Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Thank you MicroPerfumes. I Now Know that I LOVE Tom Ford's Black Orchid!!


Blind Buy: Purchasing a fragrance based on a recommendation or curiosity, 
rather than sampling it or knowing what it smells like first.

Okay, I wrote about the error of my ways, chasing half-off fragrances on Black Friday that had 'great reviews'  and getting burned royally in the process (my bad, and yes, as I noted in that post, I totally knew better). Enter MicroPerfumes to help get me back on track. I have really been enjoying ordering sample-sized perfumes for next to nothing, in order to test them out and see which fragrances might be my favorite. This is a new hobby of mine that I am really having a ball with, as are those around me who get the samples I don't like, especially true if they do (like them), but even if they don't because then they know what not to buy (which is also, as I said, very important on the pocketbook or wallet). The sample you see above, is the one I probably wanted to try the most, but I'm glad I didn't blind buy it because it was not the one I loved the most! I did however, love the larger sample option it came in, complete with a twist up case that makes it perfect to carry along when you travel (someday) or are on the go.

MicroPerfumes: My Second Shipment!

I ordered a second shipment of fragrance samples from MicroPerfumes just as fast as I could after opening the first one, because it's really fun for me to try the new scents. I'll list the names here and the notes at the very end of my take each of the fragrances, for anyone who is interested. My first shipment had all good scents, and this one did not, but that's okay. That's the reason you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY (reminding myself, not you...well, you too, if you need it). :) I did find two fragrances that I love enough to purchase the full-sized bottles, so I also consider this shipment a big win.

1. Jo Malone: English Pear and Freesia
2. Salvatore Ferragamo: Signorina Misteriosa 
3. Creed: Royal Water
4. Jo Malone: Orange Blossom
5. Tom Ford: L Cherry
6. Tom Ford: FS%&#ing Fabulous

Friday, December 25, 2020

Lancome Scent Search: Which one is right for me?

This is not a sponsored post. I purchased these fragrances on Black Friday, when Lancome had a huge sale on their website.


REVISION: Just a note, that six months after I wrote this post, I purchased another Lancome that I love. I have added that to this post at the very bottom.

Back to the original post...

You can't like everything, this I know to be true, so please don't be discouraged with the parts of this review that are not so great, and there are two parts that are not so great. I purchased 3 perfumes; one I had sampled in the store before and knew I would like, and two that SO MANY PEOPLE said over and over again were SO good, but for me, it turned out that they certainly were not. Remember when I said I would not blind buy again? Yeah, well that went out the door with Lancome's huge Black Friday sale. So much for my personal resolve not to purchase a fragrance without trying it first. Enter grim face.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Teleflora Flower Bouquets are Always a Good Idea!

Anytime is a good time for Teleflora. They not only have gorgeous flowers, but they also have the best vases and containers around. For the holiday season, you can get someone you love a holiday bouquet they will be thrilled to display now, and a decorative holder of choice that they'll be happy to use this year and every year that follows. The perfect example can be seen here with Teleflora's Snowy Wonderland Tree. That sparkling silver snowscape design is perfect for holiday decor.

Thursday, December 10, 2020

THIS POST NOW HAS A GIVEAWAY!! Is the Nutri Ninja with Auto iQ Worth the Price? 10 Reasons I Say Yes!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

THIS POST, THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF THE SPONSOR, HAS BEEN REVISED TO ADD A GIVEAWAY! 1 winner gets to take one of these bad boys home! US entrants only.

Today I've got the million dollar question: Is the Nutri-Ninja worth the amount of money they charge for a blender?? Everyone who has ever had any Ninja Kitchens product swears by it, and many times they refuse to be happy with any other brand of kitchen appliance again. With that kind of powerful testimony going on behind the scenes, I definitely wanted to investigate for myself. 

So...is it worth it? In a word, 'yes!'

The Nutri Ninja with Auto iQ is worth every penny you'll pay for it.
It is truly a 'blender' that is an investment (for your kitchen and for your good health).

Why? I'll give you ten reasons. I could give you a hundred (honestly!)
but I'll stick with ten for the sake of time.

1500 watts powerful! The Nutri Ninja makes light work of frozen items and whole fruits and vegetables.
#1. The Nutri Ninja is 1500 watts powerful! This blender makes blending, pulsing and crushing even the strongest of products an absolute breeze. You can put whole fruits in there even, and it works like a charm. No more ice chunks that won't budge either, Nutri Ninja makes light work of even those. 

Add frozen or fresh foods, or do like we did and make a mix of the two.
#2. The Nutri Ninja with Auto iQ is good for your health. Encourage healthy eating as you whip up delicious smoothies in no time flat that are filled with fruits, veggies, seeds and more. Your kids won't even know you've put Kale in there if you add delicious berries and fruits. Or they'll be amazed that the like it (if you do tell them). ;) 

The options for what you can make are as endless as are ingredients!
#3 Variety is the spice of life. Everyone in the house like smoothies, but not the same kind of smoothies? With the Nutri Ninja individual cups, everyone can have their own smoothie blended in no time flat. My daugther-in-law likes things like flax seed, Kale, and fruits and veggies in hers. 

Individual Cups Make it Easy to Make and Take Your Drinks on the Go!

My son (her husband) likes those too, but when he's on his way to a workout, he wants to add protein powder. So, on the days they're having smoothies together as a family, they can use the 40 oz. blend and prep bowl to make a large batch for everyone. But on the days when they're going their separate ways, she can make her fruit smootie in a Nutri Ninja cup, and he can make his Protein Powder smoothie in another. One of the glasses included is heavy duty stainless steel, so it keeps drinks cold up to 4 hours.

Generously Sized Cups Come With...Including One that is Stainless Steel
The cups are generously sized too, dishwasher safe, and they have a seal-tight lid to make them easy to take on the go. Making individual smooties is a breeze with this system: simply add your ingredients, flip the cup upside down and choose which smart button you want to push to finish up your drink.

You're Going to Love the Auto-iQ Technology!
#4. The Nutri Ninja with Auto IQ blends, pulses, and offers pausing patterns. That means the one-touch buttons know exactly what it is you want to do, and with a few seconds and a push of the right button, they're going to do it. The directions are written clearly on each button too, and an extensive book of directions/instructions and suggestions is included as well. They call it Auto iQ Technology.

Auto iQ Technology means one-touch intelligence, or programs designed specifically for each jar attachment. These intelligent programs combine unique, timed pulsing, blending and pausing patterns that do the work for you! Get great results every time with no guesswork required!

Whip up Great Drink Recipes for the Holidays!
#5. You can use it to whip up amazing drinks, perfect for the upcoming holidays. The Crushed Peppermint Frozen Frappe pictured in the recipe book above makes me happy!

Or Whip Up Great Recipes for Any Day of the Week!
#6. You can make more than just drinks. Yes, it makes the perfect drink for you, whatever you like. Milkshakes, smoothies, cocktails, you name it. But it also whips up a great puree, allows you to make a garden fresh salsa, or any other of a great variety of recipes that you might think up. And speaking of recipes, the blender comes with a handy book full of great suggestions to make in your new blender!

It's a Great Looking Appliance!
#7. It's pretty. Really. My son and his wife have this displayed on their counter, and it just looks nice! The black and stainless steel make it a sure match for most any decor, and the size is just right for even smaller kitchens.

BPA-Free & it Goes in the Dishwasher Too!

#8. It's BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Two things everyone is looking for today. Ninja Kitchen is a master at creating items with the environment in mind, that also allow the ultimate in convenience for the consumer.

Nutritious Drinks, garnished with or without a real strawberry.
I don't recommend eating the fake strawberry. ;)

#9. Extraction! The professional grade blending allows for vitamin and nutrient extraction. That means you can toss whole fruits in there, and get the nutrients and vitamins from them, that you might not be able to get in other blenders. 


#10 The smooth boost technology allows you to make thicker, fluffier drinks, if that's what you're in the mood for... Take a look at the video above to learn more about Smooth Boost, and the other great blender features.

And a bonus...one my daughter-in-law really wanted to note: The design of this blender makes it very easy to clean!

So there you have...I'll stop at ten reasons (and a bonus), for why I think this appliance is absolutely worth the price. If you are in the market for a blender, or looking to get someone special a great holiday gift, I definitely would consider the Nutri Ninja Combo with Auto iQ first. It is truly a blending experience.

You can learn more about this device by visiting the Ninja Kitchens website. You can also follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

What would you make first in your new Nutri Ninja Combo with Auto iQ?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

A Secret Diary Sounds Like a Good Gift Idea to Me!

 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 

When your oldest granddaughter is brilliant, loves to write and draw and thinks it's fun to keep things a secret, it's time to get her a diary with secret ink! SmitCo makes one that you can get  that is sure to keep your lil' angel (recommended for ages 4-14) busy all throughout the new year. 

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Perfect for Infants and Toddlers! Dolce Primo Kangaroo

Disclosure: A sample or discount was provided. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


I found this great big door wreath at a local store recently and was very excited to bring it home. It literally takes up a huge portion of the door, and I love it. I also have smart, curious grandchildren who come to visit. When they find something different or unique that delights them, their whole face lights up with joy...so, I thought it would be cute to put one of my baby grand's Dolce Kangaroo in the wreath, to see if she would notice it.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (or maybe I should say, For Those About to Rock!)

 Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I did receive a sample or a product discount. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

 
 
LA Pop Art Unveils AC/DC “Word Art” Branded Line of Apparel 
 
Admittedly, I don't listen much to any new rock and roll, assuming there still is R&R being made (there must be, right??) but I do have my old favorites from school and my early 20s that I love, and several bands top that list. LA Pop Art is bringing the music history of one of those most favored bands to life with a brand new line of apparel featuring popular song titles and imagery of the legendary rock band AC/DC. I have seen them in concert and loved them, and at one time owned every single one of their record albums, cassettes, and later CDs. Today I still have, and enjoy, many of those on my music [play lists. I'm sure people in cars at the red lights wonder why the grandma (when did I start identifying as a grandma?? lol, but I am, and I'm proud) is rocking out in her car to AC/DC. It is still a music sound that makes me happy.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Sharewood Friends: Buy One Get One Free through the Holiday Season!

 Disclosure: A complimentary product and/or discount was given. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Sharewood Friends has these great animal and plush dolls that you can mix and match, and right now they are buy one get one free (Code: SHARE) through the holiday season. On their own they are cute, snuggly and absolutely adorable, but wait, they get even better!!

Friday, November 27, 2020

Playmobil Advent Calendars: 24 Days of Fun Holiday Surprises

Disclosure: This is not a paid post. A complimentary product or discount was received. All opinions stated are always genuine and our own.


If you are out shopping this weekend, be sure to pick up the Playmobil Advent Calendar for the kids. This is a tradition that has stood true in our house, and this year, even though my son is now a bona fide teenager, it is still one he wishes to continue (mom squees and jumps around for joy). He's outgrown a lot of things, but this is not one of them. 

Monday, November 23, 2020

CD Giveaway: A Charlie Brown Christmas Original Soundtrack with Giveaway

The other day, I thought it would be great to play the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie on YouTube but it turned out to be only clips. I was soooooooooooooooo disappointed. A Peanuts lover from way back, the holiday shows, music and themes have always made me happy. They are after all, an integral part of my childhood, and my children's too. Every season had us camped in front of the TV screen to watch the shows (and later the DVD player), and dancing to the sounds on the stereo (later iPod, then streaming). Now I have a CD on order, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" featuring the famous Peanuts characters-Original Soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi, and I couldn't be more excited for its arrival. As soon as it arrives, I'm going to pop it into the CD player in the car and we'll be rolling to classic holiday favorites in no time.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Buffalo Plaid Body Heat Wrap Giveaway

As a person who pretty much always feel happy, I find myself feeling even lighter, festive, I guess you might say, as the holiday season draws nigh. On my evening walks, I find myself searching windows for Christmas Trees and holiday lights, my mind drifting to holiday time off from work, and my daily activities becoming more and more streamlined as I strive to get them accomplished and out of the way so I can focus on more fun things, like Christmas. Of course, with the fast-paced drive of the season it is easy to overextend myself, so I want to make sure to carve out some time to relax as well. One way to do that is with a heated body wrap. Imagine curling up with a hot cup of coffee, or stretching out on a chilly day (or as chilly as they get if you live in a warm place), with a comforting, heated wrap against your body or alongside your back. To me, it sounds particularly enticing, and this one has big, plaid checks, which makes it feel holiday-y/wintery and warm. 

Buffalo Plaid Body Heat Wrap Giveaway (2 Winners _ Ends 12_11) @SunshinePillows

Welcome To The Buffalo Plaid Body Heat Wrap Giveaway!

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Scent Split to Try Before you Buy: Niche Fragrance Review

Designer fragrances can be nice, and truthfully, I have found some that I just really love. It doesn't take long, however, when you're interested in perfumes, to find out that there is another category just around the corner with selections that are more unique. I'm talking about the private collections/niche categories. Of course, the prices are higher but the scents are so well blended and such a wonderful quality, that you probably won't mind paying the somewhat hefty price tag, especially if you are purchasing a gift for a loved one for the holidays. Scent Split allows you to try before you buy, with their very reasonably priced samples that are hand-decanted from the original bottles.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

ScentSplit Sample Perfumes Shipment #2


Some of you know I've been on a fragrance kick lately. My family certainly knows it, lol, and they may or may not have all gotten a gorgeous scent to call their own this holiday as well (and I knew what they liked because they have been testing my samplers out...I was being sneaky like that, and they didn't have a clue). ;)  Moms are allowed to be sneaky on the holidays, and I can tell you all of the kids were happy with their fragrances. I even got one for the teen that I knew he'd like (and he did). 

ScentSplit is one place I love to shop for my samples. There are just so many that I want to try, and five that I found right away upon browsing their website, that I wanted to order. One I suspected I would love because I just tried another from the brand (Kilian) but I soon discovered that not to be the case. The Love Don't be Shy (which I got in my last shipment) is so good but the Good Girl Gone Bad (which I got in this shipment) is just not my cup of tea. Too much of a white floral for me (notes at the bottom of post). That is fine because that is why I buy the splits from ScentSplit, to test them before I spend the money, especially on the expensive bottles like these. 

Sunday, November 8, 2020

My New Litehouse Potato Salad Recipe #SeeTheLite FLASH Giveaway!

This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Litehouse Foods. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% genuine and my own.



My family is full of potato salad-loving people. It doesn't matter if it's mayo or mustard-based, if it's on the table, and all the kids are here (some of them are grown now), it won't last very long. So when I received the request to create a Litehouse recipe with their refrigerated dressings, I was all-in and knew exactly what it was I wanted to do.

Friday, November 6, 2020

Shout Outs Galore and Hello to You!

Hi there!! Just putting up a post so we can visit. I finally got a minute and was glad to sign in.

The only Christmas decoration in my room. He refuses to go into the living room until
after I put the pumpkins and cornucopia away. He's cute, but testy that way. :)

Sunday, November 1, 2020

We Did a Drive Through What?!

Imagine a world where change was sudden and swift, and many of the norms you knew, became undone faster than the blink of an eye. I suppose you don't have to because that's what we have been living for almost this entire year. When the pandemic started, I kind of thought it would come and go, but here we are, November 1st, 2020, and we are still being grossly impacted by Covid-19. Why is this news? Well, it's not, but the drive-through trick-or-treating we did yesterday really hit home for me. No fancy costumes to parade around in, no kid-themed Halloween parties, no running into friends at the big community party, no bounce houses, no petting farm, no trick-or-treating door-to-door (or trunk to trunk), and so on and so forth.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Greetings and Salutations!


"I can't quit you, baby. So I'm gonna put you down for awhile."

Hello! I've been Fall Cleaning (my website) is that a thing???, but now I'm back, and I missed you!

If you've been a reader for years, you know there are tons of posts I have deleted. Tons. The blog has been running since 2012, and I just felt like it was time for a refresh. A lot of changes have taken place since the blog started, and I am so happy to have so many loyal followers who come to visit. I think it's wonderful to have formed online relationships with readers and other bloggers too. I look forward to forging new ones, and continuing those that have already been formed.

Make new friends, but keep the ooooold, one is silver and the other gold (sing it with me!!! or not... I know that's a little corny, but I'm okay with corny). 

It's been awhile, so I'll ask: what's going on with you?!?  I have been visiting blogs still, so I know somewhat, but I honestly have not been around to do so as much as I'd like. Work always has a way of getting involved with my free time! I know some of you can relate.

Carrera Slot Cars for the Win!


Sitting around the house tonight, fighting the urge to put up the Christmas Tree. We did that too early a couple of years ago and it kind of lost its magic and wonder by the time the holiday actually rolled around. I got a really cool tree last year for 90% off after the holidays were over. It spins so you can see all of the ornaments on the tree, and not just those on the front. I'm getting excited to pull it out of the box and get it set up. We discussed it though, and have decided to wait just a wee bit, or at least until it's a little closer to Thanksgiving. To squash my urge to decorate, I had to find something to do, so I pulled out some of the gifts I've gotten for the holidays and began wrapping them. Pretty early, I know, but pretty smart too because while I don't mind wrapping, I do hate doing it too close to Christmas Eve. When I wait too long, like I usually do, there are too many to do at once and that strips away some of the joy, making it a task instead of a privilege. You get what I'm saying, right? :)

Sunday, August 23, 2020

The Flash Season 6 on Digital and Blu-Ray: Release Date August 25

 Disclosure: A sample product was received. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

I got rid of cable and only have Netflix. One of the shows I started watching and got addicted to on it was The Flash. I watched through season 5 and then stopped because Season 6 was on cable only. Although I am pretty sure this season also went on Netflix after it ended on the CW Network, I just never picked it up again. Now with the Blu Ray set of season 6 being released on August 25th (as will the digital version), I thought it would be a great idea to get caught up and watch the season that I missed. Do you watch it? Do you know someone who does? I've always been a sucker for the comic book heroes. 

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Whiskware™ Portable Snack Containers are Cute Practical and Fun

 Disclosure: A sample was received. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Twist n' Lock Stackable Snack Packs from Whiskware

Look at these!!! Snack kits the kids will love because not only is there a super cute container to put their items in, but there are 3 snack containers included in each column. Whether your child is a small eater,, or a big one, the idea of having snacking options in their lunch (or even if they are on the go, such as in the car) is a big deal. It's a win-win for parents too because it means we can put healthy snacks the kids love in there, which deters them from considering processed foods in the lunch line at school.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

$250 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

This is probably the longest giveaway I've joined in, to help promote, in terms of amount of time it runs. It's a good one though, and with so many people still at home, I'm sure it is one that will be well received too. With the winner being drawn at the very beginning of December, it will arrive just in time for some quality holiday shopping.

Make your holiday Christmas shopping a bit easier this year by entering to win a FREE $250 Amazon Gift Card from Home Jobs By Mom. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter. There will be bonus entries as well. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

One Lucky Winner Will Receive A $250 Amazon Gift Card!

Prize:

amazon gift card with bow

Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day with Virgil's!

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Tomorrow, August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day and I for one cannot wait! I celebrate every year, and this year will be kicking it with both Black Cherry and the original handcrafted Root Beer from Virgil's! This rich, creamy root beer is crafted from a perfectly balanced, natural blend of 15 roots and spices. Every ingredient in Virgil's is all-natural - which means no preservatives, no aspartame, and no artificial colors. In addition to these (and other flavors you can get), you can also purchase Virgil's Zero Sugar Root Beer, which has no calories and is certified ketogenic, for those looking for a lower calorie rendition of this refreshing, sweet and delicious little something-something. 

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Would You Rather? The Grown Up Version.


Jet Ski or Paddle Board? Right now, my grandbabe would definitely say jet ski,
though she has recently done both (with an adult, of course)!

Little things amuse me. Right now, I'm sitting here thinking of a Would You Rather game, for adults. Usually it is a game I hate to play because it always ends up with something gross/icky coming into play. This is the grandma-rated version of the same game, and I'll keep it short. It does seem most people have a hard preference for these things though, and I think that is interesting. While some people love mustard, others hate it and only like honey mustard...deep dish, original or thin crust; mayo or absolutely not...that kind of simple, but still important-to-the-person -at-the-time kind of thing.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Who DID I See that Concert With???

Yesterday an article came up on my phone about Fleetwood Mac. That was JUST before my generation of music (I had Stevie Nicks' CDs, but never any F/Mac). I clicked it just because...and became engrossed in the love story of two of the band members (turns out there was more than one, but that's a story for another day, and not this blog, lol). What was intriguing though wasn't so much the story as the way the guy in the pair I was reading about, still looked at the woman (so many years later). It seemed like he was still wearing his heart on his sleeve, which cannot be true (?) since he is happily married with three children of his own (something I also found out yesterday), and she (according to the article), had him kicked off of the reunion tour and they were in court...but there was an undeniable chemistry there, something you can't quite put your finger on, but you could feel it (so much so that I started googling to learn more about them, and that's how I came across the above information that has been repeated so often there must at least a modicum of truth to it).

That got me thinking of music, and musicians, which got me stuck in a YouTube loop (it happens once in awhile) of old music that I liked in high school. That led to me viewing AC/DC footage and I absentmindedly said out loud that it was the best concert I'd ever seen. And it was. I saw them in the mid-90's, and they really put on a good show.

But it took me a few minutes to remember who I saw the concert with. You would think that it being a great concert, I would easily remember WHO I saw it with, but I guess that's not how my brain works. So then I started to deliberately single out concerts I've seen, and try to remember instantly who was with me. Almost every single one required me thinking, really thinking about it (with a few solid exceptions), which led to this post.

The Steve Miller Band I remember seeing with my good friend, because it was one of those shows you didn't expect to be so great, but it really, really was... he sounded just as good in person as he did on record, and we were both marveling about it.

Brittany Spears I remember because it was my oldest son's first concert (he hates when I tell that story, but he LOVED her music (and this was waaaay back when, when she was pretty much a kid too), so I surprised him with tickets. His younger brothers fell asleep on the seats because it was in the p.m., which still makes me chuckle.

And Creed I remember because it was the second concert I took the same son to (the youngest opted out). LOL

Lynyrd Skynyrd...no clue who I saw it with, but I remember a group of us sitting on a hill at the amphitheater in West Palm Beach.

James Taylor...no clue again, but I remember being upset that he didn't play ANYTHING I knew and loved.

Bush was a good concert, but I remember being irked by the smell of certain something-something in the audience (I've always been a bit of a nerd, and that was never my scene). I wasn't a fan of the mosh pit either (again, a bit of a nerd here). In fact, regarding MOST things I've been a huge nerd (I own it, I don't mind) but in music I branched out a bit and liked quite a few genres, including rock n roll, which was probably a bit 'rebellious' of me since it embraced themes that were as far removed from my being as could possibly be, which I suppose was part of the rock and roll appeal. I still love the artists from that era, Led Zeppelin, Clapton, and the Doors (still popular from the generation just before), Queen, Motley Crue, Rush, U2, and so on and so forth... I could go on and on because there was a lot of music playing on the radio (and I liked many genres, though this post is focusing more on R&R).

There are other concerts too...most of whom I am stretching my mind to remember who I was with... and THEN, when I'm thinking of people, I'm trying to stretch my mind to think of what concerts I saw with that person (because surely there was something).

My mom wouldn't let me see any Rock-and-Roll concerts when I was a kid, but she let me listen to anything I wanted. She was more liberal than I was...I've always made sure my kids had the censored versions running on their top hit songs, and nothing too suggestive or otherwise not-so-decent playing in their lil' ears. Double standard? Perhaps, but there are two things I know 1). I can't bring myself to allow the kids to listen to certain music (all the cursing and way-too-adult lyrics seems inappropriate to me for the kids), but 2). I sure am glad my mom let me...

As for my recollection of concerts and who I saw them with, I have concluded that the mind is a funny thing. The way it processes is baffling, but I don't question it. I'm just bemused a bit by it today. :)

The one big takeaway I am getting from this post, is I have way too much time on my hands today (rare, and what a way to use it, LOLOL!!!). Oh well, everyone deserves a free day every once in awhile. :)

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Wordless Wednesday: Vintage Stereo


I was in the thrift store, hoping to find a good elliptical and came across this little beauty.
We didn't buy it, but we sure did admire it. The turntable was made of metal! I've honestly never seen a stereo quite like it. Cool, right?

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Traffic Secrets: I Have Completed My 30 Day Challenge!

Tracking Pixel
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



I have been participating in a 30-day challenge to try to increase traffic to my website. Everything I have tried is from the new book, Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers by Russell Brunson. You can get it free (just pay shipping and handling). Though it is geared towards those who have something to sell, it has strategies in it that are very useful for website owners in general, and that will withstand changes in technology, which we all know come along so quickly. With my blog, people tend to find me when I run giveaways, but with my new schedule and then a family challenge, those have been few and far between lately, so the number of visitors has dropped (big thanks to those of you who come and visit with or without giveaways!). I thought it would be a good idea, with summer off, to go ahead and research some strategies that might better help me get my number back on an incline. Where better to turn than Russell Brunson?

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Wordless Wednesday: The Mystery of Peddlers' Alley



I make the rounds to my favorite places when I head back to Sandusky, Ohio, where I grew up. The one place I always forget to go, and don't remember until I'm back home again, is Peddlers' Alley. It's an alley that I remember being surrounded by this really awesome, intricately designed red brick. I mean covered in it, from every angle. 

Monday, June 15, 2020

The Last Week of my 30 Day Challenge

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by our sponsor, "Always Eat After 7PM."



The video above is interesting, and it reiterates what I have been learning from"Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks--While Burning Fat Overnight" by Joel Marion. The video debunks some common myths we have heard for much of our adult lives. One of those is that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Is it? For those of us who often skip it, the good news is that it doesn't have to be.

Monday, June 8, 2020

Week 3 of Always Eat After 7 PM by Joel Marion

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by our sponsor, "Always Eat After 7PM."

"Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks--While Burning Fat Overnight" by Joel Marion is a book I have been talking about for the last two weeks (week 1 and week 2). Here, on my 3rd week following the plan, I find myself feeling energized and more fit. Getting healthier always feels noticeably good. So my goal, which I shared in Post #1, was to shed a few pounds. I am happy to say that was a goal that was fairly easy to accomplish, and I did, but I said I would stick with it for four weeks, so that is what I intend to do.



Monday, June 1, 2020

Author Interview: Always Eat After 7 PM

Tracking Pixel
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by our sponsor, "Always Eat After 7PM."



If you remember, last week  (found here) I wrote a post (link to first post) about the start of a program I am doing on my own, by using the book "Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks--While Burning Fat Overnight" by Joel Marion. I promised to check back in and let you know how things were going, since this way to lose weight and maintain a healthier me is different than any way I have ever heard of before. Of course that got me interested in the author. Bestselling author, Joel Marion, is a fitness expert and nutritionist debunking the myths underlying traditional dieting. He offers a simple and effective weight loss program done in ways that might surprise you. Below you will find a few excerpts from one of his interviews:

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Joel Marion says you can ALWAYS eat after 7 pm!

Tracking Pixel
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by our sponsor, "Always Eat After 7PM."



Well, one thing I didn't expect from the social distancing and stay-at-home mandates is that I would gain a pound a day. A pound a day! And while I took instant measures when I discovered it, to help start turning the numbers on the scale right back around in the other direction, it put me in the mindset of wanting to get and keep my weight where it should be. One thing I have found to be totally true, is that it is not as easy to drop pounds as it used to be, maybe that is because I am getting older? Whatever the reason, I was happy to agree to receive a copy of "Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks--While Burning Fat Overnight" by Joel Marion. It was perfect timing to get it.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Cobra JumPack CPP15000 Portable Jump Starter




You get in your car, fully expecting it to turn over and go, but no, nothing. We've all been there, and depending on where you are, where you want to go and how fast you want to get there, a dead car battery can be a very big deal. Jump starters are essential when your car battery dies and leaves you hanging.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Flash and Supergirl: Two New Boxed Sets Released Two Days in a Row

Catch Up (If You Can) With The Fastest Man Alive!

THE FLASH:  
THE COMPLETE SIXTH SEASON

My son started watching Flash awhile ago and I was instantly sucked in. It's entertaining to me and a fun way for us to just sit and spend some time together relaxing. Seems like we're on the move so much with his basketball (or we were before the pandemic) that it is nice to just watch a little TV. We watched on Netflix, so we were able to binge watch here and there when we wanted to as well. Now the Season Six is on DVD and I'm thinking this will be a great gift for his upcoming birthday. SuperGirl is another boxed set that is out, and although we haven't watched that one (yet!) we have seen her appearances in Flash and/or Arrowverse (another show we like) and we've seen the movie. We like SuperGirl, so I'm sure we'll catch up and watch this series at some point too. I think it's exciting that these are on DVD now. They surely would make a great addition to superhero-loving homes!

Monday, May 18, 2020

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I am participating in exchange for a link in the giveaway.

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway (Ends 6_30)

Welcome To The $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Dads and Grads... wow, it's been a strange year, but the one thing that is the same as any other year, is time is surely flying! June will be here before we know it! This giveaway is part of our Dads & Grads Gift Guide. Stop by to see all the great giveaways and products!

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Get Outside with the RazorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard



There are so many things we write about that are sent to my son, and every once in awhile, I think I should write a post about something we have had for years that still brings joy to him. This RazorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard is definitely one of those things! This is the kind of item that has a cool factor that jumps off of the scales, for him and those who see him on it. I don't think we've ever gone around town without someone telling him it's an amazing ride. And it is!  In his right hand, in the photo above, is a remote control. That controls the speed, and the on/off for the board. It is small and easy to carry in his hand or pocket.