Dress Barn is offering free shipping if you use the code 25DEC12 by December 8th at Midnight!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Dress Barn Free Shipping
Are you looking for the perfect dress to wear to a holiday party?
Dress Barn is offering free shipping if you use the code 25DEC12 by December 8th at Midnight!
Dress Barn is offering free shipping if you use the code 25DEC12 by December 8th at Midnight!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Free Audiobooks and Ebooks
Check out "Books Should Be Free" for thousands of free audio and ebooks for Android, Kindle, iphone, and mp3 players!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
NaNoWiMo
I have attempted to participate in National Novel Writing Month, or "NaNoWriMo" for short.
After the first week I fell behind and was unable to meet the daily word count goals. But I've had a great time doing the writing, even if I am a bit behind.
I'm not sure a novel will come out of this endeavor, but several great short stories have, and it's been a wonderful exercise.
Even if I don't (and I probably won't) finish on time, I still hope to reach the 50,000 word goal.
And next year, I'll be better prepared, I hope. I'll have ideas ahead of time and do a better job of setting aside time to write.
This year has been a great for "getting my feet wet" with NaNoWriMo, and hopefully my attempts will get better each time I try!
Their website describes the month thusly:
National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing on November 1. The goal is to write a 50,000 word, (approximately 175 page) novel by 11:59:59, November 30.
I had no idea what I was going to write about this year, but after some encouragement from a friend, I decided to try it anyway.
Day 1 was the hardest. Sitting still without checking email or facebook and forcing myself to put 1,667 words down on paper, or in my case on the computer screen, was HARD. Really hard. But I did it, and it felt wonderful! I felt so accomplished!After the first week I fell behind and was unable to meet the daily word count goals. But I've had a great time doing the writing, even if I am a bit behind.
I'm not sure a novel will come out of this endeavor, but several great short stories have, and it's been a wonderful exercise.
Even if I don't (and I probably won't) finish on time, I still hope to reach the 50,000 word goal.
And next year, I'll be better prepared, I hope. I'll have ideas ahead of time and do a better job of setting aside time to write.
This year has been a great for "getting my feet wet" with NaNoWriMo, and hopefully my attempts will get better each time I try!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Quotes from Ashley Judd's All That Is Bitter and Sweet
I really enjoyed Ashley Judd's memoir, here are a few of the beautiful quotes she shares.
 |
"Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good; by itself it makes everything that is heavy, light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven. For love carries a burden, and makes everything that is bitter sweet and tasteful."
-Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
"If I am not for myself,
who will be for me?
If I am only for myself,
what am I?
If not now, when?"
- Rabbi Hillel
"Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found at truth."
- Kahlil Gibran
"A man wrapped up in himself is a very small man."
- Benjamin Franklin
"Our spiritual purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and our fellows."
- Seen on the walls at Shades of Hope
"Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today."
- H.W. Longfellow, "A Psalm of Life"
Ashley Judd mentioned the Great Spirit Prayer by Chief Yellow Lark, which prompted me to look it up:
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind,
Whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty,
and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong
in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy
- Myself (My fears and my doubts).
Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you without shame.
Whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty,
and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong
in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy
- Myself (My fears and my doubts).
Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you without shame.
"Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment and you will amass the wealth of spiritual awareness. The one who is motivated only by desire for the fruits of their action, and anxious about the results, is miserable indeed."
- Bhagavad Gita, verse 49
"First, I just say, 'Hi, God.'
Second, I declare my proper relationship with my Creator: I am powerless over people, places and things; there is One who has all power, and that One is a loving God.
Third, I recommit myself to the decision I have made to turn my will and my life over to the care of this Power.
A hint of Julian of Norwich's prayer floats to mind: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well...'"
- Ashley Judd
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Free Redbox Movie Today!
Today is Redbox's 10th Birthday and in celebration they're giving us a code for a free one-day movie or game rental!
All you have to do is us the promo code: BIRTHDAY
More Info Here
I think I want to see "Dark Shadows" or "Five Year Engagement."
What will you watch tonight?
All you have to do is us the promo code: BIRTHDAY
More Info Here
I think I want to see "Dark Shadows" or "Five Year Engagement."
What will you watch tonight?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Quotes from "Happier at Home"
I just finished reading Gretchen Rubin's new book Happier at Home.
I really enjoyed it and now I want to read her first book about happiness The Happiness Project.
There were so many great truths and quotes that my copy quite dog eared.
Here are a few things that resonated with me
One thought was repeated throughout the book: The days are long, but the years are short.
On possessions: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris.
On parenthood: "Enter into the interests of others." - A phrase from Tolstoy's Resurrection.
On time management: "My mind works in idleness. To do nothing is often my most profitable way." - Virginia Woolf
On perfection: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." - Voltaire
Do something that you don't really want to do for 15 minutes daily: A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules." - Anthony Trollope
On goals: "The feeling of growth and movement toward a goal is very important to happiness - just as important, and perhaps more important than finally reaching that goal. Nietzsche captured this tension: "The end of a melody is not its goal; but nonetheless, if the melody had not reached its end it would not have reached its goal either. A parable"
On planning: Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. - Eisenhower
On happiness: On the whole, tho' I never arrived at the Perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet as I was by the Endeavor a better and happier Man than I otherwise should have been, if I had not attempted it. - Benjamin Franklin
I urge you to check the book out for yourself, as well as her blog!
I really enjoyed it and now I want to read her first book about happiness The Happiness Project.
There were so many great truths and quotes that my copy quite dog eared.
Here are a few things that resonated with me
One thought was repeated throughout the book: The days are long, but the years are short.
On possessions: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris.
On parenthood: "Enter into the interests of others." - A phrase from Tolstoy's Resurrection.
On time management: "My mind works in idleness. To do nothing is often my most profitable way." - Virginia Woolf
On perfection: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." - Voltaire
Do something that you don't really want to do for 15 minutes daily: A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules." - Anthony Trollope
On goals: "The feeling of growth and movement toward a goal is very important to happiness - just as important, and perhaps more important than finally reaching that goal. Nietzsche captured this tension: "The end of a melody is not its goal; but nonetheless, if the melody had not reached its end it would not have reached its goal either. A parable"
On planning: Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. - Eisenhower
On happiness: On the whole, tho' I never arrived at the Perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet as I was by the Endeavor a better and happier Man than I otherwise should have been, if I had not attempted it. - Benjamin Franklin
Friday, September 21, 2012
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
I LOVE Starbucks's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.
I have a wheat intolerance, which seems to have gotten worse in the last few years.
In the past I would just eat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and suffer a little, but the suffering has gotten worse and is no longer worth it.
So I set out on a quest for a gluten free option.
I found this recipe and decided to try to modify it a bit.
Please forgive the poor picture quality.
Here's the recipe I used for these AMAZING muffins:
Makes 24 Muffins
Ingredients:
For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 Tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
For the muffins:
3 cups all-purpose gluten free flour (works the same with regular old flour)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
15 oz of pumpkin puree (1 standard size can)
1¼ cups peanut oil (vegetable oil works too)
For the topping:
½ cup sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
To prepare the filling: (I made the filling the night before) combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1½-inches in diameter. Smooth the plastic wrap tightly around the log, and reinforce with a piece of foil. Transfer to the freezer and chill until at least slightly firm, at least 2 hours. The mixture will still be somewhat soft but firmer.
To make the muffins, preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree and oil. Mix on medium-low speed until blended. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Add in the butter pieces and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.(This takes awhile) Add in the pumpkin seeds. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
To assemble the muffins, fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (1-2 tablespoons). Slice the log of cream cheese filling into 24 equal pieces. Place a slice of the cream cheese mixture into each muffin well. You want to put the cream cheese lower than you think because it will rise a lot during the baking process. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely. Sprinkle a small amount of the topping mixture over each of the muffin wells.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. (If you are overeager, like I am, and don't let it completely cool, it's extremely crumbly)
I have a wheat intolerance, which seems to have gotten worse in the last few years.
In the past I would just eat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and suffer a little, but the suffering has gotten worse and is no longer worth it.
So I set out on a quest for a gluten free option.
I found this recipe and decided to try to modify it a bit.
Here's the recipe I used for these AMAZING muffins:
Makes 24 Muffins
Ingredients:
For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 Tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
For the muffins:
3 cups all-purpose gluten free flour (works the same with regular old flour)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
15 oz of pumpkin puree (1 standard size can)
1¼ cups peanut oil (vegetable oil works too)
For the topping:
½ cup sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
To prepare the filling: (I made the filling the night before) combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1½-inches in diameter. Smooth the plastic wrap tightly around the log, and reinforce with a piece of foil. Transfer to the freezer and chill until at least slightly firm, at least 2 hours. The mixture will still be somewhat soft but firmer.
To make the muffins, preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree and oil. Mix on medium-low speed until blended. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Add in the butter pieces and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.(This takes awhile) Add in the pumpkin seeds. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
To assemble the muffins, fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (1-2 tablespoons). Slice the log of cream cheese filling into 24 equal pieces. Place a slice of the cream cheese mixture into each muffin well. You want to put the cream cheese lower than you think because it will rise a lot during the baking process. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely. Sprinkle a small amount of the topping mixture over each of the muffin wells.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. (If you are overeager, like I am, and don't let it completely cool, it's extremely crumbly)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Swagbucks Special Offers
Swagbucks is a great way to have some fun and earn a little extra money and/or prizes!
I primarily choose to redeem my swagbucks for Amazon Gift Cards and I make about $40 in a typical month.
Last year Swagbucks paid for almost all of my family's Christmas gifts!
In a previous post I discussed how to earn through Searches, Daily Polls, Toolbar, and NOSO's.
The great thing about Swagbucks is that there are so many ways to earn!
Many "swaggernauts" earn a great deal through Special Offers.
I suggest that when you sign up for Swagbucks you do not use your primary email address, but a separate address just for Swagbucks. This will also be the email address you'll want to use for completing any Special Offers.
That way your primary mail box doesn't get clogged up with all your Swagbucks stuff.
I tend to stay away from Special Offers that require you to make purchases or ask for your credit card information, though I know that many people complete these offers regularly and have no problems doing so.
I'm happy with what I earn just using the free Special Offers.
When you select "Special Offers" you see a page that has six tabs across the top, each of these tabs is a separate company with separate special offers. I try to check out each tab daily.
Currently the "Radium One" tab is my favorite. They often have video offers, where you earn Swagbucks simply for watching a short video. What could be easier?
The Swagbucks Offers That Credit page on facebook is a wonderful resource!
People share offers that they have completed and received credit for, so that you will know which offers definitely work. Everyone there is friendly and willing to help answer any questions you may have.
When considering which Special Offers to complete I keep in mind some of the Internet Safety Commandments:
I primarily choose to redeem my swagbucks for Amazon Gift Cards and I make about $40 in a typical month.
Last year Swagbucks paid for almost all of my family's Christmas gifts!
In a previous post I discussed how to earn through Searches, Daily Polls, Toolbar, and NOSO's.
The great thing about Swagbucks is that there are so many ways to earn!
Many "swaggernauts" earn a great deal through Special Offers.
I suggest that when you sign up for Swagbucks you do not use your primary email address, but a separate address just for Swagbucks. This will also be the email address you'll want to use for completing any Special Offers.
That way your primary mail box doesn't get clogged up with all your Swagbucks stuff.
I tend to stay away from Special Offers that require you to make purchases or ask for your credit card information, though I know that many people complete these offers regularly and have no problems doing so.
I'm happy with what I earn just using the free Special Offers.
When you select "Special Offers" you see a page that has six tabs across the top, each of these tabs is a separate company with separate special offers. I try to check out each tab daily.
Currently the "Radium One" tab is my favorite. They often have video offers, where you earn Swagbucks simply for watching a short video. What could be easier?
The Swagbucks Offers That Credit page on facebook is a wonderful resource!
People share offers that they have completed and received credit for, so that you will know which offers definitely work. Everyone there is friendly and willing to help answer any questions you may have.
When considering which Special Offers to complete I keep in mind some of the Internet Safety Commandments:
- Do not share financial information
- Do not download anything unless you know exactly what you are doing
- Do not share passwords
- Be sure your antivirus software is up to date
- Use your best judgement
Monday, July 2, 2012
Recap
My 10 Days without Facebook or Twitter was a success!
I survived and after the first couple of days I loved it!
I stopped compulsively checking each email alert I recieved and focused on things that are important to me.
Just by eliminating two distractions (they were big ones!) from my life I felt a bit less frantic and I felt that my life was a bit simpler.
Now I'm working on finding balance.
I want to use facebook and twitter as tools, and not allow them to use me, and suck up my time and energy.
I'm trying limiting the amount of time I spend on facebook and twitter, and haven't quite found the right balance for me yet, but I'm working on it!
Could you give up social media for 10 days?
What about 1 day?
I survived and after the first couple of days I loved it!
I stopped compulsively checking each email alert I recieved and focused on things that are important to me.
Just by eliminating two distractions (they were big ones!) from my life I felt a bit less frantic and I felt that my life was a bit simpler.
Now I'm working on finding balance.
I want to use facebook and twitter as tools, and not allow them to use me, and suck up my time and energy.
I'm trying limiting the amount of time I spend on facebook and twitter, and haven't quite found the right balance for me yet, but I'm working on it!
Could you give up social media for 10 days?
What about 1 day?
Monday, June 25, 2012
Day 7
I am over halfway through my 10 Days without Social Media Challenge!
I am thankful for this challenge, it has given me more time and changed the way I look at social media.
The only thing that has really bothered me is not being able to send "Happy Birthday" messages on facebook, but I think I'm going to make a small concession and ask my husband to log in to my account and send messages for me.
I am so very blessed to have a husband who supports me in all I do!
Without facebook and twitter, I have had more time to study and learn the music I am singing for a special mass next month, that has been invaluable. I would not be able to perform this music without having devoted (and continuing to devote) so much time to studying.
I've had more time to study and memorize my lines and music for 42nd Street.
I've gotten to sleep a few minutes earlier each night, since I'm not checking facebook before bed.
We are constantly hearing about the benefits of red wine.
I've had problems finding a red wine that doesn't give me headaches. I've tried wine after wine, and each one gives me an almost instant headache. Then someone pointed me toward the wine Our Daily Red. Because it is both organic and sulfite free I have no headaches! It is also delicious!
I've been drinking it regularly for about a month now and the other night I was thinking, "I really need to go and "like" Our Daily Red on facebook!" That has become the way that I stay in touch with companies and products that I love, and the way that I show them appreciation.
Since I am on a hiatus from facebook, I decided to contact the two winemakers who make Our Daily Red, and express my appreciation.
They both replied to my emails almost immediately and thanked me warmly for my message. They explained to me that part of the reason Our Daily Red came about was because one of the winemakers had the same problem I do, instant headaches from most red wines. They discussed with me how the wine is made and what next year's batch will be like. That's information I never would have gotten from simply "liking" their facebook page.
Only 3 more days to go until the end of my challenge, I know that this time has changed how I will use social media tools!
I am thankful for this challenge, it has given me more time and changed the way I look at social media.
The only thing that has really bothered me is not being able to send "Happy Birthday" messages on facebook, but I think I'm going to make a small concession and ask my husband to log in to my account and send messages for me.
I am so very blessed to have a husband who supports me in all I do!
Without facebook and twitter, I have had more time to study and learn the music I am singing for a special mass next month, that has been invaluable. I would not be able to perform this music without having devoted (and continuing to devote) so much time to studying.
I've had more time to study and memorize my lines and music for 42nd Street.
I've gotten to sleep a few minutes earlier each night, since I'm not checking facebook before bed.
We are constantly hearing about the benefits of red wine.
I've had problems finding a red wine that doesn't give me headaches. I've tried wine after wine, and each one gives me an almost instant headache. Then someone pointed me toward the wine Our Daily Red. Because it is both organic and sulfite free I have no headaches! It is also delicious!
I've been drinking it regularly for about a month now and the other night I was thinking, "I really need to go and "like" Our Daily Red on facebook!" That has become the way that I stay in touch with companies and products that I love, and the way that I show them appreciation.
Since I am on a hiatus from facebook, I decided to contact the two winemakers who make Our Daily Red, and express my appreciation.
They both replied to my emails almost immediately and thanked me warmly for my message. They explained to me that part of the reason Our Daily Red came about was because one of the winemakers had the same problem I do, instant headaches from most red wines. They discussed with me how the wine is made and what next year's batch will be like. That's information I never would have gotten from simply "liking" their facebook page.
Only 3 more days to go until the end of my challenge, I know that this time has changed how I will use social media tools!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Day 3
I am getting a lot accomplished!
Not quite as much as I had hoped, but now I think I'm done going through withdrawals and don't hear that voice in the back of my mind constantly wondering what's happening on the facebook and the twitter.
I finished an entire book in 24 hours.
I have studied music and studied music some more and then some more after that.
I did some housework.
I talked on the phone with friends.
Then I studied more music.
I feel a little liberated! Maybe I can make it through the next few days!
Not quite as much as I had hoped, but now I think I'm done going through withdrawals and don't hear that voice in the back of my mind constantly wondering what's happening on the facebook and the twitter.
I finished an entire book in 24 hours.
I have studied music and studied music some more and then some more after that.
I did some housework.
I talked on the phone with friends.
Then I studied more music.
I feel a little liberated! Maybe I can make it through the next few days!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Day 2
I miss facebook and twitter.
I haven't accomplished very much thus far today.
Without facebook and twitter I've found other websites to waste time on.
I'm going through withdrawals.
I'm going to try to turn this day around be more productive.
I haven't accomplished very much thus far today.
Without facebook and twitter I've found other websites to waste time on.
I'm going through withdrawals.
I'm going to try to turn this day around be more productive.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Day 1
A few hours after I posted yesterday and told the world that I was giving up social media for 10 Days, I started to feel a bit panicked.
What was I thinking?!
How can I go for 10 Days without facebook and twitter?
I'm in rehearsals for the show 42nd Street and I need to advertise and post about it to generate interest and fill up our seats on July 13-15.
What if someone tags a picture of me and I can't check it and make sure that I look decent.
What if someone doesn't know how to get in touch with me other than through facebook?
What if I miss writing "Happy Birthday" on someones wall and their feelings get hurt?
I considered calling the whole thing off.
Fortunately a good friend talked me down and reminded me of all the things I keep saying that I need to do, and that without the distraction of social media I will have so much more time to get those things done.
It is only ten days, right?
I wonder who has posted something funny or sweet or political on facebook.
I wonder what great articles and jokes I'm missing over on twitter.
I'll find out in 10 days.
I was thrilled when a dear friend from the other side of the pond shared my blog post and began a fast of her own. I hope she finds it beneficial.
This is good for me. I've almost completely cleaned out my inbox and now I'm going to study my music and script and do some reading.
What was I thinking?!
How can I go for 10 Days without facebook and twitter?
I'm in rehearsals for the show 42nd Street and I need to advertise and post about it to generate interest and fill up our seats on July 13-15.
What if someone tags a picture of me and I can't check it and make sure that I look decent.
What if someone doesn't know how to get in touch with me other than through facebook?
What if I miss writing "Happy Birthday" on someones wall and their feelings get hurt?
I considered calling the whole thing off.
Fortunately a good friend talked me down and reminded me of all the things I keep saying that I need to do, and that without the distraction of social media I will have so much more time to get those things done.
It is only ten days, right?
I wonder who has posted something funny or sweet or political on facebook.
I wonder what great articles and jokes I'm missing over on twitter.
I'll find out in 10 days.
I was thrilled when a dear friend from the other side of the pond shared my blog post and began a fast of her own. I hope she finds it beneficial.
This is good for me. I've almost completely cleaned out my inbox and now I'm going to study my music and script and do some reading.
Monday, June 18, 2012
I'm an Addict
I am addicted to social media.
I check facebook and twitter multiple times a day, I'm embarrassed to admit just how much time I spend on facebook doing absolutely nothing.
Often "liking" my friends life events rather than calling them or sending a card, and connecting with them in some meaningful way.
I have been reading the book Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life. Nancy Sleeth and her husband gave up their comfortable, upper middle class life in order to do what they felt was best for the world, their friends and family, and themselves. He gave up his job as a doctor because he wanted to save more than one person at a time. They gave up their big, fancy house and moved into a house that was the size of the garage in their old house.
To change the world they began with themselves.
They drastically cut their use of electricity and other resources. Their family has written several books, they lead workshops and talks around the country and they founded the organization Blessed Earth which equips people of all faiths to be better stewards of our planet.
In short, they walk the walk.
Here is the book description from Amazon:
I get the hint.
I can make a few small changes. Baby steps toward more meaningful relationships, a more meaningful life and less wasted time.
I'm going to start with 10 days without social media and I'm going to start with 4 hours of no phone, internet or TV on Sundays. Maybe I can work up to 24 hours.
My goal is that when I come back to social media my time spent on it will be more conscious and meaningful.
Starting tomorrow I will be off of Facebook and Twitter until June 29th.
What are your thoughts, reader? Is giving up social media for 10 days extreme? Is it something you could do?
I check facebook and twitter multiple times a day, I'm embarrassed to admit just how much time I spend on facebook doing absolutely nothing.
Often "liking" my friends life events rather than calling them or sending a card, and connecting with them in some meaningful way.
I have been reading the book Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life. Nancy Sleeth and her husband gave up their comfortable, upper middle class life in order to do what they felt was best for the world, their friends and family, and themselves. He gave up his job as a doctor because he wanted to save more than one person at a time. They gave up their big, fancy house and moved into a house that was the size of the garage in their old house.
To change the world they began with themselves.
They drastically cut their use of electricity and other resources. Their family has written several books, they lead workshops and talks around the country and they founded the organization Blessed Earth which equips people of all faiths to be better stewards of our planet.
In short, they walk the walk.
Here is the book description from Amazon:
Have you ever stopped to think, Maybe the Amish are on to something? Look around. We tweet while we drive, we talk while we text, and we surf the Internet until we fall asleep. We are essentially plugged in and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Today How 30 Days Without Social Media Changed My Life showed up on my facebook news feed (ironic?).
Rather than mastering technology, we have allowed technology to master us. We are an exhausted nation. No one has enough time, everyone feels stressed out, and our kids spend more hours staring at a screen each week than they do playing outside.
It’s time to simplify our lives, make faith and family the focal point, and recapture the lost art of simple living. Building on the basic principles of Amish life, Nancy Sleeth shows readers how making conscious choices to limit (and in some cases eliminate) technology’s hold on our lives and getting back to basics can help us lead calmer, more focused, less harried lives that result in stronger, deeper relationships with our families, friends, and God.
I get the hint.
I can make a few small changes. Baby steps toward more meaningful relationships, a more meaningful life and less wasted time.
I'm going to start with 10 days without social media and I'm going to start with 4 hours of no phone, internet or TV on Sundays. Maybe I can work up to 24 hours.
My goal is that when I come back to social media my time spent on it will be more conscious and meaningful.
Starting tomorrow I will be off of Facebook and Twitter until June 29th.
What are your thoughts, reader? Is giving up social media for 10 days extreme? Is it something you could do?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Free 8x10 Print!
Walgreens is offering a FREE 8x10 picture when you use the coupon code: PRINT8X10, just in time for Father's Day!
This offer is only good until Saturday, so get yours now!
What is better than free?
I was thrilled to be able to get a meaningful Father's Day gift for my husband fo' free!
This offer is only good until Saturday, so get yours now!
What is better than free?
I was thrilled to be able to get a meaningful Father's Day gift for my husband fo' free!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Recital
My recital last week went very well!
My perfectionist nature rarely allows me to be happy with performances, while this one was not 100% perfect, I was very happy with the end result!
I hope to be able to post some videos, at least videos of my rehearsal process, if not the performance itself.
Tonight I'm auditioning for a Musical Theatre show. I'm really looking forward to it, though it's been years since I've done any musical theatre.
I need more experience being on stage and this would be a great one *fingers crossed*
Even if it doesn't happen though, just putting myself out there and auditioning will be good for me!
My perfectionist nature rarely allows me to be happy with performances, while this one was not 100% perfect, I was very happy with the end result!
I hope to be able to post some videos, at least videos of my rehearsal process, if not the performance itself.
Tonight I'm auditioning for a Musical Theatre show. I'm really looking forward to it, though it's been years since I've done any musical theatre.
I need more experience being on stage and this would be a great one *fingers crossed*
Even if it doesn't happen though, just putting myself out there and auditioning will be good for me!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Zero Dollar Books
Zero Dollar Books is a great resource for finding free kindle books.
Even if you don't have a kindle you can read them on your computer!
Even if you don't have a kindle you can read them on your computer!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Getting Ready for a Performance
I am singing in my voice teacher's studio recital Sunday evening, so I've been buckling down and trying to get prepared.
I have procrastinated this spring in getting ready. Well I've procrastinated and allowed things to distract me.
But I'm getting there now (better late than never?).
I have procrastinated this spring in getting ready. Well I've procrastinated and allowed things to distract me.
But I'm getting there now (better late than never?).
- I go over my music, being sure that I understand every aspect of the pieces, from the notes to the text and the context.
- I visualize myself performing and the performance going perfectly.
- The week before a performance I try to get to bed as early as possible and get plenty of rest.
- I take time to pray and meditate and ground myself.
- I cut out all alcohol and up my water intake so that my cords, and the rest of my body, will be hydrated and working smoothly.
- I try to avoid dairy because I've found that it increases my mucus production.
- I avoid situations with lots of people, where I would be required to talk loudly or talk a great deal. I try to talk less and not put any additional stress on my voice.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Getting Started with Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a great way to have some fun and earn prizes or extra money (who couldn't use that?).
Once you have signed up and gone through the registration process there are a few easy things you can do each day to earn Swagbucks.
- Search - use Swagbucks as your regular search engine. You can win various amounts several times a day and it is so simple, you earn swagbucks for something you would be doing on a regular basis anyway.
- Daily Poll - Simply vote in the daily poll!
- Toolbar - if you install the toolbar you will receive 1 Swagbuck every day you use your browser. No effort needed.
- NOSO (No Obligation Special Offers) - click through the NOSO's (click "skip" or "next offer" at the bottom of the screen if you aren't interested in the offers) through to the end and then you will be asked to enter a captcha.
If anyone has any questions, please let me know!
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is not only a wonderful reward site, it's a community.
It's a wonderful group of people!
Right now they are running a contest for a trip to Las Vegas. I could really use that trip.
Please go check out Swagbucks today and vote for me! Here's a direct link to the site to vote for me.
Happy May Day!
It's a wonderful group of people!
Right now they are running a contest for a trip to Las Vegas. I could really use that trip.
Please go check out Swagbucks today and vote for me! Here's a direct link to the site to vote for me.
Happy May Day!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Trippin', Stumblin', Flippin, Fumblin
Thursday evening we went out with friends to celebrate my huzband's birthday.
The company was wonderful, the food incredible, the drinks delicious.
The staff went out of their way to accommodate my food allergies, and because they did, I will definitely be returning to that restaurant.
Unfortunately they were not as clear on my huzband's dairy allergy.
We didn't realize that the sauce on his meal was made from heavy cream until he got violently ill.
While he was getting sick out in the parking lot, I was inside with our friends and somehow managed to lose my footing and kick the table.
By the time we got home my foot had swollen to about three times it's normal size and I was in a lot of pain, so I headed to the Emergency Room, and spent the next 5 hours there.
They couldn't see a fracture in my foot, so I'm supposed to go see an orthopedist in the next week or so to get that double checked.
The diagnosis was severe hematoma, soft tissue damage with sprained muscles. I have to wear a boot for a while and walk with crutches.
Here are some lovely fotos of my feets, this is after the swelling has gone down a bit.
I wish I had known ahead of time that so many doctors, nurses and people would be looking at my feet so that I could have gotten a pedicure!
The company was wonderful, the food incredible, the drinks delicious.
The staff went out of their way to accommodate my food allergies, and because they did, I will definitely be returning to that restaurant.
Unfortunately they were not as clear on my huzband's dairy allergy.
We didn't realize that the sauce on his meal was made from heavy cream until he got violently ill.
While he was getting sick out in the parking lot, I was inside with our friends and somehow managed to lose my footing and kick the table.
By the time we got home my foot had swollen to about three times it's normal size and I was in a lot of pain, so I headed to the Emergency Room, and spent the next 5 hours there.
They couldn't see a fracture in my foot, so I'm supposed to go see an orthopedist in the next week or so to get that double checked.
The diagnosis was severe hematoma, soft tissue damage with sprained muscles. I have to wear a boot for a while and walk with crutches.
Here are some lovely fotos of my feets, this is after the swelling has gone down a bit.
I wish I had known ahead of time that so many doctors, nurses and people would be looking at my feet so that I could have gotten a pedicure!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Project Gutenberg - Free eBooks
Project Gutenberg offers over 38,000 free ebooks that you can download in various forms or simlpy read online. There are over 100,000 free ebooks available through their partner sites.
They are constanly updating and adding more great material.
I like the Banned Books, which category is your favorite?
They are constanly updating and adding more great material.
I like the Banned Books, which category is your favorite?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
First Date
This picture is from my very first date with my huzband.
We were extras in a movie my best friend starred in.
He made me laugh the entire night and I fell hard.
I am thankful for him every single day!
Chats with Mom
Me: I can't find a pair of pants, will you check and see if I left them there when I was doing laundry?
Mom: No, your pants are not here. Stop drinking so much tequilla. It makes your clothes fall off and then you lose them.
Mom: No, your pants are not here. Stop drinking so much tequilla. It makes your clothes fall off and then you lose them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Swagbucks
If someone forced me to choose my favorite interweb site, I think I would have to say Swagbucks.
I earn Swagbucks by doing things I do online anyway, like searching and watching videos. I've found that once you get interested it becomes addicting!
Check it out and let me know what you think! Here's the link Swagbucks.
You can count on seeing more posts about Swagbucks in the future!
Swagbucks.com allows web users to earn virtual currency by doing the things they do every day - search the web, shopping at their favorite retailers, and by engaging in other activities such as phone recycling, submitting polls, and completing special offers. Swagbucks.com is the only place on the web to get what you want without ever having to spend a dime.I began using Swagbucks in March of 2011 and in that time I have recieved $300 in Amazon gift cards. Swagbucks paid for the majority of my Christmas presents for my huzband and step-son last year. It has been a huge blessing.
- From their website.
I earn Swagbucks by doing things I do online anyway, like searching and watching videos. I've found that once you get interested it becomes addicting!
Check it out and let me know what you think! Here's the link Swagbucks.
You can count on seeing more posts about Swagbucks in the future!
Free ebook Cookbooks
I forgot to mention Dining Downloads! They offer all kinds of wondful free and bargain priced cookbooks.
We have a lot of food allergies in my family, but they offer all types of cookbooks. I've gotten some great ones that are gluten free and vegan,
not that I've cooked anything from them yet, but that isn't the point!
Check out Dining Downloads for the cook in your family!
(In my case, I'd be checking them out for my huzband)
We have a lot of food allergies in my family, but they offer all types of cookbooks. I've gotten some great ones that are gluten free and vegan,
not that I've cooked anything from them yet, but that isn't the point!
Check out Dining Downloads for the cook in your family!
(In my case, I'd be checking them out for my huzband)
Free eBooks
There are so many free ebooks out there; it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to look, that's why I love Pixel of Ink.
If you have a kindle, kindle ap or just a free amazon account and interweb access, you can use Pixel of Ink to point you towards thousands of free ebooks.
They feature several free books and a few bargain books every day.
Their partner site for Christian and Faith-based books is Inspired Reads.
For non-fiction books Power Reads, and for children and young adult readers their Pixel of Ink Young Edition has much to offer!
If you have a kindle, kindle ap or just a free amazon account and interweb access, you can use Pixel of Ink to point you towards thousands of free ebooks.
They feature several free books and a few bargain books every day.
Their partner site for Christian and Faith-based books is Inspired Reads.
For non-fiction books Power Reads, and for children and young adult readers their Pixel of Ink Young Edition has much to offer!
Recyclebank
Last week I signed up for Recyclebank.
It is a website over 3 million users strong, where you can learn ways to help save the planet, one small action at a time.
Not only do you get to learn, play games, take quizzes and make pledges to make the world a better place, you earn points for those actions.
I signed up just last week and since then have probably spent a total of one hour on the site (maybe even less) and I just ordered my first reward - a year's subscription to Oprah Magazine.
If you like free stuff, check it out!
Stay tuned for more of my favorite rewards programs!
It is a website over 3 million users strong, where you can learn ways to help save the planet, one small action at a time.
Not only do you get to learn, play games, take quizzes and make pledges to make the world a better place, you earn points for those actions.
I signed up just last week and since then have probably spent a total of one hour on the site (maybe even less) and I just ordered my first reward - a year's subscription to Oprah Magazine.
If you like free stuff, check it out!
Stay tuned for more of my favorite rewards programs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)