KEURIG!!!!

I am the luckiest girl of giveaways ever! Awhile back my SITS-ahs did a whole slew of giveaway pages and in an effort to find new bloggies to love I went to each and every one and read their pages and commented for their fun stuff. Well I got super and not only did I find an awesome new blog to read/follow, but I won a prize on her page.

Meet Brandy! She totally cracks me up and recently just did a blog about Virginia Drivers that had me screaming at the computer saying "HELLS YEAH use your freaking signal!". Anyway so I won a free Keurig (see picture above) coffee maker/warm or iced drink maker awesomeness.

So I had done ZERO research on this thing prior to winning cause its one of those things in your household that if you can function without it you might not splurge for it necessarily. In our house we have to machines that were functioning.
Kevin likes to make a ginormous pot of coffee in his coffeemaker. He drinks at least two cups of coffee every morning in a HUGE 24oz mug and often goes back to put some in a travel container too! I guess that comes from working in TV!


I on the other hand usually refer to my Hot Shot.


This handy thing makes me hot water in about 1 minute and I mix my instant coffee with my instant hot cocoa for a warm treat that I put in my travel mug and drink when I get to work.

So we had never considered the newest in most fabulous technology of coffeemaking machines as it would have been a want not a need. But we're lucky ducks and got one for free.

So we started looking around at the stores for what we'd be getting and what kinds of K-cups (or the cute little cups filled with coffee or whatever goodness you like to heat up) we'd be wanting in the future and price shopping a bit to get an estimate of how much the upkeep would be on our new gem.

FYI- K cups come at about 9.99 just about everywhere. I have found websites that offer coupons and promotions and you know I'll be all over that in the future but with our free Brewer we got a 12-pack of variety K cups in the box, AND A whole separate shipping of FOUR boxes of 18 variety K-cups! Seriously we're stocked for at least a month!

FYI #2 If you don't want to keep buying K-cups you can get a K-cup filter and fill it up with your own normal coffee that you usually purchase (or already had). This is especially good if you have a brand you like that doesn't make K-cups yet.

FYI #3 Its not just coffee, you can make hot cocoa, teas, and I got a sample of my current favorite Cafe Mocha... which is like going to a specialty coffeeshop. Its going to be a problem.:)

Pros of the Keurig:
1. Super fast- if you unplug it overnight (like we do), it warms the water in 4 minutes (while I'm making my lunch/toast) and then brews the coffee into your cup in 1 minute. If we hadn't turned it off overnight, it would have kept the water warm and it would be one minute. Plus you can set it to turn on at a certain time but we're not there yet!

2. Sizing- You can vary the size cups your using and by pulling the 'drip tray' out you can even fit a full sized travel mug in there, so you don't have to do that pouring game with hot beverage into your travel mug (which has caused many a last minute wardrobe change!)

3. Iced Coffee- So summertime I really like my iced coffees, since my NYC days of Guy and Gallard and Starbucks, I love my summer iced coffees. This brewer has a setting for iced beverages. I'm not sure what it does to make it differently but you just put a cup of ice in and your coffee is made for ice instead of hot and thick.

4. Variety- Holy Moly there are so many choices. I seriously am going to become a coffee snob and I mostly like the flavored coffees! Bold, roasted, columbian, african. Seriously coffee is everywhere its like wine! Aside from the variety that they sent us,there are TONS more at the stores they're seriously EVERYWHERE!

5. Customer Service- So after getting ourselves way excited that we won, we got the shipment of coffee K-cups before the brewer, but the brewer was listed on the invoice we got so naturally,, I freaked. I called the Customer Service,, and guess what?? I GOT A PERSON on the first ring!? I didnt have to go through any like 'push this speak slowly in a dialect of a foreign nation etc'...Awe-some. They said it would definitely be in the next day and they'd call me to confirm it had come (they did and it did!). Awesome.

6. Ease of Use -Honestly my hot shot is pretty quick and easy but it does not brew coffee, it will just heat up instant grounds which taste different. I'm super excited to have people come over and offer them a variety of options and flavors and just 'pop' it in and have each person satisfied quickly and easily.

Cons of the Keurig- (cause you have to factor everything sometimes!)

1. Strength of coffee- So as I mentioned, Kevin's mug is 24oz, so while it will make that sized coffee with one K-cup, it comes out weaker than he'd like , so he may have to use two k-cups to get his normal 24 oz strength portion that he wants. I'm working on him understanding that by using two it should remind him that he's drinking DOUBLE the normal amount but I doubt that will change. The smaller the size the stronger the coffee which lends to travel mugs needing either two K-cups or a weaker brew.

2. Upkeep- as you know by my other blog, I'm very aware of money and costs. While we have not priced out the K-cups versus old school grounds, but what I do have to consider is that we (I) will want to continue buying the K-cups for a long time, and what if the company closes or they stop making the kind I like? Its a relatively new technology what if something better comes out and its D-cups (haha) that are better and used instead of K!?? It must be considered as a potential con.

So far that's all the cons,, clearly its mostly pro as I'm SOO stoked and excited about it. We're still learning and tweaking and trying and I'm so thankful for having the opportunity to try it as a prize instead of a cost outside of our 'needs'!!

Thanks Brandy and Keurig!!!

*This blog was not required or requested by either the gift-er or the company providing the gift, purely opinion and voluntary*

Why Wednesdays #2

If you havent' checked out Nicolasa's blog to see why I've been doing this (now week #2), you should do that now. I'll wait.:) I'm patient (mostly and really if you know me you know I try so hard to be but I'm totally not.. )


-Why is there a new obsession on FB to post status's about how you have the best sister or post to disabled kids or something? Is this the level of apathy we have to show emotions. Its like the mom who text's her child upstairs to say Dinner's ready.

-What makes you think the phrase 'you feel me'... has any correlation with 'do you understand what I am trying to say'. NO! I do not and WILL not feel you!.

-Why are my hands more chapped than my lips! I put on lotion almost every other hour!! But my chap-stick I forget almost every two seconds.

-Why do people in Buffalo have trouble driving in snow. It snows seriously NINE months of the year! Slow and steady means SLOOOOOOWWWWW....

-Why does coffee make my belly hurt?

-Why do restaurants exists with bad customer service? Isn't that your 'thing'?

-Why do frozen dinners NEVER look like they do on the box in real life?
-Or taste like they look like the should!

-Why do eyelash curlers scare me so much but when used by others make me so impressed!! UGH!

What are you wondering about today!!!

Happy Hump Day!

Our Morning

*pic from NYS Thruway Authority via www.wgrz.com!*

This is not atypical but while most may find it annoying while they are driving or having to get somewhere... I find it beautiful (once I'm where I have to go!).

30 day shred review

As requested, I'd like to share MY opinions on this video. I had heard great things back in my NYC living days and bought it online at amazon, as it wasn't in stores readily available at that time.

So I bought it and took it home to plan the next 30 days till a skinny life.
The first time I used it was appalled at my own inability to do jumping jacks. I recalled doing those as a child for hours 'for fun' and here I was pushing to complete about 30 seconds worth!

The concept is simple,, she does three rotations ...each rotation has 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. There is a 'beginner' assistant to follow or an 'advanced' assistant to follow depending on your skill level. There are three levels of rotations so you can kinda bounce around if you want. I personally cannot get to the advanced woman level on the first rotation so I've postponed the other rotations till I can.

So the first time I did it for about 7 days straight. Let it be noted. Those were seven HIGHLY painful achy days. Its amazing how she'll make you hurt in a good way and then explain why you have to work non-stop cause your only working for 20 minutes!

Then I moved and lost the dvd for awhile. Just got a copy back from Christine and I have been alternating Jillian days with gym days.. as Jillian keeps me strong and does the weight things that scare me at the gym and the gym keeps the cardio building so that I can get to my 5k goals.

Overall,,, its a great dvd to have and if you can make it through 30 full days I'm sure your body would indeed shred pounds right now. I personally have not completed that many so I have no proof. Its a dvd I revisit and one that properly kicks my butt in a non-coordinated way.

This dvd is one anyone can do, there are no tricky steps or difficult tasks,,, she talks you through (if you leave the audio on which you can remove) the proper way to lunge (yeah there is a proper way), the proper way to do push ups (so now your getting a FULL picture on the personal torture your in for right?)

I fully believe that this DVD will do what it says it will.... I just am too weak!:)
If you can complete 30 days.. I want to know it shredding your bod so I can try harder??/ eek!

Wednesday Why's

Wednesday Why's is something one of my blogroll buddies does every week.
GO VISIT HER and understand why she's a buddy and why its such a fun idea!
Visit Nicolasa Here


Why is it that adults who cannot control their animals become parents who cannot control their children?

Why is it that when I'm really kicking some healthy-eating butt that someone brings in Dunkin Donuts!!!

Why is it that I walk into my own apartment and regardless of the temperature of the heat/outdoors I'm roasting.. its only the second floor a girl cant be overheated by that!

Why is it that construction cannot ever end. I used to joke that there were two seasons in Buffalo,,, Winter and construction, but seriously this construction at work has been almost year round. The pounding and the buzzing is torture.

Why am I repulsed by eating raw tomatoes but liverwurst is awesome?

Why do new socks make me want to workout more? Do they repel the pain from the rest of my body? NO!

Why do people feel so sad when its cold and wintry and are anti depressives more prescribed in Alaska?

Why does the word Why not being with a Y!?

Why does this country feel the need to insult and attack our Presidents (and yes I wrote plural because it doesnt matter which party or which year, there is a constant stream of hate and angst and judgements on both sides in various years).. Why can't you respect the choices even if you don't agree and hope you picked the right candidate whatever year it is/was. A little patriotism is barely what we have.

Does it seem like there is a lot of death right now around you? Aside from Haiti which I frankly can't even begin to discuss or comprehend even. I mean in the nugget of the world that is your own life. It seems like a really bad time of year right now no?

Why is it that I can never finish a chap stick. I've never even gotten close!

Okay peeps thats all I got for this Wednesday, turn in next week as I come up with new ones and feel free to share your own and make sure to give cred to Nicolasa

My other new blog!!!

Hey bloggies!!!
After many suggestions and thought, I've decided to start a second blog about personal finance and money. You can (and should right this minute), find it here
http://dollard.wordpress.com/

Today I started a 'Two Cents Tuesday" where I try to impart some of the (many) lessons that I have learned about money and hope to learn more as we continue to grow together!

Because its wordpress I am still learning and tweaking as I go so feel free to make comments and suggestions!

Thanks guys!
Danielle

What I meant to say Wednesday (thursday edition:))

Okay so its Thursday, but I just found this button at Chief's Blog and when I consider the previous day, there were a lot of things I 'meant to say'.. So I'm going to join in and hopefully will soon figure out this McLinky stuff to see what other people have been doing this activity!


So the concept is,,, what did you mean to say that you DIDNT...:) Please feel free to share/comment! Just make sure to give credit to Chief!


1) Well the first one is kinda me talking to myself, but this is nothing new, you bloggies know I'm a lil wack-a-doo anyway! I was doing Jillian Michaels' 30 days Shred (ouch), and during the push-up section she always says 'I want you guys to keep pushing, don't phone it in, if you want to see your body's change you can not take a rest'... My response- Hahahahah I already stopped pushing (up) before you started your motivational speech too late! Maybe when we stop push ups I'll join in again! (maybe not,, but yesterday I did, other days I dont!).


2) I had a patient who used the phrase 'long story short'... seriously 40 times during a 15 minute case-history review. Frankly, if the story were short I suppose it would not bother me as much, but the stories were NEVER short... so why preface something with a falsehood. I wanted to say to her 'ITS NEVER SHORT!!'. But I did not.

3) I have this acquaintance that cannot have a conversation without attempting to impress others with the money they spent, or the people they know, or what they got at the store and paid 3 times the cost cause 'quality is better than quantity'. Its seriously every sentence is a brag or boast, and while I don't have any interest in SAYING anything back, mostly cause engaging in conversation creates arguments and 'I'm better than you actions'... But I do however wish I had a little tape recorder to play this every time he speaks...



:) Thanks folks,, did you have any things that you meant to say but did not this wednesday, thursday or week!:) I'd love to share and I hope to participate weekly in this fun activity. I hope you stop by to share/read my adventures!

Danielle

If you just Realize....

I read one of my fellow Blogger's this morning and had to borrow this from her!
Thank you MsDiva!!!




I've come to realize that when I'm driving...the speed is inversely related to the distance from the pavement I am (aka,, if I'm on top of a ft of snow,, I go slower!:)
I've come to realize that I need.... other people, not stuff or things,, just you.
I've come to realize that I have lost....too much time not saving for retirement when I was younger!
I've come to realize that I hate when...people make decisions out of fear.
I've come to realize that money...should be discussed more often.
I've come to realize that certain people...will hurt your feelings if you let them.
I've come to realize that I will always...wish others had the family I have.
I've come to realize that my cell phone...keeps me connected to those outside my locale:)
I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...I was healthy and able.
I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...I was proud of my day's choices and actions.
I've come to realize that right now I am thinking...about my new blog-to-be.
I've come to realize that today....nickel and diming takes new meaning in this world.
maybe it should be 5 or tener-ing now.
I've come to realize that tonight is..I get a home-cooked meal with my family.
I've come to realize that tomorrow.. is a packed schedule of lots of patients!
I've come to realize that I really want to...lose my Omentum and it may require work.
I've come to realize that life...is a highway with twists and turns, some good some bad, some with vision enabled, some with vision impaired.
I've come to realize that this weekend ...has great potential!
I've come to realize that this year... has been the best year of my life thus far...
I've come to realize that my husband...is yet to be revealed!:)
I've come to realize that maybe I should be...less rigid about other's decisions.
I've come to realize that I love ...pizza and music.
I've come to realize I don't understand...how we as a country do not already have a health care plan to protect our own. We protect EVERYONE.
I've come to realize I'm totally terrified of...being alone,, always have, always will be.. solitude would bore me to death.
I've come to realize my life...is so blessed with friends, family, loved ones, my health and those who love me for me and let me grow and become the best me everyday.

Thanks.

Picking a Spouse,, the most important Financial decision

READ THIS ARTICLE

This article is a great article on money and relationships. I am planning to create a new blog based on my struggles and successes with money, the things I have learned and the things I have yet to learn. This article could not have come at a better time as Kevin and are deep in budgeting conversations to allocate for 2010 all the things we expect to need in this coming year, and beyond. I am so blessed to be with someone who is willing to have these conversations, has financial responsibility and who is willing to grow through the adult-like changes that finances can create in a relationship.

Too bad we cant get someone's fico score on match.com right? hahahahah just kiddin!

Song of the Morning

Sometimes there is a song on the radio on the drive in that makes my day brighter and happier. Sometimes its that Miley Cyrus song and its gets stuck in my head on repeat!..

Here is today's song, feel free to wiggle around your house like I wiggled in my car (while at red lights only of course!:)

MoneyCrashers 2010 Giveaway

LINK TO THE BLOG!!!

So this great money-related blog (yes you're not surprised I'm blogrolling those are you, especially with my newfound 2010 focus on budgeting and saving!), is hosting a huge giveaway.

Mostly Cash prizes, but also cool stuff like Ipods, Kindles, and Dave Ramsey Books,, which you all know I'm obsessed with getting my hands on.. frankly if I win money I'm buying that book!

So go to the link and sign yourself up!
D

Delusion...

Do you ever look in the mirror and see something different than what you expect? Sometimes people see themselves as heavier than they are, and some people see themselves as thinner than they are.

Some people see themselves in spandex and think that its a great look.
Some people see themselves in black pants and black shoes and brown socks and think they're hot stuff.

The topic today bloggies is Delusion.

How much of what we see is actually what it is and how much of it is what our brains tell us it is. I mean in 1980s spandex would be H-o-t- HOT! Without the fashion police one may not even notice that they were wearing brown socks...
Some may say that without magazines and the media pressing a view of femininity (be it large or small,, depending on your culture I think) we would want to look more or less of ourselves.

Our brains may very well be MUSH! How do we hit the reset button on them?

I went and bought this gorgeous red sweater, it had a huge cowel (sp?) neck on it and kept me warm and cozy and was in Christmas season and I loved it. I tried it on in multiple sizes and colors to be sure I got the right one. I seriously love this sweater. Well I wore it out with friends and pictures were taken, and I look seriously like a Christmas abominable snowman burnt by the sun. It was not supportive or beautiful like it was up close (in my mush-head), and frankly unless it was up close was too forgiving... Yikes.

So now I wear the sweater and think 'those around me see blob when I'm feeling good', and I think to myself,,, what are they seeing when I'm not feeling good. EEK. What does it matter what they see and does it matter more than how I feel?

Should it? I think I'm going to keep wearing the sweater but maybe not out on the town, and try to keep the photo-opts cropped? Oy.

Why do we make ourselves crazy over these silly things.

Hand Washing.

Is it concerning to anyone else but me that sometimes I go wash my hands in the warm water cuz its the warmest thing in the building? Is this how someone creates an OCD? I'm not worried about the germs, I'm just cold!

Thoughts...

PS I know your supposed to sing the birthday song in your head but I say Hail Mary's because it soothes me further,, now I'm sure we have a full picture of D's crazy right?:)

My picture,, for your joy...