February 29th

Is today your birthday? It is? Well Happy Birthday!

Did you know that makes you a Leap Baby? I have a cousin who is a Leap Baby ..... I think that makes him really really young - I mean he only has to increase his age every 4 years, right?! I think that means he can't legally drink yet - even though he's in his late 30s (I think)

No seriously, all kidding aside. Do you know how "special" it is to have a birthday today?

If today is your birthday, you are one of the unique 4.8 million Leap Year babies in the world. Now I know that doesn't sound all that impressive - I mean 4.8 MILLION others share your birthday, but when you hear that all the other birth day possibilities have more than 19 million people sharing their day, well it makes sharing your birthday with 4.8 million seem pretty unique.

                         Here are the days of the week for the next 5 Leap Baby birthdays

                                                         Leap Years 2012 – 2032

                                                Year February 29 – day of the week

                                                                  2016      Monday

                                                                  2020      Saturday

                                                                  2024      Thursday

                                                                  2028      Tuesday

                                                                  2032       Sunday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAP BABY - ENJOY YOUR DAY!

It's just a number ........

This is something I have to remind myself of from time to time, when I'm not liking the number that I see.

It really is JUST a number - it does NOT define me. It does NOT make me the person that I am ....... it is just a number. If I don't like that number it is my responsibility to change it.

Bryton Picks

Check out this great little product to keep in your purse or pocket so that you can keep your dentist happy and Floss multiple times during the day.

I know that sometimes when you are eating out, there are those potentially embarrassing moments when you just "know" there is something stuck in your teeth, but you can NOT get it out, BrytonPicks to the rescue!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

A Strong Person

Do you know someone like this? 

Do you know someone that you thought was so cool, calm and collected  that you believed them to be so unfeeling that they were almost robot like.  Perhaps, just perhaps they were the really strong person they are talking about.

I know now, that I have met quite a few strong people during my lifetime.

Forgiveness

It's been a rough few days with a lot of things going on, so when I saw this on a friends Facebook page, I looked at it as a sign of what I have to do.

Now if I can just do it I know I would be a peace within myself and the heck with others - they have their own problems to deal with - I just wish it didn't involved me.

On a "happier" note - have you entered to win in my giveaways?  We have the Kindle Touch and the Keurig Brewer that are going on right now (links are in the current giveaway box at the top of the page, right hand side).  I would really love to be able to say that one of my readers won one or both of these giveaways!

Live Life as if ....

Some very very true words that I try to live by.
Sometimes I forget and get bogged down in the "everyday" and forget to really live. 
But I do try to find things that will remind me what is important....like this. 

How about you?

 Have you entered to win a Kindle Touch?  I think you should

Keurig B44 Single Cup Coffee Maker Giveaway (US)!!

Here is a WONDERFUL product that I am so happy to be able to offer in a giveaway - Coffee Addicts Lovers, THIS is for YOU!  I have to say, I love my Keurig and don't know what I would do without it.  No more "wasted" coffee (I know HOW could that be) and so many different flavors ........ YES THIS is for YOU.


Where are all the coffee lovers? Come over and enter to win  Keurig B44 Single Cup Coffee Maker. This giveaway is only for US residents. If you are outside US and wish to enter, that means if you win, you provide a US shipping address. Self sponsored by amazing bloggers from Cyber Connect social network.

Product description

Keurig B44 Single Cup Coffee Maker: The Keurig B44 Single Cup Brewer is the mid-luxury home brewing system in the Keurig line, and offers a blend of styling and convenient features. The 48-oz. removable water reservoir holds up to eight cups before refilling, and the removable drip tray allows for easy cleaning and the use of travel mugs. *Convenient single-cup brewing * Fast and easy with no mess * Choice of 2 cup sizes * Removable 48-oz. reservoir * Stylish chrome accents

Features

• Brewing system
• Always ready; brews in under 1 minute
• Choice of 2 cup sizes
• Removable 48 ounce water reservoir
• Perfect for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa

Giveaway made easy with rafflecopter.

I would so LOVE to be able to say I was the one that introduced you to this wonderful giveaway AND that YOU, one of my readers, was the ultimate winner .. How cool would that be??  I think it would be AWESOME!  As you can see I'm a bit excited.  Let me know when you enter (blog comment would be really nice) and how you feel about this giveaway - so I can add you to the list of potential winners coming from my site.

My 500th GFC follower

Will it be you?

Right now, as I write this post, I am at 498 GFC followers ....... and I wonder who will be the one to put me at my current goal of 500 followers on GFC.

I know I have some wonderful followers on Google+ and twitter and Facebook .....  and yes all my great followers on GFC.  But if you remember back here, I was going to have a giveaway when I reached 500 followers on GFC.

And we are soooo close.  Will YOU be the 500th follower??  Make sure you leave me a comment if YOU are #500.  We could be having a special day just for you!

Restaurant

Guest post from: Bruno Smith

It is a sad day down in my hometown.

 One of my favorite restaurants is closing down. It is a family owned restaurant that has been opened since the beginning of time it seems. I have memories of eating at that place almost every Sunday after church and there are pictures on the walls of my grandmother and grandfather eating there when they were kids.

Now when I hear the name Snooky, it will only mean someone is talking about that crazy girl who is on a reality show on directv.   It seems as more and more big chain restaurants come to our little hometown, more and more of the mom and pop stores are closing.

Not that I didn't want those chains to come because I did. I just wish they could coexist, but it seems that they can't. Soon enough my hometown will be like every other growing city that has all the recognizable stores and restaurants. I am going to see if I can get one of the booths from Snooky's to put in my kitchen. What a piece of history that would be!

Diplomacy

I know I know I should be good - but I found this one on a friends Facebook page and I just HAD to steal it. Thanks Jill and Pam!

Happy President's Day 2012

Happy President's Day

Are you doing anything "special" to recognize the day?  Shopping?  or like me ....... just working?

While you are thinking about it (and you are thinking about it aren't you?) make sure you have entered to win the Kindle Touch plus 2 ebooks by Andrea Pearson.  I loved the first book - The Key of Kilenya and am really enjoying the second The Ember God (I'm almost done and just know I will be getting the 3rd in the series as soon as it is out)

Be YOUR best

Let all the hate, drama and negativity stop BEFORE it reaches your door!

Want a Kindle Touch?  Have you entered the giveaway I'm holding for a Kindle Touch and 2 ebooks?

Have you Met the Creator of Maxine

John Wagner, Hallmark artist since 1970, says Maxine was inspired by his mother, his maiden aunts and his grandmother, the woman who bought him art lessons when 'fill in the pumpkins' was about the extent of his art classes at St. John's Catholic School in Leonia, N.J.   

 (YEAH a fellow New Jerseyan)

John remembers doodling as a preschooler and says both his grandmother and his mother encouraged his artistic interests. He eventually attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and landed at Hallmark as part of a new artists group. But it was the birth of the humorous Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) in 1986 that added a new dimension to John's professional life. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed his talents and he created Maxine.

'Cartoonists are sensitive to the insanities of the world; we just try to humanize them,' John says. 'If Maxine can get a laugh out of someone who feels lonely or someone who is getting older and hates the thought of another birthday, or if she can make someone chuckle about stressful interpersonal relationships, then I'm happy. Putting a smile on someone's face is what it's all about.'

Those smiles have led to Maxine's becoming a bit of a celebrity. She (and John) have been the subject of media stories, including People , USA Today, Good Morning America , The Wall Street Journal, St. Petersburg (FL) Times, and Las Vegas Journal-Review, and they have been included in a major Associated Press story. Collector and trade publications have reported fans nationwide are collecting Maxine items. Letters from consumers and fans to John and Maxine reveal a very personal connection to Maxine.

Many people say they are just like her.

Why the name 'Maxine'? 'People at Shoebox started referring to the character as 'John Wagner's old lady,' and I knew that would get me into trouble with my wife,' John says. The Shoebox team had a contest among themselves to name the character and three of the approximately 30 entries suggested 'Maxine'. John says the name is perfect.

John, who says he's humbled by such acceptance of Maxine, admits he's proud of her.

 Now you know the story of how Maxine came to be.

SOME NEW MAXINES !
I haven't seen these before. Good ones.

 

Ok this one is DEFINITELY not PC ....... but then I've already warned you many times I am NOT PC .... Sorry!

Have you entered to win a Kindle Touch in my giveaway??

Find your true direction

Kindle Touch Plus More Giveaway

Happy Valentine's Day 

I hope it is an absolutely Wonderful Valentine's Day for you and yours. Now wouldn't it be a wonderful way to start your celebrating by entering a Fabulous Giveaway?

I have joined in with Terri’s Little Haven, Grandma Bonnie’s Closet, Andrea Pearson, and some other great bloggers to give you a chance to win a Kindle Touch with Special Offers and 2 wonderful eBooks by Andrea Pearson; The Key of Kilenya and The Ember Gods.


I have already read  The Key of Kilenya, which was really interesting - you know the kind that you don't want to put down - and made me want to pick up the second in the series, The Ember Gods, to continue with the story and find out what happened next with Jacob and Akeno and all those in Eklaron.

If The Ember Gods is anywhere near as well written as The Key of Kilenya, and I'm sure it will be, I know I will be looking for the 3rd book in the series, August Fortress.  I recently heard from Andrea that it is being editing now and should be done soon.   I can't wait!

A little more about the rest of this Prize.  The winner will receive a Kindle Touch with Special Offers from Amazon once all the entries have been verified. It will be mailed directly from Amazon to the winner. It could take up to a week to 10 days after the giveaway has ended to contact the winner depending on how many entries there are.  Secretly I hope there are LOTS of entries - because I just think that makes it even more fun, especially for the winner!  You can check back daily to see if your name is on the rafflecopter as the winner. Terri from Terri’s Little Haven, will email the winner as well. Terri is VERY diligent and tries to contact the winner by every means available if she can’t reach you by email.  If you've left other information, such as a blog, a Twitter, a Facebook and/or a  G+ account, she will try to reach you there as well.  See I told you she was super diligent!  And if you entered on my blog post ........ I will be reaching out to you too!  See we want you to be able to get your winnings quickly - so you can enjoy Andrea's books too!

Kindle Features
Most advanced 6″ E Ink touchscreen
Millions of books at your fingertips
Built-in Wi-Fi
Single battery charge lasts up to 2 months with wireless off and a half hour of reading per day
Books in 60 seconds
Holds up to 3,000 books
Carry your whole library in less than 8 ounces
Special offers and Sponsored Screensavers that don’t interrupt your reading
Borrow public library books
8 adjustable font sizes and 3 font style choices

Oh and you want some bonus entries??  Make sure you check back daily - you just never know what bonus entry has been added (and yes it can be daily) to give you more chances to win!

Today only (Valentine's Day) - get your copy of  Samara:  A Kilenya Romance for Kindle for FREE

Versatile Blogger Award

I am stunned and happy and so very excited!!!
And I have to say honored, by 2 wonderful ladies, Jenny from The NY Melrose Family and Debbie from Scattered Musings of A Creative Mind.  You see, they both have awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award.

I was really surprised when I was reviewing my blog comments (yes I do read them all) and saw that they both had a surprise for me (sorry for the double use of surprise in 1 sentence)..  You see I don't write my blog to receive awards, but it is always nice when one, or in this case 2, appears in your mailbox.  I do try to keep things ever changing, always trying to find something that is new/different/better than the post before and it is nice when someone does something like this because it just confirms that "you're doing it!"  Thank you both ladies, for a wonderful surprise!

First I have to tell you 7 things about me.

1)  I'm in serious love of coffee (some may say addicted)
2)  I love cookbooks.  I have boxes that I rotate between the shelf and the boxes, addicted?
        Although I have all these cookbooks I rarely follow a recipe after making it the first time.
3)  I love a pedicure.  My heels are forever dry and cracked if I don't go every other week.  And then of course I get pretty colors on my toes, complete with "matching" flowers.  Yup spoiled!
4)  I love doing personal taxes (yes I know) - its a wonderful, crazy challenge every year.
5)  I hate to clean and desperately need a good/efficient housekeeper
6)  I'm shy and hate to talk to "strangers" when I'm not "teaching" something or being sarcastic.
7)  I hate the cold and want to move to Florida (even with the hurricane threats).  Now to just win the lottery or something equally wonderful to accomplish that!

But another one of the benefits of this award, is that I get to pick 7 other bloggers to receive this award.   That way they get to "feel the love" and maybe get some new readers in the process.

1)  Lenore at Crazed Mind
2)  Pam at Radical Ramblings and thoughts of a Southern Girl
3)  Lisa at The Queen of Random
4)  Jessica at Pudget:  Losing Weight on a Budget
5)  Natalie at Bridget's Daughter
6)  Meredith at the worstest mommy
7)  Jennifer at Just add Water, Silly

Each of these ladies bring something "different" to the blogging world and I have been finding all kinds of wonderful things on their blogs.  Check them out and see if you don't agree.  Tell them I sent you ....... bloggy love is a glorious thing!

That's my Friend

I sure hope that you count me as one of your friends.  We may never meet, face to face, but you are an important part of my life - my bloggy life..

Special Giveaway Coming Soon.

This is going to be soooo much fun!  Yes I said FUN!  I guess I'm having giveaway withdrawals ... and I do have to say, this is a good thing for you.

Seriously who doesn't want to have a Kindle?  I have seen so many great blogs having giveaways for the Kindle and they are always well received, so I know it is a much sought after product.  So in just 4 days you will have another opportunity!

I have hooked up with some great bloggers and we are going to be having a KINDLE GIVEAWAY!  But not just any Kindle.  We are having a giveaway, starting February 14th, for a

Kindle Touch w/ Special Offers 

PLUS 

The Key of Kilenya and The Ember Gods eBooks By Andrea Pearson

Now I almost wish I wasn't part of this great giveaway so that I could be in on winning this one!  And I have to tell you I have already read The Key of Kilenya and LOVED IT!  LOVED IT!

Now I have to get the next installment -- The Ember Gods ........... I wonder if I can get it and read it before our giveaway starts.  HMMM, yes I will be going to get it before this giveaway starts on February 14th.

New Facebook Page for Blog

Some of you (oh heck most of you) already know that Facebook is getting very very picky about the differences between PERSONAL Facebook Accounts and  Facebook PAGE accounts.  If you don't have a "PAGE" already created for your blog or business, you had better get one before you end up in trouble with the powers that be at Facebook.

I can hear Ricky Ricardo saying ...........
                                      "You gonna be in bigggggg  troubbbllleee Luuuucccy..........

So I am in the process of setting up a Facebook Page for my blog.  If you would like to follow along with the process of getting everything switched over ....... and not miss out on any giveaways that will be coming soon .... that is in addition to the ones already listed on my "Current Giveaway" box on the right.

Come join me on Facebook at Inspiration Can Be Found Everywhere

I sure hope to see you there......... I can see this being a slow process of getting my fan base back to where it was on my personal page and then getting it to be even higher.  Won't you help me?

Know YOUR Worth

The First Step

Are you ready to take the first step?  Or have you already taken it?

Maxine's Brilliant Household Tip

Always keep several Get Well cards on the mantle......

So if unexpected guests arrive,

They will think you've been sick

And unable to clean.

Movie Night Coupon of the Day

I'm feeling like I really want to do a movie night. You know what I mean, a weekend night (or nights) where you don't plan anything but hanging at home with the hubs (significant other, family and.or friends) and just relax. But of course you can't just "sit" there - you need to pop in a movie and chill.

Now I don't think the hubs would really like to sit and watch this one (although the other night it was on cable and he was laughing at a few scenes before he switched the channel) but it really was a cute movie.  I think the first "Legally Blonde" movie I saw was when my daughter was a kid and a few of her friends wanted to go and asked if I wanted to go with them ....... kind of like a mom/daughter day


I did see Knight and Day but I thought it was kind of fun.  But then between Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz ...... what's not to be fun?  It is another one of those movies that, although will never be a "classic" it is one that you can watch over again without doing the "not again" whine.




And what movie watching would be complete with out some "munchies" ... and don't this M&M Pretzel's look soooo good ?? Oh yes I think this would be a perfect movie companion.




I'm thinking I should just grab a few of these coupons and plan my weekend right now ..... before someone else plans it for me.  How about you?  Any plans for the weekend?

Naptime anyone?

Some days I just really want to be able to take a little "nap" at my desk .................

I'll be right with you after a short one.

What do you think?  Do you think I could get away with this in my cubical?  I mean tax season is a "trying" time with lots of hours and very little sleep ..... Could you see this?

My boss would be flippin'! 

YES They DID it AGAIN

I know I don't usually watch a lot of professional sports anymore, especially the "championship" games since most of them are either totally lopsided - like one team forgets to actually show up to play.  But this year ........ well I did watch and I did enjoy the game.  It really was a great game, in my opinion, for both teams.

However .......... guess who won AGAIN!!
I know some extremely happy people in my office today!  

And speaking of a job well done ............... Here is your MVP

 But you know he was pretty inspiring too ...
gotta love his salsa dance.

 And of course you have this game changing catch .......... thank you Mr Manningham!

Tell me, what did you think about the "other" part of the game? What commercials did you really like and which do you think kind of "missed"?

And halftime? Did you like the halftime show? Did you see what was so "controversial" during the show? I have to say I wasn't all that impressed and I did miss the controversial scene .... but I guess between this and wardrobe malfunctions and dull/boring shows - half time is the time for snack refills/drink refills and bathroom breaks.

Super Bowl

Nooooooo, Maxine, I mean Football.  

So tell me ..............

ARE ya ready for some FOOTBALL?  

You know some REAL GOOD Football.

Hopefully this year it will be a really good game -

not the one sided fiascos that we usually see.

Ok just for laughs ........
How many of you thought along the lines of Maxine?  
Really?

Sign up for The Luck of the Irish Giveaway - March 1-17th

If you ended up here, instead of the actual Giveaway, from the Master List Giveaway Linky (little error on that linky page) check out the actual GIVEAWAY-  I don't want you to miss out on my prizes!

Mama Does It All and Deals From MS Do proudly present the Luck of the Irish Giveaway Hop from March 1 12:01 AM to March 17 11:59 PM and are accepting signups now! Prize package must be a minimum of $25.00.


By being a part of this giveaway hop it’s a great way to gain new followers, increase traffic, and network with other bloggers! The Grand Prize will be a Kindle Fire sponsored by Zuuzs!

And if you are Irish, like me (ok I'm only 1/2 Irish), you can CELEBRATE your Irish background with lots of great bloggers as well as making lots of new friends!


You can decide how you want to be part of this great Irish Hop.  You can blog about this event, and then your entry is FREE, or you can opt to send $5   Now that’s fantastic!


Hurry on over and sign up so you don’t miss out on

Help with Children's Clothing

I'm sure we all could use some help with kids clothes.  I mean we all know that they are VERY expensive (or can be) and let's face it they aren't in them that long!  I swear when my kids were little - I was buying new clothes ALL THE TIME!  It was as if they went to sleep and grew and inch and then they needed new clothes!  Right?  You know its true.

Here is a great way to save a little on kids clothes.  Check out thredUP.  Where moms like you buy, sell & share children's clothes, toys and books online.  You get the benefit or new, to your child, clothes and you get to declutter their room. 

And then think about toys and books.... think of how fast they grow out of or lose interest in some toys and books. You could use thredUP to swap out things they don't need or want and possibly score some much wanted items without paying full price!

I think its a win - win. How about you? Check it out and see.

Make your opinion heard with Synovate Global

Here's your chance to Share YOUR opinion AND win prizes for doing that.

Sounds like a sweet deal to me - how about you?

Check it out. But hurry because they only have so many spaces available at any one time - you don't want to be left out right??

Life is Too Short for Regrets

I agree.  Life is too short to live with regrets.   So lets not live with them.

Well not its not really that life is too short ....... it that the alternative is WAY TOO LONG!

Write Your OWN Story