Finding the Best Running Shoes.

Where do you buy shoes? Maybe at the mall or online better yet a discount shoe store? I really like the convenience of online shopping. I have found that you can see a bigger variety of the product you are looking for just by shopping online.


If you are a runner then Zappos.com is the place to go for running shoes. They have a huge variety and just about every brand you can think of. I found these Sketcher running shoes. I like the simplicity of the style. They will look great on the trail or with a pair of jeans if you so desire.


Another feature I like is free shipping! I also like the way they categorize the running shoes. You can look for the running shoes that fit your needs, like stability, motion control or trail running. There is also a section for track and field.


If you are in need of running shoe then check out Zappos.com.Oh, and while you are there check out the apparel, handbags, housewares and beauty section. Because all girls want more than just the perfect running shoes.

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Tips for Keeping Your Kids Busy Before Christmas

When my children were young, they typically would become excited over the prospect of the coming holiday. With that came a renewed sense of energy that I needed to find a way to deal with, otherwise I would quickly find myself wanting to pull my hair out. After giving it some thought I decided to use the holiday as a new learning experience and a chance to embark on new projects. Here are my tips for engaging the kids with new and exciting things to do on those days leading up to the holidays.

Making cookies is pretty standard and straightforward holiday activity. That being said, kids usually love makeing and decorating cookies. In addition, the types of cookies to make are endless. The cookies can be made from scratch or buy a cookie log and simply cut the cookies or roll out and use cookie cutters. This was a personal favorite with my kids. After baking, I would let the kids decorate with frosting and all kinds of sprinkles and afterward we had quite an assortment of cookies. You can take it a step further and package the cookies in colorful tins for gift giving.

One year I decided to make ornaments. Some of the best ornaments I own are either handmade by my kids and me or received from my kids as school projects. I looked forward each year to see what ornaments they would bring home from school. One year after collecting pine cones from a mountain trip, we spray painted the cones and tied on ribbons. The ribbons served as hangers. They were simple, but quite beautiful. They still hang on my tree every year!

Try making a video. Kids naturally like to perform and with a little coaching and some practice, you can make a great video of your family singing songs or telling stories or even a small play. We made a video one year and the kids gave it to their grandparents as a gift. The kids had a great time and the grandparents loved it.

Find a small tree and let the kids make all the decorations such as paper ring garland, popsicle stick ornaments, pretzel wreaths or pipe cleaner ornaments. When I was a child, I loved having my “own” tree in my room. Let the kids come up with there own ideas for decorations. You will be surprised how creative they really are.

The possibilities are endless. These are just a few of the activities my kids and I did together. Please feel free to leave a comment about what you and you kids do or have done. I would love to hear them!

Oh, my daughter continues the cookie tradition. Sometimes we still get together and make cookies or if it is not possible, she makes them with her daughter. I am quite sure my granddaughter will continue someday with her own children.

Wordless Wednesday - My Best Friend's Wedding

Tweet and Get Paid For It!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Sponsored Tweets. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Go ahead and sign up for sponsored tweets and give it a try. Why not get paid for something you are already doing? Sponsored Tweets lets the tweeter have complete control and is designed to be non-intrusive and you, the tweeter wins as does the advertiser. Sponsored Tweets supports a code of ethics which includes mandatory disclosure, freedom of authenticity, freedom of choice and transparency of identity. So far I am very happy working with Sponsored Tweets. I think you will too. Go ahead and give it a try. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You have until 11/22/09 to sign up! Hurry and get in on this great opportunity! I know you will be very pleased! I know I am!

New Blog Post on Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

I have a new post on Life is Like a Box Of Chocolates:



5 Ways to Support the Troops During the Holidays

Please visit and tell me how you support the troops during the holidays.

How do You Survive Deployment?

I get this question quite a bit from co-workers, friends and family members. How do I do it? Well, I might say, "Very carefully." The truth is I do not always have a good time dealing with it. Even though my son is not in war zone, so to speak, I still worry and realize he is still a target. I find the not knowing aspect to be the hardest.

 

I cope by working on his Christmas care package, writing emails to him and updating his deployment website. I am so fortunate to be able to follow his deployment on FaceBook and Twitter. I also look at Marine, Naval and Unit websites quite regularly. I have said it before and I will say it again. Google is my friend.

 

Surviving deployment is made a little easier for me because I have many friends and family that understand when I get a little upset. Even though this is a non-combat deployment, there are other issues such as financial problems. I have to get his car registered this week and I have a feeling the experience will be less than pleasurable. Power of Attorney is not the end all to every situation that arises.

 

I also believe that we, the people back home can help ourselves survive by doing whatever we can, be that standing with the Patriot Guard, becoming a Soldiers' Angels or just shaking the hand of a vet and saying "Thank you." For some joining support groups or online communities such as Marineparents.com can help coping on a daily basis.

 

Deployment is hard any way you look at. 

So, how do you survive deployment?

Review: Why Mineral Makeup is my Choice

Years ago, when mineral makeup first came on the market it was only sold in high-end boutiques and TV shopping channels. It was also priced on the expensive side with a .06 ounce tub going for about $30.00. I did not mind then because I really liked how it evened out my skin and stayed fresh looking all day.
Another reason I liked mineral makeup is that it provided sunscreen protection. With an SPF of 15, it was not necessary to apply a liquid sunscreen. Since I have been using some form of sunscreen for many years, mineral makeup became even more appealing to me.

I was not surprised how popular the mineral powders became. Soon women everywhere were trying them and loving them. They seemed to work on almost all skin types and tones. Even if the shades available did not match someone's skin, exactly women could mix colors to get the right shade for their skin tone.

Mineral makeup has revolutionized the way women apply foundation. Applying mineral makeup is also easier than and not as messy as liquid foundations. Most come in a kit with a brush and women could just tap a little bit of the powder in the lid of the tub and swirl the brush in the minerals then apply to their face in circular motion. Just a few swirls on your face and that was all there was to it. Using a smaller brush women could even use a small amount as a concealer.

Another advantage is mineral makeup looks good on women of all ages. My mother tried mineral makeup when she was in her seventies and she loves it. Now in her eighties she continues to use mineral makeup. Mineral makeup would be the perfect choice for teenagers who are just starting to wear makeup, as it always looks natural. Young girls will not look too overly made up with this type of makeup.

I remember wondering how long it would be for less expensive makeup brands would come out with their own version of mineral makeup. Well it took a few years but now you can walk into any discount department store or pharmacy store and find mineral makeup in almost all of the popular less expensive makeup brands.

Now more than ever is a great time to try mineral makeup. Affordability is no longer an issue. All women can now enjoy these powders. The choice of brands is almost limitless. Most are talc free and women can choose between a matte look and a more luminous look. Also quite a few companies are more than willing to give out free samples so women can try several brands before making a choice. If you need more information on mineral makeup this website, Mineral Makeup Reviews, provides reviews, links to some mineral makeup companies, and even has a section on bargain mineral makeup.
I have enjoyed mineral makeup since first discovering it. If you decide to try it, you probably will too.

How About a Winter Vacation?

Since I live in a very warm climate sometimes I long to take a nice winter getaway. It would be great to go somewhere where the seasons actually change and the weather is brisk.

When my kids were small, we only took a summer Family Vacation. I always wondered what it would have been like for my kids to take ski vacations. I can imagine them throwing snowballs and making a snowman. They became very adept at water skiing and swimming but never winter sports.

There are so many wonderful resorts and lodges across the country. For instance, Vermont Hotels provide a magical winter holiday getaway. People can find something close to home so a long weekend could be a great chance to take the family on a wonderful outing or spend a week or two having fun on the slopes.

Many resorts offer family packages, couple’s retreats and corporate package deals for business trips. Some have private condominiums while others have luxury suites. In addition, if you are like me and you do not know how to ski, most lodges will offer beginning ski lessons to make the adventure a memorable one.

My kids are all grown now, but I would not mind taking a winter holiday with Corvette even if was to sit by a warm fire and watch the snow fall. Yes, I think it is time to find the snow boots.

New blog post on Life is Like a Box of Chocolates - Do you Know About #MilitaryMon? Read to find out.

8 Easy Steps to a Stress Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Anybody who has prepared a Thanksgiving meal knows it can be quite time consuming. Some families assign certain dishes to each family member making it easier to prepare the overall meal. Years ago when we moved out of state I was faced with preparing the complete meal by myself for the first time. I soon found out that good planning was essential in order to pull off the entire meal by myself. I have come up with an organized system designed to make the process easier with minimal work.

1. Start by shopping for all items needed to prepare the dishes to be served. It is best to shop a week ahead of time. Doing this insures that you miss the holiday rush on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I used to work for a grocery store and trust me when I say that Wednesday is the single busiest grocery shopping day of the year. The turkey also needs about a week to thaw in the refrigerator so do shop ahead.
   
2. Make sure you have a list of all items needed. This will prevent any forgotten items and another trip to the grocery store.
3. On the Tuesday before the holiday make any pies that you plan to serve. They will be fine in the refrigerator.
4. On the Wednesday before the holiday prepare your side dishes. Mix the stuffing and place in a plastic container. Boil the potatoes, cook the yams and if you plan on making deviled eggs then boil the eggs too. Then finish any other side dish you plan to serve.
5. On Wednesday night set the table and put out your floral arrangement.
6. Now it is Thanksgiving morning and time to pop the turkey in the oven. If you stuff your turkey the stuffing is already to go in the bird. If you bake it in the oven or crock pot you can do that after the turkey is in the oven.
7. They only thing left to do is prepare any appetizers you might be serving. Right before dinner is served put the dinner rolls in the oven.
8. Serve dinner!

The key is to plan and prepare ahead of time. Following these steps will make the preparation for your Thanksgiving dinner painless and easy.

How Would You Like $5,000?

How would you like to win $5,000 or a big screen HDTV or maybe even the Flip UltraHD camcorder? Do I have your attention? I thought so. So what do you have to do? It’s simple. Just make a video in one of these three categories:

1.  "My contacts are getting in the way of my good time"

2.   "My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision"

3.   "You should see life after the iLASIK Procedure"

Next, submit the video to iLASIK Video Contest. Then tell all your friends and have them vote for your video. People can vote once per day until December 10.

 There will be one first prizewinner of $5,000. Three second prizewinners, one in each video category and three third prizewinners, one in each video category.

 If you already have an existing video, you can get help editing it for the contest. So get busy people, get creative and have fun because the winner just might be you!

Finding the Perfect and Affordable Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is something we do not think about everyday, but it something we have to have everyday. If you want to buy a car, you must show proof of insurance. If you want to register a car, you have to show proof of insurance. If a cop stops you, you had better show proof of insurance!

Finding affordable auto insurance is not always easy, but it is possible. Years ago, you would have to make numerous phone calls to different companies to get quotes. Well, now thank goodness with the internet after just a few clicks you can get a quote and have your insurance set up. Thank goodness for the internet and technology!

The Targets

As parents, we all worry about out children. Worry is something that starts long before our children are born. Then we realize the worry will never end. As parents of military members, we share another fear. Fear, we dread hearing the words, “Mom, Dad. I will be deploying on….” Those words pull on our heart even more because we know they will intentionally be in harm’s way.

What we try not to fear is when they are stateside on a base or post is their safety. The murder of 12 soldiers and 1 police officer on Fort Hood came as such a shock. Were they not supposed to be safe?

When my son deployed this fall on a naval ship I knew in my mind that all would probably be well. However, to be honest watching that ship sink smaller into the horizon left me with a pit in my stomach. I wanted to jump in the ocean and bring him back. I think about him every night before I go to sleep. I wonder where he is. I wonder if he will be safe while in port. No, I am sure I do not have the same fear as a mother of a service member in Afghanistan or Iraq, but fear is still fear.

When my son came home from boot camp, he told me that he is not allowed to travel in uniform. Why? Because he is a target. A target? My Son?

Last week we found out just how much of a target our children are. It is shameful, but real. It is why I lay awake at night.

Feeding my Reality Show Addiction

Did I mention I like reality TV? It is my favorite form of mindless TV. You have to wonder why it is so popular. My take is that people’s lives are so complicated these days that watching a reality program may help take some people’s minds off the their own daily lives. I am very sure many people had to give up paying for TV because of losing jobs.

I recently had to give up my Netflix in order to same some money. However, to my delight I have discovered I can Watch TV Online legally! Since Corvette can watch the same movie repeatedly, I tend to get very bored sometimes. I also fall asleep pretty early and then I miss many programs I like to watch.

Now I can watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta anytime I want. Hey, maybe I can get rid of my expensive satellite TV. Although I do not think Corvette would be too happy about that. Since he only watches about 10 channels maybe he will not notice. Nah, I do not think so!

A Christmas Tree for my Son

I am preparing LCpl Honda's Christmas care package. Since he will not be here for the holidays I wanted to bring a little holiday spirit to him. I have been agonizing over what to send to him. He just keeps telling me he does not need anything. I know he is not deprived of anything since he is deployed on a Navy ship, but still I want to send him something!

Today I stopped at Walgreens and I this tree. I love it! The clerk loved it! Especially when she found out it was going to a deployed service member. Now my care package think tank is in full gear. Watch LCpl Honda, Christmas is coming!

Decorating Woes

My furniture is probably over ten years old. So I have been thinking about either replacing it or maybe covering it. It has a southwestern theme which is fine but I am kind of tired of it. I am striving for a simple decorating solution for my house. Although keeping Corvette from sitting out toy cars and machine gun shells from LCpl Honda is a challenge in itself.

I want to have a mix of Southwestern décor with a touch of modern motif. So of course, I resort to internet searches and I found a site that offers many options for my decorating dilemma. The Furniture Store has solutions for every room of the house. I really liked the selection of living room furniture.

I checked out the dinette sets because when we moved to our new house I bought a set that just does not work in our house. I want to sell it and get something that will work better in the space we have.

There is even a section for pets. I have been looking for a new affordable dog bed for Lucie for awhile now. I love my puppy but I am not willing to take out a loan for a dog bed. I found a large, plush dog bed for about $44.00. Not bad.

I am sure I will find what I am looking for. It just takes some time, but I will persevere in my quest to have my perfectly decorated home!

Applebees Salute to our Military and Veterans

Veteran’s Day is November 11 and if you are active duty military or a Vet then you will get to eat free at Applebee's. I have to aplaud Applebee's for honor our service members in this way.

We can all spread the word to the service members we know. Just go the Applebee's send an invitation page and fill in the service member’s info and they will be sent an personalized invitation. If you have a facebook or twitter account you can spread the word to lots of people

It is that easy. You will be doing a great thing along with Applebee's and our heroes get a a big thank you in the way of a free meal.

 

Doggie Halloween

I found this extremely funny. I was looking at different Halloween costumes and I ran across a site with pet costumes. I know many people dress their pets up for Halloween, but somehow I do not see that happening with Buddy and Lucie.

For one thing, Buddy would probably turn around and bite me and Lucie would just rip up the costume until if was off. I know, she chews anything she can get her mouth on. Anyhow, can you just imagine my little Chihuahua dressed like this?

Or Lucie, my big red dog dressed like this.