Queen Bloggerella

Olivia and Music

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Being the step-daughter of a man who not only plays but also builds, repairs, and modifies guitars, I really thought by now my daughter would have mentioned wanting to learn how to play by now. I mean, for as long as I can remember she had a guitar in her hands. I think it's time for a fender cyclone!

Siblings

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:05:00 +0000

I have been trying to find a really nice gift for my sister in law. She is like a sister to me so I searched "gifts for sister" and a slew of cool gift ideas just popped out at me. Some are personalized and mushy - makes me wish I had a brother or sister - I am an only child.

THEN my own kids act up - fighting/arguing with each other, and I think to myself, "wow, I am glad i don't have any brothers or sisters!" LOL

Weekend Hurry Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:44:00 +0000

I know it's 'Fat Tuesday' but this mama is home with the kiddos and husband :) So, I am looking forward to the weekend to unwind, it has been a very stressful month!

One of the best mixed drinks I have ever had - peach sangria! YUMMY~

Loving RedZone

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

I am so in love with NFL Redzone on my dish network. Every Sunday, when NFL football is on I get to see the best parts of every game. Since my husband and I are both huge football fans, it’s hard to agree on which games we’re going to watch every week. We don’t always want to go watch at a loud bar since it’s expensive to do that. RedZone makes everything so much better in our house on Sundays. It’s so fun to be able to see all of the scoring plays on each game. All of our friends want to come and watch at our place now that we have this channel.

It gets a little annoying sometimes because all of our friends coming over to our house every week means I end up cleaning up after everyone, but it’s alright. We love it so much that the extra work is totally worth it! My husband didn’t want to get it at first because he thought it would make us unproductive on Sundays. He wasn’t wrong about this assumption but he’s totally addicted now too. This football season the laundry and cleaning just has to wait until Tuesday!

Tricky Keywords

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I posted a tip about the best way to link to a site. To recap, it is best to use a keyword. This not only prevents the post from looking cluttered. As an example; the term or keyphrase allergy treatment austin when hovered over, you will see it is a hyperlink that takes you directly to the website I am talking about. This looks better than simply seeing the actual URL and will help people navigate to the site you are referring to in an easier fashion.

The problem is, sometimes the keywords people use when searching do not always 'sound' good when placed in a sentence. That is always tricky - trying to get the keywords to sound proper when used in a sentence!

Our New Used Car

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:24:00 +0000

In an attempt to downsize our monthly bills, we have decided to give up our 2011 Honda Pilot (with heated leather seats, navigation system, Sirius/XM radio ready, DVD player, ugh shall I go on?) for a 2008 Mazda CX-7:

This is the first of many hard decisions (but RIGHT decisions) we are making. Even my friend's daughter, who happens to be a highly recommended raleigh accountant, said we are being smart. Hey, this car is saving us $200/month and about $100/year in car insurance!

My Little Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:58:00 +0000

Awww, my Wyatt - the baby. He is still so short! Olivia and Dante are tall and then there is Wyatt, who still needs to stand on a step stool when he washes his hands or brushes his teeth.

That's him at one of the football games Olivia's squad cheered at, so this was back in October. He is wearing her zip-up sweatshirt - look how big it is on him!

More Date Nights on the Horizon

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:41:00 +0000

CJ and I still have like 3 customized gift cards yet to use that we got for Yule last year. We usually use these situations to get a date night for us.

I am so glad my mom lives next door because that makes it easy for her to watch the kids while we go out. As the years pass I am realizing how important it really is for CJ and I to have alone time together.

Looking for Unique Things

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:15:00 +0000

I am always on the look out for sites that showcase unusual gifts and other unique items, regardless if it is the holiday season or not.

Recently, I decided to create a blog to feature my favorite items as well as host contests and giveaways. Check out Cool Gifts and Giveaways and if you are hosting a giveaway, please let me know about it so I can pass it along!

Saving Money

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Guest post written by Derick Burks

Being an only child made me grow up fast but one of the best things is that I learned how to save money from my mom. She was always clipping coupons and seeking out sales and I learned some real tricks of the trade from her and that’s helped me score the best deals.

I love using my WIRELESSINTERNET.NET connection to see what’s going to be on sale where the coming week and then I come up with a plan. Usually use my lunch hours at work to get out and run errands, buying things at a discount that otherwise would be really expensive.

I think it’s cool being able to see the register ring up at so much less than the tag price but you know, at the end of the day I wish I could save more, always. It’s that drive that keeps me playing this game and I can thank my parents for instilling this penny pinching way into me – it’s made me a lot of money over the years!

Working Hard Already This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:48:00 +0000

I am really trying my hardest to make 2012 a wonderfully productive year, financially speaking. I am still writing articles for various companies; in fact I just wrote an interesting one regarding hypertherm - it has to do with plasma cutting - a process used to cut steel and other metals of different thicknesses.

I am also looking to expand my freelance writing business, L&C Freelancing - I want to do more with Internet marketing via social media and seo. I am really committed to making things work much better this year. I have been at this long enough, time to stop spinning my wheels!

Last Minute Items

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:13:00 +0000

The holidays are over but there are still some things we wanted/needed that we did not get. It is mostly m fault, I did not make a list and the kids, well, they change their minds constantly. I really want a pair of adidas f10 trx fg j - high energy/electricity/white size 8 in case anyone reading this feels like sending a pair my way, LOL!

My daughter loves to read in her bed at night before crashing. She uses a flashlight to read, despite having those reading light clips (the ones that attach to books) given to her. She just prefers a flashlight. I found flashlight dozen aluminum "9 led" online, think this is perfect - she will not run out so fast!

For CJ and me, well, we both agreed we wanted stuff for the house. We got a gift card to a home improvement store but we already spent that! We still need new blinds for the living room, a light for the kitchen, and I have been on the look out for a polished brass tension shower rod which seems to be tough to find, that was, until I looked online!

Cheernastics

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:27:00 +0000

I never heard of cheernastics, until Olivia started cheering. Apparently these are the gymnastics used specifically in cheering routines. Well, my lil cheerleader has decoded she wants to take cheernastics so she can do flips and rolls during the competition routine next year.

So, her dad signed her up and on January 30th she starts cheernastis. Every time we drive by the steel building where she will be going for lessons, she gets all excited. The countdown has begun!

Tip for New Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:52:00 +0000

A friend of mine recently started blogging and asked me to take a look at her blog. She was new to the game and wanted me to tell her what she was doing right and what she was doing wrong. Since I manage a blog about blogging, I felt I should take a look. I have decided to share a few things with you that I felt she could improve on.

As a whole, she did an excellent job. She stuck to topics that she knew and understood so she was able to come across to readers as authoritative. This is very important when blogging. Blog readers are smart and can all the BS flag right away if they see you don’t know what you are talking about. If you plan to blog, blog about something you know. If you’ve never watched an NFL game, I’d stay away from blogging about Football.

One thing I did notice is that when she wanted to link to a website, she linked to the actual URL, however, the best way to link to a site is to use a keyword. This not only prevents the post from looking cluttered, it helps the website that you are linking to, provided your blog has page rank. As an example; the term or keyphrase medical malpractice insurance california when hovered over, you will see it is a hyperlink that takes you directly to the website I am talking about.

When indexed, the keyword and the link will help the website you write about. This is called a "backlink" and is very important for beginner bloggers.

How Was Your Holiday?

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:05:00 +0000

We had a good holiday - lots of food, fun, and presents. Even got some funny pictures of my crazy family, like this one. It would be complete if only they were all wearing funny shirts too; Olivia 'photo bombed' this picture:

No plans yet for New years Eve. We will probably just stay home this year, just like the few years before.

Thinking About Insurance Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Working as an independent contractor definitely has it's perks but thee are also some aspects that are problem areas - such as insurance.
I know of some people who are looking into term life insurance vs whole life insurance. Most have told me to just compare the best life insurance online instead of calling around.
If you are working as an independent contractor, what do you do for insurance?

Small Business

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Posted by Arden Wallace

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the economy. The ups and downs of the stock market, companies downsizing, people losing their jobs and homes and ways that I could secure my own finances. After a lot of researching and soul-searching, I’ve finally decided to start my own business. I’ve had a lifelong dream of running my own business and with the real estate market at an all-time low, there’s never been a better time to buy and building and start out on my own.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still working my regular job so that i can pay my bills until this new business takes off, but I’m extremely excited about starting out on my own. No more boss to tell me what to do and when to do it. It is all up to me now. With that said I found a nice little house near one of the major shopping districts in my area and am currently in the process of converting it into my store. After having the outside of the house cleaned, I had planned on knocking out walls and renovating the inside.

However, under the advisement of a friend, I started looking at ADT Security BENEFITS to not only monitor the business once it’s open, but also to monitor the property while it is under renovation. I was truly shocked at the number of commercial burglaries in my area where the thief’s and solely targeting the copper wiring from inside buildings. I’ve got a business to run; I don’t have time to worry about someone stealing all of my wiring.

Looking for a Good Pair of Coveralls

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:43:00 +0000

With Winter on it's way I have been on the hunt for a pair of coveralls as well as a pair of boots. I found a few sites that have carhartt coveralls; in fact, I really like this:

The weather forecast shows that snow is to arrive sometime this week. I haven't even gotten snow pants and boots for the kids yet! You would think I would be prepared, the first week of December is coming to an end already!

Sickness While Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:35:00 +0000

With the holidays approaching, I am sue many people are planning on traveling. Please keep in mind, you need a plan should you need medical help while away from home. This way, you can be sure you will get to the best medical facility - one that you want, not whichever place is closest to where you are.

Traveling these days is scary enough; traveling without a plan for the best case scenario as well as the worst is just plain dumb.

Shopping Time is Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:56:00 +0000

Soon Thanksgiving will be here! UGH, I really do not like this time of year. It is just too chaotic. The kids' school usually has a 'Santa Shop' with great gifts for parents and siblings or other family members but every year we seem to miss out on taking the kids.

This year I think we will try to make a conscience effort to get them there so they can shop!

Back Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:51:00 +0000

I think it's time for a new mattress - possibly a foam mattress since I have heard a lot about them. I know getting back on the treadmill will help me lose some extra pounds AND make me feel better but I also think the right mattress will help as well. A combination of both should do the trick.

Once CJ goes back to work outside the home, I'll get back into my workout routine.

A New Job Venture

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:40:00 +0000

CJ and I both work from home as freelance writers. I've been doing this about 6 years, him, only a year. We had a really good run this last year BUT we decided that it is just too unpredictable. Yes, we always knew it would be, but not knowing what your income will be from week to week or month to month is just too draining, emotionally.

I started looking online for jobs in the medical field and found some interesting Psychiatric Aide Jobs posted. CJ hit up a staffing agency to see where he could be placed and his years of machining experience landed him a spot as a machine operator for C.F. Martin Guitars! Needless to say, he will be the one going back out into the work force and I'll continue to work from home. WHEW :)

Halloween Party

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:28:00 +0000

The kids really want to have a Halloween party and invite their friends. I found invitations here: invitationbox.com halloween party invitations but I am the world's worst procrastinator. Why? Well, it is already October 21st - like I can plan and pull off a party in a week! NOT!

I think this year we are just going to go trick or treating and maybe to a corn maze. Something simple. Next year I will think about having a party...

Cars and Bikes

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Well, CJ is almost finished with his schooling - once he is done he will be a certified motorcycle technician. He loves his bike.

He had a Mustang he loved but I guess he loves the bike more because he doesn't have the Mustang anymore, LOL. He used to love working on the Mustang though, always dong something to it to modify it a bit. He had a huge automobile lift in the garage and now that it is gone, the garage looks so bare with only that motorcycle sitting in it.

Thank You For All Your Help Mom.

noreply@blogger.com (Blogging Queen) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:26:00 +0000

The other day I decided to send my mother flowers just because she has been such a big help lately with taking care of the children and helping us out while we need it.

It has been a while since I purchased flowers but I was astounded at the modern flower designs and arrangements available. I was used to the old “bouquet wrapped in paper” but the design I picked out was unlike anything that I’ve ever seen. My mom was very happy with them and suggested that I keep them coming!