If you had a chance to to win $20,000 in uncut diamonds and have the wedding of your dreams you would right?

Well that is what this couple is trying to do.  Meet Meghann and Alvaro.

They are in love.  They are fabulous and they are trying to win Abbotsford News Contest "Diamonds in the Rough" and need your help!

Voting is simple and easy.  Think who you want off the island lol.  So DON'T vote for Meghann or Alvaro but vote for all the others to kick them off, giving Meghann and Alvaro a chance to win the diamonds!

This couple is unique and fantastically fun!

They are one of ten couples left competing in our local contest.

In the video posted on Facebook I totally laughed.  They didn't give a whole bunch of sentimental crap about loving each other.  Their humor was dry as Alvaro talks about them being cool, awesome and amazing.  Meghan talks about wanting to go around town to say she has $20,000 worth of diamonds and pretend they smuggled them lmao.

Here is the truth though.  They do love one another and winning is important to them.  This couple believes in being honest not only with others but with themselves.  They are outrageously funny.  Check out the pics below.


Do a blog post with a link back to this contest page and links to the voting page gets you 1 (entry)

Add a contest button to your sidebar gets you 1 (entry)

Tweet with a link to this contest page(use this link http://bit.ly/5un6pL ) gets you 3 (extra entries) but please remember to come back here and post that you've tweeted with the link to your tweet and include in your tweet DO NOT VOTE FOR MEGHANN AND ALVARO... we need to vote for the others!!!!
Post your vote against the other couples NOT MEGHANN AND ALVERO on their facebook page   gets you 1 (extra entry)

I tweeted (here is my link) I posted on my blog (here is my link) I posted on the fanpage (facebook username) I left a comment, go Meghan and Alevero (username) I put a button on my sidebar of my blog.

Good luck everyone!  Have fun and Good luck Meghann and Alvaro.  I am rooting for you to win!

* This contest is only open to Canadian Residents on my blog for the gift card.

* To add a button to your blog copy and paste the code below. 

To catch you up if you haven't heard, watch the video below. But basically Burrows accused Auger of coming up to him before the game and saying that Burrows made him look bad in a previous game where a call Auger made on Burrows behalf was overturned and that he would get Burrows back during the Predator game, before the game started.

And get Burrows back Auger did! Weak ass calls were made, nobody who watches hockey can dispute that. Phantom interference call put Burrows in the box which cost us the game. The officiating was horrendous as it has been quite a bit and not just against the Canucks but throughout the league.








Burrows was fined $2500 today for his comments made against the referee, which is standard by the league.  But what gets me is that no disciplinary action is going to be taken against the ref (Stephen Auger) and the players around the league are not backing up Burrows for what he said, pointing it out that maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut.

As a hockey mom, my son loves the game.  The conversations we had was this:

Jake: So any ref can make any call if they want.  That isn't fair.

Me: No it's not but that is how it is.  It means you just have to focus on the game and do your best.

Jake: Yeah but even doing your best mom won't matter.  Not if a ref can call whatever he wants.  It means the ref decides who wins.  Why bother playing?

I can't argue with that.  Nor can anyone else.  Giving the ref the power to decide a game is worthless to us fans who pay to watch one of the greatest games ever played.  I support Alex Burrows for speaking out on an issue that many NHL players face but are too chicken shit to say anything about for fear of targeting themselves during the NHL season.

Many people say Burrows is a snitch and should have conducted himself differently.  Well as an outspoken woman who believes in telling it like it is, I disagree but at the same can understand why painting a bullseye on his back might not be beneficial to the NHL or to the Canucks.

Maybe Burrows should have gone to his coach or GM but who says he didn't?  The bottom line is the league decides and apparently so do the ref's during the game.  If they don't like you and you don't agree with them (look out) because they will just make shit up to put you in the bad boys box.

I think it's sad that the NHL league does not support looking into officials taking things personally and that if they prove Auger did in fact threaten to get Burrows back some sort of disciplinary action should be taken to send a more positive message to not only younger players trying hard to get into the game, but young referees from thinking they are above the laws of the game.

You can read more on this issue here, here and here.

The canucks lost tonight against the Nashville predators 3-2 but the real story was Vancouver Canuck Alex Burrows, one of my favorite players ever.

The officiating during the game was crap! And I am not saying this because I am a Canuck fan. It was just garbage, the calls that were being made and it seemed while watching the refs had it out for Burrows and after the two penalties and a game misconduct because obviously he felt the same way after the game we all found out why.

Burrows stated "It all started before the game a ref came over and said I made him look bad back in Nashville and he was going to get me back. He did that in the third i think. He got me for a diving call then got me for interference which I don't know how he could call that. The fans are paying for it and all because of a guys ego and my team is paying and it isn't right..."

All I can say is holy crap! Good for you Alex for ousting what went down.

Burrows will most likely get fined for his comments. We will find out as the days progress.

Officiating is not suppose to be personal though I am sure at times it is.

Alex talking about his feelings was good because if true, he is right, all because of one refs ego we lost two points and that isn't fair to the fans or our team.

I hope the league investigates this and doesn't just blame Alex for his comments and speaking out.

To read more on this story follow this link because there is more to be said by the Canucks

http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=2431501

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This past year was okay but not great. We struggled a lot as a family, as did many. The recession hit us hard. My dad lost his job and both my parents are suffering physically more than I care them to.

That is why I couldn't wait for 2010 to come. The feel of a new year brings hope for prosperity, good times, great feelings and a chance for some renewed faith not only in ourselves but in others.

I have had a great time blogging this year, which is why I am taking time to post my best wishes for all my blog readers and friends.

I am going to start out by giving you a short list of blogs I would like to thank for supporting me this year. Take the time to visit these amazing people, read their blogs and send them some comment luv. They are truly outstanding individuals with kind hearts and to them I wish a year of wonderful success and good fortune.

Troy and Steph Xander and Christopher  I wish you better health.  I wish you happiness in your new home.  I wish you financial success and love in your relationship both with each other and with your children.

To My girlfriend T  Wow!  Your year has been so up and down I feel like I need to pay you a quarter to ride your roller coaster.  But I am proud of you!  You are a strong and intelligent woman.  So for you (for 2010) I wish you love reciprocated.  You are truly an amazing woman and mother and have so much to offer someone and I know that this year will be  your year of happiness and sunshine through the clouds.  I am truly glad you are my friend.

ShoelessMommy  Your shoes are out there g/f.  You, too are amazing and one of my best friends ever!  We have been through a lot this past year with our special needs kids, doctors, crap and everything else (you know what I'm talking about).  You have been there for me more times than I can count so this year I wish you peace and harmony.  Both in love and in business I wish you to find balance without all the shit that fly's inbetween.  I wish you great shopping experiences, too (just take me with you) because DH loves that you are turning me into a girl lol

Laura  Thank you for your friendship.  We haven't spent a great deal of time together but it's been nice lately hanging out with you and getting to know you.  You are a great girl and a good mom.  Your daughter is wonderful and makes me laugh.  I look forward to 2010 and getting to know you better and wish you all the happiness in the world!

Chris and Sheila
I wish you the best time in Vegas baby!  You guys deserve it.  Your marriage sets an example for what we all strive for.  Best friends, partners and lovers; you guys are truly great friends and I am so glad and proud to call you ours.  I wish 2010 to a year of new wonder and happy changes within your relationship with each other and with your kids.  Luv you guys!

Shayne  You are my brother and one of my greatest friends.  I love you buddy.  I am so happy for the changes in your life and wish you the best 2010 financially as  you are well on your way.  I am so proud of you for helping out mom and dad and it's been nice having you home.  2010 is going to be a good year for you bud.  Of that I am sure!

Rick  You are also my brother and I am soooooooo proud of you.  You hae made many changes in your life (all for the better) and you are a great father to your kids.  Keep your chin up and just know we are here for you whenever you need us.  2010 I wish for you peace and financial freedom.  I say freedom (you know why) and it will come just have some faith and trust in what you are doing.  I love you buddy.

Ma & Pa Kettle  I hope 2010 brings you a financial windfall and great success with your businesses.  Both of you are amazingly wonderful people and I couldn't be happier having you for inlaws.  You are truly fantastic, and I have learned so much from you.  Thank you for raising such a wonderful man (my husband) as he is a reflection of the great people you are.

Mom and Dad  What can I say?  Your year has been crap.  Daddy I know losing your job hit you hard.  Not to mention the health issues you guys are facing.  Mom you look incredible!  Though I am worried for you physically with all the changes  your body is going through.  That is why for 2010 I wish you better health and harmony in your life without any worries.  I love you both.  You are my inspiration and you are always there when I need you.

Jacob (Gamerboy)  My oldest and my bestest friend in the whole world.  I am so proud of you honey.  This year has been already and is going to continue to be a great year for you.  You are growing up so quickly and becoming the young man I always dreamed you would; kind and respectful, thoughtful and caring and it's been a joy this past year watching you push yourself, your boundaries and go after the things that make you happy.

For 2010 dad and I wish you success in school.  It is your final year before going to AM and we know  you can do it.  We wish you success in hockey as you growing each time you play and watching you has been a joy.  We wish you success in life and want you to know 2010 will be a year for openess in our family where we can share more time together with one another.  We love you bear.

Trace (Pickleboy)  Mommies little angel.  2010 is going to be the best year for you yet.  You have come so far honey, dealing with your disabilities like a true champion; you make us proud.  We know it's been hard, this road you've traveled on.  But you did it all with determination and spunk.  You make us laugh and we love you for your candor and personality that shines.  For 2010 we wish you better understanding of things.  At three it can't be easy, especially when you don't always understand why you are acting certain ways.  But we want you to know it will get easier and we will always be here when you us after you fall to help you get back up.

To my Husband (forgetful dad)
What can I say to you I haven't said already?  For 2010 I wish you better mental clarity and a connection to your feelings.  I know it's not easy.  Forgetting every day, conversations, memories with the kids, emotions you should have but don't because your brain injury won't allow you room to hang onto those moments.

You are the most wonderful man I have ever known.  You are kind hearted, caring, sweet and funny.  You make me laugh each and every day and  you are a wonderful father to our boys.  I am so blessed God chose me for you and for 2010 I know it will be a great year for us both as our marriage continues to grow and strengthen.  You are my best friend babe.  I love you more life and thank you for loving me back the way you do allowing me the freedom to be myself.

For everyone else I know and love: I hope 2010 brings you all happiness in whatever dreams and goals you aspire to.  I know for me it's going to be a great year, blogging, being a mom, sharing time with my kids, family, friends and husband.

Cheers!!!!

If you participate in this blog hop please fill in your info below so others can enjoy your 2010 best wishes.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.



Store your open ed chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!



Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.


Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.



To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of
spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream and then beat them up.



For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.




Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste
of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.



Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummy!



Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.


Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.



Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in
a microwave with a cup of water.. The increased moisture will keep the food
moist and help it reheat faster.




Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers,
put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and for-
get about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not
get through wet newspapers.




Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.


No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.



Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.



Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum.
It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.



Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ....
ta da! ... static is gone.



Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water.
Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such
as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside,just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.



Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!



Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!




INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS

The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter.

It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it.

The lint filter is made of a mesh material .. I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like.

Well ... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all!

He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit.

You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance too.

You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen.

This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it!

He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.

He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!

Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen.

I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it .. the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Recently a good friend of mine discovered her b/f was cheating on her online. Okay, nothing new right? We've all been there (girls) haven't we? I know I have and many friends and even family members have experienced dealing with the discovery of their partner cheating or talking to someone other than them while surfing the web.

What gets me is the why...

Early in my marriage I caught my husband talking to a woman online. The conversation itself was (mostly) harmless.. He didn't lie and say he wasn't married. He didn't talk bad about me. He didn't say he had no kids or that he was looking for anything.

But it still bothered me and I acted less like a confident and strong, intelligent married woman while communicating and more like a raving lunatic so consumed with jealous and hurt that it was pretty bad. The whole time I wondered why?

Was it because I had gained some weight? Or that I wasn't the same person I was when he married me? Was he bored in the bedroom? Did he just need more and felt tied down with the married life, kids, bills and stress? And mostly I wondered -- how on earth can I stop this from happening again?

Internet dating and online relationship have become a main source for finding that guy or gal of your dreams. In fact I met my husband through an online dating site, similar to e-harmony.

But there is a very big difference to a free site and one that is paid. Any guy who will pay money to get your email address because he's interested so he can contact you (to me) is more worth checking out then one who stalks the free sites looking for love.

There are guidelines that should be set in your relationship between you and your spouse. A clear definition on what is or isn't cheating should be discussed between partners.

For instance (for us) cheating is defined by sharing intimate details about our relationship with the opposite sex (even if just to have a friend) because even if we cannot talk to each other we have our friends or family members we can lean on, and should not be talking to some stranger at a chat site about the details of our marriage.

Cheating doesn't always have to be physical. It can be emotional and often you hear women say "that's worse" then if he'd slept with the her!

All I know is that in relationships things change. Cheating is wrong and all it does is undermine all you've built and worked on. Even if you are going through hard times, lack of communication with one another and so forth. You can always find ways to get through it.

One thing I love that my husband does, despite his brain injury and not remembering is that if we cannot talk to one another -- we will find other forms of communications. We write notes to one another. Or we talk on our cell phones if it's too difficult to continue a disagreement we are having face to face.

The bottom line is that marriage and relationships should be something cherished. The truth is any of us, including those of us already married or in a relationship can go out tomorrow and find someone who we think might be better than the person we are with.

Better doesn't last though.

After the initial giggles and pitter patter of the heart two people are left to live with one each others idiosyncrasies and choices. Communication, understanding, patience and remembering why you love each other instead of why you don't are key to making things work.

My friends will often say to me... "How can you love someone who forgets you all the time?"

I tell them it's easy. DH may not always tell me because he forgets a lot in his hours during the day but he shows me. Actions speak louder than words. Getting me a drink. Asking how my day is going? Asking how I slept last night. Coming up and giving me a hug. Bringing me an Advil when I'm not feeling well and picking up on my emotional moods are all the many reasons why I love my husband through the good times and bad. And being clear on who we both can and cannot talk to online helps to make our marriage strong and hopefully it will continue to be strong as our years together roll by.

So talk to your partner.  And girls don't be shy or worry about what to say.  Say what you feel.  Both of you should be able to speak openly about your feelings whether  you agree with one another or not and come to a resolution as to what works for both of you and your relationship.

Another wordless Wednesday that cracks me up. Thank you Hap for providing mommies mail with the chuckle I needed.

In India



In Africa



In the Artic



In Africa



In India



In the ocean



In Africa



In the Artic



AND FINALLY...
SOMEWHERE NEAR WALMART



Happy wordless Wednesday!

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Ohhhhh I'm so freaking excited! Biggest Loser starts on Tuesday (tomorrow) and I cannot wait!

I have watched every season of biggest loser since the show started. I've laughed and cried and cheered them on as each contestant battles their weight and journey's to becoming not only a big winner financially but more than that a big winner by taking back their life!

Biggest loser has been a big inspiration for me, especially last season. The unique relationships that were formed were so inspiring. It led me to set goals for myself this year 2010 to join the movement to get healthy.

To date I've lost 15lbs so far. I've gone down 2 sizes in my pants and I'm going to keep eating right and plugging along. Both eating right and getting healthy. I'm even contemplating quitting smoking (ahhhh anxiety comes in waves) just thinking about it. But I know through watching Biggest Loser this year and with support of friends and family, all quitting and getting healthy I can do.

You can too! For a sneak peek at this years season check out the video below.

It's finally here. It's also about time. Do I have a cell phone? Yes I do. So does DH. Do we use them while driving? Absolutely not! And it's one of my biggest pet peeves to see someone on their phone while driving their vehicle.

Driving is difficult enough without adding further distractions.  It's always apparently clear -- do not eat while driving -- do not put on your make-up while driving -- do not read the newspaper (this one kills me) while driving.  So what -- on God's green earth makes ppl think texting, dialing and talking on cell phones or other pda devices would be safe when you should be concentrating on the road before you?

January 1st the new (no hand held cell phone) law came into effect.  Abbotsford police are going to spend the first month (the grace period) educating people instead of enforcing the law, to give others the warning that driving and talking on your phone or use of other hand held devices while operating your vehicle carries a hefty fine.

So what is the fine?

Well it's not high enough if you ask me.  Not when you consider that many accidents this past year in BC were with young drivers ages (16-24) while talking on the phone.

It's not high enough when you consider that 117 deaths and 1400 hospitalizations occurred in 2009 due to drivers using their phones when they should have been paying attention to the road!

The fine starting February 1st (if caught) using any form of hand held device (ipod touch, nanos, game systems and cell phones) will be $167 and three points on your license -- (OUCH!)

There has been a flock of people rushing out to buy hands free devices (like blue-tooth) head seats and car adapters so they won't get caught while still needing their phones.  Many people say they will abide by the new law, while others state they will continue to text and talk while driving, according to the Abbey News.

This new legislation concerns ICBC toward those buying hands free devices as they want drivers to be more cautious and pay attention to the road, instead of talking while driving.  The legislation was passed to raise awareness to the increase in accidents due to cell phone usage.

New drivers under the graduating drivers programs are forbidden to use any devices while driving whether they are hands or not.  I'm all for this law and like I said the fine should be higher.  We almost got hit by a driving instructor's student because she was talking on the phone while supposedly teaching a young man to drive.  Stupid idiot!

So be safe.  Don't talk and drive will be the new campaign, along with the common sense factors like drinking or driving under the influence.  To date no fines have been handed out yet.  The grace period ends January 30th, 2010 so drivers BEWARE!

Woooo hoooo we made it! It's 2010! Christmas has come and gone. My tree is down. My living room back to normal and a tad bit more bare than I remember lol. But the holidays proved to great this year at the Shaw house hold! They were also busy.

We held Christmas dinner at our home with my family. My parents, both brothers and my five nieces and nephews plus our boys and us all sat down to dig into the 22lb delicious Turkey DH slaved over all day. And boy was it yummy!


The boys were very excited Christmas morning. Gamerboy was thrilled with his new PS2 system and Pickleboy couldn't wait to ride his new big boy bike with training wheels.

On a sad note: Gamer who is ten now discovered the truth about Santa. We went to my brothers the night before and his kids had already opened their gifts from Santa. So ummmm yeah it begged the question "how the heck does Santa bring presents the night before Christmas eve?"

He was sad when he found out and a bit depressed. It was quite awful. But I told him Santa represents everything he believes and feels at Christmas time. That's why they call him "Father Christmas" because he is the spirit and meaning of giving and enjoying those you love during the holidays. That made him feel a bit better.
On an up note: Gamer was sure more appreciative this year "now that he knows" Santa is really mom and dad, to all the gifts he received. In fact he was so appreciative he gave us back three gifts, knowing he didn't really want them and told us to use the money to buy groceries and stuff since we are very low income.

It was a very unselfish thing for my son to do and so I graciously accepted and told him how proud I was of him. He is certainty growing into a wonderful young man.

As the New Year approached; we geared for a party. We had several friends over New Years Eve. We had a few drinks (of course) yummy wine is a must during the holidays for me. We sat and played sing star which is always fun and every one just had a really good time.

My favorite memories or things that happened this past year???

* Having Jen and Trina both move into the complex where I live.
* Watching my son play his first hockey game for the Bull Dogs as a goalie.
* Taking Pickleboy to his first day at Preschool.
* Visiting my step son during the summer and our friends Shawn and Chris. Thanks guys for letting us camp out in your yard!
* Getting some bloggy awards for my site. That's always welcomed and fun!
* Getting my i-phone
* Having both of my parents here to celebrate the holidays with the me, and both my brothers as a family this year. It was very nice
* Celebrating my fifth wedding anniversary to the most wonderful man ever! I love you Cork.
* Getting to watch one of my fav movies "Transformers" at the theater. It rocked!

What were your most favorite memories of 2009?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  Hope you all have a wonderful year filled with health, happiness and good fortune, time with your children and loved ones and luck that follows you everywhere you go.