Life's Little Lessons

Life's Little Instruction Book week 25.  And we aren't even half way through!  H. Jackson Brown, Jr really did have a lot of interesting (and right on) ways to live a happy and rewarding life.

108)  When dining with clients or business associates, never order more than one cocktail or one glass of wine.   If no one else is drinking, don't drink at all.
  You need to be keeping your head when you are in business - and no matter who you are, more than one could lead to "missed" or "misread" information at meetings (even if it was suppose to be a casual meeting).

109)  Know how to drive a stick shift.

  You never know when you could be the only "driver" that can legally drive.  If you don't know how to drive a stick shift ..... its either live dangerously, risk life or legal matters, or call a cab.

110)  Spread crunchy peanut butter on Pepperidge Farm Gingerman Cookies for a perfect late-night snack.

  Now if you are not allergic to peanuts - this is a great idea.  Personally I like nutella and animal crackers but it is the same idea.

111)  Never use profanity

  I think this is something that more of our "teens" and "young adults" need to start taking to heart.  I am definitely not a prude - but just walking through our schools sometimes you get an "education".  And I'm not always talking about college aged kids ......... have you walked through some of the middle or grade schools lately?

112)  Never argue with a police officer and always address them as "Officer"
  I usually use "Sir" but it is the same thing - its called RESPECT.  Sometimes I think that police officers have an attitude because of the lack of respect that they get just for doing their job.  If you did wrong - it's not their fault you are getting a ticket ......... think about it.

I'm a winner!!!

OMG I won!  Happy Dance around my living room ..... Happy Day!  I can not wait!  This is such a wonderful surprise (and I'm looking at it as an early birthday present - thank you very much)

Do you remember when I posted about fresh diet motivational poster contest or when I did the post Fresh diet could this be your ticket to a slimmer you? and how interesting this company and their product was?  If not, go check those posts out, I'll wait.  OK, your back, good.  Do you remember now? 

Well one of my submissions for the motivational poster won!  And it wasn't even one of the ones that I had posted here.  You really need to watch this video where they awarded me the final free week of the contest.  Check it out the video here at TFD Motivational Poster Winner and see these wonderfully crazy guys picking my name.

I am so excited and really have to say Thank you for Josh and Trevor for picking my name - and of course Jim, Chef Yos and Zalmi  (he's the president - don't you like how I made them all my bestest buddies now) and all the Fresh Diet team for making this possible.

I will be calling in the morning to hopefully get things set up and then I will be doing posts every day on this wonderful prize once it starts. 

Oh did I say I was sooooooo happy??  I feel like a little kid on their birthday - Queen for the day!  And I get to be Queen for the WEEK.  Such a wonderful birthday present - a fantastic birthday present from TFD!

Thank you all again!

Have you checking these out?

 Did everyone check out my post, gotta love reviews and giveaways that gave you a link to a cheap subscription to AllYou?  Did you check out the gift discount links?  I find some great ideas and articles in AllYou as well as some good meal planning tips/recipes/how to's.

I hope you have been able to "cash in" on some of the opportunities there.

Have you checkout out my latest giveaway, Stride review and giveaway?  I really can't stress how impressive these are.

Even if you don't want to "enter", though I don't know why you wouldn't want a chance at something "free", you can use the promo code and then no one will "know".  And then, no one will know that you are wearing one.  That is, if you don't want anyone to think that you "needed" that one.  But I will say - no one would know unless you told them that you were wearing them.

Planning my NYC trip

Today we have a Guest post written by Kelly Columbus.

Sometimes when you "live in the area" you forget about some of the little things that "visitors" would like to see or do, so I was really glad to have Kelly do a post for us.

So without further ado .... here's Kelly.

As soon as my brother found out he was going to NYU for school, I decided that I was going to visit him for a weekend. I just got back from my trip and it was amazing.
But the thing about this was, that I knew that we would have to do a lot of free stuff because he's a poor college student and I've barely been finished with college. I had recently gone to Clear-Internet.com and set up the Internet service from it in my new apartment. So I went searching on it to find some free things to do. It ends up there are a whole lot of them in NYC!
We ended up going to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, which was kind of a big deal for us because we were raised on The Beatles, like a lot of American kids.
We also went to Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. Now I want to go back and figured out a whole lot of other things we can do next time!

Thanks so much Kelly.  I think I need to go check out Strawberry Fields  as I've never been there!  Like I said sometimes when you live in an area ....

God's Cake

Again my friend Elaine passes on some of the best emails ......... they always seem to hit the nail on the head when we need it most!

Keep up the great work Elaine - everyone needs these one day or another.

God's cake....
This is about the best thing
I've ever read as an explanation.

Sometimes we wonder,
'What did I do to deserve this?' 

or

'Why did God have to do this to me?'
 

Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 
'Yuck' says her daughter.  

'How about a couple raw eggs?'   'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then?  Or maybe baking soda?'  'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies:
'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.
But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you.
He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.  Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.  He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like this, pass this on to the people you really care about.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, 

but while we are here we might as well dance!

Stride - Review and Giveaway

I was lucky enough to receive a sample (actually 2) for a wonderful product 

It has been a few weeks now, and I have to say I have put this product through its paces - probably with more detail than the company thought I would.  These are the results of my review.  I did receive 2 pairs of Stride Everyday for the review.  I received no other compensation, these are my own true feelings and comments. 

Let's face it ladies, if you have had children, like me or lost a lot of weight, or even gotten to a "certain" age, oh no like me again, you probably know that feeling where you just pray you don't laugh too hard, or sneeze or cough or you will be hoping that you can go home and change.  The problem has a very interesting name, it's called "stress incontinence".  Now don't you feel better that you know what it's called?

Now enter

Wendy Spencer the woman who will change your world.  If you have had any experience with this situation, you have also probably taken to carrying "extra" panties or wearing panty liners "just in case" and wish there could be something better.

Wendy came up with a wonderful product that uses a patented technology!  See I told you she will change your world.

Now I don't want to bore you with the details of the technology, but I have to say THIS PRODUCT IS AWESOME!  At first I was a little concerned.  You see the "padding" appears to be a little bulky and stiff.  But, as we all know, appearances can be deceiving, and in this case it was definitely deceiving.

I first tried the mid-rise brief - sizing was perfect.  No pulling, no stretching out, no gaps, it was like a second skin.  And I have to say I put it through a really tough day - including a kettlebell workout!  I really felt like I was not wearing anything!  No panty line either, and we know how those yoga or workout pants are.  I have to say it was the softest and most comfortable pair of panties I've ever worn.

I waited 2 days before trying the second pair.  On that day, I tried the French Cut Brief .  The first day was NOT a fluke!  The French Cut was just as comfortable and durable and right on the money as the Mid-Rise Brief.  There wasn't one minute of the day that I was "afraid" to do anything I wanted to do.

The washing instructions call for No Bleach or Fabric Softeners in washer or dryer.  It has to do with the padding in the crotch.  I was a little concerned that once it was washed (especially without the softener) these little gems would be history.  You see I hate wearing anything that isn't soft - I really hate that "scrunchy" feeling that you can get.  And I was also concerned that everything would be so "bunchy" that I would never wear them again.

Well I have to tell you - I shouldn't have been concerned.  These beauties are as comfortable after washing them a time or two (or three) as they were in the beginning.   I believe that Wendy's company has a hit on their hands.

Back in May of this year, in a press release Wendy Spencer was quoted as saying,  “Research shows that most women will experience some sort of light leaks in their lifetime.'   “Whether it’s a new mom looking for a cost-effective solution that helps her feel like a woman again, or an avid runner looking for comfortable protection while she’s on the treadmill, STRIDE Everyday offers a range of solutions for all kinds of women.”
The machine-washable panties feature patented multi-layer fabric technology, designed to wick away and absorb up to an ounce of moisture, and naturally deodorize for a fresh feeling all day long. The inner liner is leakproof and breathable to protect the most stylish outfits from “accidents”, whether it’s sweating during hot yoga, walking in the park or wearing a slinky little black dress...."

I have to say, without a doubt, these are the BEST.  I will definitely be looking to get more of these very soon.  For all to be able to try STRIDE Everyday, STRIDE has graciously offered a savings of 30% on orders over $35, for my readers!  Just use the promo code  INSPIRE (cute code isn't it - just for me!) before November 30, 2010

But they have also added an additional benefit to my readers, STRIDE Everyday will provide one of my readers with a sample of their own.  That's right, if you would like to win STRIDE for yourself, you need to enter my second giveaway!  This time entry is available to all - STRIDE is a Canadian company so my Canadian readers can also benefit.

This giveaway will continue through midnight on my birthday, October 2nd.  Think of it as my birthday present to you.

Check out Stride Everyday for even more information on size, style, color, technical information, etc.
Then come back and enter for your own sample.

Entry 1 - Leave a comment here telling me which style you would like to try.
Entry 2 - Follow me
Entry 3 - Blog about this giveaway, and link back to here
Entry 4 - Send over a friend to enter, have them tell me you sent them

I was really very impressed from the minute I put them on and then continued to be impressed with every washing.  These are definitely going to be a girls best friend!  Don't laugh - admit that you too need these - and then start entering.  Ok you can laugh if you want, but you still need to check these out.  They say diamonds are a girl's best friend - and that is true - but these are a real close second!  Even Gretta Monahan, from Tim Gunn's Guide to Style praised this product.  So see it's not just me.

Come on ladies.  You KNOW you could use these.  I'm so glad I got to try them first hand.  Now get clicking!!

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

I got this in an email from one of the girls at work .... if you need a laugh this morning - this is it!  Thanks Elaine,

Home Security System - Priceless

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

"Bubba,

Bertha, Duke, Slim, & I took the kids and went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour.  Don't mess with the pit bulls; they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up bad.  I don't think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell from all the blood. 

Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.

Better wait outside. Be right back.

Cooter"

Thought for today

GOOD looks catch the eye

but a 

GOOD personality catches the heart. 

You're blessed with both!'

The Fresh Diet

UPDATE - CONTEST EXTENDED UNTIL SUNDAY AT MIDNIGHT 
Due to some of the problems FB was experiencing yesterday this contest has been extended.  The powers that be did not want anyone to miss out just because of Facebook "technical" difficulties on Thursday.  Soooooo jump on over there and try your luck - INSPIRE and MOTIVATE and have FUN doing it.  You too could be a winner - right now there's about a 20% winner rate and then you never know how many "bonus" days will be awarded (they have a habit of doing that) PLUS you never know you could be one of the "winners of the day" for 3 days free just because you are a "liker".  Come on jump in and try your luck.

Are you on Facebook?  Have you heard about The Fresh Diet?  Well they are having a contest for a free week of their meals delivered to your home, that you really should think about entering.

Lets step back for a second.  I'm not sure if you know what The Fresh Diet is or if you read my prior post Fresh diet could this be your ticket to a slimmer you? back in August, but this company prepares the most fantastic looking meals every day for you.

If you are in their delivery area - The Fresh Diet currently serves clients daily in South East & West Florida, Chicago, Milwaukee Indianapolis, The NY Tri-State area, Southern & Northern California, San Francisco, Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Virginia, Philadelphia and Houston. TFD is proud to announce our expansion into Canada as we now serve Toronto  - you really should get over to their facebook page and join in.

Between now and Friday at midnight you need to post a motivational poster using The Fresh Diet theme.  These were some that I came up with. 

Hurry now, remember you only have until Friday at Midnight Eastern time.


Put your motivational cap on, get those creative juices flowing, and hop on over to The Fresh Diet on Facebook and take a chance at winning a week of "gourmet diet food" - don't laugh what diet do you know of that serves you pancakes, sandwiches, bbq and cheesecake and STILL helps you lose weight?

Quotes of the Day

Our imagination is the only limit

to what we can hope to have in the future.

Charles F. Kettering

The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation. 

Comer Cotrell

the proverb shown below is probably what inspired the above quote, even though it isn't listed as such  -  but just in case you have any doubts .....

Necessity is the mother of invention 

I really like this one too - makes you remember you can't be "all fluff" 

To reach a great height a person needs to have great depth. 

Anonymous

Life's Little Lessons

Here is week 24 of Life's Little Instruction Book review.

103)  Use credit cards only for convenience, never for credit.

   We need to be living within our means and stop competing with the Jones'.  I think, if more people did this we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now.  There are lots of things that are wrong with the current situation, but the attitude that seems to prevail (and has for a while) is that I DESERVE something and I MUST have it now and worry about paying for it later.  Perhaps this is my non-PC moment for the day - but darn it I'm tired of hearing about people needing to be bailed out because they didn't plan like I've been doing my entire life!  Where is my "bail out" coming from?

104)  Take a brisk thirty-minute walk every day.

  Great idea - and one that I SHOULD be doing - but if I can do this 3 times a week I am a happy camper.  And then shoot for more each week.

 

105)  Treat yourself to a massage on your birthday.

   Personally I love this - a treat for yourself - one that you can plan for each year and makes adding another year to your age a little more pleasant.

106)  Never Cheat

   A no-brainer here - eventually you always get caught.

107)  Smile a lot.  It costs nothing and is beyond price.
  It will make you feel better, make you look better and makes everyone that sees you feel better.  You get to spread a little happiness one person at a time - starting with YOU.

Gotta love Reviews and Giveaways

I'm working on another review and giveaway as I type.  I'm really excited about this one - as anyone who has had kids or been over-weight will be as well, whether they want to admit it or not.

But while this is in the works, here are some discounts that I found in All You for Issue 10 October 22nd

Lets start by getting a discount on your purchase of a subscription to AllYou Magazine. You have your choice - buy now at about $1.25 an issue if you pay now or $1.66 an issue if you "wait" and pay later, either way,; that is a great discount off the listed price. I think it is even less per issue than I paid for mine!

And then starting Sept 24th the following codes will give you a discount:

Looking for a discount on Cookware?  I love KitchenAid and Cuisinart - I have both in my kitchen.  And would love to own some Le Creuset. At Cookware.com you can get 15% off until Oct 31st with code CSNCOOKWARE.  I will be marking my calendar so that I can get there and hopefully get my "wish list" at a discount early!

I don't know about you - but I LOVE the clear belt.  I have one (its almost 1 1/2 inches wide) but this looks like it does what my belt does AND THEN SOME!  Isabelt. looks like something you can "show" or "not show" as the mood hits but it keeps your pants from having those "gaps" when you sit.  I am quite sure you know what I mean.  You can receive at 15% discount using the discount code AllYou15 until Oct 31st.


If you are looking for toys or toy ideas Hasbro Toy Shop is a great place to start.  AND if you enter the discount code ALLTOY15 you can receive 15% off most items through Oct 31st.  Now there are some exclusions, but I would definitely be looking here to see what toys are hot and which ones I can get for my little ones for the holidays.  


Remember these codes are good from Sept 24th until Oct 31st unless noted otherwise, but I would be clicking on over there to see what is available.  Remember the sooner you get that holiday shopping done - the sooner you can relax and not worry about the crowds!  Even if you only get a few people off your list - that's a few less to worry about.

True Lemon Giveaway WINNER

Yes, my first giveaway is officially over and we have a winner!

My dear friend, Mimi from Screaming Mimi is our winner.  Mimi you need to thank Emily for coming on over and entering and then telling me that she came over from your place!

I did use the random.org number generator, but of course it will not post as a picture (I'm obviously NOT doing something right this morning).  But I will figure it out for my next giveaway.

Anyway, Mimi I am sending you an email to confirm your winning and need your address so I can get this great prize out to you.

FYI - Since I know you are still on a rather "limited" and "soft" diet I wanted to share what I did the other day when I made my great "snack/dessert".  I used one of those Jello pudding snacks (I think its 60 calories) and 2 TBSP of FF Cool Whip and put a packet of the True Orange on top and folded it all together.  Who would have thought orange and chocolate would taste so good together!  But then again what am I thinking - Chocolate - Orange - duhhhh

If you want to know what I'm talking about, check out TrueLemon.  Then you too can always have the convenience of lemons, limes or oranges in your pantry, just like me and Mimi.  Believe me you will not be sorry.

Look even Instyle.com is talking about this great product!

Fire Safety Pledge

Click on the link and take the fire safety pledge and perhaps your fire department could win $10,000 this fall.

Liberty Mutual has a great program going on that you REALLY should be part of.  It is really easy.  There is no reason you shouldn't be able to get most if not all of these questions correct - but if you get them wrong - they tell you what the correct answer is!
It could be a great learning experience for the kids - even Grade School kids should know these.  And with a little help from their teachers .... I bet they could!  This could be part of a fire safety program.  Hey get your fire department involved with the kids.   Lets face it kids LOVE FIRETRUCKS, get your fire department there and it becomes a win-win situation!

Test your fire safety IQ by taking our quiz.
Then credit your quiz to your local fire department. Spread the word to family, friends and neighbors and watch your fire department rise on the leader board.

I've got my local volunteer fire department in the hunt - how about yours?  $10,000 is nothing to sneeze about - all that equipment costs much more money than you think - and this could help out.

  Volunteer or Professional - this could be a huge donation for them.  What are you waiting for ??
Take the fire safety pledge  now!

Spices - make your own blends.

If you are anything like me, - ok that could be your first problem - kidding, you use a lot of the same spices when you cook.  Or you like to try different spice blends, but really HATE paying for those little tiny bottles, when it really isn't all that difficult to make yourself or made with a combination of spices you already have in your cabinet.

Well I have found a few "recipes" for spice blends that I find I really do use quite a bit, and found the perfect way to make and store them without spending an arm and a leg.   Canning Jars!  The little half-pint size are the perfect.  The jars seal tight (even without doing that whole canning process) so they are air tight, the mouth is the perfect size for measuring spoons, they stack in your cabinet, most are made with things that you probably already have and since they aren't too big, they don't go "bad" before you can use them up.

I find that I use salt, pepper and garlic all the time.  So the perfect place to start was to make that combination
2 TBS Kosher Salt,
2 TBS Garlic Powder
1 TBS Black Pepper. 

I can easily "mix" these in the jar and store in the cabinet.  When I need to use it - I can "shake", open and measure (or not as the spirit moves me) into my pan.

Everyone who has an Emeril Cookbook has his Original Essence -- it's what the BAM is made of  :) I always loved watching his shows (wish he was still on the Food Network)  For a while I was using this on EVERYTHING - I just kept the "bam" in my head :)  ok I will behave.

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

You guessed it - I have my own version of his spice in one of these jars.  Basically I just decreased the cayenne pepper since hubby isn't into too much heat in most of his meals unless its for wings or pizza.  But that's another story.

A barbecue blend that makes a great base to "heat up" or "sweeten up":

• 2 TBSP kosher salt
• 2 TBSP brown sugar ( I use 1 tbsp regular and 1 tbsp Splenda brown sugar)
• 2 TBSP paprika
• 1 TBSP black pepper

If you are careful you can mix this in the jar and store whatever is left, if like me you only have 2 or 3 to cook for, as this makes almost 1/2 cup.  Its great to rub on chicken or boneless pork chops.


I don't know about you but I never seem to have poultry seasoning when I need it, then when I buy it - it disappears - like the poultry gods are angry or something.  I found this great recipe to make my own - so I never have to go running to the store for it to disappear into the great unknown.
Poultry Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon paprika

You can find all kinds of "paring" or blends throughout the internet.  Gosh you just have to love this "creation" of the 20th century, thank you Mr. Gore. 
You can find all kinds of "recipes" at mexican spice blend or about.com - Spice Blends to get you started before you start venturing out on your own.

I love doing this because I control how much heat or sweet or salt or whatever is in my spices and those little jars make it so easy to store - I find that most of my "combinations" last longer than the little bottles of spices that you find in the grocery store.  Well lets say they stay fresher than those - cause I seem to make my spice blends every 2 -3 months because I use them up quickly.

So do you think you could do this too?  I bet you could.

Don't forget to sign up for my True Lemon giveaway......you will always have lemon, lime and orange flavorings without the alcohol of the store bought flavorings - right in your cabinet!

The Sunsets on the Marco Island Beach

Sunsets on Marco Island.  I really miss these.  I can only hope that I will be able to see these again very soon.

I could live by the beach and be in heaven.

Such wonderful memories of a very peaceful vacation.

Notice the seagulls in the last two pictures - even they thought it was a great place to be.



Have you entered my giveaway?  If not, why not?
Check it out  here

Life's Little Lessons

It's been a while since we had one of these posts.  I'm sorry about that - I really do think these add something to "think about" that isn't stressful or overwhelming.  And in some cases - funny!

Anyway, I will pick up where I left off

97)    Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly jar.

  How can you feel blue when you look at something that is beautiful?  Just seeing beauty lifts your spirits, whether it is for 5 minutes or 5 hours - and with a lifted spirit you can accomplish EVERYTHING you set your mind to.

 

98)    KNOW HOW TO TYPE

  I truly believe this is one of the things that is lacking in schools today.  Need to know how to type to get through most of the college classes - professors do NOT want to struggle to read your writing (penmanship is absolutely HORRIBLE - IMHO)  If you send in your papers "typed" it makes it so much easier for the professor - and increases your chance of them actually reading it all the way through.

 

99)    Think BIG thoughts, but relish small pleasures.

  I love this one - the bigger your thoughts the more you feel you can do.  The more you think you can accomplish the more you WILL accomplish.  At times I think we are our own worst enemy.  Think of how much you have doubted and then stopped doing.....perhaps if you thought you could do it, you would have.  But don't forget every big accomplishment started with a small step - celebrate those small steps.

100)  Read the Bill of Rights

   This should be a no brainer - if someone tells you it is part of YOUR RIGHTS - how do you know if you haven't read those RIGHTS and understood what you were reading?

101)  Learn how to read a financial report

  How can you invest in anything - including your pension since most of us who have a pension/401K/SEP have to actually PICK a fund or stock to put it in.  If you can't tell how the company or fund is doing - how can you make an educated selection from a list?  

 

102)  Tell your kids often, how terrific they are and that you trust them.
  Celebrating the accomplishments of kids and letting them know that you think it and they are pretty terrific helps to build their confidence.  As their confidence builds, they aren't afraid to take the next step.  Knowing that you trust them to make a good decision or come to you if they need help - adds to that confidence.


Don't forget to weigh in on my first ever giveaway that goes until Saturday.

Do you have a giveaway??

If you are sponsoring a giveaway on your blog, and you want to have maximum coverage of your giveaway, you NEED to be registered with GiveawayScout.com.  They will post your blog giveaway in a much larger venue than you could ever do on your own.  They submit on their own web site, a newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and on a widget network.  Could you do all that .... in a matter of hours?  I think not.  And it is FREE.  Get your giveaway listed all over the place and not have it cost you a dime?  How sweet is that??

If you are not holding a giveaway but want to see who is having great giveaways then again, the place to be has to be giveawayscout..  I mean where else can you go and see a ton of listings - the who, what, where, when of giveaways is right here in ONE PLACE.  They even tell you how many people have commented already - so you can gauge your "odds"!

Say you are looking for one specific thing - you know the holidays are around the corner and giveaways could be booming.  GivewayScout has a great search function that could help you narrow it down.  Not that you wouldn't like to see everything they have listed - but you know when you are just looking for that special "something".... this could be a fantastic tool to have!  Since they are scanning their client blogs all the time, they have thousands of giveaways listed all the time.


And if you have some questions, they even supply you with a faq page for you to review.  It seems that it just couldn't be easier.

I was just invited to join, and I'm thinking this is the way to go.  I have a giveaway going right now
my first ever giveaway   (don't miss it ) but I'm hoping to have many more - so I think that I will be one of the many blogs having their giveaways listed on this great site.
Think of the traffic it will bring to your blog!  What are you waiting for??  Get yourself on over to

GiveawayScout.com

A Blog of Goodies: Gimme Giveaways (Week of 9/5/10)

Look at all the great giveaways this week! OVER 275 giveways - how could you not find something to try?? I'm looking at these and so should you.  I know it says week of 9/5 .... but there are so many that go on into this week and next ..........

Check out A Blog of Goodies: Gimme Giveaways (Week of 9/5/10)


Hey what are you waiting for - get clicking

True Lemon and Rubbermaid on the go Tumblers Giveaway

I actually thought about what I should do for my first giveaway and not just "pick".  I thought about things that I had tried this past year and thought mmmm "where should I start".  Please note I said "start".

Since I've decided to get back onto the weight loss track (since that has obviously NOT been the focus this summer) I thought I should start with something that should help to make drinking water and make either lower fat/sugar/calories foods taste better.  Oh and keep it NATURAL.

If you remember, I did a survey for True Lemon  and talked about it here on my blog at true lemon.

Many of you had never heard of True Lemon.  Others I heard from had never tried it.  Well I have been able to acquire 3 boxes of the "true" team.   I picked up One True Lemon, One True Lime and One True Orange for you to try. 

Because one of the things I like to do with these packets, is to put them into water, so I can increase my water "intake" each day without drinking plain water (since that is oh so boring!)
I am also including 2 Rubbermaid Refill/Reuse BPA free bottles - one is 14 oz  and the other is the
20 oz size

Another thing I like to do with these handy packets is flavor things that "could" taste like diet food.  Enter FF or Sugar Free Cool Whip.  Now personally I like these (but sometimes they say I am strange).  If you take 2 TBSP of the Cool Whip and 1 or 2 packets of the True Lemon, Lime or Orange and mix it up - you get a flavored Whip with NO extra calories!

I made a Lemon Butter for my Roasted Chicken yesterday using the True Lemon (cause somebody used my last lemon .... )and it was perfect.   

Now for the "nitty gritty":
You can receive up to 4 entries into this giveaway by doing the following.  Please comment separately for each entry to make it easier for me.  Make sure your email address is accessible, either by showing on your post or available through your blog.  If I can't reach you .... you can't win.

1)  Commenting on this post for 1 entry
2)  Following me for another entry
3)  Blog about this and post link here for another entry
4)  Refer a friend (or friends) for yet another entry, make sure they tell me that you sent them.

Unfortunately, since this is the first of hopefully many giveaways, I can only offer this to US based readers.  If you have a US address - your in!

I will leave this open until Saturday September 18th at Midnight EST.  I will hopefully be able to do a random drawing on Sunday evening, contact the winner on Monday and be able to send out their winning loot after they contact me with their information.  The winner will have 48 hours to get me their information before I select an alternate winner.

Ready, set .... GO

Exercise? Who thought it would happen?

Ok I have to say I thought I was the LAST person that would be saying that they were hooked on exercise.  But I am!

Its not that I don't like exercise (although that does usually mean that you get hot and sweaty and not is a good way), it's just that I just don't seem to be able to find something that interests me enough to do it constantly.  Well I have to say that may have ended.  I just hope that this is going to count as exercise in the long run - but it is fun so maybe it doesn't matter.

If you read a few days ago (if not you can check it out here) I had done a review of Walk it Out for the Wii.  Today was the third day I did the walk, just because I didn't have the time over the weekend, with all the running I had to do.  I did 2.6 miles this morning (and 9,388 steps) in such a short amount of time I didn't even realize what was happening.  I love that I get to open up more of the island as I walk so I have more things to look at.  And I LOVE the walks by the water - this morning I even got to walk on the sand!

I want to tell you if you are at a loss as to what to get someone that has the Wii already - this one definitely gets my vote.  I really am having a good time doing it (and it really does NOT feel like exercise) so I really hope it has an impact on my weight loss plans.

Really who would have thought?

Check back later today - my first ever giveaway will premiere later today.

September 11, 2001

   We will never forget

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.
' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say,
'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK .. I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.  'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.


I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all knew Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames;  'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you .
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only 1 minute.)  All you have to do is the following:

Stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions.

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, spread this message ... but only if you believe

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength.'

What is the difference between http and https

I don't  know how many of you are aware of this difference, but it is worth passing this on to any that do not.....

**The main difference between http:// and https:// is It's all about keeping you secure** HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol

The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure".. If you visit a website or web page, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://.%C2%A0;;
This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecured' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see
the information you send to that site.

This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! But if the web address begins with https://, that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code tha! t no one can eavesdrop on.

You understand why this is so important, right?
If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://.
If it doesn't, You should NEVER enter sensitive information....such as a credit card number.

PASS IT ON (You may save someone a lot of grief).

Walk it Out for Wii

When you are trying to kick any amount of pounds to the curb (especially if its a permanent "kick") you need to include some form of exercise.  At least that has been my experience.

I have tried to lose weight for what seems like my entire life, but in reality it has only been since my mid to later 30's, after my kids were born.  I had an easier time losing the baby weight with my first, but my second was an emergency C-section, that ended up slowing everything down.  Sometimes I think it slowed my weight loss down to a crawl - or on a really bad day I swore it was in reverse!  And now that I am in my 50's (oh the horror) I am finding that I NEED to exercise just to keep any pounds from coming back.

What I have found in my travels through this weight loss journey, is that if I put in some targeted exercise time (not just every day exercise) in combination with diet, I can maintain any loss that I have accumulated.  If I pick up the exercise, I lose more.  If I STOP that exercise time ......... the weight comes back - sometimes in a slow way and other times it seems like it is over night!

Now here is where this little gem Nintendo's Walk It Out!  comes in.

About a week or so ago, I found this at Costco, when I was looking for things for my niece and nephew (another pair in the "techno" crowd).  I had been looking for something to do that was different  -  or would be different then what I already had or had seen.

My girlfriend Diana had found this and couldn't say enough about how it was great to be able to walk with this in the high heat and humidity of the summer (usually the killer time for exercise unless you have a pool or access to one).

I decided on Tuesday morning that I was going to try this out right then - just set it up and do it.  Well it is the easiest thing to set up and it is fun!  Even for a totally uncoordinated individual like me, and at times I think I lack Rhythm.  Basically you are walking to the beat of different music pieces.  I don't think there are complete "songs" that are played but there are all different kinds of music.  Along your "walk" you find different objects to build Rhythm Island, including more music pieces, they have 120 musical pieces in all.

You can do this every day and see different
park scenes every day.  You get to pick the trails that you take by clicking on arrows along the trail.  As you  "step to the beat" you collect "chips" that are used to "purchase" more capsules as you walk and build your island. All the decorations in the pictures shown (tents, planters, light poles, garbage cans, etc) are "purchased" with those chips from keeping your steps to the beat of the songs.
Eventually they say there will also be "time" capsules that I will find that will change the clock so I'm not always walking in daytime - some days I could walk in the morning and other days I can walk at night.  I wonder if the street lights illuminate the path in the evening?  Can't wait to try that one.

Now you do need to have the Wii Console, obviously, but the great thing is it accepts input from the DanceDanceRevolution Wii Controller, Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Wii Balance Board, so you don't have to buy yet another "device".  I think we have almost a full basket of "devices" to play different games, so I am glad that I didn't have to buy yet another piece of equipment.

It also will show in either a "list" or table or graph form, the amount of calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken and more!  It also "compares" what you did previously with what you did that session and gives you an "atta girl/boy" when you beat the previous best.  For example the first day I did it I walked 1.5 miles (I think it was less than 20 minutes but I haven't fooled with any of the settings to perhaps make it more intense) and then today I did 1.9 miles.  Since I wasn't keeping track of how long I was "walking" on my balance board, I am just guessing that it was about the same amount of time.  When I saved my walk, my trainer was all excited that I had beaten ALL of the totals from the day before.

I am finding this is something that everyone can do.  In other words, its not just for kids, cause lets face it - I am NOT a kid anymore.  But I will say if I can do it, keeping in rhythm with the music to gather my chips, YOU can do it too.  And to be honest - I AM having a lot of fun doing it.  I can definitely see myself doing this for quite a while - so I won't have an excuse to not walk as the winter approaches - I can walk even as the snow is falling and NOT feel the cold.

This is a definite BUY in my book.  I am really glad that I picked it up.  Now I have to think about whether I want to get one for my niece or maybe my sister for Christmas.  I bet they would have fun with it too.

These are my opinions based on my review of the game and not requested or sanctioned by Konami Digital (publisher), HUDSON SOFT CO., LTD (developer) or Nintendo.  I was not supplied with any materials for this review.

Covert Affairs

Is there anyone who hasn't seen the new "summer" series on the cable network USA Covert Affairs ?  If you haven't seen it yet ---- get your butt in gear the season finale is this coming Tuesday at 9PM.  Now just to make myself perfectly clear ............ I WILL be glued to the TV at this time for 2 hours watching - so nobody, and I mean nobody, had better disrupt this viewing time.  (Are you listening honey??  That means you too. - Love You)

I want to tell you I am IN LOVE with this series, it had better be back for at least a second (or more) season.  Ok it is official - USA Network DID pick up Covert Affairs for a second Season YEAHHHHH.    I love the fact that, if you miss a week (or just want to watch it again) you can stream it through USA Network and see full episodes.  Now I think they only keep the last 5 episodes so if you missed the beginning - you need to find it elsewhere, although I've only seen the last 5 episodes on HULU too.

I do love the fact that Annie becomes a CIA "recruit" after things in her love life seem to take a HUGE U-turn and yet her "love" seems to be closer than she ever thought, and then becomes part of the story in bits and pieces throughout the season.  I wonder if next season will have her put his memory and the "possibilities" of a future with him away and move on to a "better" relationship with either Auggie or Jai?  Now that could have some interesting story lines.

You can view the  Character Profiles for

Annie
or  
Auggie

or Jai, 

as well as Joan and Arthur Campbell (the "bosses") and Danielle Brooks (Annie's sister).  You can also read about the actor in the bio section of that page.  I think that both Auggie and Jai are so darned sexy in their own way - I know control myself.  Ok ladies did I just hear a sigh?  Come on you know I did, and it wasn't just from me!



Now IF they needed some background people for the show ..... I could see Jenn doing this one IN A HEARTBEAT!  And if it could be something more than just background ......

Now couldn't you just see this face

this person on TV?  Yes I could definitely see her doing something for this and really enjoying it, that would just be the best!

Oh wait, its probably filmed outside of the US - you know like maybe Canada ..... and now we need that little thing neither of us has ... you know a passport!  I know neglectful on my part (I will take the blame for that one, since at 20 she still allows me to be "mother" and take care of those important things) but hey we can't let a little thing like details derail the daydream can we? 

Ok sorry I incorporated some rah rah for my daughter in my review of this great show.  But I'm a proud mom - so that's my excuse story  and I'm sticking to it.

Are you a Queen?

I don't know if any of you have seen my friend Jeannie's blog Jeannie's Happy World  but she is in Italy (gotta love where her family was stationed this time - sooooo much better than the last two) and has been blogging with some FABULOUS pictures.  Well, she is starting something that seems to be so darned cool - I can't wait to pick up my copy of the book so that I too can be part of her weekly Queenie lessons.

I'm passing it on to you as well - since we feel that EVERY woman deserves to be a QUEEN.  Oh heck we ARE Queens .... sometimes we just need to be reminded of that fact with a few "lessons".

We are waiting for you ......... hurry!  Here is Jeannie's email invitation, please accept and tell her that I sent you.

It's time to give yourself the seven best gifts a woman can give herself:

- Claim your beauty and feel your power
- Clean your mental closet and find your queen voice
- Admire yourself for who you've become
- Build deep, fulfilling friendships with other women
- Establish firm boundaries that will strengthen all your relationships
- Learn the simple trick to finally being happy
- Place the crown firmly on your head!

ARE YOU READY TO BE FABULOUS???

You have no idea how life-changing this journey is going to be, and FUN too!! I can hardly wait myself!! Finally, a fresh, new start, full of optimism and joy!

First step: Go to Amazon and order your book - LINK

Second step: Read the book. It took me about an hour. Although this isn't "meant" to be read cover to cover in one sitting, you won't be able to help yourself, lol!

Third step: Join me on my blog on Thursdays, starting on Sept 16th for your weekly Queen Lessons. The journey will last nine consecutive weeks, where we will be following along with the book (Chapters 2 - 9).

On Sept 9th, one week before we start, I will have an introduction post to gather up as many Queens-to-be as possible.

We will create a community of support and strength!!! RAWR!!!!

And at the conclusion of our Queen Lessons, we will have a crowning ceremony where all participants will receive a certificate from me as well as a lovely prezzie befitting your new royal status!!

Please let me know that you will be joining me!

Scam Alert: Pay High Price for Fake Coupons

I know we all want to save a few dollars here and there (ok we want to save a lot of dollars EVERYWHERE) and coupons are a great way to do that.  Now I don't know if this is a new wrinkle or just one I haven't seen happening to this extent, but as always AARP is out there trying to protect seniors (so I'm passing on to you too to protect the "non" seniors)

HOWEVER we need to use common sense as well.  Remember the old adage - If it sounds too good to be true - it probably is!

Check out Scam Alert: Pay High Price for Fake Coupons - AARP Bulletin to make sure you don't become a victim of this - remember better safe than sorry.

The Stuff of Life

Perhaps it is because the anniversary of that fateful day is quickly approaching, but I am seeing more and more remembrances of 9/11 and how people's lives have changed since that day. But here is one that should be remembered - not because it is about what happened - but because it reminds us of what life should mean to all of us.

When Lisa Beamer was Good Morning America, (if you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said 'Let's Roll!' and helped take down the plane over Pennsylvania that was heading for Washington DC back on 9/11) she was talking about what life has been like since he has been gone.  She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home and her children running to meet him.   Lisa recalled this story:

"I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, 'Class is over, I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment.

Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day. Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on, 'So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.

It doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted.

The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special 

you see on your lunch hour today. 

Go barefoot. 

Or walk on the beach at sunset. 

Stop off on the way home tonight 

to get a double dip ice cream cone.

For as we get older, 

it is not the things we did that we often regret, 

but the things we didn't do.

And if nothing else .... remember this:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.