Substance Abuse

I was able to watch the movie "A Knights Tale" last night and while watching, I kept on thinking how tragic Heath Ledger's death was. Over the years, the world has seen Hollywood stars and icons – from Heath Ledger, Corey Haim, Anna Nicole Smith, Brittany Murphy, Michael Jackson – die from drug overdose.

I don't know anyone who has opiate addiction. But first, let me just say what opiate addiction is. Opiate addiction is recognized as a central nervous system disorder, caused by continuous opiate intake. It is obvious that something taken excessively will hard the body one way or the other. It is sad to lose someone, especially those at a young age, to substance addiction. That's why facilities like Las Vegas Rapid Detox Center offer rapid opiate detox. They have a team of experts which offers strict monitoring of patients for 8 hours of detox as opposed to others which only offers an hour of detox. By compressing the detox treatment to 8 hours than 8 days, patients can "suffer" less withdrawal symptoms. Personally, I pray that no one in my family and friends suffer from this sickness. But if and when they do, I am willing to help in any way I can. Anyway, for more information on rapid opiate detox visit their site.

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14 Small Kitchens

1. Think Upwards

Home Depot designer Emily O'Keefe added cabinetry with period charm to this small kitchen. "Since space was tight, I went up, stacking the cabinets," she says. "The ceilings are 11 feet high, but not every cabinet touches the ceiling — that way they look more like furniture."

2. Simple Storage

Poured concrete countertops cover sleek cabinets built for storage. Design by Form Architecture + Interiors. Featured in August 2006.

3. High-Ceilinged Kitchen

Although this Saratoga Springs kitchen isn't big, it has a 10-foot ceiling. Designer Nancy Boszhardt thought it would be cozier with a "strong" ceiling that would minimize its verticality. Instead of using bead board, as she did in the rest of the house, she left the boards open and added old-fashioned fixtures.

4. Ina Garten's Kitchen

It might be difficult to imagine a big-time cook like Ina Garten in a small kitchen, but she actually prefers this little gem in her Manhattan apartment, featured in House Beautiful in May 2007. "Let's just say that when I bought this apartment, I told my husband we could just fix the kitchen, paint it white, and move in," she says. "Then I talked to my architect, Richard Lewis, and he said, Total gut job. We did a really streamlined kitchen with a cooktop, an under-the-counter refrigerator and freezer, a dishwasher, huge drawers. In a funny way, I actually like a smaller kitchen. It's much more efficient. I tend to like things spare anyway." A Bosch dishwasher, a Liebherr refrigerator, and a Sub-Zero freezer are tucked beneath the countertop, made of Petit Granit, a Belgian stone. The goosenecked Easton Classic faucet makes it easy to fill large pots, and Garten likes the polished nickel finish because it looks like old silver.

5. Original Charm

Designer Jay Griffith chose not to expand this Pacific Palisades kitchen, so it stayed true to the age of the original house. He used Douglas fir for floors and cabinets to get "the handmade look and feel of the originals," and restored the yellow backsplash tiles to their 1933 condition.

6. A Truly Tiny Kitchen

This tiny New York City kitchen has a place for everything, says designer Stephanie Stokes. "After designing so many kitchens for other people, I knew exactly what I needed and what I wanted," she says. A mirrored backsplash, an electric cooktop that doubles as countertop, and simple cabinetry help give the illusion of grandeur.

7. Choose Chairs Without Arms

Designer Suzanne Kasler reinvents the eat-in kitchen by mixing formal Louis XV-style dining chairs with a 19th-century French farm table. Chairs without arms are easier to get in and out of when space is tight.

8. Little Kitchen, Tall Ceiling

A soaring ceiling helps this little Hamptons cottage kitchen, designed by Leslie Klotz, look bigger. Open shelving and no upper cabinets also do the job. Viking range and hood.

9. Little Kitchen in Napa Valley

This small kitchen in a Napa Valley ranch cottage also has open shelves, instead of upper cabinets, to give it an airy feel. The shelves and countertops are made of galvanized metal and the cabinetry is made from old fencing. Vintage truck springs, used as stools, were found at Artefact Design & Salvage. Designer and owner of the house Ken Fulk spotted the vintage industrial pendant lights at the Paris flea market.

10. Furniture That Fits in a Small Kitchen

A trio of backless bongo stools can be slipped under the counter to save space in this tight Alabama kitchen, designed by Susan Ferrier in a tranquil Alabama townhouse. "You don't want the eye to stutter in a small space," Ferrier said of the house's neutral, relaxed decor. "You want it to move naturally from one thing to the next, from similar color to similar color, from shape to shape."

11. Small Kitchen by Texas Standards

"The kitchen is a good size, but small by Dallas standards — only about 16 x 16," designer Craig Schumacher says of this Texas kitchen in the house he shares with partner Philip Kirk. They avoided an extensive kitchen remodel by painting existing cabinets Benjamin Moore Brilliant White and installing inexpensive black and white tile on counters and backsplashes. An extensive ironstone collection overflows from shelves to walls. Vintage jurors' chairs were picked up at assorted flea markets and antiques shops and stained ebony. The table is covered in cotton matelassé from Peacock Alley. The range is Jenn-Air.

12. Small and Simple in California

This California bungalow keeps it simple, and so does its modest kitchen. "My clients joke that they can burn water, so the kitchen is really set up primarily for entertaining, with that big table as the buffet," designer Chad Eisner says. "We tried a center island, but it looked like a behemoth. Then we found that table. It had been used by an artist and came with lots of scars, which is why no one ever has to worry about staining or cutting it. The built-in millwork and the surrounding cabinets are the same dark color we used throughout the house."

13. French Fantasy Kitchen

This St. Louis house, a tiny 900 square feet, is a take on the Norman château; the galley kitchen is an example of big things that can be done with a little space. The diamond shapes and tones of golden parchment and golden taupe are adapted from an antique Gustavian sideboard. "The details are what it's all about. That's the fun part, because that's where the beauty lies. There are so many little things you can do to up the ante," says project designer Chris Welsh.

14. Mirrors Work Magic

A mirrored backsplash in this shabby chic Manhattan apartment gives the illusion of more space. "The kitchen opens up to the living room on one side and the family room, where we eat and watch TV, on the other," says designer Faye Cone. "The idea was that it should be an extension of both these spaces."

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About Time.

While looking for places to visit once we get to Davao, I was sidetracked by the idea of traveling there by land. It would be fun to stop over at the different cities and see the sites there as well. However, with the kids along - traveling by land may not be the best idea. It's not like we have an rv that can make the trip 10x easier. Our SUV can seat 8 people comfortably but that is without the luggage. Too bad about the motorhome, its a good idea but we all know motorhome repairs can get quite expensive except if you have insurance of course. So, we'll stick to the original plan of flying to Davao. I can't wait to visit my place of birth. I there almost 25 years ago. Too much has changed, its about time I go back for a visit.

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Wake Me Up When December Comes

Ask me which month this year is my fave and I can easily answer - THIS SEPTEMBER.

Why? Here why:

• Downpour of online tasks which allows me to shop, shop and shop some more!
• My baby's 1st birthday.
  
• ...and in connection to that - Hubby's surprise homecoming. It may be short but it was the sweetest 12 days of my life. ^^__^^
• Got myself my very first Longchamp Le Pliage bag.

Plus!!! I found the most fun site. I get to tweak and edit photos in a jiffy. Picnik is so cool, its like I know photoshop except I don't. I am thinking of upgrading to a premium membership to make full use of its features. If I didn't have so much to do I could stay and edit photos all day. Do you know what are diets that work fast??? Yeah, photoshop! They have this feature called insta-thin! You know how photos add 10lbs to your actual weight right? So, 10 lbs begone.^_^ Try it! It's free.

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Save Save Save

Hubby arrived safely in Norway. Thank God.

The house is quiet. The boys are somber.

Sad.

Joshua kept on asking where he was and when I answer, he would always ask a follow up question on why Daddy has to work far away.

Got to secure their future. We have to save if we want that dream house. That's life. ;(

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What Your Handbag Says About You

What Your Handbag Says About You

You are concerned with how you appear. Projecting your high status is important to you. You tend to be relaxed throughout the day. You are naturally at peace. You are a high maintenance person. You feel lost outside of your normal environment. You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.

What Does Your Handbag Say About You?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

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It's Free.

When I first started blogging, I was very conscious of the number of readers I had. If I see that only 1 or 2 drop by my site in a day, I get very insecure. However, that didn't stop me from blogging. Besides, my number 1 reader is Hubby whose reads his kids and mine's updates in my blog. Whenever I put an article out there, I don't think about the numbers anymore but more on what I want to say and how it can be helpful to the person reading.

However, for those wanting to expand on the readers, you should do your part, write meaningful articles, read other blogs and leave comments. That is how you will have a following. You'd gain friends along the way, I did. Another tip, if you don't have the time to really go in there and bloghop, you can also opt to submit your website to a directory. It is very simple way to get your site noticed by major search engines. You can make use of a free easy-to-use SEO tool to submit your site to many free web directories. Through directory submission, your site will become easier to find. What are you waiting for? It's free.

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Crazy Yummy.

I found this amazing pastry chef near our place that specializes in making cakes, cupcakes and cheesecake. Her cakes/cupcakes are amazing. The design is very attractive and it is a sure hit in parties. I've bought Joshua's Dinosaur Cupcake Cake from her and Jacob's Rockstar Cupcakes as well.

Recently I've tried her cheesecake and O-M-G, it tastes heavenly! *Drool*

It's an Assorted I love New York Cheesecake.

I promised myself I'd eat only 1 slice, but I had 2 1/2. If I had my way, I'd finish it all. But now, since I don't exercise, my n=only chance of losing the excess fat is by taking weight loss dietary supplement that works. I say "that works" because there are many out there that promises results but do not deliver. So, I have to make sure that what I get (if ever I do!) works for me without the nasty side-effects.

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Exercise? Let's Party!

A close friend of mine is doing the Zumba workout and it did wonders to her body! Apart from toning her body, she enjoys the workout because Zumba offers a fusion of both dance and an exercise workout. It features a variety of dance styles but the main rhythm is Latin.

I immediately looked for Zumba classes around my place. Good thing I found exactly where and as a bonus, its near my place! I mean this workout is perfect for me, I hate to exercise but I do love to dance! I miss going to clubs with my girls - so this will my outlet for that. Going there would just be like going to the bars. Now I don't have to fret on which diet pills really work because I might not even need it in the long run. But that will all DEPEND if I go on with the workout. Knowing myself, I'd get bored after a month! Will keep you posted.

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Find Your Living Room Style

Photos and text by http://www.housebeautiful.com

Quirky and Deliberate

Are you constantly rearranging to fit in your latest tag sale find? Are you afraid to commit to one style or time period? Then try a look similar to stylist Peter Frank's living room. Here, an 18th-century Korean screen takes center stage and a comfy slipcovered sofa hangs out with a cowhide rug. This kind of personal style gives him freedom to change things up whenever he pleases. To mix eras, styles, and sizes, he says, "It's all trial and error. My best advice to admit your mistakes and try again." He also recommends contrasting items: mixing hard with soft, square with round, and blocky with leggy.

Natural and Polished

Would you describe yourself as laid back and casual? Do you like soft neutral tones? If so, check out this design by Dana Abbott and Kim Fiscus. This casual California-style living room has a comfortable and earthy feel. Brown and beige tones dominate the color scheme, but textures and materials are layered so the overall look isn't boring. The pair also recommend using furniture with legs, since it gives lightness to a room.

Modern and Easy

Are you neat and orderly? Do you dislike clutter? Then a sleek white living room like designer Lindsey Bond's may be the right fit for you too. Her style is "Pristine white, clean lines, symmetry, neatness," she says, evident in her 1950's Birmingham, Alabama cottage. To get the look, take a cue from Bond and remove moldings from the mantel, hang curtains from the ceiling, slipcover chairs, and try mounting free-floating shelves.

Formal and Romantic

Are you drawn to fanciness and grandeur, but also have a wild side? Designer Melissa Rufty's New Orleans living room may suite you. "Decorating should exude a sense of place," she says. The charm and sultry attitude of New Orleans is reflected in her living room and throughout the home. But don't get too carried away-- to make this room kid-friendly, Rufty covered the furniture with outdoor fabric.

Classic and Worldly

If you spend a lot of time antique shopping, browsing art galleries, and dreaming of your next vacation, you may like this look by designer Daniel Sachs. He decorated this New York living room for an owner who loves contemporary art, antiques, Indian designs, and tribal textiles. Don't be afraid to decorate with your favorite finds and souvenirs -- the result can be a sophisticated yet friendly space.

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8 Natural Ways to Enhance Your Fertility

By Lucy Danziger, the Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine

When we’re young, most of us focus so much on not getting pregnant, we don’t think to wonder if we’ll be able to when we want to. But infertility is more common than you think, striking one in eight U.S. couples. Whether you’re trying to become pregnant now or hope to conceive down the road, there are some simple, science-backed steps you can take today to help enhance your fertility naturally. These tips work for every woman—whether you’re contemplating kids or your family is complete, like mine—because the health benefits extend way beyond boosting your baby-making abilities. Oh, and did I mention they might even enhance your love life? Now, that’s something to get excited about!

Practice, practice, practice!

Weekly sexual intimacy appears to regulate your monthly cycle, as well as delay the decline of estrogen as we get older, both of which can enhance fertility, according to research by Winnifred Cutler, Ph.D., founder of the Athena Institute in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. More estrogen is also linked to increased bone density, a healthier cardiovascular system, lower “bad” cholesterol, higher “good” cholesterol and a milder menopause. After all that, what are you waiting for—consider this permission to get busy!

Weigh in

Having a body-mass index greater than 25 can increase the likelihood of a whole host of health troubles, including polycystic ovary syndrome, which disrupts your menstrual cycle—and may derail your plans for getting pregnant without complications. Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 25; calculate yours at Self.com.

Butt out

You know smoking stinks for your lung and heart health—and now studies show that it can also raise your risk for early menopause. Toxins in the cancer sticks can disrupt ovulation, but the good news is that quitting today can help preserve your fertility. For new ways to kick the habit, talk to your M.D. or visit SmokeFree.gov.

Hit the hay

Some infertile women have been shown to have low levels of leptin, a hormone that affects hunger and weight regulation. Leptin levels drop if you fall short on zzz’s, so try to log 7 to 8 hours tonight and every night.

Clean house

Chemicals in home products can impair fertility. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants in some tech toys, plastics and fabrics, and a study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives reports that women with high PBDE blood levels took twice as long to conceive as those with lower levels. The chemicals may alter thyroid function and disrupt sex-hormone levels. PBDEs leach out and linger in dust we breathe and touch, so use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your hands often to rinse away any residual toxins.

Ace your exams

Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility. Practice safe sex, of course, and see your ob/gyn annually to monitor your reproductive health.

Don’t rule out ice cream

All you ice cream lovers, take heart: Full-fat dairy foods (like cheese, ice cream and whole milk) may help you get pregnant, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston finds. A fat-soluble compound in dairy may up your odds of conceiving. Pass the spoon!

B smart

Once recommended only for pregnant women, folic acid (400 micgrograms a day) is now considered good medicine for all women of childbearing age, says Mark Gapinski, M.D., an ob/gyn at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. We use the B vitamin to make and maintain new cells in skin, hair, nails and throughout the body. Found naturally in lentils (360 mcg per cup) and leafy greens like spinach (260 mcg per cup), folic acid prevents miscarriage and birth defects.

For the latest health and fitness news, check out our Healthy Self blog at Self.com.

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PVZ

Ack. 30 minutes of my life I couldn't get back!

...darn Zombies! They are so hard to resist ^__^

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Vroom.

CRV, Rav4, Swift?

...which car should we buy next? Hubby likes a car, bigger than a sedan but not as big as most SUV's now, so we are eying on a Honda CRV. Hopefully, if all goes well this year and we can pay up all our debts, we will purchase a new car next year. I can finally make use of those numerous car insurance quotes that I've gotten. This time, I want to make sure to get the best deal. I am super excited about this purchase. ^_^ Hopefully Hubby will choose an automatic car this time. It would be easier to drive AT than Manual. Definitely. Especially for me who is such a bad driver, an automatic car with a complete auto coverage is a must.

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You Are an Early Riser

You Are an Early Riser

You're the type of person who just gets up early naturally. It's easy for you to succeed in this world. It's likely that you've been extremely productive before the day has really began. You wake up alert and refreshed. You tend to lose steam in the late afternoon and evening. Give yourself that time to rest. Even though you get a quick start, you don't have to charge ahead all day long!

What's Your Energy Type?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

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Correct. Most of the time because I don't have a choice, but you know what? I love it. I get to accomplish a lot of things by rising early =)

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Not For Us.

I have been receiving a lot of email regarding male enhancement drugs and pills, that made me wonder, are there a lot of men needing these?

Gone are the days where buko (coconut) juice and balut (duck's egg) are the staples, now pills like libido boost, orexis, natural gain plus and more invade the main stream population.

Oh well, I'm just saying - I couldn't ignore the 10+ emails I get everyday. Good thing we don't need those ^-^

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The Squeeze.

I think I am way too much over my head with projects. Arg. I won’t complain though. They say nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity – true. While work keeps on coming I will do everything in my power to finish them all. No matter how tired I am, I will find a way to squeeze everything in my day - being a mom, a wife and an employee. Yes, ever since Hubby arrived, we’ve become so busy with social engagements and dinners. Exhaustion and dark circles under eyes are a small price to pay with the happiness I'm feeling right now. He's leaving on the 27th already and I am sure the kids will terribly miss him. In my part, I'd miss our late night conversation, our date nights and so much more. For now, we're just making use of the short time we're together.

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Che-che-chewey bomb!!!

I now know why a LOT of people are addicted to plants vs zombies!!!

...it is supah fun =)) I now want an iPhone just so I can play it. I have to learn all the moves and powers of the plants though. Or I can always just ask Hubby.^__^ My son, Ozzy who can't pronounce R yet says,"che-che-chewey bomb!!!" It's the cutest. LOL

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Oro

I am anxious to add a few pieced of gold coins to our collection. Ever since my mother-in-law gifted us with silver coins, I've realized its a good investment. Precious metal prices are surging and will continue to be a steady investment as opposed to paper currency where its strength wavers sporadically. The United States Gold Bureau has a very convenient arrangement with its customers,you can buy precious metals from them and they will arrange everything for you - you can opt to have it personally delivered or they can arrange to deposit it in a safe for you. Personally, if it was time for me to invest, I'd like gold coins than silver one's because seems to have this power, a draw that leads men to seek it. People view it to be a very strong investment and I agree.

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El Magnifico

Eversince I learned my brother in law and his fiancé are going to El Nido, Palawan for their Honeymoon, I can't help but imagine of going there with Hubby as well (sans the kids!). Hubby and I are celebrating our 4th anniversary on December and it would be nice to get away even for a few days. We've never had our very own honeymoon before and now, with lots of promos going around its a good idea to go.

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I want 1 eerr 4.

Weeee~ I am so tempted to buy an iPhone. Hubby's phone has so many fun apps, from helpful one's to just silly one's like the Talking Hippo!

....so now my christmas list is composed of the ff:

1. iPhone
2. Jewelry
3. Bag
4. Watch

Pssst chiwow? Do you copy?=P

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The Plan

I was suppose to go to the salon today. I still need to have my hair treatment, diamond peel and foot scrub. Although I've been to the salon 2x this past week (for my manicure and pedicure then for my cellophane) but I feel so at home in a salon that I always find something new to do every week. Although, I always make sure to do all my duties first before my "me" time. Going to the salon serve as my time to relax, as you may know, being a mom is hard work. So its only fitting to reward myself every so often.

When the kids get bigger, I may have the time to enroll in a beauty school, maybe in a cosmetology school in Orange Park where my friend went. She does makeup for stars now! I am so jealous of her. I guess, when I do enroll, I'd specialize in hair treatment and also for kids haircut. In our city alone, I've noticed there's not one salon offering specialized salon service for the kids. In my salon, there would be a lot of distraction, maybe music or videos so the kids will enjoy their visit to the salon and stop wriggling in the seats making it hellish for baby and mommy. I should know my son got his haircut yesterday and without the help of my phone's videos he would have cried all 45 minutes of the haircut. For now, enrolling in a beauty school is part of the plan.

“This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.”

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You Are Smart

You Are Smart

You are a total brainiac. Ideas and facts interest you, and you're always eager to learn more. You don't just have a head for facts - you're also very wise. You know how to approach problems logically. You have trouble getting along with anyone who is happily ignorant. You think everyone should able to each and to be taught. You connect best with fellow intellectuals, eggheads, and nerds. You're happily surprised to meet someone who knows more about a subject than you do.

The Paint Daub Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

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Status:

...is thankful for all the blessing coming my way.

I am super exhausted. I lack sleep. I am very tired and sleepy but I cannot stop now. Got to finish all the pending stuff before they expire!!!

$ayang naman. This is going to be a loooong weekend.

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What is Accutane

I have read a few isolated cases of Accutane injury such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis around the web and it got me thinking about the dangers of it. For the information of all, Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a very powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. Accutane is used to treat severe acne for about 4-5 months and it would usually lead to clearing of acne. It is highly effective for nearly all types of breakouts but it is a potent medication. While it is said to be safer than those mild long-term treatments it too has its side-effects. So, if you believe to have suffered some injuries and side-effects from using such products, you may be need to file an Accutane Lawsuit and hire the services of attorneys that understand your situation. Professionals like O’Hanlon, McCollum & Demerath may just the men for the job.

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Current Joy.

I've got extra time in my hands now that Hubbys' here. Ozzy has deserted me and has gone to hangout with his Dad all the time. I don't mind. Boys need to bond.

Their current obsession? Plants Vs. Zombies!

...oh well, 2 weeks with Hubby is short but its still better than nothing.

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