Debt Free Living

The road to financial freedom is indeed a challenge. After settling bills and being free from loans and major obligations, the next step is to stay debt free. If you have been living on debt for so long, it is so easy to bounce back to that lifestyle. It is going to be a wise move to seriously consider money saving tips and apply them for real.

You can switch to using debit cards instead of credit cards, for starters. As soon as the last of your bill is paid off and is reflected to your account, terminate your account as soon as possible. Or else you just might find another reason to use it – a zero interest scheme that you think is a good buy or any other purchase. If you can pay for the monthly installment, it means you can also save for it. It spells out discipline. It might sound too much but this is going to be a real wise move for those who seek financial freedom.

I am currently trying to eliminate unnecessary expenses, among other things that might help lower my bills. Times are hard and we should face it head on by doing our part to maintain the best quality of life our family can have in whatever circumstance.

How to Remove Coffee Stains

The answer to this is the same 'ol baking soda. Aside from filling the stained cup with boiling water, you can try rubbing insde the mug (where the stain is) with baking soda. That is if an overnight soaking in hot water or vinegar does not work.

You can also try rubbing a paste of cornstarch and vinegar on the stained part for a few minutes and then scrub away. A lot of times this is enough.

Road to Financial Freedom

The current worldwide economic crisis may get you to wonder a lot of things. Some of which are, will you ever make it, how long will this last or how does bankruptcy work and when is it time to file for one, if ever.

First off, you need to evaluate and consider debt consolidation if you have a lot of obligations that eats up your monthly income. You might want to check out FinancialFreedomAwaits.com and check with them some wise steps you can do to get you back to financial freedom and even consider government debt consolidation loans. It is always wiser to consolidate debts rather and track one account rather than paying off a lot of loans at one time, which can be overwhelming.

Health Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon

It was in July 29, 2007 that I have posted the great benefits of Honey and Cinnamon in my main blog, MarriageandBeyond.com. Honestly, I have not looked into it for a while now and thought of getting it tested once again. I bought my brand new jar of Cinnamon last night and I hope to review the things that I could use it for.

You might want to check out the above link to read more about its health benefits.

Settlement Capital Corp.

During this time when a whole lot of financial industries are shaky, it is always wise to rely on those who have been able to build a reputation of reliability like that of Settlement Capital Corporation. This structured settlement company was founded in 1988, Dallas, Texas. Now has very well established its market for structured settlements, royalties, annuities, lottery winnings, government and commercial contracts and other future payment obligations.

SCC is an investment company and structured settlement broker that boasts of years of expertise in the field. Reliability and high quality service are just the least that their clients can attest to. The services they offer include purchasing structured settlement annuity and assist owners and holders of such the liquidity from their future payments.

Settlement Capital Corporation or SCC is dedicated to the highest ethical and professional standards, which guarantees the quality of service that a lot of clients vouch for. This is also one of the reasons why investment partners give this corporation the priority. If it is selling future annuity payments that you are looking into, your best choice will only be SCC. The name could actually speak for itself and the best part of it all is that you will always be offered the Best Price Guarantee to further elevate your buying power. It will be best to head over their web page and get yourself a free quotation or better yet call them at 1(800)959-0006.

Things to Remember When Using Pesticides

All these are common sense. But still it helps to be aware of them before handling pesticides. If you could at all use organic treatments, do so.

DO's
...Make sure to read and follow directions to the letter. Taking note of every warning.

...Always make sure you only mix pesticides in a well ventilated area.

...Use gloves at all times.

...Keep pesticides in its original container. It is often harmful to transfer containers.

..Store them in locked, well ventilated area.

...Always wrap empty cans in layer upon layers of old newspapers before throwing them away.

...Make sure to exhaust all gas from pressurized cans before throwing them away.

...Remove food, utensils, pets, dishes before spraying indoors.

DONT's
...use pesticides near children and pets.

...smoke, eat, drink or chew gum.

...inhale vapors, sprays or dust

...store pesticides around food.

...dump in places where it will endanger fish or contaminate water

...re-enter a treated room for one hour from the time that it was sprayed.

CosmoTV

Technology these days is practically unstoppable. It just gets better by the day and as if internet advertising is neat enough, wait until you actually see what Cozmo Media has got in store for all of us. There have been undeniably profound changes in online over the last couple of years. You will not believe how much video is available for everyone’s access in the internet, with YouTube and other media sharing sites.

Cozmo TV is taking this media advantage to a higher level by making it available for owners of web pages to reach the very people that they intend to reach. This is perfect for those who would like to have their product and services reach in a more massive level.

The CozmoTV widget is so easy to create that it is done in minutes. But still it is dynamic enough to be customized in ways and get in one widget more than just one channel of video. Media producers, website affiliates and even advertisers will benefit a great deal.

The great thing about CozmoTV is that it helps the online community by giving access to the precise video they are looking from the keyword results. You might want to get your own widget here and learn more about it.

Tips to Get Rid of Candlewax

An easy way to remove candlewax from the candle holder is to place it inside the freezer for an hour or so. Take out the candlestick and the wax will be easier to peel off. Wash the candle holders and wipe dry.

If you are in a hurry and cannot wait for an hour, then run the holders under very hot water. Cover your finger with a soft linen and push the wax off.

If candles drip into your furnishings, scrape as much as you can from the furniture with a fingernail or a plastic spatula. Rub the remaining into the wood with a soft, clean linen.

If it is a candle wax on the table cloth is what you are trying to take off, then you can make use of an ice cube to harden it and then later scrape off the wax with a spatula. Cover any remaining wax with paper towels under and on top of the table cloth and press with a warm iron. Make sure to change paper towels as the wax is absorbed. Wash the table cloth as soon as the candlewax comes off.

Quality Custom Homes

If you have not read about the Schumacher Homes Press, it is about time you head over the site and read through several reviews from the business sector and those from clients. With the current global economic crisis, the least we could do is spend our hard earned money wisely. Major purchases should be well thought and planned about, especially if you plan to buy your very own home.

Truth be told, in the long run, it will turn out to be cheaper to buy your own home than continue to pay the rent month in and month out for something that will never be yours. The good thing is with Schumacher Homes, you don’t have to settle for substandard. They build quality custom homes.

Brown Rice is Healthier

I honestly believe that because I have been giving no less than brown rice to my son from infancy, he is healthier than the average kid. I don't give him synthetic vitamins and supplements that are usually available in the market. All natural for this little guy.

When he was still an infant, I would finely grind the rice before I have it cooked. Being able to invest in a reliable grinder is neat. More than three years after and it still serves this household when I cook and bake.

Some say brown rice tastes different. It does because it's way tastier than the regular rice. But the thing is you have to know how to cook it right for you to be able to get that perfect texture. I will post the procedure later. :-)

SeattleLuxe Mailboxes

After having lost a couple of mails over the holidays (one of which is a billing statement from my previous internet provider, which led to the disconnection), we are resolved to get our home our very own mailbox. Our internet connection was later reconnected after I have settled the bill. But who needs this kind of hassle when the solution is easy. We see that the culprit is the absence of mailbox for the mailman to leave them.

Meanwhile as I was browsing through different sites, I have stumbled upon a great site to choose our perfect home mailbox from. SeattleLuxe is able to do custom ones which are anti theft and provides multiple units, which I am really looking into. They have varieties of mailboxes and they have low price guarantee. Beating competitors by 5%. Feel free to call and inquire 1-800-325-6262.

Shampooing Your Carpets

Do you know that that the easiest way to clean carpets is to clean it with an aerosol spray foam especially made for carpets that are sold in supermarkets? Make sure the windows are open to ventilate the room and speed up the drying.

If you can, do remove all furnishings that are placed on top of the carpet for even cleaning. If there are items that cannot be removed, wwrap them with aluminnum foil wrappers around the legs. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly, especially heavily soiled parts.

Shake the can vigorously and spray a small foam on an inconspicuous part of the carpet and see if the color didn't change. Give it at least 10 minutes, if there's no change proceed to spray foam over the entire carpet. When the carpet is dry, it is time to vacuum the entire carpet.

A Bright and Shiny Search Homepage

I spend more than six hours a day working on the computer and one of the most frequent places I go to is the search page. Who does not, right? It is possibly the single most important page there is in the world wide web and likely the home page of those who regularly use the internet. The search page is the single most handy place even a newbie could easily figure out. Just typing in what you are looking for and you are given a handful of engine results.

Students for one can easily do research and a whole lot of other things via the search page. And we all know how easy it is to get into facebook and all those fresh news via your top menu bar of your homepage. Now while we are at it, wouldn’t it be nice if the site we most frequent is all jazzed up? Shiny Search makes your search homepage bright and shiny like it should be. You get to select your style and have your name pasted instead of the usual boring one. The hubby’s favorite is the Matrix theme, mine is the pink flower border. These are perfect for each of our workstation.

Total Detox

I encourage readers of this blog to check out one of the hubby's blog on Total Detoxification. Admittedly, we are having a hard time taking out steaks and meat out of our daily diets, but we try.

I am currently taking Dr. Tam Mateo's Miracle Tea and I hope it would help take care of my withstanding health issues. Health is wealth. As true as genes will always be there to dictate what sickness we are susceptible to, there will always be something that we can do to manage our own bodies.

We are all exposed to free radicals from the environment and the food we eat. This is the prime reason that detoxification should be done in a regular basis. Please visit this health blog to learn a thing or two about detox.

Women Issues

Women issues. There are a few of them. One of them is getting pregnant. After having had miscarried twice already, I am always on the look out whether I am in the safe period or not. I was especially anxious the first months after my last miscarriage. What was extra frustrating is I do not have the liberty to take contraceptive pills like most women do. Being hypersensitive to medications, I tend to develop gastritis or the like, during the attempts that I try.

This is why an ovulation calendar is a must have for me. I am not the kind who would bother to take temperatures and count days every so often. All I have to do is input the first day of my last period and the calendar automatically calculates for me and will alert me when it is safe or not. Talk about convenience.

What’s neat about this is whether you are trying to conceive or otherwise, this calendar can prove to be handy for women to track when the best time to try is and when to avoid if it is otherwise. You can check out the ovulation calendar from Gurgle.com and sign up for an account to get free alerts.

Enjoying My Workouts at Home

It is now more than one week that I am regularly doing my exercises. Having stopped playing badminton when I got pregnant with my son four years ago, this for me is a feat. Please don't get me wrong- badminton, or any other sport for that matter, is not prohibited to be done by pregnant women. It was just that I was advised by my doc to keep strenuous activities at bay towards the end of my first trimester.

It is just the neatest that I was able to get back to regularly doing at least 30 minute yoga and aerobic exercises this past week and I commit to do it faithfully, now that I am able to do it right from home. I tried going to the gym a few times, but that's not for me.

I attempted to do tae boxing last year, but stopped on the second try. I bought some belly dancing stuff as well, but it is stashed away somewhere, as well. Wii Fit is doing wonders to me and I am the happiest to feel so much better. I was sore the first couple of days but I feel so good now, I have no intention to stop working out. Especially now that I can do it right from home. Nintendo is not paying me a penny to promote this product. I really just strongly recomment Wii Fit to those who have got not much of an extra time to spend away from home. This is just the perfect one for me. I am currently working from home and soon to home school my son. I have no household help, except for the weekends when I get my cleaning lady over to do some general cleaning. But I basically do everything around the house. Thirty minutes is enough to put aside for my physical exercise. I love that I have my personal trainer to coach me through and I could switch trainers too at my whim. I never thought I would enjoy working out like I do now.

Meanwhile, I seriously have to purchase a decent yoga mat. My back cannot take my cold tiled floor anymore during those few yoga poses that I have unlocked. :-)

The Internet's Endless Potentials

The worldwide web has provided us with the benefits that we never have thought possible some decades back. I always knew that it was one neat thing back when I was still in grade school and it continued on the progressing to how it is now to this day. Now that I am able to make my living right from home , maximizing the potential of technology to our advantage, what could be more sweeter, right?

One of the things that I love most about the internet is I am able to transact with banks and online shops at the convenience of my own home. I wouldn’t have to step away from home to be able to do my errands and replenish some necessities at home. It can even be fun! Currently I am exploring online auctions and getting a thrill from it. It is nice to be able to find items that are otherwise instinct in your part of the world.

I am amazed at the number of blogger friends and acquaintances that I have who have met their respective spouses via the internet and started out via online dating. Although the truth remains that one could always choose what he or she reveals to the other party what s/he wants known. Still we cannot deny the number of successful marriages that started out via the internet. I guess it is important that both have the same values to be able to come to an agreement.

The internet's possibilities have practically gone endless. It is up to us to tap into it and maximize its potentials. :-)

Kitchen Order

How do you get rid of kitchen clutter and put it right back in order. Go through each drawer and shelf and check for unnecessary items. No one needs four can openers in a kitchen, right? Give those extra items away to give way to a roomier kitchen.

Sort things out. Like the rearely used items and utensils, like the egg slicer, lobster claw crackers, cookie cutters and store them in the most distant drawer or shelf. It would be nice to get a box out that would serve the purpose.

Custom Homes

If it is issues about homes, count me in to know a thing or two. Having been seven years married, the first five years, we transferred to four different apartments. During the move to the last apartment we transferred to which was located on the third floor without fire exits. We prayerfully claimed that it was going to be the last apartment that we will be renting and the next move will be to our very own home.

The Lord was gracious to have given us our hearts’ desire. Paying for the rent every single month for something that will never be yours and you have no say about, can be very frustrating. This is in addition to having to relate with landlords who do not follow through with agreements. Like what we had. They agreed to build a fire exit that will be deducted from our rent, but it never came to pass. This is just one of the many frustrations of not having your own home.

Incidentally, there is just the perfect company that is able to build that dream home that is otherwise unaffordable and unrealizable. Schumacher Homes has definitely made a name for itself as people who they have built homes for continue to rave about their dream homes coming into reality. I have been reading a lot of reviews and recommendations all over the web for their quality construction and affordable pricing schemes. If you are located in the United States and you are looking into finally building your very own custom home, make sure you check them out.

Emergencies on the Road

It is a blessing that I haven't gotten myself stuck on the road with the 1989 model car that I drive. If ever I would not know what to do, let alone tinker with the engine. If I ever would be, there are a few things that I know that I should do to warn motorists.

Open the hood and turn on the hazard warning flashers. Maybe tie a distress flag around the window or even the antenna and take out some warning flares some feet from the rear and front of the car, if I need to. I may not know how to change tires, but these warning signs could help me somehow until help comes. This is why it is very important to keep the emergency kit at the trunk of the car.

BrigadeQM Gears and Accessories

In the last couple of months, my husband has been looking into quality military gears, even as the shoes that was recently issued to him was not the most comfortable. He is working his way to be a chaplain of the armed forces and being geared up is part of the package. They even went into some trainings, to say the least.

For military gear and accessories, there is this world renowned company dedicated to just that. That is BrigadeQM.com. They have been in the industry for thirty years. Designing and producing products that are all but quality for the firearms industry. They make sure to only use military grade materials which are exclusive to them, with no less than a lifetime guarantee to boot.

You are even warranted the best service in gun maintenance and excellent repair service by Tapco. I believe that it is important to know that who you are trusting is worthy enough to stake your life on. This is the value that BrigadeQM stands on. You are sure to get the best quality of products that have been trusted by government and institutional customer segments through retail. Head over to their site for more details.

Save Energy When Using Your Oven

Always make sure racks are arrranged in an overn before ever using it. It does not only save heat but makes baking and cooking safer.

If you are oven roasting for over an hour, make sur that you start it in a cold oven and cook it in the prescribed time. Normally, pre heating is not really necessary. Reserve preheating for baking.

Free Credit Report

With all the previous talks about financial freedom, even taking steps towards being free of debts, one of the basic things to jump start and get on the right foot this new year is get a totally free credit report. This will enable you to get hold of what your running credit score is and allow you to see where you stand financially.

From here you will know how much of help you would need and get started. It is always best to choose a free credit score than to have to pay for one when you are trying to be free of debt in the first place. And a place where you can get just that is totallyfreecreditreport.org. They are able to provide you an accurate 3 in 1 credit report within five minutes. You can also avail of the free identity theft monitoring that they provide with their service.

We are all aware how rampant identity theft has been going on all around the world, especially in America. No more unauthorized charge on your credit cards from this day forward. Protecting your identity is now made necessary or else it could be a matter of time until technology will go against you.

Getting Rid of Collected Dirt

One of the things that one has to do after collecting dirt with a dust mop or a feather duster (if you happen to still use one) is get rid of it. Unlike a vacuum cleaner that has a designed collector, a dust mop has to be placed inside a paper or plastic bag. Shake the mop or duster vigorously to get rid of the collected dust and dirt.

Owning a House Over Renting

Home sweet home. This is what we feel whenever we are in our own abode. Seven years ago we wouldn’t have imagined that we were to be blessed by a place of our own. It was during the last of the five times we transferred homes that we prayed and claimed that the next transfer we’ll do will be to our own home. God’s grace allowed this dream to come to pass and now here we are. Truth to tell, often times it is really better to pay for your own place than continue paying rent month in and month out, for something that will never be yours. Fact is, what we currently pay for our month mortgage is only approximately $12 higher than the last apartment that we rented. Incidentally, if you would like to settle in Louisiana, Tulsa, Oklahoma or Shreveport you have to check with tulsa real estate via Remax-Louisiana.com for your ultimate source of great deals on foreclosed properties, even luxury ones.

Most economists would agree that as true as the market is down, it is the best time to invest and this stands true to current financial crisis that has gone worldwide. Real estate has always been a great investment.

Pillows for Different Purposes

Do you know that there are different pillows that cater to different purposes? For reading in bed, choose a pillow with firm support. The pillow you sleep on should be soft.

As a rule pillow should just be thick enough to hold your head in the same relation to your shoulders and spine as you are standing. If you sleep mostly on your side, you would need a thick pillow and for those who sleep on their tummies, a thin one.

If you are allergic, you might want to check with polyester fiberfill ones. These are available in varied softness. Choose the one that best fits you. These kind of pillows aren't as fluffy as feather ones. But they are defintely less likely to give you rash.

Shumacher Homes - Winner in Custom Home Building

If you have not heard about Shumacher Homes, then it is about time that you go check out their website and be amazed over the beautiful homes that they have created for over sixteen years. They have creatively combined custom and value, which is not very common. Very often, you have to choose between the two.

They make what is normally impossible to build at a given rate come to existence. It is not surprising anymore why this company has bagged several awards and if you have not read an article yet, you would want to go to If you have not heard about Shumacher homes, then it is about time that you go check out their website and be amazed over the beautiful homes that they have created for over sixteen years. They have creatively combined custom and value, which is not very common. Very often, you have to choose between the two. They make what is normally impossible to build at a given rate come to existence. It is not surprising anymore why this company has bagged several awards and if you have not read an article yet, you would want to go to Schumacher Homes Press to read one after another. Shumacher Homes is chosen by Greater Akron Chamber’s Small Business Council as the 2008 Excellence in Business award winner.

Yes, lands are pricey. But once you get a hold of the place for your home, they make it possible for you to own your dream home at a very reasonable price. Why then would you settle for less and the usual low cost construction when you can have the design for the house of your dreams at fairly the same rate? Their quality construction and award winning designs are far from second best. They build the home of your dreams all across the United States.

Bed Rail for Your Toddler

Purchasing a bed railing for my son was one of the best things I have ever done when he was yet an infant. It was not until he fell from the bed around four times did we purchase one. I should have bought it early on. It is such a jewel and it is still being used up to now that he is going four years old.

Water Restoration and Household Management

Juggling chores around the house can be pretty crazy. There are easy days when things fall into place. It helps a whole lot when I do not stress myself out and let things be. Everyone pretty much abhors clutter. I make sure that I get to things right away or else I have a tendency to just delay for days which is not good.

I appreciate it a lot that I was able to hire the services of a diligent weekend girl to do my once a week cleaning for me. This takes a heavy burden off my back. It is to my advantage that I have a tiny house to manage.

For those of you who need experts to take care of your Wet Basement, make sure to check with WaterRestoration911.com. You are sure to have them in your doorstep within thirty minutes from the time of your call, if you are within the continental United States.

You should always keep contact details of services like these handy, just in case you might need it in the future. Especially when it comes to emergencies, you can’t afford to waste time figuring out when you can have experts take care of the job.

Use Illuminating Switches or Stickers

You don't have to grope in the dark to get a hold of the switch. This is something we have to find a solution for when we first transferred to our new home. Our contractor did not use illuminating switches. The newly installed ones are too new to be replaced. What we did is we bought small stickers that are meant to be placed on switches and that's what we did and it instantaneously solved our problem.

Handling Finances

I have mentioned in one of my more previous entries that this is the best time to take steps toward debt management, if you still have some left carried over from 2008. Being able to free yourself from any outstanding loans will more than just relieve you. It will also be a good training towards discipline. Living within your means is easier said than done. What with all the advertisements enticing you of your need for things to survive!

Truth to tell, a lot of people have gotten deep into this issue because of either payday loans or credit card debts. Ideally loans should be availed only in case of emergency and credit cards should be for those who are responsible enough to pay the monthly installment that was availed in zero interest purchase. It can also prove to be convenient way to shop – minus having to bring cash with you. But this will only work if you consider paying it off right away the minute you get the chance to.

The privilege of getting a loan and being able to use credit cards always come with responsibility otherwise you might just find yourself in neck deep debt with crazy interest that you end up paying instead of the principal amount.

This is the best time to rethink the way we handle our finances.

Easier Way to Clean Chandeliers

If at all, cleaning chandeliers can be anything but easy. As intimidating as it is this is something one has got to do one time or another. Otherwise the purpose of putting up one defeats its aesthetic purpose. You don't just leave this centerpiece of a room to collect dust for years without maintaing it.

Here's an easier way to clean your chandelier. Place a set of towels across the floor right under the chandelier. Spread sets of newspaper over th towels. Cover each bulb with a small plastic bag to protect them from the moisture. Spray generous amount of window cleaner on each pendant such that dirt would easily run off onto the newspaper.

You can either drip dry the pendants or polish them with a soft cloth to let them shine. Happy cleaning! :-)

Advancement through IT

It was in the 1980’s when I first got acquainted with a personal computer. I was in grade school then and computers still run on DOS with those green texts. Six years and a couple of decades after, we have all gone to unbelievable levels of technology that it is practically impossible to live without it. It has since ceased to be a luxury. Rather a necessary unit in the household. Even the simplest ones own at least a technology that was not yet made available back then.

Suffice it to say, businesses are dead without technology. The higher kind of technology you use improves the likelihood of success. If you are in a business, you might want to check with manhattan it consulting. Head over to icorps.com. Truth to tell, the IT industry can be a very detailed and dynamic one and you don’t really have to be an expert to take your business to the next level. A business man will definitely benefit from their support services. The IT solutions will provide advancement to the product and service that you offer, whether online or otherwise.

Make sure you make that upgrade by the advancement of efficiency that will be provided by the IT experts from Manhattan IT consulting.

NO to Microwave

When the helper from my mom's house went to mine and asked to have their left over food nuked, I got reminded why I had to let go of our almost 7 year old microwave. I told them that we don't microwave food anymore. My folks just got back from the States and as expected they got used to nuking food over cooking/heating the conventional way.

Here's a snip from HerbalHealer.com:

Is it possible that millions of people are ignorantly sacrificing their health
in exchange for the convenience of microwave ovens? Why did the Soviet Union ban
the use of microwave ovens in 1976? Who invented microwave ovens, and why? The
answers to these questions may shock you into throwing your microwave oven in
the trash.

Over 90% of American homes have microwave ovens used for meal
preparation. Because microwave ovens are so convenient and energy efficient, as
compared to conventional ovens, very few homes or restaurants are without them.
In general, people believe that whatever a microwave oven does to foods cooked
in it doesn't have any negative effect on either the food or them. Of course, if
microwave ovens were really harmful, our government would never allow them on
the market, would they? Would they? Regardless of what has been "officially"
released concerning microwave ovens, we have personally stopped using ours based
on the research facts outlined in this article.

The purpose of this report is to show proof - evidence - that microwave cooking is not natural, nor healthy, and is far more dangerous to the human body than anyone could imagine. However, the microwave oven manufacturers, Washington City politics, and plain old human nature are suppressing the facts and evidence. Because of this, people are continuing to microwave their food - in blissful ignorance - without knowing the effects and danger of doing so.

Taking Steps Towards Financial Freedom

If there was anything that the hubby and I did right in settling our major obligations in 2008 it was debt consolidation. The previous years have gotten us in medical bill debt that we thought we would have to shoulder for several more years.

Being able to consolidate debts made it easy for us to keep track of everything in one account rather than keep a record of several accounts. It was a blessing that we were able to keep interest to a minimum which is also one of the reasons why we easily got off those debts. We even managed to terminate credit cards, which we are very happy about. We decided that we will keep a couple for each of us. What’s more is if any of the couple of credit card companies we are still with decides to charge us with annual fee, we are free to end our relations with them. This reason always works for me, an agent will have a supervisor speak with me and they will happily waive the annual fee without fuss. The cards are just around for emergency purposes and if we need to buy anything at all, which we pay right away.

It would be a great goal to make to be free of any outstanding debt or at least take steps towards paying off major ones. If it is government debt help that you need, check with 3debtconsolidation.com.

Bedroom Upkeep

Here is a tip to keep your bedspread clean. Every day upon waking up, make the bed by pulling up the spread halfway and fold it over on itself. You are actually protecting the spread from daily dirt and wear. It is also neat enough to look at.

Family Bonding Time at Home

Our family has immensely enjoyed bonding together especially this last couple of days. While the interest for playing Wii has waned for some, we are just starting. Late bloomers, all right. But we are definitely having the time of our lives. It was just timely that we recently just got ourselves a 32” LCD TV. It is the gift that the hubby and I decided to buy for ourselves when our marriage turned seven years old.

As I shared in my main web page, this current rave has definitely gotten be back to some physical exercise. I appreciate the fact that we chose this LCD that we now have amongst all the other TVs we have canvassed. Its size is perfect for the size of room that we have. Big enough for us to really enjoy the games and workout, but does not overwhelm the room. I believe the size of the television is really a big factor when it comes to partnering it with a game console, like what we have.

It also gives us an almost theatre like experience whenever we just want to unwind and just hangout to watch some interesting movies. Nothing beats bonding time with the family right at the comforts of your own home.

Hanging Plants

Ideally, hanging plants should have saucers to catch water. If it does not have one, make use of a plastic shower cap and place it across the bottom of the basket or pot while watering it to catch the drips and protect your floor.

Mobiles and GPS

What are the things you can't do without? Personally, I can only remember a time when people were loaded with pagers/beepers and only a few were with mobiles. Currently, just about everyone owns at least one mobile, some even a handy GPS. A Global Position Gadget replaces a traditional map and can prove to be a traveler's treasure.

Houseplants and Repotting

You can tell that it is time to repot your root bound plants by tapping the plant out of the pot and inspecting the rootball and it has become very thick.

You should repot and transfer the plant to a one size larger pot or else over watering is encouraged and could later result to its premature death.

If you happen to be leaving your house for a vacation, you would like to keep it health by watering it wall before you leave and completely enclose them in a clean plastic bag. Make sure you tie it securely at the top and the bottom. This will keep the plant hydrated for at least a month. Make sure to place the plant in northern light. Untie the top as soon as you return, but do not completely take off the plastic. Allow the plant to adjust to the room air and let it free from the covering completely only a day after.

Wardrobe Makeover

The start of the year is the best time to rearrange your closet. After having received bunches of additions to your wardrobe during the holidays, it is always best to give some of your old stuff away. A lot of us accumulate articles of clothings over the years that we barely use and as we change wardrobes, it is only right to clean up and rid your closet from clothes you barely use.

One of the things in my to do list for the first quarter of this year is a wardrobe makeover. I recently just got rid of my old socks. And if socks are one of your everyday clothing basics, then you should look into Hue Socks. A lot of women prefer their socks over the regular ones because of its matchless comfort, ever durable – lasting for a real long time. Their body sock stay up without the feeling of uncomfortable tightness that you usually get from other brands. I remember having been stuck with the brands to that got me to adjust and pull up. Hue’s cotton body socks are just a treasure for a working girl, to say the least.

As for my old socks, I really have to think of a clever way to dispose them off. Besides, it is something you don’t give away as hand me downs, right? Any bright ideas?

Auto Repair Principles Place

Do you have battery issues with your car? Or do you happen to just know how to drive but barely know how to change tires, like me? Maybe you would even want to learn the mechanics of maintaining your car and quit being in the mercies of your usual auto mechanic who charges you a lot for the smallest job that is done in your car?As much as this is a site that provides tips and hints for random things, when it comes to cars, driving is all I know about it. So I hope to head you over to the hubby's auto blog - Learn Auto Repair Principles.

Nip and Tuck

What better way to start the year than to reassess your diet and get down to really eating healthy. Others resort to taking pills that suppress their appetites. But if truth be told, you would really have to get rid of those extra folds when you lost all those fats, right?

Weight loss issues are aplenty over the blogosphere alone as I have observed. I consider myself fortunate to have acquired good genes because I have not tipped an extra pound from when I was single up to this time, a baby later. Except of course for the close to 30 pounds that I have gained when I was pregnant- 26 lbs. to be exact. For some, it means having to go through a more invasive procedure like a tummy tuck or even a breast uplift uk

If it is this procedure that you need, you have to go to no less than Mya.co.uk if you want yours done the best way. This type of surgery is done by taking out the excess skin (from below-to make it inconspicuous) that is caused by weight loss or even pregnancy.

Do you know that there are two types of this kind of surgery? The mini and full tummy tuck, both under general anaesthesia. This type of procedure, like a tummy tuck as well, might be what you might need to finally get down to losing those unwanted poundage. Check out their site and learn more about nip and tuck.

File Those Bills Payment Receipts!

As organized as I try to be, for some reason, I lost one $13 credit card payment receipt during the holidays. I was shocked to receive a billing statement over email with an amount that of more than $31 than I expect. I make sure I pay the full amount of my bill before the due date, so alarmed as I was, I called Citibank to ask for the breakdown. It turned out, I got penalized and the payment never got through. I always pay via the bank and thought maybe the bank failed to upload the payments over the holidays.

After rummaging for all probable place I could have placed it, I finally saw the receipt which was collected alongside all the other receipts (probably by my weekend cleaning girl), it's on top of the fridge. I found out that the account number that it got credited in was the old Citibank credit card that was long terminated. I called Citiphone again (for the fourth time) and they saw that the payment was indeed credited to the terminated account. I faxed the transaction receipt and they are going to reverse all charges very soon! Whew!

I always file my receipts, but because of busyness and because of the amount of the receipt was too small to bother with, I took for granted to keep it until I receive a confirmation of the receipt of payment. No, I don't keep my receipts for ages to gather dust and all. I have my email archive to do the job- a confirmation receipt is enough. Another lesson learned by yours truly. As much as I was confident that I paid my obligation, it was not enough. I have got to get hold of the receipt for proof until it gets credited and I have received confirmation.

Meanwhile, I am happy that I don't need to pay that extra $31 (charges and penalty) for that would have been treated as $13 unpaid bill. Atleast the company gave me credit for the good standing and prompt payments I have always had with them. :-)

Shumacher Homes

We all know how pricey lands are these days. This is probably because it is one of the investments that gets scarce by the day. The reason is obvious, we only have so much land all over the earth that the little we have left are given so much value. If you are looking into constructing your home, it is always best to go to the one that has reputation for quality standard.

You will be read from Schumacher Homes Press the many recommendations and awards that Shumacher Homes have bagged ever since it has joined the industry of real estate. Like for instance, last August 8, 2008, Greater Akron Chamber’s Small Business Council chose Shumacher Homes as the 2008 Excellence in Business award winner. For one, this award is only given to businesses that gave outstanding performance and have made a considerable impact not just the business industry but to the community as well.

Shumacker Homes, if you haven’t heard of it yet, is a company the custom builds a home. They currently builds beautiful homes in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and a lot of other states. Head out to their web page and learn more about them.

Posting of Weekly Menu

If you are a work from home mom like me, chances are the major part of your household chores is preparing the menu for each of the three meals a day, week in and week out. It is often a treat to just eat out, or order in. But this is not the case if you have a budget to consider, like I do.

Getting down to listing down the recipe should be done in the most relaxed day of the week. Putting it all together from a collection as you plan out your week will be relief, knowing you know what ingredients to buy ahead of time.

This will prove to be beneficial even as you become more efficient in doing the things you need to do, not having to crank out every single time you are left with little time to prepare your meal.

Watch Style

Most of us have our little indulgences. For some it is shoes, some bags, watches, jewelries, perfumes, et.al. I know a handful of people who have a closet full of shoes. Whatever it is that you collect, it is wise to get your collection a place of its own. For one, why would you collect if you would have them sit around in disarray, right? It is one thing to be a collector and it is another to be a hoarder. What makes one different from the other is the way you handle your supposed collection.

Incidentally, I chanced upon this website that has a selection of lovely Watch Bands. To date, I have only kept one Swiss watch and it is now more than a decade old. I have no idea anymore whatever happened to all the other watches I have had. This site carries brand name watch bands for high end watches. I am currently looking for bands and straps to match my Bulova watch.

What is so sweet about thiese bands is that HIRSCH Artisanal leather ones are handcrafter no less and those babies are even 100m water resistant and guaranteed with no allergy system. Head over the site if you would like to spark up your watch plain or not, for that band replacement, even just for the sake of a band change.

Pack Away Time

This is the time of the year that you have to gather all those Christmas ornaments to properly store them. But the question is how does one do it the organized way?

Before going to properly storing away those decors, try to decide if you can if you will use the same ornaments or would want to give them away. Storing things that you know you will not use anymore is not wise.

The next question is, is there really an easy way to packing away those Christmas decorations? In fact there is and I hope to share with you, my dear readers, the basics. First is, put on labels for easy access to them in the future. Keep lights and ornaments for the Christmas tree in one box, for instance and properly label them. Use plastic wraps, bubble wraps, for example to protect the some delicate trimmings and crystals, if any.

Packing away does not really need to be overwhelming. If you apply the said system, things will be more easy than it seems.

Stay Safe

Whether it is a simple plumbing job or a home project you are to take care of, it is always wise to make sure you have got the safety equipment you need. For example, you are taking care of a welding job in your home, a mask is necessary to keep you safe. This is something we cannot take for granted.

How about fire extinguishers? Even homes should each have one. These little things can actually count so much in times of emergency crisis.

Conserve Energy by Installing an Automatic Setback Thermostat

Do you know that you can conserve energy and cut down your heating bills by 7 to 12 percent by using an automatic setback thermostat? It's true. The fact that this can be programmed to lower the heat or cool the air while everyone is out during the day, it can do a lot to save you money.

In this hard times, it is always best to look into the little things we often take for granted. These little things pile up and could actually be of help as you take care of your family budget and even prove environment friendly.

Tips To Make Work More Efficient

Some principles I learned from a leadership seminar are 1) using the right tools for doing a particular job and, 2) making sure that the tool is prepared for the job it will be used for. These two principles are very simple but, in my own experience, have been very effective.

For example, when cutting wood, it is not wise to use a hammer to cut through it. A screwdriver won’t do any good as well. Using an axe or a chainsaw, the right tool, will not only lessen the effort exerted but also shorten the time that is used to finish the job.

Another example is in the marine industry, the use of a Material Handling System provides materials handling solutions through the use of mobile gantry cranes. This equipment allows for faster and safer handling of very large and bulky materials that are difficult to move and handle. Shuttlelift.com offers these Gantry Cranes that provides greater efficiency for its users.

Aside from using the right tools, preparing the tools and making sure that they are in their best shape is also essential. A sharpened axe is much more efficient tha a dull one. Similarly, Gantry Cranes that are engineered for higher duty cycles and greater ground speed creates greater efficiency.

How to Kepp Cut Flower Fresh Longer

Always pick flowers early in the morning or early evening. Wrap theou use a in paper towels around the stems until you get them inside the house and immediately immerse the stems into a container of water.

Before immersion, cut the stems at an angle and put them in a pail of tepid water. Please make sure you use a sharp knife and not scissors. Scissors will compress the stems and will not allow the water to freely seep in them.

Keep the vase where you put the flowers away from drafts, including fans and air conditioners, even out of direct sunlight.

Travelling with Family

While travelers must be on their way back to their homes at this time of the year to go right back to their regular routine, it can also be the height of excitement for some to get down on planning their next vacation. The holidays are the perfect time to do all the travelling you want to do.

Exploring places, even local sceneries are the things we hope to do with the whole family. If you happen to be traveling around the city, it will be best if you avail of LaGuardia Airport Car Service. They provide shuttle services that are very affordable, the most reliable ever to transport you and your team between residences, hotels or wherever you would like to go to around New York, Westchester, Connecticut, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports. This will lessen the hassle of going around places that you would rather be an inconvenience if you have no transport service that you could rely on.

This will definitely boost the quality of holiday vacation you have, taking out this issue from the equation and all you need to do is enjoy the sceneries with friends and loved ones.
Meanwhile, the whole family is looking forward to an extended vacation even as we welcome back my folks who is flying from the States in six days.

Cupboard Cleanup

This is my next project. My cupboard now is okay, but there are just some things that have to go already. Things that don't get used for months should really be inside the cabinet rather than sit on the cupboard to gather dust.

Will be going down to do this as soon as the holiday events have settled down. Maybe early next week. Meanwhile I have more cookies to bake for my friends' kids who are coming over tomorrow. :-)

Water Restoration 911

It is always wise to have the household essentials checked at the beginning of the year. Being ready for anything like making sure you know what to do when there is Sewage Backup. It is best to be ready for any storm, even before your flooded home needs cleaning up. Prevention is always better than cure. Sewage contains all those bacteria and viruses and the question is how to contain them or even know how to get them cleaned up and rebuilt if the time comes.

WaterRestoration911.com will come in handy for such need. Their team has got the expertise to restore your home to become clean and dry again. Their twelve years of experience backs up this claim and they are even recommended by some insurance companies.

Having a backed up sewage line can be the most frustrating, not to mention disgusting events a home can ever have. A lot of home emergencies like this can be a complete disaster but having the right people do the dirty job for you will make all the difference. The key is to know where the problem lies and take it from the root. Very often it is more than just a simple plumbing job. Check out WaterRestoration911.com for more details.

Cleaning Venetial Blinds

As much as we hope it is as easy as just dusting, if you really want to get those blinds cleaned, you have got to take them down and wash them in water and detergent in the bath tub. Scrub with care. When they are clean, rinse them very thoroughly. and hang them along the shower curtain rod. Make sure you got all the rugs placed on the bathroom floor so as not to get it all wet.

Starting the Year Right

Starting the year right is the way to do it if we want to survive the global financial crisis. If you left the year 2008 burdened with debts, you don’t have to carry that burden over to this year helplessly. As with every other problem, big or small, the first step to recovery is admission. If it is debt help that you need, you have got to get real and admit it first to yourself that you need help with debt.

For some the goal to financial freedom is far off, but this does not mean impossible. Doing one step at a time will get you towards the goal. According to one of Suze Orman’s debt solutions is start off with a realistic budget. If you are at all to have a credit card, make sure to avail of the low rate ones.

As you figure out your budget, always write down to prioritize the necessities such as payments for the house, money for the food, toiletries. Then go ahead tally your monthly bills that takes up your income such as utilities, mortgage, et.al. As you become aware of these details, you have that figure in your head how much the deficit is and you are most likely to adjust your lifestyle and take off the luxuries your household got used to, until at least you have paid off your debts.

Happy New Year!

A better year this 2009 is what we hope for all of us. Even as we hope for that, let us all do our part by making the right choices from the smallest to the major ones. Go clean up your closet if you need to. Closet cleaning inside out can be very beneficial. This is an ideal if you would like to start the year right. Sure, it's not going to be a perfect year. Let us go beyond merely striving to survive life. Enjoy every breathing moment.

May you learn from the handful of handy tips and household hints that I will be sharing this year. God bless you all! :-)