Showing posts with label information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label information. Show all posts

Friday, September 8, 2017

Why hire an Editor or Writer when you have programs to do it for you?



These days, it seems there are a number of products online to help you with editing or writing. Whether you have an important email, business proposition, manuscript, college paper, etc. there are so many ways you can get it “fixed” without having to hire someone to do it for you. But why should you consider a human editor or writer instead?

As an editor, I have worked for a variety of individuals in either writing or cleaning up their literary works. One thing I know for a certain is, however, that no one writes perfectly; because no one speaks perfectly. Everyone around you has their own way of speaking. And those little quirks they have verbally, carry over in how they write. There are accents in print, just as there are in conversations. And if you know the person or have heard them speaking, then you can imagine them better when the things they write still reflect those voice patterns on a page. An automated program cannot read in accents. They cannot detect the southerners drawl or the northerners lack of R’s. So say, for instance, a writer of fiction is looking to perfect his novel. A computer program will tell that writer all the ways they need to change their manuscript to fit into better English. But that will in turn strip the originality of their style away. A human editor, however, will know the person well enough to understand why they wrote this word as they did. Or why this phrase was important, though grammatically incorrect. I had to do that for a guy from New York that wrote horror stories, novels and later comic books. He had his own style, that when you read it the way he wrote, you could tell it was with a northern accent. Then again, I edited for a 3-time international best seller who has his own style. And though it might not seem perfect, it is him. His writing reflects his speech which is a big part of who he is. Now this might not be needed for a college paper, but for blog posts and manuscripts, it could be a make or break situation.

Programs can’t get everything right. Do you know that the English language is one of, if not the most, difficult to learn? One word can have a plethora of meanings, depending on the context as well as the dialect. Take the word shot, for instance. You get a shot to help prevent diseases, but wouldn’t want to be shot in the head, while drinking a shot to get courage to take a shot at that special lady. I just used one word to demonstrate 4 meanings. Or the word fag. In America, its a derogatory term referring to gays. In the United Kingdom, it refers to a cigarette. English editing programs can be as naive as the auto correct that you probably have on your smart phone. You start typing word, it thinks it knows what you are talking about, then suddenly… you have something totally off-the-wall in your message. Ever seen those text fail screen shots? I’ve been there. More times than I care to admit. Which is why I am now more careful than ever when texting. I try to do everything I can to send a well written text, especially when I’m in a hurry. Doesn’t mean I succeed every time, but I do try.
Last point I want to make about hiring an actual person instead of purchasing a program is the price. How much are you willing to spend? And is the price you are paying, worth what you are getting? Let’s face it, you can hire me for a one-time deal, flat rate price. Or you can purchase a program that you will use how many times? Maybe you want to get that ongoing service with a regular flat fee. But how often will you use it? Enough that it pays in the end? Will that program be worth the price if it misses something that a human would not? There have been tests done by users. Take this one. This guy tried 5 methods and his professional editor of a wife caught every mistake while the programs did not. Do you really want to pay for a service that you can only hope for perfect results from? With a human editor, you get more bang for your buck in the long run. They can edit a piece repeatedly until you are satisfied. Depending on who you hire, they can even offer you suggestions on how to reword something to flow better. They can rearrange paragraphs to make everything smooth and easy to understand. Isn’t it worth the money to get the extra service if it will further your success in the long run?

You don’t have take my word for it, though. Do your own homework. Just take the time to know what you are truly looking for when you are paying for a service. Know how you want something to be in the end. Ask questions before you hire. And if you don’t think a human being can do better, then go with the program. Just don’t write us editors and writers off because the market is flooded with a cheap service. We are more than meets the eye.You can check out my professional page here.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Kangeaux information and discount

US Family Guide has partnered up with Kangeaux to share discounts and information about an awesome product that I think could be useful to parents everywhere. Kangeaux Outdoors.

Here is the information provided by Kangeaux.

New carrying concept, the Walkabout by Kangeaux Outdoors, is designed to be an industrial-strength and multifunctional carrying tool for the outdoor adventurer and sports enthusiast alike. With the development of the Walkabout, Kangeaux Outdoors has designed a carrier like none other. It is predicted to become a standard for those "In The Field" -- but just as easily, it's ergonomic fit is ideal for the everyday carry. The Walkabout's adaptable nature creates easy solutions for both athletic essentials like sports bottles and baseball caps, as well as everyday items like keys, phones, sunglasses, etc. There is truly no other carrier like the Walkabout. Save 20% on your entire purchase! Sign up and stay up to date with our Kangeaux Newsletter and receive a coupon code for 20% off your entire purchase! http://www.kangeaux.com
So what do you think? Can you see yourself using something like this? I can think of a few uses. I'm thinking to add it to my bug out bag. Check them out and don't forget to use the discount if you order!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Star Wars!!!

In case any of you are not aware yet, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has a new trailer out.
And with its release on Monday night during the Monday night football games, tickets are now on sale everywhere!


This newest trailer has raised my hopes and given me more excitement to see the new movie than before. So how many of you will be going to the midnight showing?! I want to, but sadly, thats during the blackout dates at my new job. 

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Breakfast is the most important meal?

I hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My children see this repeated on their tv shows quite often. So why is this considered a "breakfast" by government standards?

Schools included in the program get to provide free breakfasts to children. According to the school my boys are in, you get 3-4 free items on your plate. In order for them to get this free plate, they have to have a fruit or juice with it. Anything past that, you pay for. So if I wanted to add cereal and milk, its at least .50 extra. Not a lot, but for a 5 year old, how do you think they handle the money? Or have to memorize a pin to access their account. Fortunately for my kids, they are light eaters in the morning after waking up. But by 9-ish, they are ready to start eating. At school, they won't eat lunch until 11:15. 
For each child that participates, the government reimburses the school so much money. 
My kids are in Kindergarten. I can see this being okay for their age group. Especially as so many kids seem to be obese even at that age. But what about the older kids? So far as I could tell, this amount was for everyone. Do they hold all ages to the same amounts of food? If that's the case, what is lunch like? Thankfully, I make my children's lunches. But still. And then, what if they are super active? They will burn through this meal like a comet entering the atmosphere. So who sets the limits? Who decides how much is enough? I didn't see anything that explained what I wanted to know on the fact sheet posted to the government website that I linked above. I will make sure that I continue packing hefty snacks and lunches for my boys. They have a very high metabolism like me. 
The lunch program looks to be the same only they provide just a slight bit more than breakfast. But there is the problem of whether a school is submitting fraudulent applications to boost their funding. Or if the school your child is in is following the guidelines set out by Michelle Obama, chances are good your child will opt out of eating anything at all.
Why? Well, look at the things approved for the menu. Are they things you make at home or eat on a regular basis? Is your child a picky eater? If a kid doesn't like something, they won't eat. Not until they are starving and they have absolutely no choice. I approve of someone taking action in making things healthier and trying to help in the fight against child obesity. What I don't approve of is going to such lengths that the above lunches are considered "enough" to satisfy a child old enough to tweet it. 

As parents, its our responsibility to make sure that our children are taken care of. We might drop them into the hands of others for 7+ hours while we make a living or otherwise handle life, but at the end of the day its our job to care for them. We are to provide them the best in life. So make sure your child is eating the appropriate amount. The government may set standards, but those standards don't fit the needs of every individual. We know our kids. We know their needs. Let's keep them on the healthy living track that we know they need. 

Friday, June 19, 2015

Subscription box savings

Bramble Box is offering 30% off your first box purchase.
Just use the code SUMMER30 at checkout. These boxes are designed for kids 3-8 to encourage exploration and imagination. They also come with free shipping. 
Time Saving, Creative Fun
Do you wish you had more time to pull together creative activities for your kids? Let us save you some running around. Bramble box monthly subscription boxes and pretend play prop boxes for kids age 3 - 8 contain all the materials required for hours of open-ended fun; building and strengthening essential development skills. Including themed, pretend play props, crafts, activities and more! We save you time by sending mom designed activities to your door every month or just once.

Encourage Open-ended Educational Play
Materials are carefully selected to be versatile, to allow children to extend and elaborate on their play. Hours of fun and learning.

Hand's On
Activity ideas are included for additional inspiration. Each kit is designed to nurture the imagination and allow children to explore the world around them.

Themed
A new theme - like post office, detective, scientist, florist or community helper - every month.
 
Lots of Options
Buy a single box or a monthly or 3, 612 month subscription for extra savings.


Graze is another one with a deal going on.
Right now you can get your first box free to try some snacks and also get free shipping. You sign up for the subscription like normal and just have to cancel future subscriptions or if you like what you see, it will automatically deduct the amount from your payment information in the subsequent months. Its certainly a neat idea. Snacks by mail! 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Living with the pain in my head

Headaches are, in my personal opinion, the worst pains anyone can suffer. Your mind is your center. It controls your thoughts, your motor functions, and everything that makes you, you! So when your head hurts, you don’t function to the best of your ability. All the information I provide is based on personal knowledge and experience. I'm not a doctor or medical professional. This information is NOT meant to diagnose or treat anything you have. Its meant to help you cope and maybe give you insight on things you can discuss with your doctor.

Headaches take form in various degrees of pain. Something from a light pain to a tension headache or even a full blown migraine. They can be a slight annoyance to completely debilitating. They can have a plethora of side effects that come along with them. Side effects may include vomiting, dizziness/lightheadedness, blackouts, blurry vision, disorientation, shaking, and even chills.

Headaches are triggered. Not just randomly sprung as one might think. If you can figure out your triggers, you can control them to some degree. Light headaches are typically caused by lack of sleep and hunger. Easy to fix, even in a busy life. Tension headaches and migraines are trickier. Things like caffeine, sugar, light, sounds, or random foods can turn the switch of pain on. Sometimes you are able to feel one coming on while other times it’s sudden.

I’ve been reading up on migraines a lot in the past couple years. This week in particular I found an old article my mom had given me on head pain in general. About 1/5 women suffer from migraines. Yet, barely half will be diagnosed with a cause. As a matter of fact, most of us “endure” the pain because we know what happens when we “check out”, even for a short time. Moms in particular don’t like taking time for themselves when there is so much to do. But suffering in silence won’t do you any good in the long run. Here are some things to take into account when dealing with headaches…

Here are four types of headaches that you can identify:

1.       Sinus headaches – these are accompanied by sinus swelling and pain or pressure in the cheeks and/or forehead. Many people misdiagnose themselves as having a migraine which can have similar symptoms, but taking a decongestant can make you feel worse.

2.       Migraine – these are largely genetic. Common symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Ladies, the week of your period is the worse time for attacks because your estrogen levels are at their lowest. (I've been dealing with them daily myself since my cycle started.)
3.      Tension – These are often set off by stress and anxiety. The pain is typically dull and located on both sides of the head, around the forehead, temples or back of the head and neck. It could also be caused by changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
4.     Cluster – The exact cause for this type is still undetermined. It’s rare and more common in men though. Pain centralizes around the eyes, can happen a few times in a single day or can last weeks to months.
I've been gathering information on dealing with the different levels of pain. Since migraines are my worse problem, you might read a lot more on them....
Migraines can be a centered pain in the temples, stretched down one side of the face and head, or centered at the base of the skull and top of the neck. It may make your eyes feel swollen or give a burning sensation. They can be as brief as under 30 minutes to as long as several tormenting hours.
My personal experience with migraines has had me struggling to keep it together and renders me inoperable as a functioning human being. I can't tell you how often I've had to slip away to a dark room, seeking silence and relief from the mind-numbing pain that has taken over. Some things I've found useful for relieving the pain are the following.
 
  • Let your hair down at the onset of pain. Having my hair in a ponytail not only causes breakage up top, but can start the throbbing. Letting it down can release the added pressure. 
  • Dim the lights. Being in a dimly to no light room can take the stress off your eyes which in turn knocks the pain down in your head. 
  • Turn off the noise. Take out the headphones, shut the door, and relax in the silence. This is extremely difficult for me. Silence is truly deafening. So if you must, put on soft music at a low volume. Whether you like it or not, classical is probably your best option.
  • Lay down! Again, I struggle with this. Being a mom, I have kids who won't hesitate to barge in if I actually try to relax and beg for a drink or snack or complain about something a sibling did.
  • Take a shower or bubble bath. Make it warm but don't overdo it in the heat. That can make you quite lightheaded and possibly lead to passing out.
  •  Get those eyes checked! Especially if you wear corrective lenses, but even if you haven't before, maybe it's time you did. And keep updating that prescription yearly. Mine has changed every time I've gone in. As a matter of fact, this last time I found out I have a stigmatism. Plain English? One eye is shaped like a golfball while the other is ovoid like a football. Yes, one more feature that adds to my freak of nature status. Just can't catch a break. Also, invest in transitions. Otherwise, get prescription sunglasses. They make a world of difference in the light. I've been buying transitions for the past several years and I refuse to go back to being without them. 
  • Take time out for yourself. Stress is a leading cause for a lot of the head pains we get. It's not easy, I know. The last doctor that told me to relax and get more rest... I laughed at her. As moms, it's hard to catch a break. Especially single moms. But if you can manage to get a sitter, go for it! Take a walk on the beach, see a movie you've been wanting to (but couldn't with the kids around), or call up your friends for a few hours of adult time. Whatever brings you joy, make time for it. I'd say a minimum of twice a month. 
  • Take a bite... or two. You might not feel hungry especially if you're so far into the pain zone that it's making you nauseous. So grab a light snack and give it a chance to settle. Sometimes that's all it takes to bring the pain level down.
  • Lay off or lower your caffeine intake. This is another huge trigger for some people. Try to come off the addiction to sodas and coffee. Instead of energy drinks, get up 30 minutes earlier and do some brisk cardio. Yes, you'll have to make a sacrifice and sleep earlier at night, but it will pay off. It helps lower your stress levels as well as jump starts your metabolism. That could lead to weight loss as well. Win-win if you ask me.
  • Drink until you're clear. Did you know that the more water you drink, the lighter your urine will be? This not only insures you'll keep properly hydrated, but helps steer you clear of urinary tract infections. As an added benefit for the ladies, the more water you drink the easier your cramping will be while on your menstrual cycles. Staying hydrated helps ward off so many things, but headaches are the one I'm mentioning right now.
  • If you have to take something, try Excedrin Extra Strength or Excedrin Migraine (both are the same). They seem to work the best for me in speed and in ridding the pain. However, this is mostly caffeine and will possibly give you the shakes. Or try another anti-inflammatory medicine. Remember this, you can only take them constantly for so long before they don't work or you start damaging your organs....
  • Sometimes you might be able to find holistic oils that can relieve the muscle pain in your temples. I know my mothers friend mixed oils that worked wonders. But the original company that sold those hasn't had them in stock for quite some time.
I found some other interesting things on keeping headaches at bay. Avoiding strong scents and going fragrance-free. If caffeine isn't your trigger - drink a cup of coffee. Its a stimulant so if you're already a regular, don't stop cold turkey. Withdrawals will give you migraines. Eat a better breakfast! Aged cheeses, citrus fruits, and processed meats typically contain nitrates which can set you off. So consume them with caution and in moderation. Make time for every meal. Whether you eat small meals throughout or three large meals daily, don't skip! Hunger and lower blood sugar levels can alert your brain to send those signals of missing out. Beware though - dairy, wheat, nuts, chocolate, deli meat and even fermented foods, like pickles, can also be triggers. Stay cool. Not temperature, but attitude. Life can drag you down and stress you out. Don't let it get out of control! Take a moment to look at pictures of good times, watch a funny video on YouTube or try out some yoga poses. Drinking while you cook might not be as good as you think. Red wine in particular has been linked to migraines in some women, but drinking on an empty stomach just exacerbates its effects. Check the weather. At least 30% of sufferers are linked to weather induced pain. Maybe try takings an anti-inflammatory before the front rolls in.

I hope this is helpful to someone out there. Migraines are a personal battle that you don't have to fight completely alone. Speak up and don't let others give you that eye roll for "just a headache". Especially moms. If you don't care for yourself, how can you care for your loved ones? So when you feel so bad you want to take a drill to your temple, take a breath and find your comfort zone.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

America's Incredible Pizza Company offer information

Being a part of the US Family Guide, I get to share some fantastic information and a discounted offer from America's Incredible Pizza Company!
Fun, Food and Family, America's Incredible Pizza Company is the place to find it all! Incredible Pizza Company delivers high energy and a quality experience for the entire family. After enjoying our freshly homemade buffet; enter our world famous Fair Grounds and play over 100 arcade and carnival style games. Race to the finish line while driving our go karts, get lost in a friendly game of laser tag, get a hole-in-one while playing glow golf, and spin away on the bumper cars and more! So whether you're 6 or 60, enter our fairgrounds and have an incredible time while making memories that will last a lifetime!
Get a 99 cent All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with a $15 Game Card Purchase at America's Incredible Pizza Company. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Can not be used towards a private birthday party, fundraising event or private group event. Valid at our Memphis, Springfield, St. Louis, San Antonio, and Tulsa locations only.
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11219&dealid=1286

Sunday, December 28, 2014

This years movies in review

There have been several movies I've enjoyed seeing this year. Some I have even enjoyed taking the time and money to see in theaters.

Some of my favorites were Maleficent, Dracula Untold, Planes: Fire and Rescue, Guardians of the Galaxy, Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Big Hero 6 were just a few. Maleficent and Dracula were new versions to old stories. Much like Into the Woods, but that was a chaotic musical that is more of an acquired taste. I'm still trying to get in to see the new Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. I hear its a great one, though lags with the telling of the love story between the dwarf and the elf. I'm mainly interested in seeing Legolas....
Divergent was pretty good. I'm not sure exactly how I feel, but I did enjoy it as entertainment.

While the Game Stands Tall was a good one as well, even though it was a football movie. I'm not a sports fan, but the story of this dedicated coach was a really inspiring tale.

Future movies I am looking forward to or have an interest in seeing would include Ant-Man and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Ant-Man is another super hero movie. Since producers and writers are on a roll with those types, they are branching out from the widely known to add the heroes we don't often think about. Unless you're a nerd like me... Paul Rudd will be the star of this one coming out next summer on July 17th, 2015. Who among you plans to watch this one? How many of you actually know the story behind the Ant-Man?? I can see some of you looking it up right now....

"Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the upcoming Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Star Wars has always been a favorite of mine. Can you blame me? I'll admit that the 3 original movies were the better ones, but even the 3 latest had their good things. I'm skeptical about whether Disney will keep in line with the original story and make it worth watching. The teaser trailer looked more like a spoof than the real deal.


I still haven't seen Captain American: The Winter Soldier, The Wolverine, Mockingjay Part 1, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (though I bought it), The Maze Runner, 300: Rise of an Empire... So many on my list that will have to wait until they are Netflix or I catch them on sale because I worry about wasting money on a bad movie. What have you seen? What do you look forward to seeing?

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

gatti's pizza coupon and information!

Great food, fun games and good family times all under one roof! Find an unlimited buffet filled with pizzas, pastas, a full salad bar, desserts and more. So much food! Plus, there's plenty of space to eat with the family in multiple themed dining rooms. Then it's on to the game room - which is huge! Video/arcade games, Bumper Cars and more!
My readers receive these special offers:
  • $10.99 - One Kids buffet, drinks & $10 game card - valid anytime
  • $39.99 - 2 adult buffets, 2 kids buffets, drinks, 2 $10 game cards - valid anytime
 
My family has been to Gatti's only once before, but we enjoyed it a great deal. I'm glad to share this awesome deal with you all! Let me know if you will be going.
 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Great movies

Guardians of the Galaxy was a wonderful movie that I look forward to owning. And there is a cool video of Groot dancing that I thought I'd share! Poor Drax is in the dark on what happens when he's not watching. As my friend said after we watched this, "Can you see the dancing Groot toy?" I just might have to buy something like that if it comes out!
On top of this, are other movies that will be coming up in the future. Such as Ant-Man. Hero movies are popping up more and more as popularity grows. Paul Rudd will be the star of this one coming out next summer on July 17th, 2015. Who among you plans to watch this one? How many of you actually know the story behind the Ant-Man?? I can see some of you looking it up right now....

"Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the upcoming Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

 
Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world."

What other movie do I look forward to seeing? Into the Woods! It brings a modern twist to several Grimm brothers tales. I love a lot of the old fairy tales, but the Brothers Grimm certainly have the darker ones. Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella are all tied together by the story of a baker and his wife who are cursed. Even Johnny Depp stars in this one.
I'm thinking he's the Big Bad Wolf. Here's to hoping its a great movie!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Internet controls?!

My husband just showed me a very interesting post on a website called the Open Internet. I'm not sure where they are getting their information and I plan to look into this further.
In my search, I also found another article that talked about how ISP companies plan to extort more money and fill their pockets.
It sickens me the way they think they can get away with it. But at the same time, it goes to show how stupid they have become. This blogger will give up Facebook, the blog, Twitter (hate it anyways), and stick to only running internet searches for information if they try to enforce paying to use just certain sites. Or if they try to slow down my service and charge more for "premium" service. I won't do it. I rather have more money in my own pocket that be held captive to the ISP. Content providers like Netflix already have to pay "tolls" to provide you with service.
You know how you see "Buffering" pop up and the video takes a while to load? That's not Netflix or YouTube being slow. That's your ISP slowing your service. This is their sick way of making you suffer because they have nothing better to do and are trying to get more money from anywhere they can.
We need a strong net neutrality for sure. No ISP controls or FCC regulations to determine what internet options we can access and how fast we can do so. We as consumers need to know more about our options and be more aware of what is happening in the cyber world. Our Age of Technology will be plunged back into the Age of Books pretty soon as not everyone can pay fees to use various content providers. I, for one, don't need YouTube on a regular basis to warrant me paying a monthly fee to use it. As much as I enjoy watching movies on Netflix with my kiddos, I will give it up and save that extra $X to buy Blurays instead or go back to reading books in my free time. If I can't blog without paying additional fees (even though my blog is free through my Google accounts) then you won't be reading any more posts from me in the future. I won't be forced to pay for something I do as a service and receive no monetary benefit in return for. I'd rather put my money to better use.
While this all comes as a bit of a shock considering I have strayed from keeping up with technological advances of late, its also not as shocking as it should be. Today's day and age has become run by money-grubbing-whoring companies. Everyone is out to get what they can at others expenses. There is no such thing as "FREE" anymore. There hasn't been for quite some time. Somewhere, somehow, someone is getting charged.
So what are we learning here? First off, ISP companies aren't interested in servicing your needs. They are only looking to reap as much from your pockets and the providers you seek services from as possible. If they continue to go unchecked, they will basically (and forgive the blunt or crude wording) be raping everyone overall. You will be paying multiple fees for one service. Let's take for example Netflix. You already have to pay Netflix to stream or rent movies. You also have to be paying for high speed internet to accommodate the streaming. There are two separate payments for one service. But if the ISP wants more money from you, they will start charging a fee just for streaming videos. So now you are paying a third price for the one service. They will be making you choose what you use your internet for instead of allowing you to use it for whatever you previous wanted. Gaming, videos, email, social networks - all of it will change. Will you start paying to share photos and status updates with friends and family? Will you pay Microsoft, ISP and a fee just to play a game every couple of days when you have time? And consider this... You work hard or save in some other ways to pay for the fees for gaming or Netflix already. Are you ready to work more hours or save more elsewhere to continue those things? I know I'm not.
If this is where my internet usage is truly headed, count me out. I know I wanted to get offline more and into the real world where life is happening. And that's exactly where you will find me if these changes happen in the future. Books will make a comeback after all. Parks will receive more traffic. And perhaps obesity will take a plunge. Maybe its for the best that the poorer folks will no longer be online like they are now. But then maybe not. Technology has served as a way to get information out there. When no one can afford to access it except the rich, the age of learning and information may also decline. Ignorance will possibly make a huge come back.
Where will you be?

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Lego!

Everyone should know how I enjoy building Lego sets. I reviewed the Pleygo service, which I still think is awesome. But I know that some people would rather buy them to own and display. Or... you could be like me and need that one part to complete a set and not want to buy another full set just to get it. If you are local, and in need of Lego anything (just about), there is a place to go besides the Lego store at the mall. San Antonio Plastic Bricks, Inc. is a local store front. It is a family owned company that has been growing over the past 2+ years and I must say, quite amazing. The owner, Ron, buys and sells in Lego kits (sets), parts, mini figures, manuals... list goes on. If you have some to sell, stop by and see him. He even has custom mini figures that are really well done.
I'm hoping to finish my own project after making a stop by his store...
For those who aren't local, but still interested - fear not! There is hope for you through the wonderful, World Wide Web. He sells via Brick Link, eBay, Amazon.
And keep up with what's going on through the
Facebook page.

Alisa, I hope Artie enjoys the video! Thanks for being such a strong supporter of my blog and yes, I'm going to get your kids hooked on Lego!!! 8-)



***I was not endorsed, asked or otherwise coerced into writing this post. Everything I have said is based on my own knowledge and opinion of what I have seen for myself. Your opinion might differ.***

Sunday, February 9, 2014

That Awkward Moment is now in theaters!

Most of us have been there... That moment when you pass the "friends" stage and are beginning to move into the... whatever comes next stage of the relationship. But how do you approach that moment when you realize you are ready to move into the next stage? How do you bring that conversation into being? Or do you have that amazing telepathy to read his/her mind and not even have to ask?
That Awkward Moment is all about couples who are moving along but find themselves stumbling over the moment when they have to embrace a new relationship status or admit they'd rather be alone after all. Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan star as three guys who after Michael's character gets dumped, all agree not to get into a relationship unless they all do it together. However, a night at the bar meant to be a pick-me-up as well as pick up one-night-stands, changes the games for these buddies. One of those funny moments included are self medicating together when confusion strikes... They work together to get through the decisions they face and have plenty of awkward moments throughout

For fun, you can check out this video with quiz to see where you stand in the relationship realm.

Check out the trailer for That Awkward Moment here. Or go to the lineup on YouTube for multiple videos that give you a wide variety of laughs.
So what was your awkward moment? Or one of them if you're like me and have more than you wish to remember... I'd love to hear it! Share a laugh with everyone else.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Jewel Scent Candle review

My husband decided to buy a Jewel Scent Candle after having issues with another ring candle company.
The order was processed and shipped rather quickly even though it was nearly Christmas time. I'd read a lot of great reviews about them on their Facebook page.
It was securely packaged and arrived undamaged. When I opened it, I first noticed that the scent is not as strong as I hoped. I personally prefer candles that are strong enough to fill a room with a delightful smell within several minutes. This one is only noticeable within close proximity.
It's beautifully decorated though. The intricate black and white design makes it a great addition to any room. 


 The ring that I received inside was inside a plastic bag that was wrapped in gold foil. The way the value works for the rings inside is, that if there's a ring in your candle, it's worth anywhere from $10- $100. Anything above that in value will instead be a gold coin of sorts with a claim number stamped on it. You then contact the company and they send you the ring from that claim number. No matter how much mine is worth, it's still a beautiful piece.

 It says on the label that it can burn for 100 hours. Since lighting it this morning, and only snuffing it out for about an hour, it's been burning but only about a fraction of the candle is down.

 So what does this mean and what do I think of them?
I love the design. I love the ring. I personally wish the scent was stronger, but I know some people who have allergies and this type of candle would be better for them. Enough to be pleasing but not overwhelming. I think they make awesome gifts. Yes, it's nice to give candles that have enough aroma to fill a room. But suppose you get something the other person doesn't enjoy like you do? This way they get a sample of a scent and a gorgeous ring.
The candles are made of soy and beeswax. Healthier and natural alternatives. Jewel Scent does have other products in the lineup. And they also come with gems aplenty! Check them out and tell me what you think.

***This review was fully on me. I was not endorsed to say anything. The candle was purchased from Jewel Scent by my husband as a gift. All opinions are my own.***

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

ChildProtect dna analysis review via US Family Guide

I recently wrote about a promotion via US Family Guide for a service from DNA called ChildProtect. Solving crimes is a complex thing that can be moved along and sped up by having certain tools on hand. A DNA analysis is one such tool. When minutes to hours are critical, having your child’s DNA markers ready for law enforcement helps them rule out DNA found at the scene and move on to identifying unknown DNA.
This kit that they send is simple. There is space to keep important information such as name, date of birth, physical markers (birth marks, scars, etc.), nicknames and so on. There is a diagram to mark places on the body that are identifiable. This part you fill out and keep on hand in a safe place (like the safe).

The other part that you send back is a detachable envelope. Inside there are cheek swabs. You swab inside of each cheek for a few seconds. Place it inside the envelope, making sure not to touch the wet end. Then you send it back.
They pay for return shipping. I was a little worried about the envelope as the saliva from the swabs was seeping through it. I don’t know how they protect to make sure that nothing seeps into the envelope and contaminates the samples. Another thing that bugged me, was how long it took. I sent it and waited the 7-10 business days and then waited some more. I checked online thinking I missed the email and needed to check the login page. Finally I received the email that my results were ready. I had an issue checking the results, but after emailing them they fixed it within a day and I got my results.
DDC emails a certificate with the markers outlined and the child’s name on it. I would prefer a real hard copy of the results, as it seems more professional than something I have to print out. They offer the service of having the DNA stored as well as keeping the results online and available for your access for a fee.
Fox News' own Dr. Manny Alvarez has shared information on the importance concerning DNA Fingerprinting. Information provided was, "DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) uses our state-of-the-art, accredited laboratory to construct the DNA profile. Once completed, a certificate of results is created and signed by one of our PhD's. The certificate provides key genetic markers that police use for investigations."
It’s not that bad an idea and could be worth your while in case anything happened involving your child. They do have other services such as paternity tests, immigration DNA tests, forensic testing, adoption testing and more you could check into.  They do have the offer for $50 off using the code Family50. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about this service.

Monday, August 12, 2013

DNA information and discount for a kit through the US Family Guide

When every second counts, a Genetic Fingerprint can potentially save the life of your child. The Ultimate Child Protection Kit is designed to capture all your child's important information so that it is readily available for law enforcement in case of an emergency. The kit comes complete with everything you need including a fingerprinting kit, a DNA profile collection kit, and a place to store all your vital information.
ChildProtect by DNA is the only kit that offers your child's unique DNA. Here's what Fox News Dr. Manny Alvarez has to say about DNA Fingerprinting http://fxn.ws/19CkqWs 
 

DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) uses our state-of-the-art, accredited laboratory to construct the DNA profile. Once completed, a certificate of results is created and signed by one of our PhD's. The certificate provides key genetic markers that police use for investigations. - Save $50, ACT NOW. Use Code FAMILY50.
 
I consider this a growing importance in today's society. I'm having each of my 3 children done so that I'm ready for whatever may come.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Money and time saving meal planning

I really dislike shopping with my kids. It's a lot of, "Mom! I want that!", "Mom, I'm tired.", "Can we go home and play Mario Kart yet?" Or even just straight up "Waaaahhhhh" from being too tired. So I decided to plan my meals ahead. Anywhere from 2 weeks to a whole month, depending on my financial status. I have a list of meals that I know my family loves. I have a list of things we need that I've been writing as things diminish in my pantry and I know we use often.

Knowing your family and their favorites is the most important part. Knowing your schedule is another important factor. I work part time. My husband has a time-consuming Lego hobby. Plus there are the daily tasks and chores of keeping house and home schooling. On the nights I work, my husband has to do the cooking. On the nights I'm off - I pick it up. So when I'm picking meals I have to pick the easy ones for his nights alone. I also try to incorporate things we get on WIC. We get beans, brown rice, cheese, fruits and vegetables, among other things. All healthy stuff. Beans and rice are one of my easy choices for my husband to cook. He likes to add sausage and onion to it.  None of us really like brown rice. So to compromise, we mix half white and half brown. Even my kids love it. It also makes the bag of white rice stretch farther.

When I'm planning, I also check the sales and try to match my meals with them. I print coupons based on what we use and try to match them with stores sales.

So here's how you get started. And yes... It's going to take time and effort, but it pays off later.

Start by making a list. Write meals that you know you and your family eat regularly and love. Know your ingredients or list them with the meals. I keep mine in a notebook but you could use a binder. Especially with the clear page covers so you can just flip through while planning.

Step two, is knowing your budget. We know when big bills are due and plan around them. I prefer to plan at least two weeks at a time, but maybe you can only do a week per stretch. Once you know your budget, count the days and pick a dinner for each one. Throw in a couple of lazy meals. Some days you aren't going to want to cook. So make it something easy to put together or make that the take out night. Either way, writing it into your list will remind you. Then pick breakfast and lunch items to fill in. I always keep peanut butter on hand. Tuna works well too. Snack things like chips, cookies, desserts - whatever little things you need to have on hand get added to your list next.
Now if you're really on a roll and want it super organized, take it a step further and actually list the items by category i.e.- meats, frozen, can aisle, snack aisle... You get the idea? I don't often have the patience and I'm still getting used to my stores here, but sometimes I aim for the ballpark. This makes your trip easier and faster. Also organizing your coupons to match your aisles helps too.
Now the fun part (not) of shopping! Coming home, you might have a kitchen looking something like this picture.
Another thing to keep in mind is how much storage space you have around your kitchen. We are fortunate enough to have a large pantry. But we are limited in freezer space. We don’t buy a large amount of freezer foods at once. Sometimes we have to go back to the store for things like bread, fresh veggies and fruits, or more freezer items.

Sometimes when I buy onions and bell peppers, I will chop them up and keep them in the freezer. Just remember that when you pull them out to cook not to let them stay thawed. They can get a little mushy. Cooking them right away tastes better.
I hope this is helpful in getting you started on meal planning. Be sure and leave a comment on anything you think I missed! Love hearing from you all.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Our historical field trip

Being a homeschooler, one of the best things we get to do are frequent field trips! Most recently we went to the Castillo de San Marcos castle during national park week.
No, it's not a fort as I was used to calling it. One of the living history actors corrected me on that one.
It's a castle because it has a moat and drawbridge. It's a very unique and special shape too. With the diamond corners it provides a perfectly clear view of every angle.
We were there for the cannon firing which happens daily and at certain times.


They have Rangers who give short condensed history lessons. From one of those lessons, we learned all the following facts:

The Castillo de San Marcos was used as a prison by Americans to hold Indians who were being removed from their lands and taken to reservations. Most notably were Apache and also the wives and children of Geronimo.

For over 300 years it was held strong by the Spanish. They finally gave it up in a trading deal to the English to get Cuba back. The English tried and consistently failed to capture the Castillo but never did. And when they did, they tried to hold double its capacity which required renovations and made their soldiers miserable during the summer months.

Prior to the Castillo, there were approximately nine other forts built around town. They were mostly destroyed by termites, fire and sieges though.

The Castillo is built from a special mixture that includes coquina which is a type of tiny shell here. It could actually absorb a cannon ball instead of being totally damaged. However, it had to be cut in over 40,000 blocks, dried over days-years and then built. It took many years to complete it.
The moat never held water. During sieges, it kept livestock and prevented anyone from storming the walls.
The cannons were strategically placed to cover every part of the surrounding areas. The smaller ones could hit up to a mile away which is about where the St. Augustine lighthouse is now. The larger one can go up to three miles. It certainly kept ships far away.

The bathroom pipes were "flushed" by the tides....
If you ever have the chance to be in town and want a special but fun learning adventure - I suggest a trip to the Castillo de San Marcos!