tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21557627550886343982024-03-05T04:00:51.662-06:00Education + Common SenseUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-19643602987053695622013-11-20T22:22:00.001-06:002013-11-20T22:25:37.790-06:00Struggle With Stuff<br />
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It took me a long time to realize just how materialistic I was. I had to have these designer jeans. I had to have that designer purse. And I was gone die if I did not have the latest Air Jordans. My mother liked nice things and she taught me to like nice things. There is nothing wrong with liking nice things. When you value stuff more than people that's a problem. When you think you need stuff for people, that's a problem. When your obsessed with stuff, that's a problem. There is a lot of "stuff". getting in our way these days.<br />
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Now I have my own daughter and I like making sure she has nice things. But I don't want her to put too much value on that stuff. I want her to see the value of herself, the value of her family, the value of her friends and the value of thinking about more than herself. That's what is really important. This is something I struggle with constantly. How do you keep balance and teach balance?<br />
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Just last week I saw a coupon for additional 25% off Kate Spade. If you know me you know I love handbags. I didn't buy myself one for my birthday. I found the cutest pink bag, put it in my online cart and was about to checkout and I stopped. I didn't close out the page I just went to another page for awhile. Well I ended upon the phone with my brother talking about holiday plans. They were having a 1st birthday party for my niece and nephew. I looked at the calendar and seen if I planned carefully I could go.<br />
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So instead of my beautiful new pink Kate Spade bag I will have my first mommy daughter trip with Anaya. We will have the chance to spend a dew days with my brother and his family. Plus, I will get to see one of my oldest friends from college. That is way better than that pink bag. As I booked my flight I realized this was the reason I didn't buy the bag. I didn't need the stuff I needed the people.<br />
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As I see stats on FB about people going out to buy all these things and going out on Thanksgiving to shop it breaks my heart. We are so engulfed in this consumerist and individualistic life that we have forgotten about what's important. In order to get a "deal" for ourselves we will abruptly end time with our families to go stand in line. Then we will totally disregard the fact that we are also keeping the people who work in these stores from their families. It's not right. We are putting "stuff" ahead of our families and the families of others. I will not participate in any of these Thanksgiving "sales" but this doesn't end my struggle.<br />
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I will have to continue how to consciously make sure I don't put emphasis on stuff. My daughter imitates everything I do. I do not want her to imitating me putting stuff first. While I am happy about making a good decision this week. I know tomorrow will present another opportunity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-53582131273932373592013-07-12T13:01:00.002-05:002013-07-12T13:02:30.729-05:00Open Letter to Disney and Mattel<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can recall as a child my mother was very deliberate in making sure I had black dolls to play with. There are many stories in my family where we joke about my mother ready to fight another woman in the store for the last black Cabbage Patch doll in the store. I even recall when I moved on to Barbie dolls my mother searched high and low to make sure she found me a black Barbie doll. She was extremely upset that she could not find a black Ken doll and that was the only white doll she ever purchased for me. My mother understood the importance of a child seeing images that resemble them. She also knew that kids learn a lot from the dolls they play with. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Princess and The Frog debuted in 2009 I was extremely excited. I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and I can remember thinking my daughter will have an opportunity I never had in my childhood. She would have chance to see a princess who looks like her. You see we had a few black dolls, but never a black princess. I also thought that it would now be much easier for me to find black dolls than it was for my mother, unfortunately I was wrong.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the movie debuted there were quite a few items you could find with Princess Tiana on them. The next year when the next Disney movie came out Princess Tiana items began to quickly disappear. Then she became one of the Disney Princesses on various items. However, even that was misleading many times. Either Princess Tiana was not on the item at all or sometimes on the packaging but not on the actual item. I could not understand why you could not find Princess Tiana items? Why did she have to be grouped with the other Princesses? Princess and the Frog had only been out for about a year whereas Snow White debuted in 1937 and Cinderella in 1950. Why could she not have more time alone? It was extremely upsetting for me and it just did not seem right. I then found myself on these same search missions for Princess Tiana items similar to my mother’s.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my anguish I initially did what my mother taught me - write. I wrote a letter to Disney and submitted it on their website. I never received a response. Then I decided to write Target. I spend so much money there that I feel they should know the concerns of their customers. I did receive a response from Target stating to try online or other stores. While I appreciate the response the young lady did not seem to understand that I had already done this. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On my search for Princess Tiana and other black dolls I go to several stores in various areas and I search online. However, the results are all the same. Either there is little to no Princess Tiana items and black dolls or they are very questionable. For example, on one of my trips to Target as usual I strolled down through the toys aisles. As I made it to the Barbie aisle I was utterly disgusted. First, there are very few black Barbie dolls, which is a problem in and of itself. Then I could not help but notice the So in Style black Barbie next to another white Barbie. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdDY6xhSSnTpWpFDO_WLIdly2h-pe3gFV1TMGTzgYIKMd3_uqRNE30B-2o8C67J26WYPq5tY4oRYSiLGvHnaWIxHKQIqR4fWE6CQVG7uacj_0LxEbEoawasoqvJ4wKos8oRRvP2zVBxs/s1600/So+in+style+barbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdDY6xhSSnTpWpFDO_WLIdly2h-pe3gFV1TMGTzgYIKMd3_uqRNE30B-2o8C67J26WYPq5tY4oRYSiLGvHnaWIxHKQIqR4fWE6CQVG7uacj_0LxEbEoawasoqvJ4wKos8oRRvP2zVBxs/s320/So+in+style+barbie.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This enraged me. With so few black Barbie dolls why must the couple in the store look like a video vixen? Then right next to what I call suburban Barbie. What messages are you giving our children who come and see these two Barbie dolls next to each other? As I shared this story with a friend she told me that Kimora Lee Simmons was actually the designer of this doll. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not against a little girl being a fashionista however; this doll says it is for ages 3 and up. My daughter just turned 3 and I cannot in good conscious give her this doll. But more importantly while we have the black So in Style Barbie can we also have the black I Can Be dolls in the store? In the stores you see white I Can be a doctor, astronaut, president and much more. Apparently, the only thing black Barbie can be is a fashionista (or video vixen you decide). You search online and there is an African-American I Can Be a Doctor and Teacher that is supposedly available in stores only. Problem is that they are not available in any stores I have seen. All I could do at the time was shake my head and sigh. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I shook my head because I fully understand how much children learn from toys. I can recall overhearing a little black girl in the store with her mother. She was excited as she walked down the Barbie aisle trying to convince her mother to purchase several Barbie accessories. Then she began to explain to her mother that this is Barbie pointing to the white doll and this is her husband pointing to the white doll. She did not have the opportunity to point to a black husband and wife because there was not one available. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some think that I may go to far in continuously speaking about the lack of black dolls, but I assure you that this is a very real problem. In <a href="http://www.understandingrace.com/lived/video/index.html">A Girl Like Me</a> teen filmmaker Kiri Davis re-conducts the “doll test” that Dr. Kenneth Clark conducted in 1947. The results were heartbreaking. Fifteen out of twenty-one children preferred the white doll. They referred to the white doll as the nice one or the pretty one. I am suggesting, that we can no longer allow it to be acceptable for only the white doll to be pretty or nice. Our children must learn that the black doll is also beautiful and nice. However, we cannot teach our children this if we do not have the black doll available to us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to 2012 Nielsen Report on African-American Consumers, by 2015 African-American spending is projected to reach $1.1 trillion. That is trillion with a ‘T’. Clearly, African-Americans purchase goods and services when items are made available to them. Let me be clear, like my mother I will not purchase any doll or item that does not have a positive black image. There are many more like me. I believe it is important that my child sees positive black images and that she understands that black is beautiful as well. I do not want my child to submit to the self-hatred in believing that only things that are white are beautiful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our world is changing and the faces of the people are changing. It is no longer adequate for only white faces to be on everything offered to people of many colors. I applaud the efforts of those like Sheri Crawley who created <a href="https://www.prettybrowngirl.com/">Pretty Brown Girl</a> dolls because of these issues. I immediately supported her and purchased one. I also believe that it should not only be on the Sheri’s of the world to offer us beautiful dolls in various colors. Disney, Mattel, and Kimora Lee Simmons should offer us these beautiful dolls as well. Further, all the other brands who use Barbie and the Disney characters should offer this as well. When I walk into Stride Rite there should be Princess Tiana shoes next to the Cinderella and Snow White shoes. When I walk in the party store there should be a Princess Tiana section like the Cinderella and Snow White. Lastly, when I walk down the Barbie aisle there should be more than two black dolls and some of the bags and accessories should have a black face. I should not feel like I am on a nation wide manhunt just to find a black doll.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know that I am not alone. I have so many friends and relative who have these same complaints. At what point will you recognize that there is a need for these toys? How long will you continue to ignore the African American population and the $1.1 trillion they are spending? When will you finally make the toy aisle look more like the world?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-68644980563164439962013-06-26T10:06:00.002-05:002013-06-26T10:06:53.898-05:00Dreams<br />
I believe in Jesus so I believe I will have eternal life<br />
I guess that's why I'm the eternal optimist<br />
Always believing it will get better<br />
It has to right?<br />
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Certainly there is so much wrong in this world<br />
But there are some things that are right<br />
I know that eventually it will have to change<br />
You see I was taught King's dream<br />
And I became a dreamer too<br />
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I dreamed of the day where 17 year old boys are not chased and shot walking home with skittles and a soda<br />
I dreamed of a day where I don't have to go comfort a mother who has to bury their young child lost to violence<br />
I dreamed of a day where a woman would actually get paid equal pay for equal work<br />
I dreamed of a day where everyone really did have the same opportunities<br />
I dreamed of a day when we had more males in college and none in prison<br />
I dreamed of a day where no person was hungry because all this food we have actually reached all the people and fed them<br />
I dreamed of a day where Manna House is not necessary because no one is homeless<br />
I dreamed of a day where all kids got a good education no matter their skin color, where they live or how much their parents made<br />
I dreamed of a day where people who claim to be Christians actually acted like Christ<br />
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I know your thinking I got a lot of dreams. I do.<br />
Now let's work to make these drams a reality.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-1454204598874258272013-03-30T15:30:00.001-05:002013-04-02T12:19:51.364-05:00Forgiveness<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was asked to give a reflection for the 7 Last Words portion of the Maundy Thursday Service at my church. For many reasons I chose the first words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reflection</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are times in our lives when we need to forgive and when we need to be forgiven. It usually more difficult for us to be the one to forgive. Often it is because it is those who are close that we love, like our family close friends that when they hurt us, it really hurts. And that makes it hard to forgive. Even if the hurt is unintentional we still find it hard to forgive. Now look at Christ on the cross. Here he is being hurt by the very brothers and sisters he is giving his life for. And even in the pain of being hurt by those he loves. He asks for forgiveness for us all. If we are to really be like Christ we must forgive those who have hurt us. We must ask to be forgiven by those we hurt. Even in the middle of the pain seek forgiveness. Let's free ourselves from the sin and burden of un-forgiveness. Forgiveness is a word of action start acting today. Forgive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a moment to truly look within and ask ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you forgiven those who wronged you? Do you believe that God has truly forgiven you of your sins? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now let us go to the Lord in Prayer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God of forgiveness and creator of new life. Please forgive us of our sins. Help us to understand what forgiveness means. Help us to act and seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. Heal our hearts and help us to forgive those who have hurt us. True forgiveness Lord, not just speaking the word forgiveness but truly acting and experiencing forgiveness. Free us from the sin and burden of carrying things we need to forgive. In Jesus name we ask. Amen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-5647839261703972552012-05-02T09:27:00.001-05:002012-05-02T09:27:40.837-05:00Lesson 8. With God you can do anything.People who really knew my mother for years can tell you she was a good mother but not always a good Christian. In fact, when I was young she was alcoholic who smoked a lot of cigarettes. When I was about 6 or 7 years old we joined the church. My mother had a new relationship with God and she stopped drinking. Years later I asked her how did she stop drinking? She said, “I asked God to take the taste from her mouth and he did.” That was powerful to me. I have worked with people addicted to drugs and alcohol and I know how difficult it can be for them. I have also had many difficult times in my life. Even in the most difficult moments I believed that God would bring me through. He came through every time.<br />
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It does not matter if you are facing hard times, trying to face an addiction, or starting a new season of your life with God it is possible. You must pray and ask God for direction and strength. Then you must believe that He will deliver. There is no problem to big or small for God. With man it is impossible with God all things are possible. Do not try to out God in a box because He is too big for any box you have. Trust God and have faith. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-63851422535542912392012-05-01T07:46:00.000-05:002012-05-01T07:46:09.202-05:00Lesson 7. Stand up and be heardMy mother participated in numerous civil rights events. She picketed Jefferson Bank, was an active member of the Congress of Racial Equality, and protested for affordable housing, and marched for equal rights for all people. My mother also believed in writing companies, elected officials, and anyone else to inform them of her experiences and opinions of what was right and wrong. There was no an election that was held in which she did not vote. She was going to be heard. Even when she was wrong, she was going to be heard. <br />
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My mother did not tell me about her actions in the Civil Rights movement. Once I learned all she had done I was proud. I vowed that day that I would always make sure that I voted. I don’t care if we are electing a dog catcher I am going to the election booth. When I think about my mother and those who died for this right did to make this possible I know that I must stand up and be heard. You must vote. Every vote does count and elections have consequences. If you are not standing up to be heard then you must accept what happens and do not complain about anything. Not only is it important to vote but it is even more important that you become an informed voter. Do not accept everything you hear on the radio and see on television as the truth. Learn the truth for yourself. <br />
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The other lesson here is the power of the pen. Whenever I tell my husband about something I don’t think is right he responds, “Are you going to write a letter?” Absolutely! I watched my mother write and I have no problem sitting down writing a letter. As a constituent or customer I will be heard. I will tell you if your employees are not treating the customer right. I will tell you if I do not think you are voting in the interest of the people. I will tell you are neglecting a large market with your products. I will tell you if I think a $4 charge to spend my money in your bank is ridiculous. You cannot expect anything to change if no one demands it to change. I have written numerous letters and received some good responses and stopped patronizing companies who do not respond well. (Remember it’s the principle). The point here is that we do not continue to accept bad service, products, or representation by anyone. Stand up and be heard. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-40612334142330692362012-04-30T08:07:00.001-05:002012-04-30T08:07:01.395-05:00Lesson 6. It's the principle. As I previously stated my mother smoked cigarettes. I always hated the smell of smoke. I remember me and her friend begged her to stop smoking. We kept telling her this can kill you (we were right). She did not really listen to us. <br />
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The day they announced that the price of cigarettes was going up to 75¢ my mother said she was going to quit smoking. My mother did not smoke another cigarette. After smoking since she was 12 years old she quit cold turkey with no type of smoking cessation program. She said she was not going to pay 75¢ for a pack of cigarettes. It was the principle. I think my mother would flip four times if she knew how much cigarettes cost now. <br />
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Loretta Hall was truly a woman of principle. There are several stories I could share about her and her principles, some funny others not so much. Nevertheless, she did teach me the importance of having principles and keeping your principles. I have definitely adopted some of her strong will in sticking to your principles. For example, anyone who knows me well knows that I do not watch a certain television station because of the negative images they have consistently portrayed of African Americans. I stopped watching this channel probably about ten years ago. Although there have been some things I heard advertised I thought I may watch, I will not watch this channel. It’s the principle. <br />
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Unfortunately, our society has gotten away from the importance of principles. We now go with what is easy instead of what is right. If we do not instill in our children the importance of principles we will have another generation repeating this mistake. As Malcolm X said, “If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything.” Whatever you believe in, stick to your principles. Do not waiver just to go with the masses because there are many people who end up with a lot of troubles following the masses. Don’t be a carbon copy of everyone else be the original you. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-56947037840361121582012-04-29T07:24:00.001-05:002012-04-29T07:24:00.633-05:00Lesson 5. Family is important.My mother was the matriarch of our family. My house was the house everybody gathered, dropped their kids off and crashed on the floor when necessary. Until I became an adult I was surrounded by family constantly. My mother always tried to support everyone in whatever they were doing. If it was helping someone win a queen contest, driving them to an event or speaking on their behalf to make sure they received the necessary support for a good education she was there. Family for my mother was more than those related by blood. It was friends who supported her in everything and she returned the support. This is why I grew up with way more aunts and cousins than we had listed on our family tree. I saw my mother do just as much for those not related by blood as she did for those who were. <br />
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We live in a society where the “family” has been spread throughout the world. Until this year when we made a conscious effort to see each other, I had not seen some of my cousins in five years. It seems crazy that the people I spent every day of my childhood with I hardly ever see anymore. Since I do not see my related family on a regular basis my friends have become my family. It then becomes important to support and help each other because sometimes in a crisis situation they may be the only ones who can help you. <br />
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It is important to remember that family is dynamic and thus, constantly changing. The make-up of your family will not only change by births, deaths and marriages, but also by, job changes, moves and your kid’s activities. Family is your support system. John Donne’s statement, “No man is an island,” is true. We all need someone and if we support each other it makes it easier.<br />
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The other lesson in this is that you must make time for your family. Many of us work very long hours and are constantly on the move sacrificing time with our family. Our careers are important, but our family is more important. You must strive for balance to make sure you are not short changing your children or yourself. <br />
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My daughter will be 2 in July and it has gone by so quickly. I can only imagine how the rest of the years will go if I am here to see them all. Please realize that your children will only be this age once. These are years you cannot get back. Make time for your children. Make time for all of your family because no one is promised tomorrow. I constantly say that I cannot let my employer kill me. If I die they will hand my laptop to the next person and my family will suffer. When we reach the end of our life, hopefully we will have a chance to remember our years. I pray that you have many memories of you and your family together because those will be the ones that really matter. If you have a work laptop or not at this point it will be of no importance. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-87507641257509103472012-04-28T11:51:00.001-05:002012-04-28T11:51:14.791-05:00Lesson 4. Don't be cheap to yourself.<br />
I will be the first one to tell you that I like nice things. I always have. I asked for a Gucci purse when I was in the third grade which is not a typical request of an 8 year old. My mother provided my brother and me the best and we usually received whatever we asked of her. My mother made many sacrifices in order to provide us with all of these requests. However, there were many times when she made sure she received nice things. My love for designer handbags did not come out of the air. She purchased several for herself. She loved to shop and that is where we spent some of our best times together. Parents (Mothers especially) must sacrifice for their kids. However, we must not deny ourselves of everything in a quest to provide the best for our kids. It is okay for you to buy yourself something nice occasionally. You work hard and you deserve this. <br />
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Outside of the designer clothing and handbags my mother always made a point to purchase quality items. Whether it was fruit juice or a car she wanted to make sure it was something of quality. I recognize that times are difficult financially for us all and there is a need to tighten our budgets. There are several ways of saving money. I am a coupon queen and do not go to the store without my coupons. What we should not do is think that the least expensive thing is the best option or the only option. You can purchase things that are not the most expensive without sacrificing quality. <br />
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Most people usually have certain things that they will pay a higher price for to achieve the quality they want. For me, I will not buy cheap toilet paper in order to save a buck or two. I will admit it is hard for me to understand people who buy cheap toilet paper because I think you end up using more toilet paper so you really don’t save any money. For you it may be shoes, electronics, or particular brand of something. As I stated, most people have something. If you do or do not have something, take a personal inventory and see if you are being cheap to yourself. You are worth more. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-50027901552288475442012-04-27T09:19:00.001-05:002012-04-27T09:21:04.076-05:00Make your health a priorityLesson 3. Make your health a priority.<br />
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I remember coming home from my first semester of law school. I was exhausted but so happy to be home. I sat around with family and we talked and laughed for hours. As the evening progressed, everyone left and it was just me and my mother watching television. She looked at me and whispered, “I’ve got cancer.” In my mind my mother was everything to me. She was the sole provider for me and my brother, the backbone of our family and a helping hand for many others. I could not comprehend how any of us would make it without her. <br />
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As I sat there in shock numerous questions ran through my head. Why was she whispering? Was I the only one who knew? What are we going to do? My mother sat calmly and answered these questions and many more. After a year of chemotherapy and remission the cancer returned. My mother died on December 21, 1999.<br />
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After her death I replayed many times we had together in my head. I remembered her saying to me several months prior that her breast did not look right. I believe that my mother knew she had cancer long before the doctor told her. She did not go to the doctor for regular check-ups. She was always too busy doing this, helping that person, going to a meeting and she did not make time for her own health. My mother had rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, bunions and breast cancer. However, it was not until each of things became a serious problem for her that she addressed them. She literally had to be hospitalized for diabetes for her to deal with that health issue. Unfortunately, this is not a story I have about how my mother displayed these great acts or characteristics. This is about me learning from her mistake and hopefully helping you do the same. <br />
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As I became a woman I realized that my mother did not talk to me about going to the gynecologist to get check-ups. I learned about this from my friend. If it was not for my friend I could have probably would not have known the importance of regularly check-ups. These check-ups have helped me prevent minor issues from turning into major issues.<br />
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We are all busy people. Nonetheless, we tend to make time for things that are important to us. You must make time for you. Your health is very important. I remember a judge always telling parents in Family Court that when you are on an airplane they tell you in case of an emergency to put your mask on first. You cannot help anyone until you help yourself. This is another area where women tend to have a problem. They are so busy making sure everyone else is okay that they neglect themselves. If you really want to make sure everyone is okay you must work to stay around to see for yourself. Take care of you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-33654413534876956002012-04-26T08:56:00.002-05:002012-04-26T08:56:14.851-05:00Lesson 2. Do it because you want to help.Do it because you want to help not for any reward or accolades.
After my mother died in 1999 I can recall my family moving and having so many boxes of my mother’s belongings. There were several boxes with awards and certificates from different professional and community organizations. Many of these awards I never knew she received. She also had many more in boxes and drawers at her office. My mother did whatever needed to be done. Many people recognized her hard work and appreciated her, but many did not. This did not matter to her. She did not help people for recognition. Her actions were based solely on her true desire to help people.
If you are really trying to help people your true motive should be the honest desire to help. Do not do anything just to receive recognition, reward or accolades. When you are working hard to help people in any situation if no one ever knows you did whatever you did it should not matter. The only thing that matters is that it is done. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-39594774006526572192012-04-25T11:19:00.002-05:002012-04-25T11:19:53.169-05:00Lesson 11. Don't ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself.
My mother worked tirelessly in our community. I do not mean just sitting at her desk working late hours. Whatever needed to be done she would see that it was done. You would see her cleaning, cooking, washing, writing proposals, driving the elderly to the grocery store and holding babies in the day care. One day she was scrubbing graffiti off of the walls. My uncle was asked, “Loretta, why are you doing that? Somebody else could do that.” She responded, “Don’t ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”
My mother was considered the boss. She had many people in numerous positions reporting to her, but that did not matter to her. She believed that there is no position too low for anyone. If you are going to ask someone to do something then you must be willing to do it yourself.
This is a valuable lesson for me. So many times we see people get degrees, promotions and positions and they begin to think they are too important to do some of the “small” things. We want these things done but we aren’t willing to do them ourselves. Although it may be things that you may not have to do, please do not confuse this with things you are not willing to do. The only thing beneath you is your feet. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-17680166013330336592012-04-24T14:40:00.000-05:002012-04-24T14:40:23.956-05:00Things my mother taught meI loved my mother dearly. She was a strong black woman who loved her family and her community. After reflecting on many events that occurred throughout her life I realized there were many valuable lessons. These are lessons we need to be sure to teach our children maybe even ourselves. Over the next 8 days I will share these lessons with you and hopefully I can help somebody.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-62135547576105779922011-04-22T13:06:00.000-05:002011-04-22T13:06:04.880-05:005 Rules for Successful Savings When Using Coupons<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>5 Rules for Successful Savings When Using Coupons</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">By now we have all heard about the women on TLC’s Extreme Couponing who save thousands of dollars using coupons. While I commend them for their efforts, I personally do not have 60 hours a week to devote to gathering coupons. Nor do I wish or need to have 60 bottles of mustard in my home. As I have said in previous post, there is money to be saved in couponing if you do it correctly. So far this year I have saved about $450. While this doesn’t seem like much compared to their massive hauls, if I save $100 a month I am pleased. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Try these 5 simple rules and see if you can save some money.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b> 1. Know what your coupon states.</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">This is VERY important. I have learned from making this serious mistake too many times. You must read the entire coupon to learn:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-Value of discount?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-What does the discount cover?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-When is it valid?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-What is excluded?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-Can it be combined with another coupon?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Knowing this information can prevent you not maximizing your savings or even worst you not being able to use the coupon. E.g. The coupon starts on Wednesday and you show up on Tuesday. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b>2. Know the stores coupon rules.</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Every store has different rules for using coupons. You cannot truly maximize your savings if you do not know the rules. You should know:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-Does the store double coupons?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-Is there a limit on how many coupons you can use?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-Can you combine coupons?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">To help you with this here are a few rules for stores I frequent.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Kroger doubles printed coupons up to 55¢. It is important to know they do not double digital coupons loaded to Kroger card.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Walgreen’s will allow you to use a Walgreen’s coupon, which is in their weekly circular with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. Remember you must take the circular to the register and allow the cashier to scan coupon because it is not an automatic savings.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">JoAnn’s Fabric accepts competitor’s coupons. However, please note the same exclusions apply. Therefore, you can take a Michael’s coupons to JoAnn’s and use it for anything except fabric because Michael’s coupons usually excludes fabric.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">JCPenney will allow you to use the 15% survey coupon in addition to any other coupon. If you look at the bottom of your receipt there is a code to complete a customer survey online. Complete the survey and get a coupon for 15% off. These can only be used once every 30 days.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b>3. Know where to get the coupons.</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">As stated in previous post, you can use the Sunday paper to get coupons. If that is not your cup of tea, you can also go online and print coupons. Many of the same coupons that are in the weekly paper are available online. Don’t only focus on grocery coupons. There is much more savings to be made on coupons you can use in the mall or other stores. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Great sites to visit:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">www.coupons.com</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">www.couponmom.com</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">www.printable-coupons.blogspot.com</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b>4. Comparison Shop</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Again, I know most of us do not have several hours a week to devote to price comparisons. However, if you go to www.couponmom.com the site actually has a list of the deals for the week and how much you can save using coupons. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;"><b>5. You’re not saving if you didn’t need or want it anyway. </b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">This is one of the biggest problems I have with the Extreme Couponing show. There was a lady on the show who had 4000 diapers and did not have a baby yet. Even if she got every one of these diapers for free she is wasting valuable time and energy for diapers she may never use or realize she does not like. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">My rule is I don’t buy things just because I have a coupon. I am still brand loyal on many things. Therefore, I only buy the things I would have purchased anyway. Do not get caught into the trap of you have to spend $100 to save $10. If you were not going to spend $100 anyway (or at least $90) don’t do it! Don’t buy 10 of something to save 40¢ unless you were going to buy that much anyway either that day or in the near future. If you are spending more than you would have then you are not saving money.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px;">Hopefully these simple rules will help you. </div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-7634291646800908922011-01-25T22:36:00.000-06:002011-01-25T22:36:14.230-06:00Put your phone to work for you. Helpful Apps<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been quite a while since my last post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I have been busy with life in general, I am also busy trying to find ways to improve my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having a conversation with a good friend of mine, it was brought to my attention that I needed to share more of the helpful tips and information I find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, this week I am sharing Apps you should check out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In this high tech world we live in today everyone is attached to their smartphone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Even the dumb people, but I digress). We use our phones for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be good or bad depending on your view of technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are willing to embrace technology there are some apps that can help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have to set out a standard disclaimer before making any suggestions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies, providers or designers of any of the apps suggested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, I will receive no financial benefit if you download any of these apps.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>You may have to agree to provide information for the use of these apps including but not limited to, GPS location, phone call, SD card info and much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please read all permissions BEFORE downloading any app.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>All of the apps I am suggesting are in the Android App Market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have an Iphone you may or may not be able to find the same app.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I like these apps, but you may find no need for them at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I suggest an app for something you never do or will do not waste your time or memory downloading the app.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now that I have got all of that out of the way we can get to the apps.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Job Search<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ppcps.de/images/android/PRODUCTIVITY/Bostone-Consulting/icon/Job-Search-HireADroid_icon.png&imgrefurl=http://www.ppcps.de/android/market/tools-360_0&usg=__3wY3mFenKuK-YQqi-ij5uMx9Kbs=&h=48&w=43&sz=3&hl=en&start=24&zoom=1&tbnid=ON-qBD0KI-KNMM:&tbnh=48&tbnw=43&ei=niM_TfLYBMO88gaW89C1Cg&prev=/images?q=job+search+hire-a-droid+app&start=20&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></span></shapetype><shape alt="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ON-qBD0KI-KNMM:http://www.ppcps.de/images/android/PRODUCTIVITY/Bostone-Consulting/icon/Job-Search-HireADroid_icon.png" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ppcps.de/images/android/PRODUCTIVITY/Bostone-Consulting/icon/Job-Search-HireADroid_icon.png&imgrefurl=http://www.ppcps.de/android/market/tools-360_0&usg=__3wY3mFenKuK-YQqi-ij5uMx9Kbs=&h=48&w=43&sz=3&hl=en&start=24&zoom=1&tbnid=ON-qBD0KI-KNMM:&tbnh=48&tbnw=43&ei=niM_TfLYBMO88gaW89C1Cg&prev=/images?q=job+search+hire-a-droid+app&start=20&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1" id="Picture_x0020_13" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" style="height: 26.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 23.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><fill o:detectmouseclick="t"></fill><imagedata o:title="Job-Search-HireADroid_icon" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata></shape></span></a> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So you’re looking for job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days there are hundreds of job posting jobs that you can spend numerous hours searching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The app Hire-a-Droid searches the following sites LinkUp, Beyond, Simply Hired, Indeed and Careerbuilder in one quick search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can enter in search terms such as location, position, or title and search all of these sites for available jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Christian inspiration<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://fs01.androidpit.info/aico/x56/175056-1295141207554.png&imgrefurl=http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/joansoft.dailybible/Daily-Bible&usg=__5C_tbIintva4rA1-dXeSpLmiFgM=&h=48&w=48&sz=3&hl=en&start=89&zoom=1&tbnid=3itynJVJ0a_pUM:&tbnh=48&tbnw=48&ei=DCM_TabbA8St8Abgv4SlCg&prev=/images?q=daily+bible+app&start=80&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shape alt="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:3itynJVJ0a_pUM:http://fs01.androidpit.info/aico/x56/175056-1295141207554.png" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://fs01.androidpit.info/aico/x56/175056-1295141207554.png&imgrefurl=http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/joansoft.dailybible/Daily-Bible&usg=__5C_tbIintva4rA1-dXeSpLmiFgM=&h=48&w=48&sz=3&hl=en&start=89&zoom=1&tbnid=3itynJVJ0a_pUM:&tbnh=48&tbnw=48&ei=DCM_TabbA8St8Abgv4SlCg&prev=/images?q=daily+bible+app&start=80&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1" id="Picture_x0020_10" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 28.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 28.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><fill o:detectmouseclick="t"></fill><imagedata o:title="175056-1295141207554" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"></imagedata></span></shape></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt;"><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daily Bible</span></b></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We all should read our bibles daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several forms of bible apps on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that the Daily Bible app is wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This app gives you a daily verse, daily reading (for those who want to read the entire bible in a year), and a variety of daily devotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are numerous audio or written daily devotions such as Our Daily Bread, My Utmost for His Highness, Praying with Paul and many more to choose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also has a bible search function which allows you to search for particular verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Walgreen’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/imgmic/9/6/968-1-walgreens.jpg&imgrefurl=http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/top-applications/store-lifestyle/top-softwares-freeapp/&usg=__KwrcRMM4EdSL8uO2kuRwoPjkzO0=&h=175&w=175&sz=7&hl=en&start=13&zoom=0&tbnid=2wytvz9W0FyYuM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=100&ei=-yE_Tca8FYH88Ab3rZzQCg&prev=/images?q=walgreens+app&hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shape alt="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:2wytvz9W0FyYuM:http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/imgmic/9/6/968-1-walgreens.jpg" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/imgmic/9/6/968-1-walgreens.jpg&imgrefurl=http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/top-applications/store-lifestyle/top-softwares-freeapp/&usg=__KwrcRMM4EdSL8uO2kuRwoPjkzO0=&h=175&w=175&sz=7&hl=en&start=13&zoom=0&tbnid=2wytvz9W0FyYuM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=100&ei=-yE_Tca8FYH88Ab3rZzQCg&prev=/images?q=walgreens+app&hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 35.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 35.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><fill o:detectmouseclick="t"></fill><imagedata o:title="968-1-walgreens" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg"></imagedata></span></shape></span></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those who use Walgreen’s for prescriptions or photos this is a must have app.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, you can use your Smartphone to scan the barcode of your prescription and order a refill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick and easy, just the way I like things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, if you use Walgreen’s to print photos, you can upload your photos right from your phone and order prints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a day where every minute counts I can appreciate these time savers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sharing information</i><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.appbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bump-app-review-150x150.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.appbite.com/iphone-app-review-bump/&usg=__uPDpLKs0MMdTheWgEX8cywFEfz4=&h=103&w=103&sz=28&hl=en&start=3&zoom=1&tbnid=vVFjWdvKtvWyNM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=83&ei=xyE_Te2wKIOB8gaC-d3ZCg&prev=/images?q=bump+app&hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shape alt="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:vVFjWdvKtvWyNM:http://www.appbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bump-app-review-150x150.jpg" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.appbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bump-app-review-150x150.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.appbite.com/iphone-app-review-bump/&usg=__uPDpLKs0MMdTheWgEX8cywFEfz4=&h=103&w=103&sz=28&hl=en&start=3&zoom=1&tbnid=vVFjWdvKtvWyNM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=83&ei=xyE_Te2wKIOB8gaC-d3ZCg&prev=/images?q=bump+app&hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 29.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 29.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><fill o:detectmouseclick="t"></fill><imagedata o:title="bump-app-review-150x150" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.jpg"></imagedata></span></shape></span></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since I have a 6 month old daughter my husband and I are always taking pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I’m a photo fanatic so I can’t really blame this on my daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we take a lot of picture with our phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonderful thing about the Bump app is I can bump photos I take with my phone to my husband without having to send it as a text or email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the Bump app you can share contact information, photos, or apps with another smartphone user.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The up side to this app is that it does not matter if it is an Android or Iphone you can share information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the one in my house always getting new apps or pictures so now I just bump it to my husband.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Baby Milestones</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shape alt="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k1-vA6HJOk6m2M:http://cdn.androidblip.com/icn/com_solpari_baby_milestones____4980.png" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.androidblip.com/icn/com_solpari_baby_milestones____4980.png&imgrefurl=http://www.androidblip.com/android-apps/vin-decoder-90635-download.html&usg=__IyEXKs3GD-_ix75O1p8HdzWa5fc=&h=48&w=48&sz=2&hl=en&start=6&zoom=1&tbnid=k1-vA6HJOk6m2M:&tbnh=48&tbnw=48&ei=xSI_TZWbF4-q8AacmayxCg&prev=/images?q=solpari+baby+milestones+app&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&itbs=1" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 32.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 32.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <fill o:detectmouseclick="t"></fill><imagedata o:title="com_solpari_baby_milestones____4980" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg"></imagedata></span></shape></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before I had my daughter I use to scrapbook and do all types of crafts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the baby I have not had a chance to do this as much as I would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, I do want to make sure to keep up with important milestones and accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baby Milestones app allows you to log these milestones and accomplishments and attach a picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found this to be helpful and makes me feel like I’m not a complete slacker in saving memories for my daughter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This concludes my suggestions for this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot give you all the great tips in one blog because 1) my husband will say it is too long and not read it; and 2) you won’t come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-6161951779374712162010-11-22T18:49:00.000-06:002010-11-22T18:49:28.166-06:00P.W.O.C1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (English Standard Version)<br />
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15See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.<br />
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About 2 weeks ago I became very aggravated at my job. I quickly remembered that the devil is busy and that I needed to pray. I wrote PWOC on the white board in my office. A couple days later, I kept saying I need to read 1 Thessalonians. I read my Bible, but at that time I did not know what 1 Thessalonians said. Today I read the entire 1 Thessalonians and read this scripture. I know that this scripture is meant for me and someone else who needs to be reminded of this. <br />
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In this season of Thanksgiving we need to be sure to give thanks for all things. Be just as thankful for your problems as you are your blessings. The problem you have right now is setting you up for a blessing. You just have to remember to pray without ceasing and rejoice. <br />
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Have a blessed day. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155762755088634398.post-22034336983659782902010-11-19T18:01:00.000-06:002010-11-19T18:01:27.115-06:00Time to save. Don’t be a coupon snob.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">I can remember when I was in law school a friend of mine was always talking about using coupons at various restaurants and stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I was truly a poor college student, I think a part of me thought I was too good to use coupons. My….. how things have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finally started using coupons I realized that I can really save quite a bit of money using coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this economy, who does not like to save money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few ideas on how you can use coupons to help you save money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; text-transform: uppercase;">Store Coupons</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">I get the Sunday paper every week and go through all the sales advertisements and the coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many store advertisements have coupons in their weekly ads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These coupons range from 20-40% off or $10 off a $25 purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These coupons can add up to a pretty good savings rather quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Example We needed a travel system for my daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babies-R-Us gives 20% off coupons in the store, newspapers and in the mail all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The travel system cost $179.99, with the 20% off we paid around $135 plus tax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case you missed it I saved $44 with that coupon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Example 2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I did not have time to go to JCPenney on my lunch break I decided to do some quick shopping online while I at my lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with my $10 off $25 coupon I quickly find myself a deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I purchased a dress for my daughter that was on sale for $17.99 and SpongeBob pajamas for my nephew that was on sale for $9.99.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To avoid paying shipping cost I shipped to the local store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My final bill with tax was $19.64.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">If you have a store you constantly shop at you should go to their website and sign up for their emails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most stores will email you coupons on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is a short list of stores I regularly receive coupons from via email and regular mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Macy’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Michael’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Target<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Kroger</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">JoAnn’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Children’s Place</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Ann Taylor Loft<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>JCPenney</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Walgreen’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Babies-R-Us</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; text-transform: uppercase;">Grocery coupons</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">I realize that many people don’t want to bother with cutting coupons out of the paper every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you take the time to do this, you will see you can save well over $100 in grocery cost a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will see the coupons in the paper for 25¢ -$1 off a particular item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most grocery stores will double coupons that are up to 50¢.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.g. Kroger, Schnucks, and Meijer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yoplait® yogurt at Kroger costs $2.49, with the 50¢ off coupon doubled I now pay $1.49.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does not sound like much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I buy yogurt every week so if I save $1 a week I would save $52 in one year off yogurt alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Example 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colgate® Enamel Strength toothpaste usually goes on sale at Kroger for $2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the 50¢ double coupon I normally pay $1 for toothpaste. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">To really maximize savings on items such as these you should try to buy when on sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">If cutting coupons is not your thing you should try e-coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With e-coupons you do not have to worry about remembering your coupons, just hand the cashier your card and all coupons will be deducted at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">You can go to the following sites to add e-coupons to your Shopper’s Card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.kroger.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">www.Kroger.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.pgesaver.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">www.pgesaver.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cvs.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">www.cvs.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; text-transform: uppercase;">Text Coupons</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">In this great day of technology you can even have coupons text right to your phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not mind sharing your location via GPS, some stores can send you a text while you are walking in the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also apps available for smartphones that will send you a text based upon your location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be careful where you buy these apps from because as I previously stated your location will be shared.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Below is a list of stores I know have text coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you know of more please let me know and I will update the list.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Target<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>JCPenney<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Walgreen’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Express<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Meijer<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Babies-r-us</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; text-transform: uppercase;">Coupon codes</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Another source of technology savings is online coupon codes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are going to purchase something online always do a quick Google for coupon codes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are codes available for free shipping, certain dollar amounts off and much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0