Apple Picking in VA

Over the weekend we went apple picking. This is the first time we went since moving to Virginia. We were used to literally going like 15 min away, when we lived in NH. Recently, I googled somewhere around me now and the closest place was about 2 hrs away. 

But we decided to go anyway. It is called Carter Mountain Orchard, in Charlottesville, VA.

I guess I didn't research too much because I didn't expect it to actually be on top of a mountain. When we got there we had to drive up, up and up, a very windy steep road! It vaguely reminded me of Mount Washington in NH.

Hubby picking apples

Blog Tour: Accidents of Marriage

I recently received a book to review for a blog tour. The book is, "Accidents of Marriage," written by Randy Susan Meyers.

Here is some info about the book:

ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE

 For Madeline Illica, the love of her husband Ben was her greatest blessing and biggest curse. Brilliant, handsome and charming Ben could turn into a raging bull when crossed—and despite her training as a social worker Maddy was never sure what would cross him. When Ben was in a conciliatory mood they worked on techniques for communication and anger management but on the day of the accident, nothing seemed to help. He was furious at having to drive Maddy to work, the road was wet, and that SUV was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ben never meant for them to go off the road or for Maddy to go flying through the windshield.

Now she’s on a ventilator in intensive care and no one knows if she’ll reawaken from her coma and, if she does, whether she’ll ever be her old self. Maddy’s family blames Ben. Maddy’s friends blame Ben. The children blame Ben. Ben blames Ben—and he is sick to the pit of his soul over the fear of losing his one true love. Fourteen-year-old Emma sees things a little differently. She desperately misses her mother but misses being a teenager more as she’s forced to pick up the slack from Ben and parent her younger siblings Gracie and Caleb. On the cusp of coming of age, she needs Maddy so she can discuss the hard decisions she’s being forced to make. And her confrontations with her volatile father are growing more heated by the day.

About the Author Randy Susan Meyers

the author of The Comfort of Lies and The Murderer’s Daughters and a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award. Her writing is informed by her work with batterers and victims of domestic violence, as well her experience with youth impacted by street violence. She lives with her husband in Boston, where she teaches writing seminars at the Grub Street Writers’ Center. She is also a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post.

Good Translation tool online

Are you looking for an online translator? Well if you are then you should check out Babylon. It is an automatic translator for words, texts, phrases and more.

If you would like to search for words to translate, then you can search for millions of terms using their database. They also use over 1,600 dictionaries and glossaries from various databases.

All this in more than 75 languages! They have been doing this for awhile too. With over 10 years of experience in dictionary and translation software services.

You can use this by going to the site and using the all in one translation tool, or you can download the software. Translating full sentences, getting synonyms and antonyms are all a possibility with this online too.

Millions have already been using it and they have a very high customer satisfaction rate. By simply clicking on any document, Babylon will translate and retrieve the information you need by using this program.

It has been voted the most convenient online translation tool on the market my millions! Check it out now!

Signs You May Have Hyperthyroidism

Having thyroid disease is a serious health condition. In fact, many people may not even realize that they have symptoms of this disease. Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be mistaken for symptoms for other conditions as well, so it’s important to go to your doctor if you feel you may have a thyroid condition. If you’re feeling anxious, have an increased appetite, and your period is off sometimes, these are just a few symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Don’t put off going to your doctor.

If you feel like you do have a hyperthyroidism it’s important to get on medication to control your condition. Hyperthyroidism can cause other problems in your body, such as an autoimmune disorder. Over activity of the thyroid gland can affect the eye significantly. If your thyroid affects your eyes it can lead to a progressive condition known as thyroid eye disease (TED). Thankfully there are specialists that can help you conquer this eye disease, especially if thyroid eyelid surgery is required. Take care of your thyroid health and be informed of thyroid symptoms. Here are some more signs and symptoms to consider and don’t forget to make an appointment with a doctor to confirm whether you have a thyroid condition:

Sudden Weight Loss

If you’ve been losing a lot of weight and can’t seem to curb your appetite, this is just one symptom of having hyperthyroidism. This may also be the case when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same. If you increase your food intake and continue to lose weight this is another sign you may have an over active thyroid.

Constant Anxiousness

Feeling anxious is never fun, especially since it can lead to depression, feeling stressed out all of the time, and other health issues. Instead of getting on anti-anxiety medication you may want to go to your doctor first. Rule out that you have hyperthyroidism or any other health conditions that are causing your distress and nervous feelings.

Fatigue and Muscle Weakness

Everyone can get tired every once in a while, but if you’re constantly feeling tired and your muscles are feeling weak, this is another symptom of hyperthyroidism. Over sleeping for work and feeling like you’re never getting enough rest is a classic symptom of having thyroid issues. Muscle weakness can interfere with working out and is uncomfortable, which is why it’s important to consult your doctor as to why you’re feeling this way all of the time.

Frequent Bowel Movements

As mentioned earlier if your appetite is increased it may also be likely that your bowel movements are more frequent as well. This doesn’t to do with your eating as much as it has to do with how your thyroid is functioning. Going diarrhea frequently and not feeling your best is another sign of hyperthyroidism. If you’re not feeling yourself follow your gut (no pun intended!) and make an appointment with a thyroid specialist. They can help you even out your thyroid levels and get you feeling much better.

*sponsored guest post

AntiAging Moisturizer with Peptides, Matrixyl and Vitamin E #Review

I received the product pictured above. Here's a Product Description:

Wake Up and Enjoy The Luminosity and Radiance of Your Skin
This weightless formula combats surface dehydration without leaving on your skin an oily or sticky residue
Bonapiel's Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Matrixyl is a superior hydrator with added anti-aging benefits that helps reduce the visual severity of deep wrinkles and fine lines for a younger looking skin.
What It Can Do For You: 
- Supports natural collagen production and elastin synthesis and goes beyond retinol to firm, smooth, and visibly lift your face.
- The revitalizing blend of Vitamin E and Matrixyl 3000 hydrates stressed and aging skin without adding oil.
- Gives your skin the clarity, smooths fine lines and mattifies without making skin look dull. It moistures without leaving a greasy feeling or look.
- Dramatically improves skin firmness.
With daily application, Bonapiel's Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Matrixyl, moisturizes, improves texture and clarity, and contributes to a more beautiful, balanced, and glowing complexion

WW Dress Code

My daughter's school is very strict this year with Dress Code. There is a new Principle and I think she is really enforcing it this year.

I didn't post this particular pic of my son's HS graduation, because he is looking down, but wanted to show now, because of my daughter. This dress she got at the end of last school year, is a dress she got in trouble for wearing to school this year. 

(c +STAY AT HOME MOM - taken June 2014

The second day of school this year she wore the same dress - actually with a button down denim shirt over it too. But they said it was too short. 

The rules are "mid thigh," which I felt like it was. They called me and then I had to go all the way down to her school with some pants for her.

Fulcrum Gallery.com #Review

Hey all, I was recently asked if I would like to do a review for some framed artwork. The website is called Fulcrum Gallery. And I was more than happy to be able to pick out a product.

Once I got on the site I was pleasantly surprised at the huge selection to pick from! I started looking at all the options - I was looking for an 18X12 print. I would like to show you a few of the the prints I was considering.

Classic 1959 Chevrolet 

The Hunt for Meg Ryan

Did you guys see the movie Lincoln with Daniel Day-Lewis? Well that was filmed in VA, with a lot of it in Petersburg, which is right down the street from me.

This summer another film was filming down there. It is being directed (and starring) Meg Ryan. It's coming out next year. According to the local paper she was spotted around town at some local coffee shops and restaurants.

They also were spotted filming the movie. My husband and I decided to go downtown and try to spot Meg Ryan. Unfortunately after 2 weekends trying to spot her - we were unsucessful (I guess she doesn't work weekends)

But we did notice signs of the production crew. We saw huge trucks with generators going. We spotted a movie theater they made look old and a beauty shop that said haircuts 10 cents. I don't have pics of that lol - but here is some of the old (historic too) buildings downtown that they are using in these movies.

Blog Tour: "The Dog Park" by Laura Caldwell { #BookReview & #Giveaway }

The Dog Park Badge

Hey guys - I recently read a book called "The Dog Park." I received it free to read and review on my blog.

Book info:

THE DOG PARK

A couple’s best friend? 

Stylist Jessica Champlin knows it takes more than a darling goldendoodle to save a marriage. She and her ex-husband, investigative journalist Sebastian Hess, had too many irreconcilable differences for even their beloved dog, Baxter, to heal. So they've agreed to joint custody, and life has settled into a prickly normalcy.

But when Baxter heroically rescues a child and the video footage goes viral, Jess and Sebastian are thrown together again, and her life takes some very unexpected twists. The line of dogwear she creates becomes wildly successful, and suddenly she’s in the spotlight with everyone watching—the press, the new guy she’s seeing, Sebastian and the past she never imagined she would face again. Soon there’s only one person by her side—and it’s the person she least expected. She’s willing to open up to a new normal…just as long as Baxter approves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LAURA CALDWELL, a former trial lawyer, is currently a professor and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is the author of eleven novels and one non-fiction book. She is a nation-wide speaker and the founder of Life After Innocence, which helps innocent people begin their lives again after being wrongfully imprisoned. Laura has been published in thirteen languages and over twenty countries. To learn more, please visit www.lauracaldwell.com.

Blog Tour: Lori Foster’s NO LIMITS

Hi guys, Today I am joining a blog tour for the book No Limits. Author: Lori Foster. This is what it is about:

A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he’s never forgotten in NO LIMITS, (HQN Books; $7.99) the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He’s also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she’s older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather’s legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette’s scars really go and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he’ll break all the rules to do it….

Product Details Series: Hqn Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Harlequin HQN (August 26, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 0373779046 ISBN-13: 978-0373779048

Read on for excerpt & Q&A

Fun at Baseball Game

If you know about minor league baseball - you may know there are some weird names out there. The team we have is called the "Flying Squirrels," Maybe it's just me but I find that too funny.


About:

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond.

Last month my husband and I went to a Flying Squirrels game. The company he works for actually provided tickets for everyone who wanted to go. Also some "squirrel dollars," which can be used at the gift store and concession stands.

It was also funny because on this particular game they were playing the Portland Sea Dogs, who are one of the Red Sox teams. If you know me you know I love Red Sox, so we kinda were rooting for the wrong team - ha - ha. We both wore Red Sox shirts. Here's mine:

Keurig 2.0 #Review #hellokeuirg @Influenster

Hi everyone! I am so excited about this! I totally love Influenster! This may be the best yet - I've gotten from them. What am I so excited about? - well it is the Keurig 2.0 K550

(c +Influenster .com)

About This Brewer:

Say Hello to the Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System — the first Keurig system that features revolutionary Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology™ which is designed to read the lid of each K-Cup™ or K-Carafe™ pack to brew the perfect beverage every time. The K550 brewer allows you to brew a 4-cup carafe with the same ease and convenience of brewing a single-serve cup — all at the touch of a button. It’s so smart, and so simple!

The brewer has other great features including an extra large 80 ounce water reservoir, 2.8 inch color touch display, programmable clock, an auto brew option and a strength control setting for brewing bolder coffee. There’s even a separate setting for hot cocoa and other specialty beverages like lattes and mochas. The K550 model also has a customizable night light in the water reservoir and offers hot water on demand. So many options to choose from — not at all like a typical coffee maker.

Choose from over 250 varieties of coffee, tea and specialty beverages — including iced beverages — from 40 brands you know and love. Just look for Keurig Brewed® seal on your favorite K-Cup pack and K-Carafe pack varieties.

The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System includes a Keurig™ Carafe, a 2.0 Water Filter Starter Kit with one filter, and K-Cup® and K-Carafe™ packs to get you started.

Marketing Services For Business Websites

Marketing services for business websites are needed by every business because they cannot market themselves alone. A business cannot be left alone for marketing because they likely do not have the resources for such marketing. A web marketing service knows how to host websites, advertise those websites and create marketing programs for that business.

Marketing Programs

Marketing programs for businesses can be created based on the needs and mission of the business. When a marketing company is planning a new campaign, they can use the name of the business, their mission and their products as marketing tools. Every new marketing campaign is different based on the business, and the business can work with their marketer to get the best results possible.

New Products

When a company comes out with new products, they can work with their marketer to create new advertisements for their products. The products can be launched online, through print media or radio and television ads. The owners of the company do not have to spend all their time creating marketing that they are not qualified to produce, and the business can advance much more quickly when new marketing campaigns are happening.

Changes To The Marketing

A marketing company can alter their campaigns based on the needs of the business. Business owner have a say in how their campaigns are made, and changes can be done at any time the business feels they are necessary. The collaboration between the marketer and the company will produce more effective campaigns.

Packaging 

The marketing company also consults businesses on their packaging. The packaging the marketing company creates will make products more desirable in the eyes of the public. Better packaging does not require hiring another company when a business can get that packaging from their marketing company.

The best marketing for a business is the marketing that gives them flexibility. A business that can change its marketing whenever it likes is able to find more visibility on the Internet. The Internet is a place that is filled with potential customers who will flock to the business when they see how well the business is marketed.

Daughter's First Day of School

My daughter's first day of school was today. She is in the 9th grade. And you may think that is "High School." But it is sorta weird here - she is still in Junior High school. And next year she will be at the high school - because it is 10-12 grade. Well anyway I guess she is still technically a freshman.

I literally just took these pics a few min. ago when she just got home! Happy School year everyone :)

Breath #Review and #Giveaway - {3 #winners}

Today I am reviewing a product called - "Breath." it is from the company Trusted Health Products. You may recall some of my other reviews of products from this company. Which is really great to work with. Well anyway here is some product info on this product:

Kill Bad Breath Instantly With Proven 100% Natural Formula

OraMD Breath kills the cause of bad breath, with 100% natural ingredients – unlike chemical-filled sprays, mouthwashes, and breath mints, which only mask your problem and may even cause more bad breath germs to grow in the long run. Try OraMD Breath today for free!

• Kills the cause of bad breath
• One spray in mouth kills bad breath
• Ingredients clinically proven to kill periodontal bacteria (which is the worst kind of oral bacteria) – in a recent University of Kentucky Clinical Study
• Leaves a really fresh clean feeling unlike anything you’ve experienced
• 100% pure – no chemicals, sugar, alcohol or additives

Here is some more information for you:

What makes OraMD Breath different and better than other breath sprays, rinses, mints or gum?

The big difference between OraMD Breath and other products is not the fact that our ingredients also kill the germs that cause bad breath, but the fact that we do it with 100% pure and natural ingredients – no chemicals of any kind. The 3 ingredients in OraMD Breath are a proprietary blend with special properties of almond oil, spearmint oil and peppermint oil. In a clinical study our product ingredients were found to kill all the types of periodontal bacteria which are the deadliest and worst types of mouth bacteria.

Not only do we use natural ingredients, but you will find that one spray of our product leaves a really fresh, clean feeling in your mouth unlike anything you have experienced before. It's a WOW!

You know how offensive it is when you run across someone with bad breath. It's an "Oh No, I can't stand that smell." The last thing you want is your kids, grandkids or someone else saying, "Your breath smells," or offending someone with bad breath. With OraMD Breath you can say goodbye to bad breath forever. One spray kills bad breath and its cause on contact.

Another big plus of OraMD Breath is there are no bacteria-causing sugars or chemicals in our product - unlike all competing products that use chemicals and artificial and refined sugars which can actually add to the bacteria count. In most cases their products just mask the bad breath smell for a while, and then their ingredients continue to create the breeding ground for more bad breath bacteria. For example, sugar found in breath mints actually feeds bad bacteria. Alcohol in mouthwash dries out the mouth, and a dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for more bad bacteria to grow. Artificial chemicals, additives, and flavors potentially carry other health risks.

The best and safest bet is to use 100% pure ingredients that have been clinically proven to kill the source of bad breath. Try OraMD Breath today for free and experience the fresh breath difference it can make for you.