Friday, May 31, 2013

Help Your Child Make Good Life Choices

Do you have high school-age children young people in your house who are struggling to find a purpose and a path in life?  Who are trying to decide what to study in college - or even to go to college - and what career path they should follow?

It's hard as a parent to watch this without really knowing how to direct these young people.  Sometimes career counseling and guidance at school works, but if your school is anything like the school my kids went to, the guidance they receive leaves a lot to be desired.

There's a new program from www.brilliantu.com called "The Right Me" that promises to help young people find out the answers for themselves.  The program is designed to aid school aged children and young adults (and their parents) in achieving the student's full potential.  The Right Me leads students on a journey to discover their own inner strengths, develop confidence, and attain the self-knowledge that will enable them to make the right choices.  The right choices for them
What’s been missing is a real understanding of who you are. It’s quite possible that nobody has ever helped you understand just who you are and how this affects the decisions you make.
The Right Me is not a computer printout – a piece of paper that tells them who they are, based on a series of multiple choice questions. The Right Me Journey will help young people FIND OUT FOR THEMSELVES, through a series of thoughtful and carefully crafted exercises, what really inspires and motivates them and what choices in life and career are right for them.

Please check it out and give it a try.  They offer a 30-day 100% money back guarantee, so there's really nothing to lose - and a bright future to be gained.

This post sponsored by The Right Me from www.brilliantu.com.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Two FREE Audiobooks Each Week All Summer

Two FREE audiobook downloads each week.

Teens and other readers of Young Adult Literature will again have the opportunity to listen to bestselling titles and required reading classics this summer. Each week from May 30 - August 15, 2013, SYNC will offer two free audiobook downloads. The audiobook pairings will include a popular young adult (YA) title and a classic that connects with the YA title's theme and is likely to show up on a student's summer reading list. 

For example, Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Boys (Scholastic Audiobooks), the first book in a bestselling series about a group of teenagers searching for the supernatural ley lines, will be paired with the Latino classic of magical realism, Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima (Recorded Books).

Here is the complete list of 2013 titles and when they will be available.

The first two books are available NOW.  Just visit Sync to begin the download process.  You will need to enter your name and email address for each book, and you will need the Overdrive Media Console to download them.  Overdrive is free, and should also enable you to download audiobooks and ebooks from your local library.  Unlike those library books, these audiobooks have no expiration date - they are yours to keep and listen to whenever you like!  (which is good because I still haven't listened to all the books from last summer)  They are, however, only available for a limited time.  You will have one week to download each pair. 

TEXT syncya to 25827 for alerts each week when the SYNC titles are released or visit Sync to sign up for email alerts so you won't miss any of these great books.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Space Warriors Giveaway

This coming Friday night (May 31) Hallmark Channel will air the movie Space Warriors.  In this movie, six highly skilled teenagers are handpicked to be part of a summer space camp competition but they don’t realize that they will be forced to solve a life or death crisis aboard the International Space Station as the world anxiously watches. Thomas Horn, Danny Glover, Josh Lucas, Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and Booboo Stewart star.

Space Warriors is the second film in the Walden Family Theater original lineup featuring great family entertainment, airing Friday nights exclusively on Hallmark Channel. Walden Family Theater is creating films for the whole family to enjoy together, so make sure to mark your calendars and gather around the television to watch all the great upcoming films!

Past films include: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, "Holes", "Nim's Island", "Charlotte's Web", and "Return to Nim's Island."

This one makes me think of an old movie I always liked - Space Camp.  Anyone remember that one?  Even if you don't, be sure to watch Space Warriors on Hallmark Channel May 31st at 8/7C for your chance to win a trip for the whole family to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Space Camp! Keep an eye out for the secret keyword and then come back here and enter for a chance to go on location where Space Warriors was filmed and train like a real astronaut!  Doesn't that sound like fun? 

You can also enter right here to receive a Space Warriors Blu-ray Combo Pack(Blu-ray + DVD + VUDU Digital Copy) (Walmart Exclusive) To enter, take the How Spacey Are You? QUIZ and leave a comment with your results.




For an additional entry tweet with a link to this giveaway and the #SpaceWarriors hashtag.

All entries must be received by 11:59 Central on Friday June 7, 2013.  Open to U.S. residents only.  Good Luck!

Choosing a Summer Purse

When it comes to finding the right purse for summer, there are many different things to take into consideration. Size, color and strap length are often the most important aspects of a purse, followed closely by material and price.

Size is truly a matter of preference when it comes to a good summer purse. You should take into account what items you need to carry with you and go from there. If you can't live without your iPad, then you'll want a purse that is big enough to fit it comfortably, as well as your keys and other personal items. If you want to carry as few things as possible, a clutch purse might be a better choice.

Materials are items often fiercely debated in the purse world. Many choose to carry only cloth purses, while others swear by leather. The length of the strap is another preferential item, though some swear by having at least a shoulder length strap, to help you keep hold of your purse in case of an emergency. Many believe that clutches should be reserved for parties and environments that you feel the most comfortable in.

Color is something that will speak to each and every person, but there are a few colors that stand out as summer favorites. Teals, corals and yellows are all popular summer colors, along with minty greens and soft purples. Coral purses for summer at LuxuryLane.com are some of the best around, offered at a great low price for their high quality.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I'm Part of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade!

I'm pretty excited about this.  Last month I was contacted about participating in a new blogger ambassador program for U.S. Cellular.  Being a current and long-time U.S. Cellular customer, I jumped at the chance.  I'll be happy to tell you about my experiences with U.S. Cellular! 

We have, ever since we got cell phones, been U.S. Cellular customers.  We've just never seen a reason to switch to anyone else.  We've always had great coverage everywhere we go - except maybe when we visit my mom & dad - even when people with other providers had little to no signal.  When they say that U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality of any national carrier, I believe it.  They also have a a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices, so when it's time to upgrade phones there's no need to switch providers just to get the latest and greatest phones.

Of course, I just started texting a couple years ago and never understood the importance of having the latest phone.  But now that I've started using a smart phone and realizing all the things I can do with it, I am hooked!  I am in a great position to tell you about the ways my U.S Cellular phone (and service) makes my life easier, because I'm just learning some of the cool things I can do.

Being part of this U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade means that I will be getting a new phone, and it will be one of the latest.  I'm really looking forward to that because my husband took my last upgrade and passed his old phone to me. (HTC Merge, which is a nice phone; it's just old! - It is available for a penny right now if you want a brand new one.)  I'm already realizing that there are things I could do faster and better with a new phone.  Yes, this is going to be fun!

I recently read that U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row, and in 2013 the company also received their 15th consecutive J.D. Power and Associates' award for "Highest Network Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users In The North Central Region."

I've never paid attention to awards and stuff like that, but we' have always been very happy with U.S. Cellular's customer service. We usually go to the same location, and they're always extremely friendly and helpful, whether we're looking at new phones, asking questions about the phones we already have, or looking for accessories like phone cases and chargers.  They really do treat us like neighbors, not numbers.  They take the time to talk to us and answer any questions we have and help us get the phones we want for the best prices.  I remember one time we went in to get the kids new phones because the ones they wanted were on sale.  When we got to the store we found out that because we were existing customers, the phones were even cheaper than advertised.  That was the price new customers had to pay; current customers got a better price.  I like a company that treats their current customers as well as or better than the new customers they are trying to get.

When we do get new phones our friends at U.S. Cellular always make sure the phones are ready to use when we walk out the door.  I didn't realize how special that was until my brother-in-law got a new smart phone recently - from another provider.  Then he started calling Jeffrey asking all kinds of questions.  It wasn't long before we realized that his provider had let him walk out of the store without helping him get the phone set up at all.  He didn't even realize he needed a Google account to use his Android-powered phone.  Seriously, this is his first smart phone.  He could have used a little help!

Anyway, this post is getting a bit long, and I'll have plenty more opportunities through this program to let you know about what I like about U.S. Cellular, how I'm using my new phone (when I get it), etc.  Until then, if you're looking for some more reading, just for fun, check out all my cell phone posts.  It's extremely interesting seeing how my ideas about what I want and need in a phone have changed over the years, at least it is to me.  I can't believe there was a time I didn't see a need for texting.  Or being able to check facebook from my phone...

Disclosure: I will be compensated for my participation in this program as well as receiving a new phone.  My experiences with and opinions of U.S. Cellular are 100% mine.


Friday, May 24, 2013

Watch Finding Kind on IndieFlix through May 31 (Giveaway)

In February 2009, two young women, Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson joined forces.  Having both been affected by female bullying throughout their youth, they decided to create change by giving females a platform to speak out about this universal experience. What began as an idea for a documentary about girl-against-girl bullying, ultimately became Kind Campaign, an internationally recognized movement, documentary, and school assembly program based on the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl “crime.”

photo from findingkind.com
If you've got daughters in middle school or high school, you will want to sit down and watch this with them.  I apologize for the short notice.  I've been procrastinating again.  You, however, will need to get right on this.  You have until May 31st to watch Finding Kind, a peer to peer documentary about girl bullying on Indieflix. 

Don't have a subscription to Indieflix?  That's OK.  They gave me a trial subscription to check it out, and they will give 10 readers a two-month trial subscription too!  (no credit card info required)

About IndieFlix
  • IndieFlix is a community of independent filmmakers and fans. Through its membership-based streaming service, IndieFlix helps filmmakers translate artistic vision into commercial success, and gives film lovers access to high quality independent films not otherwise available. IndieFlix’s mission is to champion filmmakers, rethink traditional approaches to distribution, and celebrate the artistry and impact of independent film.
  • Co-founded by filmmaker Scilla Andreen, CEO of IndieFlix

Entering is easy - tell me why you want to watch this movie and/or visit Indieflix, browse through the movies and let me know which movie you're most interested in watching.  Be sure I have your email so I can send your code.  Giveaway ends May 31, so be sure to enter soon - and that is the last day to watch Finding Kind.  First 10 comments win!

Then, once you've watched the movie, be sure to come back and let me know what you thought of it.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Garden Inspiration brought to you by Miracle-Gro

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's springtime, and I'm starting to think about planting the garden again.  I'm also hoping that we'll get more rain this year so that things will actually grow.  Last year was a bit disappointing, though I did get enough jalapenos to make quite a few amazing Poppers!
 
I tend to plant a very basic vegetable garden - tomatoes, peppers, green beans, zucchini, chard -  good stuff to eat.  Nothing too creative, but it's so much fun to watch how little seeds or little plants grow and become food!  This year I got a little creative and planted some cheery marigolds in a pot out front.  I'm also planning to either plant some more of those or some other flowers, or perhaps a combination, in a couple pots out back on the deck.  It's really easy, and it dresses things up so much having that bit of color.

sunshine in a pot
For this project:
  • You will need - a pot or container with a drain hole, annuals from your garden store, potting mix.
  • Fill pot about 1/2 full with Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
  • Arrange plants in pot.  Add or take away Potting Mix to bring plants up to the level you want them.
  • Once you've got all the plants where you want them, fill in with Potting Mix between and around the plants, covering the roots completely.  Press down lightly.
  • Water thoroughly, and enjoy your new flowers.
flowers and plants out frontSince they're in a container, they will need watered occasionally, but the Potting Mix absorbs 33% more water than ordinary soil, so it won't dry out as fast, and therefore won't need watered as often.  I love that, because I do tend to forget.

If you're interested in some creative and fun gardening projects, please check out The Gro Project from Miracle-Gro.  You will find many more great gardening ideas, all of them a lot more creative than mine, like the Toyarium, Ukulele Garden, Origami Garden, G.Y.O.B. or Thrown Down.  Even the names are creative! The Miracle-Gro website is also a great resource for gardeners and growers.  They have an expansive library of articles and videos full of expert gardening tips for beginners and professionals alike as well as online tools to help growers solve common garden problems.

Since I've branched out a bit from just planting vegetables - which I would highly recommend, by the way - I'm thinking of looking through the Gro Project ideas and seeing what else I can do.  See what happens when you start playing in the dirt?  You want to keep doing it!


Also be sure to share your projects on the Miracle-Gro Facebook page or on your social networks with the hashtag #MiracleGroProject and follow the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page for ideas on all kinds of fun garden projects and to share stories and projects with other gardeners.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

What's Yellow and Green and All Over?

Oh, my husband hates seeing these things in his yard!

I never knew they didn't belong, until he started waging his war on them.  It's a pretty hopeless case.  They're everywhere.

And they are kinda pretty...


Of course, Jeffrey wouldn't agree with me.

Tricolored Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius)Speaking of pretty - have you checked out Flickr recently?  I snipped all these dandelions off my flickr photostream, which now includes every photo I've ever uploaded - and 1 Terabyte of FREE storage!!  AND makes all the pictures look pretty, oh so pretty, and makes it easy to see all the newest photos from my contacts - like this one that just happens to also be of a dandelion.

Yeah, I haven't been using Flickr much for a while, but I am going to have to get back to it.  And start taking more pictures with my camera instead of just my phone.
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Now For Some Cuteness

Jason came over last week, and the weather was so nice we just had to get outside.  We went out into the back yard to run around a bit after dinner.  The neighbors were running a sprinkler where they've planted some new grass, and Jason really wanted to check that out.  It wasn't quite that warm, and he couldn't be running around on their baby grass anyway, so I headed him toward the swingset.  We don't have one in our yard, but both the neighbors have one.

I thought he might like to swing a bit, or go down the slide.  But first he tried climbing up the slide, which didn't work too well, so I showed him the ladder, which he climbed with a bit of help and went down the slide.  Once.  After that he went straight for the sand.  Typical boy, I guess. 




Sand in the hair.  Sand in the sandals.  Sand on the clothes. Once I finally got him out of the sand and into the house, it was definitely bath time. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Dreaming of a New Kitchen

English: Kitchen Interiors from Eddie Rider De...
Kitchen Interiors
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We've been looking at houses again.  If you're confused because you thought we'd sold our house and already bought another one, that's another story.  Which I haven't posted here, but I should.  Soon.

Anyway, we've been looking at houses online, and there are several that could be quite nice for us.  Most of them will need a bit of work - from simple repainting, to completely ripping out the carpeting and installing new flooring.  Quite a few of the bathrooms and kitchens need some updating, too.

We're thinking that if we can get a decent deal on a house, we can afford to get some work done and fix it up the way we want it.  It would be kind of fun to be able to call someone in the area like this kitchen remodeling contractor minneapolis and see what kind of amazing kitchen I could have.

They say that the first step in any kitchen remodel, or any remodel for that matter, is to gather ideas, and I am definitely going to need to do that.  I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so the kitchen is very important to me, but besides wanting plenty of cabinet space and counter space to work on, I have no clear idea about what I want in a kitchen. I'm more about function than about actual design.  I can look at the pictures of the houses and know if I like a kitchen or don't, but I'd have no idea what it would actually take to turn it into my dream kitchen.  I probably should start gathering some ideas on Pinterest.

I also hope there's something in our area like the Inspiration Design Center in Minneapolis.  Everything for the new kitchen is right there, and the showroom is designed to inspire plenty of ideas.  And then - they have 3D design capabilities, which means a new kitchen design isn't just lines on paper.  You get to see what your new kitchen will actually look like.  Jeffrey is always designing houses on paper or on his computer, but I have a hard time envisioning what it's actually going to look like just by looking at the drawings.  This would be much better.
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Dancing with the Stars - and the Winner is...

I'm just now watching the Finale, so I don't know who the winner is - YET.  I just know who I think should win.
Kellie and Derek!
This has been a really good season, and I'm impressed with all four of the finalists, but I really think Kellie is the best.  She has consistently been great throughout the whole competition.  And that freestyle last night - did you see that?  It was so good.  If only the judges could have given higher scores than just 10s...

Zendaya has been great, too - and every single time she performs I am just amazed that she is only 16.  I had a sixteen-year-old daughter once.  I cannot imagine her putting in the work necessary to learn these dances or sticking with it when the going got hard.  Make no mistake about it - being on this show is hard.  If Zendaya wins, I'll be OK with it, because she is good.  Very good.



But I still like Kellie.

If there was a "Most Improved" award on Dancing with the Stars, I'd definitely give that to Aly.  She has come so far and turned into quite a dancer.  I'm glad she made the finals, but I don't think she should come out ahead of Kellie or Zendaya.

And Jacoby?  He's always fun to watch, and he's been better than all the other guys this season, but I really don't see him coming out the winner.  He's just not that good.  He might be.  If the girls weren't so good.

Anyway, I'm going to watch the end, but I'll publish this first so I can wait and see how things actually turn out and how close I was in picking a winner.  I guess I have a 1 in 4 chance of getting it right....

Monday, May 20, 2013

Something for Everyone in Las Vegas

Jeffrey and I went to Las Vegas three years ago.  We were only there for a few days, so we didn't get to see or do everything there is to do, but we certainly tried!  OK, maybe not, but we did do a lot of walking and tried to take in as many sights as we could.  We checked out the casinos, did a little gambling - which means I played the slots with the credit I got for signing up for a casino card until I lost it all, which took about 5 minutes, and Jeffrey played Blackjack a couple times.  We watched people, browsed some shops, saw Cher at the Coliseum, and wasted too much time with a stupid time-share outfit because they promised us Lion King tickets.  In the end we walked away from their stupid tour and purchased our own Lion King tickets - and it was awesome!  We enjoyed the fountains at the Bellagio, the Freemont Street experience, and the view from the Eiffel Tower at night.

There is certainly something for everyone.  Vegas is not just about gambling anymore.  Oh, sure there's plenty of that.  I personally don't see where the fun is in that, but there are lots of people who would disagree with me.  For thrill-seekers there is the roller coaster at New York-New York and the rides at Stratosphere.  Unfortunately we didn't get to those, but I definitely see the fun there!

There are shows of all kinds to see and restaurants, restaurants, restaurants.  For people who love antiques, there are victorian casino antiques to browse.  There are some pretty neat items available at the victorian casino auction  - coin-operated machines, slots, jukeboxes, arcade games, chip dispenser caddies, signs, etc. - that people who really love Vegas would love to collect and display in their own homes.   I personally think it would have been fun to look through everything just to see what they had and to live a little history of Vegas.  One thing I was really hoping to do while we were there was visit the Neon Museum and Boneyard where restored neon signs are on display.  Unfortunately, it was closed while we were there, but it would have been another great way to see some Las Vegas history.

Gambling, entertainment, food, history, adventure, and reasonably priced accommodations - there really is something for everyone in Vegas.  What's your favorite?


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Summer Vacation Can Be Deadly

A friend posted this on Facebook today, and I thought it was definitely worth a share - especially since school is about over for the year, and many of us will have young people with some extra time on their hands.
Summer vacation can be deadly.

A survey completed by the Love and Logic Institute found 75 percent of American adults believe teenagers today face more serious, potentially life-threatening decisions than a generation ago. These decisions, combined with a strong dose of hormones and the vacations and parties that come with summer, can challenge the most sensible teenagers. Fortunately, there are some simple, time-tested tips for parents who want their teens to make cool decisions as the weather gets warmer.

Tip #1: Don't fall into the trap of thinking teens no longer need their parents.

Because their adolescents are becoming more independent, many parents believe it's okay to leave them without supervision for hours on end. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Wise parents understand this, and they recognize teens need a watchful, yet friendly eye.

Tip #2: Set enforceable limits.

Teens need and want limits. However, instead of telling your teen what they should do, experiment with telling them what you will do or what you will allow. Instead of, "Be home on time," experiment with something like, "I share the car keys with those who come home on time." Instead of, "Don't hang out with Steve. He's trouble," try, "Feel free to see Steve when I know there is adult supervision."

Tip #3: Hold them accountable with empathy and logical consequences.

Parents who provide consequences with anger create teens that think, "When I make poor decisions, it makes others really mad. I better not get caught." Parents who replace anger with a genuine dose of empathy or sadness raise teens who know, "When I make poor decisions it makes my life really sad. For my sake, I'd better make wise ones!"

Tip #4: When you are too angry or worried to think - delay the consequence.

If your teen does something that throws you off balance, buy some time by saying, "I'm going to have to do something about this. But not now …later…try not to worry." Take some time to calm down and get some ideas from friends.

Every day, parents around the world are finding their lives made easier with these tips. One parent commented, "I came home from work to find my 16-year-old daughter and six of her friends had scattered pizza, chips, and dip all over my new carpet! I was furious. Luckily, I remembered the advice from Love and Logic and how to delay consequences. All I managed to say was, 'I'd better calm down first. We'll talk later. Try not to worry.' By the next day, she already had a good plan for selling enough of her things to hire some carpet cleaners!"

Our audio CD, Hormones & Wheels, includes plenty of ideas for setting enforceable limits, providing effective consequences, and dealing with other common challenges that arise during the teenage years.

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

Dr. Charles Fay

Love and Logic® provides simple solutions and practical techniques to help parents with kids of all ages.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

When Ends Just Won't Meet

A shop window advertising payday loans.
A shop window advertising payday loans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Living paycheck to paycheck is not easy, but millions of families are doing it today. When money runs short from one paycheck, even a few days waiting for the next paycheck is difficult. For instance, what is a single mother supposed to do when the electric is about to get shut off, and she has to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food in the refrigerator?

Usacashservices.com offers Nevada Payday Loans designed to help families going paycheck to paycheck. These short term loans allow the single mother to purchase food and pay the electric bill. The money is extended through electronic transfer, and borrowers simply repay the money from their next paycheck plus the added interest.

USA Cash Services makes it easy and fast to take out a short term loan by allowing borrowers to apply for their loan and verify their employment and identity online. One phone call is required before the loan is disbursed to the borrower, but the borrower does not have to walk into a USA Cash Services storefront to take advantage of their payday loan program. This eliminates transportation problems for those unable to visit a storefront.

With prices on everything from gasoline to food skyrocketing today, one paycheck does not stretch as far as it once did. That is why so many Nevada families rely upon payday loans to help them through difficult weeks. USA Cash Services even offers a Visa debit card for borrowers who do not have a checking account to accept their cash loan.
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Sunday, May 12, 2013

What I Wish I'd Said

I just finished reading In His Footsteps: Be Happy In Every Situation, Find Your Purpose, and this passage really struck me.   I thought it would be especially appropriate to share part of it for this Mother's Day weekend.
What I Wish I'd Said

When my children were small and would lose their shoes, I wanted to teach them responsibility, so I said, "You lost them; you can find them.  When did you last have them on? Where were you?"

I wish I'd been more concerned with teaching kindness, rather than responsibility.  I wish I'd said, "Here.  Let me help you.  When did you last have them on?  Where were you?"

When my children were small and I was busy or tired, I would ignore them or even worse, berate them.  I would say, "Go away.  Stop saying 'Mom, mom, mom'.  Just stop whining."  I wish I'd said, "Come here.  Talk with me.  Let me hug you."

That's what I wish I'd said.
My kids are grown and mostly out on their own now, and there are plenty of things I wish I'd done differently or said differently.   I'm pretty sure most moms would say that. 

Being a mom is one of those jobs where you learn as you go, hopefully learning quickly.  It's one of the toughest but most rewarding jobs in the world.  Even if we don't do it perfectly - and nobody does - we can focus on doing the best we can and most of all loving those little people.  No matter how old they get to be.

Friday, May 10, 2013

He's Two!

It's hard to believe, but our precious adorable grandson is two years old today.  Two!  How is that even possible?  Wasn't it just yesterday he was born?

They grow so fast!

Jason's first bike.  Yay for garage sales!

"cheese!"

With his Uncle Cory
Precious boy.  It's been fun watching him grow these past two years.  He's such a smart little sweetheart.  He likes cars, scribbling with colored pencils, having The Foot Book read to him - over and over,  throwing balls and playing 'catch' with us, popsicles, and animal crackers. Oh, and he loves his Uncle Cory - and his Nana and Papa, too.  He gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.



Yep, we think we'll keep him.

Do You Need a Workers Compensation Lawyer?

The law regarding workers compensation is complicated. It is a specialized area, and finding an Iowa workers compensation lawyer to deal with it is important. In fact, it is worth your while to hire the best workers compensation lawyer. This complex area of law is very important to you if you were injured at work.

Do you need an Iowa workers compensation lawyer to help you with your workers compensation claim? If you think about it realistically, you probably do. In Iowa, an employee may not get everything they are entitled to for their compensation claim. Employees need an advocate to help them fight their cause. Honestly, several companies out there will seek ways to prevent you from receiving full compensation for your claims. It seems unfair, but it is true.  The reality of it all is that the companies and employers who work against you have already been given legal advice when it comes to these claims, and they have their own experienced attorneys.

If you happen to get denied for your compensation, you can appeal the decision. In most states, you have 14 days to file your appeal once you receive a denial notice. An Iowa workers compensation lawyer will assist you with filing the motion so that the insurance company is compelled to review your case and deny or admit to it based on merits. A good attorney can help you get through the red tape to ensure your financial future is as secure as it can be. The attorney can also help you through the investigation process of the accident. They will confirm that the accident took place on the premises and the specific details.

You must be sure that your rights are protected, and a good attorney can do that for you.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Giveaway

Each day we have a choice, a choice to do the same old routine or do something unique and different, something better.

Chick-fil-A has created some new menu options that help you do just that - choices you can feel good about! They are introducing 3 new premium salads and an improved wrap, all under 430 calories and made with premium ingredients.

If you'd like to try the new salads - and who wouldn't, seriously watch this video - be sure to enter this giveaway.  The winner gets 2 Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons. All you have to do is take the Are You A “Starter”? Quiz and leave me a comment with your results.  Tweet with a link to this giveaway and include hashtag  #FreshMade for an additional entry.



The quotes and the pictures are pretty cool, too.

All entries must be received by Monday May 20, 2013 at 11:59pm Central.  Giveaway is open to U.S. residents.  Good luck!
  • I am working with Chick-fil-A for this giveaway and will also be provided the opportunity to try their new salads.

Low Profile Casters

When you need casters that don’t add much height to a fixture, low profile casters at Accesscasters.com are the best choice. They feature solid construction from durable quality materials and smooth operation. Available at reasonable prices, they are the best option when you have limited clearance and need a caster with a lower profile. 
  • Two-inch or Three-inch
    Available in two- or three-inch wheel sizes, these casters can handle between 180 and 1,000 pounds. They are ideally suited for vending machines, business fixtures and electronics items where you need to limit the fixture height. The larger, three-inch casters provide the greatest working weight load, and they are still smaller than other high-capacity casters. 
  • Brakes for Security and Mounting Options
    Choose casters with brakes to keep your fixtures in one place. Access Casters offers a variety of brake options including side locks, sure-lok brakes and thumb screw brakes. They also come with different mounting options, including low profile plates, stems, grip rings and friction stems. 
When you are ready to order casters for your fixtures, choose a reliable vendor who will provide you with fast service. Access Casters specializes in caster wheels and other components to ensure that your fixtures can be moved around with ease. They have a broad product line, deliver on their promises and are focused on customer service. Most products ship within three to five business days, and you will be notified if items will be delayed in shipping. Whether you need a few casters for one fixture or a full order to add casters to multiple items, the team at Access Casters is available to assist you.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Review: Michael Bublé To Be Loved

I received a free digital download of the album from One2One Network. By posting my review, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have never really listened to any of Michael Bublé's music.  I know, you're probably asking yourself, "Where has she been?"  Feel free to chime in and let me know what I've been missing.  It's not like I haven't been meaning to - I just haven't.  So that's why I jumped at the chance to listen to his new album To Be Loved.  I figured now would be the perfect time to check out Michael Bublé!

About this album:
To Be Loved, out now, finds the Grammy winner covering songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and more. In the mix of golden standards are four original songs co-written by Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration.

"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," Michael says. "The album swings big time: it rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."

Yep - that's what it is!  Yummy and satisfying. It covers the gamut of musicality and emotion, and I really, really like it.  I love the completely upbeat, if a bit irrational, It's a Beautiful Day.  OK, maybe he really was hoping for an excuse to get out of that relationship... It is definitely fun.


I also really like Something Stupid with Reese Witherspoon.  (And, no, the song has absolutely nothing to do with her recent arrest.)  I really like Come Dance with Me - and even more after seeing Michael perform it on Dancing with the Stars, accompanied by some great dancers, of course. I Got It Easy, one of the original songs on this album, is "basically a song where I count my blessings and is a reminder to me and everyone to appreciate all the good parts of life. I’m a very lucky guy and I never want to forget it."  How can you not love that?

Here is the complete list of tracks:
  1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"
  2. "It's a Beautiful Day"
  3. "To Love Somebody"
  4. "Who's Lovin' You"
  5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)
  6. "Come Dance with Me"
  7. "Close Your Eyes"
  8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)
  9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)
  10. "To Be Loved"
  11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"
  12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)
  13. "I Got It Easy"
  14. "Young at Heart"
"Do not think I take my success these last ten years for granted. I was anything but an overnight sensation, which inspires me to deliver big time for my fans—maybe even make some new ones this time out." says Bublé. "I labored over every song, every note and every arrangement because I can’t resist trying to make each record better than my last one."
Call me a new Michael Bublé fan!  To Be Loved is Available now on Amazon and on iTunes.

Mobile Health Services

Breast cancer is a serious threat to modern women, and early detection is key in successful treatment and a positive long term outlook. Many low income neighborhoods do not have clinics that offer mammography services within the area. This situation often results in residents of these neighborhoods not getting regular mammograms and health services. This means that often the presence of breast cancer is not detected early enough for treatment to be successful.

An effective solution for this problem has been found through the use of mobile mammography units that are able to provide these health services wherever needed.

Lifeline Mobile manufacturers high quality mobile units that have the look and feel of a brick and mortar clinic, giving clients a feeling of security and confidence in the mobile clinic. The units are accessible to disabled persons and can be completely sanitized for safety. These mobile units typically serve as an extension of hospitals and clinics, and are also able to provide laboratory, dental and other medical services. Lifeline builds their custom crafted units on heavy-duty, truck based vehicle frames. This allows higher ceilings and a more comfortable interior, as well as a unit that has a long life. It is not unusual for Lifeline mobile units to be in use for more than 25 years.

Monday, May 06, 2013

Review: Rod Stewart Time

I received a free copy of this CD from One2One Network. By posting my review, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Rod Stewart has still got it!  Or maybe I should say Rod Stewart has found it again!  Time is his first album of new material in 20 years.  It was while reviewing his life for his recent memoir that Rod rediscovered his voice as a songwriter.  Releasing May 7th, 2013, Time marks Stewart's long-awaited return to his songwriting roots and features 12 tracks, 11 of which he wrote and produced.

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD from the first listen.  Each song has its own musical style, honest and thoughtful lyrics, and Rod's own distinctive voice.  I honestly cannot say which track is my favorite. I like the upbeat She Makes Me Happy and there's something about Brighton Beach that really grabs me.  If I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably go with Live The Life because I really like the message.  In the song, Rod is speaking to his son, telling him to make the most of his life because "you only get one chance" and "what you make of it is up to you."  It makes me think of my own son and what he's doing with his life.  He is indeed living a life he loves and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

But I like all the other tracks, too.

Track listing:
  1. She Makes Me Happy
  2. Can’t Stop Me Now
  3. It’s Over
  4. Brighton Beach
  5. Beautiful Morning
  6. Live The Life
  7. Finest Woman
  8. Time
  9. Picture In A Frame
  10. Sexual Religion
  11. Make Love To Me Tonight
  12. Pure Love
Rod Stewart has been married three times, spent four decades being a rock star, three being a parent, and this new album is full of the stories he has to tell.  I, for one, will be listening to his stories over and over again.  For a taste of the CD, check out the Time Album Preview. You can order your copy of Time on Amazon or on iTunes.

Also, don't miss Rod on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight! You can also catch his TV appearances on The Voice on May 8, Good Morning America on May 9, and Live With Kelly & Michael on May 11.