Wordless Wednesday: A little sun flare in Northern California

August 24, 2011

Last week my family went on a three day to adventure to Northern California. We have family whom lives there. On Monday, I posted that I went to Napa for the day to visit April. I took some awesome photos, many of them that I need to edit still. On the way home from Napa, I took a few minutes on stopped on the side of the road. It was a beautiful drive and I captured some awesome landscape.

Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

If this your first time here, HELLO! I do a link-up every Wednesday! Post a picture(s) and link back to it here. Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed.

This week I’m focusing on “What I Wore Wednesday” but I always post random things mostly.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

Project Alicia, Better in Bulk, By Word of Mouth Musings, Dear Crissy, Five Minutes For Mom,Joy of Desserts, Live and Love…Out Loud,Parenting By Dummies, Seven Clown Circus, Supermom, The Divine Miss Mommy

(P.S. if you do a Wordless Wednesday or similar link-up, let me know. I will add you to my list above.)

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.

And, I can’t forget Krystina from Lollipops whom does “What I Love Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.

Filed Under: Photography, Wordless Wednesday 27 Comments

Magic Moments

August 23, 2011

We have four computers in our house, two Macs and two PC’s, three iPhones, and two DSLR cameras. You can imagine the amount of pictures that we have stored. But they are all moments that document our lives.

We’ve had some firsts this summer. Even though we haven’t traveled the world, with some local day trips and excursions, we’ve had a blast.

A few weeks ago, I drove my son to a friend’s day camp in Los Angeles. It was well worth the drive. He had a blast, and at the end of the day, he climbed a rock wall. This kid has NO FEAR.

Today, Angry Kid and his friend, Mehley, had an unexpected adventure on a kayak. It was pretty funny. All of the moms thought that they would have to be brought in by the bigger boat. But they made it back. And then they hopped on a paddle boat. I could only imagine the conversations going on between them. It was hilarious trying to watch them at the beginning when they were near the dock. Of course, I was standing on the edge of the dock with my iPhone, taking numerous pictures.

As I mentioned before, we have tons of photographs. When I look for photographs for blog posts, etc., I usually have to check iPhoto, Flickr, Shutterfly, Facebook, and my husband’s PC for the photographs. We have them stored multiple times on these different devices, and websites.

I recently found out that I can store all of these photos online, in one place, with a simple login to view them. I was introduced to ThisLife, a photo and video solution for people whose Moments are scattered across their phones, desktops, photo websites, and social services.

I recently uploaded some photographs that I took at the Orange County Fair to ThisLife. I’m always jumping between computers and I still need to edit many of these pictures. Let’s just say, that I am a little behind. I love how they were all organized in chronological order.

ThisLife makes organizing your digital moments easier. Introducing ThisLife, the Magic Box that gathers, improves and organizes your photos/videos for you in a chronological timeline while keeping them all safely stored in the cloud. As ThisLife says, “go ahead and cross “organize photos” off your to-do list…we’ve got you covered.”

You’ve got to try this service out. It is awesome. ThisLife is offering my readers 6 months of free Adventure Box service, which allows you to store up to 20,000 photos.

Disclosure: ThisLife sponsored my story today. I received compensation and a free trial service in exchange for telling my story. Go check out the ThisLife free trial today.

Filed Under: Blogging, Photography 6 Comments

I Heart Faces: Pet Week

August 22, 2011

I go and visit my first born, Jake, at my mom’s house. I’m sure that I’ve talked about this before. I’m HIGHLY allergic to Jake now. I’ve tried it all. He is happy with my parents now. They feed him treats, and clean up his litter box mess. I’m not sure if I could ever handle a cat again. They can get messy, and they are really bitchy at times.

I was over at my parent’s a few weeks ago and had my DSLR with me. I managed to capture Jake in some natural light.

It is the perfect time to share this photograph, because it is Pet Week on I Heart Faces. So be sure to go check out the other wonderful photographs.

Filed Under: Just Julie, Photography 17 Comments

Project 365: Week 33

August 20, 2011

We still have a few weeks of summer left and it is just BUSY in the Angry House. At the end of the last week, we took a roadtrip to visit family in Northern California. While I was there, I visited a bloggy friend, and then we came home, and I went straight into my work week.

We have shopped for school supplies, and school clothes already. I can’t wait to get back into a routine. And yikes, we are already getting emails about soccer practice.

Project 365 225/365: Clean carpet in the kid’s room. He had a vomit fest while I was gone last weekend.
Project 365 226/365: Roadtrip started at 5am.
Project 365 227/365: On Hwy. 12, enroute to Napa. Beautiful.
Project 365 228/365: View from the passenger side via the 5 South.
Project 365 229/365: Our coffee table has been taken over by @hexbug maze.

Project 365 230/365: My favorite #BlogHer11 swag was this plant that @Lowes gave me from their display.
Project 365 231/365: The kids section at the USC store is too cute!!!!

Filed Under: Photography, Project 365 4 Comments

Working Out With Bob Harper

August 19, 2011

A few weeks before BlogHer, I got an email from BlogHer’s Events about promotions with some of their sponsors during the conference. They were offering an early morning workout with Bob Harper on Saturday morning. Bob Harper was going to be at the conference on behalf of Quaker. If you don’t know who Bob Harper is, well he is kind of a big deal on that little TV show, The Biggest Loser.

Doesn’t he look ready to work out? Well he was. Bob was ready to start working out right away. He was not messing around. I kinda love the black shoes and orange laces combo.
Bob had us stretching and “pushing” outselves through the entire workout. I may have whined a little. He called me “party girl” throughout the workout. Honestly, I was not hung over, just really tired. Everyone looks so athletic in this picture. And it was barely 7am. Bob went around and was making sure that everyone was doing the “moves” properly. This is no faux-workout. It was hardcore. I was sore the next day.
We had a beautiful view of the waterfront from the rooftop area that we were on. I had to take a picture while we were up there. I’m probably the only one who brought their DSLR with them to the workout. Renee Ross and Bob Harper Renee Ross got up close and personal with Bob during the workout. I think she was his “chosen one” that day. Honestly, Renee was a perfect choice. She kicks butt! And man, they both have some great balance. My quads and calves hurt, just from looking at this picture.
We were able to get a group shot of everyone who was present for the early morning workout. Bob Harper was hiding in the middle of everyone.
And because I brought my “good” camera, I was able to get a great shot of Bob and I. Yippee. If I had a “Life List”, working out with Bob would probably be on it. I wish Bob could be my personal trainer, because I think I would be a bit more motivated.

Disclosure: I attended a workout with Bob Harper sponsored by Quaker. I received a yoga mat, towel, and a DVD. I was not paid cash for this post. All of the thoughts and ramblings are mine. And really, I should have paid them for the great workout. But honestly, Bob Harper probably charges a whole lot of money for his training sessions and I could not afford him otherwise. So Thanks to BlogHer and Quaker.

Filed Under: Blogging, Just Julie, Photography 14 Comments

50 Best Recipes Cookbook

August 18, 2011

It’s here! It’s here!

After literally MONTHS of creating, the “50+ Top Blogs All Time Favorite Recipes” cookbook is HERE!!! You may have seen a sneak peek of this gorgeous recipe book this past month. We hope you have been anxiously awaiting it. Now, until the end of August, it’s available for purchase. But wait, scratch that, it’s not a purchase. The best part is…

it’s a donation!

100% of your donation will go to the American Red Cross to help the many people who have been affected by recent natural disasters around the world.

After seeing the devastation in Japan, several top blogs teamed together wanting to somehow make a difference. More than 50 blogs donated one of their favorite recipes to be complied into an incredible cookbook designed by chickabug (design talent was 100% donated as well). Basically a lot of people worked really hard to make something extraordinary. Now, it’s in your hands to make a difference.

This one-of-a-kind cookbook was originally only going to be offered as an E-book for a $10 donation. But after receiving feedback from readers, we realized that many of you want a physical copy. We approached our favorite publisher, Paper Coterie, who was willing to donate 100% of the supplies, and 100% of the cost of printing for this amazing cause. Are you feeling the warm tinglies yet?! We are!!! This started out as one person having an idea. Now over 50 blogs and an amazing publisher are involved and now it’s YOUR turn.

Together we ~~can~~ will make a difference. The E-book is for sale here for a $1o donation. If you have a computer in your kitchen or an electronic reader, (ipad, kindle,etc.) this is the copy for you. You can just click on the recipe you want from the table of contents and it will take you right there. It’s sweet.

The hard cover cookbook is also available, (wait for it…) for only $10.

You will be amazed at the quality of this book. The only extra expense you will have will be for shipping ($4 or more depending on where you live and how many copies you order).

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You can smile knowing you made a difference to someone, somewhere. And you can smile because you will have a beautiful full color recipe book with gorgeous pictures and delicious recipes to try. We truly hope you love the cookbook. We think you will. You might just want to buy one for your mom, sister, and mother-in-law for Christmas.

Please share this post with your friends and family on your Blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Let’s make this go VIRAL! How cool would that be?

Here is a button to put on your blog:

and the link:

http://recipestohelp.bigcartel.com/

Remember 100% of the proceeds will be benefiting the American Red Cross.

*The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW or email info@usa.redcross.org.

Contributing Bloggers:

Holly from 504 Main
Kimbo from A Girl and a Glue Gun
Michelle from A Little Tipsy
Amanda from Amanda’s Cookin’
Julie from Angry Julie Monday
Amy from A Savvy Life
Rachel from A Southern Fairytale
Becky from Becky Higgins’ Blog
Becca from Birthday Girl (now Cake.)
Megan from Brassy Apple
Kierste from Brown Paper Packages
Karly from Buns in My Oven
Kate from Centsational Girl
Diane from Created by Diane
Kara from Creations by Kara
Heather from Dollar Store Crafts
Jennifer, Jamie & Jodie from eighteen25
Monica & Cathy from Fabulessly Frugal
AmberLee from GiversLog
Katie from goodLife {eats}
Jennifer from Hostess with the Mostess
Shelley from House of Smiths
Missy, Shelley & Alison from How Does She
Laura from I’m an Organizing Junkie
Beckie from Infarrantly Creative
Kate from Kate Landers Events, LLC
Mandy & Jessica from Little Birdie Secrets
Dana from MADE

Marie from Make and Takes
Ashley from Make It and Love It
Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny
Katy from No Big Dill
Kristen from Paper Crave & Domestifluff
Amy from Positively Splendid
Whitney & Ashley from Shanty 2 Chic
Cindy from Skip To My Lou
Michelle from Someday Crafts
Stephanie from Somewhat Simple
Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts
Melanie from Sugardoodle
Marian from Sweetopia
Sachiko from Tea Rose Home
Krista from Budget Gourmet Mom
Cassi from The Crafty Crow
Stacie from The Creative Crate
Tara, Kiirsten, Corie, Kristen, Erika, Cami, Kari, Lisa P., Wendy, Bridget & Lisa M. from The Dating Divas
Kim & Kris from The DIY Dish
Melissa from The Polkadot Chair
Kim from The TomKat Studio
Kim from Today’s Creative Blog
Ashley from Under the Sycamore
Stephanie Lynn from Under the Table & Dreaming
Vanessa from V and Co.
Kathreen from Whip Up

Simple Tip For Getting Printed Version:

https://www.papercoterie.com/promo/recipes-to-help/

click on the picture of the recipe book and then
click on create this book
login or create a login
then click preview
add to cart
verify
check out

Filed Under: Blogging, In The Home 3 Comments

Wordless Wednesday: BlogHer11′ Fashion Part 2

August 17, 2011

I’m participating in What I Wore Wednesday for the second week in a row. Don’t worry, this is not going to be a pattern. I figured I would post some pictures of my outfits since I had Kelly take some pictures while we were at BlogHer. I’m a little traumatized over my fat rolls and my meaty arms in these pictures. The hardcore workouts start as soon as I’m back from vacation.

Occasion: Friday Night at BlogHer-Sparklecorn Party

Shirt: INC from Macy’s, No longer on website

Skirt: INC from Macy’s, No longer on website, but similar to this animal print skirt

Shoes: Rainbow Flip Flops

Occasion: Saturday Night Dinner at BlogHer.

Dress: INC from Macy’s (No Longer on Site)

Shoes: Brown heels from Mudd, similar to these black ones

Occasion: Saturday Night Parties at BlogHer

Dress: Unknown brand from Kohl’s. Dress is at Dry Cleaner’s.

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Pink Tamandy Wedges

Necklace: Gymboree Shoebead Necklace (yes that Gymboree, bought to match shoes)

Headband: Rolled Rosettes made by Erin

I had to include a close-up of the necklace. It doesn’t like too kiddish does it? My mom laughed at me when I bought it.

Welcome to “Angry Julie Monday’s Wordless Wednesday Linky”!

This week I’m focusing on “What I Wore Wednesday” but I always post random things mostly.

Be sure to check out Wordless Wednesday Link-Ups at these other sites also:

(P.S. if you do a Wordless Wednesday or similar link-up, let me know. I will add you to my list above.)

Also, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy does “What I Wore Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up

and

Krystina from Lollipops does “What I Love Wednesday” every week with a great big link-up.

Filed Under: Blogging, Just Julie, Uncategorized, Wordless Wednesday 30 Comments

Day Trip To Napa

August 16, 2011

We are in Northern California right now visiting Angry Husband’s grandparents. Of course, I mentioned on Twitter that we coming up here. A few of my blogging friends asked where we would be, and when. My friend, April, asked me where I was and I responded. The tweets then turned into text messages. Yesterday, I confirmed with April that I would be taking a little drive to come and visit her.

I enjoyed this view while driving to visit April. I also got to listen to music of my choice (Glee Soundtrack, Lady Ga Ga, and maybe even Britney Spears). I drove at my pace, and stopped when I wanted to. I might have pulled over several times to capture some awesome scenery with my camera. I may have sung along to my music.

It took about 1.5 hours to get to April’s house, but I drove slooooow….. We were excited to start our adventure and get away from rambunctious children. We couldn’t run out of her house fast enough.

We went on our way, and April gave me a tour of the city, Napa, CA. While we were stopped at the train tracks, I managed to snap a picture of the Napa Valley Wine Train with my iPhone. April told me that the The Napa Valley Wine Train is a (3) three-hour, (36) thirty-six mile round-trip journey between Napa and through the town of St. Helena.

We then arrived at our first destination, V. Sattui Winery. Although, I’m not a boozer (drinker), I figured it was probably something that I should do while in Napa. The grounds at V. Sattui were breathtaking. I had to take pictures, it was my destiny. And the day was beautiful.

I had to call my mom to confirm her wine selection while I was at V. Sattui. Seriously, I have no clue. It was quite hilarious. But I finally selected something for her, while she was still on the phone.

After touring the winery, April and I decided that it was lunchtime. She said that we were headed to Gott’s. Gott’s was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I ordered the chicken caesar salad and a mint chip shake. I indulged a bit. I’m on vacation.

The picture of me was taken by April.

After indulging in the food, April announced that it was time for the spa. We headed towards the Napa Valley Marriott, which is April’s favorite spa to go to. April pre-scheduled us for the Salt Glow, which was a Vichy shower with grape seed scrub, and a lotion treatment after. It was quite delightful. My skin feels like a baby’s right now. And I smell like wine.

Obviously, no pictures. Who wants to see a woman buffing me with grape seeds. Not pretty.

At the end of the day, we returned to reality, April’s awesome house (home). We had April’s daughter, Kaia, take a photograph of us. I obviously did not adjust my settings for the sun. Maybe I’m part vampire or something….do you see me sparkling?

Totally horrible picture of the both of us…but I had to prove that we were together, right?

I then proceeded to sit in horrible 5pm traffic. It was not that bad. I continued to sing along to bad music. I also pulled over a few times to take some photographs. Here are a few of my return trip photographs.

It was soo much fun to see April though!!