It's definitely SUMMER

Some of us still have at least another month of this wonderful season - although I know that some in the tourist areas are wishing it was over already (well that is if their income doesn't depend on tourism)

Have you entered my giveaway? If not WHAT are you waiting for? Today is the LAST day! Hurry.

Maxine and Hormone Replacement

I think THAT one says it all.

Don't miss out on my giveaway - only 2 more days and you could have a little extra green in your pocket

Cars for sale

Good morning!  Well it is a wonderful Saturday morning here and looks to be a pretty good Sunday as well.

What are you planning on doing this weekend?  Perhaps going to the shore?  Or maybe you will be looking for a used car  either as your first car or because you need a second family vehicle.  Maybe it would be your "traveling" vehicle, because lots of trips to the beach rack up the miles.  At the price of cars and gas, and let's not even talk about insurance,  you may not want to be buying a brand new one.

Well I found a great place to look for cars for sale at blue book prices or less!  From what I can see, most of the cars are still under the original warranty, so you even get that protection.  I think it is something that new drivers or parents of new or soon to be new drivers might want to check out before going through the laborious process of buying a car.  You could pick up a SAFE and newer model car without breaking the bank and your son or daughter could have a "cool" car that all their friends will be wanted as well.  They could be the "trend setter" of their friends.  Now THAT would make you one cool parent!

They make it a really easy process too.  It's called Hertz Rent2Buy program.  Basically you "rent" the vehicle for 3 days at a special discounted rate, pick it up at the designated location and "test drive it" for 3 days.  If this is the car for you ....... you go into the account you set up and click purchase car.  It appears that in most states you don't even have to return the car - they send you all the information to make the purchase.  If you do buy the vehicle, the rental charges are waived.  Seriously how easy is that?

I wish I had known about this before I bought my daughter's car.  I mean she loves her car, and we did get a great deal on it - but this would have made it so much easier.  I've been looking at the vehicles offered ...... they have some great cars and I have not seen one that was over $20,000.00, and most thousands less, and that was for 2010 cars.

They even have financing available for those used car prices at great industry rates!  Oh and those protection plans you can get with a new car ...... you guessed it - they have that available too!

I think, if you are in the market for a car - you should be checking out this website BEFORE you hit the showrooms.  Who knows, you might never have to see a "used car salesman" again!


I received no compensation for this review , these are my own thoughts regarding this site.

Maxine and the Mechanic

I really love reading Maxine - she ALWAYS has a way of putting things that are right on the money ...

Now this does NOT represent my mechanic - since they are really very good. They can't fix everything (but then who can?) and they make service days so much easier for me - they pick up the car AND return it to the driveway when they are finished. Personal service with a smile.

Don't forget my giveaway ... there's still time to enter.

Maxine, Your figure and Weight Loss

I was laughing so when I opened these in my email this morning . . . Does this look even remotely familiar to any of you?

Life is TOO Short

I just stole this from a friends facebook page (Thanks Gina) because I LOVE it.  Sometimes I think we forget what is important when we get so involved in the "drama" that seems to surround us.

 

Laugh when you can...

Apologize when you should...

And let go of what you can't change...

Love deeply and forgive quickly...

Take chances and give your everything...

Life is too short to be anything but happy...

You have to take the good with the bad...

Love what you have...

Always remember what you had...

Forgive..

And always remember that life goes on...

Life is too short

Maxine and the Dishwasher

Keeping in tune with the Maxine and cleaning theme .......

NoMoreRack

Have you heard of NoMoreRack?  I hadn't before I checked out a friend's blog ... but I am really glad I did.

They have some fantastic deals and some are completely FREE!  How can you beat that one?  I mean FREE is right up my alley ... how about you?

If you agree - or if you want to check out what I'm talking about check out NoMoreRack.  

I really bet you will be happy you did too - great deals .... favorite brands, hot products and up to 90% off?? 

Come on WHAT are you waiting for NoMoreRack is the place for you too. 

See you there!

Maxine's Household Hint

I love Maxine ..... she must be reading my mind.

Am I the only one that thinks this is perfect??

Don't miss my giveaway .... very low entries could mean green in YOUR pocket.

Quote for today

Sometimes we are so much stronger than we think we are JUST BECAUSE we HAVE lived through something we didn't think we could.

You gain strength, courage and confidence 

by every experience in which you 

really stop to look fear in the face.

You are able to say to yourself, 

"I lived through this horror. 

I can take the next thing that comes along." 

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

Eleanor Roosevelt, activist 

You Learn by Living

Don't forget to checkout my giveaway  - I mean who wouldn't appreciate a little "green" in the mail??



I love the view - even as the sun sets

I just can't stop thinking about what a blessing it is that we found this place.

Quote for today 7/20/11

Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. 

So practice happy thinking every day. 

Cultivate the merry heart, 

develop the happiness

and life

will become a continual feast.

Norman Vincent Peale


Don't forget to check out my giveaway .... everyone could use a little "green"

For everything there is a time, a season under the sun.

I'm not really sure why, but this has been rolling around in my head quite a bit lately.  Maybe some needs to see it, or maybe its just me that needs to write it down and be able to see it on a regular basis - so I don't' forget. 

Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season, 

and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, 

and a time to die;

a time to plant, 

and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, 

and a time to heal;

a time to break down, 

and a time to build up;

a time to weep, 

and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, 

and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, 

and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, 

and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, 

and a time to lose;

a time to keep, 

and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, 

and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, 

and a time to speak;

a time to love, 

and a time to hate;

a time for war, 

and a time for peace.

Don't forget my giveaway for a $25 gift card

Quote for today 7/15/11

"Ultimately, 

I am what I choose to be; 

my self-esteem follows the same path."

Anonymous

I think its time for a giveaway ...

As I am getting ready to go back down to the pool I am thinking its been awhile since I had a giveaway - so while I am lounging in the sun and playing in the pool or maybe sailing around I think I will leave you all to get in some chances to win a little something too.


Everyone could use a little green in their pocket so I'm offering a $25 American Express gift certificate to use however you want!  And since it is the summertime we won't make it too difficult.

First requirement .... follow me on GFC and comment here.
Told you it was easy.

For a second entry ... blog about this giveaway and post link back here in your comment here.

For a third entry ... tweet about this giveaway and post back here

I will draw the winning entry on August 1st.  So get your entries in by July 31st at midnight Eastern time.


I will contact the winner by email so make sure your email address is accessable/public so I can get to you.

such a wonderful place to soak up the sun ....

150

LOVE

I think that both of these really does explain the meaning of LOVE.  I know there are tons of definitions - but these two, I believe, go hand in hand and give us an idea to build on.

Love comes when manipulation stops; 

when you think more about the other person 

than about his or her reactions to you. 

When you dare to reveal yourself fully. 

When you dare to be vulnerable.

Dr. Joyce Brothers, American psychologist

You never lose by loving. 

You always lose by holding back.

Barbara De Angelis, American researcher

Room with a view

I have to say that waking up each morning to this view makes it seem like a little bit of heaven on Earth

Summer Salads

I received a wonderful package in the mail the other day - most of which I am saving for a long sit down to read - including a cookbook that looks FANTASTIC - Quick Fixes (with mixes) from Southern Living.

One of the things I found on their website - that is of course PERFECT for Summer are 36 Favorite Cool Summer Salads.  I can't wait to tryout some of these for lighter suppers, especially when it is just too darned hot to cook!

But when you do cook and we all do in the summer (bbq's anyone?) I know I'm always looking for sides to make so I'm not making the same thing time after time.   Southern Living has 16 of the Best Barbecue Sides for us to try as well.  Even if you make something like these - give them a try and see if you can stumble upon a new family favorite!


After you have checked out these great articles, start poking around Southern Living.  Even those of us that live in the North can have a little "southern" in us.

Quote of the Day 7/9/11.......

We've all heard that we have to learn from our mistakes, 

but I think it's more important to learn from successes. 

If you learn only from your mistakes, 

you are inclined to learn only errors.

Norman Vincent Peale

Thunder is NOT my friend

you would think by now she would be able to handle a little thunder ....

I still scared even if I am 7 ...... 

Organization

I have been working on getting things together here in some sort of organized fashion that doesn't look like an institution.

I have been organizing and purging and rearranging so much I think I will just find the "pot of gold" someplace in this house!

But the biggest thing I have found is we have a lot of clutter!  And I'm starting to really really detest clutter.  I will be looking at this great article on 55 Ways to Clear Clutter to see if there was anything that I missed or maybe even some tips on keeping clutter from appearing again.
Kudo's to Family Circle again for some great articles.

Astounding

If we did the things we are capable of, 

we would astound ourselves."

Thomas A. Edison

 

So .... how about we try to astound ourselves today?  I'm going to try.

MyHabit - designer fashions at "everyday folks" prices.

Looking for a great sale on really fantastic looking products?   Well I have THE site for you.  You really should check out myhabit.  There are so many options, men's, women's and kids - designer fashions at reasonable prices.

My Habit

If you click on My Habit  AND enter Promo Code SUMMER25 at check out - you will get $25 off your purchases.

There are some FABULOUS sales going on right now AND FREE shipping inside the United States, so hurry on over

Fun in the Sun

Well now that it is July AND Summer we are all looking for things to do - for many of us that means trips to the shore (or if you live anywhere other than New Jersey - the beach). 

I found a great little website with some Great Beach Snacks that you can take with you with just a little "prep and cook" time and a cooler.  With the cost of everything now - anyplace you can save a few $$'s is helpful.  Now I don't know about too many places now - but I do know that snacks and lunches while playing in the sun and sand is expensive.

And then you have to deal with dinners ........ and those can be outrageous either in cost or fat or both! But have no fear here are some great no cook dinners or 30 minute MAX meals, many of which could be used for lunch as well.

I have to say that I have been finding some really great things on the Family Circle Website.  You should check out some of these things - its' not your Momma's Family Circle - its now OURS!

The 4th of July

Today is

......... American Independence Day.  

Lets celebrate that which makes us Great, 

that which makes us the Country we are, 

that which makes us US. 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY .......

Quote for today 7/3/11

 I stole this from my cousin's facebook page .... because I think it is so ON THE MONEY.  Thanks Gail.

 

The only truly wrong decision is the decision not to try. 

Everything else is a learning experience. 

~ The Daily Love

Remembering why we are Free.

If you read this, you WILL forward it on.  You WILL pass on the link to this post.  I know you will.  Just because you won't be able to stop yourself.  As July 4th, OUR independence day approaches, remember the history of how we got there and how these men and women help to KEEP us Free.


The average age of the military man is 19 years.

He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.

He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must...

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop,
or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient..

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low..

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job..

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed..

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years..

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. ...

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it Please send this on after a short prayer

Prayer Wheel

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families

for the selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need.

Amen.'

When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan , sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq , Afghanistan and all foreign countries.


There is nothing attached....
This can be very powerful.

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine, or Airman, prayer is the very best one.

I can't break this one, sorry.
Pass it on to everyone and pray.

Home Made Laundry and Dishwashing Soaps

I know I probably should have been doing something else, but while I was getting ready to do yet another load of laundry I started thinking about how much money I spend on detergent.  After I finished cringing (and putting the laundry that I just finished washing into the dryer) I thought about making my own detergent.

I know that a while back I had seen a post (yes I had been cruising around the blogisphere) and found a great site Tipnut has all kinds of DIY projects for you to do.  This is a fantastic site - you might want to nose around for a while - but beware - you could "lose time" as you peruse all the great idea ......... I know I did.

Anyway, I made Homemade Laundry Detergent - I made #4 because I just wanted to start with a powder, but there are liquid versions too.  The only "difference" was that I used 2 small bars of Ivory Soap instead of the Fels Naptha  (because I had that at home and didn't have the Fels Naptha)

Then because I was "on a roll" so to speak, I also made Homemade Dishwasher Detergent, but basically combined the 2 powdered versions - because I have exceptionally hard water, I was hoping that this would make things "cleaner".  I'll let you know when I finish the first load and then keep updating if things change.

Happy Canada Day

Just wanted to make sure that everyone recognizes that today is a special day.  Many of us in the United States forget that today is Canada Day.  It was, at one time, called Fete du Canada and Dominion Day. 

Today is the day that Canada celebrates the union of three British Colonies into one Country.

So HAPPY CANADA DAY