Rohal Call

Since I am finally wearing shoes that allow you to see my pretty piggies, I cashed in on my Christmas pedicure from my father.  While there, I discovered the greatest invention since disposable diapers.
Enter....the "Swivel Sweeper"......as seen on TV(so you KNOW it works).  ;o)

At the salon, they said they were skeptical, but they found that it really works both on hard floors and on carpet....even for hair (they do hair too).  This little beauty comes with a rechargeable battery.  Just plug it into the wall.  That means no cord and easy storage.  The four revolving bristles (one on each side) pick up your mess.  I thought, "look out Cheerios, you may have met your match!"  And then, are you ready for this?.......there is a trap door.  You squeeze two little tabs on top to release the contents into your trash.  You never touch the mess.  No bags.  It picks up things as large as shredded wheat cereal and as small as craft beads or crumbs.  IT WORKS!  I'm told they are available at places such as Target and Walmart.  I bought mine on ebay.  If you have small children, this will decrease your post meal/post snack/post craft clean up time by leaps and bounds.  If you have medium sized children, I imagine it will still be your best friend.......I don't have any of those yet.  And, if you have accident prone adults in your home, again, you need this.

I just got a notice that my "promotional rate" is finished for my phone/internet plan with Verizon.  I thought, surely if I call, I will be able to get the same rate.  No.  Anyhow, I think the amount Patrick and I pay for a basic phone plan and internet service (around $90) is ridiculous!  We don't have cable, so we do the bundle package for phone and internet with Verizon.  I know I could find a cheaper phone plan (ie Vontage), so I asked how much it would be to just get internet from them.  The difference was an astounding $2.  Yes, TWO DOLLARS!  Even the sales lady was surprised.  SO, now I find myself wondering if there is a cheaper option for fast internet.  As much as we LOVE our iPhones, we are also debating if this is an extravagance we should eliminate.  What do you use for your phone, cell phones, and internet providers?  Any advice?

Do you know about these?  They are silicone reusable muffin cups, and they.are.FABULOUS! ....and by fabulous, I mean you should get some.  They are worth it just to NOT lose half your cupcake/muffin taking off a paper liner.  Did I mention that they are reusable?  You don't even need to use a muffin pan.  You can put them on a tray or just put them directly in the oven.  That means, I can make Jiffy cornbread muffins while only using 6 of them instead of a whole muffin pan and have MUCH less of a mess to clean.  It also means you can freeze muffin batter in them and then....are you ready for this?....pop one in the toaster oven in the morning for a fresh baked muffin!  Add these to your birthday/Christmas/Mother's day/just because I'm nice list.  Unless you never make cupcakes or muffins....then don't.  You can find lots of choices for them here, but you can buy them at any kitchen store.

1.  Anyone read the Twilight series?  Is it really worth all the hype?  I have had NO desire to read them...vampires?  really?  However, they seem to keep popping up on blogs, in conversations, etc.  So, I want to know.  Are you hooked?  Are they cheesy?  pg rated?  well written?  worth my time?

2.    Those of you who know me, know I am an avid scrapbooker.  I do one large 12x15 album of our family events each year (ending with the Christmas card pictures you send us).  I also do other books for special events (a special vacation, baby books for the girls, etc).  I am strongly considering going to mostly digital scrapbooks.  I love the hands-on of traditional scrapbooking, but I think the digital version will be easier to store, easier to take places to show, cheaper, and faster. I plan to continue with traditional scrapbooks for the girls with events that are specific to them.  I want to be able to add mementoes to them and write in my own handwriting.   So, my question is....Have you tried any sites for digital scrapbooking that you would recommend?  I am looking for something with more options than say, Shutterfly.  I've made albums there, and they are fine.  I am looking for something where I am not locked into set templates.  I want to add as many pictures as I want, where I want them, in the sizes I want.  I want to put text where I want it, etc.  Basicly, I want the freedom to scrapbook like I always have, I just want it to be digital.  Any suggestions?  Has anyone tried the digital albums with Creative Memories?

There are a lot of moms with a lot of experience out there, so HELP!  Adeline LOVES music, and I want to get her some kid CDs for her fast approaching first birthday.  I loved Psalty's Kid's Praise music when I was growing up (mom, do you still have any of that?).  I am looking for both Christian stuff and educational stuff.  If I have a variety, I think it will help me go less nuts listening to it all day.  So, what are your favorites?  What should I avoid for the sake of my sanity?