Life in the Bluegrass

Could It Finally Be?

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:12:00 +0000

I am hopeful that after many months of searching and practically living on ebay that I may have found the perfect job to work from home! I guess it really should be categorized as a business venture. I am in the process of purchasing a web business. The process has been a long and stressful one! Several days of going back and forth with the seller, figuring out the price, how to pay, the list goes on and on.

I know that the site's current owner was just as frustrated with the whole ordeal as I was! I'm just praying that the payment goes through as planned and I can get started! I can hardly wait to be a business owner once again! Nothing like being in charge of your own destiny and have an income that reflects that! Time will tell.

Once I get the kinks worked out, I'll fill you in on what the site is and what I have to offer! Believe me, it will be worth it!

Let's Get Ready For Spring (cleaning that is!)

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Attention: New Moms - A Few Useful Household Cleaning Tips
New moms are very busy people, indeed they are. I remember
when I was a new mom with a baby girl, I could never
find time to clean the house. And after that came
twin boys so imagine the lack of time to do
house cleaning.

I hope these tips help you save time and make your
life as a new mom a lot easier.

New Moms have to look after the new child, work and
prepare for meals. Added to this is the need for
them to maintain a very neat and tidy home.

For a new mom to be able to get all these feats
in less time and with less effort, it pays to learn a few
house cleaning tips which will work in every home situation.

During cleaning, it pays to clean the upper part of an
object before the lower one, else you will have to clean
what you just cleaned all over again.

It is suggested to finish each activity before you go the next one.
When you approach work this way, you have the opportunity
to assess what you have just done and determine whether it
needs to be done again or not. Again, finishing one job
before moving on to the next one will ensure that you do
not leave any work unfinished totally.

Save on time. Whilst the dishwasher is cleaning the
plates, you can be wiping the window sills so that no time
is wasted.

Dusting should be done with extra care. Avoid using dry
dusters for they leave fibers on the objects they clean.
It works best to use moist cloth as they trap the dust
into the cloth. These days there are even
electrostatically-charged cleaning cloths which
will keep the dust to the cloth and prevent it
from swirling in the air.

If you are buying mops, try to get one with a squeezer
so you can always draw the water comfortably after a mop.
It is also advisable to get a graduated mop so you can
easily measure the detergent ratios in the bucket.

Keep brooms in their holders. Don't let them stand on
the brushes as that will destroy the shape of the
bristles and make them difficult to sweep with.

These Household Cleaning Tips will ensure that you give
that beautiful shine to your home. A new mom will find
these tips useful as they will help to cut down on time,
do multiple activities at the same time and use the time
saved to look after their child.

About the Author

For more House Cleaning Resources
visit us at:
http://Better-Family.com/house-cleaning
(c) Copyright 2005.

Get The Latest Downloads for Wii

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Did your children get a Wii for Christmas? Are they already asking for new games for it? Then you need to check out this great new site. It offers access to the fastest Wii game downloads on the internet, members get unlimited access to the database, and free 24 hour tech support!

If you're ready to save a bundle on the latest Wii games Click Here! You're kids will love you for it!!!

TIRED OF JUST GETTING BY?!?

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:56:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the same old scenario: paycheck gets deposited only to be gone in a heart beat to pay the bills!

I know we have all seen the sites on how to make money on the internet, but it seems like everyone else is making the money while we just sit on the sidelines and wonder how it's done.

Yahoo is now giving Google a run for their money. You can cash in on this new find and save on your PPC campaigns! Click Here!
to find out how to make money on Yahoo.

Hooray For Customized Handbags!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:35:00 +0000

I have just recently joined an awesome company! We offer handbags, tote bags, insulated totes and lunch bags, cinch sacs and luggage!And sooo much more!!! All of which can be either embroidered or personalized with a silver initial hanging letter.

The patterns and styles are amazing and I can say that you won't find anything like it except at our home website or my personal webpage. If you love handbags and like to have your own personal stamp put into it, check us out!!!

You can visit the corporate site at www.thirtyonegifts.com!!!Please enter consultant id 5886 Thanks!

You'll be glad that you took the time to look!!!!!

KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL!!!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Well, my kids started back to school last Wednesday. The house is quiet and it actually stays clean for longer than 5 minutes. The baby and I are adjusting to the lack of noise.

I'm still in search of that dream job. You know the one where you can work from home and actually make money. The one where it's not a scam and making some jerk rich off of your hard earned money.

Every ad I find promises riches, but they are all the same. Basically, get yourself a clickbank account and try to find which product is a quick seller. Of course you need to have your own domain name and you can get by without hosting if you just link your domain name to your product that you are trying to sell.

Avoid the rebate processor job-TOTAL SCAM also avoid anything to do with ASI or National Healthcare Discount Inc. What a joke. I "worked" with them for about a month or so. My "job" was to interview potential hires for the company and hire them to do the same job as me, call people, sign them up, repeat. What they don't tell you is you are only going to be paid $1 for each person you "hire" and they aren't considered "hired" until they attend several teleconferences. At which they are offered several packages to purchase. Discount health, vision, cell phone etc... Of course this is not insurance by any means it is a discount plan. So don't be fooled.

Look and choose wisely before you invest!!!!

Have a good one!!!

Legitimate Work From Home

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:58:00 +0000

Do you like to give your opinions on products? Would you like to make money by simply filling out surveys that are of interest to you?Click Here! to get all the information you need to start earning today!

Are you a stay at home mom or just someone looking for legitimate work at home opportunities? You don't need to search any longer!Click Here! to find your perfect work from home business!

FINALLY, A VACATION!!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:32:00 +0000

It's been awhile, but we are finally taking a family vacation. We will be going to Panama City Beach, not only for fun in the sun but for BASEBALL!

My son's summer team will end their season with a tournament in Florida. It's quite a trip for ball games, but the rest ot the family can't wait to get to the beach.

I just hope that the team wins a few games to make the trip worth it. If not, atleast we had a great place to relax for a week!

MAKE MONEY WITH GOOGLE ADSENSE

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Anyone who has ever wanted to make money using the Internet, keep reading. This article will show you five tips to use to create a Google AdSense business.

Here are the five great tips about how to create income from a Google AdSense business.

Tip 1: About Google AdSense

Google AdSense is a quick and easy way to make money. You are required to display text-based ads from Google AdWords, and then receive a piece of the pay-per-click payments. Since Google Ad Words places ads that are relevant to your websites content, people will be more inclined to click on the ads, paying you more money. And that will lead to a very profitable Google AdSense business.

Tip 2: Create Keyword Focused Pages

In order to create more traffic to your website, you need to create keyword focused pages. This means picking out and using the correct words in your website content to attract more visitors and attain a better search engine ranking. This will, in turn, grow your Google AdSense business larger and increase its profits.

Tip 3: Create A Larger Click Through Rate

To increase your click through rate, you need to use simple designs with the Google AdSense ads displayed well. Google research indicates using skyscraper ads featured on the right hand side of your website. And you also need to focus on one topic per page, making it easier for Google to create better ads that match up well with your site. This all means a better click through rate and more money for you and your Google AdSense business.

Tip 4: Increase The Value Of Clicks

This is done by using "expensive" keywords and creating website pages that are optimized for them. Keep these all focused on your websites original theme, though. Eventually, visitors from other "less expensive" sites will visit your website, allowing you to make more money with you Google AdSense business.

Tip 5: Auto Income Ideas

You can also make money with your Google AdSense business by using auto income. This is a way to increase your income from websites that have been built to make you money. This is accomplished by using keywords, building websites with those words included, and then placing ads on your website and promoting it.

Fabian Tan is a well-known Internet Marketing expert and the author of the popular 45-page Report:

"Murder Your Job: How To Build Cash Sucking Autopilot Businesses In 30 Days Or Less!"

Head over to http://www.MurderYourJob.com to get your FREE copy now before its gone!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fabian_Tan

Protect Your Home When You Are Away

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:26:00 +0000

With summer comes vacations and time away from your home. Here is a great article to protect your home so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE AWAY Published by FUN MATES PRESS
Be sure to lock before you leave, and let a neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big, big dividends.

GOING TO THE MARKET OR OUT TO DINNER?
A residence which presents a 'lived-in' appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.
When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.
Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES
Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.
Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.
Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.
Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.
When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people’s vacation activities.
If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor’s phone immediately to summon police.
Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO:
1. Lock before you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor - yourself.

Broken Relationships Fixed!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0000

Is your relationship on the verge of ending? Are you looking for ways to put the spark back in your love life? Then you need to Click Here! We can show you how to fix that broken relationship!

Boys and Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:08:00 +0000

Well my 13 year old son had to have an ingrown toenail removed AGAIN! Same toe. He obviously doesn't know how to cut his toenails.

I have tried repeatedly to show him the "proper" way, but to no avail. He clips them too short and at an angle. I guess he'll eventually learn or he'll be without a toenail. There's only so much that a doctor can remove!

The toe looks great and it hasn't stopped him from playing baseball. As a matter of fact, he went to practice the same day he had the nail removed. He has a game tomorrow, let's hope for no rain and a win!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Got Gas? InYour Tank That Is!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:14:00 +0000

I don't know about you but these gas prices are KILLING my budget! I drive a 2001 Ford Excursion, a gas guzzler you might say. I'd get rid of it except for the fact that it's paid for!

It still looks new as long as you don't check the odometer! 139,000 miles! With five kids to haul around this is my own personal bus! Thankfully it isn't yellow.

Since gas is now averaging $3.60 a gallon I only put in 20 gallons at a time. This truck has a 44 gallon tank and I don't want to experience heart failure at the pump!!

Well you know what they say once it's paid for it falls apart. In July 2007 I had to get 4 new tires, rear brakes, calipers, rotors, and brake hoses. Around $1400 worth of work, still less than buying a new vehicle and with no monthly car payment I guess it wasn't too bad.

Now to April 2008, I took the truck in on Tuesday the 29th to have the routine oil change, tires rotated, and to get the recall part for the cruise control fixed. Simple enough right? Wrong! The service manager tells me I need new front brakes, new pads for the 4 wheel drive, and new ball joints! This only set me back another $1400!!!

Driving this paid in full truck isn't seeming like such a bargain anymore!! Can't trade it in because I won't get much for it. I guess it will just have to do for now, we need it to haul all of the baseball equipment that our boys have.

HERE'S TO HOPING THAT THE GAS PRICES FALL BACK TO UNDER $3 A GALLON!

Until then,
Click Here! to learn how water can be used to fuel your car!

Your Baby Is How Old and You're STILL Nursing?!?

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Well she is 13 months and YES she is STILL nursing. I don't know how many times I've been asked that. Kennah enjoys nursing and I am willing to let her as long as she wants. Don't get me wrong here, there are those days when I'm ready to give her a bottle or cup, especially when she decides to try out her teeth! OUCH!!!

I have five children and I nursed all of them with the exception of my oldest. Being a first time mom there was no way I was going to breastfeed. I was going back to work and that was the last thing I wanted to mess with. Corbin was 3 weeks early and only weighed 5lbs. 15 ounces. If any baby would have benefitted from nursing it would have been him. But I knew better or so I thought.

Kollin, my second child was full term and weighed 7 lbs. and 8 ounces. I decided this time to give nursing a try. My neighbor had convinced me that it would be sooo easy. Once I got the hang of it things weren't so bad except that this child could eat ALL day and still be hungry. By 6 weeks I gave in and opted for the bottle. It didn't faze him one bit, infact I think he was happy to get his milk a lot faster and in greater supply.

Well now here is baby #3, Karley my first daughter. She weighed a whopping 7 lbs and 13 ounces. I now was a stay at home mom and decided I should breastfeed because I wasn't working. Karley was quite the marathon eater! She nursed until approximately 4 months of age. I had decided to go into business with a relative (BAD IDEA!) so she had to quit the boob.

When Camren, baby #4(7 pounds even) came along I again nursed. I nursed him until he was 6 months old, I had quit the business with the relative, but gave into "INLAW" pressure to give him a bottle. Well as soon as he stopped he broke out in a rash and we thought he had an allergy to the formula. In comes the soymilk, still no luck with the rash. Turned out he had eczema. This has since cleared up and he has not had an outbreak for 6 years!

Seven years after Camren, my second daughter Kennah was born.Kennah is just like her big sister, she weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces! It's funny how the girls outweighed the boys! She is so adorable. I have been nursing her for 13+ months. I keep thinking that she will give it up on her own. She's eating table food and drinks from a cup. I guess I'm her security blanket. Now it's more of a nurse when I'm tired kind of thing. Hopefully soon I will be able to wear a normal bra, throw away the nursing pads and feel like I am in control of my body. Whenever she decides to quit is fine, I just want to enjoy this special time with her.

So if you see a nursing mother out there, be kind, just smile and go on about your way.

Life is crazy!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:25:00 +0000

I don't know about your life, but mine is crazy!!! With five children I never have a dull moment. The baby is now almost 13 months and STILL nursing. I can't convince her to give it up.

Baseball has started for 2 of my boys, now I have the pleasure of running in two directions to make sure each one gets to their game on time! You gotta love it.

Winds of change are blowing!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:47:00 +0000

The Super Bowl is over and now we can start concentrating on some NCAA basketball!
Let's go BIG BLUE!!!!

I don't know how your night was, but it was WINDY here! I think I slept a total of 2 hours wondering if the roof was going to blow off!!! My kids all slept right through the storm! Lucky them.

The in-laws are coming to town for about a week. I'll finally get someone here who can actually do some handyman repairs! Leaking shower, toilet that keeps running, garage door that doesn't want to close on its own, the list goes on and on! My husband didn't inherit any of his father's ability to repair things!

My 2nd child will be 13 next week, then we'll have 2 teenagers in the house. Lord help us!!!! I guess it could be worse, atleast they are both boys and I don't have to deal with the girl drama-----YET!

Today is ASH WEDNESDAY and I can't decide what we will have for dinner. It's not much fun trying to find meatless meals! I have decided to give up yelling and screaming at my kids and the dreaded cursing for LENT!!!! We'll see how that goes. 40 days is a long time. But if I can make it, they say it only takes 21 days to form a habit. I can only hope that's true.

Gotta run, the baby wants to eat. Come back and visit soon in the Bluegrass!

Sick kids-winter is definitely here!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Today my 12 yr. old is home with the ever dreaded Streph throat. Everything was fine until he spent the evening at the local gym for 3 hours playing b-ball. Saturday morning he woke up with a fever. No problem, he went to his b-ball game, played but not as he usually does. Sunday morning still has a fever, now a sore throat-go to the clinic- sure enough. Streph throat-so no school until he has 24hours of antibiotics.

Today, Monday, he is home watching every DVD he can find. Luckily for me, he'll be back at school tomorrow.

The weather looks as if it might actually warm up!

My 10 month old just decided to drink out of the dog's dish! What's next? Never a dull moment here.

The snow is flying! Warm up with a great meal.

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Here's a great recipe if your stuck in the same old dinner routine. Everyone is sure to love it!

Salsa Chicken

Ingredients:

6 chicken breasts
1 15-oz can black beans
1½ c. corn
1 ½ c. salsa
1 c. Cheddar cheese, grated
Hot cooked rice

Directions:

Combine ingredients in slow cooker, except rice and cheese. Cover; cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 4-6 hours. Serve over rice and top with cheese.

For those of you that didn't know you CAN fix dessert in your crock pot. Here's a recipe for the chocolate lover in us all.

BROWNIE BOTTOMS

Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup water
2 Tbs cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups packaged brownie mix
2 3/4-oz package chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup milk chocolate chip morsels
2 eggs
3 Tbs butter, melted
3/4 cup water

Directions:
Lightly grease the stoneware with a non-stick cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, 3/4 cup water and cocoa powder and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to form a batter. Spread the batter into the stoneware, and pour the boiling mixture over the batter. Cover cook on High for 1 1/2 hours. Turn of heat and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Don't forget the icecream!!!!YUM!

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noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Rich Brooks hasn't retired YET!!

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:56:00 +0000

I just heard on the news today that UK already has a replacement lined up to take the lead of the UK football program. Rich Brooks hasn't even retired! What's up with that? I guess they want to have an easy transition when and if Rich leaves.

But why would he want to? He has back to back bowl wins!!! I haven't heard who is set to fill his shoes, but I'm sure it's someone on his staff. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

GO BIG BLUE!

Well, it looks like we will eventually get joker Phillips to take the helm.
Kentucky offensive coordinator Joker Phillips has agreed to become the Wildcats' head coach following Rich Brooks' retirement. While no date has been set for Phillips to take over, Brooks is expected to sign a contract extension this week that will carry him through the 2011 season.

"With the landscape of college football changing from year to year, the decision to name Joker Phillips the next head coach at the University of Kentucky provides continuity and consistency for current and future players," Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. "Continuity and consistency will be a competitive advantage for UK going forward, an advantage our program has not enjoyed very often during its history.
"Joker is a native of the commonwealth, an alumnus of the university, a letterman, and a person who has been an integral piece of our last three bowl victories in program history. He bleeds blue and believes in the foundational principles that Coach Brooks has put in place for the program."

Living life in the Bluegrass state (for those of you that do not know that would be KENTUCKY) .

noreply@blogger.com (crystalinthebluegrass) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Kentucky is said to be the "bluegrass state", why you ask? Well, it's supposed to be because of the vast amounts of bluegrass. Well in my "neck of the woods" the bluegrass is giving way to "urban development". Horse farms and rolling hills are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Everywhere you look another developer is trying to squeeze another house in on a lot that is nowhere big enough for a house and a yard to roam. I guess you'll save on gas because there won't be much of a yard to mow.

I love to shop just as much as the next person, but really how many shopping centers does one city need?! It's absolute craziness!

Each young person dreams of living the city life, I say go RURAL and avoid this rat race.

Don't get me wrong, I love living in Kentucky (I'm a transplant from Illinois). What isn't there to love? We have horse racing, UK basketball-even though they aren't doing so well we still love them. GO BIG BLUE!!!

We have Maker's Mark for you bourbon lovers and many other wonderful spirits.

With five children that can be a blessing!

Seriously, though this is a great place to live.

Avoid the traffic and shop online at these wonderful retailers!

For your children's uniform needs be sure to visit:

If you are a busy mom like me, you enjoy finding short cuts to fixing dinner. Visit crock-pot.com to find great recipes and deals on the best slow cooker.

Crock-Pot Cooks All Day While The Cooks Away!

Here's a great recipe for those cold winter nights!

Mexican Chili Chicken

Ingredients:

2 medium green bell peppers, cut into thin strips
1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
4 chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 jar (16 ounces) chipotle salsa
½ cup ketchup
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
Hot cooked noodles

Directions:

Place bell peppers and onion into Crock-Pot® slow cooker; top with chicken. Sprinkle chili powder and oregano evenly over chicken. Add salsa. Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours or until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken pieces to serving bowl; keep warm. Stir ketchup, cumin and salt into liquid in slow cooker. Cook, uncovered, on High 15 minutes or until hot.
Pour mixture over chicken. Serve with noodles.

Tip
For thicker sauce, blend together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Stir into cooking liquid with ketchup, cumin, and salt.

This would also make a great meal for your Super Bowl party!

Wondering what to do with all the leftovers?

FoodSaver Uses and Tips