tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382728886907019472024-03-05T22:02:30.462-08:00Living the Simple LifeLinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-24445210189441703922011-08-15T15:27:00.000-07:002011-08-15T15:28:17.878-07:00CVS Coupon Machine Freebies + Savings!!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"></div>So I went to CVS on a whim to get a birthday gift for my nephew. I say on a whim because I really didn't see much that caught my attention on this week's sales flyer. I scanned my CVS extracare card and low and behold I got some really awesome coupon. There was a coupon for FREE Carefree 20ct pantiliners (value $1.87), also FREE Hershey's caramello candy bar (value $1.19), and FREE CVS bandages 20ct (value $4.29!!). I also got a $3.00 coupon for Huggies new Slip-Ons, which I was able to match with a $3.00 manufacturer's coupon from this week's SmartSource insert. The diapers are on sale at CVS for $8.99, and after using both coupons I only paid $2.99! This week the diapers count towards the gas card, so right now I have $8.99 towards my gas card! <br />
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I am hoping to head in a new direction with this blog. I have found my sister often asking me about how I get the deals I get, and I have friends asking as well. I am hoping to get to work on this on Wednesday, where I will have a tab just for coupons that you can clip and use at your local grocer, or drug store. This has been, and continues to be a learning experience for me. But even if I can help just one person save money...... Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-1277661210754944482011-06-30T14:00:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:03:43.689-07:00Summer is back... and so am I!<div style="font: normal normal normal 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><div style="color: #333300;">So finally I am in the mood to get in the groove. As planned last year, this year we worked on building our raised beds for the garden. I have the garden all started, and even added a new furry friend. I will try and post some pictures of the garden and Snowball tomorrow. But todays blog is about couponing, and building a stockpile.</div><div style="color: #333300; font: normal normal normal 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"></div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333300;">With TLC's show Extreme Couponing, a new viral fever has spread! Obviously, frugal living requires a certain level of couponing. But I definitely do not go to the extreme as we have seen on the show. My Sundays do involve getting the paper and going over the coupons, if there are some really good coupons for things that I may need or would like to stock up on, then I get some extra papers. I seldom cut them out on Sundays (I prefer to keep my Sundays for going to church, sharing with the kids, and relaxing), but I do check out my online sources for printable coupons. </div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;">Some great places to find awesome groceries, toiletries and household items coupons are: </span><a href="https://www.mypoints.com/emp/u/refSignup.do?refCode=PrnobFMOClOoI--_A&arr=s8&afsrc=1&src=EXTERNAL_PUBLICATION"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MyPoints</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;"> - with MyPoints you receive points for printing and redeeming your coupons, your points can be redeemed for awesome gift cards to your favorite shops, they are directly linked to Coupons.com, SmartSource, and Cellfire. Another really awesome websites for day to day couponing, freebies, giveaways, and more is </span><a href="http://www.hip2save.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hip2Save</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;">. Colin (the website owner) is updating through out the day new offers, free samples and awesome online deals! I also frequent </span><a href="http://www.coupondad.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Coupon Dad</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;"> for all sorts of coupons, occasionally coupons that I do not find at Hip2Save. One last source for weekly shopping list, sales database, and coupon database is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.couponmom.com/" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Coupon Mom</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;">. It is always awesome to have different sources, as I can understand how hard it is to keep up with all the awesome deals that are available out there. I have learned over the past few weeks that Facebook is a wonderful resource for finding coupons and giveaways. I also try to stop at my local CVS (if I am out and about) at the magic Coupon machine to check for new coupons and deals. </span></div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333300;">Lastly, I try to stick to my local Price Chopper store (even if the prices are a little higher than say Target) for several reasons. One being that it is my local store and I do not have to travel, thus spend gas, to get my groceries. I know most of the cashiers, and I know who I am comfortable enough with to bring my coupons to. But most importantly is that for every $50 I spend at Price Chopper, I get 0.10 off per gallon of gas at Sunoco!!! Now how can you beat that??? Last time I filled up my tank I only paid $1.38!! Of course I still do make it to my larger stores like Walmart and Target, if I am in the area or have a planned shopping trip for those really awesome deals that I just cannot resist! </div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333300;">With all that being said here are some awesome deals I came across today:</div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www5.thepromotionaloffer.com/downyunstopable/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Downy Facebook-Giveaway </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;"> Get a free Downy UnStoppables (Not a coupon but an actual bottle of Downy!) You do have to like them on Facebook</span></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PanteneNA?sk=app_170871922977146"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pantene Coupon Giveaway</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;"> this is for a free bottle of Pantene (up to $4.99) coupon mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks (same as above have to like them on Facebook)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;">Free Sample of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/oceanspray?sk=app_229265227084880">Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300;"> You'll receive a free sample of their new sparkling juice in the mail</span></div><div style="color: #333300;">Hope you enjoy the freebies and start chopping your bills down! </div><div style="color: #333300;"><br />
</div></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-59484372197209052011-02-15T13:50:00.000-08:002011-07-22T04:05:25.153-07:00Hello Again Blogosphere!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">I had stopped blogging for a while, while I organized my thoughts. I was taking quite a bit of time working on my other blog and then decided to stop that one as well. Gave it a lot of thought and ended up coming to the conclusion that it is not possible to do both. How can I be a SIMPLE housewife and yet watch them stupid Housewives show? They do not represent an ounce of what I am as a housewife! Sorry but life is not about how much money you have in the bank (or for that matter don't, it seems these ladies could use some frugal living tips!), how much make up your face can handle, or what plastic surgery to get next! I refuse to wake up every morning to stare at myself in a mirror to apply makeup while my kids pull on my pjs begging for some breakfast. If ever I wear makeup is for a very special occasion between me and hubby and even that is much (he says I am beautiful just the way I am<3). And what about all the cat fights? Is that what our society has come down to? There are far more important things in life than ratings on a stupid show! I realized that spewing all this negativities were making my life miserable, and so they don't need another blogger giving them more fame. But hey, if you have the extra time and want to have at it, it is up for grabs ;).<br />
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</div><div>For the past couple of months I have had to work more than usual, I have focused on food storage (for a rainy day), and I have the added pressures of having my mother stay with me! Don't get me wrong mothers are AWESOME! but boy I miss my alone time :(. I have also been working on some hats, some for my kids, some for friends, and some just for the heck of it. I am considering putting up some of my patterns here that I have found online but adjusted to fit my likes. Don't know if I have much of an audience, but hey you never know they may be helpful to someone. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And are we all sick of this winter yet??? I can't take anymore of this snow! But I have to say I do have something to look forward to. I can't wait for this winter to be over that I've already planned a summer getaway. We will be heading to Cape Cod late this summer with the kids and I am so ecstatic and ready for a break! Beautiful summer sun and beach here I come!! </div><br />
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</div></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-49263159256693561372010-11-06T19:09:00.000-07:002010-11-06T19:13:08.021-07:00I Have Been A Very Lazy Blogger!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">The busies of life, kids, jobs and all the nonsense that comes along has kept me from writing lately. That includes my <a href="http://www.therealhousewivesofbravo.com/">housewives blog</a>! shame on me. I know I need to stop making up excuses... but I just can't help myself. I know that's no excuse.. but imagine having your boss call you at the last minute to see if you could work!! This is what I have to put up with. I also had baby shower, birthdays, and anniversary all in a period of 2 weeks. My husband and I celebrated our 7th anniversary a week ago. We went to this wonderful place called 15 Fox Place in NJ, and spent more than I care to admit. But overall we had a wonderful time, accompanied by our family. And to me, family time is priceless.<br />
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</div><div>Now I haven't been all that bad you know! Aside from all the running around, I have been taking the kids to Sunday school for religion. Why is that a shocker?? I don't practice religion to much. But lately I have been seeking a sense of direction, faith and hope. The way our country has been heading has been nerve wrecking to me. I consider all possible scenarios and what would be the best way to handle them, and it simply is too much for me to even consider. The kids do love that I have made this commitment to take them every Sunday, and children should have a sense of religious guidance. I have come to look forward to it, although I am a walking zombie. I end up going to bed at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday nights and getting up at 7:45 on Sunday morning. Boy do I miss my sleep!! But I can't complain about the fact that while the kids are in their corresponding classes, I get to gather with other parents and there is that sense of "yes!! adults". Now don't laugh at me, I have been missing some adult interactions and conversations. I can finally replace all the googoo gagas, and mom, and whys, and I wants with what did you do this week, what events are happening, and Christian parenting advice. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I have also started early holiday shopping for the first time ever! I can't even contain myself because this will take a whole load off my shoulders as the holidays are nearing. What have I been taking advantage of lately? Some great places such as Rue La La (psss.. for myself), Zulily (great place for mothers to be and kids' toys, clothes and more), and of course My Points. I have another gift card on the way, this time I decided to go with Kohls. I can't wait!! Add another $50 to this years points earnings. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My next post I will discuss a book that I picked up at Barnes & Noble called "The Roots of Obama's Rage" by Dinesh D'Souza. This author goes into the upbringings of President Obama and what shaped him into the politician that he is today. Super interesting read and I have truly began to see why things are the way they are today. </div><div><br />
</div><div>'Til next time... </div><div><br />
</div><div>Lina</div><div>xoxo</div></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-89093539729057401432010-10-10T23:11:00.000-07:002010-10-10T23:14:36.159-07:00Columbus Day Deals Galore<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">It is Columbus Day and boy do I love a good sale! It is days like this that I take advantage to get some of my shopping done. This year my plan is to start some early Christmas shopping. With all the stress last year, Christmas snuck up on me and I was not prepare at all. This year I want to make sure that is not the case. I find that in order to get the best deal possible, I like to do comparison shopping. I compare the sales between stores and go for the sale that benefits me the most. This is also a perfect time to start the process of ordering my Christmas cards. I know that it sounds crazy that I am already talking about Christmas, but this year just crept up on me without me even knowing it. So here are a few deals going on for the Columbus Day Holiday so you can get yourself started on your Christmas purchases too!!<br />
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Cardstore.com get 15% off your purchase with coupon code MERRY15<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-4077787-10772137" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="Cardstore.com" border="0" height="78" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-4077787-10772137" width="640" /></a><br />
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e.l.f. Cosmetics is selling their mineral lip gloss in pageant pink for only $3 and 100% of it supports Breast Cancer Research! What a great way to look fabulous and support such a wonderful cause. If you have a girly girl like I do, this is a great buy as a stocking stuffer! Also if you order today you can get FREE shipping on any orders of $15 or more. Use the code SHIP during checkout.<br />
<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4077787-10575229" target="_top"> <img alt="Breast Cancer" border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-4077787-10575229" /></a><br />
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Get a 25% discount at ShopTheLook.net on all necklaces or 50% off all orders up to $20. They will also donate a 20% of proceeds to Breast Cancer Research when you purchase their flirt scarf.<br />
<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4077787-10763567" target="_top"> <img alt="" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-4077787-10763567" width="468" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-4077787-10597694" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="50% Off Orders up to $20" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-4077787-10597694" width="468" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4077787-10763559" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-4077787-10763559" width="468" /></a><br />
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And if you would like to get the look without breaking the bank, then stop by Rent the Runway! It is a great place to get your look at 90% off retail price!!<br />
<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4077787-10776740" target="_top"> <img alt="Rent The Runway - High Fashion 90% Off Retail " border="0" height="250" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-4077787-10776740" width="300" /></a><br />
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Whoever said Halloween is only for the kids? It is also for the kids at heart ;). At FlirtCatalog.com you can get all of your Halloween needs (especially if you are looking for a sexy look) and receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more.<br />
<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-4077787-10706279" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="Halloween 300x250" border="0" height="250" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-4077787-10706279" width="300" /></a><br />
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On a last note, just because you are looking good on the outside doesn't mean you should forget about your health. Take care of your health as well with pomegranates. Pomegranates are one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat, it is full of antioxidants, vitamin C and it is a good source of vitamin B5. Fromthefarm.com is a great place to get your fresh from the farm fruits and vegetables. If you are not as a fortunate as I am to have your own little garden, then head onto Fromthefarm.com to order straight from the farm. Get 10% off your order and 20% off pear gift boxes.<br />
<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-4077787-10824677" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="Fresh Pomegranates" border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-4077787-10824677" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3975752-10824676" target="_top"><br />
<img alt="Pear Gift Boxes at FromTheFarm.com" border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3975752-10824676" /></a></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-13822401144209228552010-09-22T17:51:00.000-07:002010-09-22T17:51:37.588-07:00Work-At-Home Mommy<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Working from home has its advantages as well as disadvantages. One of the things that I love the most about working from home is being able to wear whatever I want. Pijamas, no matter. I also love not having to drive to an office, spending money on gas, tolls, lunches and what not. Instead I just walk right into my office and voila I am at work. The most challenging part that I have found while working for Language Line has been the schedule. I elected to go for the graveyard schedule over the weekends and so my weekends are shut. Saturdays I am up at 6:45am leave to go to work at the post office until 12:15pm and then home to rest for a few, make dinner and be ready to work at 7pm. Due to the fact that I am working typically until 3:30am, I find it really hard to function the next day. Although my body seems to be getting used to the very strange schedule I am on right now, my mind doesn't like it one bit.<br />
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Another thing I have found challenging is maintaining a good voice after it's past a certain hour. That is something that I will have to work on as I go along. Since my performance largely depends on how I project my voice, it is imperative that I find solutions to keep it from getting hoarse. Some recommendations are a warm cup of tea. Having something warm pass through your cords can be soothing and healing. However, tea can also induce tiredness and the need to sleep! Perhaps my next best choice is honey, some halls, and drinking plenty of water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXetCyiQlyOn2nilK9mKp8ImVAlU2F5sUKrj5yHG4v3oroZ8ZoA-GZhaZ8t8NhUNpVwNdRCabiRJ5JGECMKjJlmwPPP1D0ff_BEonPU_UekOFrUVXqUk2PsOd8XKQhOSawUSAgLKPYpFo/s1600/images+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXetCyiQlyOn2nilK9mKp8ImVAlU2F5sUKrj5yHG4v3oroZ8ZoA-GZhaZ8t8NhUNpVwNdRCabiRJ5JGECMKjJlmwPPP1D0ff_BEonPU_UekOFrUVXqUk2PsOd8XKQhOSawUSAgLKPYpFo/s320/images+(1).jpeg" /></a></div><br />
The kids also need some adjustment to the new dynamics of our family. Occassionally they walk into my office while I am working or they might be too loud in the kitchen. They assume that when I say "mommy has to work now" that I am actually leaving and going into the office. They are used to the idea that I work at the post office, but now I am also working at home. And although I say I am working they find it hard to believe because, well, mommy is still home. The baby especially has been hard to break. She loves to sleep with me (I know she is 4 now and should be sleeping on her own, what do you want from me?) and misses the warmth of mommy. Sometimes she wakes up at 3am and I have to quickly go comfort her and run right back to my phone.<br />
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By the end of the weekend and into Monday I am typically worn and groggy. And as much as I would love to hit the bed, instead I get up at 7:30am get the kids ready for school and head out the door with them. With Gia now in school sure I could go home and take a 2 hour nap, but I am afraid I might over sleep. Once I pick her up from school at noon, I go home hang out with her or run errands until it's time to pick up the boys. In between I attend to any appointments I might have scheduled for the day (heck why not just get them done while I am at it). By the time 5 o'clock comes around I am literally dead, but my day is yet to be over. I still have dinner to make, baths to give (most of the time I make the little ones skip Mondays bath), bed time snacks, and well the dishes they just have to wait. Finally at 9pm I might watch some television and by 10 hit the bed. The rest of the week, of course if I am not required for duty at the post office, I make up for the sleep I lost. Only to start the whole cycle all over again over the weekend. In between all of this I also still have to find time for my chores, and some intimate time with hubby.<br />
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As much as I would like to complain, I reap the benefits two weeks later when my paycheck hits my account.</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-90760001482698648102010-09-18T11:58:00.000-07:002010-09-18T11:59:31.392-07:00Happy Birthday to this ol'bag<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Turned 29 today... my kids "surprised me" with some balloons, plants, and cards =). But if anyone asks I just turned 19! Heck no, I am not going to start feeling old now. I am just getting started. This week I am planning on filing for a promotion (yeah it hasn't been a year in the post office but I can do it!). I have always considered myself a smart woman with the capability to learn very quickly. And as I am getting older I am not about to let that change.... watch out USPS here I come.<br />
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Goal setting for me seems to be a major task, and so this is why I am determined to have this application completed and submitted by December. But not just that, I am setting reachable goals that I hope to accomplish within short periods of time. I cannot look 5 years from now, but I can look at a year from now at what I expect to have done and where I expect to be. The good thing about short term goals is that it doesn't feel like a whole truck-load of tasks for me to accomplish.<br />
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Do you find yourself setting goals when another year turns? Have you been able to accomplish everything that you've set out to do?<br />
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'Til next time<br />
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Lina<br />
xoxo</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-53984077827166867312010-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:002010-09-17T10:22:27.257-07:00Celebrating One More Year Closer to 30!!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Darn... my birthday is tomorrow. I am turning 29, and yet I don't feel a day past 19! It feels as though time flies sometimes, and one could only wish to stop it for a second or maybe a minute or two. Does that make any sense? Is it that I have not stopped to take a deep breath and enjoy the air I breathe in? But really just stop, and think about nothing but what is around me. Not the material stuff, but the irreplaceable. Like my beautiful kids, watching them grow, watching them take on their little personalities. The intangible, like my feelings of love, appreciation, and sometimes even sadness, desperation. All the little things that we feel as we grow older *or wiser*. I sigh in complete content that for the first time in my life I am headed in a direction of spiritual peace and journey to appreciate what life has given me. Now that's a birthday gift.<br />
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I have been working at Language Line and it has been going well. It is, however, mentally exhausting and going to bed at 3:30am is tiring. However, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to work from home for a few hours. My blogging has been a bit slow lately, but I have continued to blog about <a href="http://therealhousewivesofbravo.com/">The Real Housewives</a>. Check it out... it is simply my opinions and thoughts about them and weekly show recaps and news.<br />
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My latest obsession has been watching Glenn Beck. Now before you start throwing stones at me, first hear me out. I have this dream that I can live a sustainable life, that I can guide my kids into living sustainably and providing the food that lays on their table. And a lot of what Glenn Beck says is so true. We have become so dependent on the government and who does what for us. But what would happen say agriculture comes to a halt? Who is going to provide food for us? Are we that incapable that we can no longer farm our own food? Now I am not saying drop everything and start farming, but what I am saying is be capable of doing things for yourself. How many of us are unable to cope with our problems and issues? Does a pill have the answer to our problems or will our problems be waiting for us after the pill wears out? That is why I have been obsessing with watching his show. To see that there is good in people and that we don't need the government handing things down to us. Instead to unite and be charitable, and if I am fortunate enough to give. You can't receive unless you give.<br />
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With that I am going to sign off... 'Til next time</div><br />
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<br />
Lina<br />
xoxoLinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-83721021629468529782010-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:45:28.613-07:00Round Cucumbers...?<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWWSLgU3d2noGv1P-ruMTy1mnw5EQV4MCDUP0CCYjA7xX4aQuvLxEFqEzP9qT7bBq6IH55vwE8ZKZvsd2_a6osB9Es0NM88i1xmYKSAGe8Xp_yrlyJCDrwjc9E03KJFRgk4lxlF5Y1T8/s1600/DSC07742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWWSLgU3d2noGv1P-ruMTy1mnw5EQV4MCDUP0CCYjA7xX4aQuvLxEFqEzP9qT7bBq6IH55vwE8ZKZvsd2_a6osB9Es0NM88i1xmYKSAGe8Xp_yrlyJCDrwjc9E03KJFRgk4lxlF5Y1T8/s200/DSC07742.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>I went picking some fruits of my labor the other day, and found the strangest thing! Maybe I thought I knew it all, but now I realized I don't. I found the most interesting looking cucumber, it was round and instead of the usual sharp little bumps it had thin hair like around it. So I left it alone and let it go for a few days, but then I just couldn't resist myself and picked it. I googled and learned that there are round cucumbers called lemon cucumbers and boy they are so sweet. I was just amazed, and in my salad it went that night. The taste was excellent to say the least and we couldn't get enough of it. I wish I had let it grown a little longer, but I just can't help myself. Once again, I went inspecting my plants to see if there are any more growing and to my surprise there are more blooms.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ploNCLjJ22HDUzUz8NVAd_SDOp6hthyphenhyphenEZNCWgbwpW8Q-Z0KPsia_u1QPkQftlX2vP9A8KdYf7s_aCcxzK_PXTknmUMJunqA2RDc1gS-F2tiywFb0QaQhsOwB4S72mRRI7PJndidpH-c/s1600/DSC07747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ploNCLjJ22HDUzUz8NVAd_SDOp6hthyphenhyphenEZNCWgbwpW8Q-Z0KPsia_u1QPkQftlX2vP9A8KdYf7s_aCcxzK_PXTknmUMJunqA2RDc1gS-F2tiywFb0QaQhsOwB4S72mRRI7PJndidpH-c/s200/DSC07747.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Aside from cukes, I have been able to have my tomatoes nearly every day. The plants have turned out to be very productive, but now I feeling the summer nearing an end and I am hating it. But at the same time glad because the kids will be back to school :D and I've had the opportunity to learn a little more about planting and where I could get a better crop. I now know where I get the most out of the sun and so that is where my plants will be next spring. We also had a chance to build a raised bed, and hopefully we can get to work on a few more. It has taken a little longer than I wish but I also want to make sure that we use recycled materials. Wood that otherwise would have ended up in the trash, of course free of paint and chemicals untreated wood. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4SOTUDhKCxCiPHrBYSm-1aqM5ASwmeuv0_UMBWDsiJH1tg6PY55OafneBst7B2EDAIF1biR9-XgBhcdctjak8BDFzUnaADFVCaLzDsXPgexfc5MijzqZXu1OS3wlg3TFmGYkJ8sreVo/s1600/DSC07745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4SOTUDhKCxCiPHrBYSm-1aqM5ASwmeuv0_UMBWDsiJH1tg6PY55OafneBst7B2EDAIF1biR9-XgBhcdctjak8BDFzUnaADFVCaLzDsXPgexfc5MijzqZXu1OS3wlg3TFmGYkJ8sreVo/s200/DSC07745.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">In other topics, I haven't been updating my blogs for the past week and I feel so bad about it. But I have and excuse ;) I have been working on the <a href="http://www.therealhousewivesofbravo.com/">Real Housewives of Bravo</a> website and also completing the training for my interpreting job. I start working next weekend and my shift goes from 7 pm to 3:30 am. That promises to be exhausting for the first few weeks, but I suppose I will get used to it. If you are bilingual and are interested in working from home, I can hook you up! Just leave me a comment, and I'll give you all the info. You need to be very well spoken in both languages, and it helps if you have a cultural background in the target language. Learn more about interpreting <a href="http://hubpages.com/_simplewriting/hub/Interpretersoverthephone">here</a> and what equipment is required <a href="http://hubpages.com/_simplewriting/hub/Telphone-Systems-Equipment-Needed-for-Telephone-Jobs">here</a>.<br />
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Tonight is the first part of the Reunion episode for The Real Housewives of NJ and I should have a post up tonight. I didn't get a chance to watch last weeks episode of The Real Housewives of DC, it is on my DVR to be recorded tonight and I should have a post on that tomorrow. And well, I think that is all the updating I wanted to do for today. Hope you all have a wonderful day today, it is sunny here so I know I will.<br />
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'Til next time,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</div></div></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-74339443650257596562010-08-24T16:13:00.000-07:002010-08-24T16:15:35.464-07:00Real Housewives Blogging about The Real Housewives<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">It's been a few days since I've blogged here, but you know my other blog is giving me quite a bit of work ;). With all the Housewives craziness who can resist writing about it? It's worth mentioning that the housewives blogger community, while small is a really neat one! Everyone has their own outlook on The Real Housewives, each has their favorite, each has the one they hate, and it's nice to see how we all gather on twitter going bananas over the show. Wouldn't it be nice if we created a Real Housewives Blogger Club, and we can all gather bounce ideas around and create a new blogosphere revolution? Just a thought :D. Just wanted to give a warm shout out to one of my tweeps @HousewivesTalk she has her very own take on the housewives. Check out her blog and give her a shout out too!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><h1 class="title" style="font: normal normal normal 36px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative; text-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.296875) 1px 1px 3px;"><a href="http://housewivesgossip.blogspot.com/" style="color: white; text-decoration: none;">The "Real" Housewives Blog</a></h1></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">I have also been actively posting some articles on HubPages and will be moving The Real Housewives of Bravo to its own domain really soon! This is really exciting news because I really want to add new features and make it an inviting place to all the housewives fans. So stay tuned for that!<br />
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'Til later,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</span></span></span>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-32792206220898642012010-08-17T12:16:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:43:56.867-07:00Home Office Furniture from Craigslist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Who ever said you have to be well put to get nice furniture? In this day and age we can't afford to put money down the drain right? With an economy that continues to plummet and businesses going bankrupt, Craigslist is the one stop shop to all your furnishing needs. It is very easy to find local people trying to sell their stuff, either because they are moving or simply because they need the money. With that in mind, you have a lot of room for negotiating and shopping around. So lets say you are on a tight budget, have a tight space and would like an antique look. Can you get your office going for about $200? I think it is doable. Here are some pictures of some items you can put together without breaking the wallet:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Here you have a really great parlor chair, with casters on the front legs and a very bright sunflower colored upholstery. This chair can be easily reupholster to suit the color scheme you want, and it is in very good shape. The asking price for this chair is $125, but I bet that a few emails back and forth you can get it down to $100. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">For desks, I have you 2 options. We have an antique secretary; it has 3 drawers, glass doors, and a roll up drawer for your laptop. This piece needs some TLC, but can be easily brought back to life and refinished to match the chair. Asking price $80, compare at $400 for a similar piece. The second desk is a nice mahogany color, it definitely needs some refinishing but for only $40 (I am sure this price is negotiable) you have plenty left on your budget to work on it. Also, always check the free section of craigslist. There is always something there to be gotten. It is a great way to recycle and keep more stuff from landing on our landfills. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">A few pointers to keep in mind when shopping from craigslist:</span></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">If you are not familiar with the location or are afraid because you do not know the person, always go with a friend. I say better safe than sorry! </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Be sure to inspect all furniture for bugs!!! Yep, the last thing you need is to bring new tenants in with the new furniture. Check small cracks and crevices, this is were they tend to hide. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Also inspect for damages. If the item seems in worser condition than you had in mind negotiate the price or walk away! </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Be aware of scams out there! Stick to local listings to avoid these, and do not pay until you have inspected and agreed with the seller on the item.</span></span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAT-0VK_eDzA5jukUaqyRBmGj0JAD4I1arGR01GsR2HMAwWJYIUBYF7R90nzkUeL5PxVztIIifQMuhjE5lYf2NWTu-EO7nVO7Fdud0hi-KNNUi_NQuE_qWZt7NMGZEgmKlygcKFF3nIU/s1600/Antique+secretary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAT-0VK_eDzA5jukUaqyRBmGj0JAD4I1arGR01GsR2HMAwWJYIUBYF7R90nzkUeL5PxVztIIifQMuhjE5lYf2NWTu-EO7nVO7Fdud0hi-KNNUi_NQuE_qWZt7NMGZEgmKlygcKFF3nIU/s320/Antique+secretary.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://s223.photobucket.com/albums/dd11/dipppper/chairs/?action=view&current=100_5902.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd11/dipppper/chairs/100_5902.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKEX3yQgBJ2fAmspvifcYTESS1OXWy6kqWHGSaEi7E6uttpeGudaXwYnQJIAJ_uwBvgzlFpc3ckxf26quVdpJjbud415WA6NE8s4xK44ndY9l0nPLJ3XDK7tOljLsVCOfK9Cyk4RQa3Y/s1600/old+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKEX3yQgBJ2fAmspvifcYTESS1OXWy6kqWHGSaEi7E6uttpeGudaXwYnQJIAJ_uwBvgzlFpc3ckxf26quVdpJjbud415WA6NE8s4xK44ndY9l0nPLJ3XDK7tOljLsVCOfK9Cyk4RQa3Y/s320/old+desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001UU5WT8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-58403236123151076362010-08-12T11:49:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:44:45.732-07:00Depression hurts... Cymbalta can help<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond,Georgia,serif;">OOh well maybe Cymbalta can't help but depression does hurt. What is it about life that we know we have all we need; love, family, health but we are not completely satisfied? That something maybe lacking, or not necessarily that, maybe a traumatic or stressful situation triggered it, or financial struggles is getting the best. But whatever the cause maybe, when is it time to reach into the medicine cabinet? When do you recognize that there is a problem and that you need help? Or when is a problem small enough that a pill isn't really necessary? In a generation where medications are constantly shoved down our throats and the pill knows it all, is it hard to figure these things out? I have seen friends instead of fixing the problem they just suppress it with a handful of Xanax. Guess what? once that wears out, the problem will still be there!!! It isn't going anywhere, and will not got anywhere until you make it go. </div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond,Georgia,serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond,Georgia,serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41lielcqZokq34EpVo9tecKVEhoyDa2qb4683DsULGEp-VP-D4PrtRx0Z54pbUSarQF-l0Ds8dLtFvPaHcBfWtwONoDCQz3EElAv9HJGMBUaXmmrnsOnCcstb4PLU1JS3-ePd7O25o3o/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41lielcqZokq34EpVo9tecKVEhoyDa2qb4683DsULGEp-VP-D4PrtRx0Z54pbUSarQF-l0Ds8dLtFvPaHcBfWtwONoDCQz3EElAv9HJGMBUaXmmrnsOnCcstb4PLU1JS3-ePd7O25o3o/s200/images.jpg" width="114" /></a>Why am I writing about this, you might wonder? I was talking to a very close friend of mine and the subject came up. We were both complaining about life, about how depressed we were, and how much she missed her old friend (me!) and how much I missed my old friend (her!). Before you even think anything, I do not take any medications, I have refused to, I try to fight my demons on my own, and I just hate the thought of taking anything. But I have come to the conclusion that depression can be physically debilitating, and that when you reach that point where you can no longer fight your demons it is time to get some help. I have days that I cannot even move off my couch to do the simplest day to day chores, I might start something and not finish it until the end of the day, I complain about my weight and yet do nothing about it, I find no motivation even when I have the most important things in my life standing right in front of me. I go to work, but that's about the only thing that I feel motivated enough to leave the house for. I tell myself maybe meditation can help, maybe in the quietness of my thoughts I can find the answer but I hardly ever stop thinking!! Sometimes I am yelling at myself in my thoughts, be quiet, stop for a second, it will come to you! But I am not patient enough for it to come to me. <b>And NO I am not postpartum, I think I am way passsst that stage.</b> I am still traumatized from an accident my daughter had 9 months ago. And although I tell myself things could have been worse, its hard to really believe that and it is hard to accept. So here I am, writing about this, hoping that if there is anyone else out there feeling the same you will know that it is time to get help. The answer may not be in a pill, but maybe just having the chance to tell some one how you feel, and releasing all that tension can be of help. Emptying the bottle that you have suppressed for so long may be the release to all that has been choking you, and you can finally see the beauty in life and all that loves you.<br />
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It's time to pick up the phone and taking the first step to getting better. Life is to wonderful to let it go right by you, take a deep breath and enjoy the tiny little things in life that no one else takes a chance to notice. If you can do that, then you will find that a little at a time you can come out of it stronger, because taking a pill will not make your problems go away it will only soften them. But in the end you will still have to deal with it.<br />
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'Til next time,<br />
<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-74372259278868951382010-08-09T14:04:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:45:12.045-07:00Just Another Random summer Sunday Afternoon<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond,Georgia,serif;">Yesterday we headed out to the yard and ended up putting together a 4'x8' box that will serve as a raised bed for our garden. It was a hot and humid summer day, so after we were done with that we decided to just relax and let the kids run the backyard. And then it was grilling time! Threw some steaks on the BBQ, made some mash and salad, and figured lets just eat outside. Take that back! the flies had a better idea. The minute we sat down to eat, these flies started coming out of nowhere. And hubby was enjoying killing flies more than eating his steak. So in we ran with dishes, drinks, and kids! Finally we could enjoy dinner.<br />
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After dinner we went back outside for a little game I call "if you land there I will plop you". Well you see, hubby was having a little too much fun killing flies that I just had to join in. Yuck, it is just disgusting, gross, but the more we killed these stupid flies the more that came. It was the flies massacre. EXTRA! EXTRA! This just into the newsroom of flytown_Be alert and stay away from Lina's house, the number of bodies is in the hundreds and rising! LOL! Seriously what a party pooper.<br />
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Anyhow, we were able to put the swatters down and let the kids have their fun_Smore time! We made them smores by the fire until their faces could not take anymore chocolate, and into the bath they went. After bath, it was finally hubby and me time. We watched the movie Brothers with Tobey McGuire and Jake Gyllenhaal. I was bawling! I seriously wanted hubby to skip the knock on the door part. Maybe I am too sentimental or emotional or whatever, but this sadness came over me. I mean come on now, its just a movie right?? It got me thinking our men and women (our children, spouses, friends, etc) are out there fighting this war, but how many of us really care? I mean REALLY CARE? We take our freedom for granted, as if it was this God given right. And these men and women come back from war, having put everything on the line, having lost themselves out there, and I ask you for what? Only they know what they have seen and done to give us the luxury we can today call freedom. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1595230327&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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To all our troops and war veterans, I salute you, I thank you because without you we would have no freedom and for all we know we would be living hostages to terrorism and fear. God Bless You, and may you get home safe.<br />
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'Til next time,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo<br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-24345477905058891862010-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:45:34.354-07:00Career at a Crossroad<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">I haven't blogged in a few days, between work and <a href="http://therealhousewivesofbravo.blogspot.com/">Real Housewives</a> blogging and my lately lack of sleep my brain has been kind of fried! I am sort of stuck at a crossroad right now, and I don't know whether to be excited or scared. I applied to get a position as a Spanish interpreter with Language Line and the interview process has gone smoothly. I am literally ready to be hired, but I wonder if I can really handle it all? It is a great opportunity, as I would be working from home. I have also picked a part time schedule that will not conflict with my job at the post office, but I still wonder if I am over loading myself. '<br />
<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"></div><div><br />
</div><div>One thing I have learned from working at the post office is that I am at their beckoning. The pressures of having to commit to "when needed" has now proven to be difficult, especially when I have 3 kids, no family nearby, and no baby sitter. So the sound of working from home sounds sweet right now, but I hold on to the future I could have at the post office. No matter, I am considering continuing my position there and taking on the new job as well. This could potentially mean more time for blogging *with a sly smile* during the periods that I have no calls and less sleep for me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>What to do?????? </div><div><br />
</div><div>I have made some exciting changes to my blog. With the addition of a <a href="http://simplelifelinathestore.blogspot.com/">Store</a> page where you can find some of my work. All of my work is made individually for the person ordering it, so if you have any specific colors you want or whatever the case may be just <a href="http://simplelifelinacontactme.blogspot.com/">ask me</a>. The check out is safe and secure through Google Checkout, but if you do not have an account I can accept PayPal. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Garden update: Tomatoes are delishhhh but with the last rain we got the wind blew my plants to the ground!! No biggie I have left them alone and let nature take its course. The cucumbers are simply delicious and juicy and I couldn't ask for more! </div><div><br />
</div><div>'Til next time,</div><div><br />
</div><div>Lina</div><div>xoxo</div></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-65555634164673596752010-07-31T19:21:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:46:00.438-07:00It's the Simple Things in Life that Count<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/16pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">What a beautiful day today was. After work, my husband, the kids and I went out for a ride and then I got a few things for dinner. Instead of doing the dishes after dinner, we decided to head outside and enjoy the beautiful evening. The weather was really nice, we let Simon (the cat) and Spot (the bunny) out to explore the world <s>no more than 10 feet away from me Simon!</s> and find things to chew on. The kids had so much fun running around, and since my husband did the lawn earlier we decided to collect some of the grass clippings. I thought it would be good for the bunny, but after reading some stuff online I am definitely not feeding it to her. Instead I am going to use it for bedding and compost. Apparently the grass clippings are not good because the heat from the lawn mower makes it ferment. Hey we still had fun raking it up!!<br />
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All of this got me to thinking how the simplest things in life make us so happy. Money is not wealth at all, my wealth is within days like today. We are healthy, have beautiful kids, love our pets, and love each other. What more can you need in life? Of course you do need to have a shelter and food and what basic needs, but if you know how to curb your spending then it is possible to live on a less than wealthy income. So there you have it! Frugality can lead to finding the real valuable things in life. Spending more time with the family, doing things together, and realizing that money does not buy you happiness.<br />
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Garden update: I have been picking cucumbers nearly every day and some tomatoes too!!!! Yummmy<br />
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Til' next time,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-82017616739460458912010-07-30T17:57:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:48:09.168-07:00Crochet Hats - Slouchy crochet hat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Cables in crochet??? This hat is a delightful design of what appears to be knit cables, but it is actually crochet. With baubles around it and a small band to finish it off. It is the perfect hat to wear when you just want to hang out relax and not worry about what to wear or how to fix your hair! I am working on a knitted pattern also, and should have some pictures up soon. If you are interested in any of my work, click on the contact me tab to send me an email. I do not have an etsy store, but I do hope to work on a website soon.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmZt6k4jsQaFqwDOPptxXxAcYKWI1TwnqLH7RIk4wyiHOdekPjzSabR9bFU3V_k_bGd2lAoKoMyET9rnZBISiyxBV_nA7DmL0nNZVWdc8ZuRSoLQwwjBri_SCMJlSVifSvEGv6MbMijE/s1600/Hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmZt6k4jsQaFqwDOPptxXxAcYKWI1TwnqLH7RIk4wyiHOdekPjzSabR9bFU3V_k_bGd2lAoKoMyET9rnZBISiyxBV_nA7DmL0nNZVWdc8ZuRSoLQwwjBri_SCMJlSVifSvEGv6MbMijE/s320/Hat.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsRlbAvSoSQ2UnS4LxqQCoebboeGCLhNPWMPelnuu3qgYzK0y414PfCFgBpFLJhxDyskvAeRIv3vGxU4C4IBmudaJW-LwN900kzXgDp_ZP8xVvCcdUAx-FMLfmCk_mYSX9YFnbRVfL_M/s1600/Smile+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsRlbAvSoSQ2UnS4LxqQCoebboeGCLhNPWMPelnuu3qgYzK0y414PfCFgBpFLJhxDyskvAeRIv3vGxU4C4IBmudaJW-LwN900kzXgDp_ZP8xVvCcdUAx-FMLfmCk_mYSX9YFnbRVfL_M/s320/Smile+copy.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div></span>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-83336292466423867952010-07-27T16:39:00.000-07:002010-07-27T16:43:20.491-07:00Direct Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (Direct TON)<div style="color: #999900; font: 14pt/20pt garamond, Georgia, serif;">Before I even get to what direct TON is, I want to point out that my feeling guilty ride is over, I have put this in a box, threw it away and I am now moving forward. I am not writing about this to be judged or be called a bad parent. I am writing about this because I doubt many parents are aware of the dangers around kids and pencils or any sharp pointy object for that matter. That includes pencils, markers, keys, small elongated toys, a high heel shoe, etc. I think you get my point. This is a hard subject for me to even touch, but I feel that it is important for me to bring some awareness about this condition and how it is diagnosed.<br />
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My 3 1/2 year old daughter, Gianna, fell while she was running from her brother. What neither my husband or I realized was that she had a pencil in her hand. When she fell and I saw her get up, I still didn't know what the situation was but I knew something was wrong. The pencil was on the floor and she was covering her eye. I thought I was going to die!! We called 911 and we were rushed to the emergency room. She had some exposed fatty tissue, her eye was pretty much intact, just a major laceration in her right upper eyelid (or so we were told). They ran X-rays, no foreign objects found, so she was sutured and set home. As expected, she had bruising around her eye, and her eyelid was swollen shut. I did everything possible to make sure she had a quick recovery, and in fact she was able to open her eye about 3 to 4 days later with minimal bruising. We followed up with the surgeon a week later with a complaint that her eye was somewhat deviated. He referred her for an MRI, which we were not able to schedule for another week since she needed to be sedated. Two weeks gone by she goes for the MRI and as I am walking in the door I get the call from the doctor. She needed to be admitted to the hospital for an inflammation in the back of her eye. She received IV steroids treatment for about three days and we were discharged to continue oral steroids at home. While in the hospital they did every test possible including blood work and CT scan to determine why she had vision loss and whether there was an underlying condition causing the inflammation. So what went wrong??<br />
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Direct traumatic optic neuropathy in plain English is damage to the optic nerve resulting from an injury. In the case of direct trauma, the injury can result from either a penetrating object or from blunt trauma to the head with bone fractures. Most commonly this can happen in an injury from a gunshot where there has been bone shattered. While a penetrating injury is less common, it does happen. There are not enough articles on the internet or even in the medical community that discuss this type of injury causing it to go unnoticed. There are a few sites that include some articles and even pictures, but I have yet to see some sort of documentation for a penetrating injury with a pencil and how it is treated. It is a shame, because kids are very prone to this sort of injury. The consequences with this type of injury are devastating. Let alone the possibility of brain damage, there is also the chance of partial to complete vision loss in the injured eye. Doctors are also divided as to how this should be treated, but the most common treatment is IV steroids. The problem with an untreated inflammation is further damage to the nerve.<br />
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The proper diagnostic testing for this type of injury is a CT scan, and this should be done as soon as you get emergency care. There are several things can be determined with a scan, one being damage to the nerve. Also they can determine if there are any foreign objects in the orbital area or if there has been any damage to the brain. Immediately nerve damage is suspected the doctors should treat with IV steroids as well as antibiotic to prevent further damage to the nerve. Obviously as parents we don't ever expect things like this to happen to our kids. But if you should ever find yourself in a similar situation here are some steps to making sure you are getting them the best care possible:<br />
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In my daughter's case, because she was not given the proper diagnostic testing her injury was improperly treated. It is almost like a slap in the face when a doctor tells you how lucky your child is, and later you find out she wasn't so lucky after all. The misconception that just because no one saw this pencil going into her eye or just because the Xray revealed no foreign object, that there was no further damage other than the laceration on her eyelid. As parents you are ecstatic to hear your child is lucky and doing well; and we didn't ask questions we were just elated to go home with a healthy child.<br />
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Today Gianna is a perfect 4 year old girl, ready to go to school, ready to explore the world, and legally blind in one eye. Don't feel bad for her, she has not let that hold her down. If you were to see her, you would never know that she has a visual problem. She is required to wear glasses all the time to protect her good eye from an injury. Her vision is 20/200, but quite honestly I believe it to be better than the doctors are able to determine. Mostly, her peripheral vision was affected. As she has learned to adapt to the changes, her left eye is compensating for the right eye making her central vision great and her peripheral vision not so much. She had eye muscle surgery (mostly for cosmetic reasons) so that she looks absolutely normal. And the scar, well that fades with time as do all internal wounds.<br />
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I hope that you will find this blog informative and raises awareness. You can be on top of them as much as you can but some times accidents are inevitable and we just learn to deal with the consequences. Til' next time,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-54069567336980956162010-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:46:29.170-07:00Cooking made simple!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">The Real Housewife of NYC, Sonja T. Morgan, has been working on new YouTube cooking lessons. Sonja is known for her simplicity and cooking in the toaster oven just proves that! Her challenge: for under $20 and in under $20 a simple style, elegant, healthy, and calorie conscious meal. No fuzzy clean ups, or dirty stoves and pans. Ladies get your toaster ovens out and lets get cooking. <br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-5yjiIrldfM&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-5yjiIrldfM&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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I suppose I like working hard, because I do cook in the stove. The clean-ups are a pain in the butt, and the heat that comes off that stove in this weather is unfavorable. But this is something that I will absolutely have to try. Especially when you have kids, cooking becomes more of a chore rather than enjoyment. I like to cook but at times you almost have to drag me to the kitchen to do it. Between Gianna trying to help (help as in mommy can I watch you, or can I wash the dishes, or anything to distract me!) and James constantly running to the pantry closet I loose all desire to cook.<br />
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On another note, yesterday was my last day at the Mellenville Post Office and I am a bit saddened :(. I really loved it there, but the travel distance was really getting to me. I am now being transferred to a Post Office only 10 minutes away from home. I am excited and nervous! Did you know that the Post Office has been rated the #1 most trusted government agency for six years in a row?? It is a great company to work for and to grow your career. As a full time mom, a part time position at the Post Office really was all I was looking for. Being home for almost 7 years was starting to get to me. And don't get me wrong, I love my kids dearly, but one person can only take so much googoo's and daadaa's and I wants and whys before they start to go bananas! And what better place for me to start-jump a career? I truly love it!<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0811874168&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Today I am working on a slouchy knit hat made in cotton, in a lace pattern by Natalie Harson. For those of you who watch the Real Housewives of NJ, it is like the hat that Ashley Holmes has been sporting around, only a more Spring into Summer version. I will post pictures as soon as I am done with it. Speaking of which, what did you think of last night's episode? Danielle Staub's ex-husband is (how shall I say this?) uum unattractive. I am amazed that he even agreed to be on cameras after she has continuously bashed him over the period of the show. Her girls are gorgeous, but I can't help but wonder what kind of example she is setting for her daughters? Wearing her engagement ring was a little desperate and she should really try and keep those girls a little more afloat the surface and not engage them in adult situations.<br />
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Well that's enough blabbing for today. I have to sign off for now (gotta work on that hat) and do some chores. Til' next time,<br />
<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo<br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-21484883076244372352010-07-24T13:05:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:48:53.366-07:00Infant crochet hat, headband and knitted socks<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJNC3wcFD4kIyh8xP8OH7_VT91s1xUTcZZNcjgSXO9fXaHlYuDSoYQMgKJgZTAOBNw4z6GW0dOi_oc05MZx060n0rWwlciFZvY2P3Q5eDBexcK0gin4Z4fdrYR6pEJ7nY3FiVO956D8o/s1600/DSC07671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJNC3wcFD4kIyh8xP8OH7_VT91s1xUTcZZNcjgSXO9fXaHlYuDSoYQMgKJgZTAOBNw4z6GW0dOi_oc05MZx060n0rWwlciFZvY2P3Q5eDBexcK0gin4Z4fdrYR6pEJ7nY3FiVO956D8o/s320/DSC07671.JPG" /></a>I am finally all done with my friends' baby hat, headband and socks! It is sooo precious, that I was tempted for a second **for a very slim second** to have another girl! The headband was done in tunisian crochet, I used a stretchy cotton yarn, and added two pink flowers for a final touch. The hat is made all in single crochet, and it is almost like a hat you would wear to the Kentucky Derby. The headband can be easily placed around the hat for the extra flare. The socks are knitted, again in stretchy cotton yarn, and each with a flower to match the headband. This is the first time I ever worked socks this small, but they are so easy to make and so cute. </div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1564776190&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
The hat is King Tut cotton, it is a simple pattern done in the round, single crochet throughout, with increases for 7 rounds. The brim is also done in single crochet and it is achieved by creating more increases once you reach the desired length for the hat. The basic pattern for this hat can be found in the book Fun & Funky Crochet by Sophie Britten. However, I did adjust the pattern to fit the look I was trying to achieve. It is all about taking a pattern and making it your own!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrrw1jJ9Bidc5nvJb04iwnSA5hcaoWzaEBz2-JZNsMJBfU77G5bFL1OGpcvNXF9geM-GU2Q1jhHXKO9CYHP0NDSXmE0gzOo4zOE_hhGszQTb33cXKTFXOMGC-PSZmnyE11hxevMOa5E8/s1600/DSC07670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrrw1jJ9Bidc5nvJb04iwnSA5hcaoWzaEBz2-JZNsMJBfU77G5bFL1OGpcvNXF9geM-GU2Q1jhHXKO9CYHP0NDSXmE0gzOo4zOE_hhGszQTb33cXKTFXOMGC-PSZmnyE11hxevMOa5E8/s320/DSC07670.JPG" /></a></div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">I really do hope that it will fit the baby, I haven't had a baby in so long I forgot how small (or big) they are. All in all, I feel very confident that they will fit her just fine ;). I really enjoyed working on this set, especially since I didn't know what the socks would look like once done. It was really exciting to see the final product completed. <br />
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Til' next time,<br />
Lina<br />
xoxo</div><div><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000QHFAI4&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000YQK0XC&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000IG7TQY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-65579800860620032502010-07-22T15:55:00.000-07:002010-07-23T05:32:11.617-07:00Turning a bad day into a good one!<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Initially my day started out fine, decent you could say; but then things just went south! Until I came across the competition of the year on 92.3 Now Radio, that had me laughing!! Its California Boys vs. Staten Island Girls.<br />
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In this corner the sexy looking boys (yes, I am being sarcastic) trotting their belongings, wigs, and pink make up. Greetings loved ones, is time to get horny!!<br />
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And in this corner, the Staten Island Girls representing all of Staten Island's, and for that matter Jersey Shore, guidettes. With their orange skin and black hair on top!<br />
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Who do you think gives Katy Perry the run for her money, and takes the trophy?<br />
Thank you for making my day a fun one!!<br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-45358401970101330642010-07-22T14:41:00.000-07:002010-07-23T17:53:57.083-07:00Staten Island Girls Remix Spoof on Good Day New York<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">o it's my luck right??? They were supposed to be coming on at 9:20 am, instead they get pushed to 9:40. This whole time I am recording the show, and 9:35 hits the clock BAM! my TV turned off, cable box, computer!!! So as fast I could I turned on the cable box, and run to the other room to try and capture the couple of minutes they were on the show. Sorry girls, I did a horrible job :x. I was hopeful that just maybe I had the show recorded on the box. But when I went to check, the memory was full!!!! Gotta love Thursdays. Anyhow here is the best of what I could do. ***UPDATE*** Got a link for the vid!</div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"></div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333300; font-family: Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 26px;">Tara Mooney, Shannon Mooney, Mary Kate Mooney, and Melissa Orientale</span></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="320" id="Redlasso" width="390"><param name="movie" value="http://player.redlasso.com/redlasso_player_b1b_deploy.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="embedId=c9964e0f-3944-41e2-8985-545f665f3b69&pid=undefined" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://player.redlasso.com/redlasso_player_b1b_deploy.swf" flashvars="embedId=c9964e0f-3944-41e2-8985-545f665f3b69&pid=undefined" width="390" height="320" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="Redlasso"></embed></object></div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-89435609550415620932010-07-21T17:32:00.000-07:002010-07-22T15:56:49.072-07:00The Staten Island Gurls Fever continues....<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">The Staten Island Gurls Tara, Mary Kate, and Shannon Mooney along with Melissa Orientale are scheduled to appear on Good Day New York tomorrow at 9:20 am. What started out as an innocent spoof on Youtube has risen to the top. The Staten Island Advance featured them on the front page of the newspaper. What many people don't realize is that Tara can actually sing, but again this was meant to be a spoof. Much success to you girls!!<br />
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Here is their appearance on <a href="http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=144125@wcbs.dayport.com">WCBS TV</a></div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=144125@wcbs.dayport.com"></a>And stay tuned for their Good Day New York appearance!!<br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-21466213162010853182010-07-20T17:56:00.000-07:002010-07-22T15:57:08.362-07:00A fake is a faker, a faker, a faker... as Danielle Staub's friend Danny would put it =)<div style="color: #333300; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">I watched Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and I just couldn't stand Danielle Staub for a second. She looked like she couldn't be done with the show fast enough. Her <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live/videos/danielle-staub-dances-on-a-table">little dance</a> was just another one of her acts! I guess she was trying really hard to make Andy feel better. And to be quite honest, I disagree with Bravo's depiction's of what Real Housewives are like. Or perhaps I am the one that's not normal here???? It seems as though, these housewives are more about the limelight, fame, promoting their businesses and products then about being an actual housewife.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1439177112&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Their childish behavior on national television does nothing but degrade who we are as women, as mothers, and as wives. There is more to women than bickering and constant drama. We are strong, intelligent, human beings. Although, I admit that I watch the shows, I constantly find myself questioning their behavior. I suppose it makes for great TV ratings, but where do their children fall in all of this. As many have watched, Ashley, Jaqueline Laurita's daughter, has fallen into a very self-destructive behavior. I wish I could put my hand right thru the tube and as Italians would say "give her a beaten". She has no respect for herself let alone her mother, and it is so obvious that she could care less. I do believe that Jaqueline is trying to get a hold of the situation, and who am I to criticize anyone or their parenting skills?<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0811874168&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The fact of the matter is, while some of the Real Housewives are down to earth and grounded, most of them are self absorbed and misrepresent who we really are. If they were to bring cameras into the homes of your everyday housewife, what a different story it would be. We would be running around town dropping the kids off to school, doing the household shopping, cleaning our homes, and caring for our families. </div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-78172757320376402522010-07-20T15:37:00.000-07:002010-07-22T15:57:19.183-07:00Staten Island Girls Remix Spoof<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WFpYaGufiJY&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WFpYaGufiJY&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<div style="color: #339900; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Bless the imagination of kids... this is my niece's cousin!! It is a spoof of Katy Perry's latest California Gurls - the parody titled Staten Island Girls takes on a very comical and somewhat real view at Staten Island Girls. From the orange hued skin to the late night munchies, it is all part of living in Staten Island. The spoof is at almost 80,000 views on YouTube and is being played all over the radio and internet!!!!! Congrats Tara<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0596521146&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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</div>Linahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12127156161493589078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738272888690701947.post-12476646994131575222010-07-20T11:53:00.000-07:002010-07-22T15:57:35.831-07:00Rue La La....Ooh La La<div style="color: #333399; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">Being frugal doesn't necessarily mean being cheap. While it's true that price is the biggest priority, quality is also at the top of the list. I, for one, do put price ahead of everything else. But I would be lying if I said that I don't spend money on impulse once in a while for something that I find of good quality, brand, and above all at a bargain price! But after having three kids, it is a challenge to find the right bathing suit and to top it off at a discount price. Most mommies out there can relate to this issue. Often times after several pregnancies, our skin just isn't the same. So why not make the best of what we have? Out of an impulse I ordered from Rue La La a DKNY indigo u-neck maillot one piece swimsuit. It is part of their Spring 2011 collection, and the regular retail price is $104. Obviously being the frugal person that I am, I did not pay $104! I only paid $39.99, after tax and shipping I still come at just a bit under 50%!! And am I proud of this purchase? 100%!! I haven't felt sexier in a swimsuit in a very long time. This suit flatters my body, and provides the right amount of coverage right where I need it. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=linaswebsite-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002XZX0IY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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So besides hitting the clearance racks at department stores for what's left of the season, is it possible to buy boutique items at a bargain price? Yes it is! They are private shopping clubs where club members can enjoy up to 70% off retail price brand name merchandise through limited-time events.These private shopping events usually last three days per boutique. It is like shopping at a sample sale only with the convenience of doing it from home. For example, they may open up a DKNY boutique for a period of three days for a limited number of items. You have the opportunity to purchase these items at a discount price, but there is a limited quantity they will allow you to get per item as well as a time limit on your shopping cart as items can sell out quickly. A club will hold several boutiques at a time and the boutiques are not limited to just clothing. They may include housewares, vacation packages, shoes, accessories, handbags, etc. etc. etc.</div><div style="color: #333399; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;"><br />
The clubs are by invitation only, which means a club member has to invite you in. Otherwise, you could request a membership and they will email you when there is a spot open for you. You will get daily or weekly emails with their latest boutiques openings and special events. As a club member you can invite your friends and family, and get a referral credit once they make their first purchase. Not only will you be spreading the word around, but you will also be earning some credits for doing so!<br />
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You ask, where do I find these private clubs and how can I get in? I first heard of them in the news and became curious about it. I had to request a membership and wait to get a spot. But now that I am in, I can spread the word! I am familiar with three of these clubs, and I am sure that there are more out there I just don't know about them *yet*.</div><ul><div style="color: #333399; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">
<li><a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B8A6C43">Beyond the Rack</a> - They have tons of events going on right now, including an awesome GPS system! With Beyond the Rack if you are a My Points member you will also earn points!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/getintheknow">Rue La La</a> - Jewelry, shoes, handbags, men's clothing, even linens!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rownine.com/invite/LinabelDacunto">RowNine</a> - Fendi Eyewear, Braun Shaver, and some of the coming up boutiques include Farberware Cutlery, and Clarins skin care. RowNine runs weekly sweepstakes for very desirable prizes! I haven't won anything yet but I will surely keep trying.</li>
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<div style="color: #333399; font: 14pt/20pt Garamond, Georgia, serif;">What are you waiting for? Go check them out, spread the word and start shopping now!<br />
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