right now.  I am even going to try the "Topsy Turvy" upside down tomato planter this year.  I wonder about it and will put it to the test and let you know.  I am hitting the garden center after work to check out some plants...will want to buy, but still a little cold out there (darn it all to heck). 

Of course going to try some new goodies in my garden besides the Topsy Turvy planter. Growing my own Lufa, Lemon cucumbers, spearmint (for my home made majitos :) and of course for tea.

Kicked off a new season of my rummage site and I think rummages will be big this year so that will keep me busy and planning my own.  I was going to be the neighbor hood in charge of rummages this year, but the manager here has me on a mission this year.

Also praying hard that all the people laid off will return to work again fast. My hubby is in that boat and so trying to work on him to paint the place. It's funny when you give the hubby or kids something to do when they are whining there is nothing to do...how fast they find something else lol.

 

 

I have the garden all ready to roll, windows all washed, rug shampooed, eggs colored, cats brushed (scary job), floors mopped and inside trim and walls all washed down...I would say I could use a nap, but I am SUPER CHARGED! Ok, back hurts, but happy spring cleaning is almost done. Now it needs to warm up a tad more so I can plant this years goodies. I have a few new items that I will be testing out and will let you know if it's worth it. Also a few odd things will be growing in my garden, but I will save that for later hehehehehe. Wishing you all a very Happy Easter!

Hi all, What reviews will you see from me? I love to test products and will give you my honest opinion of them with a touch of my strage humor. Please feel free to leave me your feed back. What I like to review? Gardening plants and garden items (worked in a garden center for 10 years). Beauty products (I am a retired Cozmo...did hair and skin care and held the title of ^Relaxation expert^). Cat and pet products (My girls ^Scrappy and Lil Snickers are always ready to help me out with feed back or sneak on line to do their owe reviews). Healthy and not so heathy, but good foods (even a few bad tasting foods). A few exercise items. Oh, and tips on all of the above and some recipes to make your tummy talk to you in a good way.

Hi kids, 

Still around...  Lost a good friend a few months ago and since he was a few years older,  I am finding sitting on my computer not being that top dog anymore so been backing off, living life and getting out and doing stuff...

The quiting of smoking is going great (another reason I am not sitting on my computer...smoking was to easy!). 

Great to see all the peeps reading my reviews and happy I am helping others.

Peace to you all...take care of your health because that is what keeps you around longer.  Get out there and hug a tree...hug a friend, hug yourself...In these trying times it's not what we buy to make our neighbor look, but how you treat them...cuz kids we are back to basics, and what we buy to out do our friends won't really mean squat now.

Many meal plans for the old, sick and handicap are being taken away as of this week...so get out there and HELP YOUR
NEIGHBOR!!! Cook a meal, shovel, go over and say HI and just help out with out asking for anything in return!

I have bought new products, but found they are not really worth the money to post a review...People don't need to keep up with me (cuz I was buying stuff to do reviews and so were many others...we need to think about where we are at now as far as a Country!

IT'S TIME WE THINK OF OTHERS NOW!!! Help your fellow man, woman and child and your community! Your local biz needs your help and support!

Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy New Year!!

Amy, Bob, Snickers and LiL Snickers

As of yesterday I am finished with my Christmas shopping.   I got it done yesterday because today we are going to have a nasty selection of weather.  Rain, freezing rain, snow, flash freezing...just ugly!!! I was going to take the girls (my cats) out to play in the snow, but it's raining already...so much for our white Christmas...all of our snow should be pretty much gone.

Fighting to stay in the holiday mood with the loss of my friend last week.  46 years old and his life was taken bye pancreatic cancer. Leaving behind his wife and two very young daughters. Such a fantastic couple and family!  I know he received his wings with the last breath he took...Just a fantastic person. A heart of gold.  He will be very missed!

 

Happy Thanks Giving to one and all.  From our home to yours!!!

Amy, Bob, Scrappy and Lil Snickers

Hi all and Happy Sunday.  We are getting ready for the new week and little Snickers is going in to get fixed on Tuesday...I worry about her being there over night since she is a BIG baby.

I think I have that ear lobe sucking of Snickers almost over with...I feel so bad telling her no when I know it makes her more comfy...I think I am a human blankie for her.

Getting my baking recipes together for the holiday season and trying some new ones and of course the family favs. that have been passed down. Pondering on putting up the 6 ft tree and letting the girls climb it since they don't listen to NO when I tell them "GET OUT OF THERE, NO".  I just get a look...Not sure what Snickers will do, but I am sure Scrappy will teach her the fun part of climbing the Christmas tree and pushing mom's buttons.

Christmas shopping has started and since we pick names that will be much easier on the pocket book and looking forward to seeing the grand baby and getting him creative toys to play with.

I will be happy when I find the right doc to do what I need him or her to do so I can move on with my life without pain.  I am allergic to general anesthetic so that tosses a damper in my world. 

Sniff another Halloween over for the year.  I had a blast at work and it was funny since I am new there with all the people trying to figure out who I was under the make up and most of them don't know me yet.  Love the FX frozen vampire make up TONS!   (pictures on my FX frozen vampire review).

Trying to change my profile pic but my computer must be having issues.

Now onto the Holidays...so not ready and thought I would be done with shopping by now, but I still have to start...I have what I want to purchase in my mind...just have to get the butt motivated to get out there and shop for them.  I was in shock when I went to Wal-mart this morning and they have Christmas music playing already...TO SOON!!!

Just bought and washed my new flannel sheets so hitting the hey early and trying them out :)

It was a fun week so far.  My girls (my cats) and I headed out to PetSmart last night (Halloween pet party) and people were amazed at how well behaved they were.  Little bummed on the goodie bag (mostly dog stuff) so I swapped out some of the doggie treats for cat treats from others and the other dog goodies I gave to Saving Paws.  But I did get a cute picture of my girls (will Scan later).  Saw a full size Dobi in a tutu and princess hat (yeah she wasn't acting like a princess).  Bull Dog dressed as a clown, another as a biker (he won)...few wiener dogs dressed as of course wiener dogs.  They have a new young manager there that needs to learn tacked. 

Next  I will be working more on my Halloween costume and it's so funny at work when you ask what people will be...they won't tell you...They ask me and I just say "I am going to be cool".  Get it frozen vampire LOL. 

                                     

One heck of a week.  Between getting my new car fixed (least I didn't have to pay for it). My kitten still being sick and Scrappy dealing with fur balls and the both of them learning to get into things together it's been something else.

My new job is wonderful still and that is my peaceful place :)

I have been working on some goodies for reviews and with luck I will have the time to play and write some down this weekend.

Mom and Dad just had their 53rd Annv this past Wed. 

The garden is all out and fall decor is up. Not it's time to hit the Halloween store for some fun goodies.  My new job goes to town for Halloween so I have some work to do there. 

Oct 5th Oh the new fun of a kitten and the big, older, very spoiled cat and watching them slowly like each other. Snickers (the kitten) is a major snuggler and ear lobe sucker (I so hope she grows out of the ear lobe sucking OUCH! We had frost here so now the garden is gone...kinda bums me out, but the pumpkins are out there and I have to make a few ghosts. Working on a few reviews, but first I have to let my shower curtin get some soap build up on it...I love trying new products, but I also love to give them a real test! Stay tuned and working on a few things for Halloween reviews ;). Don't forget to check out the new pictures of "The girls" in Hallween gear. Please welcome our new little addition "Snickers". Snickers is a Tortie just like her big sister Scrappy. I cried the second day because Scrappy didn't want nothing to do with me and it broke my heart. Two weeks later they are turning into little buds. (Thank goodness). My new job is going very well and happy I made the change. Aug10th. Been preparing for my new job...same company new location and all brand new and it's going to be my baby. I am very excited and nervous all at the same time. Kinda like a mid life work crisis change. Hope all is well with you all! July 19th. Well after a long, long Candle Lite party I should be seeing the candles this coming week. The woman that I went with will no longer be allowed to sell Party Lite candles and I am pleased with that. Still in shock this turned into such a mess. Otherwise we have been handling the rain storms up here and the garden is growing like crazy. Scrappy is feeling better and we are very happy about that. July 3rd. Happy Birthday Scrappy Louise (my cat) She is now two years old! Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Fouth of July! The hubby went a little over board on the fireworks this years so we should be having fun with those all weekend. June 24th. Hi all and Happy Tuesday to you! I have asked VP's to change my nic to my name...So from "baabsy" to AmyA. Stop by and leave me a comment and don't be afraid to let me know if my reviews are helpful by clicking yes or no. Have a great day! June 22, The rummage is done (the cat made more then I did). Good weather. Found a colman queen air matress and pump for $15 brand new and checked it out...no holes :) so I will be nice and comfy for camping this year. It was slow Sat. afternoon so the other people having a rummage with me were swapping items and I think that was more fun. I have way to much color right now so OUCH! All in all it went well. I would say if you are planning a rummage...don't do it in June...to many weddings and graduations going on. We are going back to either early spring or Sept again (I sold out the first day on that one). June 19th. - Well this week is a funny H.E. double tooth pick week. Still working with Party Lite's corp office to get my candle mess fix (please see updates of where I am at with it on my Party Lite review. The group that lives around her...we are having our rummage sale this weekend and no tables to be found. The place we rented from last year...it was only $5 for the weekend and this year it's $10 per day. crooks. And guess what...RAIN is in the forcast I was told...not to say "what else could happen". But I wonder...This just keeps getting more funny. Happy Father's Day! June 6th. Happy to see all of the frost warnings are gone and now on to hot and humid weather...The garden is loving it big time! I was happy to find a huge amount of old reviews that I thought were long gone that I have written to still be around. It was a bit comforting to me. Scrappy got her spring bath (handled it like a trooper), nails trimmed, ears cleaned and a good brushing. Getting ready to head down to visit my volks for Dad's day in the next week. Been busy with taking photos of my garden and working on my braided rug...new adventures are fun. May 28th. Almost June and we had a frost warning last night and hoping the plants are ok. Never had that happen before here...least that I can remember. The baby robins have left the nest and no more getting swooped on. I think Scrappy misses that. I have a few pictures of my new plants below and I am enjoying watching them grow. Taking a break from writing, but as always have ideas running around in my noodle. Hope everyone's spring is going well! May 16th. Well we have the container garden pretty much in and I am a happy camper. Teehee get to do a little shopping for two new planters because I over bought again and no room for the roses. The rest of my left over plants will be put into a planter and given to a neighbor of my choice to brighten their day. That is my little tradition I like to do. The baby robins did hatch this week. The nest is only about three feet off my patio and well the parents were swooping away at us. Scrapp was having fun (declawed and not a good hunter so no worries on any birds getting hurt) and my husband has to sit out side with me...when the swoop they are all over the place and hearing the wings so close freaks me out lol. Didn't go with corn in the planters this year, but we will be enjoying many fresh herbs, tomatoes, bush beans and many beautiful flowers and even found a few new ones (giggles). May 10th. To all the Mom's out there...Wishing you a very happy Mom's Day! Well I am headed down to Mom and Dad's today to do some planting and pulling out baby maple trees (don't ask). I had in my mind to just get my Mom's plants and well I am like a kid in a candy store I bought a bunch for myself as well. Of course I knew it was a little iffy to buy now since I am more up North then my parents, but I took the chance. LOL. looked on the weather channel and we have frost warnings...Talk about a chicken with her head cut off. I am happy to say my new babies should be fine for today. I went out and checked the grass and no frost. shewwwwwww. May 7th. I know, I know I live in Wisconsin and I should be used to the weather, but I want to plant. Holding down into the low 40's at night and this weekend we will be in the low 30's. Someday my plants will grow. I am going down to my mom's this weekend to do some planting...sure she gets the warmer weather :) But looking forward to seeing my Mom and Dad. Not sure if Scrappy will be coming with me. Two hours is a bit long of a drive for my little fuzz ball. I have been having fun taking pictures of her and yes, she has another new hat...That picture will come. Also about ready to toss my all in one printer out the door. I know it needs ink, but why does it need ink if I am just scanning a picture to the computer???? I don't get that. I am in the middle of my Party Lite book party and I have to say it is going well. Can't wait to check these candles out. Well have a wonderful day! April 24th. The weather here at last is beautiful. Hubby and I have been grilling up the weaks meals on the grill and still have yet to try our smoker. That should be funny. Planning on my very first Party Lite book party...Haven't had any kind of a book party in 20 years and at that time I sold $1400 in Tupperware...that is a lot of free plastic I received from that one, but it was still fun and I hope this one will go well too. Party Lite is something new for me so I am sure I will have a review down the line. April 15th. It's been a crazy week. The bad side I lost my Aunt this past weekend who was a wonderful woman and please remember to get out there and tell your loved ones how much you care and love them. The good part is work is picking up (knock on wood) and keeping busy. It's warming up and I think that bright thing in the sky is called the sun...I will have to look that up LOL. Thinking about my garden and I will be planting three rose bushes in memory of my Grandmother's and My Aunt Bev. They might have pass on, but they are still a big part of my life. April 12th - so much for the warm weather...we are back to snow...only in Wisconsin :) April 6th and HELLO SPRING in WISCONSIN. Enjoying this warmer weather at 60 degrees and getting some sun :) March 31st. Still waiting for spring to get here, but with the rainy, cold weather it has given me time to write some reveiws. Let me know what you think! Thanks, March 21st: Just wanted to wish you all a very wonderful Happy Easter! March 18th. Dealing with the wonderful cold that is going around and landed me on my tush. If you get this drink water like you have never drank it before. I am on week two, but feeling much better then last week. The people on week three says the throat will get real sore by the end of this week and I so hope they are wrong...I had that last week. It's warming up here and I am so happy about that. Working on the plans for my garden and can't wait! Feb 27th. Getting a huge start on my spring cleaning so taking a little break from reviews...It's VP's fault LOL, finding great cleaning products and things to organize better...I think I am scaring my husband with all my cleaning :). I will be checking in to read reviews and find even more goodies and ideas :) Feb 8th. A little more about me. I love messing with my hair and the color...I used to be in the beauty hair biz and worked in salons that taught me some really great things. I had to retire because my shoulder would lock up. I miss it, but I still get to play on my hair so my husband has to put up with a lot of different dooooos. I also worked at a garden center for 10 years in my younger days and had a blast working and getting to know my indoor and outdoor plants and I hope to share with you some ideas and some cool plants for your indoor and outdoor garden. I now work in the computer hardware biz. I make sure the products get out to our customers and love helping the customer when they come in and say "we have a problem". I reply, "there are not problems, only solutions". I like to live by this saying too. Life is like a puzzle, a piece might go in a little tight, but all the pieces go together somewhere. I am very down to earth and though I do suffer from seasonal depression, I like to make the best of life and bring a smile to someone else. My hubby at the moment is hooked on the Final Fantacy computer game so I am limited to my computer at the moment :( Feb. Well I see my Mom has joined VP's. ("Judam" from Milwaukee) I know she has always been my biggest fan and a super mom all my life. When I get down there I will help her get her pic loaded and show her the ropes. She is a awesome lady and you should meet my Dad..I will work on him to join too...These are two peeps can give great reviews...They hold nothing back! But be a bit shy LOL. I am also getting itchy to work on plan on my patio container garden. Still a bit early, but getting the ideas set is a good thang! Jan. So far my year is going pretty good. Eating a bit healthier, having a positive outlook, my Dad is recovering fantastic from his bi-pass. I haven't fallen on my duff yet with all our ice and snow we have been getting this year...almost. (give me time). Been having a blast with my Scrappy (my cat)...she is talking more (not sure about that one). Hope your all enjoying you 2008 so far...let's make it a great one!