Personal Blog:: Today is National Fruitcake Day! - 12/28/11

Well today was a productive day.  I cleaned, cleaned, cleaned, and returned Christmas items.  Oh, then I came home and cleaned some more.  I was so tired and worn out.  But I'm glad today is over.  I shampooed the carpets and steamed the floors.  I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a time stopper, or a time slowdown turner.  I think I could really use this.  But I'm sure I would abuse it somehow and get it taken away. :(

My new puppy has been getting use to her new home and the black Lab we already have.  I know for sure that our Black Lab is really kicking the little Black Lab around.  But a week has gone by, and I feel that they are getting better acquainted, now they only kick each other around 4 times a day.  I don't have to do as much refereeing between them.  The new gal is cute, and she has tons of moxie.  Seeing that she is starting all the fights, and she is only 5 pounds.  I think she will fit in just nicely.

I watched "Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends" and relaxed.  I love that show, I really LOVE "Blue".  He reminds me of youth, and crazy things you try to not get caught at.  I think being youthful at heart and mind will keep you saint and happier much longer.  Try and let your inner child out and see how you feel.

I'm thinking of starting a group... Book or Mormon in 100 days.  Does anyone else out there want to start this goal with me???  I hope so, please let me know and we can get started.  Or pass the word and have them sign up with me.  Who knows it could be the start of a beautiful friendship.  I'm off to bed now.  I will be listening to my iPod touch and reliving the 80's.

Good night!!

By the way, I love that we just started "National Fruitcake Day"!!!

Personal Blog:: Living with a strange unknown - 12/18/11

I haven't really been on my blog and have been super lazy.   I have so much to say that it comes and then goes in the blink of an eye.  Then when I go to type it, I forget what I was going to talk about.  I do have some things now in my head that I will share with you.  Just and FYI, I always ramble and don't make sense in any fashion.

If you are reading this blog, I should let you know, I'm a bit strange with my ideas.  I often have thoughts wandering thru my head all the time.  Does anyone ever wonder why they have the drive to live every day?  I think some people are motivated by money, love or family.  I think I'm motivated by seeing what will happen every day.  I always hear about celebrities doing silly things.  But we personally don't even know them.  But yet we are so involved as to what they do.  When they have a happy event such as a wedding, or a baby we are elated.  I just find them interesting.

I think one celebrity I would like to meet is Jason Mraz.  I have been a faithful listener to his music since 1999.  In fact, I thought we were at one time destine to meet and he would fall in love with me.  But now I'm older and wiser and know he will fall in love with me.  Ha Ha Ha Ha See what I mean, I have silly thoughts.

Today I was in church thinking of our new puppy we got yesterday.  He is a black lab and super small.  She is just off milk and is learning to run around without falling over.  She is peeing every half hour and is being sneaky about it.  She will be a puppy for a long while.  We just got our other black lab to stop peeing and pooping in our house.  I think our new addition will be good.  Since our first lab has been alone and now, she has a companion.  But right now, she doesn't seem to like the new addition, but she will.

Funny Pictures:: Never let your kids play on this playground - 12/9/01

10 Reasons Why eBay Sucks for Sellers 12/8/11

1. Illegitimate feedback

If a buyer gives you a negtive feedback for no reason, you can’t remove it. There goes your entire reputation and sometimes your entire business.

2. Annoying rules

For example in the last 12 hours of an auction you can’t change images. A potential buyer emailed me to notify me that I had put the wrong picture on the auction page.  There was no bid but because there were only 10 hours left,  I couldn’t change the picture, and what do you know, no sale.

3. Bogus buyers

No more negative feedback for bogus buyers, meaning that buyers who don’t pay for their winning bids cannot be penalized by the seller. This too destroys the entire feedback system.

4. Fees

EBay’s sale commission is a good chunk plus you have to pay for every listing detail practically. Subtitle: $.50, picture: $.25, bold title: $1, etc.

5. PayPal

If you use PayPal which is very handy for eBay selling you’re going to be ripped off. They continually take more and more commissions. Plus eBay owns PayPal so you are charged 3 times, listing, commission and PayPal!

6. Refunds

Someone can buy your item using PayPal, receive the item, and then lie and say that it was not shipped. PayPal will then refund them the entire purchase amount.

8. Shipping

Everything relies on shipping. The postal service once lost a small expensive package I sold; the buyer had not pay for insurance. So I had to wait for weeks to find out what happened, and then reimburse the item from my pocket!

9. Free alternative – Craigslist

There’s just no incentive to sell on eBay when you have Craigslist. It’s 100% free, the buying market is huge, its easy, no shipping involved, door to door. What more could you ask for?

10. Terrible customer service

If you have a problem with a sale or purchase, you have to go through bots and finally days later receive a humans actual help.

* Messy interface

Every time eBay seems to update their interface and website it gets worse. No matter how many people complain the site just becomes worse.

So even though I started a successful eBay business I have moved on. If you use eBay, let me know what you think.

About Feng Shui: Calm Your Home before Christmas Season 11/29/11

From Rodika Tchi, your Guide to Feng Shui In this issue please find simple and easy tips to create calm energy in your home before Christmas season. Either you celebrate Christmas or not, December tends to be a stressful month, so do your best to create a calm and nourishing energy in your home.

Calm Your Home with Good Feng Shui Energy  December is almost here and you know what happens in December. Most of all, you need (and probably want) a calm, calm, calm energy. Really calm. So, before we go into exploring various feng shui tips for decorating a Christmas house, let's first focus on creating calm energy. Read more

Create A Happy Home with Feng Shui  Feng shui teaches us that everything is energy, and we are in a constant energy exchange with everything around us. Thus, it is it very important to create a feng shui home that has a happy and healthy energy. Read more

Top 8 Feng Shui Cures for Home  If you have been interested in feng shui for a while, most of these feng shui cures are quite familiar to you. And if you are new to feng shui, most of these feng shui cures are quite familiar to you, too. Find out how these beautiful decor elements can bring great feng shui energy to any home or office. Read more

Feng Shui Tips for Harmony at Home  Feng shui wisdom places a big importance on the center of your place, also called the Heart of the Home. It is a sacred feng shui energy spot from where all the other energies (called bagua areas) of your home originate. In feng shui terms, each area of your house is connected to a specific area of your life. Read more

About Home Cooking: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes - 10/27/11

From Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, your Guide to Home Cooking Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! If you are going to be carving a pumpkin for Halloween, check out the carving tips and how to toast the seeds for a great snack. Don't forget to drop into theKrazy Kitchen forum message board to grab new recipes and catch up with the gang. Have a great week!

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes  Pumpkins are a wonderful fall vegetable. Whether you buy one to make a Halloween jack-o'-lantern or to cook up, please do not throw those pumpkin seeds in the trash. Toasted pumpkin seeds make a wonderful snack or garnish, and they are so easy to make. Most people bake them, but they can also be made in the microwave or in a heavy skillet on top of the stove. The kids will love them as much as the adults... Read more See More About:  pumpkin carving  pumpkin recipes  halloween

Raspberry Double Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars Recipe  These rich bar cookies use two flavors of chocolate. Fast and easy to make due to the cake mix. Your arm will get a workout from mixing up the bottom layer, but it will be well worth it. You might also consider experimenting with other flavored chips. This tried and true recipe brings raves... Read more See More About:  cookie bar recipes  cake mix recipes  chocolate

What is enhanced chicken?  Did you know that the chicken you buy at the local grocery store may be injected with salt and water? If not, you're not alone. Most people don't know. If you notice the term enhanced on the label, you probably think it's a good thing. Maybe yes, and maybe no. And it's not just poultry. Meat products are also now enhanced. Get the scoop on the good, the bad, and the ugly of enhanced chicken, poultry, and meats...Read more See More About:  chicken recipes  poultry recipes  cornish hen recipes

Pumpkin Carving Tips  Check out my jack-o'-lantern in the photo. It took about an hour to carve out, and I learned a lot along the way. Take advantage of my trial and error education and save some time with these pumpkin carving tips. Learn how to make your jack-o'-lantern do double duty as an air freshener. Remember, carved pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns are not suitable for food purposes after being lit up and displayed for decoration, but pick up some extra pumpkins during the season to use for cooking... Read more

About Frugal Living: Tis the Season to Save - 11/15/11

From Erin Huffstetler, your Guide to Frugal Living Some may say it's the season to spend, but I say it's the season to save. Put the tips in this week's newsletter to work for you, and enter the new year without holiday spending regrets.

Holiday Gift Card Bonuses  Planning to give gift cards this Christmas? Buy from one of these businesses, and you'll snag a bonus gift card for yourself (or someone on your list). Buy Gift Cards at a Discount Get Free Gift Cards Get Free Amazon Gift Cards See More About:  gift cards  frugal gift ideas

Dollar Store Holiday Catalogs  Tired of getting holiday catalogs with gift ideas that fall outside of your budget? Then, check out the dollar store holiday catalogs. Buy Dollar Store Items in Bulk Give Second-Hand Gifts (Without Looking Tacky) Gifts that Save the Recipient Money

Killer Catalinas  Catalinas are those coupons that print out at the register based on what you purchased, and there are some really good ones at the moment. Check outthese deals. Stores Offering Layaway Plans Holiday Shopping Tips

Ways to Save on Family Portraits  Is a family portrait on your holiday to do list? Use these tips to save. Free Printable Photo Calendars Make a Scrabble Photo Bracelet See More About:  photos  bargain shopping  raising a frugal family

About Home Cooking: Thanksgiving Recipes and Tips - 11/17/11

From Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, your Guide to Home Cooking Only a week until Thanksgiving, so it's time to get all your ducks, or turkeys as it were, in a row. You should find all the links you need herein to make a classic Thanksgiving dinner. Read up now before things get too hectic. Planning is important. Drop into theKrazy Kitchen forum message board to ask your questions and share recipes. Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

How to Make Turducken  What is turducken? It is a chicken stuffed inside a duck which is then stuffed inside a turkey. It's fast becoming a popular recipe for Thanksgiving. Each slice contains portions of chicken, duck, and turkey with stuffing in between the layers. Plan on adequate preparation time. Turducken is not difficult to make, but it is a little time-consuming. The end result is a worthy show-stopper. Learn how to make turducken with this photo tutorial... Read more

How to Thaw Your Turkey  Most turkeys are frozen to preserve freshness. This requires careful planning to thaw your turkey in a timely and most importantly, safe manner. The easiest and best way is to slowly thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, but this could take days. Find out how to safely thaw your turkey to avoid any potential food poisoning... Read more

Stuffing and Dressing Recipes and Tips  Countdown to Thanksgiving continues, and it's time to think about what goes inside the bird and important safety factors. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, you have many choices to make, including whether to cook it inside or outside the turkey, the ingredients, and how much stuffing you will need. There are plenty of stuffing and dressing recipes to choose from including Cherry Cornbread Stuffing, Fifty-Fifty Cornbread Bread Stuffing, and others that can be used with other main dishes... Read more

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe  How much stuffing do you need? This chart will help you determine how much stuffing or dressing to use for chicken, turkey, and other poultry. Be sure to read the full informational article on Stuffings and Dressings which includes history, cooking and safety tips, storage information, and recipes... Read more

Personal Blog:: I don't belong here - 10/03/11

When dealing with new places and new areas, I always find it hard to be part of it, fit in and all that.  I'm very reserved and don't know what to do.  I'm like a wallflower that has blue hair, yet I'm easily hurt and crushed.  I decided to put myself in the line of fire.  I went about thinking that the place that I'm at is where I should be.  Making a decision that I normally wouldn't do, forcing the quiet flower to stand alone in the field.  I didn't like the idea, but the other part of me said things will be fine.  It has been almost a year and I'm in the field with some other flowers.  The other flowers are friendly and seem nice, but under it all, no one wants a blue flower.

I hear that blue flowers are rare, they have much to give, but can tire easily.  Some of them have hidden problems and deep-down issues.  But when they bloom and shine, they can be beautiful and special.  Sometimes they give of themselves, and don't ask for in return.  The only problem is blue flowers do need and want some care.  When they see the wind gracefully fly by the other flowers, she just hopes that she can get some notion her way.

The times that hurt the most is when she gives much of her petals and brightness to the other flowers in the field and they don't return the notice of her.  She tries to keep a brilliant poise but can't rely on her own strength to stand tall.  She gently weeps in the absence of breeze and hopes that she can recover in the light.  As the darkness comes, she slowly closes her eyes and rests.  While she slept, her unconsciousness prayed that she can be embraced for her personality and the kindness of her heart.

Personal Blog:: Days are funny if you focus - 9/30/11

Well, it has been a while since I have written on my blog and just want you to know I'm ok.  Today was an interesting Friday, I guess I should explain.  My dog is very overly crazy.  I decided that she needed to have her nails grinned since she was shredding my clothes and attacking my family.  Granted she was just showing love with licking and knocking us over.  She just turned 1 years old sometimes this month.  But I hear that Labradors don't become adults until after 2 years.  I guess it just mean that I have to deal with her chewing up my shoes for another year.  I'm very glad though, she seems to target my husband's shoes more.  I think it is because they smell more.  But the funny thing is, my daughters shoes smell more.  I guess the dog can't handle it, I know I can't.

(News bulletin: Richard Simons is marrying his girlfriend of 26 years.  I thought he was gay.)

Well, I did my reading to the elementary class and was enjoying my volunteer work.  I don't know if I'm doing well, since I keep adding different sentences and miss paragraphs.  I feel bad since I'm pretty sure I'm killing this book.  The good thing is, they are probably hearing it for the first time and don't know what I'm messing up on.

(new bulletin: Disregard that last statement, it is actually Gene Simmons)

About Today: Get Organized in 10 Minutes or Less 9/22/11

From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor I'm a recent convert to the organized lifestyle, but now I can't go back. Clutter breaks my spirit and makes me feel like things are out of control and that I might actually die, eventually.

Get Organized in 10 Minutes or Less  I'm convinced that the popularity of home organizing stores is directly tied to people who are trying to feel more control over their lives. 8 Reasons You Have Clutter Free Ecourse: Organize Your Home See More About:  organizing tips  get organizing  clutter

30 Minute Organizing Projects  What I've learned is that every project doesn't have to be an hours-long festival of scrubbing and sorting. You can do a lot with a few minutes a day. 5 Quick Tips to Remember Your Keys Weekly Organizing Routine See More About:  organizing tips  home organization  clutter

How to Manage Your Mail  The mail is my nemesis. This is partly because we somehow get all of the catalogues in the world, every day. I think they come twice a day. They might actually just be breeding in the mailbox, I don't know. How to Organize a Closet in 5 Steps 10 Overlooked Storage Spaces See More About:  declutter  paper management  office organization

Clear Clutter from 8 Hidden Areas  The second place on this list, the kitchen sink, is definitely a prime clutter spot at our house. I've found cleaners under there that are now illegal in most states. 6 Ways Cleaning Can Alleviate Stress Declutter Your Whole House, Room by Room See More About:  clutter control  get organized  cleaning schedules

About Today: How to Find a Great Doctor 9/21/11

From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor There's nothing scarier than not having a doctor -- or worse, having a doctor you don't really like.

Finding Dr. Right  I've been in both situations, either because I moved and couldn't find the right doc, or because my doctor retired. (I consider this a huge betrayal, by the way. What about me, doc? What about me?) How to Research a Doctor's Credentials How to Find a Doctor's Medical Malpractice Record See More About:  board certification  primary care  patient doctor communications

How to Find a Doctor Online  The internet is a great place to start looking for a doctor, but it's best if you think of it as an electronic version of word of mouth. A website can help you look up credentials and background information, but it can also fail to alert you to malpractice suits. How to Change Doctors How to Communicate With Your Doctor See More About:  malpractice  patient - doctor communications  credible internet health information

How to Find a Doctor When You're Sick  The worst is looking for a doctor when you're already sick. I've seen some truly weird doctors as a result of waiting until I was sick to call the doc. (To be fair, I'm sure many of them found me a fairly weird patient. That's what happens when you don't develop a doctor-patient relationship ahead of time.) 10 Reasons to Fire Your Doctor Answers to Your Flu Shot Questions See More About:  health insurance  health departments

Finding a Doctor for a Second Opinion  Great quote from our patient empowerment Guide: "Any doctor worthy of the practice of medicine will be supportive [of your desire to get a second opinion]. If he's not supportive? That's a red flag which means you most definitely need a second opinion." Here's how to go about it. When Do You Need a Second Opinion? How to Work With Your Second Opinion Doctor See More About:  second opinions  medical decision making  patient doctor communications

About Today: 5 Bad Study Habits and How to Fix Them 9/20/11

From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor Many of my friends (and my friends' kids) have recently headed back to school. And listening to everyone talk about studying made me remember something: The one thing many schools don't teach you is how to learn.

5 Bad Study Habits and How to Fix Them  Studying, in particular, is one of those skills that everyone seems to think they should just have. As a result, it's easy to develop bad habits. 10 Great Study Habits Study Skills Assessment Tool See More About:  homework strategies  improving grades  healthy homework habits

5 Time Management Tips  One thing I remember from my student days is that there's never enough time to do everything you need to do. (Also, I seem to remember saying this a lot: "[Blank teacher] thinks [blank subject] is the only thing I have to do study!") 11 Time Management Tips 8 Time Management Tips for College Students See More About:  healthy homework habits  time management for students  homework strategies

Top 10 Memory Improvement Tips  Most of feel like our memories get worse each year, as our brains fill up with minutiae and crowd out such important facts as where we've put our keys and what's the capital of our own state. 10 Facts About Memory What Is Memory and How Does It Work? See More About:  memory  psychology tips  cognitive psychology

How to Become a More Effective Learner  The good news is that you can learn to learn. Here's how to get started. Good Foods for Better Learning 10 Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep Tonight See More About:  memory  learning  educational psychology

Selfless Act:: Motorcyclist Rescued from Fiery Car Crash in Logan, Utah

About Today: The 20 Funniest Celebs on Twitter

From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor Twitter has many uses. You can follow friends and family from far away, to see what they're doing. You can complain about how your neck sort of hurts and you'd like a nap (one of my favorites). Or, and perhaps best of all, you can use it to distract you from things you should be doing.

The 20 Funniest Celebs on Twitter  Famous people who tweet are very helpful for the last purpose. There are two kinds of awesome celebrity twitter accounts: The first is genuinely funny people (see above). The 20 Funniest Web Comics Funny Photo Sites See More About:  twitter  stephen colbert  russell brand

The Hottest Celebrities on Twitter  And the second is just plain old famous people, some humorous on purpose, some accidentally so. (I'll let you choose which is which.) How to Use Twitter 10 Great Uses for Twitter See More About:  twitter  britney spears  john mayer

The Funniest Blogs on the Web  My favorite in this list: Awful Library Books. This site includes such classics as 'Fake Families' and 'Fun With Crime.' Awesome List Alert: 20 Retro Movie Posters 8 Funniest Online Communities See More About:  blogs  funny blogs  lolcats

Where to Find Funny Video Clips  Sometimes, though, there's just no substitute for watching people fall down. The Top 20 Viral Video Clips of All Time The Top 20 Viral Videos for Kids See More About:  fun websites  top websites  web humor