Monday, January 31, 2011

A second top 10 country hit for Kelly Clarkson

Nice Story w/Video ->A second top 10 country hit for Kelly Clarkson with 'Don't You Wanna Stay' ajc.com

Frugal Hello

Hello Monday and the start of a new week. I hope everyone enjoyed a nice weekend filled with fun and relaxation. The weather in Atlanta over the weekend was gorgeous with temperatures near 70 degrees on both days. Today there is light rain, but the sun keeps wanting to peek out from the clouds. I have become fascinated with the weather and wonder if I should have studied Meteorology instead of Psychology in college. I can always be mindful of the proper way to dress before heading out the door for the day.

I want to pass along a great website that has lots of weekly ads and other deals from various stores. It's ->cheapcheapcheap.com. You can flip through the fliers online to see what's on sale to help plan your weekly shopping and scout out deals.

Always remember my fave frugal advice ->Go one day out of the week without spending any money. I live by it and save by it as well. You will too!

Gallery | An Ellenwood bachelor pad | ajchomefinder.com

I Like this Pad ;-) ->Gallery | An Ellenwood bachelor pad | ajchomefinder.com

Saturday, January 29, 2011

I Like this Solo ->Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind Solo

Gallery | Great American Motorcycle show | ajc.com

Ride like the Wind ->Gallery | Great American Motorcycle show | ajc.com

Creature of Habit

Some years ago, I truly can say my being a creature of habit as the term is commonly used came into play at my home. My car was stolen while warming up inside the garage on a cold January morning. I must have thought it was a Twilight Zone moment because I closed the garage door and reopened it as if the car was going to reappear. Nope, my car was really gone! Luckily, I never put my purse inside the car while it was warming. This would have really been a more tragic event given the information the car thieves now possessed. I do believe as did the police, that someone had been watching this morning habit of mine and swooped in.

I know we are all probably creatures of habit in our everyday routines doing a lot of things pretty much at the same time. If you do warm your car in the morning, please be careful leaving it running while you are not inside. When I told my neighbors about the incident, many of them said they did the same thing every morning especially those with children who wanted to warm the car before bringing the kids out. Just be careful because you never know who's watching you. A lesson I learned the hard way!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Louis Armstrong House Museum - Online Catalog of Museum Collections Launched!

This is Wonderful ->Louis Armstrong House Museum - Online Catalog of Museum Collections Launched!

Gallery | This Week in Entertainment: Jan. 28, 2011 | accessatlanta.com

A Great Week ->Gallery | This Week in Entertainment: Jan. 28, 2011 | accessatlanta.com

A Bloggers Thanks!

Greetings from the sunny skies of Atlanta, GA! Hope it's just as nice in your city. I know there is plenty of snow blanketing lots of states so hang in there. I wanted to extend my thanks to all the readers who stop by and follow my blog. Your continued interest in the content is delightful and I appreciate your comments too. I have discovered many blogs along the way and I like to visit them to say hello and comment on their content. I believe all bloggers need encouragement from their visitors and followers. It truly keeps us going!

I hope you can get outside and enjoy the day with co-workers, friends and family. How about treating the family to pizza and a DVD movie tonight? Oh what fun!

Thanks All!

Even Girl Scout Cookies Are Victims of the Recession

Whew, Samoas still available :-) ->Even Girl Scout Cookies Are Victims of the Recession, TIMENewsFeed

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Organic Blue Java | Starbucks Coffee Company

Brew this Blend ->Organic Blue Java | Starbucks Coffee Company

Gallery | Most popular dog breeds | ajc.com

Bow Wow, See the Top 10 ->Gallery | Most popular dog breeds | ajc.com

Gallery | 2011 Razzie Award nominations | accessatlanta.com

See Who ->Gallery | 2011 Razzie Award nominations | accessatlanta.com

Pep Talk on Exercising

How is that new year's resolution to exercise more working out for you? I hope pretty good and you have settled into a workout regimen that has you sticking to it. I wanted to give everyone a pep talk to stay motivated with exercising. If you happen to skip a couple of days in a row, try to get back on track with your routine soon. Our busy lives and family commitments can get in the way, but keep exercising as much as you can. Here's an idea: If you take your kids to sports or musical practices, instead of sitting during the wait, take a walk around the grounds or hallways of the building. As long as you are not disturbing anyone, this would be a great way to work in plenty of exercise. You can do it, Keep Going!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Jennifer Hudson - Where You At - Singersroom Media Player

Listen to New Lead Single from upcoming Album ->Jennifer Hudson - Where You At - Singersroom Media Player

Be Safe ->Meeting Offline

I read a story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution today about a lady who met her online acquaintance and was robbed of cash. Apparently, she stopped by her credit union to cash a check and the person then stole the money and jumped out of the car. I was puzzled because the story mentioned that the two of them were driving around in her car. This is clearly a no-no when meeting someone for the first time. It's always best to let them drive their own car to the meeting place. Never agree to pick them up in your own vehicle. If they can't get to and from the meeting location, this is clearly a red flag no matter what excuse they give for not having a car. Always meet during daylight hours and never in any secluded location. The excitement of finally meeting the person you have been communicating with online might make you let down your guard a bit on safety. The fact is, you don't know this person aside from your online chatting which is the way that a lot of people are meeting up these days. The many social media and matchmaking sites have probably increased the way people are meeting new friends too. I am not knocking these ways because you can meet some very nice and interesting people.

The bottom line is that we all have to be extra careful and safe when deciding to finally meet that person you have been chatting with online. When you decide to set up meeting, never let them pick you up at your residence. Be prepared to drive yourself to wherever you plan to meet. I would suggest meeting for coffee or lunch in places where there are plenty of people and daylight hours left in the day. A dinner date might seem romantic, but it's usually dark by that time unless you make it a super early dinner.

Please be safe when you finally set up that meeting offline. He or she may be charming and trusting, but you just never know their intentions.

Gallery | Peachtree City family loves their shady home | ajchomefinder.com

Daughter's Rooms are Too Cute ->Gallery | Peachtree City family loves their shady home | ajchomefinder.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gallery | Current TV stars with ATL ties | accessatlanta.com

Check them Out ->Gallery | Current TV stars with ATL ties | accessatlanta.com

Big Breakfasts Are Out. 5 Better-For-You Morning Meals

Healthy Suggestions ->Big Breakfasts Are Out. 5 Better-For-You Morning Meals, Time.com

Frugal Tip of the Day

The cold winter temperatures may be doing a number on your heating bill like raising it. To try and keep the costs down, set the thermostat in your home at 68 degrees and keep it there all season long. One of my neighbors turned their heat completely off while away for a week during the holidays. When they arrived back home, the temperature in the house was 42 degrees. They said the heat ran for hours as it was trying to get back to the 68 degrees they normally set the thermostat during the winter. The better bet would have been to cut the temperature down a few degrees while they were away. To help keep you warm around the house, wear a sweater or extra layer of clothing. At night, throw a blanket on the bed for added warmth. Also, invest in a set of flannel sheets for your bed.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

'Twilight' star talks privacy, money in Vogue  | accessAtlanta

See the Cover Photo ->'Twilight' star talks privacy, money in Vogue | accessAtlanta

Jennifer Lopez - On The Floor Feat. Pitbull - Singersroom Media Player

Check Out this J.Lo Track ->Jennifer Lopez - On The Floor Feat. Pitbull - Singersroom Media Player

Saving & Planning Ahead

We are only a few weeks into the month of January and the new year 2011. There is no time like now to start saving $10-20 dollars a month or whatever amount that fits your budget for a variety of special occasions or vacations in the coming months and year. I listed below a few:

--->Valentine's Day: Be ready to treat your sweetheart to a lovely dinner out or at home. The cost of roses seems to double around this day so be ready to pay extra especially if you will have them delivered to his or her workplace. If you're planning a weekend getaway around this day, start looking for special hotel package deals now. Check out Harry & David for some sweets and fruits to send.
--->Spring Break/Summer Vacations: The kids may already be asking about a spring break trip this year. The so-called 'staycations' may be wearing thin and the family is ready to go somewhere. If you are planning to take trips by car, the gas prices may be over $3 especially by the summer. The gas alone will really put a dent in the cost of these trips and we haven't even factored in food and hotel stays.
--->Special Occasions: Plan ahead for upcoming birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations for family and friends. These occasions may be months away, but it's a good idea to set aside some extra money so you will be ready for the costs associated with it.

I like to plan ahead and it's just never too early to start saving for the little extras throughout the year. So continue to brown bag it and go at least one day without spending any money. Believe me, it helps!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Gallery | Golden Globes red carpet 2011 | accessatlanta.com

Lovely Ladies, Dapper Gents ->Gallery | Golden Globes red carpet 2011 | accessatlanta.com

5 Ways Kids Can Serve Communities, PBS Parents

Great Read ->5 Ways Kids Can Serve Communities, PBS Parents, PBS.org

Sunny Sunday Afternoon

This has got to be the most beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. I have been busy with watering my indoor plants and placing my ferns outside for some much-needed sunshine. My front yard is clear of any snow & ice, but the backyard and patio have a ways to go. Well, the Atlanta Falcons lost their playoff game last night against the Green Bay Packers. They had a good season and making it this far was still a source of pride for everyone. I haven't decided who I will cheer on leading to the Super Bowl. There are lots of team favorites left, but I better hurry!

I plan to phone family and friends to chat for a bit today. While email, Facebook, and Twitter are lovely ways to communicate, it's still nice to pick up the phone and hear their voice. Enjoy your day!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Mint Condition - Caught My Eye - Singersroom Media Player

Listen to new single from their forthcoming album ->Mint Condition - Caught My Eye - Singersroom Media Player

TGIF Indeed

This has truly been a week of endurance after the snow & ice storm hit the Atlanta area and surrounding counties. The school's have been closed all week and some of the neighborhood children told me yesterday they are ready to go back to school. Now that's cabin fever!

I am heading out to replenish my favorites and stock up. It's a very sunny day and I plan to finally get outside and enjoy it. Have a great day!

Dress Up the Table ->Pier 1 Imports Tasting Party Collection with Michelle Karam

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Best of the Big A: Atlanta’s best hot dogs

Picks are Yummy ->Best of the Big A: Atlanta's best hot dogs, ajc.com

Corinne Bailey Rae - I Wanna Be Your Lover - Singersroom Media Player

Listen to her version of this Prince hit ->Corinne Bailey Rae - I Wanna Be Your Lover - Singersroom Media Player

Snowy Tip

I'm on Day 3 of being home bound due to the snow & ice storm that hit Atlanta on last Sunday evening. The sun finally came out today and will begin to melt away a lot of the ice that is hampering any ability to get out on the roads safely. The temperatures are very cold and some refreezing will more than likely occur. I did prepare for the possibility of being inside for days by grocery shopping last Saturday. Although I am now down to one apple, banana, and a few scoops of coffee. I forgot to check the coffee canister to see how much was left. Silly me, talk about rationing!

Here's my Snowy Tip ->If you have a vehicle that is able to handle the conditions and you plan to go make a run to the grocery store, it would be a nice gesture to check with your neighbors to see if they need anything or would like to ride with you to get a few items of their own. I think your neighbors will appreciate your act of kindness.

You may be wondering if cabin fever has set in with me, the answer is Yes :-)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Gallery | 2011 Detroit auto show | ajc.com

Nice rides especially the Porsche ->Gallery | 2011 Detroit auto show | ajc.com

Snowed In->Organization Time

The first snow and ice for 2011 has fallen in Atlanta and the state of Georgia. The word from the news channels and GDOT is to stay at home and off the roads. I am heeding their advice and not heading out anywhere. I bet there will be plenty of television, playing video games, catching up on your favorite book read, and more during this time. If all that gets a bit dull and you need a change, how about organizing some areas in your home or office? The kids are probably home from school so get them involved too. Here are some suggestions:

--->Closet: You don't have to tackle the entire closet, maybe just certain areas like shoes, sweaters, jeans, purses, etc. Any part of the closet that is truly in disarray can be organized.
--->Office: It's a new year and time to make new 2011 files on various topics. Use an empty box to file away any last year's stuff.
--->Tax Time: Gather any paperwork you will need as you get ready to prepare your taxes. I am sure your tax preparer will appreciate the organization of your papers and receipts when you meet with him or her. If you prepare your own taxes, you won't have to scurry about to find information.
--->Kids' Rooms: Get the kid's involved in organizing areas in their rooms like the study desk, closet, bookshelves, and video games. I think the kid's will be so pleased with their efforts when they get ready to pick out their school outfit from the organized closet and head back to school from the snow days.

Also, make sure to have a box marked 'donation' to take to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any charity that could use your donation. Enjoy lunch or dinner together after all your hard work.

Gallery | Home a fanciful travelogue | ajchomefinder.com

The piano sets a lovely tune ->Gallery | Home a fanciful travelogue | ajchomefinder.com

Friday, January 7, 2011

First Friday, TGIF!

It's the first Friday in this new year and I hope the week has been going well. I'm sure a lot of us started the year off with new ambitions to strive for in our lives, careers, health, etc. I'm back into a positive groove after the long holiday season with renewed goals and enthusiasm. There are plenty more Friday's in 2011, let's make them bright!

Gallery | Harbin Ice and Snow Festival | ajc.com

Very Pretty ->Gallery | Harbin Ice and Snow Festival | ajc.com

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

I Like the Trailer ->Official COUNTRY STRONG Trailer - In Theaters 1/7/11

Five Questions for Cee-Lo Green

Nice Q&A ->Five Questions for Cee-Lo Green, Essence.com

Time-Saving Tips

Try these time-saving tips to help get you and the family out the door in the morning for work and school by preparing some things the night before such as:

-->Brown bag lunches: fix pb&j sandwich, snacks, fruit-> store in baggies
-->Program coffee maker to start brewing in time to grab & go
-->Iron and layout the kids clothes and your work attire
-->Keep a schedule of who will feed the dog or cat in the morning, no fuss
-->Check homework & make sure it's in the book bag
-->Set the alarm clock to wake 10-15 minutes earlier, it helps

Hope these tips will shave off time in the morning and ease your way into the day.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Artisan Breakfast Sandwiches | Starbucks Coffee Company

A Yummy Splurge ->Artisan Breakfast Sandwiches | Starbucks Coffee Company

New Toni Braxton reality show in the works

This is Buzz ->New Toni Braxton reality show in the works, ajc.com

All Things New

It's a new year, new week, and new you. If you make new year's resolutions, I bet they are already being put into play. Here's a good idea to keep you on track towards all things new in your life and this year:

Keep new goals in perspective and move along towards them at a pace that is comfortable for you. If your plan is to exercise more, start out with a few days at the gym or home routine. Don't burn out by doing too much so fast that you drop off altogether. The same holds true for organizing your life and space. I believe everyone should have goals to strive towards, but moderation is important and sustainable. Good Luck in Year 2011!