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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since 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.

Dreaming of a New Kitchen

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.

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?

When Ends Just Won't Meet

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.

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.

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.

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.

For all Things Tattoo

Tattoos, as do other works of art, require an inspired idea and a talented artist. In the past, tattoo images and stencils were available only to the professional tattoo parlor and artists. A person wanting a tattoo would go to their neighborhood studio and request a tattoo and/or select a tattoo from the artist's portfolio.

However, with websites such as BullsEyeTattoos.com, people can take an active role in choosing and designing their own tattoo. There are thousands of printable tattoo designs at BullsEyeTattoos.com to choose from, all of which are unique and able to be customized to meet the required specifications of the individual. The website permits the user to edit the image's color and size, also allowing for the tattoo to be stenciled either in black or white or filled with color.

The process for obtaining the stencil could not be any easier. Simply use the search bar to find your image, or browse the available tattoo categories. Once you find your image, simply select it. Then, all that is left is to purchase, download, and print your next tattoo and then find an artist to give you the ink you want.

Every type of tattoo imaginable can be found on BullsEyeTatto.com including Celtic designs as well as military images, angels, flowers, butterflies, horoscopes, and many others.

Along with tattoo stencils, the site also sells a large selection of apparel, belts, wall art, and jewelry. BullsEyeTattoos.com is a true one stop shop for all things tattoo.

Spring Landscaping with Scotts Mulch

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

Spring is finally here!  For those of us who live in the northern parts of the United States, that means we are starting to see buds on the trees and a few early flowers, the grass is turning green, and we can finally turn the furnace off and open the windows.  At least for a day or two before it cools down again.  The grass will continue to grow, along with the plants and flowers, and it's time to start thinking about gardening supplies and taking advantage of the nice weather to get the yard and garden ready for spring and summer.
Now is the time to start thinking about what you'll need to jumpstart your yard and garden so you can enjoy it all summer.

Some essential items to have include:

• Garden tools and gloves for working in the dirt.
• Compost and/or plant food
• Seeds and plants for planting
• Mulch to spread around bushes, trees, and plants.
  In Florida, that means Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch which is 100% Florida-grown and sustainably-harvested and plantation grown Eucalyptus.  It re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress, making it a great option for those interested in sustainable gardening , as well as being a great way to support the local economy.

I was noticing this weekend that we will need to spread some Scotts Nature Scapes mulch in our flower beds and around the trees and bushes, because it's getting quite thin in places.  Made from natural forest products, this mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures and helps to maintain moisture, prevent weeds, and create a groomed landscape all year long.  What that means is - put down the mulch now and save yourself a lot of work later.  Your plants and flowers will really appreciate it when the hot, dry days of summer come because the mulch helps keep the moisture in the ground and keeps the weeds down.

We'll also need to decide what we want to plant in our front flower bed this year.  It had gotten quite overgrown, so we tore everything out, and we're starting over again.  Sadly, that means I won't get these nice purple flowers this year, but I'm sure we'll find something nice.  Maybe something like these  yellow flowers?  They're certainly sunny and bright.  I don't really know yet, but I'm sure we'll figure it out.

What kind of plans do you have for your yard and garden this year?