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Did you know that Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States? Identity theft occurs when these identity thieves use your personal information, like your social security number, name, credit card or other personal information without your permission. The thief will then try to use the information to commit fraud, and other crimes using your identity.
It is scary to think someone could have access to your personal information, and not know until you sit down to apply for a new auto loan. I choose to protect myself, and personal information with LifeLock Identity Theft Protection, because identity theft is a serious crime, and working at the bank I have met too many people who have experienced identity theft without any protection, and it can be devastating.
It’s Real & It’s Devastating! Protect Yourself From Identity Theft!
I have almost been away from the bank for a year. I started as a teller, was promoted to Personal Banker, Service Manager, and finally Store Manager. Many people do not know the bank doesn’t have access to your personal information outside of the bank, access to your credit report, ability to fix errors on your credit report, place holds, etc. If it isn’t banking information you are after,there is not a lot the bank can do to change things, place holds, or much of anything. If it isn’t baking information there is not a lot that can be done at the bank.
The first identity theft victim I helped, broke my heart right away. It was a young man and his pregnant wife. They were about my age, recently married, and trying to purchase their first home. I could relate to them because my husband and I too were fixing to purchase our first home. It was a very exciting time in our life, and I could not imagine putting everything on hold because of something I had no control over.
She was in tears, and he looked as if she wanted to cry with her. I explained to them how the bank worked, and that I was not able to get access to their credit report, or the information outside of the bank. I let them know we were going to sit down in my office until we found someone who could help them, or at least answer a few questions.
This should have been an exciting time in their lives, but because of a thief they did not know if they would be able to purchase their home. Yes, a home! He found out he had been a victim of identity theft while they were running his credit application for a mortgage loan. They told me they had looked for a home they liked for several months, and had not been able to find anything. They seemed like a great couple, trying to do things right. They had good jobs, and wanted to buy a home to raise their children in.
They kept asking how long it would take to fix everything. I wanted so badly to tell them I would fix everything for the, but I knew I couldn’t. I started making phone calls for them, I wanted to at least know when they left the bank they would be leaving with a good contact number. After 30 minutes of being on hold, transferred, and given different numbers to call someone was on the other end who could help. I had to hand the phone over, and all they could do at that very moment was alert on the social security number, and send out paperwork to get things rolling. The woman was nice, and even overnighted a package to help things move a little quicker.
I felt horrible, because nobody could seem to give them an answer about how long things normally take, or what they could do about the house they planned on purchasing. I felt horrible allowing them to leave the bank with their questions unanswered, but there wasn’t much more I could do. I don’t know whether they bought their house, or what happened after they left the bank. I do know from other customers I have helped without identity theft protection, cleaning up an identity theft case can take some time. It’s not as simple as removing the information from a someones credit.
Our Wakeup Call To Protect Ourselves From Identity Theft
Then I experienced identity theft in my home. Three years ago I received a phone call about my husbands credit card, and unpaid balance being sent to collections. Honestly, I was a little upset at my husband because we have credit cards together. Then I started wondering why he needed a credit card I didn’t know about, and when I got home from work I asked him what was going on. He looked as surprised as I did, and come to find out it he was a victim of identity theft.
There must have been a credit card application sent to our rental house in my husband’s name, and our renters filled it out, sent it in, and somehow ended up with a brand new credit card. They maxed the credit card out, and moved out of the house before we knew anything about it. Luckily we were able to get everything situation, but it wasn’t quick or easy. They had my husband file a police report, fill our several forms, and of course we had to play the waiting game. I think all together it took about 4 months before all the late payments and unpaid balance was removed from his credit report.
Now, I know our incident could have been much worse, and we are thankful it was not. We also learned how important it is to protect yourself, identity theft can happen to anyone, and it can be as easy as a pice of mail going to the wrong address. The same week we found out Shawn has been a victim of identity theft we called LifeLock and signed up for identity theft protection.
We have been with LifeLock since, and have been safe and sound ever since. If we would have had LifeLock identity theft protection we would have known about the application right away, and could have stopped things before they started.
Identity theft is real, and it can happen to anyone.
It is scary to think there is a new victim every three seconds. If you are not already protecting yourself, now is the time to start. You do not want to become another victim of identity theft, visit the LifeLock Site and when you sign up you can save 10% off your membership.
What Is LifeLock?
LifeLock is an identity theft protection service. They are there to monitor your credit every 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day for identity theft and fraud. They use their patented LifeLockIdentity Alert® system to scan over a trillion data points to help keep their customers safe from identity fraud. The moment they detect a threat to your identity you can expect notification via text, phone, or email. LifeLock wants to help stop criminals before the damage is done.
LifeLock Promotion
Right now, you can sign up for LifeLock and SAFE 10% off your LifeLock membership when you use promotion code “LifeLocksecure.” To take advantage of this offer head on over to the LifeLock Site.
Have you ever experienced any type of identity theft?
By now most of you know how much I love candles, especially the ones with the jewelry in them – Prize Candle! Yes, those of you thinking about a Mother’s Day gift idea, or just a gift idea for her be sure to check out Prize Candle! I have always been pretty lucky and received a nice piece of jewelry in my candles. I do not know if I am just easy to please, because it’s like getting something AWESOME free inside something I would purchase regardless. Most of the rings I have received are at $10 or 25, but I have received a few that are worth more. Either way, they have all been pretty, either my daughter talks me out of them, or I wear them. Being that I have been getting candles from Prize Candle for so long, I thought I would share a few things you might not know about Prize Candle.
5 Things You Might Not Know About Prize Candle
I was asked to review a candle from Prize Candle, and of course I love it, but for this part of my post I am speaking with my customer hat on. I will tell you about the candles toward the end of the post.
Customer Service
I am HUGE on good customer service. In my opinion, if I am spending money somewhere that you work, be nice to me. It’s because of people like me, who shop where you work, that you are getting a paycheck. When I was managing the bank, I used to my team to treat EVERY customer like they signed their paycheck, because, without them, we do not get one.
I have only had to deal with Prize Candle’s customer service twice, but both times were easy, they were sweet, went out of their way, and made me hang up the phone feeling like I was a valued customer. I always appreciate being treated like my issues matters and working to get my issues resolved.
Appraise Your Prize Candle Prize
You can apprise your prize on their website. I love that I can visit their website, put in a number, and know how much my ring is worth.
NEW Prize Packaging
I recently received another candle to review. Once the wax was melted enough to grab my prize out I noticed something plastic, I was thinking it was going to be a huge ring lol. WRONG, it is their new packaging. I love it, it helps keep your ring nice and clean. I don’t know if you have tried to get jewelry out of a candle, but getting wax off a ring is not easy. The new packaging is fabulous, and you will find a picture of it in my review below.
Great Gift Idea for Her
Whether you are looking for a great Mother’s Day gift idea, or just a gift idea for her, Prize Candles are great. They are unique, smell amazing, and they have a ring valued at $10 or more. I mean think about it, these candles are like cracker jacks for women. I know there are women who do not like candles, but there are plenty who do, and the fact that there is a ring inside just makes it so much fun.
Monthly Club
If you have not tried Prize Candle, when you sign up with their monthly club you can save $10 on our first candle. I personally love their monthly club, every month I get a new candle, have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive season scents, and hey I get a prize in every candle valued from $10 to $5000. For me, it works out great.
Sales
I also am signed up for Prize Candles Newsletter, which fills me in about everything they have going on, including SALES! I don’t know about you, but I love sales. Every time I turn around Prize Candle has some type of sale, save 10%, and 20% there. Those of you looking for an awesome Mother’s Day gift ideas, right now you can save 25% off A Start is Born candles. You can purchase them for both boy and girl. I have not smelled them, but I bet they smell great, and if they do not sound like a fragrance mom will like, there are several others to choose from.
Oh, and right now you can get FREE Shipping when you use code JENNFREESHIP at check out. You cannot go wrong with that! Now, let’s put the blogger hat on, and let me tell you about the awesome candle I received.
I recently had the opportunity to review one of their Escape candle, which smells great. I am not a fan of the whole powerful floral scent. It almost makes me want to sneeze the entire time I have it burning. Escape has a light floral scent, combined with pineapple, peach, undertones of vanilla, and a hint of island spice. I think the scents complement one another well, it’s not too powerful, but it leaves my house smelling clean and fresh.
I am already a fan of Prize Candle; this is my third review for them, I have also been a customer since they opened. I have always been a satisfied customer, which makes me a repeat customer.
Prize Candles are 9 ounces of all natural soy wax, produced in the USA, all the soy is domestically grown. They also use 100% cotton vegetable dipped wicks, and each of their 9 ounce candles are designed to burn for up to 60 hours.
When I first received my candle, I opened the box, and started to burn that bad boy. It’s bittersweet, because it takes a while to get to the prize. I guess, it’s a good thing, my house smells better longer, but I also want my prize, lol. I feel like a little kid again, and my mom will not let me dig the prize out of the cereal box. I just have to wait until the prize ends up in someone’s bowl of cereal, lol. Oh, and when my daughter came home from school she mentioned how good it smelled, and asked if I had a new candle. It wasn’t 30 minutes, I noticed my candle was not in the living room. I already knew it was Catie. She does it all the time, it’s a war. I want my house to smell good, Catie “borrows” my candles to make her room smell good.
I know some of you might be wondering how the whole prize deal works. Under the soy wax is a ring valued from $10 to $5000, and once your candle burns down far enough you will start to see the prize packaging. Next you will want to remove the packaging, which can get a little messy so have a paper towel close by, and definitely use tweezers or something of that nature. Since getting wax on my hands drives me crazy, as soon as I get the prize package out I set it on the paper towel and wipe off as much wax, and it’s time to open your prize!
The ring I received in my Escape candle is pretty. Normally, when a ring isn’t my style I give it to Catie, but this one I told her she could wear, because I really like it. It’s pretty, not too flash, and its turquoise.
So who is wondering how much my ring was worth? It was valued at $25, I love the ring, if the ring fits, and you like it WEAR IT! My youngest daughter wanted to show it off a little, after she examined it of course lol.
Have you tried a candle from Prize Candles yet? If so than share your experience so others can use your feedback as well. If you have not leave us a comment letting me know
To learn about Prize Candle visit them on their website. Be sure to head over and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. I enjoy following Prize Candle on their social media outlets, because I get to see all the pretty jewelry every else receives, hear about deals, and new candles. Be sure to read our last post about Prize Candle – Five Reasons Prize Candles Are The Perfect Gift Idea For Her.
Some of my earliest childhood memories involve me, my mother, and my grandmother working in the garden. My grandmother always had a yard fill with the most beautiful flowers, one couldn’t help but want to have a part in bringing all the beauty to life. My mother, on the other hand, was more into growing her own vegetables and herbs, which was interesting to me as a child. I mean, it’s cool growing you own veggies right!
I did not start gardening on my own until my husband and I bought our house, and after I had my daughter, I developed a whole new respect for gardening. Gardening is not only something I love to do, but it’s also something that has to mean and takes me back to the happy times when I was a child, it’s something my kids learn and grow from, and we are building memories together.
I remember being with my grandmother, those memories mean more to me than any material thing, and I want my children to have memories to carry with them forever. Which is why I put so much focus on doing things my children can be part of.
Now that I am a mother I am gardening with my children, and we are growing more than our own plants, and flowers. When we grow, we are growing memories we can hold for the rest of our lives and powerful life lessons.
10 Things We Grow When We Garden With Children
My family loves being outside in the spring and summer months, and gardening is one way we connect as a family. Rather than sitting inside watching movies together, come 6:00 pm (once it cools off) we are outside playing in the garden. Dad is home from work, the kids are ready to go outside, and I just love spending time with my family, and I am truly blessed to be part of it.
I can think of tons of things we can grow when we garden with children, and here are ten of my favorites.
Helps Them Love Their Veggies
When kids have a hand in growing things, we eat they are more willing to try them. Since the kids started helping me in the garden, they eat more veggies, and even requires certain ones. Not to mention the fact that fresh fruits and vegetables taste amazing!
Education
Learning to grow food is an excellent skill they can use into their adult years. It will also bring up questions about what you are growing colors, and the animals they might see outside. This year my oldest daughter did her since project on plants and their growing environment.
Responsibility
Gardening is a fabulous was to teach your children how to take ownership and be responsible for something. My kids all have their own set of gardening tools –rake, shovel, gloves, and all the stuff they will need to keep track of and learn how to use responsibly. They also have a few plants that they are to take care of. Every single day they go out and check on them, give them water, and give them Miracle-Gro when it’s time to feed them. They get excited when it’s time to pull out the Miracle-Gro, just like I did when I was a child.
Gardening Helps Children Learn To Be Patient
They plant a little seed, and no matter what they have to wait for this seed to grow. They will see being patient pays off because they will have watched a tiny seed grow into a beautiful flower, watermelon, cucumber, or tomato. Gardening helps children see for themselves that certain things take time, and in the end waiting was worth it, and is more beautiful than you could have ever imagined.
Exercise
If anything is work, it’s pulling weeds! My kids love to pull weeds, which is entirely fine with me lol. Gardening provides us all with exercise, it’s a healthy way for all of us to stay active, get some sun, and fresh air while doing something we enjoy. Between the raking of dirt, digging holes, and planning we all get plenty of exercises, fresh air, and of course vitamin D. I try to give my kids different chores to keep things interesting for them, and always involves dirt, lol. I do not know about you, but I have found kids of all ages love to play in the dirt. I still do, lol.
Life Is Fun, So Is Dirt I Do Not Care How Old You Are
I do not care how old you get, playing in the dirt is fun. Gardening is a great way to have your cake and eat it too. It’s the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty, dig in the dirt, and have fun doing it.
Summer Activity
With the kids being out of school all summer long, they need things to do. Gardening is a great summer activity because it gives them something to do daily, and they can learn new things about what they are growing and about the world around them.
Respect
Gardening teaches children, and adults to respect living things, and see the beauty that comes from nurturing something until it is grown.
Appreciate the Beautiful Things Around Them
Since my children have started gardening with me, they notice flowers in other people yards, or when we visit the store, they see how green and lush the grass is. Gardening helps not only them, but I remember how beautiful this world we live on is, and to play our part in keeping it that way.
Bonding Time
For me, gardening is about teaching my children things, and bonding with them. One of the most important things to me is not losing my children
They grow up so quickly I want to be sure I know who they are, the things they like, how they are feeling and being outside gardening is where we have many mom daughter talks, laugh and learn. I think it’s because it is a comfortable place for all of us, when we are outside playing in the garden everyone is in a good mood, and it’s a comfortable place for all of us. The kids feel comfortable to talk about things they might not want to talk about because they know Shawn, and I are calm, and relaxed lol.
When I started gardening with my children, all those memories of being out in the yard with my grannie and mom came back to me. I even remember little tricks they would teach me. I remember they would both use Miracle-Gro, fill up a gallon make a small hole in the bottom, and place by whatever needed to be feed so it would drain nice and slow. It’s something I still do to this day.
If you are searching for information about gardening pl
If you’d rather seek professional services, be sure to take advantage of free estimates at places like Wilmington garden doctors.
I love shopping online; there are several ways to save money shopping online, and the selection cannot be beat. I personally perfer to do my shopping online!
Online shopping is growing, because shoppers know there are better deals, and a better product selection available when they shop online. I am an avid online shopper, I purchase as much as I can online because I often save money and time by shopping online. However, not every item sold online is a deal. Online shoppers have to be careful, and know how to find the best deals, and ways to save money when shopping online.
Nine Ways To Save Money Shopping Online
If you are wondering how to save money shopping online here are a few of my favorite money saving tips to help you become a savvy online shopper. They might sound like a lot if you are just starting out, but in my opinion it beats jumping in the car bouncing from store to store looking for a good deal. Plus, once you get the hang of things it’s smooth sailing, and before you know it you will have your own technique, and tips to share with us.
Follow Brands on Social Media
All your friends are on social media; it’s also possible your favorite stores are too. Be sure to follow them on their social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Retailers also love to connect with their customers, and you can find great deals, coupons, and sales by following them on their social networks.
Start Early Shopping Online Early
I always try to start my shopping early. Don’t wait until the last minute. When you wait until last minute you are in a rush, miss deals, and rish paying higher prices. Be sure to consider shipping time when you shop online, if you are trying to save money it’s likely you are not going to want to pay extra shipping costs to receive your item faster. Those extra shipping charges can cost a fortune, and it’s hard to find a coupon code for overnight delivery. This is one of my favorite ways to save money shopping online. It’s stress free, and allows you browse at your convience.
Can You Get Free Shipping?
Consider shipping costs. While more often than not you can find something with free shipping, or a coupon code to help with shipping costs, but be sure to check.
Browse the Web and Compair Deals
Before you run and purchase an item from your favorite online retailer, look around at other retailers. You might find an item on sale or priced for much less by searching other online retailers. I personally have used R.
Don’t Always Search for Brand Name
If you are trying to save money, you might want to consider looking at other brands. The beauty of shopping online is that you have so much to choose from. Your favorite brand might not be the best option, and chances are you can find another brand offering a similar product for a much lower price. If you want to save money shopping online, have an open mind; you will be surprised at what is available. Look at all your options before making a decision.
Before Purchasing Check Reviews
I am a firm believer in product reviews. Before making your purchase, especially the larger purchase, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and read the reviews. Whether it’s the reviews on the website or a trusted bloggers reviews, be sure to check them out. It only takes a few minutes and can save you time and money in the long run.
Be Sure To Set A Budget
Shopping online can be done in the comfort of your own home, and it can be easy to go over your budget. Be sure to set a strict budget, and don’t allow yourself to go over it.
Know Your Savings
It’s easy for a store to tell you the item is on sale or they are offering you the lowest price, but it is important for you to know about how much an item is before any discounts. Do you know how much money you are saving?
Always Look For Coupon Codes
Never purchase anything without looking for electronics discount codes first. There are a variety of places you can find coupons and coupon codes online. I signed up with Rakuten years ago, and it’s helped me save a decent amount of money shopping online.
Save Money Shopping
There are great deals to take advantage of, coupon codes to help you score even better deals, and plenty of other ways to save money shopping online if you are willing to put in a little extra work and find the savings. On another note, always be a safe online shoppers. It’s easy to save money, but I try to live by the old saying, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is.”
Living a happy life is important, and everyone has a different path to happiness. Many of us can get stuck in the motions of life, and forget about happiness. Before we know it we are existing, and going through the motions. I think it’s safe to say we have all been down at one point in our lives, and it’s often hard to pick ourselves back up and move on. It’s not easy to learn to be happy, to take the negative emotions you are feeling and turn them into positive ones, but I believe it can be done. I remember being in a place where all I wanted was for someone to tell me how to be happy.
I have always been an independent person, who is very strong-willed. It takes a lot to upset me, or make me see the bad in things, but it’s because I choose to see the good in things. I have not always felt this way; I had to teach myself how to be happy. I know that might sound funny, but it is the truth. It took work for me to figure out how to be happy.
16 Things You Can Do To Make You A Happier Person
It took work, and admitting to myself that I was not happy, but I was able to overcome my unhappiness. There are still times I have to remember certain things to help keep my head up.
Love Yourself
I feel the first step to truly being happy, or moving in the right direction is to be happy with yourself, who you are, and where you are going. In the end, you need to love yourself. Once I stopped long enough to realize this was the root of my problem, I was able to move forward. Learning to love who I was was harder than I thought. I had to focus on everything and think about things I did not necessarily want to think about. You know the things that hurt. I personally had some things that were deep-rooted that I needed to understand were not my fault; they were out of my control, and there was nothing I could do to change them. I had to accept the fact that what happened helped make me who I am today, and most importantly, I had to leave the past in the past in order to move forward.
I realize we are all different and have different issues, but the only way I was able to move forward was to make peace with the past. I had to accept what had happened, realize I could not fix it, and not allow it to have control over my life, who I was, or stand in my way from being happy.
Who I Was Around
It’s hard to be happy if you are surrounded by negative people. I had to separate myself from the negative people in my life, who I later realized were not my friends. I won by doing this; I not only removed myself from some of the negative in my life, but I learned what friendship and love are about.
Looking For the Good In Things and People
You know how the old saying goes, “Look at your glass as half full, not half empty.” It’s true. To become a happier person, try to look at things with an open mind and look for the good in them. Some of the worst times in my life have resulted in some of the best outcomes. What I mean is that when something horrible happened to me, something good came from it. All those Mr. Wrongs that broke my heart led me to Mr. Right, whom I am with now.
Without the Bad
Sometimes it’s hard for me to remember, but when we feel the “bad” we can better appreciate the good.
Things Happen For A Reason
I know it’s hard to think of a reason certain bad things happen to us, but it’s typically for the better. It’s been my experience, when something bad happens that upsets me, a days, weeks or even months later something happens and I realize it was a blessing in disguise.
Accomplishment
Be proud of the things you have done. They don’t have to be big things. Maybe you helped Big Brothers Big Sisters by pledging, and your pledge helped them raise $25,000. You can also look around you and be proud of your family, home, dinner you cooked, pets, a roof over your head, the bed you sleep on, or friends you have made. Being confident shows in the way you walk, talk, and smile. Be proud of your life.
If You Cannot Control It Forget It
Don’t focus on things you cannot control!
Do Things You Love
Ride horses, go to the movies, go window shopping, go to the park and swing! Do things you love, and smile because you are able to do then.
Exercise
Exercise makes me feel better about myself, but it’s also been known to reduce stress, and other good benefits.
Go Outside
Staying inside will give anyone the blues, get some sun, breathe some fresh air. Spending time outside can help get rid of a case of the blues? Limited time outside is also good for the body.
Set Goals
Have something you are working toward. Even if you start out small, have something you are working toward each day. Even the smallest accomplishment can make one feel happy. One day you might set a goal to clean your house; the next, you might organize that bedroom with a shut door.
Smile
Seriously, smile every single day. I make my kids smile when they are made about something, and it always leads to laughter, they forget they were ever made, and move on. Making yourself smile every single day can help more than you might realize.
Jam
Listen to good, happy music with a great beat. That song makes you want to get up and move. Turn it up and clean the house. Dance and sing at the top of your lungs!! Life is good; enjoy it and have fun.
Unplug
Yes, take a break from your BESTIE MAC! Okay, so you might not own a MAC, but unplug from the online world and enjoy the real world.
Help
Do something nice for someone. Whether you open the door for someone or donate $100 do something nice for someone. There is no better feeling than helping someone.
Create Your Act of Happiness
I just created an Act of Happiness by telling ActsOfHappiness.org why I am happy! For each and every post created, $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America up to $25,000! It’s super easy, and for every Act of Happiness before March 24th, you will be helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of America! That’s an amazing feeling!
March 20th is International Day of Happiness! It is a tradition all of us should take part in, and honor our daily lives! Smile because you have so much to be happy about! Do something nice for someone because it makes a difference to you and someone else. Together we can change the world! Check this out, it’s awesome and I am excited to be part of it.
The Acts of Happiness Campaign runs from March 18 until March 20! It is to create a movement to make the world a happier place! Acts of Happiness are building messaging around the International Day of Happiness on March 20th, and they are asking us to go to ActsOfHappiness.org and pledge to do a simple Act of Happiness on March 20th.
So what are Acts of Happiness? You are going to love this; it’s great and I am glad you’re planning on being part of it too! You can do things such as:
- A hug
- Kind word
- Helping your neighbor
- Holding the door open
Anything small to you, but has a significant impact on someone else. You know, it’s the things we should be doing daily anyway. You probably do plenty of them and don’t even realize it. Do you hold the door open for that person behind you at the store? What about picking something up for someone when they drop it? Maybe you go out of your way to say something nice to someone who looks like they could use it?
Come on! Make someone’s day – and your own! Make not only someone else’s day brighter, but your own, because it feels good to do something for someone else. March 20th is a day for everyone to feel good, and hold their heads high because they have done something good to help someone, and it feels good!
WAIT! It gets better!
By you helping, by making someone’s day a little more special, you are adding a little spring to your step you are helping the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America!
The pledge process is important, be sure to visit ActsOfHappiness.org, and put your pledge in! For every pledge, $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America up to $25,000!
However, WAIT! It gets better! I know, I know, but there is more of the awesomeness! Keep on reading, because you are going to love this!
Enter To Win One of TWO Fabulous Sweepstakes!
I know, pretty awesome isn’t it? I thought it was awesome! How often do you get rewarded for doing something nice, something that you would probably do daily anyway
Enter For Your Chance To win one of FIVE $50 Visa Gift Cards!
From March 18th until March 19th, everyone who makes a pledge will be entered to win one of FIVE $50 Visa Gift Cards! Winners will be notified March 20th, so be sure to watch for the winning email! Good Luck!
WAIT, it keeps getting better I know!
Do Not Miss Your Chance To Win An Awesome Caribbean Cruise for Four!
Once you are finished pledging be sure and share your fabulous Acts of Happiness Post, upload it to Facebook and/or Twitter @MyLiveHappy and use the #HappyActs to be entered into the Acts of Happiness Sweepstakes!
Be sure to hurry, this needs to be completed by March 21, and you will be entered for a chance to win a 7 day Caribbean cruise for four! They will announce the winner on March 24th!
I took the pledge myself, and had my husband take the pledge as well. We would love it if you would join us in helping make the world a happier place! Don’t forget that every pledge is helping an awesome organization too! Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is an amazing organization, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help!
Hurry over and Pledge by clicking here.
Leve me a comment and let me know if you took the pledge!
If you have been reading my blog for a little while now you have heard me talk about my sweet, amazing, strong nephew (Corbin) who has faced three heart surgeries in the first 3 years of his life. Two of which were before he was 6 months old, one was when he was under a week old. It’s horrible, and not often something we want to talk about, but it is something we need to think about. If you’re like most of us, you do not have the extra money lying around. Even with GREAT medical insurance the amount my brother (Dennis) and sister-n-law (Marley) were left paying out-of-pocket is enough to leave any family stressed. Oh yes, even with health insurance, GREAT health insurance families are left with copays, deductibles, food, and so much more. Sadly, many families are left wondering how to raise money for a medical crisis.
WOW, thinking back to everything Marley and Dennis did for their little Corbin, and I don’t know the half of it. They still owe money, but both say they feel humbled after learning how giving the world is. They lived 16 hours away from home for the first 6 months of Corbin’s life. For the 1st month they slept at the hospital, and stayed at the Ronald McDonald, which thank goodness for places like that. Once Corbin was released from the hospital they had to rent an apartment, on top of pay their mortgage at home. My brother was blessed to be able to stay with his wife and new baby boy. See, just when you think people don’t care anymore, something happens that restores your faith. My brother was able to stay away from work for 6 months, PAID because the people he works with donated their days off to him. Imagine 40 hours a week for 6 months, all so he could be with his wife and new baby when they needed him most. This is only the start of things, people rock…
When they finally got word they were going to be able to come home, I flew up to meet them and help them drive back. They hadn’t slept well in 6 months. Corbin had a strict feeding schedule, ever two hours, and they took turns with the duty. My brother returned to work, and the aftermath of the medical bills hit. I know they were prepared, but WOW and Corbin still had one more surgery left. I remember feeling so sad for them, they wanted to badly to enjoy being home with their little boy, but the medical bills were getting the best of them, and the thought of another surgery with more bills didn’t make things. They decided to try to raise money for their next trip, they both knew there was a chance they would be gone another 6 months, and with they were already having a hard time keeping their head above water.
See going into this surgery Marley was a little more prepared, and thankfully had more time to plan or she might not have ever known how many people wanted to help them during their time of need. Marley and Dennis raised money several ways, and out of everything they tried these three were the most helpful.
How to raise Money for a Medical Crisis
Garage Sale
My sister-n-law always seems to have good luck with garage sales. Marley told me is was a great way to raise enough to pay for gas and snacks for the drive there and back. They had a lot of items to sale, and their friends and family also donated items for them to sale.
Fundraising Event
I was so happy to see Marley’s fundraising event turn out as good as it did. She worked so hard on it, and it proved to be a great way to reach out to those in our community. It also gave my brother and sister-n-law something to focus on so they did not sit and think about what was fixing to happen. It was the first time I had seen my brother and sister-n-law smile, relax, and have fun sense Corbin was born.
Online Fundraising
Out of everything Marley and Dennis did to raise money for my nephew online fundraising opened doors they did not know were possible. The reason they started an online fundraising campaign was so family and friends who lived elsewhere had a place to donate, but it turned into so much more. Places like GiveForward is an online fundraising website that can help you earn money during your time of need. If you think people do not donate to these type of things, you are wrong. I can tell you that first hand, because I do.
I also teach my children to be giving, and I always involve them in donating. I donate a little to the big organizations, but honestly try to keep my focus on the more personal campaigns. If were to ask someone who knows me they would say I am a very giving person. The reason I am so giving is becasue of the way I grew up, and watching my brother and Marley deal with everything they did, and watching how people who didn’t even know them donated to them lifted their spirits. There are so many out there that need help, and just don’t know where to turn.
How To Raise Money For A Medical Crisis with GiveForward
How To Raise Money For A Medical Crisis with GiveForwardGiveForward allows you to create a fundraiser to raise money for help with medical bills, vet bills, funeral expenses, medical bankrupts and more. GiveForward is a website that allows users to set up a fundraising website, and it’s one of the best ways to raise money for a loved one, or friend who is in need.
GiveForward is the #1 platform to start a medical fundraiser and is the only website with fundraising coaches. The fundraising coach’s help you with ideas to raise money online, which I am sure can be a huge benefit. When Marley and Dennis set up their online fundraising account they did not have a fundraising coach, we spend hours upon hours researching ideas. In the end, it was the best way to raise money to help with medical bills, but having a fundraising coach could have made the process easier. There would have been someone to answer questions, and help with the fundraising plan.
GiveForward has been helping people raise money since 2008. They have helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars online for:
- Cancer treatment
- Transplants
- Funeral costs
- Disaster-relief
- Medical expenses
GiveForward is a team who is committed to helping people bring their fundraising plans to life, and being there to support them through their fundraising experience.
How GiveForward Works
Using GiveForward is an easy process, they know it is a big decision that takes courage, and they are there to help make the prices as easy as possible. First you will set up a fundraising page. This is a place where you will tell your story, and be specific about how the money raised will help your loved one who is in need.
Each fundraiser will be assigned to a personal coach, and you will be provided with contact information. I do suggest taking advantage of this feature, they are trained professionals who do this daily. I am sure they can help you get the most out of your online fundraiser. It’s worth a shot, and you are not paying anything extra for this help. Like I mentioned earlier, I believe this would have been a huge help when we set up our online fundraising account.
Spreading the word, and thankfully we live in a techy world where almost everyone is on a social network. I can only speak for myself, when I see someone’s story online I almost always read it. Before I donate I read their story; probably cry because the story breaks my heart, and donate what I can. My nephew’s surgeries, and being there to see how a medical crisis can tear up a family has opened my eyes. I might not be able to donate 100s of dollars, but the way I look at it is every little bit helps! If I can only afford to donate $5, that money is enough to get someone something to eat that they might not have had.
Also, be sure to share with family and friends who might life far away, or are likely to support your fundraiser. Marley and Dennis were so succesful with their fundraising account because of family and friends. Everyone shared the online fundraising account with people who didn’t live close, and they shared it with people who they were close to, and so on. Before they knew it people they didn’t even know the people who were donating. People rock, the money not only helped Dennis and Marley, but it lifted their spirits. They couldn’t belive how giving people were, people they didn’t even know had donated to help their little family. It was life changing for them, and witnessing the impact it had on them changed my way of thinking.
I love hearing stories like this online fundraising account that was set up for Amelia. The account was set up with GiveForward for Amelia, and there was over $64,000 raised to help her battle breast cancer. It’s a touching video, which helps restore you faith, and remind you there are so many people out there who are willing to help. People who would never be reached without places like GiveForward.
Two victims of the Boston Maratho bombings raised over $881 to help them with lifetime costs of their injuries.
There are more touching success stories from people who have raised money to help them with during their time of need on www.GiveForward.com. It’s truly amazing things to see people coming together to help one another!
Online funding has helped my loved ones during their time of need, people they did not know reached out and donated to help their sweet baby boy who is now 5 years old, and the most rotten, sweetest boy you will ever meet. Dennis and Marley are truly blessed in so many ways, and we are blessed to have their experience to learn from.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a medical crisis GiveForward might be exactly what they need to help them reach out to people who are willing to help. You can learn more about GiveForward by visiting their website www.GiveForward.com.
If you want to check out another post about GiveForward from someone who has experienced how much GiveForward can help, and does care head over to Life Rearranged. She is GiveForwards Brand Ambassador, as well as someone who has been in need and experienced how much they can help.
If you are a blogger be sure to join GiveForward’s affiliate program, and earn a little something for helping spread the word about a program that can help people during
Caring for your teeth, and gums is important to a personal overall health. When I was younger I horrible when it came to flossing. Even as an adult I honestly don’t like flossing my teeth. I do it, but I do not enjoy getting a string stuck in between my teeth day after day. To make things even worse in about 6 months I will be having some dental work done, and about the time my daughter is getting her braces take off I will be getting mine put on. I have watched my daughter fight to keep her braces clean of food particles, and let’s face it flossing with braces doesn’t look like the easiest thing to do. Lucky for us we have figured out not only an easy way to keep your braces clean, but the best way to floss! Everyone meet the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser.
Seven Reasons We Love The Waterpik Water Flosser
Makes Caring For Your Teeth and Gums Easy
Taking care of your teeth, and gums have never been easier! Simply place luck warm water into the reservoir, select and insert the tip of your choice, adjust pressure and mode selection, and clean your teeth and gums. It’s much easier, and a more effective than traditional floss. Oh, and much more fun! You know me, fun matters!
Healthier Gums
The is up to 50% more effective than floss for improving gum health. I am always game to be healthier! I love sliding my tongue across my teeth after I use the Waterpik Water Flosser because I can feel how clean my teeth are..
Perfect For Braces
If you or children in your home have braces, you cannot go wrong with the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser! It is clinically proven up to 3X as effective for removing plaque around braces compared to string floss. Catie loves using the Waterpik Water Flosser on her braces
Plaque and Debris
The Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser is an effective way to remove plaque. It’s proven to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas in three seconds. It helps get rid of plaque and debris where brushing and the traditional floss cannot reach. The Waterpik is perfect for getting all the plaque and debris that is between your teeth and below the gumline. I love how clean and fresh teeth and gums feel after using the Waterpik Water Flosser.
Natural
It not only leaves your teeth feeling incredibly clean, it is the most natural way to clean your teeth and gums.
Professional Cleaning At Home
I love that I can get that oh so clean feeling that I get when I leave the dentist office at home! I have always loved the way my teeth and gums felt after having them cleaned at the dentist office. Having the Waterpik Water Flosser gives!
Healthier Gums Guaranteed in 14 Days Money Back Guarantee
I always appreciate when there is a money back guarantee. It gives me a little more confidence in a product, and I always know if it does not work I can return it for a full refund without any questions. After using the Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser I do not want to return it! We love it!
The is a great solution for anyone. Whether you have braces, bridges, implants, and other dental work the Waterpik is an excellent option. It’s been a GREAT solution in our home, plus it’s loads of fun to use. Especially when mom “accidently” sprays dada with water, lol.
The Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser does take up a little counter space, but it’s totally worth it. It has changed our flossing life, and made our mouths fresh and clean every single day. I tell my husband all the time after using it that I feel like I just left the dentist office after a cleaning. I am excited, not only I have been flossing every single day, but my husband and teen daughter have too. We gave Catie the Orthodontic Tip since it’s built for removing plaque around orthodontic braces and other applications. She loves it, and tells me that using the Water
The Waterpik comes with everything you need to get started! There are 7 tips (3 Classic Jet Tips, 1 Plaque Seeker® Tip, 1 Orthodontic Tip, 1 Pik Pcoket™, Tip, and 1 Toothbrush Tip). When using the Water Flosser you can choose between 10 different settings, there is an on/off switch on the actual machine, and another one the handle to help prevent you from squirting your husband who is standing on the other side of the bathroom. Well, that’s what Shawn says. I personally think he does not like getting squirted when he is not expecting it lol.
You can also choose between 2 different flossing modes – massage and floss; the massage mode feels fabulous on your gums, as well as massages and stimulates your gums to help circulation and keep your hums healthy and strong. This is a great option for anyone who has braces, crowns, veneers, bridges, and more.
Another added perk is that the Water Flosser has a 1 minute timer, 90 seconds of water capacity spray without needing to refill it, and a 360 degree tip rotation is awesome. It makes it super easy to get to all areas of your mouth so you can have that fresh and clean feeling in every part of your mouth. The Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser is works great, and has made flossing fun in our house.
The is currently $79.99 and in my opinion worth every penny. Be sure to head on over to the to learn more about this amazing product, as well as check out all the other fabulous products they have. I was excited to learn they have a kid’s water flosser too! My husband and I are talking about purchasing it because we know the kids would be willing to floss with it!
WOW, can you belie it? The 2014 Winter Olympics have come and gone. It seems like just yesterday I was attending Puffs Twitter Party kicking off the 2014 Winter Olympics!
American ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White bring home their first ever gold metal. The two have been skating together since they were in 4th grade. Watching the two of them skate is amazing. The incredible “U” lift is amazing. The two of them not only dance amazing together on the ice, they feel the music, work hard, and put their heart and soul into their performance, and it shows.
I cannot believe another Olympics has come and gone, it seems like just yesterday I was watching Meryl Davis and Charlie White’s 1st ice dancing performance with my girls. Now the 2014 Olympics has come to an end, and the ice dancing duo is bringing home the GOLD!
It still amazes me they have been skating side-by-side longer than another other ice skating duo. It’s no wonder they performed flawlessly, they have been working hard together for 17 years, and it all paid off. The two of them grew up in Michigan, and the story of how they ended up together is great! Meryl learned to skate at the early age of five, and Charlie had been on the ice since he was three years old. I wonder if their parents every thought they would be watching them perform at the Winter Olympics, much less bringing home the GOLD! They must be so proud, and need a case of Puffs.
For those of you who didn’t know, the ice skating duo took 2nd place in the 2010 Winter Olympics. They two have been an amazing pair on the ice, and I am sure they have shed a few tears along the way. If you didn’t read my previous post, attend the Twitter Party, stop by their Facebook Page, Twitter account, or have an opportunity to follow the Olympics you might not know that Meryl Davis and Charlie White teamed up with Puffs for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
This winter, Puffs is the everyday tissue that is gentle, and soft, tissue is helping Merly and Charlie put their best faces forward. I personally love Puffs, and we always have it in our home. Between all 6 of us we need Puffs tissue for something.
Whether it’s wiping away tears of joy when your kids win the Olympic Gold, or make the soft ball team, get married, get a role in the school play, touching up your make up, or when you are not feeling your best Puffs knows your face says everything about you.. Puffs tissues are designed with your face in mind.
Puffs is committed to one thing, a facial tissue that helps us put our best face forward.
Put Your Best Face Forward
There is three different ways you can put your best face forward:
- Puffs Plus Lotion – Their most soothing facial tissue, and my personal favorite for wiping away those tears of joy!
- Puffs Basic – Soft and 50% stronger when wet vs. the leading brand.
- Puffs Plus Lotion with the Scent of Vicks – Give your cold a comforting scent.
I love that Meryl and Charlie attribute their success to their moms, as a mom that would leave me with tears of joy! Without their moms taking them to practice when they were young, attending every competition, and standing behind them 100% of the time they wouldn’t be holding a gold medal from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Their moms have been there for them, wiped away tears, as well as stood behind them 100% of the way.
P&G not only recognized the athletes, but their moms. As a thank you to all the moms out there P&G has created this great video – “Thank You, Mom,” as a way to show mothers how much they, and everything they do is appreciated! Take a moment, and check out the “Thank You, Mom” YouTube video from P&G, it makes need a puffs!
For more information on Puffs swing by and check out their website – Puffs.com. Be sure to swing by and check them out on Twitter and Facebook, expecially if you missed the amazing duo ice dancing. Puffs was an amazing sponsor, and showed them GREAT support while they were working hard on brining back the GOLD!
Which moment of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games brought you tears of joy, and made you need someone to pass the Puffs!
If you are looking for affordable mobile wireless this tax season, you may want to head over to Walmart.
My kids are my world, and being able to pick up the phone and call them whenever I need to is important to me. My husband and I have been talking about getting our oldest daughter her own smartphone. She had one about a year ago, but got into trouble, and we took it away. She has worked hard, and we think she is ready for another one. Plus, she is starting to be more active in after-school activities, going to friends, and babysitting on the weekend, and I want her to be able to reach me when she needs to. I don’t know if her not having a phone has been harder on me or her.
Affordable Mobile Wireless at Walmart
I do not like not being able to reach my kids when they are walking home from school or any place away from home. It’s hard, and I worry about them all the time. At least if she has a phone, I can get in touch with her, and she can call me if she needs to. Honestly, the only reason I have put it off so long is because I have been looking for cheap wireless plans with unlimited talk, text, and data for my kids. I do not want to worry about a contract either. When she lost her last phone, I was stuck paying a monthly bill for it for 6 months, and nobody was using it. Talk about wasting money!
Walmart Family Mobile has cheap wireless plans with unlimited talk, text, and data/web. I was surprised at how inexpensive the plans are, and I was able to grab a smartphone for my daughter for under $100! Thanks to the Walmart Family Mobile wireless plan, we were able to get Catie a smartphone with all the bells and whistles. Now I can just pick up the phone and call her, not freaking out when she is 2 minutes late walking home from school.
We choose an Alcatel One Touch Evolve smartphone, which retails for only $79! It is perfect for my daughter, and she loves it. I still cannot get over the fact that I was able to pick up a smartphone, with so many great features for under $100, and not sign a contract! YEPIE! I am doing the happy dance right now, and I am super glad you cannot see it. I don’t dance well when I am excited, lol.
The Alcatel One Touch Evolve is an Android phone that features:
- Touchscreen with adaptive keyboard for typing accuracy
- Choice typing capabilities
- Text messaging
- Bluetooth
- Social networking
- Wi-Fi calling
- Up to 13 hours of talk time, and 410 standby hours
- Camera
- Multimedia games
- Vivid 4” display
Catie loves her new phone; it does everything she needs and then some. When I asked Catie what she liked best about the phone, she said, “I just cannot get over how accurate the keyboard is.” Of course she would notice that right away, she had already texted every single friend she has to give them her new phone number. She did make me feel special by making sure I was the first person she texted. Right after she opened it and I went into the other room, I heard my phone buzz and read a super sweet message from my Catie Lou telling us thank you SOOOOO MUCH, what great parents we are, and how much she loves us. I am excited she likes her phone so much. She has worked hard to earn it back, and I do not think she will do anything to lose it again. If, for some reason, she does, I can sleep better at night knowing I do not have to pay an extra bill for a phone that is not being used.
I can also sleep better at night knowing she will not go over her talk, text, or data. I wish all cell phone companies would offer cheap wireless plans with unlimited talk, text, and data, like the Walmart Family Mobile Plan.
The Walmart Family Mobile Plan
The Walmart Family Mobile Plan offers two cheap wireless plans.
- Unlimited Talk, Text, & Web for only $39.88 a month.
- Unlimited Talk & Text for only $29.88 a month.
Both plans offer no commitment or contract! To make things even better, you can start your Walmart Family Mobile Plan online or instore. Most of you already know how much I enjoy shopping online. Personally, I would rather order a smartphone online. I feel like I can take my time reading and understanding the plan and choosing the smartphone that fits my daughter’s needs. Needless to say, I was excited when I learned I could order my daughters new smartphone online.
Getting started with our new Walmart Family Mobile was easy. I visited the Walmart website, picked out a smartphone for under $100, and placed my order. I have always loved how quickly Walmart ships; I received it 2 days earlier than planned. In only 3 days, my daughter’s new smartphone arrived at our front door. I didn’t have to pay anything extra for shipping, unless, of course, you want expedited shipping.
You also have to order the Family Mobile Starter Kit, which is required for each line of service you connect. The Family Mobile Starter Kit includes your SIM card and easy-to-follow directions to activate your service.
Setting up my daughter’s new smartphone is as easy as ordering it; everything can be done online. I opened the package, followed provided directions, and had a new phone number and working smartphone for my daughter in a matter of a few minutes. Catie has been playing with her new phone non-stop since she got it.
I am really excited that we were able to find the Walmart Family Mobile and a smartphone for under $100. I hope I never need to take away my daughter’s phone again, but if it ever happens, I feel better knowing I will not be stuck paying a monthly bill for a phone that is not being used.
I was so excited about the Walmart Family Mobile plan, how easy it was to purchase, and the affordable plan we purchased for Caite that I called my mom to tell her. I knew she had been looking for cheap wireless plans, without a contact, that offered unlimited talk and text. She visited the Walmart website and stopped by her local store to ask some questions, and when she gets her tax return, she plans on changing the cell phone provided.
Whether you are looking for cheap wireless plans or a cell phone plan for your children, I suggest visiting your local Walmart or Walmart.com to learn more about the Walmart Family Mobile plan. It’s been a great option for us, and my mom is excited to change her plan so she can save money and get a better plan. Talk about the perfect way to maximize your tax return, change cell phone providers, get a better plan, and save money over the next year.