March 22, 2010

The Great Wiener Hunt of 2010

So, we’ve decided to add another member to our little family – and no, it’s not of the human variety..at least not yet (she says with a wavering smile).  After the death of my dear, sweet little kitty Skye last September, I really haven’t been too open to the idea of another pet.  And I always assumed that whenever I was ready, we’d simply get another furry feline.  However, once we stopped by a few cat adoption centers, I just realized another cat would dig up way too many memories.  That may sound weird & quirky, but it’ the simple truth.  Soooo, long story short – a doggy it is.
 
After my anal-retentive, OCD self did a TON of online research, we decided that a dachshund, or preferably a dachshund-mix, would probably fit us well.  They’re small (which we need since we live in a townhouse), don’t require a big yard for exercise as some other high-energy breeds do, are good with kids, and seem to overall be a great, loyal family dog.  So, one thing I said from the beginning, was that I wanted to adopt again.   I love the idea of rescuing an animal, of giving it that “forever home” (which is exactly what I did with Skye).  And so we thought, easy as pie, we’d find a little weenie pup and off we went on our new adventure as a family of 4.   Unfortunately, it’s not been quite that easy and we’re realizing this process will require a lot of patience on our part.  Seems that there simply aren’t many doxie pups available locally at the moment - but boy, there sure a lot of pit bulls out there!  We did find one  last week, but by the time we were able to make it out to the shelter it had been adopted.  Another little cutie pie I found, who is a bit older, is at a foster home that is part of an all-volunteer network  of homes, meaning there’s no physical shelter you can visit.  And darn it, I just simply can not get these freakin people to contact me back (there is no phone number, just email).   I’ve even left a note on their Facebook page….and nothing!  Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.

Anywho, we’ve grown a little frustrated.   And it just so happens that in the mean time, my sister-in-law’s family also decided to add another pup (they already have a yellow lab).   Within only several days, they had purchased a black lab puppy online, via a broker, from a breeder somewhere on the other side of the country and picked him up at the airport.  $1300, bada-bing bada-boom.   Naturally, this has really caused us to think about our own plight.  But honestly,  I just don’t know if it would be the right thing for US.

First of all, I in now way shape or form want to endorse or further help along the awful, monstrous business that is a puppy mill.  This is why a pet store will NEVER be a viable option.  And I’ve done enough reading to realize that buying a dog online from a breeder is just not a guarantee of anything.  There’s no way to know for sure if those animals are kept in humane conditions or treated with any sort of love & kindness.  According to some rescue websites, even seemingly legitimate papers might not mean diddly squat.  In fact, most of those sites do not recommend buying any type of pet online, ever.   The only possibility is to find a breeder within driving distance and check out their digs in person.  Then there’s also the cost factor.  A purebred dog can cost anywhere from $600 to $3000 (depending on breed), and probably even more!  We know it will cost money to take care of a dog throughout it’s lifetime, but that’s a whole lotta  moola right upfront.  We could do it, I guess, but I just don't know if I want to.

So there it is, dear internet, my current all-consuming dilemma.  I’ve spent HOURS scouring the web for adoptable dogs, browsing through countless shelter sites (need I remind you of that whole OCD thing?!).  You can blame it for my slight neglect of this blog over the last couple of weeks.

I suppose when the time is right, a doggy will find it’s way into our lives one way or another.


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March 19, 2010

Fabulous Promotion – Gap Give And Get

I’m thinking most of my fashionista bloggy friends are already aware of this, but I thought I’d post it anyway, just in case.  Wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on this wonderful chance to save some cash!

Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy is having a friends & family sale, that started yesterday (3/18) and lasts through this Sunday (3/21) – get 30% off your entire purchase at any of the above mentioned stores.  The best part is that you can use the coupon over & over again (in-store only) AND it’s valid for a one time use online.  Add to that that tons of merchandise is already on sale at some fantastically reduced prices (at least from what I saw at our local Gap & Baby Gap stores this morning), and you’ve got yourself a fabulously frugal shopping bonanza!

Just click HERE and print out the coupon. Or, as an FYI  for those that received this offer via email, the stores will let you pull up the message on your cell phone and you just simply show them the barcode numbers located at the bottom.

The way I look at it, shopping while saving some serious money = a happy hubby.  It’s a win-win!  What’s not to love?

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March 15, 2010

99 Things

So I’m being rather lazy today and instead of actually having to put thought into writing a post (HA!), I took note of  this little task listed on a few blogs recently…..and though ‘eh, why not – looks like fun’.   And ya know what?  It kind of was.  So here it is, a tiny insight into the woman behind EllaBellaMozzarella!

Instructions: The post is a list of 99 random things. Bold the ones that you yourself have done (I highlighted mine in red).

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (on our honeymoon…so beautiful!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb 
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Learned a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing 
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke 
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa 
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47.  Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud 
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57.  Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (once with the help of my good friend Tara! )
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (does leased count?)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House (back when they still allowed visitor tours)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo (a tiny little heart on my lower back) 
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

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March 11, 2010

A Fabulous Sale

Ann-Taylor-Loft-Butterflies-compressed

So, I must admit that I’ve recently “re-discovered” Ann Taylor Loft.  For the last few years, I would occasionally browse through the store, but never really found much to get excited about (especially their pants – they just do NOT fit me well for some reason).  Plus, I often thought their pricing was a bit on the high side given the type of clothing they sell.

Anywho, after stopping in last week in search of a cute new top, I am head over heals in love with their spring line.  It seems like the current trend out there is all about soft, romantic, fresh, floral styles, and you’ll find plenty of that there!  Lots of  pink, blush, nude, and cream colors..so pretty and feminine.  Funny thing too is that I never really cared much for this sort of look– but I do now!  And what I personally like is that it’s all very casual-chic, so it works dressed up or dressed down.  Of course, their prices are still up there, which is where this post comes in and I finally get to the point:

Ann Taylor Loft is hosting a Spring Shopping Event this Saturday, 3/13 ….where you can receive 30% off any one full-priced item.  Not too shabby, right?  Since I subscribe to their newsletters, I was notified of this offer via email.  However, you can also go HERE – just print out the entire page and bring it with you to the store.

You can be a fashionasta AND a frugalista all in one, foul swoop!  How fabulous is that??

**The above statements are solely my personal opinions.  I was not compensated in any way to write them .  The link provided is NOT an affiliate link**

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March 10, 2010

Come On, You Know You Want To!

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So, I’m listed over at Top Mommy Blogs and thought I’d take a moment to implore all of my fabulous peeps to maybe, possibly, if you’re not doing anything and have a few seconds to spare, throw a vote or two my way!   I promise, it’ll be fun.  It’s super easy.  It may make all your dreams come true.  Just click on the link below.  Do it. DO IT!

Seriously though, I’d really appreciate it if you showed me some love!  But you certainly don’t have to if you don’t want to.  It’s a free country.  I’ll understand.  No grudges.  You might want to look over your shoulder every once in a while though.  Just sayin’!

**(Please note the above statements are chock full of sarcastic humor and you should probably not take them seriously or literally)**


(just search by 'EllaBellaMozzarella' or find me under 'Stay At Home Blogs')
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Wordless Wednesday: Strike A Pose


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March 8, 2010

Party Planning = Busy Week for Mama!


So, I haven’t written a post in almost 1 1/2 weeks….and ‘ya know, I can’t even believe how incredibly fast that time passed.  It was Miss Ella’s birthday last week, and between visits to school, making cupcakes and putting together the details of her party, I kept rather busy every single day!  Yeah, some may question that previous declaration, as our little soiree for Princess Ella only consisted of family (which is very small) and our friends who live next door….but, here’s a little secret for you – I’m incredibly ANAL when it comes to party planning!  And not just that, I’m a bit OCD when it comes to needing having everything be perfectly put together…..which naturally also includes making sure my house is a vision of impeccable cleanliness.  I know, I know.   In the end, is it really worth all that pressure and work?  The answer is: YES.  Because it’s the only way I know how….and it’s who I am & how I’m wired.   And it’s simply my desire to be an awesome Mama who gave her little girl a great birthday party!   Besides, how cute are these??:


(Of course, I also made time to find a perfectly fabulous new top, as well as fit in a hair appointment - and I’ll defend myself here by saying the hair appt. just happened to work out that way time wise.  What can I say, it’s the fashionista in me!)

Here are just a couple of pics for your viewing pleasure….behold the cuteness that is Princess Ella’s birthday!


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