Businesses For Sale

As we drove through town tonight to run a few errands, Scott and I were noticing all of the commercial real estate there is. We already knew that there were many houses for sale in town, but had no idea that there were also many businesses for sale as well. My first thought was that maybe there are businesses that actually had to shut down due to how bad the economy is?! I hope this isn't the case, but it wouldn't be a surprise...we're hearing many cases just like this in surrounding towns. It's so sad.

Capella

I'm sure anyone who has looked into online colleges has probably heard of Capella University. They are an accredited, online university that helps people get their master's and PhD degrees. They're not just any old school though...they offer so many things that other schools do not. For instance, I was just reading a web release about their online academic writing center that they developed. It's great for students because it provides instruction, resources, strategies and more. I love how convenient Capella makes school for students who are very busy in other areas of their lives. having a school that works for you is very important. If you'd like to learn more about online colleges, specifically Capella University, check out their website today!
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Finding a swimsuit

Before having a baby I had all the swimsuits I could ever need. Now, as many people know after having a baby...your body changes and so does your style and taste in clothing. Thankfully I haven't had to change too much as far as the way I dress...but when it comes to a swimsuit I would rather where something that covered my stomach more. I think a tankini or something like that would be a better choice when it comes to swimwear for me. Who knows...maybe I'll just end up wearing what I have. We'll just have to see if I can find anything I like.

Blog Templates

It's been fun updating some of my blog templates recently. My brother just did some updating on his and so did my mom. There's something about it that just makes you feel like rejuvenated and ready to blog, don't you think?! I don't know...I just think it's been a lot of fun. So far I'm having fun learning more and more about creating my own designs. My brother is really good at this and has taught me a lot. I'm very thankful for that.

Having a Twin

Today is my twin brother and his wife's three year anniversary. They were married just 8 days after Scott and I...so it's a really easy date to remember. It seems that there are a lot of similarities in our lives. Lots of people think it's cool because we're twins and there are so many things that are the same. For instance, we obviously graduated high school at the same time, then went to the same college where we graduated at the same time, we clearly share a birthday, we got married only 8 days apart and then had our first babies 12 days apart. Isn't that something?!? None of these things were planned that way...everything just seems to happen in very similar ways.:)

WeddingChannel.com

Planning a wedding should be fun, not stressful and overwhelming!! That's why there are people who want to help. For instance, the weddingchannel.com is a great site that has been helping brides and grooms plan their weddings since 1997!! They want to help make your wedding planning experience the best that i possibly can be! They do this by offer free interactive planning tools, advice, a local vendor guide, online registry options and more! From experience I know how much work goes into planning a wedding. If I would have known about WeddingChannel.com back then, I definitely would have used it. Check it out if you're planning a wedding, you won't be sorry you did!

Making Extra Money

It's so amazing the way God provides, isn't it?! Scott and I have made the decision that I will stay home with our kids when they are young. It means making some sacrifices financially...but it's SO worth it. Even when we're faced with a lot of bills or other things...the Lord always is there and gets us through. He provides for us exactly what we need and more. He's even provided a wonderful opportunity for me to make some extra money while I'm home. I can make money when I want which is great!! It's nice to have a little extra cash flow every now and then.

New Kitchen Clock

I know I've been talking about all out home improvements a lot lately...but it's just because we've been doing so much and they are all turning out so well!! I've said it once, and I'll say it again...even the little changes you make can change the feel in your home so much!! For instance, I had a really cute clock in my kitchen that I've had for three years now. I liked it a lot...but with some of the changes we're making, it just didn't seem to fit in as well anymore. Thankfully my mom has a good eye, and called me with a fantastic find. I got a new clock in there now and absolutely love the way it fits in with the kitchen decor!!

Radiator.com

Radiator.com is actually the largest radiator distributer in the country. Their inventory is quite impressive...as they have over 60,000 different radiators and ac condensers available. What's great is that they have radiators for every make and model. So no matter what you're looking for....maybe a Honda Radiator for instance...then this is the place for you!! If you're looking for a radiator, you may want to check out this site today! You'll be happy to know that they have high quality products, as well as an unlimited lifetime warranty. You won't find these things many other places, that's for sure! Check out their site and see what you think.

Updates To The Home

Isn't it amazing how the little changes we make in a home can really make a huge difference?! Our kitchen was pretty nice when we moved in, however with almost every home...there were small changes we wanted to make. We are slowly working towards making it a kitchen that suits us better. So, to start with we painted an accent wall...and added brushed nickel cabinet hardware as well as a nickel light fixtures and light switch covers! These little updates have made it feel like a whole new kitchen!! Someday we'll get the stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops...that will really make a difference! It's fun to have plans for the future...I love making little updates.

Accent Walls

This past weekend, my parents came up to help us with some more projects in our home. My dad helped Scott with the basement, and my mom painted an accent wall in our kitchen. Most would consider me pretty "safe" when it comes to decorating my home...so the accent wall was definitely a step in a different direction for me! It was something I really wanted to do though, and now that it's done...I LOVE it!! My mom did a great job!! Once I get everything hung back up I'll take pics and post them...before and after! It's so nice. Having an accent wall in the kitchen makes me want to do them in other rooms as well.

Beauty School

Anyone who has looked around for a beauty school has probably heard of regency beauty institutes. They are over 50 years old and are the fastest growing beauty school in the country. Why you ask? Well, they have almost 30 campuses across 9 states and continue to grow! If you've ever heard of them before...you probably know that they offer an exceptional education that offers great benefits for students. One of the most impressive things about them is the placement relationships they have with salons, cruises and even runways! Who wouldn't want that kind of placement in a college they choose?! I know I would. Check their site out today for more information.

Spending Time With My Hubby

As I type, I am sitting in our basement, keeping my hubby company as he works hard on finishing up our basement. He works such long days, and then is so good to come home and do work at home. I think he appreciates me sitting down here with him as he works. It gives him someone to talk to and just keep him company. I look forward to the basement being finished so we can sit down here together and spend time relaxing instead of working. It will be such a nice basement!!

Not Much Longer Now

I am really excited! In just over a week we get to see my brother and his family!! It's been far too long since we saw them last...especially their little son who is the same age as Kaelyn. I can't wait to see him and how much he has changed since Christmas. Most of all I can't wait to see him and Kaelyn together! That will be absolutely adorable! :) I told my mom we're going to have to make sure to have the cameras and camcorders charged up, because lots of pictures will be taken I'm sure!!! I will definitely be posting pictures of our time with them!!

Tropical Weddings

Do you or someone you know want to plan a romantic and tropical wedding somewhere warm and beautiful? This is the time of year to do it. That's why I thought I'd share with you some information I read about Karisma Hotels. They are located on the beaches of the Riviera Maya, and looking at the pictures it's absolutely beautiful there!! This is a terrific place to get married or honeymoon. They have a gourmet inclusive concept which is perfect for people who love food. Their service is also outstanding...having snap-to service that responds to requests of travelers, as well as beach butlers and more!! If you'd like to learn more about destination weddings here, just head over and check out their site today!

Bye Bye Coffee Table

We've always had a coffee table in our living room...but once Kaelyn began to crawl and get into everything...it was one of the first things to go...at least for now! We actually like for a change. It gives us more room in an area that isn't very large to begin with. We now have a gliding chair where it once was...and like that better I think. Who knows...maybe we'll get rid of it for good?! Really, what good are coffee tables really anyways? For the time begin anyways it really does make such a difference when it comes to space.

Beautiful Weather

Wow, today is sure beautiful!! It looks like the sun is shining and the temps are rising. It would definitely be a PERFECT day to spend at the lake...or least take a walk around it. Scott is working, but hopefully he will get off at a descent time so that we can enjoy some of this gorgeous day as a family. Kaelyn and I miss him when he's not home...especially on days like this. We want him to be able to enjoy some of his summer and spend it with us.

Work To Do

It's Saturday, and although I should really be working on my list of things to do while Kaelyn naps...I can't help but just sit and relax while I do some work on the computer. It's not too often that I just get a moment by myself. At some point today I know I'm going to have to clean the house, do bills, start the laundry, etc...but I spreading it out throughout the day isn't such a bad thing...right?!?

Kava

Because of their fertile, and nutrient rich soil in Hawaii...they are known for the best organic kava products around!! They are the growers and suppliers. If you know much about the kava here, you know that it is very potent. Effects can last about an hour, and because everyone is different...you should only take the amount that your body requires. Different people require different amounts.
Kava kava is proven to be a safe herbal supplement that not only helps people lose weight, but also helps them reduce stress in their lives as well. If you'd like a sense of well-being in your life, something to help balance things out...this may be for you! Check out their site today to see what you think.

My Family

Over the past couple of weeks there have been circumstances in my life that have really caused me to see how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful family! I always have appreciated them, but sometimes things happen that make you realize how great they really are. I am so thankful to have grown up in a Christian home, where Christ was, and still is, the center of our home. I am happy to have parents who love us unconditionally and who I know will always be there for us. Thank you Lord for the wonderful family you have given me! I couldn't ask for anyone better to have as parents, siblings, a spouse, daughter, etc.! I am so incredibly blessed!

Today is...

Another beautiful day! It's so gorgeous outside once again. It's only early afternoon and the temps are already up near 80! Kaelyn is napping right now...but we're definitely going to have to go on a walk this afternoon. The weather is too nice out to pass that opportunity up. Maybe even the park...who knows?! Kaelyn always enjoys the park as well! I love this nice weather, however it means long hours for Scott at work. That's the bummer! When it's nice out Kaelyn and I like to spend time with him too...hopefully he'll at least have the weekend off to spend with us.

Job Responsibilities

Scott has many responsibilities at his place of work. He not only works in the field spreading fertilizer, but he also works directly with farmers as well as in the office with computers. In fact, his employers think he's so good with all the computer stuff that they've actually asked him many times to search out good deals for them. Whether it be flash memory, a computer, internet service, or something else....Scott is the one they call. I think he enjoys being the one that people come to with stuff like this...it lets him know that he's appreciated and that his opinions are respected.

Symark Software

In case you didn't know, Symark Software is the leading provider of both UNIX and Linux security administration solutions. I learned more about them after reading a we release today. They recently made an announced that its PowerBroker and PowerPassword solutions will now support the new HP Integrity servers. Symark's solutions can help organizations keep their information safe while still making sure to comply with federal and industry regulations. If you'd like to learn more about Symark Software and all that they can offer you or your business, check out their site for more information! You won't be sorry you did. There you will find a wealth of information about the password vault and everything you're looking for!

Parents Coming to Help

I'm looking forward to tonight. My parents are coming up so Dad can help Scott with some things in the basement. They're the best! :) They know how busy Scott has been and that he hasn't had any help with the basement lately....so they decided that they would come up and help! We're so appreciative of this. It's nice to have family so close and those that are willing to help us out when they can. Thanks guys!

Girl Missing

I recently read on a news website that someone from Minnesota was hiking in Alaska with a friend and never returned. It was to be a one day thing, and has been 6 days now! I really feel for her family and the worry that they're going through! As each day passes it has to be harder for them...but it sounds like they're keep their spirits high and are praying for their daughter/sister's safe return. They have people out in the park looking for...so hopefully we'll have an update soon!

Update: minutes after having written this I read that both girls had been found and were not hurt! They had gotten lost, and when they came to a place where they could use their cell phone...they called their moms. I'm so glad that they were found alive and well!

Options Express

PowerOptions offers users a complete suite of educational materials to help give you the information you need to invest with stock options. With PowerOptions you also get toll-free customer support as well...a very important thing to note. PowerOptions has a patented SmartSearchXL technology which can't be found anywhere else. It is the absolute best way to find, compare, analyze and make money on stock option trading. It's never been more easy to the meet the financial goals you've set for yourself! It's now easy to sort, filter and analyze all of the stocks and options available. You can learn more about options express on their site today.

Anniversary Gift

Most anniversaries Scott and decide not to get each other anything but a card. This year we both got a card for the other, but then Scott surprised me with a little gift. He knows that I'm starting to have quite the collection of willow angles, so he went out and bought me the "promises" one...which was perfect for our wedding anniversary! He's so sweet. He sure didn't have to do that, but he's incredibly thoughtful! I'm very blessed. :)

Kaelyn's Personality

As she gets older, we are beginning to see more and more of what her personality is like. It's really neat to watch as it unfolds! For instance, she's very active and curious. She's always on the go and wanting to explore everything around her. She tends to get frustrated when she tries to do something new, like stand up, and is unable to for one reason or another. Although active in her own familiar territory, in public it's another story! She's often very reserved and almost shy. She shows a bit of stranger anxiety at times and likes to know where mom or dad are at all times! As she has begun to crawl and get into things, she has heard the word "no" a number of times when touching something that she is not supposed to. When she hears the word no and is redirected, she sticks out her bottom lip and gives a very sad cry. Her feelings get hurt very easily, which tells me she will be a soft-hearted little girl. She's such a sweetie and we're enjoying watching as her little personality presents itself!

Monex

I am sure many people have heard of the Monex Deposit Company before. I'm not even big on investments yet and I've heard about them many times. They are America's leader when it comes to the investment of silver and other precious metals...like gold for instance. They make it possible for people to purchase precious metals for immediate personal deliver or convenient deliver to a safe storage place of your choice. For over 30 years they have been trusted by many people. This says a lot about them and the type of company that they are! If you're interested in investing and want to learn more about Monex...check out their site today!

So Much To Do...So Little Time!

Sometimes I wish there were more time in a day to get everything done...especially on days like today when Scott is working late. It's hard for me to care for Kaelyn and get everything else done too. Laundry is piling up....the plants need to be watered...supper needs to be made...it's just all a bit overwhelming! Oh well...what can you do I guess. There's always tomorrow. Hopefully it will rain soon so Scott and can get off work at a descent time one of these nights. I know it's hard for him to help too...because he has work to do on our basement as well. We're both just so busy. Hopefully tomorrow being our anniversary...we can just relax a little.

Bad Weather in Iowa

It seems every day I read more and more national news about the flooding and tornadoes in Iowa. This is of specific interest to me because it's my home state...the one I grew up in and went to college in! I can't believe all the flooding and damage they've had throughout the past few weeks. Most towns are still dealing with the high waters, trying to figure out the damage it has caused and how they will fix everything. For a while, there were actually towns that had to evacuate and close down businesses. Such a sad thing. Hopefully all that rain and the tornadoes are done for good!

Vialuxe

Shopping for jewelry isn't always the easiest. It's good to find places you can trust, with the products and prices that you're looking for. Recently when looking for mont blanc watches for Father's Day, I came across vialuxe.com. Have you ever been there before? If not, I strongly encourage you to check it out. They offer good quality products with the customer in mind. What do I mean by that? Well, their site is laid out very well! It's extremely user friendly and easy to navigate. I had no problem finding any of the brands or piece of jewelry that I was looking for. They also have a section where you can read about the news and different blogs that are of interest to many jewelry lovers like myself. Finally, their dealer locater tool is pretty neat too. I probably appreciated this feature more than any other on their site. What a great way to make shopping for jewelry easier for the customer!! If you'd like to learn more about vialuxe and the jewelry they have to offer...you can head over to their site today for more information! I am really happy that I stumbled upon this site and I think you will be too! Have fun looking!!

Helpful Husband

Poor Scott...he's been working so hard lately. Not only has he been working late at work...but he's also been working hard on the basement when he comes home too. Last night he was so exhausted that he didn't have the strength to do much down there. But he did help me around the house by doing laundry, etc. It's nice to have such a helpful husband. We try not to sit until all the work is done. We're a team!

Where's Summer?

It's the middle of June already and it's still not feeling like Summer normally feels. It's quite chilly...in the 60's a lot of the time..rainy and cold for the most part. Kaelyn and I have yet to mkae a trip outside for a walk or to play. We did early in the summer...but lately it has not been nice enough. I sure hope that we have a few nice months of summer...because otherwise it feels like winter lasts most of the year! And we don't like winter...then we're stuck inside for months and months!

Medical Software

There is now a really nifty piece of software for physicians to make their jobs easier, and our visits more timely! Now doctors can get drug information right on their PDA or smartphone. They can get the PDA medical software from Epocrates, Inc. This medical reference software is used currently by over 500,000 physicians and I can see why. How nice to have all this information right there when you need it. They can look up prescribing information such as dosing, side effects and even health plan coverage. It's something I would like for my doctors to have, and I'm sure you would as well. I thought it was a really interesting product and one others may want to learn about as well. Check out their site today to learn more about free drug reference for iphone! This announcement was paid for by Epocrates.

Housing Market

I am sure many people would agree that the housing market is not good at all!! It's sad when there are people having to look into foreclosure help and other options because they can't afford their housing anymore. We see houses in our own neighborhood that have been on the market for over a year without hardly any interest at all. They're asking too much money for what people can afford with the economy the way it is. I think it's too bad this is how it has to be for so many people these days, and I hope it gets better soon.

WOW!

Aren't the gas prices just outrageous these days?! WOW!! I can't believe how high they've gotten again. I was thinking about it the other day, and remembering when gas was a dollar something. Now it's much higher than that...making it almost impossible to do any traveling without paying a huge price! I don't know about you, but the unfortunate rise in gas prices has actually caused me to think twice before traveling any long distances. That's too bad...but it's tough to pay that much money for gas all the time!

Professional Photographer in Destin, Florida

Scott and I have been talking about taking a trip for months now! We'd like to go somewhere that's laid back, beautiful and something Kaelyn could enjoy too. Although I've never been there, I have a friend whose traveled to Destin, Florida many times. She lives not far from there and has shared with me the beauty of this destination. It sounds like a beautiful place and one that we could really enjoy sometime this summer. While we're there I think it would be a lot of fun to get some pictures...as this would be our first official family vacation since Kaelyn was born. In looking online, I came across www.pbts.com. Portraits by the Sea is a great site where you can contact a very talented professional photographer who takes pictures of tourists who are in the area. This is definitely something I'd like to consider, how about you? If you'd like to learn more, check out their very user friendly site.

Walmart Runs

I was thinking about it today, and seems that Scott and I spend just as much time running back and forth to Walmart as we do at home. I don't know why it is...but it seems there's always something we've either forgotten to get with our groceries...or something we suddenly need or ran out of at home. Whatever the reason is...it seems to be a daily visit that I wish wasn't so frequent. It's not that I don't like walmart...but whenever we go it means spending more money. I am more frugal with our money and would rather make our trips to walmart about twice a month...and that's for necessities like food. Thinking about this, I got to wondering how we'd ever live in a town without a walmart...

Gas Station Survey

Where is Summer?

I don't know about you, but I'm really tired of the weather we've been having. It's just not feeling like summer is here at all. I mean, yeah, the temps have been descent...but it's either been extremely windy or stormy out the past few weeks and it's really getting old! I am SO anxious for some real summer weather to come our way. I love warm weather and being able to enjoy spending time outdoors more. Kaelyn loves it outside too...but unfortunately we haven't been able to spend much time out there lately. Hopefully it will get nicer soon...

Lose Weight

It's great that there are options out there for people who really need to lose weight to help live a healthier life. Have you ever considered losing weight through the LapBand System? I haven't, but have known people who did this and they are so happy with the results! It may not be for everyone, but that's where JourneyLite comes into help. They offer a weight loss surgery program that helps you through the process of not only deciding if this is the right choice for you, but also helping you to find the right surgeon, insurance approval and even aftercare to help you personally recover! Isn't that great? If you're looking into this, definitely check with JourneyLite to help you out and to learn more about houston weight loss!

Basement Remodel

Our basement is sure coming a long...a lot faster than I thought it would too!! We already have all the walls framed up but one...have them insulated, wire ran, etc! All we really have left to do is frame up the middle wall, drywall and then mud and paint! Finally, after that, we'll get to put down our new carpet...yipppee!!! Sometime I'll have to post pictures of the progress...it's going to make a huge difference once it's all done! Kaelyn will LOVE her new playroom someday. I'm so excited...I can't wait til' it's finished!

Cell Phone Repeater

My husband works in agriculture, and his business has many different buildings that he has to work in. Unfortunately he has found that doesn't get good reception when on his cell phone in most of these buildings at all. That's not a good thing, because if I need to get a hold of him I want him to be able to have a signal. Because of this, he's looking into getting a signal booster, or cell phone repeater for their buildings. I think it's a great idea. I'd feel much better knowing I'd be able to get a hold of him whenever needed.

Mac VS PC...which do you prefer?

Naps

As Kaelyn gets older she's needing less and less naps. For the longest time she was taking two naps...now she seems to be trying to phase out the late afternoon nap so she only is taking two naps. Some days that happens, and some it doesn't. We kind of go with her cues to see what will work. I notice that her morning nap is typically not as long either. I forsee her taking only one nap during the day within the next couple of days...which will be a longer nap like it is now.

Ping Pong

I was reading my brothers blog the other day and he was talking about how he's gotten into playing ping pong a lot more recently. I used to play a little and from what I remember it was pretty fun. He was also talking about the beer pong tables that they have and how nice they are. This is something that I know my husband would enjoy too. I'll have to look them up and see what these tables are like. Maybe it's something that we should invest in once our basement is finished?? We'll have to see.