Baby Got Book

Has anyone seen this video? It's really funny. My daughter has watched it several times and sings right along to it.

Principal Worth Knowing

When I was in elementary school I had a couple of people that really effected me in a positive way. One of those people was my first grade teacher whom I adored and kept in contact with even after I graduated from high school. The other person believe it or not was my school principal. I remember on one occasion he took the time to take me home in his car after my bus driver decided she wouldn’t let me back on with my hamster I had brought earlier that day for show and tell. I must have only been in first or second grade. He made me feel important enough for him to stop what he was doing to help me. This same principal just happened to follow me through my high school years. He was very patient with me as the school newspaper editor who wrote a not so nice piece regarding the schools tolerance for smoking, even though I made it quite clear they were allowing students to break the law. He showed me from a very young age to the time I graduated from high school that I mattered as a person and that my opinions were heard and not dismissed because of my age.

Norberto Diaz is another such principal that puts his students first. He has worked in the New Jersey public school system for over two decades as both a music teacher and principal. He will be remember by his previous students as a talented musician and principal who could motivated them to love learning. Have you ever had a principal in your life that was worth knowing and better yet...remembering?

Don't Chuck It, Just Adjust It

Has anyone heard about the guy in Australia who put his life up for sale on ebay...no I'm not kidding and neither is he. Go to alife4sale.com if you don't believe me. Hurry though 'cause the auction will be over June 29. Yes there are days when I think we all would like to just chuck it all and start over. Change is very refreshing and can bring about a renewed energy to our lives. But you really don't have to go to such extremes. I think someone needs to tell that poor guy that he could have brought about the change he desires for his life by making some adjustments to the life he already has. Oh well to each his own. I wish him well.

A Dream Come True

A very, very long time ago when I was a little girl I dreamed of getting married and traveling the country in an RV. I grew up pretty poor and hadn't ever even known anyone who owned one or had ever even been in one for that matter. I just liked the idea of it, going where you want and when you want to. Now that would be a dream come true to go where you want, whenever you want.

In actuality I am quite the home body now that I'm grown and don't think I would like to travel in an RV all the time like I thought I would as a child. But if I could I would love to have one sitting in the driveway ready to go when I decide I want to chuck it all for a few days or more and have some fun. Maybe when my DH retires we can check into RVs For Sale and you know that I would be doing some major price checking first like at RVs.com. While I'm still working on the road we could see this beautiful country of ours. I guess I'm not completely ready to let that childhood dream die.

Summertime Fun

It's that time of year again. I just love summertime. Although I have never been to see the ocean I love to go to nice beaches and discover the small towns that surround them. For anyone who knows me this seems a little strange since I don't know how to swim and haven't owned a swim suit since I was nine. When we used to live in Michigan my husband and I would go to Grand Haven to visit. It is just a beautiful place to visit with a clean sandy beach. That was the first lake we ever took our kids to. They really enjoyed it. For my hubby's birthday one year I surprised him with a trip to Saugatuck Michigan, which isn't too far from Grand Haven. Saugatuck doesn't have as nice a beach, but they have the cutest town with very unique shops. I think I'll miss being able to go to those spots the most now that we no longer live in Michigan. I'll just have to find me a new beach to visit.

There When You Need It

I was in girl scouts when I was younger and if nothing else besides sleepless dorito filled nights that I remember from that time in my life, it's to be prepared. I think we spent more time preparing for cookie sales and camping trips than we did actually participating in them. I have carried that learning experience over to my adult life as well. Who new girl scouts would be so important to me as an adult. If someone back then would have told me that I would have taken an important life long lesson away from being in girl scouts I'm sure I would have laughed at that idea.

As an adult I try to always prepare for those unexpected things that might pop up. I know I can't control everything, but I try to be prepared the best I can for emergencies. Just the other day my families only car broke down. Had I needed to I could have gotten a car rental because I have a little left in savings for emergencies such as this. Thankfully I didn't have to this time though since it was covered under our warranty. Since our warranty has now ran out though I know if something like that happens again and my hubby needs to get to work I can always check on a car rental from Advantage. They have cars starting at $19.99 a day. In my opinion it's better to rent one than having two cars and two car payments every month just to have the security of knowing that if one breaks down there is always one in reserve. Of course this situation works for my family because I work from home and there really is no need for a second car on a regular basis. Hey if you are independently wealthy (I know I'm not) you can always check out Advantage's offer for luxury cars and convertibles at up to 50% off. You could always use that and prepare for an it's all about me special occasion;-)

Healthy And Cheap Household Cleaners

I can think of a dozen or so things I would rather be doing, but I have decided it's time. I have to stop putting it off and just do it....gulp! Today is the day to attempt to clean my house. I hate cleaning, mainly because I have bad allergies and throwing all that dust around and smelling all those chemicals aggravates my sinuses something terrible. I was watching some show I got at the library about environmental cleaning where they listed off some homemade recipes for cleaners. They will not only save the environment, but save you money and even help your health by not putting all those smelly chemicals into the air in your home.

Just think maybe your grandma or even your great grandma knew what they were doing more than we thought. We must really have some hard heads. It has taken a lot of people in our world a long time to figure out that the old ways of doing things just may be the better way. I know when my Granny was alive I would have told her no way, your stuff won't work as good as this new and improved one from the store. What can I say I was (um, still am) one of those hard heads. Anyway here are the recipes(***spot test 1st***):

All Purpose Cleaner:
in your own clean spray bottle add
3/4 Water
1/4 Vinegar
a drop or 2 eco friendly dish soap

Toilet Cleaner:
1/4 Concentrated Vinegar(put in toilet)
baking soda(sprinkle in toilet also)-then scrub away

Furniture Cleaner:
1/2 olive Oil and 1/2 vinegar into bowl dip rag in & use on furniture

Window Cleaner:
white vinegar mixed with water(sorry don’t know amounts)

Disinfectant:
lemon juice(real stuff)

Scoring Agent:
Baking Soda

De-clogger:
Vinegar, lemon juice and water(sorry again-not sure of amounts)

Do spot checks as always to be sure this will work on your stuff. I’m definitely gonna give these a try never know they may work just as good and save me money too, now that I like.

A Watch To Watch

When I was a teenager and had a job of my own I used to collect watches. I didn't buy the cheap ones either. At that time there was certain brands that kids my age wore and I wouldn't take anything less than the best. I did say I had a job, right? Of course this was at a time when that was your only option for keeping yourself on time. Even as a teenager a big pet peeve of my was being late. So I always wore a watch. I can't remember for sure, but I think at one point it was even popular to wear more than one at a time. Does that ring any bells with any of you? Any way when the battery would run out is when I would buy a new one and stick the other one in the drawer. This was not a cheap collection since each one cost between sixty and one hundred twenty dollars. Yikes, I wish I had some of that money now.

I just discovered the watchery.com, click Concord watches to see all the beauties for yourself. They are a discounted luxury watch site online offering free watches with almost all purchases! If you do not want a free watch with your purchase you can pick one from a large selection at 80% off. If you are into gold they have a lot of gold watches also.

Oh and by the way my birthday is coming up in August. Here is the one I like;-) I thought I would give you enough time to save(he, he). No really though this is my favorite color and I'm surrounded by it daily since it's my office color.

My New Best Friend

I just received an email from Apple stating that my new best friend is running out of time. My new iMac complimentary 90-day telephone technical support ends soon. For $169.00 I can protect my best friend. The question is...is my new best friend worth it??? It is sad, but true it is my best friend, besides my hubby of course;-)

Calm Would Be Nice

I am a nervous person by nature. My mother and her mother(my grandmother) was also very nervous people, which explains where I got it from. When I was in junior high and high school I would get so worked up over my school work or a speech that I would have to give that I physically made myself sick. I went to the doctor around this time period in my life and he gave me some medication that helped keep me from getting an ulcer. As I have gotten older I have learned to not get quite so worked up about things. It has taken many trials in my life for me to learn this hard lesson though. It truly is easier said than done, especially for me to stay calm during difficult situations. Believing that God will bring me through it, taking one day at a time and keeping my mind off whatever it is has helped quite a bit over the years. I do realize that just as I have found how to get through stuff that happens in my life others, such as yourself will have to find the best way that works for you.

There is a product called AbsoluteCalm that might be worth checking into. They state that it is Magnolia Extract and helps you relax in as little as fifteen minutes and continues working for up to eight hours. I myself take some nutritional products, but this is not one that I have heard of before so please do your research and check with your doctor before taking this or any other supplement.

One Of Those Days

I am just having one of those days. I had a migraine that kept me up 'till 2am and when I woke up today I'm still not back to my productive self. I'm trying to trudge along though. I'm just not sure if working at home is good for me, at least on days like this anyway. I still feel I should be at the computer. What about you, is this a been there done that kinda moment for you??

Vacations-Memories Waiting To Happen

How bout it? Does anyone have any money for a vacation this summer? Even if you don't I hope you can get away to a local beach or park or something for a little fun and relaxation. We do need to wind down a little every now and again. I remember when my husband and I were younger and only had been married for a couple of years we got to go to Chicago. I had never been to Chicago before and DH had a seminar for the job he had back then. The company he was working said it was ok if I tagged along. The company paid for a very nice hotel downtown Chicago, the nicest we had ever stayed at. DH was too busy most of the time to see much so I ventured off by myself. I was pregnant with our first at the time and at first was a little afraid to go it alone. After I got used to the huge amount of traffic I quickly began to be very comfortable since there were police walking all over. I had a rather good time checking out some of the best stores in the world to shop in, even if it was only window shopping. After my husbands seminars were over in the evening we took a double decker bus tour one day and a fairy the next. We went to Navy Pier and then Hard Rock Cafe to eat. Our trip only lasted three days, but it was one of the best times we had before our children were born. You remember those days...before kids??

If you are are planning a trip to any of this countries largest cities, like Chicago please think about using Trusted Tours & Attractions. You can see a list of things to do in Chicago here. Or if you are planning a trip to New York City another big city I would love to visit you'll definitely want to go to the Metropolitan museum of art. You'll really need to plan if going since there is so many things to do in New York. Trusted Tours and Attractions offers discounted tickets to the best sightseeing tours in 23 cities across America. Sign up for eNewsletter and enter to win a handheld GPS Offer ends June 30th, 2008.

Jesus Saves In More Ways Than One

I just thought this was too funny. Very topical too.

Spell Checker Blues

I Stumbled on to this and thought it was cute. It seems to be all over the internet so not sure where it came from originally. This is so true though. I use my spell check all the time. If I miss any it is out of shear exhaustion and I apologize in advance;-)

'Spell Checker Blues'

Eye halve a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rarely ever wrong.

Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect in it's weigh
My chequer tolled me sew.

Anon

Dinner Time Already?

I can't believe it. I started my laundry this morning and I'm still not done. Yes I had a lot to do, but I got side tracked on the computer and forgot....oops! What time is it anyway, OMG it's after five already. I haven't even started dinner yet! Well gotta go for now. I'll see ya when I do my entrecard drops.

Credit Card Info At A Glance

We all have at least one, don't we. My mother has never had one and managed ok. But for this generation especially now, I just don't see how you could get by without one. Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to mention I was talking about credit cards. All this posting has made me a little loopy(he he) Anyway I have just one with a very low interest rate and try very hard to keep the balance down, plus we only use it for emergencies. With the way I spend I wouldn't want two;-)

There is a site that could provide you with the necessary info to help you see if your card has the best rates or for that matter if you are in the market for a card they may have some info that might be helpful in choosing the best one. They also offer balance transfer credit cards, but what ever you decide be cautious and make sure and check all the legal mumbo jumbo.

Garden Fresh

Well it's that time of year again. Fresh fruits and veggies straight from the garden. Well, straight from the local farmers garden anyway. I'm not much for getting my hands dirty;o) My dd and her Nans went to the opening day of our local farmers market downtown and walked all over afterwards. I don't know who is more tired Nans who is in her seventies or my dd who is muuuch younger. By the sound of grumpiness coming from my daughter she wins this one.

What's So Special About Wordpress?

With all the blogging I've been doing lately I'm always running into something about Wordpress. When I first started I just didn't get why so many people were talking about it. Then when I looked more closely at those blogs that were so sleek and just great to look at I discovered that they were using Wordpress. There is a website you can go to with some really nice wordpress templates and did I mention they are FREE. I think I am going to start a blog using wordpress just so I can get me a cool looking theme like the ones at topwpthemes.com.

Blogging For Dummies

I picked up a new book at the library today called Blogging For Dummies. I haven't had much time for reading books lately with all this online stuff I'm reading. If I can stop blogging long enough I will try to learn how to blog ;-) I'm not a dummy, but I'm sure there is plenty in that book I still don't know.

Boots Made For Workin

Does the man in your life, or even you for that matter have the proper work boots? Work Boots USA offers all types of boots as well as shoes for not only males, but females as well. Their products are geared toward the working person that needs proper support. I know that for my DH I have to get him at least two or more pairs of work shoes at any one time. Did someone ask what's that smell?

Car Trouble !!!!

Boy today didn't start off very well. I was on my way to take my son to the doctor and my fairly new car stalled and died right in the middle of our very busy small downtown. Luckily there were several guys that came right to my rescue. I did manage to make it home, but the car would only go 5mph all the way. We live on top of a very steep hill and I just wasn't sure how that would work out, but I made it back ok. We got it towed in, thinking it was possibly some bad gas(does that still happen?). Anyway come to find out it was a computer chip that was messing it up. Thank God(no, really!) our mileage was at 35,907. Whew, we just squeaked by with our 36,000 mile warranty and 93 miles left to go!

Life Saving Coupons from CouponNinja -Promo Codes

If you don't know by now from reading my blog, I am cheap. I feel that is one of my positive attributes, at least that is what my husband would tell you anyway. It is a big pet peeve of mine to buy something and then find it cheaper somewhere else later. Now just cause I say I'm cheap doesn't mean I like stuff that will break on me shortly after I buy it, that is another of my big buying pet peeves. I like to by the best I possible can at the best possible price. Now that isn't so bad it it? When I do need something I search high and low online for the best deal. I have bought many things online and always just whizzed right by where it asks you to put in the Promo Codes not because I didn't want to use them(you know I would), but because I didn't know where to get them. A site called CouponNinja will help you find these codes in the easiest possible way for almost any online company you can think of and maybe even more that you haven't. And in these economically challenging times these coupons are life savers to our finances. Savings can start just in time for... gulp, back to school stuff. I know I'm thinking too far ahead(that doesn't happen too often), but a mom has to prepare.

Addicted and Tired

Ok, I am up really really late and am still posting. Is there such a thing as bloggers anonymous? I need to stop now and get some sleep. I have to get up much earlier than I normally start moving around in the morning to take my son to the doctor. Did I say really early....anyway -nightie night. Hope tomorrow is a glorious day for you.

Have Fun and Meet New People With SocialSpark

Not only am I new to blogging, but I am also new to sponsored posts. I just recently started with payperpost. For a while I didn't seem to qualify for anything with them, but after working on getting this blog viewed by more people than my immediate family I finally am getting some of that payperpost action. Can anyone say cha ching? I enjoyed writing and then blogging even before payperpost, but now that I see the potential to make some money doing what I enjoy, well that is just a big fat bonus.

It wasn't until after I joined payperpost that I discovered SocialSpark. I immediately signed up and impatiently waited for approval of my blog, but I was turned down:-( SocialSpark does have the requirement that your blog be ninety days old with at least twenty posts in those ninety days and unfortunately this blog that I submitted isn't old enough. I can not wait until it is old enough though because they do have some neat looking opportunities. I did get to create a profile though and am beginning to get to know some of the ropes and people that are already using this fun site to their full advantage. You can view my SocialSpark profile by clicking the link. So far I don't see anything that I would change about this new program, except maybe the required age of a blog;-) Since I am waiting to get started making money with this wonderful company you can use my link to see what a profile looks like, stay awhile and check out what is possible for your blog and there are so many possibilities!

-This post is sponsored by payperpost for SocialSpark

Little Blogger In The Making

My daughter is young still, but quite smart when it comes to reading and writing. She has decided she is going to write a book over the summer. Hey, if some of these actors can do it, I know she can. Besides it may just keep her busy for at least two seconds (he he). She sees me doing all this blogging stuff and wants to do it too. She even wrote out two pages explaining why she wants to have a blog and how I could put it under my name and she would only take a 10% cut. I told her that she isn't old enough to do posts for money, but that I would check on working on a blog with my supervision. My son on the other hand started one, but once he found out that he can't make money he's not interested anymore. My little author in the making would be just as happy just to write one. Any thoughts? Are there places for kids to create blogs?

Free and So Much More

Did someone say FREE? I do enjoy free stuff. I think I have stated before that I take all kinds of free stuff and if I don't have a use for it now, well I know I will in the future. Besides, if I don't need it I could always give some of it away. I found a company called VistaPrint that will give you free business cards and you get to choose from various styles. Now that isn't something you would want to give away, now is it? Business cards could really be of use and there is even a place to put a website (don't we all have at least one of those now?). VistaPrint also offers other products such as invitations, announcements, cards, notes and stationery, sticky notes, car magnets (good if selling say AVON, Mary Kay or even your own business), and my personal favorite is rubber stamps and labels. I do most of my bill paying and such online now, but when I have to send something in an envelope and write out my return address over and over again it just is such a time waster. Check out their website for yourself they have some other things you wouldn't normally think a print company might have like window decals and shirts. And their pricing seems right up my alley too...cheap;-)

Check In The Mail

Woo hoo I just got a $5 check in the mail from our car insurance company. Now that just never happens. I was so proactive that I over paid! Sometimes I amaze myself. It doesn't take much to lift my spirits out from the piles of laundry I'm in the middle of tackling. Being proactive pays.



...the insurance company just said that I actually was late paying, and the $5 is 'cause I paid in full so they refunded the late fee.

Promotion Is Key

Even though I am fairly new in the blog world I am realizing the importance of promotion. No matter what business you are in promotion is the key to success. Achieving your goals takes a lot of hard work. Finding companies to help move you toward your goals definitely eases some of the burden. I know I have found a couple of companies that is helping me move closer to my online goals.

Depending on what type of company you have or maybe even a cause or organization you are helping to promote, Label World just might help move you forward. They produce custom labels for various industries such as food and beverage(ex. Wine Bottle Labels), commercial and promotional(think local sports teams or charities) to name a few. The labels they produce are for larger orders so keep that in mind when thinking about using their services. So go ahead and think about the importance of promotion. Even if you don't have a business, if you have a job promotion of you (you are a valuable asset!) is still key to success.

More Free To Low Cost Family Fun

Can you believe it, my daughter is already driving me batty about being bored. If I have to hear "I'mmmm soooo bored" just one more time I think I will scream. If it hasn't happened to you already, just wait you know it is coming. I did a little research(not too much though) and got some free to low cost ideas to keep the kids busy and our sanity intact. So here ya go:

1. Go for a walk/hike/bike ride-I'm not the out doors type, but even I could manage this once or twice.
2. Go to yard sales-you could find stuff to sell on ebay
3. Sidewalk chalk-be prepared for baths afterwards(if your kids are as messy as mine)
4. Picnic at a park/backyard-ya have to eat any way
5. Go To Library- our family favorite
6. Movie Night-get family friendly movie at library make popcorn and enjoy
7. Cook-have kids help with dinner, maybe make one night a week food from different country
8. Festivals-sometimes there are local ones that are low to no cost
9. Christmas in July-have them make Christmas presents for relatives
10. Sprinkler-What kid doesn't love this? older kids could use those big squirt guns

Well that's all I can think of for now. When I think of more out of pure desperation to save my sanity I will let you know;-)

Free Radio Disney Concert Series

It's not everyday that you can take advantage of something free to do with your family. I remember when my son was younger we would go to see movies at the local theater every Saturday morning that were free through the summer. We have since moved and now that my daughter is at the age where she would enjoy this free family event it is not available where we live. As a family we do try to take advantage of any family friendly events that are offered in our area though and especially those that are free. In this economically challenging time it is always refreshing to find a company or organization that is willing to offer families opportunities to create memories on a tight budget.

If you live near Morey's Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey the month of July will hold some family friendly memories for you through their Magic Monday FREE Radio Disney Concert Series. Show times are at 1 pm and 4 pm on the Radio Disney Stage in front of the Big Ferris Wheel. What, a Big Ferris Wheel on a beach front pier, now that sounds like fun and FREE. From what I understand Morey's Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey is the largest amusement piers in the world and not too far from Atlantic City, so if you are planning a vacation there the month of July would be a good time to plan your schedule. The Radio Disney Summer Concert Series Final will be on Saturday July 26 and will feature Raven Symone from "That's So Raven". Now my daughter is jealous, she just loves that show. Check out Things to do in New Jersey for some further fun info or for those that are more familiar with Jersey Wildwood vacations.

Chocolate No Bake Cookies and Lactose Free

If you haven't looked around my blog long you probably won't know that I try to eat Lactose Free if it's possible and when it's not I take the enzymes. I love chocolate, I mean really who doesn't? I came up with a variation of my mothers(and many others) recipe for No Bake Cookies. This helps with those chocolate cravings, ladies you know what I mean. Plus these addictive cookies give me a little extra fiber to boot. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Be sure to check your products to make sure there isn't any hidden milk ingredients listed.

2 1/2 Cups Quick Oats
1/2 Cup Rice Milk
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup LouAna Coconut Oil (consistency of Crisco, but better- can find in oil aisle of Walmart-Grocery Dept of course)
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Cocoa

1.Heat on top of stove: Cocoa, Sugar, Coconut Oil and Rice Milk in large pot stirring constantly.
2.Once mixture comes to boil(be careful not to scorch) take off heat and mix in peanut butter and Vanilla Extract
3.Then directly add oats and mix thoroughly.
4. Drop by spoonfuls on aluminum foil or wax paper and let cool for a while.

Enjoy :o)

Life Is.....

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it." -Mother Teresa

The Invisible Woman

I saw this YouTube video and it just spoke to me. The author and speaker is Nicole Johnson. To be honest I have never heard of her before, but she sure does have a way of reminding us of what our purpose as mothers really is all about and inspires us to press on. Being a mother really is a thankless job, but boy would everything fall apart without all the zillions of things we do everyday.

TGIF

I am sooo glad today is Friday. My husband would argue otherwise since he is nearing the end of his time off work for a procedure he had to have earlier this week. I long for the days of kids out of school so that I can sleep in. I will still be doing some homeschooling over the summer on a few subjects my son is behind in, but it definitely will not be early in the morning. I know I shouldn't say that too quick 'cause it won't be long before they will be saying they are bored and driving me crazy. You know how that goes. We will get some videos and sign up for the summer reading program at the library, but that only goes so far. I think I will check out some other blogs, possibly even yours to get some ideas for free stuff to do with kids over the summer. Until next time and not before noon.