20 Random Statements About Me

We are the sum of our many parts. Here's some of the parts that make up me.



  1. This is me (Amethyst Moon) on a day when my camera and mirror agreed on what I look like. Usually, the camera is wrong.
  2. I was born in New Hampshire, and I have the state motto tattooed on my lower back 'Live Free or Die.'
  3. I am a red headed step-child...a couple times over.
  4. I don't like wine, but, I keep trying.
  5. I was 17 when I got married. Despite the odds we just celebrated our 20th anniversary.
  6. I cry at movies, books, sad songs, and yes, even some commercials.
  7. My goal as a mom, has been for my children to never doubt that they are loved...I hope I've succeeded.
  8. My first real concert was the Rolling Stones, when I was 16. I've been hooked ever since.
  9. I love toys and I think you are never to old to play.
  10. My favorite thing to do on vacation is eat!
  11. I don't understand how people can leave their dogs outside all the time! Ours are part of the family.
  12. I like things that sparkle, but I'm more comfortable in jeans than a dress.
  13. I always burn my tongue on pizza and soup.
  14. I love musicals and think everyone should sing along.
  15. I won a cash prize as a baby...Okay, it was Halloween and I was dressed up like a baby, but still.
  16. Sometimes, I worry too much about speaking proper English, and "I would like to have a pound of ham." ends up with me receiving only half a pound of ham, and frustrated. My family thinks this is funny!
  17. I don't like sappy romance novels, but I love a good sappy movie.
  18. I get super excited over finding a good deal, and I can't help but tell you about it.
  19. I'm a terrible car passenger. I'd rather do the driving.
  20. I have an intense and irrational fear of roaches.

♪Painting Pictures, filling up my heart with golden stories♪ (Adele)









Got a great old post? Link it up at Tuesdays Gone

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)

This week I'm heading to New York for BlogHer 2012. This is my third BlogHer, and this time I'm bringing my youngest daughter with me. I can't wait! I'm linking up with an old post from the first BlogHer I went to in 2010.


With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Music Monday, Laughing in the Face of Monday.

I was jolted awake this morning by the garbage truck. "Oh crap I'm late for work!"
"Oh, never mind I'm on vacation." I laid back down.
"Oh crap, I'm late for Music Monday!"

Happy Music Monday! I'm hoping to start your week off with a few laughs with the theme of funny songs. If you can laugh on a Monday you're sure to have a good week!


A classic Jim Stafford song performed with Dolly Parton.



I just love Dr. Hook and The Medicine Show. They have a southern rock sound with a sense of humor. If you like this be sure to check out their album 'Sloppy Seconds'.



And, finally some Star Wars funny with the help of Lego...Weird Al sings 'Yoda'


Have a great week!



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Aloha Friday, New York City!


Happy Aloha Friday! This time next week, this is where I'll be! I'm going to NYC! I'm going to my 3rd BlogHer, and I'm extra excited this year because my youngest daughter is going with me. It's her first trip to NYC. Sha has always wanted to go to New York and I can't wait to share it with her. We plan to do a lot of walking, a little shopping, and a whole lot of eating!

It's Aloha Friday, and my last day at work before going on vacation! Happy dance!!! So the question of the day is:

If you could take someone some place they've always wanted to go, who would you take and where would you go?

Have a wicked fabulous day! Make sure to head over to An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun.

♪White light, strange city, mad music all around♪ (Def Leppard)

Dancin' Country Cordon Bleu

We eat a lot of chicken in our house. This weekend, I took some ham, and Swiss and added it to my chicken for kind of country cordon bleu with a nice rich sauce. It wasn't fancy, but it sure did taste good.

I started with boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat, seasoned with salt and pepper.

Then, I covered each breast with sliced ham and swiss cheese.

The sauce (1 can cream of chicken and 1/2 cup white wine, pepper to taste) was then poured over the top. And, what the heck, a little more cheese won't hurt! I then covered it with panko bread crumbs.

Baked it for 50 minutes at 350. Danced around the kitchen a bit. (You don't have to do that part, but I can't guarantee the dish will come out the same.)

The final result was a hearty rich dish that was delicious served over rice!


And, most importantly everyone liked it!

♪I'm dancin' with myself♪ (Billy Idol)

It's Tuesdays Gone, show us your best old post!

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)




With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Desperately Seeking Celebrity Makeover

I'm going to BlogHer in NYC next week, with my youngest daughter and newest high school graduate. While we're there, Microsoft will be giving 5 people a celebrity makeover, and I'm really hoping to be one of them. Because, somewhere between 30 and almost 38 (I'll turn 38 on 8/1, the day we leave for NYC,) I went from being trendy and fashionable, to being comfy and frumpy.

I remember a time when I didn't leave the house without shoes and a purse that perfectly matched. I never had a lot of extra money for shopping, but I would shop sale racks, and use coupons to get the best deals and put together really cute outfits with perfectly matching accessories. But, not anymore.

Somewhere between 30 and 38, I became way too comfortable in plain t-shirts, capris and flip-flops. I don't even own a little black dress anymore!

A few years ago, I had a breast reduction to change from a G to a D. It was one of the best decisions that I made for my health, but it greatly changed my body. Nothing I had fit anymore so I donated most of my clothes in hopes that I would be driven to replace them with new stylish pieces for my new body, but it didn't really happen. At this same time, I was hit with early menopause, followed by some health issues including uterus cancer and a full hysterectomy, that just left me too tired to bother with shopping.

I'm feeling healthier and confident with who I am, and I'm ready to express it through what I wear. I know what needs to be done to update my wardrobe, but my body has changed so much, and so have my finances. It just seems like way to much of an undertaking to be as fashionable as I want to be, so it's just easier to stay comfy!

I'm hoping Microsoft can help give me the kick that I need, to be on the outside who I am on the inside. I still want to be comfortable, but I want to do it with style. After all, I'm much too young to feel this damn old!

In writing this post, I'm entering the Microsoft Windows Style Makeover sweepstakes for a chance to win a head to toe makeover!

Music Monday, New Song from No Doubt

Happy Music Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was quite relaxing. I did a little bit of shopping on Saturday, and on Sunday we watched 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight' so we'll be ready to see the new 'Dark Knight Rises.' I'm not sure when we're going to see it because I have such a busy week and then next week, I leave for NYC for BlogHer12. We'll just have to squeeze it in somewhere.

Ready for some music to start your week? I've got quite a collection for ya.


First a new find, another good song by Fun.


How about this one?! Paul Anka performs Nirvana...and, it somehow sounds right. Check out some of the other rock songs he took on on his Rock Swings album.


And finally, something new from No Doubt! I can't wait to hear what the rest of the album will sound like!



Have a rockin' week!


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'Dark Knight Rises' Tragedy, a Problem with Parenting?

As the tragic details of the shooting at the 'Dark Knight Rises' premier in Aurora, Co. were released, I was surprised to see so much focus on the parenting skills of the victims.

First, it came out that a 3 month old was taken to the hospital which led people to question what a 3 month old was doing at the movie. While I personally have not brought an infant to a movie, if the infant remains sleeping what harm could it really do. Maybe the parents involved simply didn’t have a babysitter. Sure they could have waited to see it when it came out on DVD/Blu-ray, but it is their right to see it in the theater like everyone else. As long as the baby isn’t crying during the movie, then it’s fine by me.

Then, information came out about a 6 year old victim. This is when I got really fired up! Not because these parents took their 6 year child to the movie, but because people were questioning why they would do so, and taking it further to say that they are now paying the price of poor parenting!

Really?! Poor Parenting?! They are paying the price because some guy decided to open fire on a theater full of people! No one said I’m going to take my 6 year old to the movies in hopes of getting shot!

Rolling Stones Whiskey, Buy me a Shot?

The Rolling Stones are celebrating 50 years as the Greatest Rock and Roll band in the world. To honor them, the Suntory group has created a VERY limited edition bottle of Rolling Stones whiskey. The price for one of these 150 bottles? a whopping $6300.00! But, isn't it so pretty?! 


If the rumors are true about a 50th anniversary tour, I'm hoping that the ticket price will have significantly less zeros. I better start saving now!

Aloha Friday, Do you Believe in Magic?


It's Aloha Friday, the day to relax and get ready for the weekend. On Aloha Friday, I ask you a question and you answer in a comment. Then you can go check out An Island Life for more Aloha Friday posts.

Todays question: Do you believe in magic?



♪Do you believe in magic in a young girls heart, how the music can free her whenever it starts♪ (The Lovin' Spoonful)

MinuteClinic Sports Physical Giveaway ($59 value)

August is almost here, and that means back to school, after school activities and sports. It's not too early to think about getting that sports physical that you're gonna need so your little one doesn't end up sitting on the bench because you forgot to make an appointment.

Of course, if you do wait until the last minute, you can always go to MinuteClinic. MinuteClinic is the clinic located inside more than 500 CVS stores in 26 states.
  • The clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners who offer expert medical care and are able to diagnose, treat and prescribe
  • Open 7 days a week
  • No appointment needed
  • Most insurance accepted
  • For more information, www.minuteclinic.com 
Believe me the MinuteClinic has helped me out in a crunch on multiple occasions because my girls would always wait until the last minute to say "Mom my physical has to be done by Monday." (usually said on a Sunday, when no one else is open.) Thank goodness for MinuteClinic!

MinuteClinic has provided a free Sports physical for this giveaway. Just enter in the form below, and cross your fingers and hope to win! 

BlogHer Drama, They should still be Stoned

With all the drama going on on Twitter and Facebook about the upcoming BlogHer conference in 2 weeks, it seemed like an appropriate time to join in on Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompt to recycle a post from a past July.

This was a post I wrote in July of 2010 before my first trip to BlogHer. Back then, the drama was about someone selling a BlogHer ticket on ebay. This was before BlogHer put a "last day to transfer" date in place, so the event was sold out and tickets were in hot demand. This isn't an issue now, but when it comes to conferences there's always something that gets people fired up. Whether people are upset about parties they weren't invited to, brands that don't support the right causes, or they're calling people out by name as a #swagwhore , there will always be drama...and...we'll always have something to write about.


Selling BlogHer Ticket for Profit? They Should be Stoned!

Capitalism is what our society is based on. The desire to make something out of nothing propels us towards a never ending quest for the American Dream. Everyday, banks give loans for one amount and get paid back more than what the money was worth. Retail stores buy at wholesale prices then turn around and sell at triple the price. It's all based off Supply and Demand. If I have a supply of what you want, then I can sell it for whatever amount you're willing to pay.  Simple Capitalism. ♪Be a simple kind of man and be something you'll love and understand♪ (Lynryd Skynrd)

So, why, if sales for profit happen everyday, without anyone batting an eye at it, why is it such a big deal for someone to sell a Blogher Conference pass on eBay at more than it cost?! Isn't that Capitalism at it's finest?! ♪don't hate the player, hate the game♪ (Ice T)

There is a low supply of Blogher tickets, and clearly a high demand, because people are bidding on it, (it's currently at $355, and the original price was $298.) Yet, all over Twitter and the Blogosphere, people are complaining about it. Some even used the word "disgusting" to describe the situation. "Disgusting?" Really?! Interesting, odd, weird, unusual, maybe even a little tacky; but disgusting?! The puppy poop between my toes the other night, now that was disgusting! But this, this, is just Capitalism.


♪Hey, said my name is called Disturbance
I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king
I'll rail at all his servants
Well, what can a poor boy do
except to sing for a rock n roll band...
There's no place for a street fighting man♪
(Rolling Stones)

Just as Good the Next Day!

Sometimes the simplest of meals can be made fabulous by the addition of one new ingredient. In this case, Johnsonville's 4 cheese Italian sausage made classic spaghetti absolutely delicious! I don't normally like spaghetti all that much, and I especially hate it on the second night, but coming home to leftovers of this sausage was actually something I looked forward to today. Johnsonville made this sausage perfect! Yummo!

By the way, this post isn't compensated or anything, I just really liked this sausage! For real!



♪on top of spaghetti all covered with cheese♪



Link up a great old post at Tuesdays Gone.

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)




With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Find Your Happy Place and Win, Haribo Giveaway

I think everyone probably has a place that they go when they've had a bad day, and just want to escape the real world for awhile. For me, my happy place is the book store. Giant Nerd Alert! Right here!

Yup it's true, when I've had a bad morning at work, and I'm feeling stressed, I go to my favorite book store. It's my happy place! There is just something special about walking around the book store. There's so much to look at; books, toys, music, candy, oh, and magazines! I can't forget my magazines. I have a slight magazine obsession. Shhh don't tell.

I walk around, find something to read, grab a coffee, and then head to the back to listen to some music while I chill out. It helps me forget all the stresses, and responsibilities back at work, and let's me just be happy being me. I love my happy place!

Haribo, the makers of those delicious cute fruity little gummi bears, the ones in the gold bag, they want you to be happy. And, who wouldn't be happy with a bag, or 2, or....5 of Haribo Gummi candies?! I mean really there's a whole lot of happy places in those bags!

Not one but, 2 people will each win 5 bags.

Just fill out the easy entry for your chance to win.

Music Monday, Gone but Not Forgotten

It's Monday, and that means music. As usual, I'm playing along with Monday's Music Moves Me. This week's theme is: Gone but Not Forgotten, remembering artists we've lost recently.

We've certainly lost some great artists this year. Here's a few we've lost this year including a couple that slipped away without all the media coverage.

RIP Adam Yauch, a visionary.


RIP Barney McKenna banjo player and, at the time of his death in May, the last of The Dubliners original band. The Dubliners have influenced many bands including Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.

RIP Earl Scruggs a mean banjo picker. I'm sure everyone can sing this song word for word.


And, the sweet sweet voice of Ms. Etta ♥♥



These artists may be gone, but they've left music that will live on forever. Though we can't all leave behind a musical legacy, we can use each day to leave behind a legacy of peace and love. Have a happy music Monday!



Aloha Friday, 40 Hour Week


Oh my goodness I'm so happy it's Friday! It's one of my busiest times of the year at work, and I'm trying to get ready for vacation in 2 weeks. It seems like I go home with a headache everyday from the stress of trying to get it all done. Now, I'm ready for a relaxing weekend.

So, that leads me to our question of the week:

How do you unwind after a busy week?



♪you work a forty hour week for a living, just to send it on down the line♪ (Alabama)

This is a drink you can't get elsewhere; it's Free at Starbucks on Friday.


Yes, this is coffee, but you wouldn't know it by it's taste. Starbucks Refreshers are made from green coffee beans, so they are packed with energy without the coffee flavor. I tried these last year at BlogHer in San Diego, and was immediately in love. Unfortunately, I've had to wait a whole year to be reunited with this love as they have just now hit the National market. This is the perfect Summer drink for the person that doesn't like coffee, or anyone looking for an ice cold light fruity refeshment.

We'll Need to Work on this Attention Thing.

My mother has never been very patient with animals. Heck, for that matter, she was never very patient with kids! Naturally, when she recently got a puppy, I was more than a little surprised.

She certainly doesn't have the patience, or energy it takes for a puppy!

But, I can understand that she wants some company. She recently had to put down her old Lab Mix, so she was certainly sad from this. I think she was looking to fill the void, and find some companionship. The dog could provide a sense of protection on the nights that she's all alone, so I kind of understand.

Then, I found out what type of dog it is.

A Jack Russell Terrier?! What is she thinking?! Oh, it's an adorable dog, so I can understand falling in love with it, but a Jack Russell requires so much time. This is a HYPER dog! This isn't a chill out on the couch while you watch TV, kind of dog. A Jack Russell needs ATTENTION...ALL THE TIME!


Link up a great old post at Tuesdays Gone.

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)





With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Music Monday, Shed a Tear and Have a Laugh

Happy Music Monday!

I grew up watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show, and I looked forward to seeing Matlock stall the court until that last piece of evidence arrived.  Andy Griffith just always seemed like a bright light, a reminder of simpler times, and he always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed.

Waitin' on a Woman is a great song by Brad Paisley that was made that much better by Andy Griffith's performance in the video.




Aloha Friday, Dance with Me


It's Aloha Friday! Go ahead do a little dance. I know we're all excited about this! Here, I'll put on some music for ya. ♪don't be so quick to walk away, dance with me♪ (Justin Timberlake)

Aloha Friday is the day that I ask you a question and you answer while I sit back and relax. Ok, I'm not really relaxing, I'm working, but we'll just pretend, ok?  Ok. so here goes. Today's question is:

Window seat or Aisle?





After you answer, head over to An Island Life for more Aloha Friday questions. Have a wicked lovely day!

Cheese Zucchini Fries, This will Make them Eat Their Veggies!

Vegetables have never been very popular in my house. Heck, they're probably not very popular in a lot of houses! The problem is, we are really trying to make an effort to eat healthy, and vegetables play an important part in eating healthier.

So, I keep trying different recipes...some are great and some (like trying to roast cauliflower,) just don't go over well, (my husband said it tasted like cauliflower, well yeah, honey, it is cauliflower!)

This time, I found a definite winner! These cheese zucchini fries were gone in less than 5 minutes!



















Got a great blog post, Link it at Tuesdays Gone

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)



With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Music Monday, Living in America

Happy Music Monday! It's only a couple days until we celebrate our nation's independence. I hope everyone has great plans for enjoying the 4th. And, of course, I hope you have great music to listen to! Because celebrations are just so much better with music!

Whatever you are doing for the holiday, be sure to take a moment to appreciate your freedoms. We don't always agree politically, but it is because of our freedoms that we are able to express our beliefs and our disagreements.

In honor of the holiday, here's some songs about America and American life. Have a great week. Be fun and be safe!