The Life of an Unbalanced Libra

Disney Trip is Still On

2012-01-22T20:37:00.000-05:00

Things got rocky, job-wise, and CJ made the decision to quit his full time freelance writing gig and head back into the workforce. He landed at job at Martin Guitars but through a temp. agency, so there is no guarantee of a permanent position.

We knew we would have to make some changes because we still wanted our adults only 'DisneyMoon' in March. I mean, I had already started looking for my bass shoes & coupons as well as a new bathing suit!

To save money, we made the decision to cancel our stay at the Polynesian and use DVC points for our March stay. This breaks my heart cause I LOVE the Polynesian but financially, it just made sense.

We are going to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House. We stayed there in June and liked it a lot. We had a pool view:

In March we got a Savanna view. This should be interesting. So many people rave about the view and being able to wake up in the morning seeing animals roaming around.

This is a Rarity

2012-01-21T16:42:00.003-05:00

These two normally detest each other. Today, however, they did arts and crafts together, on their own, and had fun! *passes out*

They made animals out of hearts. I know, sounds odd. They got the idea from the magazine My Big Back Yard. Here are the finished masterpieces:

Are Red Wagons in Your History?

2012-01-21T16:22:00.000-05:00

No matter your age you likely have some concept of red wagons and what they mean to you. Little red wagons are a great piece of history as well as extremely popular today. The offer dual duty by giving kids something great to play with and providing transportation for their things, their friends and in a lot of cases the children by the parents. Thanks to so many amazing options available now in red wagons you can be sure to find something great that provides hours of great fun for the kids or a great mode of transportation on a long walk.

One of the favorites out there is the Pack and Go Canopy Wagon. This is an amazingly cool way to transport your toddler around the town. You can take those long walks you want in the evening with this awesome jump in and go product. It seats to kiddos facing each other and has a great canopy to keep out the sun. It also has neat cup holders on the front to stash the water in and a pack on the back that stores other things like sun block and snacks. The thing turns on a dime making it super easy to get around on a sidewalk.

Whether you have one or three kids you can find cheap red wagons that will bring the same memories to your kids as you had from your child hood. Who doesn't have an old picture of them as a kid with their radio flyer? There are some things in life that are always basic and become a part of our history. Standing the test of time are those things that you remember that your children can identify with today. They definitely provide an ongoing connection through the generations from a parent to a child. Some things are just worth sharing with your kids and this is one of them.

Can't Keep My Focus

2012-01-17T14:24:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to get work done today but it has been difficult. It all started when I decided to browse the Internet looking for a dependable welding helmet to get my friend's son for a gift. It all went downhill from there.

I just can't seem to get it together today. It's raining outside too, so hat doesn't help! I seriously need a do-over!

Want a Lauren G Adams Saddle Ring in Black Ruthenium?

2012-01-14T10:27:00.001-05:00

I know I'm late in posting this, but Lauren Klein is doing another giveaway! This ends tonight at midnight EST but there is still plenty of time to enter!

This Lauren G Adams Ruthenium saddle ring retails for $65.99

To Enter >> GIVEAWAY: Lauren G Adams Saddle Ring in Black Ruthenium

Remember the Jewelry Giveaway I Had?

2012-01-09T06:42:00.001-05:00

Back in December, Lauren Klein Jewelry gave away a 3 Line Stretch Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bracelet for the holidays and I hosted this giveaway.

The winner of the bracelet received it and sent a note back with her thoughts on the piece as well as a photo of her wearing the bracelet. Here is what she had to say:

"When I received this gorgeous bracelet, I had to take in a few deep breaths.

Very impressed with the look. There was an added bonus to the expensive
look... the bracelet can be slipped on with no danger of falling off the wrist. I can adjust
it to the level I want also when I feel that wave eccentricity take over me.
When the bracelet is in place, it just sparkles and makes me feel that either someone
or myself has spent a fortune on it."

Here is the photo:

Lauren Klein is hosting another giveaway this month! You can enter to win here:

GIVEAWAY: Lauren G Adams Saddle Ring in Black Ruthenium

New Year, New Job?

2012-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

Does anyone actually read a newspaper anymore? What about using the classifieds to find a job? I don't mean reading the newspaper online either, I mean actually thumbing through a newspaper. It's a new year and i know many people who are looking for better jobs or to make a change in careers.

I would rather look online for jobs, in fact, I just found a nice amount of Dental Technician Jobs online, just by searching for dental and medical jobs and then specifying the area I want.

Today Has Been a Headache Day

2011-12-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

Wow-now I know why parents cannot wait until their kids are back in school. I am trying to get work done today and it has been non-stop chaos with the two boys here - I seriously think I have the beginning of a migraine. Lubbock migraine cannot be good at all.

I do not how how I am going to survive the entire summer with all 3 kids here every single day!

Intruder

2011-12-29T09:12:00.002-05:00

Contributed by Milford Woods

One night my children and I were at home while my husband had gone to a late business meeting. It was a cold, dark night and the street light had come on a few houses down. We were upstairs on the back side of the house so you could not see that anyone was home. I could hear a dog bark down the street, but that was not anything unusual because a lot of our neighbors have dogs and they randomly bark all the time.

The wind had started to blow around, and I was feeling a little weird. But I didn’t want the kids to sense anything so we just kept going with our regular nighttime rituals of baths and stories. My husband was not expected home for another hour. At least I had the comfort of knowing that we had put in a security system from www.HOME-alarm-SYSTEMS.com.

Suddenly I heard some rumbling and banging around our front door and I went to see what it was. The front door sprung open and a strange man was coming in. Our alarm went off, and the man ran back out the door. It scared me to death, but I was so thankful for that alarm. No telling what would have happened if we had not had the alarm system.

WINNER of Jewelry Giveaway

2011-12-21T05:59:00.000-05:00

The WINNER of the 3 Line Stretch Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bracelet from Lauren Klein Jewelry is comment #28!

For more contests and giveaways, follow or subscribe to:

Cool Gifts and Giveaways

Lauren Klein will be giving away more jewelry so stay tuned!

Holiday Birthdays

2011-12-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

CJ's birthday is December 29th - he always got a holiday/birthday gift growing up. I try every year to give him something unique for both occasions. I'm stumped though a to what to get him this year.

My Uncle Eddie's birthday is also in December. I was looking at cigar humidors but beieve it or not, was told he needs sock!

CJ's mom's birthday is December 31st....UGGGHHHHH, HELP!!!

Jewelry GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-16T06:53:00.005-05:00

I have an awesome giveaway! This is a holiday giveaway - meaning the jewelry piece is perfect to give as a gift this holiday season OR keep it for yourself - it's a stunning addition to any outfit. Can you say New years Eve?!

Here is what I am giving away; 3 Line Stretch Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bracelet from Lauren Klein Jewelry

Here are the details on the piece:

This super trendy bracelet is a 3 line stretch bracelet set with Swarovski Crystal and accented with 2 balls. Designer inspired. This is a great bracelet because it stretches it can be worn by any size wrist.

Retail Price: $65.00

TO ENTER:

~ Just leave a comment here

~ Follow Lauren Klein on Twitter: http://twitter.com/laurenkjewelry

OR

Fan Lauren Klein on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Kleincom/270067292700

BONUS ENTRIES:

share this giveaway! Tweet about it, post about it on Facebook or any other social media site or blog about it.
leave me a comment here with the link to your tweet, post, or blog.

For more chances!

ENDS: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Midnight EST

Winner will be chosen using http://www.random.org

How Cute is This?

2011-12-15T06:06:00.003-05:00

So I am now in a rush to find gifts for people for the holidays. A friend of mine recently had a baby and I have been racking my brain trying to figure out if I should get her a gift or get the baby a gift.

I found this baby's first Christmas - personalized gift basket at Baby Stuff Gifts and well, what do you think? Seems like the perfect idea; stuff for baby and a nice white wicker basket for mom.

It has a long sleeve bodysuit – available in three sizes, a burp cloth – beautifully with a festive bow, a white terrycloth bib with an adjustable snap closure, Jingles™ - by North American Bear (I love him!) and the white wicker basket.

I think Baby Stuff Gifts has some of the nicest personalized holiday baby gifts I have ever seen.

Freak of the Family

2011-12-09T15:53:00.002-05:00

My paternal grandmother's funeral was today. I saw a lot of family members that I haven't seen in a very long time. Of course my piercings and tattoos were the talk there for a bit. Every detail, from which piercing hurt the most to how pretty my stainless steel earrings were to a discussion about why I have a tattoo on my face.

I happen to love the way I look :)

NAA Minis!

2011-12-06T15:51:00.000-05:00

Here is the last competition of Livi's - the 2011 NAA Minis :) Think they used subwoofer speakers for the music? It was loud that's for sure!

I am really glad Olivia has decided to be a part of cheering again next year. It has been a wonderful 4 months for her and for me! She is going to sign up for cheer gymnastics this winter. I hope she likes that as well because it will help her with cheering.

Story Time

2011-11-30T17:56:00.002-05:00

Love these moments :)

Heading Home

2011-11-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

We're up, kids are eating breakfast now.

CJ and I are going to stop and see one of his aunt's for a bit and then I guess we'll be on the road.

Who Shopped on Black Friday

2011-11-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

So, who braved the stores today? There is no way you'd ever get me to go out and shop on Black Friday! I would much rather shop online, especially on Cyber Monday. I will buy anything online, I'd even buy diamonds online before I would go out to the stores!

We are still in Ohio visiting CJ's family. We leave for home tomorrow. Sunday it's back to the grind and Monday it's time to shop online!!!

Traveling on Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:46:00.002-05:00

We were on the road around 5:45 this morning, headed to Ohio to visit CJ's family. Stopped to eat around 7:30 and now back on the road. I'd rather be home...OR on the way to Disney!

Adorable Personalized Baby Plates for the Holidays

2011-11-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Not only are there a variety of personalized holiday baby gifts at BabyStuffGifts.com, there are also these awesome plates:

If you like these and want to place an order, please submit your order by December 9th, 2011! All orders received after that date are NOT guaranteed to arrive by December 24, 2011.

Also, if you "LIKE" Baby Stuff Gifts on Facebook you will receive a coupon code for 10% off these plates, personalized baby toys and even personalized baby gift baskets - my favorite!

My Lil Cheerleader

2011-11-19T06:12:00.003-05:00

This is the last weekend for cheering competitions. After this weekend, the cheering season is over. Olivia wasn't sure she wanted to be in cheering. After she started, she only wanted to cheer for football. I told her to give the competition part a chance and so she did. SHE LOVES IT!

It was a lot of practices and a lot of hard work and dedication, but the payoff is that the NAA Minis placed in every competition so far!!! GO NANA MINIS! ♥

Drawings Came to Life!

2011-11-13T18:39:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of Child's Own Studio? Wendy Tsao makes toys from the pictures kids draw. I (thankfully) got my order in early enough so the kids will have these for the Holidays.

Dante's drawing:

Dante's Softie:

Olivia's Drawing:

Olivia's Softie:

Wyatt's Drawing:

Wyatt's Softie:

Passion Turns Profitable

2011-11-08T14:33:00.002-05:00

CJ has the drive only I could wish for. He really wanted to work from home with me - so he quit a $52K/year job and earned double that amount in 11 months working at home. When he saw that freelance writing for him was no longer satisfying, he began 'job hunting' again. This time he went back to a staffing agency - one he had used in the past, to see if they could find a place that was a good fit for him.

Instead of diving back into the corporate world, he went as different route, focusing on his machining abilities. Expecting a 'regular' machining job, he was completely taken aback when he was asked if he would like to work at C.F. Martin Guitar - have I mentioned he has been building and repairing/modifying guitars since he was a teen?

In fact, when we first moved into this house, he had his own shop in our basement...there ZD Guitars was born. This is the second EVX Dominator Custom that he built:

I hope this opportunity turns into full time, permanent employment for him!

His New Job

2011-11-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

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

I started looking online for jobs for him and found a ton of Chef de Partie Jobs - a fancy phrase for "station chef" or "line cook" because he loves to cook AND he is good at it!

However, he decided to go back to a staffing agency he had used once before when he first moved here (from Ohio to Pennsylvania) to see where he could be placed and his years of building and repairing guitars, plus all his machining experience landed him a spot as a machine operator for C.F. Martin Guitars!

Now he is really excited to get back out into the work force!

Competition Day!

2011-11-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

Today is competition day for Olivia! Actually, it's the first cheering competition of the season and Northampton hosts so they won't compete, but they will still perform. She is at Jeff's right now, he has to get her ready - can't wait to see her! She has so much stuff to lug around to these things. She has one of those nice jansport backpacks but I ordered a personalized bag - it's a duffel bag that has her name embroidered on it and it is of course, black and orange!

Woke up to this:

GO NAA MINIS!!!!