Monthly Archive for July, 2009

Old school Sun Valley

Published
by
RBM
on July 31, 2009
in Uncategorized
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My husband’s granny spent a good amount of time here in Sun Valley — not only enjoying the resort for its entertainment and relaxation high points, but she also trained on the mountain here.

She was a competitive skier and named to the 1940 Olympic ski (and ice dancing) team but if you know your history, you know those games were canceled in the midst of WWII. Eventually, she was inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. She also remained involved in the Olympic Games behind the scenes (my husband is lucky enough to have been to a few of ‘em).

I happened across the following 1958 Ford ad — filmed here in Sun Valley. Watching it made me imagine her and her family here, doing many of those same activities because Sun Valley was in her blood and she returned time and again for family vacations, birthdays - including skiing here for her 80th - and other special occasions.

She passed away earlier this Spring, and the video provided a nice peek into a past here that I was not a part of yet, but know that she happily enjoyed and has passed on to at least three generations.

Paahhhter!

Published
by
RBM
on July 12, 2009
in Uncategorized
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Many years ago our team helped with a client event that involved a movie premiere and it happened to be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I’d not picked up an HP book at that point and didn’t think I would (yes, because I have a weird thing about reading books before I watch a movie). But as you might know if you’ve been reading RBM for a while, I became hooked (and have an affinity toward ‘tween target demo books).

I’ve read every book, own every DVD available, etc. However, I *don’t* have any kids named Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore, Snape, Cedric/Edward or Padfoot. You get the idea.

So you can imagine my utter disappointment last year when the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince release was pushed from November 2008 to Summer 2009. The bright side is that its now Summer 2009 and some HPD (Harry Potter Dork) friends are headed to see the flick on Thursday — in IMAX no less! I will try to contain my excitement…but it’s gonna be hard!

Red Bull Recipe of the Week

Published
by
RBM
on July 12, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

You can thank Manolith for cluing me in to this monstrosity (this particular concoction is a direct cut and paste of their recipe)! And, I have to add the disclaimer that I have *not* tried this yet!They also list the Bacontini as one of the “Top 5 of the Gnarliest College Drinks Known to Man“. Intriguing…

The Quantum Leap

quantum-leap-1

  • One tall can of PBR
  • One shot of vodka.
  • One shot of Jack Daniels.
  • One half can of Red Bull.
  • Mix.
  • Drink.
  • If you can drink this, Dean Stockwell will advise you to leap into the next body, as your job is done here.

(Photo By Tranchis and NoalseGolden)

Come together

Published
by
RBM
on July 7, 2009
in pop culture
. 0 Comments

I did trip out a little when I heard Michael Jackson had passed away. I still remember some of the first coed parties I hosted as a kid growing up that we listened to MJ, friends had posters, wore one glove to school, etc. However, I have not followed every bit of news, listened as his life was unearthed, and didn’t watch his memorial today on tv or revere him beyond what he was — someone that was immensely talented as an entertainer, and immensely troubled as an individual.

There’s always a bit of sorrow when someone dies, because you think of what’s been left behind (loved ones, etc.) but for him I’d like to believe this may offer a long sought after peace.

One new thing I did learn from all the buzz around his death (it was hard not to over twitter!) over the past week+ is that at some point he sang Come Together by the Beatles. Love that song (even though it’s one of their more nonsensical songs) and as a talented singer, Michael Jackson covered it well. Just thought I’d share.

When it’s NOT a bargain

Published
by
RBM
on July 4, 2009
in household and product review
. 0 Comments

Since last Fall our family has scaled back. I mean, who hasn’t right?

We’ve bargain shopped at the grocery store by watching specials. We’ve (I mean I’ve) cut trips to the salon unless I look like Medusa. We have staycations instead of going anywhere new or exotic. We thrift store shopped for the season’s snow clothes for the kids. And, we strayed from our usual brands to try out new and less expensive alternatives.

As part of this cost-cutting venture we’ve run across some great brands and products that we’ll keep in the house long after times are (hopefully) not so tight.

For example, I stopped buying hair product at the salon and my hubby and I share Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner now and I honestly like it all the same (although I admit half the time my hair is in a ponytail or low bun anyway). And instead of an expensive face wash, I remain happy with switching it up between Bioree and Neutrogena.

And, of course, some things didn’t stick. Like, we’ve yet to find another laundry detergent better that our standard Arm & Hammer and when we tried the Kirkland brand the rest of the family informed me they thought our clothes stank. And sometimes there’s a reason why some things are cheap, and its because they ARE cheap.

One of the most embarrassing, and epic “fails” of our money-saving efforts actually took place on a more public venue. We bought HomeLife brand dishwasher tablets because, you guessed it, they were on sale. By the time we realized that they turned our clear glassware into a chalky-looking mess we were setting the table for a dinner party. Argh. Needless to say, we went back to Cascade. Can’t win ‘em all!

Anyway, if you found this at all useful, or thought it might be and it wasn’t, there are others out there with much better advice, like MoneySavingMom’s ongoing tips or within networks like Parenting’s Mom’s Money Saving Tips section or MommySavers, which even includes useful coupons.

Have suggestions for our household? Would love to hear your pearls of wisdom!