The Making of Birthday Cupcakes

As you all know, since I have gone on and on, Sunday was Connor and Fiona's 5th birthday. Mike and I had a special party for them at our house since Mike was to be out of town during their party on Sunday.

We wanted to make something special for them and decided cupcakes were the ticket. Nana makes them special cakes, so it was a different twist. We settled on Hello Kitty cupcakes for Fiona (not even knowing that was her theme for the party on Sunday) and chocolate Labrador Retriever cupcakes for Connor.

The task was not without its lessons. The first batch of cupcakes I made, using a sour cream chocolate cake recipe, did not cut the mustard. I didn't put enough batter in the liners, so they were kind of empty and the cake was dense. I wanted fluffy, and should have used a different recipe. Those cupcakes went directly into the trash.

Batch number 2 (made the next night) was more successful. I chose a different chocolate cupcake recipe and they turned out great.

On to the icing. We made the icing on the day of the party. I made the traditional 7 minute icing for the kitties. It came out great. I tried to use the same recipe with melted chocolate to make the brown frosting. It didn't work (note, my trash was getting full). Take 2 was the recipe with cocoa added at the end. That came out pretty well.

Step 3 was preparation of the decorative materials. Kitty's ears were made from graham crackers, her whiskers and eyes were made from (sliced and cut) black licorice, and her bow and nose were from (warmed, rolled, and cut) Starburst. The doggy's eyes, nose and mouth were made from black licorice (sliced and cut), his toungue was from Starburst (warmed, rolled, and cut), and his ears were from Tootsie Rolls (warmed, rolled, and cut).

We assembled and tada!!!

Connor and Fiona seemed to like them, which in the end, is all that matters.

Online Shopping Scam (via Consumer Reports)

Please take the time to check this out. I have shopped from more than one of the companies in the first illustration. I am pretty sure I "opted out" of these memberships, I really hope I did....

Web scam alert: Don’t shop online until you read this

from Consumer Reports by Jeffrey Fox

Web scam alert: Don’t shop online until you read this A list of companies that have profited from a scam exposed by a U.S. Senate committee. (Click to enlarge.) [Source: US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation] If you’re shopping online this holiday season, beware: The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has just exposed a massive Web scam that has cost online shoppers more than $1.4 billion. The revelation is all the more shocking because the con was carried out with the knowledge and support of hundreds of sites and online retailers, including some household names found in the Committee's list shown to the right, who profited handsomely from it. According to a statement by Committee Chairman Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), here’s how the scam worked: After shoppers made online purchases and were going through sites’ usual “check out” process, three Internet companies tricked them into signing up for what Sen. Rockefeller termed “useless membership clubs” with names like Reservation Rewards or ValueMax Shopping Service. (Such clubs can charge an unwitting member’s credit card $10 to $20 per month.) According to the committee’s 30-page investigative report [PDF], during check out, consumers are shown offers promising cash back rewards that appear to be related to the transaction they are trying to complete. The committee’s investigators found that, “Misleading ‘Yes’ and ‘Continue’ buttons cause consumers to reasonably think they are completing the original transaction, rather than entering into a new, ongoing financial relationship with a membership club.” Offer page after joining Classmates.com. (Click to enlarge.) Many victims don't realize that once they enter personal information such as their e-mail address (but not their credit card number) to take advantage of the offer, the retailer at whose site they had just been shopping will automatically transfer their credit or debit card information to the membership club, which will charge them for its services. “What I find most outrageous about these scams,” Sen. Rockefeller said at a Committee hearing on November 17, “are the reputable online businesses that have been willing to take part in these scams.” According to the committee’s investigators, “Eighty-eight e-commerce companies have earned more than $1 million through using these tactics, including 19 that have made more than $10 million. Classmates.com has made more than $70 million using these controversial practices.” The image at the top of this blog post shows the committee’s list of e-commerce companies that profited from the scam. The committee’s press office told me that by now some of these companies may have discontinued their relationship with the membership club mongers. I visited the Classmates.com site soon after the Committee hearing and followed the procedures for opening a Classmates.com account far enough along to check out. The "$20 Cash Back" offer shown above (for a service called Privacy Matters 1-2-3) appeared. Note that it bears the Classmates.com logo on top, even though it's an offer to join a membership club. Judge for yourself whether or not it is misleading. The fine print of a "$10 Cash Back Award." (Click to enlarge.) Once I clicked that offer's not-so-obvious “No Thanks” link, I was presented with a different offer (for a service called Family Safety Report) also bearing the Classmates.com logo on top. Again, you decide whether this service's "Offer Details," shown to the right, are likely to be read and fully understood by the average person. Bottom Line: When shopping at any online site this holiday season, be extra careful about tempting offers like these. Unless you truly want to subscribe to a membership service like Family Safety Report (which says it distributes reports and alerts about sex offenders; a child ID kit; and other merchandise, for $19.95 per month), don’t enter any personal information—not even your e-mail address. Instead, just click on the "No Thanks" link. If you find such advertising objectionable, tell the retailer with whose site it’s associated. And don’t hesitate to report misleading advertising to the Better Business Bureau, your state’s Attorney General, or the Federal Trade Commission. If you’ve been misled by such marketing, or have advice for other consumers, please share your experience with others by posting below. —Jeff Fox

17 Things You Should Know About Me...

IIn case you are not aware, I, Mattie Horgan, am a cat. I know, I know, it is hard to tell, because I hold such power over humans they often have difficulty distinguishing me from their own. I am, however, part of the superior race, the Cat Race.

That said, I thought it would be helpful to share some important things you should know about me (the most important cat) and all those other cats. Credit: The Oatmeal

Black Friday Deals on Home Goods (via Real Simple)

Ok, Black Friday is just one week away. If you are looking for good deals, this round-up from Real Simple may just do the trick. Enjoy!

Holidays & Entertaining | Home & Organizing Black Friday Deals on Home Goods Posted on Nov 20, 2009 10:00:00 AM  |  By Nykia Spradley

Typically I try to avoid Black Friday at all costs, but this year I'm considering braving the shopping elements and taking advantage of the deals.
Considering the economic climate, both shoppers and retailers are looking for ways to recover a bit from the rough year. If there is an item that you've been itching to buy, now may be the time to get it. Stores will be vigorously slashing prices and consumers ready to cash in on them.


The key to surviving Black Friday is go in with a plan, so I've compiled the list below (with the help of FatWallet.com), of this year's must shop home deals at various department stores.





Do you love or hate Black Friday? What are you shopping for this year?

Macy's

3-in-1 Bodywrap Blanket, 300-thread count Cotton Cover, Fleece Lining and Polyester Fill - $19.99 Any Size

3-pc. Down or Down-Alternative Comforter with Two Pillows - $39.99

Assorted Strip and Solid Cotton Bath Towels from Select Makers - $3.99

Ralph Lauren Logo Pillow - Standard or Queen - $6.99

Regal Collection 800-Thread Count Cotton 6-pc. Queen or King Sheet Set - $69.99

Shark Gentle Glide Iron - $14.99

Various Queen or King Sets - $49.99 All Blenders - Cusinart, KitchenAid, Breville and Others - 40% Off

All Hot Beverage Makers, Coffeemakers, Espresso Makers and Teakettles - 40% Off

Bella Cucina Double Buffet Server (After Rebate) - $19.99

Bella Cucina Nonstick Griddle (After Rebate) - $9.99

Bella Cucina Rocket Blender (After Rebate) - $9.99

Bella Cucina Slow Cooker (After Rebate) - $9.99

Black & Decker 4-slice Toaster Oven Broiler with Timer - $19.99

Casa Essentials 5-qt. Aluminum Pressure Cooker - $19.99

Cuisinart 7-cup Food Processor - $79.99

Espana 5-pc. Pasta Set - $9.99

George Foreman Jumbo Electric Grill - $29.99

Haier Countertop Microwave Oven (After Rebate) - $29.99

International Silver 53-pc. Flatware Service for Eight - $29.99

KitchenAid Classic 4.5-qt. Stand Mixer (After Rebate) - $179.99

Martha Stewart Collection 20-Piece Essential Cutlery Set - $37.99

Martha Stewart Collection 2.75-qt. Round Enameled Cast-Iron Casserole - $24.99

Martha Stewart Collection 8.5-qt Stainless Steel Casserole - $19.99

Pyrex 14-pc. Glass Oven Safe Storage Set - $19.99

Showtime Rotisserie (After Rebate) - $69.99

Sunbeam Stand Mixer with 4-qt. Stainless Steel Bowl - $59.99

The Cellar 24-pc. Expanded Drinkware Set - $9.99

Tools of the Trade 3-pc. Nonstick Frying Pan Set - $11.99

Tools of the Trade Basics Starter 12-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $29.99 All Holiday Lane and

Martha Stewart Collection Ornaments and Decor - 50% Off

All Lenox China Crystal and Silver Holiday Ornaments - 50% Off

Target

35X85 Bath Sheet - $12.99

Any Size Home 700-Thread Count Sheet Set - $30.00

Any Size Home Down Comforter - $29.99

Any Size Home Fuzzy Blanket - $19.99

Bissell Steam Mop Deluxe - $49.99

Black & Decker Family-Size Griddle - $19.00

Chefmate 12-Cup Coffeemaker - $3.00

Chefmate 2-Slice Sandwich Maker - $3.00

Chefmate 2-Slice Toaster - $3.00

Chefmate Slow Cooker - $3.00

Circo Flannel Sheet Set - $13.99

Circo Microfleece Blanket - $13.99

Crockpot 5.5Qt Slow Cooker - $19.00

Dirt Devil - $24.99

Dirt Devil Versa Power 3-In-1 Vac - $9.00

Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Vacuum - $349.00

Emerson 8-Bottle Wine Fridge - $59.99

Intex Queen Classic Downy Airbed - $12.00

Mr Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker - $29.00

Oster 10-Speed 450-Watt Blender - $15.00

Rival 0.7Cu Ft 700 Watt Microwave - $24.00

Sunbeam Detachable Hand/Stand Mixer - $24.99

T-Fal Simply Clean 20-Piece Nonstick Cookset - $49.99

Twin-Size Complete Bed Set - $40.00

Twin-Size Electric Blanket - $19.99

Video Rocker Extreme 2 Chair - $29.98

Sears

10 Piece Boxed Photo Frame Set - $14.99

25% Off All Kenmore Elite Appliances

25% Off 4-Piece Embroidered and Jacquard Comforter Sets (Any Size) - $29.99

5-Piece Quilt Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

8-Piece Hotel-Quality Comforter Set (Any Size) - $69.99

All Cannon Throws 50% Off

All Color and Bath Sets 50% Off

All Colormate Throws 50% Off

All Down And Down Alternative Comforters - $49.99

All Pillows B1G1All Twin Size Blankets - $17.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Cutlery Set - $9.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Mega Aluminum Cookware Set - $24.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Mega Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $24.99

Basic Essentials 5 Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker - $9.99

Bissell Cleanview Helix Bagless Upright - $79.99

Bissell Healthy Home Bagless Upright w/ - $75.00

Black & Decker Toaster Oven - $19.99

Bobby Jack Twin Sheet Sets - $19.99

Cannon 240 TC Sheet Sets - $19.99

Cannon 3-In-1 Softie Wrap Blanket - $24.99

Cannon Flannel Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

Cannon Perfect Snuggler - $17.99

Colormate 220-Thread Count Complete Bed Sets (Any Size) - $39.99

Colormate Anti-Pill Fleece Throws - $4.99

Colormate Basics 200-Thread Count Sheets (Twin Size) - $7.99

Colormate Basics Bath Towels - $2.99

Colormate Microfiber Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $9.99

Colormate Mix-n-Match Comforter - $15.99

Colormate Quilt Sets - $29.99

Comfort Seat Cushion w/Heat & Massage - $17.49

Country Living 6-Piece 800-Thread Count All-Cotton Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $49.99

Country Living Bicast Leather Collection - $999.99

Covington Boxed Pins - $5.99

Cuisinart Coffeemaker - $29.99

Cuisinart Food Processor - $29.99

Cuisinart Toaster - $29.99

Dirt Devil Featherlite Vacuum - $39.00

Down Alternative Reversible Solid Color Comforter (Any Size) - $19.99

Edsal Five Shelf Steel Shelving - $39.99

Farberware 12 Piece Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware - $39.99

Farmhouse 5 Piece Dining Set - $219.99

Frigidare Electric Range - $499.99

George Foreman Grill - $17.99

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffeemaker - $17.99

Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Slow Cooker - $9.99

Hamilton Beach Euro-Pro Toaster Over - $27.99

Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Fryer - $27.99

Hoover WindTunnel Pet Cyclonic Upright - $149.99

Hoover Windtunnel Upright - $169.99

Kenmore 1.1 Cubic Ft Countertop Microwave - $69.99

Kenmore 10-pc Stainless Steel w/Copper Band - $99.99

Kenmore 12-cu. Ft. Freezer - $319.99

Kenmore 12-pc Tool Set - $19.99

Kenmore 14-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $129.99

Kenmore 23-Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (#78302/4/9) - $749.99

Kenmore 25-Cu Ft. Refrigerator w/Ice Stored in Door - $899.99

Kenmore 3-burner Gas Grill - $199.99

Kenmore 3-Burner Infrared Gas Grill #16657 - $299.99

Kenmore 3.5-cu Ft. Washer & Dryer - $499.98

Kenmore 3.5-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer (#48102)

Kenmore 5.8-Cu. Ft. Dryer #88042 (Pair) - $579.98

Kenmore Bagless Upright - $149.99

Kenmore Blender - $29.99

Kenmore Canister - $143.99

Kenmore Coffeemaker - $29.99

Kenmore Electric Range - $449.99

Kenmore Elite 25-Cu Ft Refrigerator - $999.99

Kenmore Elite Dishwasher            - $775.99

Kenmore Elite Front-Control Dishwasher #13102 - $473.99

Kenmore Elite HE3t 4.0-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer And Elite HE3 7.0-Cu. Ft. Dryer (Pair) - $999.98

Kenmore Elite Oasis 4.7-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer And Elite Oasis 7.0-Cu. Ft. Dryer (Pair) - $849.98

Kenmore Gas Range - $899.99

Kenmore Magic Blue Canister Vacuum - $79.99

Kenmore Over-the-range Microwave w/Sensor Technology 50% Off

Kenmore Progressive Canister Vacuum - $219.99

Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum - $199.99

Kenmore Quickclean Upright - $49.99

Kenmore Sewing Machine            - $79.99

Kenmore Slow Cooker - $29.99

Keurif B40 Single-serve Coffeemaker - $99.99

Kids Pillow and Throw Sets - $14.99

Kids Pillow Buddies - $14.99

KitchenAid 4.5qt Bowl-Left Mixer            - $149.99

KitchenAid Artisan or Pro 500 Mixers - $269.99

LG Dishwasher - $599.99

Presto Euro-Pro Slow Cooker - $17.99

Presto Griddle - $17.99

Rival 5-qt Slow Cooker - $19.99

Saddle Pub 5 Piece Set - $119.99

Samsung 26-cu Ft French Door Refrigerator - $999.99

Samsung 4.0-cu Ft. High Efficiency Washer & Dryer Set - $999.99

Spa Set - $19.99

Sportcraft 7-ft 3-in-1 Swivel Table - $389.99

Sunbeam Heated Blankets - $49.99

Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pads - $49.99

Sunbeam Heated Throws - $29.99

Tramonthia 15 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $39.99

Ty Pennington Style Complete Bed Sets            - $99.99

Whirlpool 30-in Electric Range - $889.99

Whirlpool 30-in Gas Range - $889.99

Whirlpool Dishwasher - $399.99

White Down Comforter (Any Size) - $19.99

JC Penney

American Living Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Asaigo Table Lamp - 60% Off

Blankets And Throws - 50% Off

Butterfly Lily Accent Lamp - 60% Off

Candles And Candle Lighting - 60% Off

Chris Madden Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Chris Madden Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Clocks And Wall Decor - 60% Off

Decorative Pillows - 60% Off

Down And Down Alternative Comforters - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Accent Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Area Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Bath Accessories - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Bath Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Memory Foam Pillows - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Memory Foam Toppers - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Shower Curtains - 50% Off

Frosted Glass Table Lamp - 60% Off

Grandfather Clock - 60% Off

JCPenney Home Collection Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

JCPenney Home Collection Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

JCPenney Home Collection Ready Made Horizontal Blinds And Shades - 50% Off

Lamps And Lighting - 60% Off

Linden Street Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Linden Street Ready Made Horizontal Blinds And Shades - 50% Off

Luggage - 60% Off

Orleans Table Lamp - 60% Off

Phase II Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Quilts And Quilted Bedspreads - 50% Off

Seventeen Comforter Sets - 50% Off

Soft Designs Made To Measure Draperies And Top Treatments - 70% Off

Studio Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Studio Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Supreme Drapery Panels - 55% Off

Table Lamp - 60% Off

2 Pack 100% Cotton Bonus Sheet Set - $44.99

3-Star Down Alternative Comforter - $29.99

4-Ft Popcorn Cart - $99.88

4-Piece Wine Gift Set - $14.886

5-Pc Flatware Set With Chest - $59.88

Anheuser Busch Light Box - $19.88

Any Size 3-Star Down Comforter - $49.99

Any Size Bed-In-A-Bag - $49.99

Any Size Handcrafted Quilts - $34.99

Any Size Microfleece Or Plush Blanket - $17.99

Any Size Restwarmer Heated Mattress Pad - $59.99

Barcelona Three Pack Barstools - $89.88

Bionaire Steam Mop - $39.88

Carson Saddle Stool - $39.88

Chris Madden 40-Pc. Montalira Dinnerware Set - $79.88

Cindy Crawford Style 400TC Ultra Fine Cotton Sheet Set - $44.88

Cooks 10-Burger Grill - $39.88

Cooks 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker - $12.88

Cooks 13-PC Copper Bottom Cookware Set - $149.88

Cooks 14PC Tub Of Tools - $18.88

Cooks 16" Electric Skillet - $39.88

Cooks 17-Piece Power Blender - $14.88

Cooks 18-PC Hard Anodized Cookware Set - $188.88

Cooks 2-Slice Toaster$14.88Cooks 22-Piece Cutlery Set - $79.88

Cooks 3-in-1 Grill - $12.88

Cooks 3PC Canister Set - $18.88

Cooks 6 Quart Slow Cooker - $12.88

Cooks 8QT Hard Anodized Pressure Cookie - $29.88

Cooks Can Opener - $14.88

Cooks Classic Hard Anodized 3-Piece Skillet Set - $29.88

Cooks Flip Waffler - $19.88

Cooks Hand Mixer - $14.88

Cooks Kitchen Cart - $179.99

Cooks Meat Slicer - $39.88

Cooks Mini Chopper - $14.88

Cooks Multi Chopper - $18.88

Cooks Non-Stick Electric Griddle - $12.88

Cooks Pizza-Fit Oven - $39.88

Cooks Slider Pan - $14.88

Cooks Tri-Ply 5QT ChickenFryer - $38.88

Cuisinart Thermal Brew Central - $69.88

Deluxe Air Bed - $39.88

Double 2.5-QT Slow Cooker (After Rebate) - $39.88

Double Buffet w/Warming Tray - $14.88

Easy Care Smooth Touch Or Microfiber Sheet Set - $19.99

Electric Slider Mini Burger Maker - $18.88

Entire Stock of Bed Pillows - $3.99

Entire Stock of Lock & Lock Storage Sets - $18.88

Entire Stock of Towels - $2.99

Farberware 16-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $49.88

Farberware 20-Piece Cutlery Set - $19.88

Home Expressions Reversible Cotton Comforter - $24.99

JC Penney Home Collection 12-Piece Polished Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set - $19.88

JC Penney Home Collection 5-Piece Nonstick

Bakeware Set - $18.88

JCPenney 8 Pack Washcloth Set - $4.88

JCPenney Home Collection 4 Shooter Rotating Liquor Dispenser - $17.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Athena Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Elegant Pearl Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Gold Band Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Italiana Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection Flannel And Fleece Sheets - $14.88

JCPenney Home Collection Microfleece Throw - $8.88

JCPenney Home Collection Plush Throw - $8.88

Jewelry Armoires (5 Drawers) - $99.99

Jewelry Armoires (8 Drawers) - $174.99

Jewelry Wall Storage Unit w/Photo Collage - $25.88

Kamenstein 16 Jar Spice Rack - $18.88

Lisette Solid Color Window Panel - $9.99

Memory Foam Contour Pillow - $19.99

Metallic Candles$4.88Mosaic Candles - $4.88

Oster 10 Speed Blender - $19.88

Oster Wine Opener And Chiller Set - $19.88

Paula Deen 12PC Nonstick Cookware Set - $98.88

Pfaltzgraff 101 Piece Legacy Flatware Set - $59.88

Pfaltzgraff 101 Piece Winslow Flatware Set - $59.88

Philippe Richard 20-Pc. Cookware Set (After Rebate) - $19.88

Philippe Richard 26-Piece Stainless Steal Cutlery Set - $29.88

Philippe Richard 3-Piece Skillet Set - $12.88

Philippe Richard 5-Qt Pressure Cooker (After Rebate) - $12.88

Philippe Richard Ceramic Food Warmers - $14.88

Philippe Richard Nonstick 4-Quart Chef Pan - $12.88

Plush Stripe Comforter Mini-Set - $64.99

Pyrex 14-Pc. Prep & Bake Set - $12.88

Pyrex 18-Pc Storage Set - $12.88

Queen 10-Pc Comforter Set - $139.99

Queen 7-Pc Bedding Ensemble - $89.99

Quick Dri Towel By Linden Street - $4.99

Sealy Classic Heated Blanket - $59.99

Solid & Printed Berber Accent Rugs - $11.99

Sunbeam 4-Slice Toaster - $9.88

Sunbeam Stand Mixer - $99.99

Table-Top Opener - $14.88

The Classic Towel - $2.99

The Hunk Bed Pillow - $3.99

Twin Pack Bed Pillows - $8.99

White Down Pillow - $19.99

I give thanks to your friendship

This really says it all...

FlightTrack Pro + TripIt = Travel Made Easy

I've been using the FlightTrack app on my iPhone for quite a while. The app, which used to be free but is now $4.99, makes tracking flights super easy. Since Mike and I travel so much, it is a real time-saver to just open the app and see not only when the flight is scheduled, but also where it is. There is a live map that shows the approximate location of the plane! Here's the skinny from the iTunes Store:

I recently upgraded to FlightTrack Pro ($9.99 new, or $4.99 to upgrade from the lesser version). I love, love, love it!!! It uses push alerts to notify you about flight updates, predicts flight delays, and gives weather forecasts on top of all the regular features. But, the coolest, coolest, coolest thing (note to self: I seem to write something 3 times when I am super excited) is that it integrates with TripIt.

??? What is TripIt? I asked that, too. Let me tell you, TripIt is nothing short of spectacular. Once you have set up a free account, simply forward flight confirmations from your registered email address to plans@tripit.com and presto magic, they get added to your future trips. You can merge trips, rename them, share them, etc... I've included some screen shots below.

Home Page

Trip Details

This is a great way to share trips with family members and friends, and keep track of future travel. I was putting all the info in my Google Calendar before (and will continue to do so), but I like this as a nice overview.

But wait, that's not all... It integrates with FlightTracker Pro so that everything automatically syncs with my iPhone. Check it out:

All my trips are available on my iPhone

Trip Details

Map of trip (updates with location when flight is in progress)

I'm excited to see how this works with the push notifications, letting me know gate information and delays. I'm also looking forward to getting more familiar with TripIt and how I can use it to its fullest.

Happy travels!


p.s. I wrote this post last week and scheduled it to be posted. Yesterday I got this article from Yapta. Even more reason to use TripIt!

Today we’re happy to report that Yapta has struck a partnership with the popular travel planning site TripIt.  The news was alluded to in a panel discussion at the PhoCusWright Conference in Orlando featuring Yapta’s CEO, Tom Romary, and TripIt’s CEO, Gregg Brockway.

For over a year, Yapta has received many requests and suggestions for Yapta and TripIt to merge their services.  Well, the two companies have listened and will now be working to pair TripIt’s travel planning capability with Yapta’s price tracking expertise.  This means travelers will be able to build price assurance into all of their travel plans simply by forwarding their airline confirmation email to TripIt.

Here’s how it will work:

1.   Forward your airline confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com

2.  Organize and share your itineraries on TripIt

3.  Get automatic refund alerts for all your flights from Yapta

It’s that simple.  The click that organizes your travel plans with TripIt will now also protect you on price with Yapta!

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

This was emailed to me by a friend today. It is very nice, so I wanted to share.

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com   you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in  Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!    It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?    Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.    Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do.  We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

The Help

I recently read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It had really high ratings (at last look on Amazon, 5 stars from 1,114 reviews), so I knew it would be good.

I had no idea how good.

It was amazing. I loved it. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me so sad for black domestics and the way they were treated. At one point Mike looked at me (sitting there sniffling and trying to keep the tears from overflowing out of my eyes) and said "Why are you reading that if it makes you that upset?" I told him, "Because it is really good."

The book is Kathryn Stockett's first. Memories her housemaid Demetrie prompted her to write the novel. I hope she writes more books, and that they are as good as The Help!

Bethos? What's that?!

Well, I am back from Kansas City. I had a great time at Dad and John's reception Saturday and had a nice dinner with Mom and Brian on Sunday. Dad and I watched Up on Sunday afternoon. I'm still thinking over if it is too grown up for Connor and Fiona. I think it may be ok.

So, on to the subject of this post: bethos. I turned on CosmoRadio and they were talking about bethos. Apparently the term was either created or made popular by a guy named John in NYC. Here's a good description from his blog, Bethos:

Bethos: That's Embarrassing...

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They say a pictures worth a thousand words, but when it comes to this picture only one comes to mind; 'BETHOS'.

Take a closer look at this picture for a moment and you might begin to feel a slight sinking feeling in your gut, perhaps an urge to cringe or just look away. This feeling, my friends, is 'bethos'.

You may have never heard this term before, but you've felt it! 

Watching someone crash and burn in a social setting, or being part of your own awkward and embarrassing moment elicits feelings that can only be described as...'bethos'.

The exact origin of the word 'bethos' is not specifly identified. However we do know that it was created amongst college friends in Bristal Rhode Island, circa - 2005. Since then the term bethos has spread like wild fire across the north east, slowly penetrating the vocabulary of society, as a discreet, exact way to define a moment, person, place or thing that is the source of your own embarassement.

Some of these 'bethotic' moments you'd like nothing more than to forget, others you wish you could replay for people to be able to share in your bethos.

We'll share away! Let us hear the stories, and see the bethos in your everyday day life!

Send the stories, pics and videos to sharebethos@gmail.com.

Isn't it a great word, this bethos? As they pointed out on Cosmo, you can even say "Ooh, that is so bethos" right in front of people... I've added John's blog to my reader. I can't wait to read others' bethotic moments.

Meow!!!

Well, everybody, here I am. Home alone. Again. Mom's out in Kansas City, wherever that is. Dad's out with my favoritist kids, Connor and Fiona. And I'm left here at home. It's ok because I have all the computers and the remote. Heh heh heh...

Anyway, its been raining all weekend, but I am having a fun time meowing at Mike and trying to trip him.

Hope you are having fun, too!

I'm baaaack!

I'm back, I'm bad, and I am sassy as all get out.

My tantrum is over, my irritation is put to bed, and I THANK YOU ALL for being such great friends, family members, and of course the best husband in the universe. I'm over the hump, and back to being me. The cheery me (though the bitchy one is still hiding inside, God help us).

I'm off to KC today to see mi familia for the weekend. It's gonna be good times!

Smiles and hugs and thanks again for believing in me and giving all your support. You guys rock!!!

Conflicted

So you may have noticed my lack of posts lately. Or maybe not; maybe you don't really care...

After a multitude of emotions and a lot of thought, I have decided to suspend posting to this blog and to Facebook (for the most part) for a while. I'm pretty sure I will post again at some point; maybe soon, maybe not.

But at this point, I am not feeling warm and fuzzy. Here's the rub: all the social networking has made it easy for some people to see what is going on with me, but those folks are not taking the time to share what is going on with them. Friendship, for this small number of people, has gone from interacting to social lurking. My feelings are deeply hurt by the lack of effort being made toward the relationship. Those are not the friendships that I am willing to maintain.

I've wrestled over putting this in the blog or not and how to write it. There are a lot of ways I could have written my thoughts, and I have rewritten this several times, but in the end it is the sentiment that is most important.

Guide to Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free

Kids Eat For is a database of restaurants that offer free meals or specials for kids. Use it to help you figure out where to save money with your family—or where to avoid being surrounded by kids. It's also available as an iPhone and Android app. [via Neatorama]

Make Cookies in 90 Seconds with Your Waffle Iron [MacGyver Tip]

This is so cool!!!

Make Cookies in 90 Seconds with Your Waffle Iron [MacGyver Tip]:

Baking cookies in your oven is fine and all, but if you want to turn out some tasty cookies in a very short time, consider turning to your trusty waffle iron. Turns out you're only 90 second away from crispy, chewy, cookie-goodness.

Photo by Fine Living & Martha Stewart

Although your oven will still have its place for making large batches of cookies, using your waffle iron can bake up a cookie in just 90 seconds. It's the perfect solution for previously prepared dough when you just need a quick sugar fix instead of an entire pan hanging around the house to tempt you.

It's a simple process of heating your waffle iron (no matter what shape or size it might be) on high and coating it with a non-stick spray. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, spoon batter into each section of your waffle iron. This will ensure even baking and that all your cookies will finish at the same time. All that's left is to remove them from the heat and chow down!

We ran across the idea on food weblog The Kitchn, and after a little more searching found two tested and approved recipes to try your hand at—one from Martha Stewart and the other from recipe weblog Fine Cooking. If you'd like to see the process in action you can head over to Martha Stewwart for a short video (with a slow load time) to see them made before you go all MacGyver meets Cookie Monster on your own. If you've tried this method before, let's hear how it worked out for you in the comments.

A Fast Way to Bake Cookies: Use a Waffle Iron [The Kitchn]

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DeadCellZones Shows Real World Carrier Coverage in Your Area [Cell Phones]

I apologize for my absence. I have no excuse, so I won't give one.

I ran across this today. Very interesting...

DeadCellZones Shows Real World Carrier Coverage in Your Area [Cell Phones]


Sure when you go to a carrier's website you can see a map of their coverage and it usually looks pretty awesome. What about in the real world? DeadCellZones catalogs user-reported dead zones to show you real-world coverage.
Plug in a zipcode, city, or street address into DeadCellZones and it scours the 100,000+ entry database of user-submitted dead zones. You can filter the results by viewing all carriers, individual major carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, or you can—less helpfully—see a generic "other" category for smaller carriers.
You can zoom in and click on individual dead zones and check for additional information like whether or not the zone in inside, outside, and other details. DeadCellZones is a free service and requires no login or registration to use or submit dead zone reports. Have a favorite resource for digging up the dirt on cellphone companies, coverage, and equipment? Let's hear about it in the comments.