Journey to the Jacqpot

Stages

2012-03-20T13:55:00.001-04:00

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

My kids are addicted to our direct tv cable , and I don’t know how to change that. At first I didn’t mind that they watched a lot of TV because it kept them out of my hair, but now it is starting to cause problems at school. My youngest is only seven, and he has already started lyingto me about homework assignments so that he can watch more TV. Now the teacher has to send me an email every day with a list of everything he needs to do so I can make sure he is telling me the truth. My oldest, who is 12 is also skimping on the schoolwork and getting lazier by the day. I am at my wit’s end with him because he is old enough to know better than this. I feel guilty because I created these monsters. My husband says I am too hard on myself and all kids go through these stages. I hope this is just a stage because I can’t deal with kids who don’t care about school and doing well. There is more to life than watching TV, and I am going to have to teach them that.

Spring Has Sprung!

2012-03-20T13:49:00.004-04:00

After a short hiatus, I have returned and..... It's a new year and Spring has sprung early in the midwest. Complaining, I am not. I love it! Living in North Carolina has me kinda spoiled. I have become use to enjoying mild winters and light jacket days in the middle of January. The midwest is quite different. However, to my surprise, Mother Nature has joined my team this past winter season here in Ohio. I was not looking forward to my time here in Ohio over the winter season. I dreaded it. I was very anxious to get back 'home' to North Carolina. Who knew I had no need to be concerned(?). A rather pleasant winter is what we witnessed and now I am ready to enjoy my favorite season of all ...... SPRING!

A Kicked-Up Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T11:51:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Thanksgiving is THIS week! *heavy sigh* Where did the time go? I haven't shopped and, more importantly, I have yet to firm up my menu. My brain is in overdrive so I need some help in order to kick my Thanksgiving up a notch...or two.

I'd like to try a fried turkey; however, I don't want to get into activities that require a fire extinguisher. So, roasted bird it is. Other than that, I'm clueless. With two days remaining, I'm soliciting recipe ideas.

What's on your dinner & dessert menu?

Life On Wheels

2011-11-17T09:31:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt as if you could get more done if only....you had more time, had a 'no' filter over your mouth, could fly,..? Well, how about wheels? I took the plunge and lived a part of my life atop wheels and was surprised at how I still blended into my environment. Uh, at least I thought I did.

Heelys, the shoes with the wheels in the heels, aren't just for the young people. They sent me a pair to review and I've been walkin' and rollin' for the past couple of weeks and must say that I am getting the hang of it. Kinda. :) My children are impressed with my wheelin' skills since I haven't fallen. Although my arms have been caught flailing about once in awhile, the rear-end floor connection has not been made. Yay me! My son thought he could out do me and, can we say, epic fail! Looks like we need to turn this into a family affair to see who can get their roll on the best. Of course it has to be me.

The shopping cart. My helpful friend.

My life on wheels is a work in progress. Don't tell the kids. I practice while I work (and when they're at school). As a corporate concierge, it's been an interesting experiment. Rolling through the supermarket, the mall, office buildings, and at my daughter's school. I'm continuing to train my feet and learning to 'let go' in order to get my real-deal roll on. Dare I say, I am enjoying the challenge. For someone who has adult issues with, successfully, skating on 4-wheels, I am impressing myself. The children's shoes have two (2) wheels per shoe and the adult version has only one (1) wheel per shoe. Heelys are comfortable and sturdy. Having the ability to take the wheels out as needed is a definite plus.

Join the adult wheel experiment with me. I dare you. Heelys is throwing a Black Friday special!! Between Nov 25 - Nov 28, buy any pair of Heelys, get the second pair for $25. Or buy a Nano, and get a pair of shoes for $25, and get free ground shipping on all orders! Turn it into a family thing and get everyone rolling.

As I continue to improve my technique and work on my core in the process, don't give me the raised eyebrow when you see me with flailing arms rolling through the mall. Just approach, show me your wheels and we can roll together.

Learn to do the Heely
Shop for your Heelys

I received a pair of Heelys Skate Shoes for review purposes only. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by the company.

I ♥ Java

2011-10-23T16:07:00.000-04:00

Hello. My name is Jacq. and I love coffee. There. I said it. Java and I are besties. Java is my morning hello and afternoon atagirl. It didn't start out this way. Tea used to be my bestie until I met Java. I went from a light and subtle sip to a slightly bolder one. Even after locking elbows with my new hot drink a few years ago, I still consider myself a newbie. Settling in on a standard brand, flavor, and the perfect ration of coffee to water (based on the strength) is a work in process. There are soooo many choices and I have sipped on some not so tasty brew in my effort to taste and sample a wide variety of coffees.

Typically, I like a medium strength/intensity with cream and sugar. Yesterday, while browsing the supermarket, the coffee aisle beckoned me. Is it just me? Even if I don't need any more coffee I still like to go down that aisle....just to see. Scope out my next experiment. Well, this time, I settled on Starbucks Verona. A dark cocoa, roasty sweet, bold blend. It is quite apparent that I am not a Starbucks fan. At least not at this point. I'm trying to like it. Maybe tomorrow will be that day. Especially since I have quite a bit left. Everybody likes Starbucks, right? Well, in the interim, I found a new site that tickles my coffee fancy, www.roaste.com.

User-generated reviews, and intuitive search and recommendation features offer consumers an unparalleled ease of selection. Fresh coffee is shipped directly from our micro-roasters, making ROASTe the next evolutionary step in the world of gourmet coffee consumption at home.

It's going to take me a minute to sample the grand variety they have in their virtual store. Coffee in the mail. MMmm....

Use coupon code for $5 off your first coffee purchase - BLOGME5

Let me know which one(s) you try!

A Temporary Setup

2011-10-17T21:50:00.000-04:00

Okay. Since I will be in Ohio for a little while longer than expected, looks like I need to start considering a plan to set up a temporary, but comfortable, living situation. My parent’s house has been quite comfortable. Don’t get me wrong. My childhood bedroom has its same charm. Sometimes I don’t have to cook (YAY!). Oh yeah, and it’s free. However, I need some elbow room….translation, personal space. Not to mention, shackin’ with the parents, with the grandkids, is a less than desirable situation for me. I digress.

The last time I searched for a sofa, it took FOREVER. I wanted the perfect one. For this project, I need to keep in mind that this is a temporary situation and I do not want to spend a lot of money. I need this setup to look and feel great AND make my wallet smile. I’m talkin’ a big toothy smile. So, being the online shopper that I am, I’ve started with www.become.com. Why click all over the place when I can go to one place and do the research? There's actually alot of stuff there. But focus I must. I looked up cheap sectional sofas, cheetah bedding for my little tomboy, and a bed desk, for starters. {{{heavy sigh}}} So much to do for something that will be temporary. But what the heck!? It’s a great excuse to shop! And it's all part of the journey.

The Dating Game Begins

2011-10-16T12:41:00.001-04:00

It's really October! I've been so absorbed with getting the kids situated with 'regular' school and settling into my new non-homeschooled daily schedule that I am losing track of time. Last month marked year three of being divorced. Whoa! Where did the time go? I am so behind on my journey to 'sample the waters' that I need to get on the Fast Track plan. Let's see, three years divorced and probably as many, if not less, actual dates in that time period. My journey to the Jacqpot in the dating category is barely moving at a walker's pace. Sheesh.

Where do I begin? I haven't the slightest idea. I've been out of the game for quite some time and I'm a bit intimidated at the mere thought of it all. Perhaps I should make some goals for the next few months in order to prepare myself. Maybe not. Jumping right in may be the answer. Hmmm....I need to know where to jump first. So, there begins the journey...scoping out the where. Where are the eligible bachelors(?) Do people still set their friends and family up on blind dates with so and so's cousin's neighbor? I wish I had some of those friends. {{{heavy sigh}}} Social media? Internet dating? Oh my.

Okay. First things first. For the next few weeks, I'm going to make a point of visiting a location, attending an event, or someplace with people just to observe. Slow and steady usually wins the race. Let's see how long before this snail lands a date. This part of the journey will certainly be interesting. :)

Motherhood Is Not for Sissies

2011-09-12T12:11:00.001-04:00

Motherhood is a partnership with God.

Today marks a pivotal moment in time. Eighteen years ago today, the cutest baby boy entered my life. Fast forward to today, I'm just thankful that I haven't been committed to a place with stark white walls and, subsequently, outfitted in an unfashionable "hugging" jacket. It's his birthday and, for me, a day that shows that the motherhood journey that started out with a question mark, in 1993, has now culminated in an exclamation point.

Happy Birthday to my first born. Now, get out! :D

motherhood is not for sissies

Mom's Crazy

2011-08-30T10:38:00.002-04:00

Guest post written by my buddy Royce Heath

My mother had been cleaning my house for the longest time which just totally didn’t work for us. For one thing, she was always snooping through my clothes and borrowing stuff and I didn’t like her being up close and personal with my house! For another, she didn’t do the best job cleaning so last month my husband and I made the decision to hire a professional housekeeper. My mother had all these concerns, of course, like the http://WWW.SecurityChoice.COM alarm and what if the dog got out but so far the new arrangement has been amazing. I don’t have to worry as much about what’s going to get clean enough for my liking and I certainly don’t have to worry that someone’s going through my things! I guess it goes to show that everyone’s right when they tell you not to mix business with pleasure because there are some things better left to someone else. I don’t like to clean but I sure don’t like my mother cleaning, either, as it turns out!

Glasses Were Not Made to Do That

2011-08-25T16:13:00.001-04:00

My teenaged son decided to stretch his eyeglasses for some unknown reason. Can you guess what happened? Anyone who doesn't fall into the teenaged boy category probably knows that stretching eyeglass frames isn't the best thing to do UNLESS you are trying to break them. Well, school starts in a matter of days so I reckon I have to go buy him some more. Oh! I failed to mention that he chose to break them months ago. His punishment was to have him wear them, just short of tape-in-the-middle fashion, until I decided to replace them. Now, let's see if he wants to stretch another pair.

The whole process of deciding where to get the eye exam and purchase his new pair of spectacles is a chore. Back in the day, my parents took us to an eye doctor in Michigan where we had the eye exam and chose our frames at the same location. These days, we have so many options. I used to go to Lens Crafters and some other standard brick and mortar store to purchase frames (and get the exam). This time, I am going to venture outside the box and try one of the online options for his eyeglass frames....and probably mine as well.

In my Spectacle Investigations, I've checked out sites ad nauseum. Here's the deal:
There are two ways to try on eyeglasses online. One way is to use your webcam by clicking on the webcam icon on the upper left side of the virtual mirror. This works just like a traditional mirror. Once you see yourself in the frame, simply select the eyewear you want to try on and move it over your face in the mirror. If you don’t use a webcam on your computer, you can upload a photo to the virtual mirror instead. This works the same way you would upload a photo to Facebook. Once your photo appears in the frame, you can adjust the focal point and size of the picture and then start trying on glasses.

You can also find the frame size you need by visiting your local optical store and try on some frames. Jot down the size of the frame that fits you and then search for a frame online that is close to that size. Lastly, you can check the inside of your current frame for the size info.

So, once you have your prescription from the Optometrist ($30 max), find a frame from the online vendor of choice, click-click and ta-da! Sounds simple enough. We'll see about that.

After much consideration, I will make a choice between GlassesUSA.com, 39dollarglasses.com, and GlobalEyeglasses.com.

Buckle up! Here we go!

School Uniforms and the Stepford Syndrome

2011-08-24T21:58:00.000-04:00

More and more school districts are switching over to school uniforms. Navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, jumpers, or shorts and solid colored polos or white button up tops. Although I am a fan of uniforms, I sympathize with the kids who aren't diggin' it. My 7 year old daughter being one of them. She groaned when she found out that her new school has a uniform policy. I feel her pain.

Who wants to look like everybody else? How are kids supposed to embrace and proclaim their individuality? You've seen them. The uniformed students, looking like Stepford offspring, all lined up. Just try to quickly pick out your own child in a sea of Stepford children.

What's a Mom to do? Identify the loopholes, of course! There are a few options. Girls can kick it up a notch and show their personality with their hair accessories and their socks. Many uniform policies do not have a sock or hair accessory stipulation. It may be a bit more challenging for a boy.

I think the sock and hair flexibility has satisfied my little one.....for now. I'm looking forward to catching a glimpse of her fabulous socks and tights in the sea of Stepfords.

Free Shipping on orders over $25 at LittleMissMatched. Use code LMMFSA from 8/23 - 8/30.

*Note: Since writing this post, it looks as if I will be homeschooling my daughter again. Stay tuned!

Who Doesn't Love a Deal!?

2011-08-22T15:18:00.009-04:00

Free sample Better Body Butter & Cream

For Redbox daily discount codes text DEALS to 727272 each day thru 8/24

Ruby Tuesday free burger with purchase of two beverages

BOGO deals at Payless

Reserve your FREE Chic-fil-A breakfast entree (Sept 6th – 10th)

FREE 10-unit trial pack of Eco Bag Pac Garbage Bags

This month's Taco Bell deal (Aug. 7-27th) Nachos Supreme for 99¢. No coupon necessary and limit two per person.

And the Countdown to the First Day of School Begins

2011-08-20T21:38:00.005-04:00

I homeschooled my daughter last year so I feel as if I may be out of the loop. Is it just me or am I just one of many parents who have a problem with furnishing not just your student, but the whole class, with school supplies? Wait. Let me backup. Seeing that school will be back in session in a matter of days, if not already for many of you, I am certain that your child's School Supply List is in your possession by now. Have you reviewed it? Does yours read like mine?

2 boxes of crayons
2 - 24 packs of pencils
6 glue sticks
3 boxes of Kleenex
blah blah...

Since when does a second grader use 48 pencils and 6 glue sticks in one school year? Yours, maybe. Mine, not so much. If they do that much writing and gluing something is really wrong. But lo and behold, as I scroll down to the bottom of the list, in bold print, I see:

*****All supplies will be shared in the classroom*****

Shared in the classroom? How about I buy my daughter's supplies (and label them) and replenish them as necessary. Like in the old days...when I was a kid. The "sharing" of supplies kinda aggravates me. On one hand, it appears as if, what I believe to be extra supplies are for the teachers' supply closet. On the other hand, if just feels as if I am buying supplies for someone else's child. My niece's Supply List was just as interesting in that it listed a ream of printer paper as a needed school supply....she's a first grader! So, if a class has 25 students...do the math.

As for me, I am going to be a rebel. What can I say? I will only supply resources for my student. It would be different if they were upfront and simply made an open request for parents to help them with extra supplies.

The horned dude on my shoulder will persuade my sister to question that one during her Meet the Teacher event.

Open House will be next week. I think I will ask the question at that time. If you happen to be there, don't shrink away as if you weren't wondering the same thing. I mean, what are they gonna do? Make me?

Do you have a different perspective on this? Are you a teacher that can shed some light on this issue? I need clarity.

*As you shop for your supplies, whether for your student or the whole darn class, don't forget the Wal-Mart price match. One stop shopping at its best!

ALL Backpacks, Messengers, Slings & Totes on sale! Fashion Backpacks as low as $7 8/21-8/27

Online Only! EXTRA 10% off Kids Apparel with code KSCHOOL10 8/21-8/27

Back To the Lab Again!

2011-08-18T20:24:00.000-04:00

Has it really been this long?!! Oh my! So much has happened since my last post. Let's see....I've expanded my business, temporarily relocated back to Ohio, and lost a few pounds. Yay! And some things have stayed the same...no dates, significant others, or special "friends". :( However, I remain determined to find my jacqpot! Are you still along for the ride?! Well, posse up!

Happy Mommy's Day!

2010-05-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is such a lovely, sweet reminder about the joy of having children. You get breakfast in bed. Beautiful handmade cards and gifts from your kindergartener. An almost baritone sounding "Happy Mother's Day, Mom" from your sixteen year old son. Ahhh. It's Mother's Day! I made it to another one. So, since today is all about me.....I reckon I will relax with a glass of icy water, sit in under the beaming sun, and work on reading my growing stack of magazines. Sounds great! However, who am I foolin'? With every page turned in my Food Network magazine, my 5 year old will have another set of six questions to ask, a Barbie's hair to be fixed, a book to be read, a snack to be gotten, a....... Ahhh....it definitely is Mother's Day. A Mother's day to do just what keeps her family feeling loved, supported, and whole.

Earth Day Rah-rah

2010-04-22T11:42:00.000-04:00

Today our planet is celebrating Earth Day. The day set aside to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Yay! I've been on the road to going green for awhile now. Reusing and recycling and teaching my children to be Eco-Rangers by turning the water off while brushing their teeth and flipping off the light switch when they are not using it. You know, easy peasy stuff. I consider our house a greening work in progress. I would guess that most folks are where I am. Having made a conscious effort to alter our consumer habits, behaviors, and life style to curb the harmful effects on the environment.

Then came the big BUT! What I was doing was a great starting point. But, it's not enough. What about the toxic chemicals we use everyday in our cleaning and personal care products? Recycle the plastic then use Clorox to clean the kitchen. Hmmm....something's wrong with that picture.

It's not so hard being green. It simply takes more thought to make sure we consider more than just the recycle-reuse mantra. Here's to going completely green!