Becky's Blog

Finance Genius

2008-01-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had questions about your financial future? How much will you need to save per year to send your child to college or how much will I really end up paying for this trip I'm putting on my credit card? Now, there's a website that can help you with all kinds of financial questions! What about if you have a high interest rate on your auto loan due to bad credit? If you are looking for a Bad Credit Car Refinance, Finance Genius can even help you with that!

Yee Haw!

2008-01-18T23:36:00.001-07:00

We went to the rodeo tonight. It was fun. But, I hated hated hated the calf roping. They chase and rope those little calves and then throw them down to tie up thier feet. I did not like it one bit.

On another note, visit cfhusband.blogspot.com. This family could use our thoughts and prayers.

Glasses, anyone?

2008-01-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

So, if you know me, you know I'm as blind as a bat. I spend lots of money on contacts and glasses, which sucks! I wear contacts all day every day, but I am so blind, I have to have glasses to wear at night after I take my contacts out. Its time for me to order glasses again, and I was dreading it until I made a Great Discovery: $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglassess
$8???? Sign me up!!! They don't use middlemen and have a very small advertising budget, so check them out! And if you like them, tell your friends!

2008-01-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

We watched "Fast Food Nation" tonight. I had no idea really what it was about before we watched it. It was so interesting, but so sad at the same time. There were so many different ethical points made in the movie. I would highly suggest seeing it. I'm not sure I'll ever eat ground beef again.

2008-01-03T00:33:00.000-07:00

*Sigh*

Mexico was soooo beautiful!

www.wordlesswednesday.com

Happy Anniversary!

2007-12-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Its our anniversary today! Happy anniversary to us!!! We are going to eat at Rodizio Grill. Yum-o!

So its almost 2008!!!! What were you obsessed with in 2007? And what do you see on the horizon for 2008?

I loved:
- Rachel Ray
- DDR and Guitar Hero III
- Pomegranates and blood oranges
- Redecorating my house
- Scented candles and lotion - mostly vanilla or lavender - but never togehter!

Christmas wish list

2007-12-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

So what's on your must have list for Christmas? I've got a few things in mind. Ready?
- Canon Rebel XTi (10.1 MP)
- A green ring
- A green beanie hat (Can you tell I LOVE green??)
- snow pants (NOT green)

And what am I getting hubby?
- a Dremel (the best tool ever!)
- a sabre saw
- and lots of little goodies!

I'm so ready for Christmas to be here! I love surprises and I love opening presents and watching people open their presents from me! I love surprises so much that I almost hate asking for stuff because I don't want to have any idea what it could be! I'm wierd!

Johnny Depp

2007-12-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

I love Johnny Depp! How can you not love someone as yummy as him?!?!?

I was trying to think of what my favorite Johnny Depp movie scene would be, and I don't think I can decide. I love the "pirate scene" from Finding Neverland. That was a great movie all around! And Chocolat! Yum. It doesn't get any better than a movie with lots of chocolate and lots of Johnny! I love how Johnny can do serious and funny and everything all at the same time. One of my favorite scenes is from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny is congratulating Charlie on being the winner and telling him about the glass elevator. Then, Johnny turns around to board the elevator, runs into the door, and falls down flat!

And the visuals and scenery is Edward Scissorhands! So amazing! Its such a beautiful movie. I love the ice sculpture scene where Winona twirls in circles. Them music is just so enchanting. I think that must be my favorite scene.

And Depp has a new movie coming out on Christmas Eve! I am so excited about Sweeney Todd! It looks like another captivating role from Johnny Depp...but would you expect anything less? He seems to have a talent for picking just the right roles and then shining in them!

If you want more information about the movie, visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site. Or you could also visit Sweeney Todd on myspace.

If you see Sweeney Todd when it comes out, please let me know! I would love to hear what you have to think about it! I know what I will be doing on Christmas Eve! I love seeing a movie on that day - we try to make it a yearly tradition.

2007-12-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Mexico!!! We drank Coronas on the beach while watching the sunset. *Sigh* Life really couldn't get any better!

We stayed at the Riu Vallarta, which was amazing! Its only a year old and it was so great. The beach was beautiful and swimmable. We boogie boarded a lot. We also collected lots of sea glass, which I hope to make into some nifty jewelry!

We're off....

2007-12-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

to Mexico!!! We'll be spending 5 glorious days with our toes in the sand! I'll have a Corona for you ;) I'm very excited. Its supposed to snow while we are gone, which I am NOT excited about. Coming back to snow would not be fun!

Webbyplanet

2007-12-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone who reads my site on a semi-regular basis knows I love coupons. I have a friend who calls me the coupon queen. Well, why wouldn't I? If I can save money easily, why would I choose not to?

If you are looking for a discount code or online coupon, Webbyplanet is a great place to find one. You can search by product, company name, or service, and then use those codes to instantly save online! Talk about instant gratification!!! In some cases, you can even print the coupon to use in stores. And its updated daily so you can keep up with the latest savings!

Santa Claus is coming to town

2007-12-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

We went up to Boulder tonight to have a little fun. We ate at the Walnut Brewery and while we were in there, a little parade passed by. Actually little would be an understatment. This thing lasted for like 45 minutes! And it really wasn't all that exciting. Of course, the parade wrapped up with the traditional Santa float. All the kids were yelling "Santa!!!" It was cute.

But, I also couldn't help but smirk. It reminded me of the scene from "Elf" where Buddy sees Santa and yells "Santa!!!!! I know him!"

Sunglasses

2007-11-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

As I said, I'm doing some shopping online today. My husband always loves to get a new pair of sunglasses each Christmas. He's so rough on them they rarely last longer than a year! But, I found a great website to get his shades from this year. OpticsPlanet is awesome because they have a great gift guide on the site.

Last year my brother wanted a rifle scope, and this would have been a great place to buy it from! If only I would have known! Why buy from OpticsPlanet? They have an extensive 20-point gauruntee and are committed to customer service. Its nice to see a company who cares about customer service still.

So, if you need binoculars, telescopes, sunglasses, goggles, rifle scopes, range finders, spotting scopes, flashlights, or microscopes for your Christmas list this year, check out OpticsPlanet!

2007-11-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm finishing up some Christmas shopping online right now. I love shopping online, and I love it when I find goood deals. Especially if those deals include free shipping!

What is on your Christmas wish list this year? What are you buying for others?

LapBand

2007-11-28T23:28:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about the LapBand system? There's many advantages to this type of weight loss surgery. Instead of a big insicions, the surgeons use laparoscopic techniques, which means they make tiny incisions. That also means faster healing time! The surgeon also uses a little camera that is inserted through one of the incisions.

The surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch to control the amount of food eaten. Its a good option for people who are in need of weight loss surgery.

If you are interested, find a lapband doctor.

2007-11-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

You know what I'm addicted to? Scarves! Yes, scarves! I love them in every color, length, sytle, everything! I have about 5 scarves and I want more! This may be an issue...

What winter clothing obsession do you have?

Confession Time

2007-11-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, Johnny Depp has this new movie coming out which looks amazing! It is called "Sweeney Todd." I can't wait to see it. I mean who can resist Johnny Depp? Anyway, without giving away too much, its about revenge. Which has gotten me to thinking...

Have you ever gotten revenge on someone who has wronged you? What did you do? Do you feel guilty about it? Or maybe a little proud? Either way, do you feel the need to let others know about it...even anonymously?

Well, then you should "Confess to the Demon Barber!" Watch the trailer for the movie and you'll understand what that means. If you're proud (and brave) of your revenge story, you can post a video confession! Its great! You can explain your side of the story about why this person deserved what you did to them and then discuss in detail what you did to pay them back.

All this talk of revenge got me thinking about when I got revenge on someone. Honestly, I don't have that great of a story - but its still been making me feel guilty for years! When I was in college, one of my roommates totally hit on my boyfriend in front of me! It made me furious! On top of that, she would always wear skimpy clothing around the apartment when he was there, and wouldn't let us have any time to ourselves. If we were in my room, she would find some excuse to knock on the door every three minutes. It became ridiculous. So, it started by me just dipping her toothbrush in the toilet a couple times. I told my best friend (who was another one of my roomies at the time), and she was convinced this was not nearly enough. She helped me set up "blind date" with one of our classmates. Little did my other roomie know that we had set it up to be the worst date ever imaginable. He took her to a cheap, yucky restaurant, spilled spaghetti sauce on her, "locked" his keys in his car (in January!), and a whole bunch of other stuff.

See why I feel guilty? I feel like it was such a junior high type of thing to do. You can create your own confession also! Its really therapuetic!

I encourage you to check out this movie when its released and then tell me what you think of it! I'm very much looking forward to seeing it.

To get more information, visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace or visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site.

Winter wonderland

2007-11-28T22:38:00.001-07:00

Its officially winter here now. It snowed today and its freakin' cold. I hate the cold. Although, its its going to be cold, then I want it to snow. I hate it when its freezing and no snow. It just doesn't seem right.

We put our tree up last night. Right now it only has lights on it. We need to buy another two strings of white lights before we can finish decorating it. This year we are doing a matching tree. I've never really been into that, but I just want something simple this year. I'm doing white lights, red bead garland, and silver snowflake ornaments.

What's on your tree?

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

My niece. Fall family fun!

www.wordlesswednesday.com

Business Cards

2007-11-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been talking to someone and your blog or their blog comes up, and you want to give them the url so they can check it out? I know its happened to me on more than one occasion! I always have to search for a pen and paper and its just such an ordeal.

Well, Ooprint has an offer for 100 FREE business cards to promote your blog! Can it get any better than that? You just pay for shipping! Think how easy it would be to spread the word (and increase traffic) to your blog! Brilliant!

Oprah's Favorite Things

2007-11-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

So I'm watching what I think is a review or behind the scense episode of Oprah's Favorite Things show. I'm not really sure. I'm making dinner as I watch, so I'm not catching the whole story.

But, I had a couple thoughts. First, Josh Groban is totally hot!

Secondly, she gave away KitchenAids!!! Red ones!!! I want one!

Thirdly, do you think these really are her favorite things? Or do you think these companies pay to be on the show? I mean, think of all the exposure! I don't know anything about it, so maybe its common knowledge that she really does like all the things she gives away...but please fill me in!

Ouch!

2007-11-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

My husband and I always joke that we're so old that our bodies are falling apart. At the ripe old age of 26! Eeek!

About 4 years ago, I was in a car accident. Although I was in no immediate pain, later my neck began to hurt and it turned out I had two bulging discs in my neck. Its since caused pain from my mid-back all the way up to my head. I have dealt with muscle and joint pain at least once a week since.

About 3 years ago, my husband was in an ATV roll-over accident. He injured both knees and had to have arthroscopic surgery. Although his knees are much better than they were, he still often has lingering pain.

So, what do we do for all our pain? We usually use heating pads, muscle relaxers, or ibuprofen. Lately, I've become hooked on this product called Freeze It Gel. Its seriously a miracle! I can't even explain to you fully how much it helps ease my pain. My husband rubs it in on my shoulders and neck, and then on his knees. We both love it. I often use it before bed because it relaxes me enough to help me sleep. Now, Freeze It is holding a contest for a full year's supply! I am so excited! Winning a year's supply would help not only my pain, but also my husbands! I would be able to share the product with my parents and a few friends who also suffer from chronic joint pain! I like this product so much that I just want everyone to know about it! You don't want this guy to be in pain any longer, do you?

Freeze It can alleviate pain from many ailments. Do you know someone who suffers from arthritis? I know I do, and I bet Freeze It would help them carry out thier daily activities with less pain. As I mentioned, the gel also helps alleviate my muscle pain before bed so that I can get restful sleep. And when my husband uses Freeze It on his knees, he says he is able to move with much less pain. His range of movement almost instantly increases. Who do you know who could benefit from this product. Take a minute to watch the Freeze It commercial below.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, its almost Thanksgiving already! Craziness!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We are having a couple friends over. Should be fun. We're having turkey, mashed taters, homemade stuffing, broccoli rice casserole, deviled eggs, pecan pie and apple crisp. Seems like I'm forgetting something. That's a lot of food. Almost seems wasteful for just 4 people, eh?

I think Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. I love Christmas so much, but Thanksgiving is all about (or should be all about) remembering what you are thankful for. Its about spending time with family and just enjoying each other.

Online Coupons

2007-11-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Do you want to find online Coupon Codes so you can save some money? I know I do. And its so easy to find coupons all in one place and then just print them out.

Would you like Apple coupons? Or how about Macy's coupon codes? What store would you choose to use the coupons at?

The site is very easy to use and is updated daily! Let me know what goodies you find!

2007-11-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. We have lots of boxes in our closet that haven't been opened since we moved 3 years ago. That means we don't need it! I am giving away TONS of stuff! And recycling and throwing stuff away. I feel soooo free and light!

Garage Floors

2007-11-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

You know what? I'm jealous of people with nice, new garage floors. Ours looks horrible! The people who lived here before us must have had some major oil leaks! Its all stained and also cracked! Just not nearly as nice as I would like for it to look. But, I found some solutions for ugly garage floors. Maybe that can be our weekend project this weekend!

2007-11-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

So I am at the local library right now. There's a lot of teenagers here. I thought they were going to be loud and disruptive. I'm actually very impressed. So impressed I'm writing about it. They are well behaved and picking out books to read! I am very proud of them. Ok, enough cheesieness for one post!

Dentemp OS

2007-11-13T17:13:00.001-07:00

When my now husband and I were first dating, he took me to a concert. It was fall and we had some caramel apple suckers (yum)! Well, he must have been really excited about it, because he bit down into the caramel coating and when he pulled the sucker out of his mouth, one of his fillings came with it!!! So, the date ended up being not so much fun. He was in so much pain and he was so embarrassed. I felt really bad for him. And it was on a Friday night, so he wasn't able to get any dental work done until Monday! He was in pain the whole weekend!

He could have easily solved the problem if he had known about Dentemp OS. Its a 60-minute solution that could have really helped his pain. Dentemp OS temporarily replaces lost fillings and can also cement loose crowns. Its FDA approved and you can eat on it in about 30 minutes. And in one pack, you get 6 applications! No need to worry! You could even just keep some on hand.

If you are in need of temporary dental repair, try out Dentemp OS. Just think of all the pain and embarrassment you would save yourself! That's definitely worth it, right?

2007-11-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

I love to read. I really love it. And I love it when I read a book, and I'm like, "wow, how did they know all this?" Well, right now I'm reading "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn and its so amazing! She surveyed Christian men about lots and lots of topics and then reported on the results. Its an understatement to say I was surprised by almost all of it! You should read it.

The Mist

2007-11-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

I love scary movies! Love them. I don't know what it is exactly, but I love the suspense, I think. And, I just found out that The Mist by Stephen King will be in theaters November 21st. Check out the website and watch the trailers for it.

Its about these people stuck in a fog and how people who had previously been friends and neighbors become each others' biggest threats. That got me thinking about last summer when my husband and I got stuck in a very bad thunderstorm as it got dark. We were driving home on a winding mountain road and it was raining so hard we had to pull off to the side. The thunder was making our car shake. I kept thinking about how we couldn't see what was out there. I was so scared that something was going to come up and try to get in our car or try to hurt us. I was convinced that every little sound I heard was someone sneaking up on our car. When headlights would go by I was so scared the car would run right into us because there is no way they could really see anything. I got so freaked out we even tried to drive away. We were only able to go like 5 miles an hour! But, I wouldn't let my husband pull over again. It took us over 3 hours to get home! It should have been about 30 minutes!

So my story is not as scary as The Mist, thank goodness! I don't know if I could handle it! I know I'm going to see it on November 21!

2007-11-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'm in Estes Park this weekend and its beautiful! The weather has been great and I just couldn't ask for a better weekend. I'm hoping we get to have dinner tomorrow at the Stanley Hotel. I've been sick, but still managing to enjoy the weekend.

Can you believe its only just over a month until Christmas??? Eeek!

Car Quotes

2007-11-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Buying a new or used car can be stressful, can't it? You are paying such a big amount of money, and when you go to look at cars, you never really know if you are getting a good deal or if the salesperson is just pulling a fast one on you. When my husband and I bought his car, we felt very disrespected by one salesman and just walked out.

Well, no more! Carsblvd.com is here to help! You can compare quotes and let dealers compete for your business. And that means better prices for you! Check out a Honda Car Quote, or one of the many other cars you can find information for.

2007-11-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

A friend mentioned to me that she is changing face moisturizer because the kind she currently uses is known to contain toxins. Actually, many, maybe most, lotions contain some form of toxin. So, call me ignorant, but I really had no idea. I know that it seems like everything contains something or other that is bad for you, but honestly, I really didn't know. I'm definitely going to be doing my research.

Payday Loan Quotes

2007-11-01T23:08:00.000-06:00

Are you thinking you might need a payday loan? Its a loan for between $100 and $1500 that will give you a little extra money until you can get your next paycheck - without a credit check! "Sure, it sounds like an OK idea, but how much is this going to cost?" is what I am sure you are thinking. Well, check our this website that gives you payday loan quotes so you know all the numbers ahead of time to help you make your decision!

2007-10-30T22:59:00.000-06:00

So tonight I met my BIL and SIL for dinner. It was fun. I haven't seen them in a long time. She is a special education teacher and I was able to ask her questions about my nephew, who isn't talking yet, and is 2 and a half. She gave us some good insight. I hope that his parents listen and then do something.

GreenRoad

2007-10-25T22:47:00.000-06:00

I heard about this company called GreenRoad. They have this technology that can help drivers reduce accident rates and lower costs. The technology has shown to reduce accidents by 54% and decreased fuel costs by 7%. There's lots of applications for technology such as this. Think about if you own a fleet business - you'd definitely want safe drivers. And what about teenage drivers? This is a useful tool to show them where they need to improve their driving skills.

2007-10-21T22:45:00.000-06:00

Ready for the highlights of my weekend?
- My inlaws were here
- My car broke down, therefore leaving me stuck in my car with my inlaws for 3 hours
- The only room at the only hotel we were able to get to was a suite with a heart shaped whirlpool tub
- My MIL insisted we soak in said tub together

Free Coupons

2007-10-15T13:03:00.000-06:00

So if you know me, you know I LOVE Free Coupons! I'm always looking for a deal or a way to save money. So when I found out about this site, I was a little skeptical. I didn't know if it would be easy to use or if the coupons would actually be useful - but they are! The site is updated daily and its organized so that you just click on the store you want the coupon for and it take you to all the coupons for the specific store!

Here's some of what I found:
Do you or someone in the family love to cook? Well, there's lots of coupons for cooking.com!
Or do you need some new luggage? I know I do! Well, check out the coupons for luggageonline!

ROCKtober

2007-10-14T12:57:00.000-06:00

So how about those Rockies, eh? I am so excited! I think they really can do it! I just wish we had tickets to one of the games!

In other news, well, there's not much going on. Still without my laptop, which makes me sad. I've been beyond busy with work and family visiting, I'm looking forward to there only being two people in my house again!

Electronic Mortgage

2007-10-08T17:17:00.000-06:00

So who out there cares about the environment? I know I do! I like to recycle and conserve whenver possible. So the idea of an electronic mortgage really appeals to me. When we closed on our house, we had to sign piles and piles of paper! I don't even want to think about all those poor trees that had to be cut down :( But, with an electronic closing, you can eliminate most of the paperwork! Think about how good you'd feel knowing you did your part to help the environment!

2007-10-08T17:16:00.000-06:00

My laptop is broken :( I'm going through withdrawal. I loved that machine. Hopefully it gets fixed soon. Good news is I invested in an external hard drive and had just backed everything up. I really love the external hard drive, too. Its really come in handy!

Gifts for Him

2007-10-07T22:43:00.000-06:00

When my husband and I went shopping yesterday it was too easy for me to pick out tons of things that I would like for Christmas (too many, even)! But, he didn't give me a clue as to what to get him!

If you're looking for gifts for him, check out Car Guy Garage! I found an awesome wall mounted bike rack that I think he would really like. He loves his bike, but we don't have a good place to store it. He'll love it!

2007-10-07T22:39:00.000-06:00

Go Rockies!!!! I am so happy. So let's not even mention those Broncos.

Today we had some friends over for dinner. It was super fun. I made an awesome salad. Green leaf lettuce, mushrooms, strawberries, apples, glazed walnuts, and parmesean cheese with poppyseed dressing. It was seriously amazing. I love coming up with new things to put in salads.

Holiday Shopping

2007-10-07T00:47:00.000-06:00

Today my husband and I went to some nearby outlet stores. Its crazy that they have some Christmas stuff out already! I think I heard that Thanksgiving is less than 7 weeks away! I can't believe it. The holidays will be here before you know it. That means you better get on that holiday shopping!

Wanna know my secret for holiday savings? Its Coupon Chief! Its a one stop website where you can find great deals from lots of different merchants. I love to decorate and make holiday crafts, and am always looking for ways to save money on supplies. Well, today I found some great Joann Fabrics Deals! That will help out with the holiday budget! I can't wait to start making all that fun stuff!

And my dad is a gadget guy, so a gift using Best Buy Coupon Codes would be perfect! This site really will make staying organized through the holidays much easier!

2007-10-07T00:42:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law had her baby earlier today! He is a big boy! 9 lbs, 6 oz and 22 inches long! I hope that's not a sign of how big the babies are in this family! I think I would like a nice 7 pounder! I can handle that. But, we are so happy to welcome this new little life into the world. I can't wait to meet him!

Cash Advance

2007-10-07T00:36:00.000-06:00

I've never really thought about it, but pay day loans are great to avoid accumulating debt and ruining your credit. Sometimes honest, hardworking people just need to catch a little break. If you have an unexpected expense - because I mean, let's face it, your car always chooses the worst time to break down - a cash advance can help you pay your bill without having to max out a credit card. So, next time you're in need of some emergency money, check out some payday loan companies. You just might be glad you did.

2007-10-06T00:34:00.000-06:00

I'm back from a week in Aspen for a work conference. It was great. The trees were in full color and it was just so gorgeous. Even though it was for work, it was very relaxing. I got in a couple little hikes and all in all enjoyed my time there. It was great for team building too, as we were able to have a little time to bond outside of the office.

Garage Cabinets

2007-10-02T22:12:00.001-06:00

I've really been wanting to get our garage organized and install some garage storage cabinets. It would look so much nicer in there and be much easier to work on stuff. Its too expensive for right now, but I've found the set I want! They are aluminum and they're black. Very nice.

2007-10-02T21:57:00.001-06:00

I'm off to Aspen for the rest of the week for a conference for work. Rough, I know ;)

Go Rockies! I'm very excited!

My friend had her baby. Little Lyndi was born on Saturdy and she's gorgeous! I love her lready.

Dr. Collier

2007-10-02T21:02:00.000-06:00

Remember how I said my friend's brother had the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure (LAPBAND)? He didn't have a good experience, but has gotten great results. I wish he would have known about this Houston Lap band surgeon. You have surgery in the morning and are released later that day to spend the night home in your own bed! Everything at the facility is designed with patients' comfort in mind.

2007-09-26T22:56:00.000-06:00

I'm surrounded by babies lately. My BFF is having a baby (possibly as I type this), my sister-in-law is due this weekend, and other good friends just brought home their adopted baby tonight. Not too mention that approximately 95% of my friends are expecting. Its all just so precious. I may be having baby fever.

Hotel Reservations

2007-09-26T17:39:00.000-06:00

Like I mentioned, my mom and I are taking a road trip this weekend. We've been looking up hotels and trying to figure out where we want to go. But, everything just seemed so expensive!

That is, until I looked up this hotel reservations website. We're thinking we want to go to the Black Hills of South Dakota. I found a hotel for $50 a night! I couldn't believe it!

If you're looking for a hotel with specific amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, or complimentary breakfast, you can do an advanced search to narrow down the results.

This site offers worldwide destinations and you can save up to 70%!!! That gives you more money to spend once you're there. You can find resorts, motels, hotels, bed & breakfasts, and many other types of vacation rentals. Do you want to do some type of activity while you are there? They can help you with that, too. We're going to Puerto Vallarta in December, so I wanted to see wht we could do while we're there. There's so much to choose from! We could do Rhythms of the Night, a Mexican Fiesta, a canopy eco-adventure, tours of ruins, horseback riding, sunset cruise, jungle buggy ride, and more! It seems like the options are endless! Finding such great deals on these activities just makes me even more excited to go on our trip!

There's even a phone number you can call if you need help. You can book travel packages, which includes flights and lodging. Think of all the places you would travel if you had the time and money. This website gives you more of both. You save time by booking through one website and you save money because they offer such great discounts. I think I might start researching our next trip. Hmmm, Hawaii, Europe, New Zealand? I just can't decide!

Don't forget to check out hotelreservations.com next time you want to book a trip!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-09-22T17:36:00.000-06:00

I've been so busy lately, I haven't been around much. My mom is here and we've been doing lots of fun things. We've been hiking, kayaking, and of course, shopping! Its been fun, and she's here until Monday morning! We're taking a road trip this weekend!

Business Card Scanner

2007-09-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

My dad is a realtor. Real estate is all about networking. On my dad's desk there is a pile of approximately 46,879 business cards. It drives my mom crazy and really is such a clutter. So I could really see how he could use a business card scanner.

This type of scanner works with Microsoft Outlook. You scan a business card and it automatically creates a new contact with all their information. Scan2Contacts is easy to use, too. You just scan the card, wait for it to pop up, and then either edit or save the information. Its the only business card scanning package that does not require cards to be scanned into another application before the information can be transferred to Outlook. Think of all the time you could save by not having to enter each card's information manually into the computer!

It only weights 7.4 ounces and connects via an USB, so no external power is required.

I could see many applications for a business card scanner! People who travel a lot would probably find it pretty useful. I always lose track of small things like cards when traveling, so it sure would be handy to have a laptop with a business card scanner!

I think I know what will be under the Christmas tree for my dad this year!

2007-09-18T20:20:00.000-06:00

I've been a little busybee today! I've done 3 loads of laundry, cooked a scrumptious dinner, vacuumed, and cleaned one of the bathrooms. That's all in addition to working! My mom is coming into town for a visit, so I want our place to look really nice. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning hardwood floors? Its so hard to keep them nice and shiny.

Who wants a brew?

2007-09-17T23:16:00.000-06:00

Me, me, me! I've been interested in home brewing since I had a professor in college who did it. But, I had no idea how to get started or even what it really entailed. I thought it would be super complicated. I didn't know you could buy home brewing kits. I think I'll try one out. It might be fun, and there's some satisfaction in drinking a nice, cold beer that you brewed yourself. Plus, they offer super-fast shipping! If you order before 1pm, the order usually ships the same day! Gotta love that!

2007-09-17T22:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I hate being a grown up. Sometimes I just want to revert back to my childhood and not worry about anything.

But, there are some fun things that come along with adulthood....I guess. Too bad I can't think of any right now.

Moms are good. Mine always knows just what to say, even if I don't want to hear it. I hope I will be wise like that one day. Family is wonderful too. Seriously, mine is great. I need to remember that more often.

Dogs are good too. Mine seems to know when something is bugging me and just looks at me with those cute little eyes and tries to snuggle.

Trusted Places

2007-09-17T17:46:00.000-06:00

Don't you wish that when you traveled you knew which bars and restaurants were worth your time? I mean, you only have so much time and why waste that on a less than desirable place! Well, now there's a site that can help you find out all kinds of information about London bars! Next time to plan on an evening out in London, check out the Trusted Places website first!

Cruisin'

2007-09-14T17:45:00.000-06:00

Today we went to look at a new Cruiser bike for me. It was so fun! I really really want the Electra Hawaii. It has pedal brakes like all the old school ones. That was a little hard to get used to, I almost crashed once. But, still, it was so much fun, and just feels sooo cool ;)

Black Friday

2007-09-13T23:37:00.000-06:00

So who else out there has a love/hate relationship with "Black Friday"? I know I do! I love getting up early and heading out to the stores - and of course, getting all those deals! But, I do not like fighting the crowds, trying to find the deals hidden throughout the stores, and then finding out that store is out of the advertised deal! Searching through the ads on Thanksgiving Day is a pain, too.

If you want to get up before sunrise to go shopping, http://www.black-friday.net/ can help you plan your trip to make the most of your time. You can find out about 2007 Thanksgiving specials online before they are published on Thanksgiving Day! You can even sign up for email alerts to let you know when new deals have been added to the site. But, if you prefer to shop while still wearing your pj's (like me!), the site also links directly to the advertised product so you can buy it online without having to fight those crowds! I'll be checking out Kohls and Target specials for sure!

I'm sure we all have seen those videos of the poor, unfortunate, deal-seeking people waiting outside a Wal-mart on Black Friday. The doors open, people rush in, and those who aren't fast enough are trampled. Don't let that happen to you! My vote for this year is to stay home with a nice up of tea and do my bargain hunting online!

2007-09-13T23:17:00.000-06:00

I got an email from my friend saying that she just created a myspace. So, I set up an account (which I don't plan on really using) and thought I would check it out. I searched for my high school, and quite a few people that I graduated with are on there. Funny thing is, as I looked at their pictures, I kept thinking, "Wow, they look really different. Kinda like adults, kinda old." Then, a horrible, horrible thought crossed my mind..."If I think THEY look like that, what do they think about me?" I had to face the fact that I am getting old. Ok, so maybe not that old, but still, it was a weird feeling. I don't look the same as I did in high school. It's been 8 years!

I signed up for PPP!

2007-09-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

I love PayPerPost. I posted my first post for PPP on 8/22/07 and have made over $120 already! But, I don't love it just because I earn extra money. I also love it because I am one of the first people to learn about new trends in technology or new products that are coming out. I get to offer my opinion on products and services and spread the word to others about them, too! If that isn't enough, I've also made some really great friends by doing PPP. Other posties re a great resource for information, and everyone I met has been super nice, too!

You should sign up for PPP, too! Its really easy to sign up, and well worth it! Basically, you post blog ads about different products and services, and then get paid for it! Each post is worth anywhere from $5 on up to over $200!

2007-09-13T19:32:00.000-06:00

I think my husband smells like an orange cream popsicle right now. Not sure why. We don't have any orange cream popsicles in the house and he says he hasn't eaten any for 5 years, at least.

I received the greatest compliment I think I have ever received over this past weekend. One of my best friends was at my parents house with me, my parents, other friends, and my brothers. We were all sitting around the campfire talking and she randomly said, "I love hanging around this family. You all tell each other all the time that you love each other AND you act like it." I tell ya, it just about brought tears to my eyes. I love my family and I guess I don't always realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing one. I know my brothers and parents would do anything for me, and I feel the same way. My friend said that her family loves each other but they never say it. Her grandma didn't ever say the words "I love you" to her until 3 days before she died. How sad.

RegOnline

2007-09-12T23:23:00.000-06:00

I work in the recreation field, more specifically, special events. We've been working on implementing a new, large special event that would require online registration. One concern we've had involves credit card and other information security.

But now, I am going to tell my supervisor to look into RegOnline, which is the only event registration system to have a rank of Level 1 PCI compliance. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it basically means it keeps your registrants' information safe! That's incredibly important to my organization! I mean, can you imagine what a P.R. nightmare it would be if our registrants' information was compromised? I don't know if we would be able to recover.

As someone who has experienced identity theft first-hand, I know seeing this kind of security when giving my information online would make me feel much safer, not to mention more inclined to register.

2007-09-11T22:46:00.000-06:00

The pier in Grand Haven, MI. It was beautiful. One of my favorite places, for sure!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-09-11T22:37:00.000-06:00

We are looking into booking a trip for our anniversary in December. I really want to go somewhere warm. Maybe Mexico? I've heard Puerto Vallarta is nice. My friends' parents live in Cabo, so that could be a possibility. Have you been any of these places? Suggestions for website to book from? Which activities to check out while there?

Electronic Closing

2007-09-11T10:54:00.000-06:00

When we closed on our house, I was amazed at the amount of paperwork involved. There seemed to be a never-ending pile of papers! Now, Encomia offers electronic, paperless mortgage closing.

Think about how much easier (and better for the environment) an eclosing would be over the traditional closing process. The closing even takes place on a computer. I really think this is the way things will be done in the future.

2007-09-11T10:50:00.000-06:00

I think I may be addicted to reality TV. I love it all! Big Brother, Fat March, The Biggest Loser, The Bachelor, and so many more! Do any of you have this problem? What's your favorite show?

In other news, I am looking into ways to manage this back pain I've been dealing with. I was in a car accident and have been dealing with it ever since. I want to avoid surgery or injections. Ideas? Suggestions?

Pingo

2007-09-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

We have good friends who live in Germany and more who live in Mexico. Most of my husband's extended family lives in Canada. So that means that our long distance bill can get pretty expensive sometimes. We have been searching for a cheap phone card to help cut down on costs.

But, I just heard about Pingo, which offers prepaid international calling cards. I saw that the rate to call Mexico City from the United States using Pingo is only $.03 a minute! And Pingo is a company that has experience in international calling. They handle over 1.1 billion international phone card minutes a month! Pingo also offers a cell phone service that can save you up to 90% on international cell phone calls.

Pingo prepaid calling cards have no hidden fees. Just a$.98 a month account maintenance fee. And no equipment to purchase! I remember when I was in Mexico in college, I used my calling card to call home. My minutes seemed to be getting eaten up pretty fast, so I looked into it and not only was I being charged 8 minutes per call from a pay phone, but I was also being charged for calling from another country!

And, because we all like free stuff...if you refer a friend and they sign up, you get $15! And, you can receive up to 5 hours of FREE international calling just for signing up! Doesn't get much easier!

I also happen to know a special discount code to get you $3 off Pingo. Just use the discount code "ppp3" when you sign up. This deal is too good to pass up!

2007-09-08T15:32:00.000-06:00

I'm back from vacation. Its always so hard to go back to work. We have a special event this weekend and its tiring me out. I'll be happy when its over!

In other news, I am getting very excited about my photography! I have started up an etsy shop and can't wait to get that rolling!

I also took an oil painting class and would like to do more of that. Its fun and I think I did pretty well for my first time.

I hope you all are having a good weekend!

JourneyLite

2007-09-05T23:19:00.000-06:00

Do you know anyone who could benefit from obesity surgery? I do. It can be such a struggle to come to the decision to have weight loss surgery. But, I recently found out about JourneyLite, which helps you from the very beginning of the process all the way through to aftercare. Their website also offers message boards, support groups, recipes, and more. Its such a good idea because it shows you that you are not alone.

2007-09-05T23:15:00.000-06:00

That's my nephew in the picture below. He is a joy to be around. So hppy and giggly. He's always babbling about something, or "telling stories." But, he kind of worries me. I don't know much about child development, so maybe there's nothing to worry about, but he's 2 1/2 and hasn't started talking at all. He will just make noises or grunt. Is this normal? My other nephew was talking by the time he was just over one year old.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-09-05T23:12:00.000-06:00

Because he is just too precious for words...

Wordless Wednesday

Digital Photography

2007-09-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

If you know me, you know I love to take pictures. Pictures of nature, landscapes, friends, family...anything! I just love it! In fact, I have recently started up my own website to sell my prints. And just on Monday, I did my first photo shoot with my neice.

My biggest challenge right now is finding the right camera. I want a new one! There's just so many cameras out there, I just don't know which to choose. I have my eye on a couple models, though. My brother-in-law just got a Cannon Digital Elph, and I love it! So small and sleek, and takes awesome pictures. That would be a great everyday camera. But, I think I'm leaning more towards a Digital SLR so that I can expand my photography business. I think I want a Nikon D40. I just have to save up my pennies!

2007-09-03T20:23:00.000-06:00

My vacation is almost over :( I am so not ready to go back to work. I did get good & burned today, though, so that takes a little of the fun out of a day at the beach...

Drug Addiction Forum

2007-09-02T08:16:00.000-06:00

Don't we all know or know of someone who struggles with some type of drug addiction? Its such a painful thing to witness. I came across this drug addiction forum where people who are struggling with addictions and their family members can go to share experiences and ask questions about rapid detox treatments for drug addictions. I think its a great site and would definitely recommend it to anyone I know who may be facing addiction. For an addict, getting answers and knowing they are not the only one going through it may make all the difference in the world!

2007-09-02T08:12:00.000-06:00

We are tubing down the river today! Should be fun. What are you guys doing for the long weekend?

Ultimate Paintball

2007-08-31T18:27:00.000-06:00

Who out there likes paintball? I think its a lot of fun, and my husband really loves it! I found this website, Ultimate Paintball, and I plan on purchasing some paintball gear for him from it. He will be so excited!

Ulitmate Paintball carries all the big brands like Tippmann, Spyder, Smart Parts, Dye, and Draxxus, plus many more! And they sell lots of paintball guns, like these popular ones: Tippmann A-5, Tippmann 98 Custom, Smart Parts Ion, and Spyder Pilot ACS. And not only can you find paintball guns, but also many other necessities, like gloves, masks, vests, harnesses, sights, and cleaners. Its a great "one-stop" shopping site!

So before you go paintballing again, make sure to check out this paintball website. I'm sure you'll love it. The variety of products and great prices are sure to please!

Rethinking...

2007-08-30T21:20:00.000-06:00

I've had some conflicting feelings lately...as much as I have tried to fight and deny it, I think I may be a country girl at heart. The beauty and simpleness of life in the country just makes my heart happy!

Territory Real Estate

2007-08-30T21:13:00.000-06:00

We're thinking of buying a home in the next few months. But, it can be so stressful. I feel like you can never know if the agent is really working for you, or just showing you properties that they have listed so they can take full advantage of the commission.

I think we will be looking into Territory Real Estate when we start home searching. They are "The Only True Buyer Brokerage Firm." They only represent buyers and the agents are not paid on commission! Check them out!

Thinking

2007-08-29T17:11:00.000-06:00

I've been feeling reflective lately. When I moved to Colorado, it was all one big adventure. I was young & excited. Now, I'm wishing I was still near my family. Hard thing is, now that I'm here, I've made wonderful friends and would have such a hard time moving away. I feel like either way, I'm stuck....

Hotel Reservations!

2007-08-29T09:10:00.001-06:00

As I've mentioned before, my husband and I are trying to plan a trip in December for our 5th anniversary. We really want to do something special to celebrate. I just found out about this great website, Hotel Reservations

I always search and search for a great deal on hotel stays, but its so time consuming! That's one reason I think this website is so great. I can find a whole bunch of great deals all in one place - so that saves me time AND money! offers world-wide destinations with very competitive pricing. We would like to go to Puerto Vallarta and I found a 4 star all-inclusive hotel for about $180/night!

Last time we went to Mexico, we didn't do much research at all. I wish I would have known about Hotelreservations.com before. We paid much more than we should have for our stay, and we were very unsatisfied with the quality of customer service we received. With this site, you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and talk to a real, live person. That would have been very helpful for all the questions I had before our last trip. The site also offers destination guides to research and plan your trip before you leave!

One thing I always struggle with is finding a good deal and feeling like I need to book right away before I even know if its the right time for a vacation. Well, with Hotelreservations.com, I don't have to worry! They have eliminated change and cancellations fees. I can change hotels, destinations, add or drop nights, or even cancel the trip without having to worry! But, really, with the great deals you'll find on the site, why would you ever want to cancel?

I've just been browsing around the site, daydreaming of all the places I would love to go! In addition to just booking hotels, you can also book flights, rental cars, and complete vacation packages. Its like one stop shopping! You can find hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals and more. I'll definitely be looking at this website each time I plan a trip (or even just want to dream a little!)

Photo Shoot

2007-08-29T09:07:00.000-06:00

I did my very first photo shoot today! I took my neice hostage and made her pose for me. She enjoyed it, I think. We took over 200 pictures! But, I learned a lot and even got some really great pictures out of it, I think!

Lap Band

2007-08-28T22:37:00.000-06:00

My friend's brother is looking into weight loss surgery. I just found out about the Lap Band procedure (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding)and am definitely going to tell him about it. It seems much safer than some other alternatives. Instead of a big incision, the surgeon will use tiny, laparoscopic incisions. Its also a very simple concept. A band is wrapped around the upper part of your stomach and it leaves you with a smaller pouch. With a smaller pouch, you will get full faster and eat less. Do you know someone who could benefit from this type of procedure?

2007-08-28T19:52:00.001-06:00

I'm not used to this humidity! I hate the feeling of sweating all the time!

CouponChief

2007-08-28T17:51:00.000-06:00

Can you believe Christmas is less than 4 months away? It will be here before you know it! The holiday season comes up so fast. First, there's Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and then the big one - Christmas!

This year I want to be very organized about my Christmas shopping! So, I'm starting early. I would also like to save some money (who wouldn't?) because we are going to be going on vacation in December as well. I found the answer to my dilema - CouponChief! CouponChief is a website where you can find all kinds of coupons and discount codes for free!

I was thinking about my gift list today. My husband lost so much weight this year, he is definitely going to need some new clothes. I found some great Banana Republic coupon codes. He will be stylin' with the clothes I can get him using the coupon!

And I can't forget about my puppy! She's been so good, she deserves some new toys! I'm excited about the Petco deals I've found on CouponChief. I'll be spoiling her this year for sure.

Vacation!

2007-08-28T17:46:00.000-06:00

I'm on vacation!

One of the things I love best about vacation is that I don't have to be on the schedule. I can do whatever I want. So what's my itenerary for today?
- Wake up about 9am
- Enjoy leisurely coffee on the patio
- Head to the beach, where my biggest project was burying my neice in the sand
- Shower to get all the sand off
- Eat burgers cooked on the grill
- Curl up with some tea and my book
- Go to bed and dream sweet dreams of tomorrow...where my schedule will be pretty much the same...its a rough life ;)

Alzheimer's

2007-08-23T16:44:00.000-06:00

When you hear the word "Alzheimer's," what do you think of?

Personally, I am terrified by the word. I hope I never have to go through this disease with a family member or friend. I minored in Gerontology (the study of aging)in college and was always enthralled by Alzheimer's. In fact, it is still my dream to work with Alzheimer's patients.

One summer during college I worked at a nursing home in the dementia unit. Although it was very rewarding work, it was also so sad. The hardest part for me was to see dedicated family members come every day and sit in the room while their loved one was off in thier own little world. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled that they came to visit, but the distance and loss of the person they loved was almost too much to take at times.

Alzheimer's can be devastating to a family, but there are ways we can help! The Alzheimer's Association holds Memory Walks nationwide. Sign up as a team captain! You can recruit your family, friends, and co-workers and participate. Think of how good you will feel knowing you gave of your time to help such a worthy cause as the Alzheimer's Association! Plus, we could all use a little more exercise, right? Sign up early so you have plenty of time to recruit team members and fund raise!

If you are in the Denver area like me, there's a Memory Walk in City Park on September 15. What a beautiful setting for this great event! Let me know if you are going to be there...we can meet up!

Thankful Thursday

2007-08-22T20:15:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for:
- Forgiveness from God and from others...even though I really don't deserve it.
- Long vacations
- My family

DialAFlight

2007-08-22T16:40:00.000-06:00

I sure wish I would have known about DialAFlight before booking the vacation we are taking this weekend. My husband is from Canada, so we often travel to the Toronto area. But, flights to Canada can be so expensive and complicated to book, so we usually fly into Detroit and have to drive a few hours (plus deal with the traffic while crossing the border!) to get to where we are going.

DialAFlight is a service that helps you find cheap flights and holiday offers. You just call them up and they help you arrange a vacation that is perfect for you! And they do it all! You can book flights, hotels, and cars with a helpful agent. I love the saying on the DialAFlight website..."Fast answers from people who've been there!" When I'm booking a vacation I often wish that I could talk to someone who has been there and has the answers I need. I hate having to wait to get answers!

So, now that you know about DialAFlight, where are you traveling next? Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec, Niagra, Calgary, Montreal, Banff??? The options are almost limitless!

Next time you travel to Canada, I suggest using DialAFlight, they make booking holidays to Canada (and many other places) fun and easy! Don't let the process of booking take all the fun and excitement out of your next vacation!

Leaving on a jet plane...

2007-08-22T16:22:00.000-06:00

I'm leaving to visit family in the Midwest on Friday. I am very much looking forward to a vacation! A whole week with NOTHING to do! Yay!

Pay Per Post

2007-08-22T15:57:00.001-06:00

I just signed up for Pay Per Post, and its great! I've already met some awesome new people just by asking questions about it and browsing blogrings. I look forward to meeting even more fellow PPPers!!!

I originally heard about PPP through a Xanga friend. After reading some of her sponsored posts, I decided I really needed to join, too! I love being the first to hear about new products, or share information about subjects I know about.

Plus, let's not forget...you get paid to do this! Awesome, eh? Think of all the things you could do with some extra money coming in...I plan on saving up to buy a new camera. I could not be more excited! Plus, I could always use more shoes, or purses, or flip flops, or jewelry. Haha. There's always something, right?

And don't forget, its so easy. You sign up, get your blog approved, and you're on your way! It just takes a little time, but its so worth it. I love to blog, so this was the perfect opportunity for me.

I'm very excited about Pay Per Post and encourage you all to check it out! You can ask me if you have any questions. And let me know if you sign up! I'd love to meet you and read your blog.

Visit their website here: drive traffic

2007-08-21T20:22:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-15T22:56:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday!

Look at that gorgeous sky! *sigh* Life is beatiful.

2007-08-14T17:53:00.000-06:00

I love tea. I am addicted!
What's your favorite tea?

My Weekend

2007-08-14T17:29:00.001-06:00

This weekend was good...and bad. On Saturday, we got up early and went hiking in the Mount Evans wilderness. We hiked two different trails. And my legs are mad at me today! So sore! But, it was gorgeous. I got some great pictures...and then, somehow, they got deleted. The only one left on the camera was the very last one I took. I honestly don't know how it happened. I've had this camera for years, and have never done that, and I didn't push any buttons. I was very sad.

Grrr....

2007-08-08T17:53:00.000-06:00

I am such an over-analyzer.

2007-08-05T12:52:00.000-06:00

I am feeling so unmotivated to do anything today. But I have soooo much I want to get done! My parents are coming to visit, and I want to get lots of "spring" cleaning done before then.

2007-08-02T20:51:00.000-06:00

Today, I came home and then had to run to the post office. Our dog got out and hopped in my car, so I decided I would take her with me. She was in the front seat and started crawling on me (she weighs 70lbs!) and getting the seat muddy, so I pulled over so I could put her in the back of my SUV. Well, its been raining all day and is just completely gross out. So I get her out, but don't have her leash, so I'm hanging on to her collar and she starts to pull away from me. She's really strong and when she starts to pull away, I'm not strong enough to pull her back. She pulled really fast and hard and twisted, and knocked me down on the ground. I landed in a puddle, and scraped up my knee and elbow pretty bad. So, needless to say, I'm pretty mad at her right now. No snuggling for her tonight!

2007-08-01T17:49:00.000-06:00

go here: www.healingwatersintl.org

Its a great organization.