About Me

XP is a self-proclaimed Squid Princess and an official Giant Squid. She digs the outdoors, her amazing family, and making insane money. Argumentative, sure, but fairly open-minded and easy-going. She's a geek, stubborn, mental, random and fabulous. She loves her career in graphic design and enjoys creating lenses too.

HUNDREDS of digital photo prints FREE - just upload and order!

SQUIDOO is now home to one of the hottest FREE PRINTS listings on the Web! We have the newest coupon codes, the best FREE offers, the deepest discounts and the most working links out there. Save and share this page, and come back for recently updat...

"Tweet? Follow?" What can I do with Twitter, and why should I?

Twitter is the Cliff Notes version of Myspace. Twitter is what Reply to All used to be, but cooler. Twitter is the best chat room there is! I love Twitter, and you will too.

XP's fight to fund a cancer cure!

I became involved in cancer fundraising in 2002 when my sister invited me to Relay For Life in our hometown. Since that day, I have been a team member, a team captain, a committee member, and a sponsor. My whole family raises money year-round for Re...

HEY, MONKEYBRAIN! Why don't abused women just LEAVE?!

It is a common question, and a good one to consider: If a woman (or a man) is being abused by a loved one, why do they not just head for the door? Take a look at the cycle of abuse to understand why many women become entwined in the cycle and often...

4 ways to be a BAD design client :}

Does your graphic artist shudder to see you coming? See if you fit the bill of a designer's nightmare client. (Sometimes I come off stronger than I intend to. Please understand this is meant in a humorous and helpful way!)

Scatterbrained Marketer's Guide to Organization

Disorganized? Lose your to-do lists? Try as you might, still can't get your act together? Hey, that's me, too. I'm going to try and help us both here. I know I could be a millionaire already if I had remembered 10% of the great ideas I've come up...

XP's wicked cool Lensography

XP is short for xpButtercup which in turn is short for ex-Princess Buttercup, derived from The Princess Bride movie. (For this reason, I'll often refer to my husband as the Dread Pirate Westley.) More people call out "XP!" when they see me, than my...

XP's mixed fresh chicken berries

Chicken berries? I'm afraid I can't take credit for that one. My former boss called the colorful eggs that one day, and it stuck. Another co-worker nurtured the idea that "squeezing" the chickens might help us produce more berries. That's not exac...

Pain at the Pump: Gas Prices and what you CAN do

Everyone's talking about it. Who is to blame? What can we do? Okay, what can we do that WILL WORK!? Take a look at the history of the price of a gallon of gas, some pain at the pump related humor, and share your tips for coping in a world where g...

Quit abusing GRAMMER! ;)

I'm a proofreader. I didn't get any special training ... I just did well in Language Arts throughout elementary and high school, and seem to have an eye for finding mistakes. I honestly don't go looking for other people's flaws ... they just jump o...

The Cycle of Abuse ~ what it is, how to break it

Although professionals may disagree on the titles and exactly what each phase looks like, the Cycle of Abuse remains largely the same ... the main components being calm, tension, explosion and reconciliation ... with a pattern that often starts ou...

Trying the Mona Vie acai berry blend supplement: our first week!

Yes, we do live under a rock, and had never heard of the acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry before yesterday. (Yesterday being May 14, 2008.) Now, you can Google all sorts of info on it, but this lens will be a first person account of two people trying the Mon...

Children, grief and suicide loss

While the loss of a spouse, friend or child to suicide is devastating, the loss of a parent when a child is not yet grown has its own added difficulties. This lens was published to help surviving family members help children cope with and heal from th...

What is a Conduct Disorder? [help for parents]

ConductDisorders.com describes itself as a "soft place to land for the battle-weary parent." Does that sound like you? Generally, people do not find it because they want to -- they find it because they are out of ideas, losing hope, feeling defeated,...

Sick of PayPal fees? Get ready for a Revolution in online payments!

Get $25 just to try it! Invite your friends, family, colleagues or customers to open a Revolution Money Exchange account, and you'll get a $10 referral bonus (up to $500) for each person that registers from your referral and is approved. Sound lik...

The Micro Bar: Less IS more!

They invade your space. They pop over. They pop under. They blink and flash and some even TALK. Web advertising is everywhere, and it's not going to disappear any time soon. But it CAN be less invasive. What can you do to make sure your Web page...

OOPTEE designs | for kids | by kids

Welcome to OOPTEE on CafePress! These designs were developed by kids aged 9 to 15, and they (with proper guidance) run the show.

XP's guide to FREE MONEY. Really!

We've all seen the offers. Get paid to do nothing! Free phones, free video game consoles, free computers too. Are there any that deliver?

XP's Hawaii on $5K a week

We're HOME! Welcome to Michigan, snow and slippery roads, and highs near 20. Loverly. Here's the trip play-by-play ...

How-To: Using the Office Bathroom

There are some uneducated souls in the world who do not understand proper public restroom etiquette. This is especially bothersome in the office atmosphere, where you will be dealing with these people outside of the bathroom on a regular basis. Her...

Beautiful swallowtail butterflies!

I love all butterflies ... but the swallowtails are my favorite type, by far.

SquidTunes: The Story Behind the Song

SquidTunes is a concept I've been knocking about for several months. In a nutshell: the original concept that predates SquidTunes had a working title of Story Behind the Song and was envisioned to be a combination of Urban Dictionary (where a user c...

HMB: Best Metallica Bassist, Burton or Newsted?

Cliff Burton vs. Jason Newsted Metallica is the epitome of heavy metal. But for two decades, their fan base has been decisively split ... who was the better bassist, the late Cliff Burton (who died in a tragic tour bus accident) or his replacement, J...

Rockstar Digital Makeover!

Do you LOVE playing around in Photoshop? Yeah, me too! But, I understand that I am going to see myself differently than others see me. So, I'm going to give my AWESOME fan club a chance to MAKE ME OVER ... digitally, of course! Snag the original...

HMB: Princess Bride is the best movie EVER!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Pure genious. Drama. Suspense. True love. Pirates. Revenge. Death. Miracles. Shrieking eels.

Marriage Builders? Sounds like work. Shouldn't love be enough?

If it is true love, everything just falls into place, right? One of the biggest misconceptions young people have about marriage is that it isn't work. MarriageBuilders.com is a site that gives you the "building blocks" to make your special relationship...

Bike Across America [ July-Aug ]

When we left off, the cyclists and the support team had nearly reached the halfway point of their trip. Did they finish their 3,600 mile route?

Bike Across America [ May-June ]

This is the Squidoo version of a friend's blog from the summer of 2006, when three cyclists attempt to travel across the country in two months on their bikes, with the support team following, making meals and setting up camp each night. The ride is ma...

Elizabeth Rose

This page has been set up to attempt to find a long lost family member. Her first name is Elizabeth and her middle name is Rose. She has family that has not seen her since she was about 4 years old. We love her and miss her still. (The girl in the...

ISIS: Live-action TV Superhero

If you remember the Isis TV show, it's a fair gamble that you loved it.

XP's perfect pirate wedding bash!

* a great sense of humor * an amazing partner * supportive family * wonderful friends * copious amounts of Captain Morgan

HMB: Do you have tattoo regret?

How many out there have experienced tattoo regret? Would you remove one if you could? Or do you consider them art, and would get more ink in a heartbeat?

Raising Beautiful Children

We all know there is no such thing as an ugly baby, but what makes a child truly beautiful? This lens will explore that subject from a different point of view than what one might find at a modeling agency, beauty pageant or Hollywood audition.

What is OOPTEE?

OOPTEE is the name I came up with for my kids' own CafePress shop, with designs that they create or inspire. This lens will feature some of the items that they have sold!

Suicide Loss: Surviving the death of a loved one

WHY? We will never; can never know. Sometimes there are warning signs ... other times, none. There may have been a note, or words exchanged, but these "reasons" are never the complete answer for what was done. You are not alone in your struggle t...

Movies We Hate: Star Wars, Episode 1

Don't get us wrong. We don't hate everything Star Wars. We're white and we're nerdy. But this ...

HMB: Snapfish vs. other online digital photo prints

I just got 73 FREE PRINTS at Snapfish!! For years, I've been comparing online digital photo printing sites, looking for the best quality at the best price. Time and time again, I bring my important photos back to Snapfish. They have great quality, g...

What can I get FREE at VistaPrint?

What would YOU do with 250 FREE business cards? Personally, I find lots of great uses beyond the traditional purpose -- * custom holiday gift tags * promotional Web site URL handouts * mini ads to post on bulletin boards * and a ton of other uses!

HMB: Ban Comic Sans!

Comic Sans should never, ever, EVER be used in the corporate world. Ev. Er. No, not even for that. Just STOP.

FRAT PACK 101: Who are they, and why?

The Frat Pack is a group of male actors who have appeared together in several comedy movies in the past 10 years. This group is generally considered to include: Ben Stiller • Will Ferrell • Owen Wilson • Vince Vaughn • Jack Bla...

If you are anti-hunting, I want to know why.

The most recent studies I am aware of showed that among Americans: * approximately 10% are pro-hunting * slightly less than 10% are anti-hunting That leaves 80% of Americans without a strong opinion on the matter, but that demographic is not very...

What happened to this cow? A true unsolved mystery.

Pennsylvania, June 2007 -- Dairy cow found with large patches of hide missing, and deep gashes in her flesh. Help solve the mystery of what happened to this poor creature.

DesignWrite.biz

DesignWrite.biz is Nicole Roberts' blog about using Squidoo, Cafepress and other online sources of potential income, along with performance marketing and social networking. She explains how to make a nice side income in your spare time by writing ab...

XP ... 1971-present

Chronology of me. Woo-hoo. It's going to take me a while, but I'll be adding music and movies, and lots more life events. This will be MUCH more interesting when I'm a millionare. But for now, it is what it is. (My reminder to me: add kids' sport...

Lens typography: Text treatment beyond bold and italic

We all know bold. We all know italic. Most of us can probably even use both at once. But how can we use other font effects within the body of our favorite modules (Text/Write and others) to emphasize and enhance our message? Read on to discover t...

Great photos for print and Web use ~ FREE!

At www.morguefile.com you can find photos that are free to use for non-commercial or commercial purposes ... check the license for details!

Apiphobic? Are you afraid of BEES?

Fear of bees is called apiphobia. I suffered from an extreme bee and wasp phobia for most of my life. I am now what I would consider CURED! To find out how, read on.

Movies We Hate: Titanic

Spoiler alert not necessary: we all know how this one ends.

HMB: Abortion is NOT Birth Control!

Abortion is not Birth Control Abortion can have several legitimate arguments in its favor. But after-the-fact birth control should not be one of them.

XP wants to be disgustingly wealthy!

Disgustingly wealthy is a phrase that turns some people off, but I think of it this way ... I want to be so stinking filthy rich, that I COULD roll up 'hunnerts' to start the bonfire with, although I'd never do that. (Gasoline works SO much better.)...

"Animal Rights" is simply anti-human thinking

Animals do not have the same rights as humans. With rights come responsibilities. A creature cannot be responsible without the higher thinking required for ethics and empathy. Disney is not reality. A mother deer will fight her own fawn over a scrap o...

HMB: Decriminalize marijuana possession

There are far more dangerous, lethal and addictive drugs that pose a much greater risk to our lives and safety -- and those of our loved ones -- that should be focused on and eliminated from the community. (image from burningbus.com)

Movies We Hate: Dukes of Hazzard

Not including KISS putting out disco music, some things were better in the 70's.

HMB: Is ADHD real? Or a made-up disorder?

Many critics of the overmedication of our children contend that there is no such thing as ADHD. Doctors claim that schools convince parents of a need to drug their active child when none really exists. Weigh in on this controversial topic.

HMB: A LIFE FOR A LIFE

In certain circumstances, I believe capital punishment should be an option. Specifically, crimes that were witnessed and confessed to, if the person is found guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt, and the crime is violent and fatal, such as rape and mur...

Inkjet printers and cartridges

Which printers are the best deals? There are often great "sale" prices on certain brands of inkjet printers, but you have to factor in the cost of replacement ink - and how often it is needed - to know the true "value" of the deal you're getting.

Starting Over at 30 ... Making a Million by 40

I am going to share my story with you, and the secrets behind reaching my goal ... I plan to be a millionaire by the time I'm 40. Follow me for three years. If you don't make money using the tips and programs I'm going to share with you, check yours...

Why HSUS is more dangerous than PETA

Hiring a die-hard PeTA supporter to walk your dog would be like asking Michael Jackson to babysit your kid. Read on to find out why supporting the HSUS is more like hiring the pretty young mother of two to watch your kids. You know, Britney Spears?

HMB: Did Steve Irwin deserve to die?

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, risked his life many times in close contact with dangerous animals. Many feel he was a gift to wildlife, an entertainer, an inspiring risk-taker and funny to watch. There are others who contend that the freak attack...

XP will give you $10.00 ... FIRST FIVE PEOPLE TO QUALIFY!

I stumbled upon a web site where you can register free, reply to other users, and arrange trades. Trade WHAT, you may ask? Well, they gladly trade $10, $20 or more in cash (sent to your PayPal account) if you click on a coded referral link and comp...

PETA

PETA is against the ownership of animals as pets. I refuse to support this philosophy. The lives of humans and animals have been intertwined from the beginning of civilization.

XP's Ancestors: the FamilyTwigs story

Are you thinking by now that just maybe my family tree doesn't branch? I have proof. My genealogy hobbyist mom has found my line all the way back to 1785, in fact. This is my great-grandma Dora. Doesn't she look happy?

HMB: Isis vs. Wonder Woman

Isis > Wonder Woman Men of a certain age, don't try to tell me you haven't imagined it -- super-heroine mud wrestling. Oh, yeah.

Your profile image: Is it really you?

How important is your profile image?

How I became a Squid Princess

I'm the Squid Princess, because I say so. That's pretty much just how it happened.

I OPPOSE mandatory spay and/or neuter LAWS.

Chances are I won't be in favor of very many laws that strip rights from private citizens, require more government funding and intrusion into our lives and homes, and are backed by fanatical terrorist organizations. You can do your best to change my m...

HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is nothing more than an animal rights group -- as radical as PETA -- but with a name that animal lovers trust. Don't be fooled any longer. If you love your pets, and the freedom to choose what's for din...

HMB: Mounds or Almond Joy?

MOUNDS is for people with no INSANITY in their lives. And really, what kind of life is that?

The Bionicle Series by LEGO

The Bionicle Series is an evolution of LEGO that goes far beyond your basic brick. Check out our favorites, see other amazing things you can build YOUR way, and learn a little of the history behind the Bionicle story. (Yes, there are books and movi...

Movies We Hate: Jurassic Park III

Like most sequels, the best scenes and lines are pretty much covered in the theatrical trailer.

XP? [TMI alert]

XP the Squid Princess has an awesome stylist! Check out these wicked cool highlights in Red Delicious and Golden Delicious for fall last year. Need to get some pics up of my new spring rockstar hair! Easter grass pink and green peeking out of a natu...

HMB: LOST's Sawyer > Jack

Okay, we know from the flash forward season 3 finale of LOST that Kate made a decision ... and it wasn't Jack. We still do not know if Sawyer is one of the "Oceanic 6" -- or if he is the "he" that Kate needs to get back to when she meets Jack at the...

LadyBrinx

LadyBrinx and I go way back ... we remember the 80's. (The hottie wearing cowboy boots with shorts; that would be me.)

Frish

This is mine friend Frish. This is a lens dedicated to mine friend Frish.

Save a bundle! Chicago CityPass

The Chicago CityPass includes admission to five great attractions for less than they would normally cost. In fact, you may still be saving money if you only end up using three of the five vouchers!

How can you tell if your child is an Animorph?

My son is going to help me build this lens. Please be patient while it is under construction. :)

Fingerspelling for fun and entertainment

As a family, we have learned the ASL fingerspelling alphabet and a few basic hand signs as a way to communicate quietly and send each other nonverbal cues or jokes. As far as learning a second language goes as a hobby or personal enrichment, ASL is...

Ghost and Darkness: Maneless Man-Eaters of Tsavo

You too will be amazed by the story of two lions that terrorized the railroad workers in Tsavo at the Voi River. VISIT Ghost and Darkness at Chicago's Field Museum, READ Lt. Patterson's account of their exploits and dramatic end, and WATCH the movie...

Rackhead

deer hunting addict crackhead = rackhead (bucks' antlers are called racks) Rackhead is my husband whom I torment and love very much.

XP's Prayer Chain for All

It's simple. If you would like to be added to our all-inclusive prayer chain, simply leave a comment. Men and women of any faith are invited to visit daily and offer prayers for those in need.

100 Books that Teachers LOVE! [ kids too! ]

Click on the number next to each title to review details or buy it from Amazon. Teachers' Favorite 100 Books used with permission from the National Education Association.

Movies We Hate: Clash of the Titans

You haven't seen animation this dated since the return of Land of the Lost ... and the Sleestaks are still way scarier than the Kraken.

Ice Fishing 101

If you have never been ice fishing, but would like to try it, read on. (This lens is a work in progress. Please don't consider it the best I am capable of ... it was created to transfer to someone else who would take better care of it!)

SNOW DAY! Here's 25 fun things to do with kids!

The weather outside is frightful, and you're stuck indoors with kids. Here are some ideas to pass the day with family fun!

Health: 16 Tips for a Healthy New You!

We're two months into the new year! How have you been doing on those resolutions? Oh, that bad huh? Well, don't worry, you can still start any of these tips for a healthier, happier 2008.