01.31.08

Clear Accessory Bags

Posted in Promotional Products at 3:03 am by <ADMINNICENAME>

I would love to thank whoever thought of making clear accessory bags so you can actually see what’s in the bag.   It makes me wonder why it wasn’t thought of before. 

Choose from several different sizes and shapes of clear accessory bags

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01.26.08

Online Journaling with Pyxlin

Posted in Family, Self Improvement at 3:16 am by <ADMINNICENAME>

When my children were young I would bribe them with a treat if they would write in their journal.  My oldest son would wine and complain about writing, but he knew he had to write in his journal to get a treat.  He messily fulfilled the bare minimum requirements to get his treat.   Now when my son expresses his enthusiasm for journaling, I ask myself, “Can this be my son who hated to write in his journal.”  I am so pleased to watch how he enjoys keeping an online journal with Pyxlin .    His increased vision of the importance of recording dates, interesting information, experiences and memories that he and his posterity can later read and refer back to will someday be priceless.

Even though I would like to take credit for my son becoming an advocate of journaling,  in all reality the advancement of technology is what converted my son to journaling.   I must admit, writing in a journal the old way is not near as enticing as the versatility and convenience that is offered with online journaling.  You can quickly type an entry that can be edited or changed, load photos with ease along with your written entry, and if you choose, the ability to publish a hard bound journal.  
For years, I often wanted to add photos to my journal entries, but I usually didn’t have the picture(s) developed yet, and by the time I got my film developed, I had added more entries and forgot to leave a space to add a picture.  Most generally, my good intentions to add a photo went unrealized, and when I did tape a photo in my journal, it would later fall out, and have to be retaped in.  With Pyxlin you will never have to worry about saving space for, or losing a photo again.  The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” is now a convenient reality that can happen  frequently and easily.

The internet is an amazing tool that has changed our lives.  Each week you read about new technology that has been released improving the ease of normal daily tasks.  Although I am 48 years old, I am learning not to be afraid of taking advantage of advancements in technology, and I am actually finding out that most new technology is user friendly and EASY.    Try writing in your journal with Pyxlin, I think you’ll love it.        

01.24.08

More Reasons to Choose Credit Cards over Debit Cards

Posted in Business, Finances at 9:51 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>

Awhile ago, I wrote a blog about being careful with debit cards.  I recently read an article in the Reader’s Digest that listed three things to avoid probable fraud when using debit cards.

Clark Howard, radio consumer advocate, says to never use a debit card any place your card is taken out of sight like in a restaurant. 

Don’t use debit cards for online purchases, especially if you don’t know the retailer’s reputation.

Watch out for debit overdraw fees.  Most of us don’t carefully track our debit receipts, thus it is easy to overdraw your account.  It used to be when your  checking account had a zero balance that you could no longer make purchases, but now most banks have courtesy overdraw loans, but the catch is, the average fee for courtesy loans is $34.

01.11.08

Stay Clean with Aprons

Posted in Cleaning Tips, Promotional Products, Self Improvement at 2:06 am by <ADMINNICENAME>

I was cooking the other day, and I looked down at the front of my shirt, and I thought to myself, “I have got to learn to wear an apron more consistently”. 

Aprons can be a fun, colorful item as well as utilitarian product.  When logoed with clever sayings or tag lines, they are an excellent way to advertise your brand.  

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01.09.08

Jobs are Confidence Builders for Teenagers

Posted in Family at 11:42 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>

After raising four teenagers and in the process of raising two more, I have concluded that one of the biggest confidence builders for teenagers is getting a job.

I have noticed that my children receive more feedback and attention from their employers than they do their school teachers.   I feel that most of the time kids are meshed together as a group at school.  On the other hand, most of the time in the work place, they are recognized as individuals, and often receive compliments for being prompt, honest, responsible, or for a job well done.

When payment for their work hours is received, they feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, and that they are capable of taking care of some of their expenses like clothes, activities, and gas.  Breaking the cycle of asking mom and dad for money makes them feel more independent, and gives them the opportunity to save at least 10% of their earnings.  Working a job also gives them the opportunity to apply some of the skills they are striving to master at school, and helps them to realize that they need to strive to improve and increase their skill set so they can rise above working basic, menial jobs. 

Anytime you can guide your teenager to situations where there is positive, complimentary reinforcement like working a job, you will see an increase in their confidence.

01.08.08

I’m Going to Be a Grandma

Posted in Family, Promotional Products at 4:51 am by <ADMINNICENAME>

I was sworn to secrecy on Christmas Eve that I would not tell anyone for a month or so  that I was going to be a grandma.  My son and daughter-in-law have now decided to let me share this wonderful news because a few of the people they swore to secrecy spilled the beans.

On Christmas Eve, Ben and Brittany gave my husband and me a gift.  When I opened it, I squealed in delight when I saw baby shoes and baby food.   It has been fourteen years since we have had a baby to love at our house.  I can’t wait to cuddle and love him, of course, until he cries, or needs his diaper changed, then I will enjoy giving him back to his parents. 

I can’t wait to start buying baby stuff again.  I’ll let you know as soon as I know whether we will be welcoming a boy or a girl.