The Accessory Blog

The Joy of Options!

2012-02-06T15:47:00.003-06:00

Guest Post by Gerard Mcdaniel

My daughter and I enjoy watching cooking shows on television but because she spends most of her day attending to and running after three boys, she does not have a lot of time to spend in front of the television. She does, however, understand the benefit of learning how to cook healthfully for her family, especially when shortcuts are involved or she can be creative with a slow cooker! When we were discussing various cooking shows and which ones would be the best use of her time, as well as the best package for her money, I suggested she call CableTVAdvisor and discuss it. She lives in a different region of the state from me and the packages available to her may be different from those offered in my area. She really just wanted my opinion, wanted me to make her weekly viewing schedule, but I would certainly have had her watching every cooking show that I watch, which are way too many. At least, I told her, I do not watch as much nonsense television as my friend. My friend spends hours every week watching reality television! I guess the great thing about options and preferences is that we all have them – and they do not all have to be the same!

So What Did You Think?

2012-02-06T15:40:00.002-06:00

Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? I don't care for the game, but I do enjoy the commercials.
My favorite was the Doritos dog who did away with the cat. I liked it even more when I realized it was the winner for the submitted commercials rather than one they came up with themselves. The fat dog one fell kind of flat for me, but it seems many people liked it.

And then there's always the half time show. Madonna isn't one of favorites, but I thoroughly enjoyed the costumes. Loved the Egyptian theme and her original costume was so rich looking! Kudos to the costume designers on that one. And even though I'm not a fan, the finale was awesome. I don't know who the art director was for the whole thing, but it was truly a visual treat.

The best part of an NYC trip, Broadway!

2011-10-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by Jonas Everett

There is absolutely no NYC trip worth going on that doesn't include Broadway. Every time that I've been there I've made it a point to go and see one of the plays on Broadway even if it's been on a business trip. So when I started planning my family's Thanksgiving trip to NYC a while back, I decided to start out by buying tickets to see a show before all of the good shows were sold out.

I went online looking for some good discount ticket sites. While I was online, I ran across some info on miracle ear and though that it might be time for me to finally go and get fitted with some hearing aids.

I tracked down some really great discount tickets for Jersey Boys, so I decided that we'd go and see that when we're on the trip. I don't know if it would be my kids' first choice to go and see as a play, but I know this is something that the whole family will enjoy. Besides, this is a big family trip.

Finally Fall!

2011-10-17T12:12:00.002-05:00

Fall has finally arrived in north Florida. I know most of you have been enjoying the season for a while but we have to wait a little later here.

Of course, my first thought was to stash away my summer shoes and bags and pull out the fall ones. I love black handbags but they just don't look right with Florida summer wear to me. So my first change was to my favorite black Coach handbag. :)

This past weekend was too busy for shopping but it's on the agenda for next weekend! I can't wait to hit the Designer Outlet mall and see what goodies Dooney, Michael Kors and Coach have for the colder months.

What are your favorite fall colors?

A homemade version of classic strawberry ice cream

2011-07-15T19:03:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by Bridgette Lowell

I'm not sure why but strawberry ice cream has always been something that I've had to been in a right mood for or else it just doesn't seem right. But when I'm in the mood for it, it's the best thing in the world! Well, I got in that mood a few days ago and decided that I would just try and make some of it myself. I know that was kind of a bold move of me. Obviously that would be a little more involved just fixing some vanilla or some chocolate ice cream like I've done before. But I though that it would probably be fun to try out the strawberry on my own.

I went online to find a good recipe for adding the strawberry part and while I was doing that I ran across the website http://CLEARWirelessinternet4g.com. I looked through it some and after that I decided to change internet providers to that one because my old one has left me unsatisfied for a number of reasons by now.

Well I think I may have just found the perfect homemade strawberry ice cream. It hit the spot right on the target and I'm afraid no other will compare now!

Drug Prices Are Going Up!

2011-07-15T18:42:00.002-05:00

I don't say much about our personal life, but my husband has had 2 bypass surgeries and is on a lot of drugs. Unfortunately, the cost of his drugs he needs keeps going up even with the prescription coverage that he has. We've turned to Canada drugs to make it more affordable.

We have to buy Lipitor for his cholesterol as well as other drugs. His cholesterol is very high, unfortunately it is genetic and runs in his family so there's not much he can do about it other than take the drugs. Also, some of the drugs his doctor wants him to take are now over the counter drugs so his medical plan no longer covers them. Whether the drugs are prescription or over the counter, we have found that buying them in Canada can be less expensive than buying them here in the states. Until we find a better health plan, Canada is our least expensive alternative.

Another Social Media Addiction, Google+

2011-07-15T18:36:00.002-05:00

I'm on Google+ now, like I need another addiction! I have to admit I like it, it combines the immediacy of twitter with some of the features of Facebook. I enjoy the longer format, sometimes it is difficult to say what you want in 140 characters.

Where it differs from Facebook is the Circles feature. You group people into circles and then when you post you can select which circles you wish to publish too. This means that you can post certain things to your personal friends and other things to your business friends. So when I post that I'm enjoying tequila with my friends I do not have to post it where my clients can see! Conversely I do not have to bore my friends to tears with postings about writing or SEO. I just hope they open it to everyone soon so I can move away from twitter and FB!

Camera Batteries

2011-07-07T11:03:00.002-05:00

I know a lot of people these days use their phone to take all of their pictures, but I'm not one of them. I get frustrated by not having all of the options I have on my digital camera. Plus it eats up the power on my phone when I use it. I'd rather use my Nikon digital camera batteries than my phone's.

The Nikon d90 battery that my camera uses is so simple to change, and it charges quickly. Add that to all of the options I have on it and you can see why I can take better photos than I do with my smart phone. I'm not knocking phone cameras, they are certainly convenient and always at hand. But for my pictures I think I'll be sticking with my camera and it's Nikon d90 digital camera battery.

Nothing Going On Here LOL

2011-05-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

{EAV_BLOG_VER:37d12b4eb762dc14}

Getting the blog verified, move along now ;)

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-28T09:42:00.002-05:00

Happy Memorial Day to all my friends here in the US. I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of sun, grilling and friends. And if you're like me, there may be some shopping involved. LOL

My daughter should be arriving shortly from Gainesville. She's bringing her boyfriend and there may be some news this weekend. Hmmm, engaged? Baby? Who knows, stay tuned!

Warming Up With Coffee and a Good Book

2011-05-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

This guest post from Doris Dillon

In the winter, I like to spend time at my local Barnes and Noble Book Store. There's a coffee and pastry shop inside where readers are welcome to sit and relax while we enjoy new books and a cup of coffee. This morning I was feeling a little frazzled what with getting the kids and my husband off to school--why is it so hard some days? Anyway by the time I finished a load of laundry and a sink full of dishes the telephone had rang about six times. I decided I needed to get out of the house for a while. So I grabbed my purse, set the home security alarm (Connecticut ADT Security pricing), and hit the road for B&N. I enjoyed a nice black coffee and a big! oatmeal cookie while I browsed through several novels. I finally chose one I wanted to read. By then snow had started falling again. The manager of the book store stopped by and told me to take my time, settle back and have another cup of coffee on him. What a nice guy. But I'm a semi-regular customer of the book store as well as the coffee shop inside. It's a cozy place to settle in during the winter and enjoy coffee and a good book. I highly recommend it if you have a Barnes and Noble in your neighborhood.

The Forgotten Coast

2011-05-09T12:35:00.003-05:00

We returned this weekend from a wonder month at a beach house in Mexico Beach, FL. It's such a quiet, relaxed place it has become a favorite get away for my husband and I.

It's often called "The Forgotten Coast" because of it's small size and resemblance to Florida of yesterday. There are no high-rise condos & no crowds. The same sugar white beaches that Destin is famous for are there, the difference is you don't have to fight anyone for a good spot! There wre mornings where I was sharing the beach with only 4 or 5 other small groups.

If you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy beaches, fishing and a laid back atmosphere, check our Mexico Beach.

The Holiday Shopping Is In Full Swing!

2010-12-03T12:38:00.002-06:00

I've been swamped with work lately but that hasn't stopped the holidays from rushing at me. I honestly don't know how people did it all before the days of online shopping. I can't imagine having to personally go from store to store searching for the things on my Christmas gift list.

Even the weather is co-operating, the cold snap has motivated me to find The North Face Kids jackets that I need for my nieces. Katie has her heart set on a pink Insulated Sprinkles Jacket. If it's girly she wants it and she thinks the sprinkles are cool on this one. Sarah isn't as attached to pink so I have a few more options when buying for her.

Now that I'm shopping for jackets a few have caught my eye for my own closet. The Women's Venture Jacket looks like a perfect style for me. It even comes in my favorite color, green. It will probably make it's way to my house when I order the girls' coats. Steve loves it when I do my own Christmas shopping!

Fun Ahead

2010-09-11T10:35:00.002-05:00

My neighbor across the street is remodeling the kitchen and she has asked me to help her. She knows how much I love to shop, especially online!

The look is cool and contemporary and she has me looking for tiles. I think I have found the perfect thing, metal tiles! The are shaped like subway tiles and they are made of stainless steel. I think they are going to make a perfect back splash. Besides looking great they should be easy to clean. My stainless stuff only takes a quick swipe with the special cleaner to look new again.

The cabana bath is off the kitchen. Maybe I can talk her into doing it in the Hell's Kitchen tile blend that caught my eye. It's 1/2" squares of glass tiles in shades of red mixed with metal. Awesome. I think it would make great bathroom tiles for that room!

Happy 100th!

2010-09-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

Today is the centennial celebration for the very small town that I live it. It's a beautiful little place directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida panhandle. There's a thriving artist community here so there will be lots of interesting tents at the festival to browse. Hubby has already gone, he volunteered to help direct traffic. I need to get myself together and go join the festivities!

Such Good Sales!

2010-09-10T15:44:00.002-05:00

I was at the outlet mall today and it's an excellent time for shopping! The sales are great right now, everything is marked down. I found some darling things for fall. It reminded me that the Christmas shopping season will be here before we know it.

I had fun standing in line watching the sales clerk using the point of sale software. When I worked in retail back when I was a teenager we were thrilled to have the little scanners that read the tickets. Now the retail software solutions they have let the stores track and do everything. She was telling me all about what it does. They can generate all sorts of reports with it. I'm surprised it doesn't take the cash for you, I'm sure they're working on it.

School Is Starting

2010-08-23T14:45:00.003-05:00

Has school started where you are? It started this week for the local kids. They were so cute lined up to catch the bus in their new clothes.

There seems to be so much more to school these days. My friends are already looking for Pre Algebra tutors to help their children with their math questions and studies this year. I'm sure I would be doing the same. When it comes to explaining things like prime numbers and linear equations I'm lost. I'm not even sure I could explain how to divide one number into another!

I've heard that TutorNext has the cheapest prices. If your kids needs help with algebra equations or standard form it's worth checking out.

Waiting on Results

2010-08-23T14:41:00.002-05:00

I am on pins an needles today. We are waiting to hear the biopsy results from my dog's surgery. My husband found a lump on our goldendoodle's side and it was removed a week ago today. It was a big tumor and he still has the surgical drains in. He's playing and carrying on like nothing happened; I have my fingers crossed that it's true. We should hear something later today or in the morning.

I Never Understood It Before

2010-08-18T09:14:00.002-05:00

I'm constantly amazed by the things that I learn as a writer. Lately I have been writing for an insurance company so I have had to learn about the subject. Things like accident insurance always seemed like a mystery to me but now I understand the process and how insurance companies work.

There are so many different kinds of policies that I never knew existed. You can get income insurance to protect yourself in that area or life insurance Australia to protect your family finances after you are gone. Whether you need health insurance or protection for your automobile or even business coverage there is a policy that will cover your needs. It's an interesting industry once you get into it.

Watches Are Useful

2010-07-27T13:31:00.002-05:00

Watches are useful, right? They help you be on time for appointments and know how long it is until the next coffee break. They're also really cool and pretty. I think the latter two reasons are why I like them so much. I'm a sucker for anything shiny and pretty that I can wear on my wrist.

My latest watch obsession is a jacques lemans watch that I found on BlueDial. It's from the Rome collection and its stainless steel with blue and brown Swarovski Crystals around the bezel. The band is brown leather stitched in blue. How cool sounding is that? I wear a lot of brown and blue so it will go with lots of things in my wardrobe. My favorite Coach handbag is even brown and blue. Have I convinced you yet that I need this watch?

I'm happy I found it on BlueDial. They have great customer service and they guarantee that the watches they sell are new and authentic. They've been around for 10 years and have developed a wonderful reputation. You have to be careful about fakes these days. To top things off they offer free 2nd day shipping within the 48 states. I could be wearing a new watch by Friday if I order now!

He Caved

2010-07-27T13:27:00.002-05:00

When we got out two little bichon puppies last fall, it was with some trepidation on my husband's part. He has always said that he does not like little dogs, he only likes big dogs. Because of that we have always had rotties and now a golden doodle.

I'm happy to say that the two little ones have totally sucked him in! Sometimes I think he is crazier about them than I am. The little girl has especially won his heart. She is a real daddy's girl and follows him around. It's fun to watch. And I'm glad to know that I can have some little guys around from now on!

Moving Made Easy

2010-07-27T13:02:00.003-05:00

One of the most frustrating parts of moving can be trying to find the right number and size of moving boxes. Even when you contact local businesses that sell moving supplies they do not always have everything in stock. You are busy enough trying to move without having to drive all over town searching for supplies.

The moving packages offered by UPack.com have everything you need to safely pack and move all of your household goods. They have boxes of every size including wardrobe boxes. The moving box assortment packages conveniently offer just what you need for various rooms. There's a starter package, a kitchen one and on up to a deluxe package. Their moving experts have put together just what you need for every room.

To make it even more convenient the supplies are shipped right to your house. They will arrive in a few days and you will be ready to start packing. Any order for moving boxes that totals over $150 is shipped for free so you will not only be saving time you will be be saving money with their service.

Don't worry if you are unsure as to how many boxes you need. There is a handy moving box estimator right on the website. They have thought of everything! Check them out and make your next move less stressful and even a little cheaper.

Atlantic Coast Vacation

2010-06-28T09:37:00.003-05:00

I almost feel like a traitor saying it since Florida tourism is hurting from the oil spill, but we are planning our annual trip to Myrtle Beach. It has been a family tradition for years for all of us to meet there. It's the most convenient spot for everyone.

We don't all stay in the same place. We spread out and meet up for shopping trips, dinners, golf or whatever comes to mind. We get to spend time together without getting an overdose of togetherness. In my family too much togetherness is not a good thing. I'm still looking around for reservations. I've been told the Towers at Myrtle Beach is nice. I'm checking out their site at www.towersatnorthmyrtlebeach.com . I will have to check with everyone and see if anybody else has made reservations.

Hopefully Not the Last

2010-06-28T09:34:00.002-05:00

My husband came home with a box of oysters yesterday. For those who don't live on the coast, a box of oysters in the shell is 60 pounds of oysters. Some neighbors came over and we shucked and sucked oysters for hours. They were some of the best we've ever had. The sad part is that the box may be the last one we get for a very long time. The oil is moving closer to the oyster beds here in north Florida. This is all such a tragedy on many levels.

Coastal Cottage

2010-06-28T09:23:00.002-05:00

Summer is in full swing here on the Florida coast. I have been on a garden decorating binge. We started switching over to natural plantings last year and this year we are completing the transformation.

I found the perfect window boxes for plants over the weekend. I like being able to pull some of the color from the native flowers up to the windows with flower boxes. The best thing about using the native plants is that they don't need as much water as non natives. I had quit using window boxes for flowers because I had to water them twice a day to keep them alive in the heat and they still wilted. My little coastal cottage is going to be so pretty when I'm finished.