Finding the Kid's Halloween Costumes

Thanks for the post, Lorraine Gregory
As a parent, I encourage my children to enjoy holidays, but no holiday can be as frustrating at times like shopping for Halloween costumes. The majority of stores in my city do not put their costumes on display until about two weeks before Halloween, and it drives me insane!
First, I take the children with me to shop for a costume. I set my home security alarm I found on www.SecurityChoice.com/ before we pack into the car. We usually go to Wal Mart for this type of purchase, but this year the costumes were almost empty by the time we got there. The only costumes that were left were pumpkin, cat, and police officer costumes.
My son and daughter did not want either of those displayed, so we went to a locally-owned grocery store to see what they had on display. Thankfully this store had many costumes to choose from. My six year old daughter picked out a Snow White costume, and my 4 year old son choose a Spider man costume, complete with the mask.
When I got to the register, I saw why this store still had this vast array of costumes- each costume cost $30 each! I was not happy, but with the holiday close I grudgingly paid the cashier. Next year, I may decide to shop online to see if I can get a better deal!

The Office Season Premiers Are Always Entertaining

Thanks for the guest post by Ricky Ramos

    I love the fall lineup of shows. I can watch reruns all summer, but there's nothing better than catching the new season.

    I got satellite tv from http://www.directstartv.com/directv_equipment/directv_dvr/directv_tivo_dvr.html, and this is great because it gives me information on the premier show in case I missed the new season commercials. My favorite show is The Office because the cast is so incredibly funny. Michael and Pam always crack me up the most.

    It's hard to even imagine that they could keep the chemistry going with such a large ensemble, but somehow they manage to work everyone in to the plots from season to season. In many ways it reminds me of my own work space. The way that they talk to the camera is so funny.

   I find myself so drawn into the show and the characters. I hate to see it end.

   The office on the show is so small, and there are so many cubicles. It resembles the current day work environment so much. The simplest things become plots for the new shows. There could be a paper shortage, and that becomes a show. There could be something as simple as decreased productivity, and they spend the show sitting around talking about why they aren't productive. There are just so many different spins, and I never get tired of the creativity. I absolutely love The Office.

This or That

I recently was told about an awesome website that I thought I would share. 

This site is still in its infancy, but I think it will continue to grow and become even better. The site is called "ThisorThat" and is a hilarious way to waste a few minutes (or an hour or even two hours!) on the internet. 

This or That is a comparison website that lets you create and vote on comparisons for anything and everything. (And I mean everything!) The website feels that comparing is a fundamental human activity and ThisOrThat aims to be the definitive source of all comparisons. 

Here are a few comparisons I thought were awesome! 

Which would you rather be without for 24 hours? The Internet or Food?

 
No Internet connection for 24 hours  
 
No food consumption for 24 hours  

Let me tell you. I would definitely rather be without internet than food! But I think you will be surprised with the results! As of now, its 47% for no internet and 53% would rather be without food!

Crazy!

The other one that surprised me is this:

Which heart stopping concoction would be better?

 

Donut Burger 62%
 

Fried Butter 38%

"USA Today reported that newest fried sensations to hit the scene are Donut Burgers (replace bun with donut) and Fried Butter (no explanation necessary). Which do you think you'd rather have your heart stop for"

62% say they would rather eat the donuts burgers than the fried butter. 

Neither for me, thank you!

I give you permission to go play on on the ThisorThat website. :) 

Have fun!

Team colors decor

Guest post written by Carla Sommers

When I told my 5 year old son that we would redo his decoration in his bedroom and I asked him what he wanted to decorate it with, I thought that he would say that he wanted it to be pirate themed, because he really loves reading and acting like pirates. But he chose to decorate his room in the school colors and theme of me and my husband's alma mater. I guess that when you say to start them young they're right.
I told my mom what he wanted and she was delighted because she also went to the same school. Then we got talking about other things like how she had just got hearing aids in Dayton where she lives and my aunt had bought some Ft. Lauderdale Hearing Aids too right around the same time. That reminded her that my aunt is a retired interior designer and would probably love to help us redecorate.
So I gave my aunt a call and she has been helping us out. We're almost through with the room and I think it looks great!

Going to the Movies

Guest post written by my buddy Royce Heath

How I love going to the movies. I have always been a film buff, as my mom before me and my grandmother as well. My grandmother used to go and see Rudolph Valentino silent films!
I love the entire going to the movies process. I usually go with my boyfriend or sometimes, my daughter or a girlfriend. I set my security for the home, arrive at the theater, purchase tickets, perhaps a snack, find a "good" seat, settle in and enjoy the previews before the feature film begins. I enjoy the entire process. It is fun to see a hit movie on a big screen with an audience surrounding you. I love comedies, especially romantic ones, and laughing with a group of people makes the experience somehow, more fun. It is also true of a drama or mystery film. When there is a tense or emotional moment, and you become so engrossed in the story, plot and characters that you are almost unaware of your surroundings, until, you hear an audible gasp from yourself or those around you.
It is moments like those that make movie going such a rewarding, fun and emotional experience. It's not quite the same watching a movie at home with interruptions and too much of a familiar environment.

Seattle Drug Rehab

Did you know that because of Seattle's seemingly perpetual gloomy weather, addiction and drug abuse, depression and mental health issues are a regional problem? 

Because of this, Seattle has some of the very best drug rehab centers available. To learn about all of these centers, head over to the Seattle Drug Rehab web page, where you can discover the different types of rehabilitation, a help guide, and even the telephone number where you can call and learn more. 

Of course, outside of the Seattle area, drug abuse is a problem as well. The National Institute on Drug Abuse website is an amazing website where you can discover the reasons why drug abuse happen, the treatment statistics of drug abuse and about where you can get help for you or someone you love.

Drug Abuse is a huge problem in our world today. The first step to help prevent and eradicate this is understanding why it happens. If someone you love is struggling with drug abuse, know that you aren't alone, and head over to the NIDA website for helpful tips and information to help treat drug abuse.

Two (and a Half) Thumbs Up!

Guest post by Abraham Brewer

Whether its reruns or fresh episodes, watching Two and a Half Men always makes me laugh. The show is a half hour of smart remarks, innuendos, and interesting scenarios. It's my favorite comedy show on television.
Charlie Sheen plays a drinking playboy who lives with his brother portrayed by Jon Cryer. The brothers are part-time caretakers for teenage Jake. One can't help but laugh at some of their antics. Sheen is a jingle writer that has allowed his brother to move in on the heels of his divorce. The joke is on Sheen though, as Cryer has ended up living with him for several years.
Also adding to the fun is Holland Taylor who plays the role of real estate broker and mother to Sheen and Cryer. Her sarcasm and wit steal the show. Conchata Ferrell is the fresh-mouthed housekeeper and queen of one-liners. She is never afraid to speak her mind.
I love the way the characters always have quick responses and usually say what I am thinking. They are cynical just like me. Watching Jake progress through puberty has been a comical experience.
I frequently watch Two and a Half Men on our cable tv channels. Re-runs are regularly shown on weeknights, before prime time programming begins. The clever writing has turned me into a real fan of the show.

Staying in Touch with Family and Loved Ones

This guest post is from my friend Reina Laraia

"Thanks for all the American troops who have served and are serving the USA. We are grateful for them and their dedication. I have a friend who served in Iraq. He is now back in US. I, like many people, have known someone who has been across the oceans--far far far away--seemingly out of touch to the rest of us. Regular mail service is scattered at best, and not reliable in times of war or military presence. 

One sure way, using hughesnet internet, was a blessing for me to keep in touch with my friend. I am able to send pictures, skype live internet feeds, and talk live. What a treat! It is just like being there--almost. It is as close as anyone can get. In this day and age, modern technology has come a long way and should be applauded for its success. I can see someone's wonderful face and hear their familiar voice, just with a couple clicks of a mouse.

Hughes internet ashland Kentucky helps with getting important news delivered immediately and accurately. I am also able to show pictures of other family or friends at the same time. This is also done for no charge! I would be sorely disappointed without it. Staying in touch with family and loved ones is what makes every day so much more valuable and bearable in difficult times."

My new favorite comedian

Guest post written by Marcy Warner

Although I watch Comedy Central a lot, I don’t really go out of my way to discover new comics. But once I find one I like, I really latch on.
The latest comic of affection is Aziz Ansari, who plays on NBC’s "Parks and Recreation" and just hosted the MTV Movie Awards. I guess I first came across him on “Parks and Recreation” and thought he was just hilarious. Then I heard people talking about his stand-up comedy. I randomly caught a stand-up special of his on Comedy Central one day and was completely sold! He’s so much funnier than his role on “P& R” would make you think.
Naturally, I looked up videos of him on YouTube then and watch dozens of them. I also use my bundle with clear internet to look up his blog, where he posts a lot of videos and pictures of himself. But my favorite blog post was a screen shot of an e-mail his parents sent him the night before he was hosting the Movie Awards that said he looked tired in all these pictures of him on the internet.
I just hope he gets some big roles in upcoming movies instead of just sticking around as a secondary character on a sit-com.

Mesothelioma

Are you or someone you care about struggling with cancer? Specifically Mesothelioma? 

Paul Kraus was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, and outlived his prognosis of 1 year, and decided to write a book about his struggles and his will to survive. The book is called  "Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patients Survival of Mesothelioma Cancer".

Don't know what Mesothelioma is? Here is a quick medical lesson:

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. There are two main types of mesothelioma - pleural which involves the sac that covers the pleural cavity around the lungs and peritoneal which involves the tissue that covers the abdominal area.

The only accepted cause is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was in thousands of different products so many people were exposed at many times in their lives. 

Treatment options include standard therapies (surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiation), clinical trials, and alternative or complimentary therapies. Despite the depressing information on the internet, there are long-term mesothelioma survivors including: Paul Kraus, Stephen Jay Gould, Rhio O'Connor, and others. Paul Kraus's book explains what he did to survive his mesothelioma.

This book is free, and recommended reading for anyone struggling with mesothlioma.

Crime in Phoenix

Guest posted by Karly Travers.

I lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 22 years. Owned a nice home on Rose Lane just off Central avenue, and was part owner of a radio station. Phoenix was a wonderful, safe place to live back then. I don't recall ever locking my doors day or night, and my trip to the radio station on West Buckeye Road to work was uneventful. I even had the audacity to leave my car unlocked and the windows down wherever I went. Crime! What crime?

My how times have changed. Now there is civil chaos, kidnappings, murder, home invasions, and Phoenix citizens are afraid to walk the streets in certain parts of the city. Just lounging in Patriots Park on a summer evening, you could get your valuables stolen. A recent study of crime statistics puts the city of Phoenix and the surrounding metro area on the list of the most dangerous cites to live in.

These tips will help. Don't post personal information on Twitter, FaceBook, or MySpace. Install a wide-angle peephole in front and back doors. Motion detectors and exterior lights out of reach work great. Pound a nail in window frames so they won't completely open. Upgrade all locks including sliding glass doors. Security grates on windows work, too. Keep in mind that burglers hate to work in the daylight, take too much time with the attempt, or can't break in without making noise. Keep a watch on strange cars driving up and down on your street. Look into phoenix home security systems if you feel it would help.

A special thanks to  Karly Travers for her ideas. This is great advice wherever you live. Keep yourself and your children safe! Visit Security Choice website now, and receive 100 dollar gift card just for signing up!

BORDERS 100 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

Common Sense with Money is giving away 2 $100 gift cards to Borders! Click Here to enter!

The Hop, Skip and a Jump Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Hop, Skip and a Jump Maternity Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

American Car Quotes

Are you paying too much for your car insurance? Don't know if you are or not? A great and easy way to check is to check out Americancarquotes.com.
All you have to do is enter your name and your information, and it will show you all of the car insurance companies in your area. Its that easy! It gives a 3rd party point of view on each insurance company and how much you can save!
American car quotes gives you information on poor driving records, fault, collision and other information you need to know!
Check out American Car Quotes today!

Zappos Columbia

Zappos.com is an awesome search engine shopping site that helps you get right to the point of what you are searching to buy.
One of my favorite stores on Zappos is the Columbia store. They have tons of great deals on Columbia clothing, and it is even easier to find and use than the Columbia site itself. You can search by size, color, category, and even different product lines. Zappos has product reviews which helps out my shopping immensely. The reviews are honest and straight to the point.
Looking for some great deals on Columbia clothing? What about other top named brands and low prices? Check out Zappos.com for all your shopping needs!

Fragrance Online

I came across a site recently and was very impressed by the prices and shipping costs. Its called Fragrance Online. Fragrance Online is the UK's leader in 100% genuine designer cheap perfume and skincare products.
They carry products from Agent Provocateur, Hilary Duff, Hugo Boss, Apple Blossom, and many more. The also carry Dolce & Gabanna perfumes for super cheap!
Right now, you can get 10% off your next perfume order by taking part in a short survey, just click HERE and click on the link to answer a few questions.
Even though they are located in the UK, the delivery prices for the US are super reasonable and quick. £4.00 for the first item. Each additional item £3.50. (Which equals $5.85 for the first item, and $5.12 for each additional item). Not too bad if you ask me!
Make sure you click here and check them out!
Thanks!

Shop Wiki

Remember when I wrote about Shop Wiki and their awesome search engine?

Well, I found out some more info about them, and thought I would share.

ShopWiki is a great site for shopping since it seeks out every store on the Internet by crawling the web, like Google. All other shopping sites will only show you stores that have PAID for placement, but ShopWiki will give a shopper everything regardless if they earn anything.

This means that for you and I as shoppers, we can find everything and anything for sale on the web from one place. ShopWiki.com has more products from more stores, which means better deals and cheaper price.

The other day, I was looking for some clothing for a photoshoot I have, and was looking for fun spring styles. I was able to shop by size, colors, theme, shapes, and fabrics. I was so excited to be able to find the exact dress I was looking for, at the perfect price. Try it out today! You won't be disappointed!

Free Hallmark Card

Hey everyone!
Just wanted to let you know of a promotion that Hallmark is doing. Hallmark has these great new personalized cards that you can customize to your preferences on their website. Just click here and choose your card and personalized message and they send it for you! The best part - enter the promo code "TRIAL" and it's completely FREE! It is super easy and they look awesome! I entered in the promo code and it's FREE, you don't even need to enter in a credit card at all!
Thanks to Nichole's Nickels for sharing this awesome find!

Meichelle

Bare Essentials freebie

Bare Essentials is giving away a free 10-day supply of their famous Mineral Foundation along with a Premi Buki Brush. You can either pick it up in a store (supplies are usually very limited in the stores) or order a sample here and pay only $3.95 shipping.When you go to the online ordering, the default shade is Medium Beige (which is actually my shade). To pick another color, simply scroll down to the “Shades” section and select another color!

And when I just ordered this, I received a Rare Moisturizer Sample Packet for free! Yay for free stuff!

2 packages of diapers and wipes for 3 dollars?!

If you love Huggies, you'll love this link! This week only: Cost for 2 packages of diapers and 1 package of wipes - ONLY $3. (or $5 for larger diapers).
I am going tonight to cash in on this amazing deal. You can never have enough diapers.
Don't have babies in the house? Go and get these for your next door neighbor or local homeless shelter. You will feel great and you don't have to break the bank by helping out. Thanks Marci for this great deal alert!