Heather's Thingies Blog

Don't forget.... besides getting a Mega Millions lottery ticket... $540 Million.. CRAZY!
Saturday/tomorrow is 'Earth Hour'  at 8:30 turn everything off, light a candle and chill for an hour.  A nice way to respect Mama Nature.
 

Celeb relationship advice:

"At the end of the day your girl would appreciate you being honest more than lying to her and vice versa'..
Click here  to find out who threw out this nugget!

Note: It's not Tiger Woods, but good advice for him to follow as he gets his mojo back!


 

I haven't read this yet, but my interest is peaked for sure. The book, by British author E. L. James/mother of 2, that has been nicknamed 'Mommy Porn'.

Universal and Focus Features have bought the movie rights for all 3 books by E.L. James... For how much? An exact $ amount hasn't been thrown out there, but Sony offered $5 million, and didn't get the rights. It was only $3 million for the Da Vinci Code.....

Fifty Shades of Grey (paperback April 4th) , (both in paperback mid April) Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
The storyline... A wealthy 27-year-old, Christian Grey, who engages in a dominant/submissive love affair with 21-year-old college student Anastasia Steele.
The pieces I've seen it's very adult... like Cinemax on a bit of Red Bull! I'm going to have to read at least the 1st book, to see what it's all about. Then decide about the movie. 

Would you go see this?
 


Sidenote

I have read all of J.R Ward's ' Black Dagger Brotherhood' series and looking forward to the newest edition out today March 27th! These could make a pretty darn good television series, on a cable channel like  HBO's 'True Blood'. 

I love being a Member of the United Heritage Credit Union.  They do cool things for their members. Besides having great accounts and 'Smart Loans'.  UHCU likes to help out with family fun by having cool events.  I got an email about a Round Rock Express Night for UHCU members. Tickets were only $4. You could reserve them online. When I checked on the event I saw this message:  Member Appreciation tickets are now sold out. We thank you for your interest in this event
  

If you were a  member, you could have gotten in on this GREAT/FUN deal thanks to UHCU!  It's easy to become a member. Don't miss out on any more fun thanks to UHCU! Click here  to get in on all the Good Times , Great Accounts and Smart Loans that UHCU has for it's members!  NO FEES!! ONLINE BANKING!!  Lots of GOOD TIMES  w/UNITED HERITAGE CREDIT UNION!!







 

A Swiss jeweler has created a 'Pure Diamond Ring'. It's made entirely out of diamonds, around 150 karats and worth around $68 MIllion dollars! Click here to check this Bling out!!

Will you sport one of these this spring/summer? 




The bralette is the underwear look as outerwear.  Unfortunately they don't come with Janet Jackson's back in the day six pack abs. I don't mind the attached to the dress look, but not sure I'll try the separate piece bralette! Click here for tips how to wear the Bralette!  I'm fearing the comeback of the pointed bra!!

As you make plans for Spring/Summer getaways/vacations, this  is something to keep in mind. Top 50 list of cities with the most bed bugs. I didn't notice ATX  on the list, and i hope it stays that way. I 'm itchy and uncomfortable just thinking about it....  There are 2 TX cities that made the Top 15!
 

Their first tour together was in 1982 and now they are getting ready for a Summer 2012 Tour together! Are you ready to 'Rock'n'Roll all Night and Party Everyday' on the 'WILDSIDE'!!!!... or at least for a few hours this summer!! Looks like a Dallas or Houston road trip...

Aug 3: Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Aug 4: Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavillion"

Full tour schedule

'I was born on the 13th. I turned 13, on Friday the 13th! My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first #1 single had a 13 second intro. Every time I've won an award, I've been seated in the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter.

Do you know who this is?  Click here! 

 
*MIX's Graham Scott emailed me this interview/story because he and the artist have something in common. They have been on the same Ferry in NZ! Very Cool! Thanks for sharing Graham! YOU ROCK!

There's a new business that has started up called 'Dial-A-Star'.  For a certain amount you can ask stars questions, and the 'STARS' get 50% of the $$$.   Here are some of the 'STARS you can chat with....


Click here for more...

Would you dial of them? Apparantly this is doing great and they have plans to go international soon! I'd rather get a cute pair of shoes, so I think I'll pass. How about you??

If you didn't catch Oprah's big interview with Lady G... here's a bit...

The Strange Familiar is one of the stellar bands playing for West of the Fest at the Key Bar on W 6th street tomorrow.  TSF is Kira Leyden Andrea (lead singer/keys), her man Jeff  Andrea (guitar) , Frank Freeman (bass) and Nicholas Sainatos (drums).  Kira has known Jeff since grade school, and they started  making music/tunes with Jeff since they were teenagers.   Their new album 'Chasing Shadows' is expected to drop March 27th featuring  the single 'Being Me'. The video was shot on Hollywood Boulevard. Check it out..
 

The Hunger Games- Songs from District 12 and Beyond Sound track features a single from Taylor Swift called ' Eyes Open'
What do you think?
 

Kimbra/New Zealand kicks off her 1st US tour today at 'The Fest'.

Listen for her duet with Goyte 'Someone that I used to know' on MIX 94.7!  Check out the story behind the video and more on Kimbra here..
 

Jessica Simpson was on the Tonight show last night chatting about baby, her new show 'Fashion Star' on NBC starting tonight at 8:30... and 'SLUTTY BROWNIES'. This is her prego craving...

The picture is a 'Slutty Brownie T ease' you must click it and check out the entire photo and the recipe!



(They are also called 'Cookies & Cream Brownies...but  Slutty Brownies hit the mark to me!)
This looks AWESOMELY  YUMMY ! My butt is growing just checking out the recipe!

Here's another variation of the 'Slutty Brownie' using mostly pre-made mixes.  Sounds & looks Yummy too!  Click here to grab it! Lord help us... I'm seeing more workout hours in the near future!
 

This year will be the 3rd year in a row that I have the honor of supporting this FABULOUS cause. A Day to Shine helps raise money and awareness about  The National Dating Abuse helpline. The headquarters is right her in ATX! Here is some 411 ...



What does the  National Dating  Abuse Helpline do?

One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. At the National Dating Abuse Helpline, located in Austin, victims of dating abuse are supported through the technologies they use most often: texting, online chatting, and a toll-free telephone line. Peer advocates help change lives by working with callers to offer personalized safety planning for exiting abusive relationships. The Helpline also works with community leaders, teachers, parents, clergy, and policy makers to educate about dating abuse and promote healthy dating relationships. A Day to Shine raises funds and awareness for the life-changing work that The Helpline does every day.

Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
Text: 'love is' to 77054  
www.loveisrepect.org

How did  'A Day to Shine' start?
A Day To Shine was founded in 2008 by Austinite Julie Stevenson, a dedicated mother of two, who wanted to bring awareness of the issue of dating violence to our community while also raising support for the National Dating Abuse Helpline. With her leadership and vision, she and three friends, Kate McNair, Meredith Landry, and Carolyn Krawczyk, launched A Day To Shine. Members of GETMAD: Girl Energized To Make A Difference from Westlake High School have starred as the models in the event’s hallmark fashion show demonstrating their commitment to increase awareness about dating abuse among their peers. A Day To Shine has grown in popularity and awareness each year, making it a must attend event.


Last year I was a judge for some of the audience awards. The year before, I strut my stuff on the catwalk without tripping over my Big Size 11s.  This year, I'm giving the catwalk another try on Saturday April 21st at the Four Seasons downtown.  Hopefully my uncoordination won't get the best of me this year.  I'm looking forward to it because I'm thankful there is help for teens/young adults who find themseves in a bad  relationship situation. Love is NOT violent, and learning that at an early age, can help many not to lead a life filled with domestic abuse.  



Here's a bit of 'A Day to Shine' 2010:




There are 2 events on 'A Day to Shine 2012' Saturday April21st @ The Four Seasons downtown.

*Hosted by KEYE anchor Judy Maggio


 *Hosted by KXAN anchor Robert Hadlocke
I'll be strutting on the catwalk in the evening Fashion Show!

Here's some highlights of 'A Day to Shine 2011'...

5th & Neches is a HOT corner this week w/ the festival going on. Check out the yummy eats you can get your mouth around. 100% legit!
 

- The corner of 5th and Neches was SXSW 2011's worst-kept secret, as the website creation site Squarespace rented a food truck and hired in some of the city's best food purveyors to distribute free grub. The truck is back at the same corner this year, and will feature Three Little Pigs Monday, and Izzoz Tacos on Tuesday. They'll even call in the big guns in Wednesday, 3/14 as Top Chef winner Paul Qui's East Side Kings will distribute tons of free food from the truck. The free food starts at 11am. For more information, click here.

A recent tweet by Rihanna includes a topless photo w/ the tweet 'Where have you been all my life?' Click the photo to check out the full one. I had read that Rihanna is tired of being single and lonely, but I'm not sure this is the best way to find a soul mate, do you?
 

I did another 'Things to do... #50 (felt like a 50)'. Something that can  ROCK A PARTY! Check it out!!

I remember my first run in with Leslie. My honey Ted & I had lived in ATX about a year and we were on 6th street this time of year, during SXSW Fest.  I was looking in one of the stores on 6th, when I saw a group of people snapping away with their cameras.  Of course I had to see what was going on.  It was Leslie striking poses and grinning.  His outfit included a belly shirt and thongs and a nice bright lipstick that showed off his grin!  I asked someone who is that?  They looked at me like 'WTF'.... IT'S LESLIE!!  I never did get a photo with Leslie, but I did say hi that day and told him I liked his shoes. He was working some really cute pumps that year.

So do you think Leslie should have a street named after him?  Where? What would it be called? 

Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell declared March 8th, 2012 to be "Leslie Cochran Day".

 *Two public services will be held in his honor. One is in the works for tonight, a march down 6th St. at 7 p.m. The other is a memorial service will take place in two Sundays. (KEYE)
Austin Icon Leslie Cochran Dead
*Leslie tibits from 'Wiki'

Jessica Simpson is the cover model for Elle's April issue.  Yes, she's pregnant... Yes, she's nakes on it! Click the image to catch the whole cover. I think she looks VERY PREGNANT & BEAUTIFUL! What do you think?  BTW.. She's having a girl!




Sidenote this head line on the April issue of Elle did SCARE ME!



I don't think my hair will do this anymore. My hair in my senior picture screams 'OZONE KILLER' w/ all the aqua net that was used to keep it standing 'BIG 'N TALL'!! 

 

Adidas cowboy boot tennis shoe hybrid by American designer Jeremy Scott! Click the sneak peak image to take in the entire look.  Would you spend $300 on these?  I can't decide if I like them or not! They are cool in a bizarre way.

On the Adidas site they're called 'Mega Soft Cell Boots'

Yesterday, Ted got a letter in the mail in an envelope that had his name and our address on it, but no return address.  Of course fishy, but curiosity has you open the letter.  This is what it looked like..





The word is this scam is getting people to call in for the tickets in exchange for their credit card information.  If it seems to good to be true, it probably is! This type of letter has been getting around!!  Click Here!

 

Hunger Games  in theaters. Here's a scene that was just released.  Just like the book by Suzanne Collins.. :)

Recently I became a member of United Heritage Credit Union.  I ran across a story how many people are turning away from banks to be part of credit unions.  Well, I realized I drive past one everyday going and coming home from work...United Heritage Credit Union. So I checked them out to see what the were about online at www.uhcu.org. I was impressed how easy it was to navigate around their site. After I checked out the accounts UHCU have available, I made the decision to open a savings account that I would  have for a 'rainy day/vacation' depending on what happens in life. Never can tell these days. 

    I went to the area online to sign up to be a member of United Heritage Credit Union, to see how easy it was. I'm not the best when it comes to filling out forms. For some reason my brain goes ??? when it's presented a form. Especially if the forms are written more in law type language. I found the UHCU online form straight to the point, easy to understand and fill out. Within 5 minutes, I had the form down and put in to hear back from a UHCU representative.  I figured, okay, I probably won't hear from them in a bit, but in less than 20 minutes I got a call from Kassi saying welcome and she would be guiding me through the rest of the membership process.  This could also be done online (which is extremely secure). I decided I wanted to go in and say hey to her and check out the place.  
    
     The next day after work, I went to the United Heritage Credit Union along 360 in Westlake.  I met Kassi and was so impressed how she had all my paperwork ready to go.  Less than 30 minutes, and only that long because I kept asking question and chatting with her. She was patient, answered all my questions and guided Ted and myself through the process to becoming a member of United Heritage Credit Union.  Ted and I were set up with membership cards. Our ATM cards will be in the mail soon. We have the online banking hookup.  It's so easy!  You can do your business online, by phone, or go in. Whatever you prefer. UHCU is federally insured by the NCUA.




    The big question I asked Kassi... What separates United Heritage Credit Union from a bank?  She said besides getting more personal attention than a bank can give you. UHCU is non-profit.  Being non-profit, makes United Heritage Credit Union there for their members, not shareholders.  So any profits UHCU makes goes right back in for it's members, rather than putting money into shareholders pockets.  

     I feel good being a member of United Heritage Credit Union. I don't have to worry about fees, or hidden fees.   Besides the United Heritage Credit Union locations, I can do UHCU ATM banking at most  other credit union ATMS without a fee, this also means nationwide too. So I don't have to worry about not being able to have cash when I need it out of town.  United Heritage Credit Union has it covered.

I totally understand about being guarded when it comes to where you put your money. It's not a decision to take lightly, but it is definitely worth checking into United Heritage Credit Union. See what they can do for you and your family!   Kassi and the rest of the UHCU crew can help you get piece of mind and you will feel like you matter rather than just an account number.


 


If you are looking into buying a home, maybe a car, business loan, check out UHCU's Smart Loans. They Rock! 

 

Artist Jason Mercier is getting ALOT of heat for his newest portrait of Whitney Houston. ... "PILL PORTRAIT".  Her image made completely out of various pills.  Check out the story here!  What do you think?  It is amazing how much it looks like her, don't you think?

The movie Hunger Games from the same titled book by Suzanne Collins!   Stephanie Meyers/ Twilight series gave Hunger Games a Big Thumbs up!  I have read the 1st book, and have to agree it really is a good.  Of course, it may seem more on the morbid side, since children are playing games of survival of the fittest, but in the book, these children are playing a smaller version of that game every day where they live.  You would have to read it to understand.  The movie comes out March 23rd w/ Jennifer Lawrence playing the main female character Katniss.   Check out a seen from the movie!  I think the iMax or the Alamo Drafthouse would be a great place to check out the movie. I hope Jennifer can pull off a Great Katniss, because that will make all the difference how the movie pans out!