New Scribbles

The Valence Group

2012-05-25T19:50:00.000+02:00

Should your interests lie within the world of the chemical world and investment banking, then The Valence Group might offer you something useful. They are a specialist bank offering their services to companies and investors. Their interested parties are exclusively related to the chemical (and materials), sector. Pure and simple, The Valence Group are a chemical investment bank who can handle any project large or small.

The team representing the bank are highly qualified within the field of chemical mergers and acquisitions. Their expertise is vast and they cover many other areas of chemical advisory investments.The company covers many legal and technical issues with regards to business sales and acquisitions. The website offers several video blogs to guide interested parties through any queries, or you can contact the company direct via any of the numbers/email addresses on their contacts page.

With worldwide presence, the group has connections and investors from major companies in many major cities. Mainly London, Shanghai and New York.

If you are wanting a company who offers quality and professional service, then why not select one that has been mentioned in a positive manner in publications such as, The Financial Times.

My Book news and reviews.

2012-05-24T09:29:00.000+02:00

The reviews of my debut novel have been wonderful. I am thrilled with the result of the launch day. There was a horrible moment when I realised the wrong file had uploaded. So I know there are a few errors in some copies. Ugh! However, the reviews have only mentioned good things. I have 10 so far, 4* and 5*.

My Twitter followers have shot up and the writing world has embraced me. It is a great feeling. My second novel will be out in December, and I will be renaming files to stay clear from errors!

REVIEWS

Generating Power

2012-05-21T16:40:00.000+02:00

In this day and age we rely on electricity more and more. I cannot imagine my life not having powered utensils. Back in the '70's I never even had a washing machine, but now I have every gadget going (except a microwave, I used to have one but rarely used it). In the vineyards we can often hear the gentle hum of a generator echoing across the valley. It is a sign that a new house is now occupied. The electricity cables are not all insitu so they rely on the large industrial types. There are many brands and all have their own versatility.

During our power outages after the power station explosion, we have relied upon generators for the long periods we are blacked out. Friends shared them around to stop our freezers from defrosting. The propane portables are favorites. We have decided it might be wise to buy our own. The country is having new sub-stations built and we experienced several days with no power during the winter.

The village shops have large ones on standby, and several farmers have mid-sized ones to run essential equipment. They are far too large for our needs and we have decided to invest in a gas powered one. Portable gas is a form of heating and we run our cooker on it, so always have gas containers to hand. The gas run generator is the obvious choice for us.

Personalized Address Plaques

2012-05-16T09:05:00.000+02:00

Decorating the front of your home with attractive wall art can be expensive. A plain number plaque to indicate your address can be boring. Combining the two covers a multitude of angles. Pretty wall residential address plaques depicting the house name or number, or business name, need not be expensive as found over at Just Address Plaques.

The vast selection of custom address plaques are great value for money, and attractive. They have a Spring offer ongoing at the moment and feature whitehall address plaques within the offer.

Their ranges come in a variety of patterns, shapes and prices. The selection is the largest on the market, so you needn't spend hours trawling the Internet searching for a particular range or style. The company has an established, knowledgeable customer service team, who can assist with all inquiries, and even help with your design. Should you find an address plaque elsewhere at a lower price, the company are keen to know, and encourage you to contact the support team. Their aim is to offer value for money to their customers.

You can sign up and receive the deal of the day alert. Again, the company offer a competitively priced item.

If you are searching for an unusual gift, maybe a retirement, wedding gift, new business or new home gift, consider purchasing a personalized address plaque and give something unique.

My Book Launch!

2012-05-07T15:45:00.002+02:00

My book is out today! Whoo hoo, break out the champagne!

It will be at the low price of 99c/77p via Kindle for a few days, so grab a copy! If you don't have a Kindle, try downloading the free one for PC or phone. Pop over to www.glynissmy.com and leave a comment...why? Because you might win a Kindle version of my second novel, Maggie's Child, when it comes out in December!

(Amazon.com)

(Amazon.co.uk)

(Book Depository.com) Free delivery worldwide

(Book Depository.co.uk) Free delivery worldwide

(Barnes & Noble)

Window Boxes for your Home

2012-05-06T16:25:00.002+02:00

A bare, blank wall can be transformed by the addition of attractive flower boxes. The boxes needn't be boring in structure or material. Wood, vinyl, and an unusual product called Copperglass. It is high strength material much-like fiberglass coated in a layer of real copper. (see pic below). It looks like metal but is lightweight. It is also extremely hard wearing, and will not split or crack.

The planters can also be used as window boxes.

WindowBox Planters.com has a vast selection to choose from, they have wrought iron, wooden, metal and many more materials to suit your windowbox requirements. They have a Spring planter sale with up to 50% off some items. The ideal time to brighten up a dull area around your home and garden. The company offer free shipping, quality products, and good customer service. Their website is easy to load, packed with images for easy selection. They have informative information about materials used, ideas and exclusive products.

Not sure about the product that has caught your eye? Well read the customer reviews. The company have a review section for the customer to share their findings with regard to the products for sale and WindowBox Planters.com.

Card Making Again!

2012-04-30T15:04:00.000+02:00

The wedding season in Cyprus is up and running again. Because of religious calendar restrictions, Baptisms and Weddings take place at certain times. This for me is my busiest card making season. I get a lot of requests for cards to celebrate both.

I rushed into the card room as soon as the first invitation was put on our step. In Cyprus villages the whole village is invited to the wedding. The young couple raise a lot of cash to start their new life this way.

Using my liquid pearls, I was pleased with the outcome. I found more colours on the craft stall in town, so have really had fun using them. On this card you can see pearls. The ones in the centre are a string of pearl beads, the ones on the corner are liquid ones. See how good they look.

I recycle many things. The tinfoil from instant coffee jars, or things like that are really useful. I embossed one with hearts and it really worked well with the purple and silver.

I used Tim Holtz inks to give an aged look to the paper on this card

This one I embossed a friend label and added a large blob of liquid pearl to the centre of the flower

This is showing the pearls and pearl beads. I love the flexibility of the liquid pearls.

This mirrored heart card picks up the colours of the butterflies and looks so pretty. I used the blue liquid pearls on silver ribbon to finish it off.

The centre of these flowers have little pearl drops added, and a fluffy ribbon with sparkles really finishes it off. The background paper is heart embossed using my embossing plates.

Wool and the Gang

2012-04-28T18:48:00.000+02:00

My mother knits, my mother-in-law used to knit. I tried and failed over the years. Eventually I learned, but never continued. However, lately I have been practicing again, and have been looking at various items to knit. I think the reason why I am interested again, is because of the various wool and knit kits available. There are some gorgeous colours and textures out there now, and all make fantastic items to wear or give as gifts.

Wool and the Gang is a website for knitters. I absolutely love the videos! There is one for every type of stitch and you can learn to knit using them.

The knit kit gift sets are fabulous. They have everything for the garment you choose. The website truly is a wool yarn shop with a difference.

Homemade knitting gift ideas are a thoughtful gift, and shows the recipient you have put effort into their present.

The website has a left hand side bar with free patterns for you to select. If you think of knitting as purely for sweaters, think again. You can knit jewelery and there is a pattern for a necklace in the freebie section. Or how about a head band decoration? There is a drop down choice of currency payments.

The idea behind Wool and the Gang is to bring fun back to knitting with funky ideas, or just simple creations. The wool is produced in Peru. The Andean Highlands. The creators of the website ventured out Peru to seek out quality wool for their projects, and this is the yarn supplied by the company, Wool and the Gang.

Crafty Couple

2012-04-27T19:55:00.000+02:00

Remember we lost our beautiful blue tiled table and pergola in the rainy storms? Well DH is creative too! He recycled the better parts of wood, and made a new table and plant stand. The table now has a lovely lime green umbrella in the centre, and the plant stand houses a few new plants. I will share pictures when they are established. The garden has a new fresh look for Spring, and things are coming together after the storm.

I love these two stamps. They were part of a freebie pack from a magazine. I am not usually taken with little critters, but these are just so cute. I have bought a new selection of buttons to use. They are great for embellishments.

Fundraising Idea

2012-04-25T15:54:00.001+02:00

There are so many different ways to fund-raise and often they can take time to organize. Some people jog their way to success, others bungee jump or cycle. If you are not able to partake of such drastic sports, but want to fund-raise for your favorite charity or good cause, then maybe creating something to sell is for you. However, if you are not creative, why not consider the candy fundraiser program.

The website; See's Candies has a fantastic program to help you raise money. No matter how large or small your cause, the company has everything to suit your needs. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, there is a dedicated team to assist with all of your questions.

Search their website, it is easy to use, and you will find so much information and inspiration to help you. They supply top quality products, at affordable prices.Selling candy to raise money is such a fun idea. You can purchase and sell, or pre-sell and pay later. Set up a table and sell your wares, do some good for your school, charity or club/group. Whatever your aim, buying and selling tasty treats will always draw folk to your table and boost your fundraising efforts.

Buying Cars: New & Used

2012-04-24T21:36:00.000+02:00

Buying a new car is a major investment. Road worthy and value for money is what DH and I tend to look for in a car. Many friends over here have some form of Hyundai vehicle, and often, when we mention we are possibly in the market for changing ours, they recommend searching around the Internet for good deals, customer support and vehicle maintenance.

Searching for new and used cars can be a daunting task, but River Oaks Hyundai in Calumet City, IL, offers a website packed with information, cars for sale, deals, and full back up support. It is a family based company with a 50 year reputation behind it, also 64 franchises across five states.

Their website is pleasant to the eye, and a great source for new and used cars, plus it is easy to navigate. With drop down listings and an inventory grid for you to fill in your car requirements. This takes you to a vast selection in the areas you require. Areas such as Chicago. Hence Chicago Hyundia Dealers.

You can even book your service or order spare parts via the website. Ideal for the busy driver!

There is a finance advice section, again with drop down ease of use. Even if you have no credit, the company can assist you sort out a finance package to enable you to purchase the car of your choice.

The company even has its own Chicago Hyundai Dealers blog. River Oaks shares many of their cars for sale in the Illinois area on the blogsite. They also share those of other franchise areas, such as Florida and Palm Beach Hyundai dealers.

Job Application...Made me smile!

2012-04-19T14:35:00.003+02:00

I received this email and had to share:

Resimay

To hoom it Mae cunsern,

I waunt to apply for the job what I saw in the paper.

I can Type realee quik wit one finggar and do sum a counting..

I think I am good on the phone and I no I am a pepole person,
Pepole really seam to respond
To me well.

I no my spelling is not to good but find that I Offen can get a job thru my persinalety.

My salerery is open so we can discus wat you want to pay me and wat you think that I am werth,

I can start emeditely. Thank you in advanse fore yore anser.

Hopifuly Yore best aplicant so farr..

Sinseerly,

BRYAN

PS : Because my resimay is a bit short - below is a pickture of me.

Employer's response:
Dear Bryan ,

It's OK honey, we've got spell check.

See you Monday.

In the Craft Room: Liquid Pearls my new find!

2012-04-17T17:02:00.001+02:00

I have found something new to play with in the craft room!Ranger Liquid Pearls. I use a lot of flat-backed pearls on my cards and it can become expensive. I use various sizes so have to purchase several cards of each. The Liquid Pearls come in a range of colours (I only have silver at the moment), and you can make your dots as large as you like. I am definitely going to invest in more colours!

I used the liquid pearls on the left hand card and brads on the right. It is hard to tell the difference.

The buttons on this little guy's shirt are made with LP.

The buds on the branches are also using LP.

The base of the birdcage is dotted with LP, and contrast nicely with the pearl brad of the flower.

You can also paint with them, so they are very flexible and it makes them value for money. I can't wait to use them again on the new season wedding cards.

Australian Travel Last Minute

2012-04-17T16:32:00.000+02:00

Travel is something I have always enjoyed, and have often hankered after visiting Australia. My niece has recently returned from touring the country and is full of vacation tales. My friend was born there and often returns to visit her family. She uses the Australian Last Minute website. I passed the information onto my niece and she found cheap flights. She used them again to book her touring flights to New Zealand. My sister-in-law booked last minute flights with quantas, via the company.

The company have a new, easy to navigate website. It is fast loading, bright and inviting. They cover worldwide airlines and countries, offering some of the best priced flights, last minute hotels and holiday packages.

The hotel page has several options for choosing last minute accommodation. From the drop down list you simply choose the destination country, the star rating (using the sliding guide), and budget price, (again, using the sliding guide), add to that the amount of people staying in the hotel or holiday residence, and the answer appears with prices quoted. For example, I need a one night stay at Gatwick Airport (UK), in September, and put in our details. Within seconds the company had found seven hotels within our budget. The great thing was, it also showed those that were full up, so I did not waste time browsing and trying to book.

There is a great customer support page that shows all support team contact details related to their individual service, for example: airlines, experience packages, accommodation, holiday packages and so on. Everything is clearly labelled and laid out, making searching much easier. There is also an opportunity to win a holiday break, look for the banners and find out more.

Insurance: Cover Yourself With Prime

2012-04-17T15:46:00.000+02:00

One of the items on our monthly budget is to ensure we have solid insurance coverage for our personal items, home and car. Insuring a home, car or personal possessions can become expensive. Also unreliable Insurance companies can charge a fee per month then fail to pay out after a valid claim. Shopping around for a reliable Insurance Agency can be a daunting task, but one that will prove to be worth it over a period of time. Some companies only deal in one type of insurance, whereas others will supply policies for many insurable items. Once such reliable company is Prime Insurance Agency.

They run an easy to navigate website where you can browse around for the correct insurance package for you.

Should you seek business commercial insurance, Prime Insurance Agency has a simple to complete, on-line form for you to fill in, and receive a free quote. One of the insurances that is important to me, is the health. Again, for an instant health insurance quote, contact Prime. They have an informative page guiding you through health insurance information. It is vital you receive the correct package to suit your needs.

Each policy written by Prime Insurance, (an independent insurance agency based in Ocean County, NJ), is written with each individual client in mind. The ensure you receive the full attention of their qualified staff. They have clients from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Connecticut, Texas, Maryland and Tennessee. Their aim is to find the right coverage at an affordable rate by using reputable companies within the insurance industry.

Should you find yourself in the position of needing any type of insurance coverage and do not know where to look, Prime Insurance might be a good starting place. Read their informative pages, and fill in their forms, or call them; telephone: 1-888-505-7746. Their email address is: sol@primeins.com.

Acapella

2012-04-16T21:04:00.001+02:00

Recently I have been listening to Acapella by various artists. Enjoy this mix of 90's music!

Book Review: The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer

2012-04-14T14:32:00.000+02:00

The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer is a beautifully composed story based in Japan, 1865.

Sachi, an adopted village girl of great beauty, is chosen to become a concubine for a prince. War erupts and he dies. Sachi remains as a companion to his wife. As war rages and the palace is threatened, the princess setsSachi out into the world as a decoy, to impersonate the princess herself. Along the way challenges and life threatening events happen. One soldier takes Sachi and her companion under his wings, and eventually they are able to return to the palace. Life is no longer the same and class distinction is challenged. During the readjustment, Sachi is faced with the true facts of her past, of the story behind her parentage.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; a mix of romance and adventure. Lesley Downer created a fascinating framework of history and fiction. Learning of traditions in Japan through the storyline made for interesting and absorbing reading. Her ability to create imagery through description made this and enjoyable read I am happy to recommend.

Author website for more of her novels.

Other book reviews by Glynis Smy:

The Sex Club by L J Sellers

The Book of Night Women by Marlon James

A Man Called Outlaw by K M Weiland

Blood Faerie by India Drummond

Ellen's Tale by Alberta Ross

The Property of Rain by Angela Lambert

The Doctor, The Plutocrat and The Mendacious Minister by Glyn Pope

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

Book Discount Coupons for Barnes and Noble

2012-04-13T22:14:00.000+02:00

With today's financial pinch, finding offers and deals can really help a budget go around. Many people give up luxuries and treats during times when cash is short, and coupon collecting helps.

A great place to find coupons, money off codes and other offers is over at Frugal Dad. The site is packed with many offers on a huge variety of products. One product that is popular but sometimes becomes a treat during lean times, is book purchasing, and any discount or money off promotions are always welcome. Book stores with on-line stores are becoming more and more popular, and barnes and noble savings can be found at frugaldad.com. Barnes and Noble are classed as the largest bookstore in the world, and certainly have a strong track record.

Barnes and Noble started life as a book-printing company, in 1873, and expanded into a bookstore in 1917. Their progress has incorporated many other options for customers and has come a long way since the dark days of The Great Depression. The were one of the first bookstores to use TV to promote the company and its vast stock. Now they offer ebooks and an ebook reader (the Nook), to bring the company into the modern world, proving they can adapt, change and survive. Their bricks and mortar stores have become meeting places with coffee shops. Their free wi-fi is also an attractive feature for many.

The website, Frugal Dad, displays coupons offering set amount discounts for Barnes and Noble, and you can get bargain offers such as:

up to 70%, 90% or %30 off

Free shipping

Money off toys

Text books (ideal for summer camp)

etextbooks for instant download

Bargain books

DVD's

Nook ereader

Music

Each coupon displayed shows a snippet of what the discount is, and how many days it has left to run. I counted 19 different coupon offers on the website, and all had over 200 days to run until they expire.

Shoes, cars, electronics, magazines and newspapers, entertainment and web needs, are just some of the coupon offers available from other companies and shared on the Frugal Dad site.

Frugal Dad.com is an extremely useful website. It has a blog style article section that shares many useful information posts, such as 'how to save on the cost of your summer vacation', or information about emergency dentists. The articles are very factual and informative. They can be followed on:

Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Spice Up Your Kitchen

2012-04-13T21:29:00.000+02:00

Although I have now got a spice rack for the kitchen, I am considering purchasing others to use in the craft room. Browsing the Internet for the original rack gave me the idea. The spice racks available at Spice Rack Source are ideal for such a project. I have several bottles of inks, glues and glitter that are the size of spice bottles, I thought a wall spice rack would be ideal to house them.

This one would be ideal to house my various utensils and gem boxes could sit on the top.
The one below is made of Maple wood, and the carousel effect would be useful while I am working. Instead of scrabbling about in a box I just need to swivel the spice rack.

The glass jar accessories would also be useful, as I can purchase packets and empty them into the jars and label accordingly.

The racks come in a variety of materials, and styles. There is free shipping availability and a website that is easy to navigate.

The Book Depository Discount and Free Worldwide Delivery

2012-04-13T15:21:00.001+02:00

The Book Depository deliver worldwide free of charge and now are offering and extra 10% off everything. I use them to deliver to me, and have never been let down. The books are well packaged and fairly priced.

Work this puzzle out!

2012-04-09T16:07:00.000+02:00

The Banana Test

There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals,
A Lion , A Chimp , A Giraffe ,
......AND...

A Squirrel
They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree.

Who do you guess will win?

Your answer will reflect your personality.

So think carefully . . ..
Try and answer within 30 seconds. Got your answer?

Now scroll down to see the analysis.

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If your answer is:

Lion = you're dull.
Chimpanzee = you're dense.
Giraffe = you're a complete moron.
Squirrel = you're hopeless.

A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.

Obviously you're stressed and overworked.
You should take some time off and relax

Mini Break

2012-04-04T21:22:00.000+02:00

This blog is on a mini break for two or three days. The owner is releasing a book in May and needs time to think!

Weight Loss Update

2012-04-01T19:33:00.000+02:00

The weight is still coming off and I am proud to announce I have lost 20lb since Jan 2nd. I am half way there! I still follow the Weight Watchers points system, however I came across a great website to help me focus that uses the calorie counting system. I do not count calories, but it is good for me to programme them into the site and see what my daily intake is. So far it tells me I am not eating the full amount, but as I am following other guidelines I am not too fussed.

The site is called My Fitness Pal. It is a slimming community site. The support is always welcome.

Aside from losing weight I am also noticing a change in my shape. I am also wearing clothes I fell in love with, wore once and cannot part with them since gaining weight. It feels like having a new wardrobe of clothing. There is a red checked shirt that keeps smiling at me, and if I ever get that on, I will be thrilled. I might even get a photograph taken and share it with you all. Folks have noticed my face is slimmer. I am toning my face because the skin under my chin is now a little loose. I might buy one of those toners you pop under the chin and strengthen the muscles.

Not an advert just an youtube video I found that demonstrates what I am talking about.

I am still undecided so might use the free method as demonstrated below.

WAITING TILL THE LAST MINUTE

2012-03-27T15:24:00.000+02:00

Thanks for the post, Vernon Lowe

I am the world’s worst procrastinator. Sometimes it takes me forever to get the actual task that I need to do, done. I have a project that I have known about for a week. Of course, I waited until the last minute, as usual, to get started. I have been wasting time all week on Pintrest that I get on using my lees summit clear wireless internet connection. I used to tell myself that I worked better under pressure and that is why I always waited to the last minute. Well, the older I get the more I realize that was just a cop out and that my work does suffer when I procrastinate. I wish that I could be disciplined enough to quit distracting myself from what I really need to do. I have been like this since I was a kid and trying to change it has been pretty difficult. I just hope that one day, I will be able to get all of my work done before it is due. I really can’t handle all of the stress that comes with procrastinating anymore! It is driving me nuts!

Let Me Go by Christina Rosetti

2012-03-27T15:23:00.000+02:00

The words of this poem were read at my friend's funeral today. Her husband stood and spoke the words with a trembling lip, but got the feeling across so well.

Let Me Go by Christina Rosetti

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.

When I am dead my dearest
Sing no sad songs for me
Plant thou no roses at my head
Nor shady cypress tree
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet
And if thou wilt remember
And if thou wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not fear the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.