Blog - Angry Julie Monday

Disney Family Media Day

December 9, 2009

Last Saturday, we were invited to Disney Family Media Day at Disneyland and California Adventure. I took Angry Toddler, my BFF, Stacey, and her daughter, Stella with me. We arrived late in the afternoon because I worked earlier that morning. We also took the kids to lunch before we got there. As a parent, I know it is not good to start off a long day at Disneyland with hungry kids.

Our first stop was the Public Relations Holiday Reception in Frontierland. They had a wonderful display of treats set out. There was a also a DJ, facepainting, and a coloring area set up for the kids.

We then headed towards some rides in Tommorrowland. We went on Buzz Lightyear, and Stacey took the kids on Star Tours. I headed towards our lockers, since it was getting quite windy, and a little cold. Of course, we stuff our locker so full, it would not open. Good times. Luckily, an awesome employee, Frank, said it happens all the time, and helped me. We were able to get the backpacks out. Note to self: Do not stuff lockers because they won’t open.

I headed back towards It’s a Small World to meet up with Stacey and the kids. They were in awe of the Christmas Fantasy Parade. I don’t think that Angry Toddler has ever paid attention to an entire parade. He LOVED it. Stacey and I saw the parade a few weeks ago, on my birthday, we thought it was pretty swell too.

We then ran over to Big Thunder Ranch to check out the Reindeer. Very cool!! Angry Toddler kept trying to climb the fence to get a closer look. He got told several times to get down by employees. He wouldn’t listen to me, but he listened to the employee.

We pretty much ran back and forth the entire time. Stacey and I both got frustrated. It’s hard trying to fit in all these things to see with four year olds. Especially four year olds with completely different personalities. We saw as much as we could. The kids finally got super tired and fell asleep in the stroller. They did not stay awake for the Fireworks, so we chose to leave. It was a very long day.

Luckily, this was my third time to enjoy Disneyland during the Holidays!! So, I got to enjoy the Fireworks twice already. Seriously, they are fabulous and a must see!

Check out my other posts about Disneyland during The Holidays:

The Magical Holiday Season at Disneyland

Wordless Wednesday Disney

Be sure and check out my Whrrl story about the entire day! It’s got the play by play story, along with pictures. Just click on it to open the document.

Merry SITSmas!!!

December 9, 2009

Happy Holidays

You probably thought you were going to see the “real” Angry Family Holiday Card here. Yea, not so much. I’m so behind with all this Holiday stuff. Can you believe we have not decorated anything? No lights, no tree…. But I have done some shopping. I can always shop.

It’s been an awesome year, blogging-wise. I’ve made so many great connections. But after doing this “blogging” for two and half years, I’ve realized something. You cannot do it alone. It really takes a village. Blogging is about community. I think to be somewhat successful, you need community to interact with. I’ve found so many great blogs, and people throughout my many communities that I participate in. I’ve been participating in SITS for small while now, but have made so many connections through their site.

Have you heard of SITS aka The Secret is in The Sauce?

SITS is a group of women bloggers dedicated to supporting one another by leaving comments. Lots and lots of comments. Whether you are new to blogging and looking for blogs to read, or a veteran looking to expand your readership, a mommy blogger or a single gal, SITS is for you!

Happy SITSmas To You!!!

Oh, and the photo above? Taken at Disney Family Media Day last weekend. See my review site for details of that day. Angry Toddler refused to pose with the characters.

Filed Under: Blogging, Holidays, Orange County 19 Comments

It’s a Wrap!

December 8, 2009

In the past few years, I’ve become quite obsessed with “wrapped” gifts. I know that it is much easier to toss a gift into the gift bag, and add some tissue paper. I just think that opening a wrapped present makes it much more special. I agree that there are some gifts that can’t be wrapped due to their size, dimensions, etc. But I try and wrap every gift that I give.

I think Container Store is my favorite store to buy gift wrap. It is a little pricey, but it is truly beautiful. They have matching bows and other accessories also.

Family Fun has a great idea using a sprig of greenery and white paint to make plain wrapping paper, a decorative spark.

HGTV shows that recycled brown Kraft paper is a great anytime gift wrap. Tie with twine and embellish.

Gift boxes from Holiday theme scrapbooking papers.

I usually buy most of my wrapping paper from Sally Foster. It is a company that usually sells through the schools for fundraisers. I became addicted to Sally Foster wrap a few years ago, when a co-worker was pimping, I mean selling it for their child’s school. I love the paper, because it is thick, cuts easy, and is usually reversible.

Tips:
Gift Wrap and Bow Videos from the Container Store
7 Gift Wrapping tips and Tricks from Good Housekeeping
How To Create A Wired Bow from Living with Lindsay

Filed Under: Holidays, In The Home 11 Comments

Build-A-Bear Workshop Giveaway

December 8, 2009

Angry Toddler is six months away from five years old. In his mind, he’s much older. He likes to play with toys for older kids, etc. I was quite delighted when I saw that Build-A-Bear Workshop had Star Wars themed outfits and accessories for their already cute bears and furry friends. I eagerly anticipated doing a review on their Darth Vader Dimples Teddy.

It was just my luck, that before I received the Teddy for review, my mom took Angry Toddler to Build-A-Bear Workshop. He came home with the Camo Bear dressed as Darth Vader. My mom called me excited, “We went to Build-A-Bear today and Angry Toddler got the coolest Star Wars Bear”… But what did I do with the awesome Darth Vader Dimples Teddy? Check out the bottom of this post for details!

Build-A-Bear Workshop has great gifts for this Holiday Season!

Check out their site for some great gift ideas including specially priced gift sets, great value gifts, gifts by theme, personalized gifts, and even gift cards.

Did you also know that anyone who buys a furry friend from Build-A-Bear Workshop is eligible to register that friend free at buildabearville.com, a virtual world where friends can hang out, play games and shop for cool virtual stuff? Yep! It’s a great FREE site! You just enter the proper information to access it.

But about that Darth Vader Dimples Teddy…since Angry Toddler already has an awesome Camo Darth Vader, also known as, Vader Bear..I’m GIVING AWAY the awesome Darth Vader Dimples Teddy. I know, awesome isn’t it? What a great gift it would make for the Holidays!

Darth Vader Dimples Teddy Giveaway

Rules:

Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years & Older. Giveaway ends 12/13/09 at 11:59pm PST. Winner will be notified via email. Winner is responsible for responding within 72 hours or a new winner will be picked. The email will come from: angryjuliemonday@gmail.com Please make sure this is marked as a non spam email. Please leave your e-mail address if you are not registered with Blogger. I can’t reach you if I don’t have your contact information.

Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush

December 7, 2009

I recently received the Arm & Hammer Kids Spinbrush in the mail. I was requested to review this toothbrush. Angry Toddler has 3-4 toothbrushes in the cabinet all ready. He’s quite a collector of toothbrushes, but he doesn’t have any like the Spinbrush.

I opened the package and surprised Angry Toddler with the Skateboard version. He was very very excited. I mean so excited, that he kind of shrieked, grabbed it, and ran to the bathroom. Angry Toddler is obsessed with brushing his teeth and the dentist right now. Every time that we drive by the dentist’s office, he asks me to make an appointment. Who is this kid? Is he mine?

He promptly played with the skateboard on the bathroom counter, while I got out the toothpaste. He then began to brush his teeth, for several minutes. After he was done, he washed the Spinbrush off, and placed it in the cabinet.

The Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush is available in the following themes: Butterfly, Dolphin, Ice Cream Cone, Mermaid, Skateboard, Astronaut, Soccerball, Fire Truck, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, and Pikachu.

Some Facts:
*Kids brush 30% longer with Spinbrush than with a manual brush.
*Perfect for kids ages 3-11.
*Great handle design makes brushing fun.
*Smaller brush head.
*Promotes healthy brushing, reduces plaque and massages gums.
*Includes 2 replaceable AAA batteries.
*MSRP $5.29-$6.29.
*All Spinbrush® products are available nationally at most food and drug chains and mass merchants. You may want to try some of the larger stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Sam’s Club, K-Mart, or Rite Aid.

This would be the perfect stocking stuffer for your child during this Holiday Season!

Disclosure: This Arm & Hammer Spinbrush with the Skateboard theme, and another Butterfly Spinbrush were provided to me for review. I was not compensated other than receiving these products.

Filed Under: Reviews 2 Comments

Christmas Cards and Family Photos

December 6, 2009

Last month, on my birthday, we took family pictures. This might be a normal “Holiday” tradition for some people, but not us. We have NEVER taken a family picture. Yea, we are awesome like that. Really, Angry Husband and I have/had no good pictures of us since our wedding, in 1998. You can do the math.

I finally convinced Angry Husband to take photos. I made the arrangements. I planned out the outfits. And told me where to be and when. He’s THAT busy, so he actually had to meet us at the location. And of course, he was more than cooperative, because JJ aka The BlahBlahBlahger, was taking our pictures. Angry Husband likes JJ, she’s a lot nicer than me. I won’t tell him that she cooks and stuff like that, he might leave me for her.

JJ, aka Jen is a photographer. Did you know that? Oh, yea, she’s quite good too. She’s been taking my fabulous profile photographs for a few months now. She has her very own photography business, Jen Johnson Photography. She was great with the Angry Family, and took tons of pictures. I am in awe of her patience. My family gives me anxiety, but she rolled with it. Even when, Angry Toddler almost jumped in the lake.

So at the very top, you get one little sneak peak. I will post some more later. I will post the actual picture that we selected for our cards closer to Christmas. I have friends and family who follow the blog. I don’t want to spoil it for them. Plus, I spent a buttload of money for FABULOUS cards.

Filed Under: Holidays, Just Julie, Photography 12 Comments

O’ Christmas Tree

December 5, 2009

I’m sitting here thinking, we “really” need to get the Christmas stuff down from the attic. I’ve been thinking about it all week, actually. Angry Husband was out of town all week for work related training. There is no way I could reach anything. Plus, Angry Toddler was home sick most of the week.

We have a fake Christmas tree, why? Because I’m allergic to Christmas trees. I never had a real tree, as a child. Damn asthma. I always wanted a tree. Angry Husband and I tried to get real trees for a few years. Well, hello snot mess. I was coughing and sneezing, but I sucked it up and dealt with it. I know better, but these are the things that you do for your “real tree loving” husband. A few years ago, we got a fabulous fake one at Target, on sale, the day after Christmas, for cheap cheap cheap…

In 2007, Angry Toddler was 19 months old. He was walking, climbing, you name it. This was the start of a very wild stage. We knew that he would be total chaos around the Christmas tree. We decided to not put up the tree. We had regrets and put it up Christmas Eve right after “Santa” left. Angry Toddler was shocked when he came out in the morning. We are lazy, hence, no ornaments. It was midnight. This is what you get at midnight.

In 2008, we decorated the tree, and Angry Toddler did not mess with it. We have the most random collection of ornaments. Most of them are from my childhood. It was always a tradition for my grandmother to buy me an ornament every year for my birthday in November. The rest of the ornaments were randomly bought throughout the years. I see all these awesome trees, and it get sad. This tree really looks pathetic. It has no theme, it’s random. What you see is what you get?

I wish I was more creative. It seems that we always get super busy and put off the Christmas decorating. It doesn’t help that Angry Husband works in retail, and this is the busy season for him.

Do you want to come and decorate my tree this year?
Just come and get it from my rafters in the garage.

Filed Under: Holidays 3 Comments

1, 2, 3 Puff! Recipe Contest

December 3, 2009

Creating an original recipe is a culinary challenge that, when
successful, can raise one’s status from skillful chef to dining diva!
But what if that original recipe could win you and a guest an
all-expense paid trip to New York City? Better Homes and Gardens, in
partnership with the Pepperidge Farm(r) Puff Pastry brand, is
encouraging home chefs everywhere to enter the 1,2,3 Puff! Recipe
Contest for a chance to win a trip to The Big Apple!

From savory appetizers to seasonal entrees and sweet, flaky desserts,
Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry has long been a staple in creating simple
yet impressive dishes. Contestants may submit up to three entries, one
for each category: appetizer, main dish, and dessert. To enter,
contestants must create an original recipe with Pepperidge Farm Puff
Pastry Sheets or Shells and upload a photograph of the finished recipe
to www.123puffcontest.com.
Entries must be received by December 31, 2009.

Finalist entries will be displayed on
www.123PuffPastry.com and visitors may
vote for their favorite entries from January 15 through February 1,
2010. The Finalist with the overall highest number of votes will be
revealed in March 2010, will win the Grand Prize of an exciting trip
to New York City and may have their recipe featured in an upcoming
issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Additionally, there will be three First Prize Category Winners, each
of whom will receive a prize package of professional baking supplies
and the Better Homes and Gardens Complete Book of Baking cookbook.

Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets and Shells are available in the
freezer section at major supermarkets, grocery stores and mass
merchandisers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.59 and
$4.39, respectively. For more information, recipe ideas and official
contest rules, visit
www.123PuffPastry.com.

Disclosure: This information was provided to me in the form of a press release. I received no compensation to post this.

Filed Under: In The Home, Reviews Leave a Comment