I recently read that condom sales were up 6.4% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same time last year – all thanks to the recession. Either people are scared that one is going to get past the goalie and are using extra protection or they are staying in and getting comfortable on date night because it’s cheaper than dinner and a movie. Either way – people are finding the money to buy condoms when times are tough because it’s cheaper than the alternative!

Remember, the right selection will protect your erection, and when you buy condoms online from Condoms Direct you’ll have a bigger selection sizes, styles, colors, and even flavors than you ever knew existed!

I can’t seem to concentrate on anything today, so lets talk makeup! Katja of Skimbaco Lifestyle will be hosting a live interactive show TODAY at 2PM EST. The show is part of e.l.f. Cosmetics BlogHer stories series, done by Snazl.com. If you’re not familiar with e.l.f. Cosmetics – they make fabulous makeup for eyes, lips, and face for $1!

Katja is also raffling $25 e.l.f. Cosmetics gift cards during the show so be here at 2PM TODAY to watch!

I didn’t mind living in an apartment when I lived in Indianapolis. I was right downtown, I walked to work, dining and shopping were right outside my front door, parades went past, and I listened to concerts just by opening the windows. Living in an apartment in the city was a choice – a way of life.

Now that we live in a small town, being an apartment dweller is just an every day reminder that we don’t own a home. There’s no advantage to living in an apartment – there are no shops or restaurants within walking distance, there’s no concerts or festivals, and the neighbors…lets just say they aren’t young working professionals.

I can’t wait to move somewhere like here (Some of you know where “here” is. I can’t tell the rest of you just yet. Sorry. Proprietary information.)….

Mike’s been bugging me to watch The Curse of Cheddar Bay for over a week – mainly because my client makes cheddar garlic biscuits that are to die for (droll over my recent batch of cheddar garlic biscuits) and my secret love for the crimson crustacean – and it definitely brings the laughs.

Enjoy! And try not to crave a cheddar garlic biscuit the rest of the day.

I think I’m running out of options. I’ve tried Lexapro (didn’t notice much of a change in my mood), Effexor (made me clench my jaw), Cymbalta (headaches that  may have been migraines – but I don’t want to be too dramatic) and now Pristiq (makes me sweat like a whore in church). Xanax has been my only constant – and I take that on an as needed basis (which, surprisingly, isn’t as regularly as you may think). I realize that whatever antidepressant I settle on, I’m probably going to have to deal with some mild side effects, but sweating is not one of the side effects I’m willing to embrace in exchange for being perkier.

I know some of you have your hand in the crazy, just like I do – so, tell me what you’re on. What have you tried? What have you had good luck with? What kind of side effects have you endured to get back to your sunshiny self?

My sister used to work at a medical spa, and I got used to having fabulous facials, massages, and other spa services on a regular basis. I also may have snuck in some Boxtox and had my eyeliner tattooed – which is just divine. Since both my sister and I have moved, I haven’t found a good place to get  Facials in Chicago, but I just heard about the Tiffani Kim Institute downtown and I’m dying to give it a try.

They offer medical and spa treatments from certified practitioners in a relaxing environment. The Tiffani  Kim Institute is located right inside the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue, so it’s a real treat to visit and relax for the day, and you come out looking and feeling refreshed – don’t forget you and can hit the Magnification Mile for some shopping, too.

I say we schedule some facials and massages while we’re all in town for Blogher – what do you say, ladies?

Congratulations to EMMA – she’ll be receiving a fabulous party package from Party Designers!

My mom always says that more than two people is a party, and that’s exactly what we had for Father’s Day dinner – me, Mom, and Dad. My husband was supposed to join us, but he got called into work. Too bad, because he missed a serious spread! Luckily, there are lots of leftovers…

Here’s how to enter:

• Leave a comment and let Andrea know what upcoming event you need help planning.
• Follow @CorrinRenee and @PartyDesigner on Twitter
• Twitter the following:

@CorrinRenee @PartyDesigner please help me plan my next party! http://tinyurl.com/ndvuts

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! And consider subscribing to my feed because I have a few other awesome giveaways up my sleeve this summer!

The fine print…Entries will be accepted until midnight, Friday, June 26th. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, June 27th. Winners will be contacted by email and/or Twitter and will have 48 hours to respond. Please use your real first name and a valid email address when entering. I am not responsible for incorrect contact information. Winner will receive a gift card directly from Party Designers.

The anniversary video that I made for Mike was such a hit that I thought it only appropriate that I make one for my dad for Father’s Day. There’s some pretty funny pictures and I went to great lengths to pick a song that wouldn’t make any one cry, so try not to tear up, okay?

Be warned that my naked two-year-old self makes an appearance. You’ll have officially seen it all once you’ve watched the video.

We’re beverage purists in our home – water, juice, and (occasionally) cola line our refrigerator shelves. To this day, I’ve never had an energy drink (and that includes Mountain Dew – if you can believe that) because I’ve always thought them to be loaded with sugar and empty calories, and they aren’t cheap either! But lately I’ve been hearing Twitter and blog buzz about BluFrog – a healthy energy drink with only 68 calories! It’s full of organic fruits, vitamins, and herbs and comes in a slim 8.3 oz can. I’m looking forward to trying BlueFrog at IZEAfest this October, where they are one of the official sponsors!

Until then, BluFrog is giving away five amazing trips on their blog, http://itsabluworld.com. Whether you’re a gamer, an extreme sports fanatic, a speed demon, have an ear for music, or love the big apple, BluFrog has an adventure for you. There’s three ways to win – comment on their blog, send out a message on Twitter, and blog about the contest. A company after my own heart – that’s for sure!

I’m torn between the trip to see Lollapalooza in my home town and the trip to New York City to ring in the new year in Times Square! Both include airfare, swanky hotels, and lots of entertainment. And I’m sure they’ll be a can of two of BluFrog waiting in your room when you arrive!

Have you tried BluFrog? What do your taste buds think? Which trip would you choose?

I’m a big fan of Nature Valley granola bars. They are high in protein and really fill me up when I’m trying to cut out the junk, so they are always on my grocery list – Honey ‘n Oat and Almond Crunch are my favorites. When MyBlogSpark asked if I wanted to sample all four flavors of Nature Valley’s new Granola Nut Clusters – Honey Roasted Peanut, Roasted Almond, Nut Lovers, and Roasted Cashew – I was quick to jump on the opportunity. Try a new product? From one of my favorite companies? For free? Yes, please!

The samples arrived yesterday and I’m almost embarrassed to admit that all four bags are nearly empty – they are that good. All four flavors are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, and they’d be great for a snack or with a cup of hot coffee for breakfast.

Mike quickly bogarted the bag of Honey Roasted Peanut – and even threw another bag in the cart when we went to the grocery last night! That right there is the biggest endorsement Nature Valley Granola Nut Custer can get because my husband normally doesn’t eat anything found in nature, and these are 100% natural.

Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Nature Valley for the samples – they are delish and are a new favorite in our house!