Eyeglasses: My Love/Hate Story

Glasses have been a part of my life since forever, it seems. I got my first pair in 1st grade and the rest, as they, is history.  Glasses and I have had a love/hate relationship over the years. I hated wearing them because they loved to get thicker by the year.  This was during a time when the option to have lenses thinned down was not an option. Over the years, as I've gotten more self-confidence I can chuckle at some of the frames I went through - mainly because I've gotten rid of almost all the pictures that were floating around.

As soon as I turned 16 and received my first paycheck, I made a beeline to get contacts and wore them religiously for almost 15 years. About 4 years ago, I got a dreaded eye infection and developed an allergy which made wearing contacts unbearable.  As soon as I looked at the walls of glasses that I could barely see without my coveted contacts, I wanted to cry (seriously, I believe I teared up, but I'm going to blame it on the glaucoma test I'd just gotten).  I've been wearing prescription glasses religiously ever since.  My biggest struggle is finding a pair that look stylish but that can, also, handle my lenses. Yes, even shaved or thinned down they have weight to them.  Wire and rimless frames are definitely out.

Enter GlassesUSA.com - a site recently brought to my attention.  Affordable glasses AND stylish frames that I can peruse from the comfort of my own home. I enjoyed "trying on" frames with their Virtual Mirror Feature.

For me, choosing the right pair of affordable glasses frames is critical since I already know my lenses are going to set me back a pretty penny (yes, my vision is THAT bad).  Having the chance to browse the different pair of glasses without feeling pressured to make a choice immediately in a traditional store helps tremendously - also, I can actually "see" what I look like with the different frames.

GlassesUSA.com is offering Divas With A Purpose readers discounts on your next pair of eyeglasses:

• Take 15% and get free shipping on your entire order over $50 using discount code FS15
• Take 10% off any prescription glasses order using discount code Blog10

Check them out, try the Virtual Mirror Feature and let me know what you think.  Would love to hear your love/hate stories with eyeglasses down in the comments section.


 

 ~~Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all experiences, scenarios and opinions are mine.You can view my full disclaimer policy here~~

2012 Holiday Savings Tips

Good Morning Divas :) I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. I took a much needed break from all things technological and enjoyed time spent with family and friends.  And...refrained from the Black Friday shopping madness.  The highlight of my shopping weekend was stumbling upon a teapot with flowering tea balls for $5 - well, that was the ONLY purchase I made.  I've made a commitment this year to shop local and support small businesses and direct sale consultants for my holiday gifts.

The holiday rush is definitely upon us! There are so many deals running rampant and it is so easy to overspend even while attempting to be thrifty.

Those that shop online know that a good deal comes up quick and you have to jump on the bandwagon to ensure you don't miss out.  However, make sure you're not spending money just to save money - hopefully you caught that :)

I did a post similar to this last year and decided it was information well worth sharing and adding on to.

My suggestions:

• Create a master budget.  I have separate bank accounts for different spending. Make all your purchases out of a "gift account" that is separate from other budget items.  Do not transfer more than you have pre-planned into the account.  If the deal exceeds what's in your account, then it is not a good deal for you.  Pass on it, but be a good friend and "gift" the information to others by passing the deal on to other family and friends.
  
  
• Keep a list of people you have decided to shop for somewhere handy - next to your computer, on your smart phone, etc - and refer to it whenever a great deal comes up.  If it's an awesome deal - see who you can check off your list by purchasing it.  If you can't match it up to someone, then pass on it.
  
• Make your own wrapping paper - reuse newspaper, sales ads, store bags, etc.
  
• Do a family name exchange. Rather than buy for everyone, exchange names and buy for just one person.  This is especially helpful if you have a large extended family.
  
• Homemade, sentimental gifts are great! You can do gifts in a jar, photo collages...Pinterest has tons of great ideas to implement within your holiday gift giving.

Source: mnn.com via Michelle on Pinterest

 
Ok, Divas, sharing time....what are your tips for staying frugal during the holidays? Do you have any divalicious homemade gift ideas to share? Post your comments below. It's the holiday season and I love to give, so two commenters will be chosen to receive a $5 Amazon gift card or Pay Pal cash. Comments must be posted by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, December 7, 2012. The winners will be announced the following Monday and chosen by Random.org

Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!!

Michelle

Giveaway - WiiU and $200 Game Stop Gift Card

 Just in time for the HOLIDAYS :-)

Hosted By:

Mom Blog Society | Geeky Gamer Mom | Jackie's Reviews | Mom Does Reviews | Twinkle Monkey | Route 249 | Swank Savings | S.O.S Mom | Funny Pregnant Lady | Divas With A Purpose | Life Simply Fabulous

Prizes: Wii U and $200 Game Stop Gift Card

The event dates: 11/22 12:01 am - 12/10 12:59 pm EST

Open: World Wide

If the winner is outside the USA they will receive the cash value in their choice of Paypal cash or Amazon Gift card - NO EXCEPTIONS!

The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.

Game Stop Gift Card where you can purchase all your Wii u games!

Once lucky person will win it all. For your chance simply enter via the Rafflecoper below.

GOOD LUCK DIVAS!

Thanksgiving Blessings

Many blessings to you all - safe travels to those on the highways, skyways and byways.  For those who feel they have nothing to be thankful for, I pray they receive a gentle reminder of the preciousness of life and that whatever pain, hurt, or rejection that they are experiencing shall pass...let someone or something cross their paths to remind them of the preciousness of the gift of life.  Have a fantastic weekend Divas!

  


For This We Give Thee Thanks

For hands that reach and touch our own,
For baby's laughter in our home,
For shoulders that in grief are loaned,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For lips that brave the tender words,
For eyes that speak what can't be heard,
For God's own precious Holy Word,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For open doors and welcomings,
For friends who laugh and sometimes sing,
For everything each season brings,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For large or small, the gifts You give,
For just the privilege to live,
For all we've had and yet You give,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For promises that soon shall be,
Because He hung upon the tree,
For Love that lasts eternally,
Most of all, Lord, thanks, oh, thanks!

© by Joan Clifton Costner

#MotivationalMonday - Advice from my 4 Year Old

 

I ran out of gas this morning on the way to work. Yeah. I know. I completely forgot I was supposed to get gas yesterday. It was too late. Too cold. Too dark. And I was too tired Saturday night on my way home.  Completely side-tracked until I got in the car this morning and UGH!!!

Wait...it gets better.....

On my lunch break I had to stop off at my oldest son's school to drop off a permission slip and lunch money, headed back to work I get a flat tire...not just a flat tire...completely busted no longer usable pull car over and do not pass go tire. Wonderful.

Park car, call husband, let him deal with it, and get a co-worker to pick me up. Enjoy the free wi-fi in the Lowe's parking lot (heads up - many now offer it to their customers - appreciate that!) while I wait.

Husband picks me up, drops me off to car with tire already replaced (note to self - remember this next time I'm ready to throttle him for who knows what) and I go pick up my youngest two.  We get home and I trip in the garage - enter tears because this is the absolute culmination of my day. My wonderful 4 year old looks at me and says....

Gotta love him, right??? Here's to a better Tuesday :)

What unexpected words of wisdom have your kids imparted on you?
 

#TheRealAwards - Honoring Health Care Workers

I come from a family of nurses. My mother is a registered nurse and for as long as I could remember her ever-changing shifts were a part of our lives growing up.  It was always just a part of our lives and something we adjusted to.  That's a reality for many families worldwide. Working in the health care field takes true sacrifice and dedication.  They deal with so much on a regular basis and, often, aren't recognized for it.

To honor health care workers, Save The Children has joined with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Frontline Health Workers Coalition to help people globally thank and salute health care workers who are saving and protecting lives on a daily basis.  This is the first of any such global awards program and will honor workers from the United States and 9 other countries.

Has a health care worker impacted your life or someone you know? Now through November 29th, you can nominate an inspiring health care worker on The REAL Awards website - www.theREALawards.com. While there you can meet the frontline health workers receiving REAL Awards honors around the world nominated and selected by staff from members of the Frontline Health Workers Coalition..

You can, also, connect with The REAL Awards on Facebook and Twitter

"It is estimated that every 3 seconds, a child’s death is prevented thanks to care provided by a frontline health worker."- Press Release for The Real Awards

Expanding Your Circle

Photo used from: http://juangreatleap.com

Networking - A strategic and focused approach to proactively building relationships that are mutually beneficial in your professional life

My take on what true networking involves?
~ Getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people
~ Having REAL and SINCERE conversations
~ Having something to offer others to help them and not just looking for your next sale, plug, or new client

If you've ever been to a networking event, you can tell who is there just to pass out business cards and not really interested in forming relationships with those there. It's important to put our communication skills to use when networking (especially active listening) and be able to collaborate and cooperate with others.

Some things to remember when networking:

~ Choose the group right for you. There are groups that meet online or for happy hour, lunch, breakfast, dinner, etc.  Also, look at the mission and overview of the group. Make sure it fits what you're attempting to accomplish.

~ Don't commit to everything. There are often costs involved - monetary and time. Make sure you're willing and able to make the investment.  Visit the group a few times before committing to joining to ensure it's something you'll continue with.  You don't want to commit and then never be seen again - that's a reflection on you and your business.

~ Once you commit, be consistent in your attendance and volunteer to help with events and planning.  Again, don't take on more than you can handle but work within your areas of expertise.

~ Know who you are, what you do and be able to articulate it.  Have a 30 second spiel on your business/blog that you can share when others inquire about what you do.  Try to have it specific to the group you are networking with.  Also, for online networking - have the same thing available in written form.

What are some networking tips and techniques that have worked for you in the past? Have any epic fail moments you'd like to warn this rest of us about? Would love to hear about your experiences.

Have a fantastic weekend, Divas!!!

#GivingTuesday - Doing My Part

A little over a week ago, I shared with you all the concept of #GivingTuesday - a focused national day of giving amidst the shopping and spending the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Connect with the #GivingTuesday initiative via their website, Facebook and Twitter.


How can you contribute?

• Honor those who help keep our communities safe with a home cooked meal, thank you cards, appreciation basket, etc
• Have a Home Treasure Hunt for items that aren't used and that can be donated to an organization in need
• As a family schedule time to give back at least once a quarter
• Coordinate a "Change of Season" Drive - at the beginning of each season think of one specific item that is in need and do a collection (example - gloves in winter, t-shirts in summer, etc) and donate.  Get your neighbors and co-workers involved and drop off your donations together.

Today I'd like to share with you how Divas With A Purpose will be doing their part with our 1st Annual Pack-A-Purse Initiative.
 

Divas With A Purpose’s

1^st Annual Pack-A-Purse Initiative

Purses and totes will be collected and “stuffed” with toiletry items to be donated.  I am taking suggestions for shelters , organizations and individuals you feel would benefit from this initiative.

How can you help?  Donate your gently used purses; donate toiletry items (travel-sized items are great); girly items (lipsticks, compacts, perfumes, etc); donate funds towards the purchase of these items; spread the word amongst your family, friends and social networks.

To help offset the cost of this initiative, We will be hosting a 31 gifts party to help purchase Zipper pouches that will be donated and toiletry items.

Donations will be taken in $5 increments. For every $5 you donate you will receive a $5 gift certificate to my Thirty One Gifts site or Dorinda’s Diva Shoppe! Everyone that donates will, also, be entered into a drawing for an additional $25 in Thirty One Gifts products. Definitely a win-win donation!

Please contact me directly at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com with any questions, to coordinate shipment of donations, or to suggest a shelter.  Pay Pal donations can be sent to the same email address.

#BornTooSoon - World Prematurity Day 2012

A premature baby is one who is born too early, before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies can have more health problems and may need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year in the United States. ~ March of Dimes

My premature babies' stories are far from heart-wrenching when I think of others who have and still are dealing with the short and long-term effects of premature births.

My oldest son was born at 30 weeks. My youngest son and daughter were kept put with progesterone shots, modified bed rest and lots of prayers. 

 In many countries, babies born at the same gestational period as my oldest son face many obstacles in their first days of life and, sadly, do not survive.  According to the World Health Organization, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths (babies in the first four weeks of life) and the second leading cause of death after pneumonia in children under five years.

In honor of World Prematurity Day this Saturday, November  17th, Impatient Optimists is helping to bring attention to premature births and, especially, the impact it has in developing countries where access to the proper medical is often unavailable.

Please head over here to read my story and others in support of this wonderful cause!

Flash Cash - $60 Target, Pay Pal or Amazon

$60 Target Gift Card 

6-Hour FLASH Giveaway!!!

photo credit: robholland via photopin cc

A few AWESOME bloggers have teamed up to give you this wonderful $60 Target Gift Card! 

We believe in quick, small, and easy giveaways!
Our giveaways only have a FEW entries to
fill out and you will know if you WIN 
in just a couple of hours! WHAT FUN! 

Good luck on this 6-hour flash giveaway!

Make sure to check out our wonderful sponsoring sites on their Facebook pages when you have time!

* NOTE: You can choose PayPal/Amazon GC instead of the Target GC if you are the WINNER!!!

Better Safe than Sorry...Dating 2012

It's amazing what we can achieve when we feel as though we're backed into a corner! That fight or flight instinct just kicks in, adrenaline starts rushing through our veins and I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR becomes our mantra all within a blink of an eye.

A friend recently recounted a story that made me want to just shake her silly (I know I'm not the only person that has THAT friend).  She met a guy online and met him for their first date at a busy coffee shop on the other side of town from her home.  After an hour or so of great conversation she felt they just "clicked" and she accepted an invitation to his home. WARNING BELLS GOING OFF YET???

Not going into all the details, but she put herself in a situation that became very scary very quickly. Super thankful she came out physically unharmed but emotionally she's a wreck.  Her flight or fight instinct kicked in and strength that she didn't even realize she had in her came out.

Dating in 2012 is nothing like dating in 1992 - with the Internet, chat lines, meet-up sites, etc.  I encourage all my single divas to be careful, be prepared and be smart.

The best advice I've heard recently - date like it's an interview and you know how many checks are done for most jobs these days, right? Also, when I was still in the dating world, I had a check-in buddy who knew where, when, and with whom I was with. If plans changed, I let her know.  We had an "alert" topic to let the other know if things weren't going well and interference was needed.

Whether you're single or married - what's the best advice you've received or given when it comes to safe dating practices?

#MotivationalMonday - Excellence

One of my favorite poems is by Langston Hughes and  encourages us to...

"Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."

Sometimes our dreams may have to be delayed or deterred,  but with perseverance we can and will make those dreams a reality.  Don't let anyone or anything keep you from what you believe is truly yours.

Happy Monday Divas!

Make the most of today and every day!

Weekend Reflections

I often think of those moms who accomplish so much during the weekend - shopping excursions, redecorating, yard projects, arts and crafts fun, laundry, etc. - and wonder...

Seriously? Where do they find the time? The energy? The motivation? All of the above? After struggling through 5 working days my weekends are usually filled with sleep, stuffing the necessary clothing in the washing machine, more sleep and attempting to keep the front room clean in case someone decides to pay a surprise visit.

I know I'm not alone...Right???

These thoughts came to me as I sit in my house at 10 PM reflecting on all the things I should have done and now that I've gotten my kids tucked in for the night - well, all except my youngest son who thinks I didn't see him sneak back in the family room and is now zonked out behind the couch - I face the dilemma of staying up for another 2 hours to complete the necessary tasks or calling it a night and starting my weekly cycle all over again.

I think the bed is going to win, but next weekend will be different....I promise :)

Giveaway: Signed Book Giveaway - Crashers

THREE SIGNED BOOKS TO GIVEAWAY !!

This fabulous giveaway is brought to you by 

author Lindy S Hudis and Moms With Voices Media.

3 Lucky winners will each receive a Signed Book from the author.

Open Worldwide

Ending on Saturday 1st December at 11.59pm EST

Crashers is a modern day cautionary tale in a true to life novel.  A riveting story of love and desperation, greed and redemption.

Fraudulent
car accidents is a multi-million dollar racket, involving unscrupulous medical
providers, personal injury attorneys, and the cooperating passengers involved in
the accidents—and who also receive a portion of the illegal proceeds. Such is
the fate of newly engaged, Nathan and Shari, whose joy is tempered by the dark
cloud of mounting debt.

A
chance encounter with a stranger in whom Shari confides her troubles proves
fortuitous: he tells her of a get-rich-quick scheme that will put her and her
fiancé on easy street. Seduced by the chance to move from hard times to good
times in no time, Sheri takes the carrot offered her, and finds herself acting
as a “stuffed passenger”—the “victim” in a staged auto accident. The act goes
according to plan and Shari gets her payday, but getting out and breaking free
of the insurance fraud underworld will take nothing short of a miracle.

Across the nation, insurance fraud from staged auto accident schemes costs the insured more than $50 billion yearly. Crashers is a true-to-life novel that uncovers how the innocent get lured into the scheme of "cappers" and "hammers."

Enter to Win!!

Good Luck!!

Check out my review of Crashers here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friendship Friday - Reflections on Gratitude

Happy Friday Divas!!!

I hope you've all had a fantastic week! It's been a minute since I connected with Create With Joy's Friendship Friday but this week's theme really made me pause and reflect on where I currently am in life.

Create With Joy's Friendship Friday

Question Of The Week

Question Of The Week
What are you most grateful in your life for at this moment?
What small things do you usually take for granted
But wish to celebrate now?
Join me in expressing those things you are most grateful for
At this week’s Friendship Friday!

Thirty One Gifts Giveaway

Divas With A Purpose, Dorinda's Diva Shoppe and a host of wonderful bloggers and entreprenerial divas are excited to bring you this great giveaway to officially kick-off the giving season here at Divas With A Purpose!

One lucky reader will win a pair of Thirty One Gifts Utility Totes - one large and one medium!  The medium utility totes are a new product introduced this month and can only be ordered through November 26th!  

This prize is sponsored by yours truly, an Independent Consultant with Thirty One Gifts and the diva behind Divas With A Purpose.

The utility totes are great organizational items and have tons of uses. My favorites - organizing toys and clothing in my children's rooms; the guest room as a welcome basket for out of town visitors; and a toy bin for each of my munchkins.

These totes and the entire Thirty One Gifts product line are a great, and affordable, way to transport your products and advertise your business.

You can enter up until 12:01 AM, Saturday, November 17th.

 Good Luck and thanks for your support!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thankful Thursday - Month of Gratitude

Happy Thursday Divas!!! I hope you're all having a fantastic week :)

This month on my Facebook page, I'm challenging my readers and followers to reflect on something daily that they're thankful for. I'd love it if you'd chime in throughout the month.

This week I'm super thankful for the time change - gaining that extra hour on Saturday evening has been heavenly. Perhaps it's all in my mind, but I never seem to recuperate from the "lost" hour in the spring.

Report cards came home this past week, too. My son's realizing that not everything is going to come super easy all the time and I'm thankful for that. It means he's finally being challenged and now has to really apply himself, study and focus more.  Overall, he did fantastic but I believe he can (and will) do better.

This week I've learned a lot about effective communication - especially in regards to active listening.  I'm thankful for the experiences I've had because they've shown me areas I need to grow in and that there are just somethings in my life I have to let go and let be.

Finally, this week, last but certainly not least, I'm thankful for you. Those of you that take the time to read my blog, comment, email, interact on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest - I appreciate you in more ways than you'll ever know.

What are you thankful for this week? Are you joining in on the daily gratitude challenge for November?
Blessings to you all, Divas :)

Holiday Savings Tips

What's the most unique or quirkiest way you've saved money during the holiday season?

For me, it was doing my Christmas shopping the day AFTER Christmas.  Say what you want, but there are some awesome deals and I'm sure I saved about 50-60% if not more.  Typically, if I know I'm not going to see someone until after Christmas that's usually when their gift is purchased.

I learned the art of buying throughout the year from my godmother.  She has things stashed all over the place that she collects throughout the year when they are on sale.  Her biggest struggle is finding them all when it's time to start putting gifts together. She's one of my favorite persons to receive gifts from because you get a very eclectic grouping of items and, often, you'll recall the shopping excursion where you ogled the very same item or saw her buy it thinking it was for someone else.

Honestly, my favorite gifts to put together AND receive are the ones from the heart - whether it's homemade or a sentimental card.  This holiday season for my family we will be focusing on the reason behind the season rather than having a "I want" or  "I need" attitude.

But when gift shopping, here are a few tips to help cut down on your final total. I'd love it if you'd chime in with your own ideas in the comments:

Online Shopping. During the holiday seasons, online retailers offer great incentives and flash sales.  Check your favorite deal saving site regularly (I enjoy Hip2Save and SouthernSavers) for "get 'em while it's hot" deals.  Be careful on overspending - as it's easy to start buying things you don't truly need because of rebates or super low prices.  Create an online shopping budget and stick with it. Once it's gone - you're done.
 
Use cash back websites like Ebates.com to earn money back on your online shopping.  Many banks, also, offer this service.  Remember to check the fine print because there are often limitations on what is eligible for cash back and what isn't.  Typically you may have to wait up to 8-10 weeks to receive your funds in your account.

Use a list and keep track of your spending.  Keep track of who you're shopping for and how much you've spent.  Seeing it in black and white will help you stay on track and, hopefully, within your budget.

Avoid impulse buys.  This is where most of us overspend.

Give back to someone less fortunate. Whether it's donating a toy to the Salvation Army or food to a local pantry. Help someone out this holiday season.

#GivingTuesday ... Save the Date

 

Thanksgiving is focused on giving thanks and spending time with family and friends.

The following day (well late night/early morning) tons of shoppers descend upon retail stores to find the "hottest" deals of the season and officially kick-off the Christmas countdown.

The Monday after Thanksgiving has now become known as Cyber Monday - think online Black Friday if you're unfamiliar with the term.

Retailers have benefited for years by coordinating the shopping season around the holidays. Black Friday preparations have become a family tradition for many.  This year #GivingTuesday enters the scene.

What is #GivingTuesday?  A coordinated call to action centered around the national shopping season.  It's a focused national day of giving amidst the shopping and spending.  #GivingTuesday will prove that the holidays can be about giving and giving back and celebrate Americans using the power of their dollars to help others in need.

The goal is to have #GivingTuesday become a major part of the holiday season.  The thinking behind it is to have it become a forefront in November rather than an afterthought in December.

These words from Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation pretty much summarize what #GivingTuesday embodies for me:

“#GivingTuesday is a counter narrative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday because it reminds us that the spirit of the holiday giving season should be about community and not just consumerism. The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones, friends and neighbors is the commitment to work together to help build a better world.”

Stay tuned to Divas With A Purpose over the coming weeks as we share ways we can all participate in #GivingTuesday as consumers, entrepreneurs, and social media savvy divas.

Connect with the #GivingTuesday initiative via their website, Facebook and Twitter.

Do you make a conscious effort to give back during  the holiday season? Are you more inclined to spend dollars with a company that earmarks a certain percentage to charity?

Burning Bridges

I came across something recently that said sometimes burning bridges isn't a bad thing if it prevents you from going back to a place you shouldn't have been in the first place.  Interesting thought process.

Now I'm in no means justifying maliciously hurting someone or damaging your reputation with others.

I am justifying closing doors and cutting ties with relationships and people that are not positive and bring you down.

Sometimes we are hesitant to leave behind people, patterns, habits that we're accustomed to because of comfort, security and complacency. Let them go, Divas, Let them go!

Holding on to something past it's expiration date will only cause you and them/it harm.  Not everyone or thing we come into contact with is supposed to be with us forever and a day.  Sometimes it's teach us a life lesson and have us move on - stronger, wiser and all-around better for having encountered it.

Are there some "bridges" you've had to burn in order to move forward in life? Did you learn any valuable lessons to take with you and grow from?

Pay Pal Flash Cash Giveaway

$35 PayPal CASH 6-Hour Monday

FLASH Giveaway!!!

photo credit: AMagill via photopin cc

A few AWESOME bloggers have teamed up to give you this wonderful $35 PayPal CASH! 

We believe in quick, small, and easy giveaways! 
 Our giveaways only have a FEW entries to  fill out 
 and you will know if you WIN in just a couple of hours! 

 WHAT FUN! 

With the holidays coming this is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday shopping - or even better spoil and pamper yourself :)

Good luck on this 6-hour flash giveaway! 
See you back on Wednesday for another FLASH giveaway!

Make sure to check out our wonderful sponsoring sites on their Facebook pages when you have time!

* NOTE: You can choose Amazon GC instead of the PayPal CASH if you are the WINNER!!!

Childhood Reflections

Friday night my boys made this highly complex fort in my living room - complete with using every blanket, comforter and quilt they could put their hands on and all the chairs and stools from the kitchen and dining room. Shame on me, I have no pictures of it! Why? Because I was right there in the middle of creating it and didn't have time to stop and take pictures, of course :)

This image is used by permission from Hobbies on a Budget

An entire night with virtually no arguing between the boys, lots of laughter and memories I know I'll treasure for years to come.

The fun we had brought back memories of my childhood and the fun times I remembered most:

~ Fashion shows with make up and high heels that were way too big for us with my mom, aunts and girl cousins...now that I think of it, we still do this on a pretty regular basis!

~ Talent shows at my grandmother's house on Friday nights followed by wrestling matches

~ Red Light, Green Light; Mother May I?, Simon Says, and Hop Scotch .... oh the memories :)

~ Saturday dinners with my mom and sisters at S&S Cafeteria or Piccadilly's.  My sisters and I, to this day, get excited if we find a cafeteria and can eat together.

What fun family memories do you have of your childhood? Have you continued them with your family?

~~Blogger Opp~~Thirty One Gifts Giveaway Sign-Ups

Hello Fellow Bloggers :)

Starting November 9th, Divas With A Purpose and Dorinda's Diva Shoppe will be hosting a Thirty One Gifts giveaway.

The Prize: One Large Utility Tote & One Medium Utility Tote (Retails: $70 USD)

If you'd like to participate in this great giveaway, sign up on the form located here

There's a blogger referral prize that includes $25 in Thirty One products, waived fees and a co-host spot!

Look forward to working with you!

Readers, come back on November 9th for a chance to win this awesome prize :)