Independent World For You

The Comforts of Home With a Modern Twist

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:49:00 +0000

If you don't know by now, I'm a huge Disney fan! I even have a blog for all things Disney, including our vacations: Family Disney Vacations

I have been looking at photos of Bay Lake Tower - the newest Disney Vacation Club villa and WOW! I wasn't sure I like the 'modern' look of it but it has really grown on me! Everything you need to feel at home and some extras, like the plasma tvs in the bedrooms and the living room! Check out this picture:

I cannot wait to stay there in the spring!

Noticed Some Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Well, it could be the weight loss pills or it could just be that you need to lose your sense of smell/taste. Seriously, this house has been locked down - we've all been really sick with H1N1, supposedly. This came with the loss of smell/taste. I was hungry but hated eating because the food was just blah.

So, I either didn't bother eating or ate very small portions and 5 pounds gone! Ha! Maybe it just water weight, but the important thing is that it's GONE!

Orlando Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:08:00 +0000

I absolutely love going to Disney World - I love orlando vacations period! Our next trip is in less than 6 months. Of course we'll be visiting Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and probably Downtown Disney.

I am now trying to decide if we should try and squeeze in a visit to Sea World or Universal Studios? Decisions, decisions!

Back to the Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:11:00 +0000

I made an appointment at the dentist for a cleaning. Finally, a 'normal' visit! Even still, I am sure it will still be costly, wish I had some dental care discounts to use!

I hope the dentist doesn't find cavities or anything! I don't want an exciting visit this time! I need to remember to make an appointment for the kids too.

Feeling Frustrated

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

I have been trying to get in the habit of eating healthy and exercising and it sucks. Yes, I feel better after I exercise but every day I have to force myself to do it. I was really hoping to accomplish weight loss without having to use any type of diet pills but I'm not so sure that is possible.

I lost weight initially, must have been water weight. Lately it's been gain a pound, lose a pound and I am frustrated. UGH

Who Has Been to Acapulco

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:22:00 +0000

A friend of mine is considering a trip to Acapulco and asked me if I knew of any good hotels in Acapulco to stay at. I have never been there so I have no idea. I thought my best bet is to ask my readers!

We travel but we haven't gone further than Florida so Mexico is nothing I know much about - unless you count the numerous times I've been to Mexico at Epcot, hahahaaa

Trade Shows

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Around here, Winter is a time when you can find lots of indoor trade shows going on. We usually try to get to one or two, just to keep up on the latest technology and such. We saw all kinds of really cool displays last year.

My favorite kinds are the industrial exhibits - they always look so awesome! The visual aspect of a trade show exhibit can really entice people to buy. If you have a business, this is a great way to promote your business!

Computer Frustration

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:48:00 +0000

My friend Jenn was complaining that her computer hasn't been acting right and she wasn't sure if there was something wrong with her hard drive or if it was as simple as needing more computer memory so she wound up taking it to a computer repair place.

I haven't heard yet what the outcome was but I'm guessing it'd be a good idea for her to become more computer savvy so she can figure these things out before sending her computer off to a repair place. I am sure that in itself wasn't cheap!

More House Decisions

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Now that we're heading into Fall/Winter it's time to start planning our inside house projects. One of the main projects we need to finish is the downstairs bathroom so I've been giving a great deal of thought on the different tiles we have to choose from. This is a huge decision.

After the bathroom project I think we need to repaint our living room. Once that's done I think we'll be out of money! LOL ! I am guessing these 2 projects will take us into spring and in spring we want to tear down the wall we have out back and pave that area for more off street parking. Busy Busy!

Men and Technology

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Oh my, I really thought I had a lot in common with my ex-husband, which is why I married him, once upon a time. As time went on, well, we both realized we didn't have that much in common and compatibility was just about non existent, hence the reason he is my 'ex'.

We have a decent relationship now though, which is good since we have a daughter together. It's funny though, there are times when he calls me to vent about is job, which is technical, and all he blabs about our computers, POS systems and other techie things and I remember just what is was that made me realize we are not compatible. LOL

Next Up, a Pond

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:00 +0000

I love the look of this pond! This is next on our to do list, a nice pond for the back yard!

I know creating a pond is a lot of work and I know that it can be confusing when choosing from the different type of pond pumps but once everything is chosen to make it work, the fun begins!

I can't wait to pick out the flowers, the shrubs and the fish! Yes, the fish! What's a pond without fish?

Another Year Older

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Well, today I turned 36, time to find the best wrinkle cream and slap some on my face - this is mid-life baby!

Today was not much different than any other day. Birthdays are not as special once you get past the 21st birthday, at least not around here. I didn't even get anything from my kids - not eve a card!

Looking for Motorcyle Parts?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:06:00 +0000

I never thought I'd know so much about car accessories but, I do. Ever since CJ started modifying his 2006 Mustang, I have been educated! Now I'm starting to learn abut motorcycles too, as we are contemplating getting one in the spring.

I found a great place online for motorcycle parts and accessories, including goldwing parts - since that's the brand we're thinking of. CruiserCustomizing.com has over 30,000 different motorcycle parts and accessories with brand names up to 60% off! Sweet!

Although, between our vacation home purchase and this Mustang he's modifying, I sure hope we'll be able to afford a motorcycle!

No, You Can't Have a Pony

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Olivia keeps bugging me for a pony, her friend Mayzi has one (shown in the photo). I told Olivia that unfortunately, we don't have a place to keep a pony and we just don't have the money to board one somewhere nearby.

I tried explaining just how expensive owning a pony is, from food to adequate shelter, to her needing riding lessons and equestrian apparel for her to wear.

Not to mention the responsibility! She just doesn't understand because she sees her friend with one and well, of course, at 6 years old, that is all she sees :(

Looking for the Fountain of Youth

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:12:00 +0000

I know many older folks who just wish they had their younger years back. Remember the movie Cocoon from 1985? Wow - that totally makes me sound old! For the record, I was only 12 years old when that movie came out!

I've been reading some interesting information on HGH - Human Growth Hormone, a natural hormone produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. HGH is considered "the key" hormone because it controls so many functions. It's responsible for youth, vitality, energy and all of the health benefits we associate with youth.

It's amazing how many folks are searching for what they consider to be the best hgh releasers to get their youth back. I wonder if it's really worth it?

Photo Credit:
Fountain of Youth
© 2005 Martin Liew

Dr. Simeons Diet

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:50:00 +0000

On my quest for weight loss options I came upon a site that was promoting Dr. Simeons Diet - I had never heard of this diet before.

Basically the diet uses HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hormone from pregnant women as injections or taken orally to release the abnormal fat sores in your body and you utilize those fat stores on top of your 500 calorie/day to lose weight. It is a very interesting concept and one that I may look further into. Has anyone tried this?

Custom Tradeshow Exhibits

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about setting up custom tradeshow exhibits for your business? This is something that I have been thinking about since being to a trade show recently. I saw all kinds of really cool displays. I bet it would not be too difficult to think up a theme for a home based business!

In fact, I saw a cool Disney exhibit. It was a travel agency who specialized in Disney vacations. I'll tell ya what, it really 'sold' people on booking a trip, even in this bad economy! The visual aspect of a trade show exhibit can really entice people to buy.

Be Thin or Be Healthy?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I have struggled with weight loss ever since having Miss. Independent in 2003. The struggle is still there. I often wonder what extreme turn I may take to overcome this battle.

I know of people who go on strict fasts, some of course just eat healthy and exercise and some have even tried colon cleanser as a way to not only rid their body of toxins but to also lose those last 10 pounds.

Unfortunately, I have more than 10 pounds to lose. Some days I am sensible and I eat well and exercise and I actually feel great - but after a week, when I notice I only lost 1 or 2 pounds, I feel frustrated - anyone else?

A Conspiracy of Silence About Swine Flu Natural Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:32:00 +0000

I hate using 'swine flu' as it is now to be known as H1N1 but most people are still searching for information using swine flu and this is so important, I had to cover my bases.

"Flu could infect half of USA." - This has been being said on a daily basis now and the predicted number of deaths expected in the U.S. is 30,000 - 90,000 Americans. Of course we're also hearing about the actions being taken by the government to protect Americans from the coming swine flu pandemic.

So we hear; Wash your hands, cover your mouth if you cough and let "the grownups" take care of the rest by injecting you with a vaccine. Curiously absent from all the health advice being handed out on the swine flu by the White House, the CDC, the WHO and even the FDA is any mention of Vitamin D or other natural remedies that offer enormous protections from influenza infections.

The absence of this information from virtually all the advice being handed out to the American public is increasingly suspicious. If a pandemic flu is, indeed, threatening to infect half the U.S. population, and if most of the population is deficient in a nutrient known to strongly prevent influenza infections, wouldn't it make good sense to make a few announcements encouraging Americans to raise their vitamin D levels throughout the coming winter?

It is a well-known medical fact, of course, that influenza always gets worse during the winter months North of the equator and the summer months South of the equator - which is actually their 'winter'. This is because as sunlight hours lessen during the winter, the people living there become vitamin D deficient and are susceptible to influenza infections of all kinds.

The information resources backing this are easy to find. Here are two articles you need to read, now!

http://www.naturalnews.com/026770_Vitamin_D_health_health_care.html

http://www.naturalpedia.com/influenza.html

Blog Direction

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:53:00 +0000

I have no idea what direction this blog is gong in, can you tell? This blog is one of many that I have. it started out as a how to make money/save money type blog but well that topic can be trying and boring.

Still, I continue to blog here and I continue to promote. I've looked into seo optimization services and even learned how to do a lot on my own but this blog just keeps hitting a wall and that is because, I'm sure, it has no rhyme or reason anymore.

I need to rethink this...

Why Order Fulfillment Is Key

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:13:00 +0000

If you run a business, big or small, then you need to know having the right company managing your order fulfillment is key and here's why:

When customers receive their package from you, it needs to cream your name. It needs to display your brand. Customers will remember that. Branded packing slips that are custom designed with your logo, full-color packing slips with product photos, branded shipping boxes, even specialty packaging and custom gift-wrap really will WOW your customer.

It's the little tings that make people feel special and will bring them back to you over an over again and with them, eve some new customers!

Just Exercise!

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

So the last friend to have a baby had her baby in June. It's only August and she think she should be not only at her pre-pregnancy weight, but way under it. She's been asking me what I think are the best diet pills and I'm like, "I don't even use diet pills, I am just checking things out." I suppose if she's looking to go that route it's a good thing she isn't breastfeeding!

I have found that simply 30 minutes a day on the treadmill makes me feel better and guess what, it helps with weight loss!

Round 1 - Over

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:12:00 +0000

I think the first wave of my friends having babies is over. I've gotten so many baby announcements over the last 2 months I thought it would never end! Actually, I thought it would be me, I even started a blog 'Just One More Makes 4' to talk about my journey to getting pregnant and it kind of turned into a weight loss ranting place, hahaa.

My kids are getting older and more independent and while I am actually loving that I really miss having a baby around. My friends need to stop getting pregnant because that just makes me want another baby even more!

His Mustang Is Taking Over

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:04:00 +0000

CJ is completely taken in by his 2006 Legend Lime Mustang - so much that he even has a blog about it: Me and My Mustang

Currently he is going through the process of finding the perfect tires and learning all he needs to learn about knowing how to determine the correct tire size he needs. Next on the list I believe, is air intakes to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

First it was guitars, now it's cars...what's next?!

Glass or Porcelain Tile?

noreply@blogger.com (MoonStorm) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Okay, I just posted this on my 'My Thoughts My Life' blog but because I have a different reader base here I figured why not post to you guys too?

My dilemma is choosing tile for our downstairs bathroom. I was thinking glass tile but now I am kind of leaning towards porcelain tile and well, because I'm a Libra, I can't freaking make a decision! Take a look at these for an example:

Porcelain:

Glass:

What say you?