tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29045298237573025532024-03-06T01:17:04.680-05:00The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBugOne Momma's observations and lessons learned from life in a House full of Testosterone!Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-45595548163063682732012-01-28T00:01:00.001-05:002012-01-20T09:06:50.896-05:00Blogorama Bonanza Remix 2012 Is Here! Win a $50 Amazon.com GC and More!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>This is a Sticky Post and will remain at the top of this blog for the duration of this event. Please scroll down for new adventures, great giveaways and awesome reviews!</b></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/"><img alt="" height="180" src=" http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o44/chanchy76/bb2012button.jpg" title="Jyla's Three Of Us Giveaway" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's here! It's here! The Blogorama Bonanza Remix 2012 hosted by <a href="http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/">Jayas Three of Us Giveaway</a>, <a href="http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/">The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug</a> (that's me!) and <a href="http://www.generationsofsavings.com/">Generations of Savings!</a> Are you ready to win some awesome prizes! Sure you are! Well, get ready cause tons are going to be handed out. Each participating blog will have a special prize - so enter away! <br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now onto my prize! Well, I thought you actually might like to choose your own prize so I'm giving away a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card! What will you spend it on? It's up to you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entry is super easy thanks to Raffleopter! Just use the form below!</div><script id="raflin-b7b7b029" type="text/javascript">
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now that you've entered my awesome giveaway, check out all the other great giveaways that are part of this event! Happy hopping and good luck!</div><script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=8e1a0939-2b60-4e95-af0d-1312cf74a78f" type="text/javascript">
</script>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com150tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-80119118158889047882012-01-20T22:00:00.001-05:002012-01-20T12:40:14.424-05:00Great Quote for the Tough Times...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O2DAZwhpOk/TxmmtFQ26WI/AAAAAAAACUw/pJi4sdfIXY8/s512/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="437" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O2DAZwhpOk/TxmmtFQ26WI/AAAAAAAACUw/pJi4sdfIXY8/s640/quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-20330603900246082992012-01-20T11:49:00.001-05:002012-01-20T14:29:19.888-05:00Maximize Your Savings in 2012 with CouponCodes4U!<div style="text-align: center;">I'm all about saving money whenever I can. And a great way to do that is through coupons! Now, thanks to <a href="http://www.couponcodes4u.com/" name="CouponCodes4u" target="_blank" title="CouponCodes4u">CouponCodes4u</a>, I have tons of money saving coupons right at my fingertips! And we're not talking about just grocery store savings people! We're talking savings on brands that I love to shop! Clothing, electronics, flowers and more - they are all here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.couponcodes4u.com/sites/ash/images/logo_en_US.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.couponcodes4u.com/sites/ash/images/logo_en_US.png" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">So what makes CouponCodes4U a great place to look for <a href="http://www.couponcodes4u.com/" name="coupons" target="_blank" title="”coupons"">coupons</a>? First, it is super well organized! You can browse by categories, printables, what's new and more! I could seriously spend hours on here! And there are amazing deals for the items that you really want! I mean, up to 70% off Crocs? Uh-mazing!<br />
<br />
And the great news is there are even <a href="http://www.couponcodes4u.com/exclusive" name="good exclusive codes" target="_blank" title="good
exclusive codes">good exclusive codes</a> are just a click away! That means you'll only find them there people! And all this is thanks to CouponCodes4U! So what will you shop for today? The perfect vacation? A great new pair of shoes? Maybe even a new cell phone? Well, before you buy, make sure you head on over and check out how much you can save! You'll be glad you did!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is a sponsored post. Regardless, all opinions are 100% my own.</span></div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-89071523451067707792012-01-19T15:46:00.001-05:002012-01-20T12:41:28.352-05:00Ozeri Pedometer Review and Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">Since I starting getting back into shape, I've taken much more of an interest in how much daily exercise I'm getting. After all, without the movement you can't keep the pounds off! But how to do you find out how much you move a day? I mean, I was convinced that I must walk 10 miles a day chasing MillerBug since he started walking but how could I know for sure? Well, now that I'm using the <a href="http://www.ozeri.com/#gallery">Ozeri Pedometer</a>, I can know for sure and I am loving it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZfmjE-RXwI/TxmnJ8ukCxI/AAAAAAAACU4/KREns9CeVKY/s320/pedometer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZfmjE-RXwI/TxmnJ8ukCxI/AAAAAAAACU4/KREns9CeVKY/s320/pedometer.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Ozeri Pedometer is a wonderful tool for keeping track of your daily movement. It records steps, distance, speed and calories all while being small enough to fit into any pocket! It is great for me as I can just grab it in the morning and put it in the pocket of my jeans and them come back at night and see how I did for the day. I was able to set my own stride so that it is accurate for my movement and have been absolutely in love with it since the minute I received it. The Ozeri Pedometer is now a part of my daily routine - I don't leave home without it! If you are interested in knowing how much you move a day, this is a must have! It will help you see how active you are now as well as help you to track your journey to becoming more active in the future!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now one of my lucky readers is going to get help getting in shape with their very own Ozeri Pedometer!<br />
<br />
Entry is super easy thanks to Rafflecopter! Just use the form below!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><script id="raflin-b7b7b019" type="text/javascript">
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript></div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-63462978213073483252012-01-19T11:56:00.000-05:002012-01-19T11:56:00.758-05:00Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop - Week 42!<div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykMnldx8u2lIuCs-CB172F4Zs_IhdUy6oeRL0-MyKuXoPvRFJUDXc5pHQ_RoB49CWOkbapTVwBXF6VbgfbpNoe3ewBjZeqMovIGk8jRp1DK9yunDdqNvi-LiahSfMtwkKUIC7HZcfph8/" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea rows="4"><a border="0" href="http://myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykMnldx8u2lIuCs-CB172F4Zs_IhdUy6oeRL0-MyKuXoPvRFJUDXc5pHQ_RoB49CWOkbapTVwBXF6VbgfbpNoe3ewBjZeqMovIGk8jRp1DK9yunDdqNvi-LiahSfMtwkKUIC7HZcfph8/"/></a></textarea><br />
<br />
Welcome back to week 42 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from <a href="http://www.mysavinggame.com/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #7d181e;">My Saving Game</span></a>, Sam from <a href="http://www.havesippywilltravel.com/" rel="nofollow">Have Sippy Will Travel</a> and Jeannette from <a href="http://www.myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #7d181e;">The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug</span></a>! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let's get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though. So here we go!</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
1. Please follow your hostesses <a href="http://myowngrocerygame.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #7d181e;">My Saving Game</span></a>, <a href="http://www.havesippywilltravel.com/" rel="nofollow">Have Sippy Will Travel</a> and <a href="http://www.myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #7d181e;">The Advetures of J-Man and MillerBug</span></a>. Leave us a comment and we will follow you back! (If you already follow us on GFC, we'd <span style="color: red;">LOVE</span><span style="color: black;"> it if you would follow us on Google +, Facebook or Twitter.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Follow our Guest Host who this weeks is Alena from <a href="http://little-bit-of-wonderful.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Little Bit of Wonderful</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. You don't have to post our button but we sure would like it if you did. Not only does it help our hop grow so we can all get new followers, but each week we will choose a guest co-host and to be considered you must have our button somewhere on your site! If you post our button and want to be considered for guest co-host, please email me at <a href="mailto:jmanandmillerbug@gmail.com"><span style="color: #d52a33;">jmanandmillerbug@gmail.com</span></a> to express your interest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. You can link up blogs, facebook, twitter accounts, whatever - just be sure to specify what each link is.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Hop around and find blogs that you enjoy. Be sure to tell them you are following them from Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop so they can follow you back!</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Have fun!</div><br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=126211" type="text/javascript">
</script>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-18689138710664593332012-01-19T08:50:00.000-05:002012-01-19T08:50:25.966-05:00Occupation: Housewife (And About 50 Other Things!)<div style="text-align: center;">This pretty much sums up how I feel every time someone says "Oh, so you just stay home" or when I have to check the box on an application that says "home maker" simply because all the things I REALLY do are not listed - if they only knew!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-A__rTNePdo5wo8asxNRhhn7cUoGLdA7jCjnAFyu5meQK9J98RfF8Hbbj1Io-UP1qJp3lS6rp4IpQWWNaGwFn97R3yD_q_fYHzjkLUcaNkmzqnG73sZLloYS1NEmeRpn5IZFfYpMfeU/s1600/family+circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-A__rTNePdo5wo8asxNRhhn7cUoGLdA7jCjnAFyu5meQK9J98RfF8Hbbj1Io-UP1qJp3lS6rp4IpQWWNaGwFn97R3yD_q_fYHzjkLUcaNkmzqnG73sZLloYS1NEmeRpn5IZFfYpMfeU/s640/family+circus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Jeff and Bill Keane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-84451540810633073702012-01-18T18:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T12:09:34.200-05:00STOP SOPA! We Need Your Help!<div style="text-align: center;">Have you heard about SOPA? Or PIPA? If you're a blogger you should listen up! And if you're not a blogger, do you like to visit sites on the Internet? Well then, this matters to you too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOAP) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) would censor the Internet. They would make it difficult for blogs like this one to run. Because it would give the government the right to shut down websites and censor information. And you don't even have to be at fault! From my understanding (and I'm not lawyer), the passing of SOAP and PIPA would allow websites to be shut down based on a complaint WITH NO PROOF! If someone thinks you have copyright material on your site and complains, you could be shut down! If someone leaves a link to copyright material in your comments, you could be shut down! As I said, I'm not a lawyer and I don't want to tell you what to think. So go educate yourself! You can find a summary of SOPA <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:HR03261:@@@L&summ2=m&" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> - so go read it and see what you think! And then I strongly encourage you to sign the petition to stop SOPA (found <a href="https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>). Let YOUR voice be heard!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/takeaction.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/takeaction.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Google</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Sound off below! What do you think of this bill?</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-4139629334226307322012-01-18T12:49:00.000-05:002012-01-18T12:49:48.084-05:00Nutrisystem Week 14: My Scale Says What?<div style="text-align: center;">So, I'm super duper excited! Why? Because thanks to <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>, the scale has become my friend! I am the lightest now that I have been in over two years. I feel great! My hubby thinks I look fantastic and I am no longer afraid to step on the scale in the morning! Because this week I <b style="color: red;">lost an additional 3.6 pounds</b> for a 14 week total weight loss of <b style="color: red;">46.2 pounds </b>- WOW! I am beyond stunned! I have not seen this number in a very, very long time and it makes me jump up and down! Thanks Nutrisystem!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/42/Nutrisystem-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/42/Nutrisystem-logo.jpg" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">For the last two years I have refused to get on the scale. Like at all. Even when I went to the doctor's office, I would avoid it like the plague. It made me sad. Seeing the number that was there ruined my day. Because I knew it was not healthy. And I knew it was not who I wanted to be. But I felt trapped by that little number! I mean, honestly, isn't it amazing that we can somehow justify measuring our self-worth by a number on a scale but yet, we do it. No matter how accomplished I am in other areas, my weight determines how I feel as a person. Is that wrong? Probably. But it is true? Definitely! But this is where Nutrisystem has come in. It has helped me gain my feeling of self-worth back. It has helped me become friends with the scale again. In fact, as soon as I get up in the morning, I run to jump on the scale and see what it will say that day. Because I know that thanks to Nutrisystem, I'm not going to see a scary number on there! As long as I am following the plan and working it, I am going to reach the me I want to be! And that right there is priceless!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCPZtRmZDdlIsXc2vhyphenhyphenpohZtrw2eAK_3mXfjYRCNRbgiR_ZhobU-7te-W90XIpo7YA9xz2eZIn4Yeg_bWClZsrfi7rZXRwMYAyfBF3-d-HifhFMWIyhCtgjIo9Gc-qbV4-HfntPHCJG4/s1600/scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCPZtRmZDdlIsXc2vhyphenhyphenpohZtrw2eAK_3mXfjYRCNRbgiR_ZhobU-7te-W90XIpo7YA9xz2eZIn4Yeg_bWClZsrfi7rZXRwMYAyfBF3-d-HifhFMWIyhCtgjIo9Gc-qbV4-HfntPHCJG4/s200/scale.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I challenge you to think about the way you look at your weight this week. Is it defining who you are? Are you a prisoner to a number on the scale? Because if you are, Nutrisystem could just be your key! I know it was for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font: normal normal normal xx-small/normal 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Times, serif;">I received one or more of the products described above for free in order to provide an honest evaluation. Regardless, my opinions are 100% my own.</span></span></span></div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-41062519975608513592012-01-18T12:08:00.004-05:002012-01-20T12:43:28.383-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Is This A Good Place For My Blocks?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycQmE_rxzlM/TxmnmHtK17I/AAAAAAAACVA/8MuqRa_vc4w/s512/miller%252520dog%252520food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycQmE_rxzlM/TxmnmHtK17I/AAAAAAAACVA/8MuqRa_vc4w/s640/miller%252520dog%252520food.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-79929585586285687972012-01-17T11:16:00.001-05:002012-01-20T12:53:28.783-05:00Quick and Easy Dinner: Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce!<div style="text-align: center;">If you're like me, at the end of the day all you want to do is get your family fed and be done. But then the guilt sneaks in and you remember that you really NEED to give them a well balanced meal - something that is yummy but healthy at the same time. Well, here's a great option to fill their bellies and have them begging for more!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnb4GwfPnkU/Txmn5oEgsdI/AAAAAAAACVI/3NVNnwEKbyY/s320/pasta1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnb4GwfPnkU/Txmn5oEgsdI/AAAAAAAACVI/3NVNnwEKbyY/s320/pasta1.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">What you Will Need:</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Pounds frozen or fresh shrimp</div><div style="text-align: center;">Garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 and a half lemons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pasta</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">How to Make It:</div><div style="text-align: center;">- First thaw your shrimp if they are frozen. You will need to either purchase pre-peeled shrimp or peel and devein them yourself. I buy the frozen bags from Harris Teeter and then thaw then under luke warm water prior to peeling them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGMlQ28hMDE/TxmoKRb0BeI/AAAAAAAACVQ/-_bRuNaCvds/s320/Pasta2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGMlQ28hMDE/TxmoKRb0BeI/AAAAAAAACVQ/-_bRuNaCvds/s320/Pasta2.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Next go ahead and peel and devein them and set them aside. If you can purchase pre-peeled shrimp, it will really save you time. Always smell your shrimp though to make sure that they do not have too strong of a fishy smell - this indicates that they are old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFoAxhYFpX0/TxmoZE3yOXI/AAAAAAAACVY/Z3LOXtEnyx4/s320/Pasta3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFoAxhYFpX0/TxmoZE3yOXI/AAAAAAAACVY/Z3LOXtEnyx4/s320/Pasta3.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Go ahead and start boiling your water for pasta while you are preparing to cook your shrimp. Shrimp do not take a long time to cook. In most cases, you will want to put in your pasta around the same time that you begin to cook your shrimp. Now, using a large skillet, set your temperature to medium-high and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm slightly and then add your shrimp.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19fJEktFZq4/TxmovumrlqI/AAAAAAAACVg/lFrf4IDIplk/s320/Pasta4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19fJEktFZq4/TxmovumrlqI/AAAAAAAACVg/lFrf4IDIplk/s320/Pasta4.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Cook with a top on for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Every stove is going to cook differently so be sure to keep an eye on them. You DO NOT want overcooked, chewy shrimp. You just want to cook them until they turn bright pink. And keep in mind that your shrimp will continue to cook as you make the sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-marbq4A4QFI/Txmo92-Kj4I/AAAAAAAACVo/FTFqEZFFBnI/s512/shrimp%252520007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-marbq4A4QFI/Txmo92-Kj4I/AAAAAAAACVo/FTFqEZFFBnI/s320/shrimp%252520007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Once your shrimp are cooked, you want to go ahead and make the sauce. This is so easy! First, drain the excess liquid off your shrimp. Now, put the shrimp back on the burner with the heat turned to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter (we use light butter to help with the calories) - you can add more or less depending on how much sauce you want. As the butter melts add in garlic to taste. We love garlic around here so I always add lots. Your butter and garlic will start to create a creamy sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHh06l6vTSs/TxmpKUXnLuI/AAAAAAAACVw/-61a8WQTcWw/s320/Shrimp5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHh06l6vTSs/TxmpKUXnLuI/AAAAAAAACVw/-61a8WQTcWw/s320/Shrimp5.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Once you have the butter and garlic stirred in well, you are ready to add your lemon. If your lemon is hard, try putting it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it up. Then cut it in half and squeeze one and a half lemons into the mixture. Make sure to strain the lemon juice so that nobody ends up getting a surprise seed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUya0jyYpmg/TxmpYqqeP_I/AAAAAAAACV4/i-0muumC4QY/s320/Shrimp6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUya0jyYpmg/TxmpYqqeP_I/AAAAAAAACV4/i-0muumC4QY/s320/Shrimp6.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Stir well and recover your mixture so that it can sit while you are getting the pasta ready. This will allow time for the flavors to heighten, leaving you with a wonderful taste. Now, drain and rinse your pasta. I personally like linguine best for this dish because of appearance but if you have kids (like I do) it is better to go with rotini to make it easier to pick up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYbkyZCoqPAujH_7rVpSb4yIeRcgVsH3lWBZIhhDtsNPPOzJAn_wXIh_1QxNns3rz04bFk2fHupmcRkS0FqwxUuzz5DFPEibPHH-RD0PwmDvHoWMeyV-jb5xlGXxeG6B1ZxcFVL7W06w/s320/Shrimp7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYbkyZCoqPAujH_7rVpSb4yIeRcgVsH3lWBZIhhDtsNPPOzJAn_wXIh_1QxNns3rz04bFk2fHupmcRkS0FqwxUuzz5DFPEibPHH-RD0PwmDvHoWMeyV-jb5xlGXxeG6B1ZxcFVL7W06w/s320/Shrimp7.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- You are now ready to assemble your meal. Add pasta to a plate and top with your shrimp. Make sure to use a ladle to get plenty of sauce on each plate. Then garnish with cheese. Your final product will look something like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnb4GwfPnkU/Txmn5oEgsdI/AAAAAAAACVI/3NVNnwEKbyY/s320/pasta1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnb4GwfPnkU/Txmn5oEgsdI/AAAAAAAACVI/3NVNnwEKbyY/s320/pasta1.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette and you have your full meal ready to go!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bon Appetite!</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-50121146400728794852012-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:002012-01-17T00:58:42.534-05:00Mission Giveaway: Win a Striiv Personal Trainer from Nintendo!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/missionangel" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-9749 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://slopswap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mission-Giveaway-300x300.jpg" title="Mission Giveaway 300x300" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mission Giveaway started with the <a href="http://madamedeals.com/100-story/" target="_blank">$100 Story</a> where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are the Mission Giveaway Group!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week is especially special to me because you know that fitness is one of my big goals for 2012! Is it one of your too? Well then listen up! Because we want to help you and and a friend get fit!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;">This week is <strong>Mission Get Fit</strong>!</h2><h3><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00546T5MY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=timpstal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00546T5MY"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00546T5MY&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=timpstal-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=timpstal-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00546T5MY" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Grand Prize is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00546T5MY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=timpstal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00546T5MY">Striiv: Personal Trainer in Your Pocket</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=timpstal-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00546T5MY" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Nintendo! (ARV $99) And the great thing is that we have 2 of them - one for you and one for you to give a friend!</div></h3><div style="text-align: center;">Working out is always better with a friend right? A friend can help you stay on track, keep your goals and keep you motivated! Or maybe you know someone that could really benefit from a great workout tool like the Striiv and you'd love to pay it forward. Start thinking of who the best person is to share the Striiv with if you WIN!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a look at this <a href="http://madamedeals.com/striiv-review-your-pocket-sized-personal-trainer/" target="_blank">great review of the Striiv</a> to find out what an awesome prize this is!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;">Here's How You Enter:</span><strong></strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;">The Giveaway will open up on Tuesday 1/17 at 12:01 am EST and Close on Friday 1/20 at 11:59 pm EST.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1) Start at the <a href="http://slopswap.com/?p=10270" target="_blank">Rafflecopter Giveaway form.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2) Complete the Mandatory entries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3) Work your way through the links, entering contests at each blog as you go. These contests each have their own rules and end dates.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4) Complete additional entries towards the bottom and come back for additional daily entries!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><script id="raflin-416aa97c" type="text/javascript">
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The amazing Blogs participating in the event this week are:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.slopswap.com/" target="_blank">Slop Swap</a>, <a href="http://www.madamedeals.com/" target="_blank">Madame Deals </a>, <a href="http://www.wheelndealmama.com/" target="_blank">Wheel n Deal Mama</a>, <a href="http://www.utahcoupondeals.com/" target="_blank">Utah Coupon Deals</a>, <a href="http://www.tammileetips.com/" target="_blank">Tammilee Tips</a>, <a href="http://www.insightsbyapril.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Insights by April</a>, <a href="http://www.couponingtobedebtfree.com/" target="_blank">Couponing to be Debt Free</a>, <a href="http://www.takingtimeformommy.com/" target="_blank">Taking Time for Mommy</a>, <a href="http://moneysavvymichelle.com/" target="_blank">Money Savvy Michelle</a>, <a href="http://www.alittleumbrella.com/" target="_blank">Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink</a>, <a href="http://www.slickhousewives.com/" target="_blank">Slick Housewives</a>, <a href="http://www.havekidswillcoupon.com/" target="_blank">Have Kids Will Coupon</a>, <a href="http://www.klippinkrazykoupons.com/" target="_blank">Klippin' Krazy Koupons</a>, <a href="http://www.gomommacoupons.com/" target="_blank">Go Momma Coupons</a>, <a href="http://www.heavenlysavings.net/" target="_blank">Heavenly Savings</a>, <a href="http://www.frugalexperiments.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Experiments</a>, <a href="http://www.moms-saving-money.com/" target="_blank">Moms Saving Money</a>, <a href="http://www.more4momsbuck.com/" target="_blank">More 4 Mom's Buck</a>, <a href="http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/" target="_blank">The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug</a>, <a href="http://www.mycouponlady.com/" target="_blank">MyCouponLady</a>, <a href="http://www.weidknecht.com/" target="_blank">Planet Weidknecht</a>, <a href="http://www.spoiledbutnotrotten.net/" target="_blank">Spoiled but Not Rotten</a>, <a href="http://www.megsmoxie.com/" target="_blank">Meg’s Moxie</a>, <a href="http://interruptingcowreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Interrupting Cow</a>, <a href="http://www.livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Living at the Whiteheads Zoo</a>, <a href="http://www.moneysavingmichele.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Michele</a>, <a href="http://www.dealhuntingdiva.com/" target="_blank">Deal Hunting Diva</a>, <a href="http://themavenofsocialmedia.com/" target="_blank">The Maven of Social Media</a>, <a href="http://www.talesfromthenursery.net/" target="_blank">Tales From the Nursery</a>, <a href="http://www.untrainedhairmom.com/" target="_blank">Untrained Hair Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.wishfulthinking247.com/" target="_blank">Wishful Thinking 24/7</a>, <a href="http://stretchingyourbudget.com/" target="_blank">Stretching Your Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.mustlovecoupons.com/" target="_blank">Must Love Coupons</a>, <a href="http://kobiso.com/" target="_blank">Kobiso</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To inquire about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee at <a href="mailto:missiongiveaway@yahoo.com">missiongiveaway@yahoo.com</a> for details. Take a look at our <a href="http://slopswap.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mission-Giveaway-Kit.pdf" target="_blank">Media Kit</a> to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can <a href="http://localdeals.madamedeals.com/mission-giveaway-group/" target="_blank">join us</a>.</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-26739437023119095742012-01-16T13:21:00.000-05:002012-01-16T13:21:18.592-05:00Wanna See the Circus in Greenville, SC? Win Your Tickets!<div style="text-align: center;">A while back I told you that the Ringing Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was coming to town and I am just so super excited! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NJkQMNYMRCSxFzIMSadyl-DuQPyajj3djZSHz__M4Qm8i6KS7kTpX21DEmSzegnFPJLuXp5QxhnnfgZD9aIUvJJcRIo3LTSq77oocluaepnt87tvrJFAzdoukr50x2uPI5LPJ-4qNp0/s1600/circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NJkQMNYMRCSxFzIMSadyl-DuQPyajj3djZSHz__M4Qm8i6KS7kTpX21DEmSzegnFPJLuXp5QxhnnfgZD9aIUvJJcRIo3LTSq77oocluaepnt87tvrJFAzdoukr50x2uPI5LPJ-4qNp0/s320/circus.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">We are gearing up and getting ready for the action of what is one of the most memorable events you can take a child to! But I didn't want to go alone. Especially not when I could give one of my amazing readers a chance to check it out as well! So when the people at Harlu Media agreed to let me give away a family 4 pack of tickets to one of my readers I was super excited! The circus will be rolling into Greenville, South Carolina on the following dates:</div><div style="text-align: center;">----------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday, February 1, 7:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday, February 2, 7:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday, February 3, 10:00am & 7:30pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday, February 4, 11:00am, 3:00pm,7:00pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday, February 5, 11:00am & 3:00pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more sneak peaks, be sure to check out the videos and information I published last month (click <a href="http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/2011/12/circus-is-coming-circus-is-coming.html">HERE</a>). Then head on out and get your tickets for this can't miss event!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But wait, do you want to WIN your tickets? One of my lucky readers will receive a family 4 pack of tickets for either the Wednesday or Thursday show! Imagine how excited your kids (and you) will be to get to see this awesome event!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entry is super easy thanks to Rafflecopter! Just use the form below!</div><script id="raflin-b7b7b009" type="text/javascript">
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-34094571213985989252012-01-16T11:11:00.002-05:002012-01-20T12:55:45.729-05:00I'm Running (I Think!)<div style="text-align: center;">As part of my weight loss journey, I have been walking on a daily basis. And what started out as a mile has now turned into close to 5 miles. It has become part of my daily ritual and what keeps me sane. But here lately I've been feeling like I want to do a little something more. So, while doing my walk last night the inspiration to take it to the next level hit me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's how it went. I was dark outside so I decided to be brave. I knew I could dodge the street lights to make sure that nobody else saw me. I waited till I got to the top of a hill and then looked in every direction to make sure I was alone. And then I did it. I started to run. It was a little awkward at first since I was going downhill but once I reached the bottom and it leveled out, I found my stride! And I ran for five minutes straight (until I hit another hill). Then I walked up the hill and ran again. And it felt amazing! And it's something that I want to repeat every day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But out of this has come one constriction on my exercise time. It can ONLY be done at night - after the sun has gone down and the street lights are on. Because that is the only way that I can avoid being seen. And I don't want to be seen. Why you ask? Well, the picture below just about sums it up. And we'll just leave my running experience at that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQoZe580vFw/TxmqdYcPvoI/AAAAAAAACWE/pFLN7Lz75Tc/s512/running2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQoZe580vFw/TxmqdYcPvoI/AAAAAAAACWE/pFLN7Lz75Tc/s640/running2.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-52784051966677135582012-01-16T06:45:00.001-05:002012-01-20T12:58:19.427-05:00Why I Hope to Stop Hating My Cell Phone Thanks to Privacy Star! #cbias<div style="text-align: center;">I have a love/hate relationship with my cell phone. You see, I couldn't survive a day without it because it keeps me connected. However, sometimes it connects me to people that I don't want to be connected to. Like pesky telemarketers. And people asking for donations. And while I added my phone to the do not call list some time ago, these calls still seem to get through somehow! And then there are the calls that even the do not call list can't take care of - like the ones from your local portrait studio that you used one time. And they call month after month to ask you to schedule another appointment. Often times these calls come at the worst possible times. Like when I'm rocking the baby to sleep or in the middle of doing something that requires a lot of concentration. And the absolute worst is when the baby is sleeping and the phone starts going crazy and wakes him up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know that I can turn the ringer on my cell phone off. But why should I have to? After all, I don't want to miss important calls that I want to receive. But how do I get those important calls while putting a stop to the harassing calls that I don't want to receive? This has been the question. And the thing that has on many occasions had me wanting to toss my phone out the window while traveling at high speeds. So what is the solution? Well, I'm hoping that it is <a href="http://www.privacystar.com/">Privacy Star</a> - a smartphone application for Android and Blackberry that allows you to block calls, file complaints on the callers with the Federal Trade Commission and more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqnPtVxHsTQGTUzyWw4LxebCAtPnEegh6BMavigmxrKHP69ZY_KHEQJ6y4SrNb1PG4KjLSlalHhSWWTd_yS2zpfwCJJe_dYDsw7A6eSm3zP320jivWdMvuqECG0XNfWSxP3i8e7nciTQ/s400/privacystar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqnPtVxHsTQGTUzyWw4LxebCAtPnEegh6BMavigmxrKHP69ZY_KHEQJ6y4SrNb1PG4KjLSlalHhSWWTd_yS2zpfwCJJe_dYDsw7A6eSm3zP320jivWdMvuqECG0XNfWSxP3i8e7nciTQ/s400/privacystar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, as of today I am Privacy Star's newest subscriber! Signing up was super easy! I just went into my apps on my Blackberry and found the Privacy Star app. From there I was prompted to enter my Blackberry user name and password and was able to easily download the application.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The app is very easy to navigate and allows me to add the $2.99 subscription fee to my phone bill each month! I'm very excited about seeing how this works and how it can be used to stop unwanted callers! There are tons of great features that I'm very excited to try out, including the Do Not Disturb feature which allows me to forward all calls to voice mail and even send them a custom text message letting them know what is going on! This is perfect for times that calls are inconvenient so that I can let callers know that they are important to me and when I will be able to call them back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNsuNerI7s/TxmrEVMQayI/AAAAAAAACWY/Axd2dixGHf4/s320/cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNsuNerI7s/TxmrEVMQayI/AAAAAAAACWY/Axd2dixGHf4/s320/cell.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I've decided to conduct a little experiment. I'm going to use Privacy Star for the next month to take care of all those calls that I don't want to receive. I'm going to test out all of the features and really figure out how they work. And then in one month I'm going to report back in and let you all know how it worked for me! That way you'll have the information you need to know if it is something that may work for you! So make sure that you check back in a month to see what my experience has been like! I'll give you the down low on how many people I've blocked, how the process works and what I really think! I can't wait! I'm anticipating that my cell phone and I are going to rediscover our love relationship! And that's exactly what I need - just in time for Valentine's Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for <a href="http://collectivebias.com/">Collective Bias</a>. Regardless all opinions are 100% my own!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-45250469987917101002012-01-15T11:36:00.002-05:002012-01-20T12:59:38.904-05:00Blogging 101: Where to Start!<div style="text-align: center;">I am quickly coming up on my one year "blogaversary" and if anyone had told me a year ago that this journey I was starting on would teach me, frustrate me, challenge me and reward me, I would have probably laughed at them. You see, I went into blogging thinking that I would just sit down and write and that was that. Little did I know that there is tons of behind the scenes work that goes into successful blogging. The hours of fiddling with code and HTML, the issues with creating buttons and banners, the proper ways to tag links and the list goes on and on. And since both of my sister-in-laws have decided to embark on the blogging journey (you can see their blogs <a href="http://sweetdieseldesigns.com/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and <a href="http://elfladyschronicles.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>), I have sat down and though about what I wish I had known when I was starting out. So, this will be broken up into several segments. And though I don't think that I am anywhere close to knowing it all (or even a portion of it) yet, I hope this helps you if you are just starting the blogging journey! So welcome to The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug's Blogging 101!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHMUshltRGQ/TxmrbWfwPCI/AAAAAAAACWg/K-gy8TQmp8U/s400/Bloggingtut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHMUshltRGQ/TxmrbWfwPCI/AAAAAAAACWg/K-gy8TQmp8U/s320/Bloggingtut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">In this first installment of Blogging 101, we are going to look at the basics of how to get your blog seen. After all, you've worked really hard on your content. And you want people to read it. But how do you attract those readers? Well, here are five simple ways to get readers to your blog! Later on, we'll look at how to keep them there!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Tip 1: Join Networking Sites!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many sites out there dedicated to helping your blog grow! Take advantage of these sites! You will want to find sites that are specific to your niche. Are you a mom blogger? Then try <a href="http://www.mombloggersclub.com/">Mom Bloggers Club</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggymoms.com/">Bloggy Moms</a> and <a href="http://www.blogaholicnetwork.com/">Blogaholic Social Network</a>. These sites will allow you to list your blog, share your posts and network with other bloggers. Spend time looking around and joining groups. You will be able to get many of your questions answered in the forums! And you will find invaluable support from others who have been in your exact same spot!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Tip 2: Create a Facebook, Twitter and Google+ Page!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the beginning you may not feel like you need this. When my blog started, only family and a few friends ever visited. And so I didn't start social media pages. I didn't realize that social media was there to help me! Once I started those pages and posted links to new posts there, I saw an increase in my views! Use your Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts to network with other bloggers. Find blogs that you admire and comment on posts on their page USING YOUR BLOG PAGE. Make yourself visible and show that you are about supporting others, not just growing your own blog! You may find fans in unexpected places!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Tip 3: Join Blog Hops!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">What is a blog hop? It is a list of blogs that are all looking to show their stuff! Participants in blog hops can then easily jump from one blog to the next, checking out new sites and finding new blogs to read. I have found some of my favorite blogs through blog hops! And I go back and visit often! So don't be afraid to link up! You never know when you will find your next faithful follower this way!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Tip 4: Get to know other bloggers and their blogs!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Learning from the best is a super way to define your blog. You may not know what exactly you want to blog about. Or what format you should use. By looking at seasoned pros like <a href="http://www.littlemissmomma.com/" rel="nofollow">Little Miss Momma</a>, <a href="http://www.simplystacie.net/" rel="nofollow">Simply Stacie</a> and <a href="http://makobiscribe.com/" rel="nofollow">Makobi Scribe</a>, you will be able to get a better feel for how a well run blog looks. You will be able to see how larger blogs are organized and you will have goals to work towards. Most larger bloggers are very helpful and open to questions! I remember emailing Ashley at Little Miss Momma when I was first getting started and I was so nervous that she was not going to respond. But lo and behold she wrote me back with awesome suggestions! So reach out to the bloggers that you admire! **Do not contact a large blog asking for them to share sponsor information. This is a big no no! However, if you have a questions that relates to something you think they do well, ask it! My question for Ashley related to running a successful giveaway - and she was more than happy to offer her suggestions!**</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Tip 5: Research Your Topics!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are serious about growing your blog, treat it that way. Check out books, join online classes and research your ideas. Yes, there will be posts that you can do on you and your family that will just be stories. But at some point, you will want to provide your readers with valuable information. Use your life experiences to determine what to write on. If you have a teething baby, write a post about how to best soothe a teething baby! But do your research! Don't just offer what has worked for you. Tell about what works for you but make your post well rounded by providing suggestions that are backed by professionals. Provide lots of options and solutions! Your value and willingness to look at a topic from all sides will have readers coming back from more information in the future!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Try out these tips for a week. Choose one and run with it to see what works for you. You may want to use one or all of them. But each tip above is a great way to help give your blog the little boost it needs to start growing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then be sure to check back next week for more great info on how to create the blog you want!</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-14040256495409914572012-01-15T09:00:00.002-05:002012-01-17T01:00:10.493-05:00Want a Kindle? Win one from the BSBM Group!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makobiscribe.com/win-a-kindle-giveaway"><img alt="BSMB Kindle" height="200" src="http://makobiscribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BSMBKindle.jpg" title="BSMBKindle" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's that time again! Time for another giveaway! Each month the Blog and Social Media Boosters team up to give you a chance to win a Kindle! Are you ready? Are you excited?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entry is super easy thanks to Rafflecopter! So ready, set, go! Get your entries in now!<br />
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Contest open to Residents of the US and Canada. Contest ends at 12:01 AM on February 1st!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><script id="raflin-815c330d" type="text/javascript">
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</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-23368283192222173312012-01-14T12:31:00.001-05:002012-01-20T13:11:13.135-05:00Six Simple Steps to a Slimmer You!<div style="text-align: center;">Weight loss can be daunting. And intimidating. And many, many times it's hard to figure out where to start. So what do you do? You set a goal. But then how do you get there? Well, it may be easier than you think! Because instead of setting huge goals that you will probably end up getting discouraged from, you can start with simple steps to change your life and slim you down! So where to start? How about these six simple steps that anyone can do?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 1: Move! </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujrvcr1UoEg/TxmsYiOP-0I/AAAAAAAACWo/oatwzM02iz8/s128/walkingwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujrvcr1UoEg/TxmsYiOP-0I/AAAAAAAACWo/oatwzM02iz8/s200/walkingwoman.jpg" width="166" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most people think that to lose weight they have to go to a gym and attend cycling and aerobics classes. This is NOT TRUE! In order to start working towards a slimmer you, just move! Walk around the block with your family. Walk up and down the steps in your home several times a day. Break your workouts up into 10 minute segments of movement. You will be amazed at what a difference these small segments will make! Shoot for three ten minute walks a day. These 30 minutes of exercise will do tons for your heart AND your waist!</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 2: Eat Breakfast! </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EEmk929Fz0/TxmtOc1VtEI/AAAAAAAACWw/DX-AMa4YNHE/s200/Oatmeal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EEmk929Fz0/TxmtOc1VtEI/AAAAAAAACWw/DX-AMa4YNHE/s200/Oatmeal1.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A healthy breakfast that is. Did you know that breakfast is what kicks back up your metabolism after a night of being at rest? Start the day with a healthy meal to get your metabolism revved up and going for the day! Try oatmeal and some fruit. Or greek yogurt and an apple. This will start your day right and fill you up, keeping you from falling into the mid-morning snack trap!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 3: Cut the coffee. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8YhrzhiUMU/TxmteP-XSqI/AAAAAAAACW4/6jUp537phG4/s200/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8YhrzhiUMU/TxmteP-XSqI/AAAAAAAACW4/6jUp537phG4/s200/coffee.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Or soft drinks. This is not to say that you can't have caffeine. Without my BLACK coffee I would not make it through the day. And if I'm feeling a little crazy, I'll even add a little skim milk to it. What I do not do is order a daily Triple Grande Mocha Latte. Or drink three Pepsi's a day. These drinks contain tons of empty calories! Statistics indicate that cutting out soft drinks (and coffee loaded with calories) will help the average person lose 20 pounds in a year! So with this one simple step, you can be 20 pounds closer to your ideal you next year at this time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 4: Drink your Water! </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqZCld_wwnY/Txmtq3Ual5I/AAAAAAAACXA/4g7k4XUN9ZY/s200/Water1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqZCld_wwnY/Txmtq3Ual5I/AAAAAAAACXA/4g7k4XUN9ZY/s200/Water1.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So you've cut out the soft drink and coffee but you need to keep yourself hydrated. Drink water! Lots of it! Did you know that often when you THINK you feel hungry, you are actually thirsty? By keeping water in your system at all times of the day, you will be more likely to beat the urge to snack and instead be inclined to drink CALORIE FREE water!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 5: Toss the Junk Food! </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35rLFXRlnrE4cDCL32dN3_Yb456YMzu8AICzuKcEMToBy8X6pem7C61Gq1yXtwxvXD4XPrYAoJDeXozA8OALxX_jaddVeagNKa1y8JdBr3prwWr9xv4EexIEqG7en0mnDyANHru9N9CM/s200/Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35rLFXRlnrE4cDCL32dN3_Yb456YMzu8AICzuKcEMToBy8X6pem7C61Gq1yXtwxvXD4XPrYAoJDeXozA8OALxX_jaddVeagNKa1y8JdBr3prwWr9xv4EexIEqG7en0mnDyANHru9N9CM/s200/Cookie.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Have you looked in your pantry lately? Go look. I'm sure you have processed, sugary snacks in there. Throw them away now! Instead replace them with fresh fruits and veggies. That way when you get the urge to snack, you are more likely to grab and apple or some carrots instead of a handful of cookies. After all, you can't eat what you don't have and most of us are not likely to head to the grocery store at 10 PM when the cravings hit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 6: Create a Food Journal. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqFCSa2Smg/TxmuJIpy83I/AAAAAAAACXQ/Ybh8pVS4kIE/s200/Foodjournal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqFCSa2Smg/TxmuJIpy83I/AAAAAAAACXQ/Ybh8pVS4kIE/s200/Foodjournal.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Writing down what you eat can help you make smarter choices. Maybe nobody sees your food journal but you. Still you are going to have to write down those three cookies that you snuck in before dinner. And the act of writing them down may help you to rethink the choice! I write down all my foods prior to eating them. This at least gives me time to think through the decision. Does it stop me from cheating every time? No. Has it prevented me more than once? Definitely!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We often don't realize that the simply daily things can add up to big results! So take a look at your habits. See what easy changes you can make and get ready to find a slimmer you in 2012!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good Luck!</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-90871246774250061572012-01-14T12:30:00.001-05:002012-01-14T12:58:58.994-05:00The Charm Factory Review and Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">Charm bracelets are all the rage right now. With the ability to customize and create the perfect item for you, they are a great way to capture memorable events, share something special with a loved one or just create a look that perfectly compliments your favorite outfit. And regardless of the look you are going for, you're sure to find the perfect match at <a href="http://www.charmfactory.com/" rel="nofollow">The Charm Factory</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charmfactory.com/images/topban_01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.charmfactory.com/images/topban_01.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whether you are looking for silver charms, European beads or more, The Charm Factory is your one stop shop for creating the perfect bracelet! I tried out a beautiful glass and pewter beads bracelet and it has become one of my favorites. The combination of pink and silver is really lovely and and I adore the way that it moves on my wrist. The bracelet is durable enough to withstand everyday wear but still looks dainty and feminine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iJEPp2W4CyPDAdyKC5nH6OzJASt6l6Ho572tE96nWMFP5Cvc33z509fECE0cmXhKhDWyhcf-k_oruzOcActliYOLENGn2kzo5ANvYerH-BiQb4VQOH_ZG9Js9r75thR8-G63jRmyu9k/s1600/charm+factory+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iJEPp2W4CyPDAdyKC5nH6OzJASt6l6Ho572tE96nWMFP5Cvc33z509fECE0cmXhKhDWyhcf-k_oruzOcActliYOLENGn2kzo5ANvYerH-BiQb4VQOH_ZG9Js9r75thR8-G63jRmyu9k/s320/charm+factory+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The Charm Factory has a variety of bead choices, including glass work beads, enamel beads, lamp work beads and more. Their European Style beads and bracelets give you the look of the fancy Pandora bracelets at a much more budget friendly price! They give you the option of creating your own perfect bracelet of choosing from their line of pre-made ones. Regardless of your decision, your bracelet will be a work of art!<br />
<br />
And now one of my lucky readers is going to win their very own The Charm Factory bracelet! The winner will get to choose from the bracelets located <a href="http://www.charmfactory.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=568" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>! <br />
<br />
Entry is super easy thanks to Rafflecopter! Just use the form below!</div><script id="raflin-b7b7b099" type="text/javascript">
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<a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rpow-b7b7b099" style="color: #999999; display: block; font: 10px sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 100%;" target="_blank">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a><br />
<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-79139566197136192362012-01-13T19:47:00.000-05:002012-01-13T19:47:39.472-05:00How to Easily Change the Look of Any Room in Your Home<div style="text-align: center;">Recently I have been trying to change up the look of my living room. It's not that I don't love the room but I've just been in the mood for a change - for something that makes me go wow when I walk in the room. You know how a room can just need a little something to give it a facelift, right? So I started thinking about how to accomplish a whole new look without a whole new room. And then the answer came to me: through <a href="http://www.lampclick.com/">home lighting</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, I had never really thought about how easy it is to change the entire feel of a room through a few simple touches. Whether through sconces, a floor lamp or a chandelier, your entire room can be transformed without busting your time frame or budget!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQbvtJbKaHIOYKlJZk6n3pjGUXc15t61tAGmzIhE99ak_gmM2oiDKR8m-W_DBNXJ6aD5iQUqHsfNL94nE95OONNKNwBQSUR6wglbR-CDo0qGrKfDWYUPgKMt2eqXCxaogKweTFMRzw2M/s1600/sconce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQbvtJbKaHIOYKlJZk6n3pjGUXc15t61tAGmzIhE99ak_gmM2oiDKR8m-W_DBNXJ6aD5iQUqHsfNL94nE95OONNKNwBQSUR6wglbR-CDo0qGrKfDWYUPgKMt2eqXCxaogKweTFMRzw2M/s200/sconce.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">As I've have become more and more invested in the look and feel of my home, I have discovered that changing the standard light fixtures makes it feel much more like my own. You see, we purchased our home fully built and while the fixtures that were in place are OK, after five years I'm wanting something with a little more pizazz! By adding sconces to the sides of the fire place and a nice floor lamp between the couches, I am finding that my room is reborn into a peaceful, relaxing place of solace for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKTqJ7BfS0oNsK7d8lgpmv9NAss9Wb0oJdrPlpzww9PIp8fb-WKzOdwvP6AGlYGSTWw8NY7AP3v0V6QxxLk3OQ3fVQPuQyCKjKsR73UnpCEhTFtWPNGdTfHdk1rtBSq2rpCrdb4H-6B8/s1600/floor+lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKTqJ7BfS0oNsK7d8lgpmv9NAss9Wb0oJdrPlpzww9PIp8fb-WKzOdwvP6AGlYGSTWw8NY7AP3v0V6QxxLk3OQ3fVQPuQyCKjKsR73UnpCEhTFtWPNGdTfHdk1rtBSq2rpCrdb4H-6B8/s200/floor+lamp.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here are a few recommendations on how to use lighting to change up the look of your room. They have helped me in the process and hopefully they will help you too!</div><div style="text-align: center;">-----------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Make sure your lighting matches with the theme of your room. Don't choose antique lamps to go with modern furniture.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Don't overwhelm your room with too much lighting. You want to feel like you are in a home, not on a runway!</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Use lighting to play up the strong points of your room. If the room is small, try a floor lamp in the corner to give the impression of more room. If the room is large, think of sconces and several lamps to make it feel warmer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Go with what feels right to you. If you like small lamps, use small lamps. If you like decorative larger pieces, go for a chandelier that makes a statement!</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Have fun! Decorating is a creative process! There is no manual on how it should be done. So have fun changing the look of your room! And create a space that you will love to spend time in!</div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are inspired to use lighting to change the look and feel of your room! Tell me, what is your best tip for creating a room you love?</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-63209488021707594042012-01-13T11:31:00.003-05:002012-01-20T13:13:31.552-05:0010 Things You Should NEVER Say to a Stay at Home Mom<div style="text-align: center;">I have been both a working mom and a stay at home mom. Since transitioning from the business world a little over two years ago, my life and my perception has completely changed. I used to look at stay at home moms and wonder "What do they do all day?" Thankfully I had the good sense not to ask (yes, I am warning you, voicing these questions can be dangerous) but it didn't keep me from thinking those nasty little thoughts. And then I started staying at home. And my entire view of what a stay at home mom did changed overnight. So, after receiving a text message from a working friend today asking me what I do all day and why I seem so tired every time she sees me, I decided to compile a list of things that you should never say to a stay at home mom. Listen carefully those of you who wonder what we do all day. This may enlighten you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60L-hC5tAm0/TxmupnuqY_I/AAAAAAAACXU/ScY3j8Cqcvc/s320/SAHM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60L-hC5tAm0/TxmupnuqY_I/AAAAAAAACXU/ScY3j8Cqcvc/s320/SAHM2.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>10 Things You Should NEVER Say to a Stay at Home Mom</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">1. It must be so nice to sleep in every morning.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am up long before you are most mornings. Because I must not only get myself ready, I must also get two little people ready. I have to fix breakfast, lunch and snack, check homework, change diapers, pull out something to thaw for dinner and drive to and from school. All by the time you leave your house for work. Sleeping in to me is 6am. What time do you wake up again? Oh yeah, did I mention that weekend follow this exact same pattern?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">2. Can you tell me what is happening on my favorite soap?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have not been able to watch daytime TV in a good 9 years. If you want to know what is going on on Blues Clues or Bubble Guppies, I'm your girl. If you want to know anything about the adult world, you're asking the wrong person. On the off chance that I do get to watch TV during the day, it is while multitasking - you know, folding clothes or vacuuming floors all while watching the baby. Meaning I have no idea what I watched. So I probably don't know if Luke and Laura are still together. But I'll be sure to ask my mommy friends for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">3. Don't you get bored just sitting home all day?</span></div><div>Sitting? What's that? The closest my butt gets to sitting is rocking the baby when he is throwing a tantrum. I eat my lunch while I fix his. I usually eat my dinner while serving the family theirs. I am constantly running. I do get to sit down in the car on the way to and from school but then I am so stressed about running late that I don't get to enjoy it. I long for boredom. I long for one day of having an hour uninterrupted to sit down. So, no, rest easy - you don't have to worry about me getting bored!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">4. It must be nice to have nap time every day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Babies nap. Mamas do not. In the two hours of nap time (if I'm lucky) I wash dishes, fold clothes, pick up toys (that will need to be picked up at least 10 more times before the day is over), vacuum floors and dust furniture. If I'm feeling really lucky, I may try to squeeze in a three minute shower. So don't worry that I'm dreaming away while your working - the only dreaming this mama gets to do during "work hours" is daydreaming about a break!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">5. Don't you just love never having to get dressed up for work?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I always want to answer this one with "Why yes, because I prefer spit up covered sweats to couture any day of the week!" Do you know how frustrating it is to never have time to get dressed? Or do your hair? Jeans and sweats are my uniform of necessity. I can't crawl on the floor in a skirt. I can't clean bathrooms in heels. And I miss being dressed up and not having to worry that my clothes are going to end up with pears, Nilla Wafers or some other sticky pre-eaten food. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">6. What do you do with yourself all day?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, let me tell you what I don't do. I don't get to close my office door for five minutes alone. I don't get an hour lunch break where I can just get away. Actually, I don't even get to go to the restroom alone. So what do I do? I cook, clean, chauffeur, tutor, pick up toys, bath babies, fix bottles, make lunches, check homework, kiss boo-boos and pretty much anything else that need to be done during the day. And tomorrow I'll do it all over again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">7. It must be so nice to not have a boss!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I do have a boss - 2 actually! Their names are J-Man and MillerBug. And it's quite humbling when you are directed around by a 9 and a 1 year old. If I was my own boss I would schedule a lunch hour alone and make nap time 4 hours a day. But my bosses don't agree with this. Some days they don't want to nap. Some days they don't want to give me time to eat. Some days they don't give me time to breathe. My bosses are some of the most demanding out there because reasoning doesn't work work them. Pleading doesn't work with them. And taking a sick day - that definitely doesn't work with them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">8. What's the last good book you read?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you mean an adult book? As in not "Good Night Moon" or "You Can Give a Mouse a Cookie"? Because those are the only books I get to read. If I even sit down to attempt to read an adult book, I pass out from exhaustion. Or one of the kids need something. Reading will happen again when my kids are both in school. So you enjoy that new novel that you're reading on your lunch breaks. By the time I get to read it, you'll have read at least a dozen more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">9. What are you going to do on your holiday?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so glad that your work closes for certain days each year. And that you get a paid day off to do nothing. The kids don't have an off button. And unfortunately I don't get federal holidays or two weeks of paid leave a year. So on scheduled days off for the rest of the world, I'm jealously looking on while doing the exact same thing I do the other 364 days of the year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">10. Would you mind running this errand for me?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love being asked to run errands because I'm JUST at home. Just at home? As in you think I sit here all day and do nothing? Do you realize that for me to pick up something for you I must load the kids into the car then load the stroller then get myself in there. Then I can drive to where I need to go, assemble the stroller, get the kids out and go inside. By this point I am exhausted. I know that it's hard for your to pull yourself away from your busy work schedule but it would be much easier for you to run your own errands. And even with your 9 to 5, I'm sure you'll get them done before I will - because I work a 6 to midnight!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, don't get me wrong. I am sure there will need to be a follow up to this entitled 10 things you should never ask your working friends. But in all seriousness, please respect that I work hard at my job. No, it may not be traditional. Yes, it may be a little less structured that your corporate position. But do trust me when I say there are days I would switch with you in a second! And maybe that would give you a day to walk in my shoes - at which point I am sure you would happily run away in yours!</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-65160320970764630782012-01-13T03:01:00.002-05:002012-01-13T08:38:26.525-05:00Let Avocados From Mexico Make Game Time Great and Win an iPad 2!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=7027837" rel="nofollow">Avocados from Mexico</a> for <a href="http://izea.in/r18XG" rel="nofollow">SocialSpark</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It's that time of year. If you're a football lover, you're gearing up for rivalry and really good food! And what game is complete without a fabulous party food made from avocados? And now Avocados from Mexico want to give you something (more than the game) to cheer about! Not only do they want you to make foods that will leave the crowd begging for more, but they also want to reward you for sharing your recipes in the <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=20723&oid=7027837" rel="nofollow">Avocados from Mexico Guac Off Recipe Contest</a> which is taking place from January 2nd through 12th!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="placeholder"><img alt="GuacOff_logo" src="https://img.skitch.com/20120103-xm3q48r3nr5mnuss3kbdn8ps58.jpg" /></span></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So how do you enter and what are the prizes? Well, hold onto your hats here people cause it's gonna be BIG! Here's how it works! Visit the <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=20721&oid=7027837" rel="nofollow">Avocados from Mexico on Facebook</a> between now and January 15th to submit and vote for your best avocado based recipe. Don't forget to include a super yummy pick of what you made to get the judge's mouths watering! Avocados from Mexico will then pick the top 10 recipes to be featured on their facebook page. This is when the competition gets stiff! Because only three winner can be chosen - one for each of the following categories: Most Popular, Best Recipe and Most Creative. Do you think you have what it takes?</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, the big question is what do you win? 3 grand prize winners will receive an iPad 2 and an autographed cookbook signed by celebrity chef Roberto Santibanez. But the prizes don't stop there! 7 - yes, you heard right - 7 runners up will receive a $200 grocery gift card and the same autographed cookbook. But don't worry - even if you don't make it to the top 10, you still have a chance to win! Because just for entering, you'll be entered for one of 10 $100 grocery gift cards! WOW!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So do you need some inspiration to get your creativity flowing? Then try out this amazing recipe for Layered Guacamole and White Bean Dip! It serves 8 to 10 people and only takes 25 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook! Here's how you make it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.avocadosfrommexico.com/imagenes/Recetas/138.jpg" style="height: 99px; width: 250px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Ingredients:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1 can (15-ounces) cannellini beans, drained</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1 garlic clove, peeled</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">3/4 teaspoon cumin</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1 tablespoon salt, divided</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2 cups chopped red onion</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1 cup sour cream</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2 cups chopped tomato</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">3 avocados from Mexico, halved, pitted, peeled and mashed</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 5 slices)</span><br style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1/4 cup crumbled Romano or feta cheese</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preparation:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In food processor, combine beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; whirl until smooth. In a </span>9x7x2-1<span style="background-color: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">/2-inch baking dish, spread white bean dip evenly on bottom. In a small bowl, combine red onions, 1 tablespoon of the lime juice, cilantro and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; mix well. Arrange onion mixture over the white bean dip. Season sour cream with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; spread over onions. Season tomatoes with 1 teaspoon of the salt; arrange over sour cream. In a medium bowl, combine avocados, remaining 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently spread avocado mixture over tomatoes. Sprinkle with bacon and cheese. Serve with chips, pita wedges or raw veggies. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Need more inspiration? Then be sure to check out the <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=20719&oid=7027837" rel="nofollow">Avocados from Mexico recipes</a>! You'll find some really yummy treats that are sure to be a hit!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So get your recipes ready! Encourage your friends and family to vote on the Avocados from Mexico Facebook page and get ready to win! Because the players trophies will look a lot less shiny compared to your fabulous prize! </div><a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=7027837" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Visit Sponsor's Site" border="0" src="http://app.socialspark.com/views?oid=7027837" style="border: none;" /> </a> </div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-83578907477658565962012-01-12T18:09:00.001-05:002012-01-14T12:59:44.768-05:00Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop - Week 41!<div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykMnldx8u2lIuCs-CB172F4Zs_IhdUy6oeRL0-MyKuXoPvRFJUDXc5pHQ_RoB49CWOkbapTVwBXF6VbgfbpNoe3ewBjZeqMovIGk8jRp1DK9yunDdqNvi-LiahSfMtwkKUIC7HZcfph8/" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><textarea rows="4"><a border="0" href="http://myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykMnldx8u2lIuCs-CB172F4Zs_IhdUy6oeRL0-MyKuXoPvRFJUDXc5pHQ_RoB49CWOkbapTVwBXF6VbgfbpNoe3ewBjZeqMovIGk8jRp1DK9yunDdqNvi-LiahSfMtwkKUIC7HZcfph8/"/></a></textarea><br />
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Welcome back to week 41 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from <a href="http://www.mysavinggame.com/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #7d181e;">My Saving Game</span></a>, Sam from <a href="http://www.havesippywilltravel.com/" rel="nofollow">Have Sippy Will Travel</a> and Jeannette from <a href="http://www.myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #7d181e;">The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug</span></a>! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let's get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though. So here we go!</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
1. Please follow your hostesses <a href="http://myowngrocerygame.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #7d181e;">My Saving Game</span></a>, <a href="http://www.havesippywilltravel.com/" rel="nofollow">Have Sippy Will Travel</a> and <a href="http://www.myadventureinmommyhood.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #7d181e;">The Advetures of J-Man and MillerBug</span></a>. Leave us a comment and we will follow you back! (If you already follow us on GFC, we'd <span style="color: red;">LOVE</span><span style="color: black;"> it if you would follow us on Google +, Facebook or Twitter.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Follow our Guest Host who this weeks is Jodie from <a href="http://wilsonirishtwins.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Wilson's Irish Twins</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. You don't have to post our button but we sure would like it if you did. Not only does it help our hop grow so we can all get new followers, but each week we will choose a guest co-host and to be considered you must have our button somewhere on your site! If you post our button and want to be considered for guest co-host, please email me at <a href="mailto:jmanandmillerbug@gmail.com"><span style="color: #d52a33;">jmanandmillerbug@gmail.com</span></a> to express your interest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. You can link up blogs, facebook, twitter accounts, whatever - just be sure to specify what each link is.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Hop around and find blogs that you enjoy. Be sure to tell them you are following them from Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop so they can follow you back!</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Have fun!</div><br />
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</script>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-87949374329627877032012-01-12T12:03:00.002-05:002012-01-12T15:48:41.063-05:00Ozeri Electric Wine Opener Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">Every once in a while, after a long, tough day with the kids, I need a glass of wine. And I hate trying to open the bottle. After spending many years as a waitress when I was younger you would think I would have this down to an art but no. It seem that every time I try to open a bottle, I break the cork or twist the opener one time too many and end up with pieces of the cork in my wine. It's really frustrating and not what you need at the end of a hard day when all you want to do is relax! But now my days of struggling to get the bottle of wine open quickly and efficiently are over thanks to the wonderful <a href="http://www.ozeri.com/entertain.html" rel="nofollow">Ozeri Electric Wine Opener</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUSD1t1VvKphPWwPX2hQFVz5hHeeUp9Bm-hOWcvixPRQfHYZaoRXIWy4WHAYTzwOH90W5Pgzji3ZZl1bWl21F2Dk5dyovnI_hGbrc39l1n6ArofhSHkO7KzytzIqGtgWMi0frK0ChaPo/s1600/Christmas+2011+050+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUSD1t1VvKphPWwPX2hQFVz5hHeeUp9Bm-hOWcvixPRQfHYZaoRXIWy4WHAYTzwOH90W5Pgzji3ZZl1bWl21F2Dk5dyovnI_hGbrc39l1n6ArofhSHkO7KzytzIqGtgWMi0frK0ChaPo/s320/Christmas+2011+050+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">This easy to use electric wine opener is a snap to use! Opening a bottle of wine is as easy a pushing a button! And the charge lasts forever! Let's just say that it will open lots of bottles of wine before you even need to think about recharging it! That's perfect for when you are entertaining! We were able to try it out and I will never use a traditional corkscrew again. Instead of twisting and pulling and hoping that the cork comes out whole, you simply put the opener over the top of the bottle of wine and push a button! The cork comes out in one piece, leaving your wine ready to drink! Once you try this product, you will never want or need to worry with the hassle of a traditional corkscrew again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQozNF4sE9KepCnuLQbuNWxlcZtukCRjpGxJq3FeyCzShxnUXz2Rh6GomKqT8l7KIn6UKOyFcYrRDES7NG0JURtFH7S45sPgIGLiR0F8qV3J0MCEffEOexfHJJplOEPjUucqiwAWgt70/s1600/Christmas+2011+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQozNF4sE9KepCnuLQbuNWxlcZtukCRjpGxJq3FeyCzShxnUXz2Rh6GomKqT8l7KIn6UKOyFcYrRDES7NG0JURtFH7S45sPgIGLiR0F8qV3J0MCEffEOexfHJJplOEPjUucqiwAWgt70/s320/Christmas+2011+054.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>If you are a wine drinker, this is a must have item. Once you try it you will wonder how you have made it without one for so long!<br />
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And now one of my lucky readers has a chance to win their very own Ozeri Electric Wine Opener! Are you excited yet? I can hear the glasses clinking! <br />
<br />
Entry is super easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!<br />
<br />
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<a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rpow-b7b7b089" style="color: #999999; display: block; font: 10px sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 100%;" target="_blank">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a><br />
<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-10648755030749543122012-01-12T09:03:00.002-05:002012-01-20T13:19:27.637-05:00Does This Affect the Acceptance Decision?<div style="text-align: center;">J-Man has been at the same school since Kindergarten. And while we LOVE his school for so many of the things that they do offer, we have recently started exploring other schools in the area because of some of the things that his school does not offer. Primarily - sports and social activities. You see, my J-Man is a little social butterfly (much like his mama) and loves to be constantly going. Sitting around doing nothing is torture for him - and he therefore tortures me! So, needless to say, we need to end the torture for both of us before I go batty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeiObIu1tqY/TxmvAM11RLI/AAAAAAAACXg/WFW0toT7FOQ/s320/CrazyJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeiObIu1tqY/TxmvAM11RLI/AAAAAAAACXg/WFW0toT7FOQ/s320/CrazyJ.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">So we began looking at another school in our area. It's one of those schools that is somewhat intimidating. You know the type - you feel the need to get dressed up just to go visit and try to present the image that your family is completely flawless - as if! Have you read my blog? If so, you know that my family leans more toward the circus side! Regardless, my initial visit went very well. MillerBug was somewhat subdued (a miracle in itself) as we toured the school and only had one minor meltdown. Yes, it happened to be in the middle of rehearsal in the music room (he was just trying to sing along people) but overall it was a big success. So we turned in all our paperwork and arranged for J-Man to go back and visit for the day. And yesterday was that day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6ENO7vWxU/TxmvK9aBi_I/AAAAAAAACXo/56SFDLUkmgg/s320/ThumbsupJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6ENO7vWxU/TxmvK9aBi_I/AAAAAAAACXo/56SFDLUkmgg/s320/ThumbsupJ.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">J-Man was more than nervous. He got up and dressed in his specially picked out clothes. We made sure the spikes in his hair were perfect and that he had just the right mix of studious and cool. Because a 9 year old boy HAS to look like he doesn't care. But I have come to the conclusion that achieving the not caring look may just take more preparation that admitting that you care in the first place! Back to the story though. Let me interject here that I usually take J-Man to school in my mismatched PJ's (shhhh, don't tell anyone), with no makeup on and my hair in a knot on the top of my head. I drive through the drop off line and kick him out of the car as I duck to avoid being seen. However, at this new school, you take your child in. This will by my biggest adjustment since the only person I want to see that early in the morning is Mr. Coffee! So, I got up super early, picked out the perfect outfit and got my hair and makeup just right. I was feeling pretty good about the whole situation. Until I woke the kids up. Then the downward spiral started.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElRksYMIodk/TxmvWB9425I/AAAAAAAACXw/YPXQ-SygPVM/s320/FunnyJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElRksYMIodk/TxmvWB9425I/AAAAAAAACXw/YPXQ-SygPVM/s320/FunnyJ.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">J-Man was so nervous he couldn't eat breakfast and had to stay upstairs for an extra long time making sure that everything about his appearance was just right. One top of that, the weather decided that rain would make the day more fun. So (already 10 minutes late) I herded the kids out the door frantically and began the 30 minute drive. Let me just say that people around here can't drive in the rain. Just because the road is wet does not justify a 10 mile per hour speed limit. I know that people talk about southerner's horrible driving in the snow. Warning people: If you visit the south, know that these driving limitations apply to any precipitation conditions. Rain, snow, sleet - even wind can throw us off for some reason. And most of us do not feel the need to move out of the way for a faster car. Oh, you're in a hurry? Sorry! My rear view mirror is only there for applying makeup and definitely not for allowing me to acknowledge traffic behind me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXNfHWzcnTQ/Txmvhsr8GaI/AAAAAAAACX4/kUOAWzQD7ug/s320/road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXNfHWzcnTQ/Txmvhsr8GaI/AAAAAAAACX4/kUOAWzQD7ug/s320/road.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once we got through the traffic and reached the school, I realized that I had about 2.5 seconds to get both kids out of the car and inside. Abandoning my idea of putting MillerBug in the stroller (because getting that contraption set up warrants at least an extra 5 minutes), I grabbed the umbrella with one hand, tossed MillerBug under my arm in a football hold, grabbed J-Man and took off sprinting. Probably not the impression I wanted to make but at this point I'm already getting a little bit of the crazy look in my eyes. Here is where things really started to go wrong. Because I didn't think about the fact that MillerBug had just eaten cheerios, a big bottle of milk and enough grapes to feed a small village. Looking back, he started to look a little green and put his head down on my shoulder as soon as we walked in the door. But I was so preoccupied with getting J-Man where he was supposed to be and making sure we all looked cute that I ignored it. After all, having his head down on my shoulder was preferable to the wiggly, squirmy baby that I'm used to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F85iTto0Q9U/Txmvr84H8BI/AAAAAAAACYA/5HqkAIjLNzw/s320/calmmiller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F85iTto0Q9U/Txmvr84H8BI/AAAAAAAACYA/5HqkAIjLNzw/s320/calmmiller.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">We took J-Man down to his room and he was the perfectly trained little man that I love, saying all the right things at the right time. So I'm feeling pretty good, right? I'm ready to leave and think we've done it! They think we're perfect! WRONG! We walked back to the front of the school and just when I thought we were in the clear....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I smelled something. And it smelled rotten. And as I looked down at my perfectly dressed baby, I saw that he was covered in vomit. I say vomit because spit-up does not even begin to describe what had just come out of his little body. Imagine soured milk mixed with even more soured grapes and a little cheerios just for texture. And the world went into slow motion. Because as I frantically looked around I realized that it was not only covering MillerBug. It was also on me. And on the floor. And on the admissions director.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I couldn't help but wonder - does this hurt J-Man's chances of being accepted? Honestly, I don't think there's a guideline for this one in the admissions brochure. I can't really imagine them putting a section on what to do if an applicant's sibling decorates your lobby and admission director in vomit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe4gmstyPqS2Ww7JMYC9U_cc4EDoWT7FMO0boXvlG9OvPTcrDZ6w-8KSu_799SCPvJNzYS1aPPBULuCinxG7Y5j72DA0agg0SZrUuaEPBRS-n4PO7L55CgYmQE1KkfMOJum6JkOpX6-Q/s320/jellym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe4gmstyPqS2Ww7JMYC9U_cc4EDoWT7FMO0boXvlG9OvPTcrDZ6w-8KSu_799SCPvJNzYS1aPPBULuCinxG7Y5j72DA0agg0SZrUuaEPBRS-n4PO7L55CgYmQE1KkfMOJum6JkOpX6-Q/s320/jellym.JPG" /></a></div>Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Either it ruined his chances of getting in or it scared the admissions director into knowing that I could bring the baby back to plead my case if he wasn't accepted. Either way, this will be a story to tell. Because in 20 years when J-Man is questioning the entire path of his life and why he is where he is, for better or worse I will tell him that his future was determined by his brother's projectile vomit! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLrOaJw9Aig/TxmwCuoQ-uI/AAAAAAAACYQ/vIKTV3YB46s/s320/sadj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLrOaJw9Aig/TxmwCuoQ-uI/AAAAAAAACYQ/vIKTV3YB46s/s320/sadj.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2904529823757302553.post-34091355307736727012012-01-11T17:15:00.000-05:002012-01-11T17:32:41.583-05:00Nutrisystem Week 13: Chef's Table Rocks!<div style="text-align: center;">Another week has come and gone on <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> and I've gotten to test of some of the changes that I told you would be coming with the Success program. And let me say, they are FANTASTIC! But before I tell you all about those, what were my weight results for this week? Well, I had a little plateau this week and didn't lose an ounce. But that is OK. Because I didn't gain an ounce either! Which means I'm still holding strong at <b style="color: red;">42.6 pounds lost</b> and am more committed than ever to reaching my goal!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/42/Nutrisystem-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/42/Nutrisystem-logo.jpg" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br />
<center><span style="text-align: center;">So, now on to the changes to the program. As I told you last week, Nutrisystem has revamped their program to make success even easier! By adding protein shakes and introducing some new entrees, they are taking Nutrisystem to the next level! So, what has my experience been with this first week of changes? It has been very positive! First, the shakes. Can we say LOVE? It is so nice to have the extra boost of protein in the morning and it keeps me from getting hungry before lunch. So far my favorite shake is the Creamy Chocolate. Honestly, I have had my fair share of protein shakes over the years and this one is far and away the best tasting protein shake ever! It's a little treat that i look forward to every morning!<center><center><span style="text-align: center;"><center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/a-la-carte/297x220/297x220_choc_shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/a-la-carte/297x220/297x220_choc_shake.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But now on to my very favorite new addition to the Nutrisystem program - the Chef's Table entrees. These new entrees are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I had gotten to sample a few a couple of weeks ago and loved them but the whole line just blew me away! Let me tell you which ones I loves the best and why!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Butternut_Squash_Ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Butternut_Squash_Ravioli.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Butternut Squash Ravioli - this is probably one of the best things I have ever tasted. It is as good if not better than the foods I loved before I started Nutrisystem. Topped with an orange sage sauce and caramelized onions, this is a MUST HAVE dish! I could seriously eat this every night of the week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Steak_Tagliata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Steak_Tagliata.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Steak Taglaita - I love steak. And have missed it greatly on Nutrisystem. But this dish is making sure I miss it no more! I was shocked at how tender the meat was and the taste was fantastic! I even had to give the hubs a bite because I just couldn't explain how good it was to him. Home run here Nutrisystem!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Moroccan_Inspired_Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/select/dinner/297x220/297x220_Moroccan_Inspired_Chicken.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moroccan Inspired Chicken - This is a super tasty dish that I have fallen in love with! It is one of the first Chef's Table entrees I got to try and from the beginning I have been a huge fan! I love the addition of chick peas to the meal and it is really a tasty treat that you will love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even though those are my three favorites, I have not found a Chef's Table entree that I don't love! I have been eating them every night and am now completely spoiled with these amazing foods! After eating the Chef's Table entrees, you will honestly feel like you have had a fine dining experience! I watch my family stare at my plate with jealousy as I enjoy my yummy Nutrisystem foods!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be sure to check out the new Success program and if you've been waiting for the right time to try Nutrisystem, let me assure you, the time is NOW!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font: normal normal normal xx-small/normal 'Century Gothic', Georgia, Times, serif;">I received one or more of the products described above for free in order to provide an honest evaluation. Regardless, my opinions are 100% my own.</span></span></span></div><br />
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</div></center></span></center></center></span></center>Jeannettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12140799566660663717noreply@blogger.com0