With Christmas rapidly approaching, have you given any thought to what YOU want for Christmas? For most women, we spend the weeks leading up to the holiday providing for everyone else. When Christmas morning arrives, we frequently wake up to appliances or yet another set from Bath and Bodyworks.
This year, take charge of your wish list!! Amazon.com offers the opportunity to create your own wishlist. You can add any item on Amazon that your heart desires. In addition, Amazon offers a browser extension you can add. This extension allows you to add items from external sites to your Amazon wishlist so everything you want can be found in one place. I personally use Chrome and the extension works amazingly!
Head on over to Amazon and start creating your dream Christmas list! Trust me...your husband will thank you for taking the anxiety out of Christmas shopping!!
Love,
Jerri
Jerri's Empty Nest
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Frugal Shopping Online
One of the ways I save money online is through Ebates. If you enter your shopping destination through the ebates portal, you can receive anywhere from 1-20% cash back on your purchases.
Ebates has over 1500 participating stores offering cash back. These include Target, 1800 Flowers, and Amazon. Ebates also offers coupons when offered by the retailer for deals such as free shipping or a specified amount off of your order.
I have to be honest...half the time I forget to go through Ebates when I'm getting ready to shop! But it's one of my goals to remember and I have a note on my laptop to remind me!! I'm hoping to save a bundle this holiday season!!
If you're interested in getting cash back on your shopping, check out Ebates! Here is my personal referral link to get you started:
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=OarlEl1m3jzjG%2BQeRzfY2Q%3D%3D
Happy (frugal) shopping!!
Love,
Jerri
Ebates has over 1500 participating stores offering cash back. These include Target, 1800 Flowers, and Amazon. Ebates also offers coupons when offered by the retailer for deals such as free shipping or a specified amount off of your order.
I have to be honest...half the time I forget to go through Ebates when I'm getting ready to shop! But it's one of my goals to remember and I have a note on my laptop to remind me!! I'm hoping to save a bundle this holiday season!!
If you're interested in getting cash back on your shopping, check out Ebates! Here is my personal referral link to get you started:
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=OarlEl1m3jzjG%2BQeRzfY2Q%3D%3D
Happy (frugal) shopping!!
Love,
Jerri
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Celebration!
Keeping in the celebratory mood this week, here's a recipe for a drink perfect to toast with!
Lemon Blast
2 slices of fresh lemon
Sugar
1/2 ounce of limoncello
1/2 ounce of sour mix
4 ounces of ice cold prosecco
Use a lemon slice to moisten the edge of a champagne flute. Place sugar in a dish and press the rim of the champagne flute into the sugar to coat.
Slowly add 1/2 ounce of limoncelo, a squeeze of the fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of sour mix. Top with 4 ounces of prosecco. Garnish with the remaining lemon slice.
Salud!!!
Lemon Blast
2 slices of fresh lemon
Sugar
1/2 ounce of limoncello
1/2 ounce of sour mix
4 ounces of ice cold prosecco
Use a lemon slice to moisten the edge of a champagne flute. Place sugar in a dish and press the rim of the champagne flute into the sugar to coat.
Slowly add 1/2 ounce of limoncelo, a squeeze of the fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of sour mix. Top with 4 ounces of prosecco. Garnish with the remaining lemon slice.
Salud!!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I Did It!!
Back at the beginning of the year, I told you about a goal I had made that I was keeping to myself for the time being. Now that it has been accomplished, I am so excited to share it with you.
I assembled some of my blog posts on social media in to an e-book. I uploaded it to Amazon and held a free event this weekend. During the free event, I made the bestseller list for Interpersonal Relationship books!!!!
This was the last ranking I saw though my son did inform me that I cracked the top 10 around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning!!!! I have my first review on Amazon and it's rated 5 stars!!
Because the free event was for a limited time, my stay on the bestseller list was also limited. But I can say "I am an Amazon bestselling author!!" This is a lifetime dream that came true!!!
Although the book is no longer free...it is currently available for just 99 cents!! You can find it here: Social Media Musings
I so wanted to share this achievement with you all...thank you for reading what I have to say and making this possible!!
Love,
Jerri
I assembled some of my blog posts on social media in to an e-book. I uploaded it to Amazon and held a free event this weekend. During the free event, I made the bestseller list for Interpersonal Relationship books!!!!
This was the last ranking I saw though my son did inform me that I cracked the top 10 around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning!!!! I have my first review on Amazon and it's rated 5 stars!!
Because the free event was for a limited time, my stay on the bestseller list was also limited. But I can say "I am an Amazon bestselling author!!" This is a lifetime dream that came true!!!
Although the book is no longer free...it is currently available for just 99 cents!! You can find it here: Social Media Musings
I so wanted to share this achievement with you all...thank you for reading what I have to say and making this possible!!
Love,
Jerri
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, Monday
It's a rainy morning here today complete with thunder and lightning. It feels like a lazy day but of course, I have a to-do list three miles long!
Today would be the perfect day to slap on my sweats, crawl in bed, and read. I have about 5000 books downloaded and I would love to put a dent in them! The dogs are already napping after their morning walk and the temptation to join them is very strong!
I'm not going to stress myself about my list. I'll set some reasonable goals for today and do my best. Whatever doesn't get accomplished will most definitely be there tomorrow. I've already accomplished one thing...you're reading this blog post.
What are your favorite things to do on a rainy day?
Love,
Jerri
Today would be the perfect day to slap on my sweats, crawl in bed, and read. I have about 5000 books downloaded and I would love to put a dent in them! The dogs are already napping after their morning walk and the temptation to join them is very strong!
I'm not going to stress myself about my list. I'll set some reasonable goals for today and do my best. Whatever doesn't get accomplished will most definitely be there tomorrow. I've already accomplished one thing...you're reading this blog post.
What are your favorite things to do on a rainy day?
Love,
Jerri
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Celebrate Womanhood 2012
Today, September 16th is Celebrate Womanhood Day. In that spirit, I choose to honor the friendship between women as today's topic.
Friendship between women is a precious thing. Coming out of the worst year of my life, I can honestly say I wouldn't have made it without my friends.
Friends are your legs when you're too weak to walk.
Friends are your spirit when your's has been broken.
Friends are your voice when you are too terrified to speak.
Friends are your strength when you have nothing left.
Friends are your heart when your's has been shattered in to pieces.
Friends remind you how valuable you are when you've been told you're nothing.
Friends pick you back up when you've been beaten down.
Friends sing the song of your heart when you've forgotten the melody.
I am incredibly blessed to have the most amazing women in the world as my friends. Share this post with your friends to let them know you feel the same.
Love,
Jerri
Friendship between women is a precious thing. Coming out of the worst year of my life, I can honestly say I wouldn't have made it without my friends.
Friends are your legs when you're too weak to walk.
Friends are your spirit when your's has been broken.
Friends are your voice when you are too terrified to speak.
Friends are your strength when you have nothing left.
Friends are your heart when your's has been shattered in to pieces.
Friends remind you how valuable you are when you've been told you're nothing.
Friends pick you back up when you've been beaten down.
Friends sing the song of your heart when you've forgotten the melody.
I am incredibly blessed to have the most amazing women in the world as my friends. Share this post with your friends to let them know you feel the same.
Love,
Jerri
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Kid Fun!
Mini Pizzas
Ingredients:
2 English muffins, toasted
1 8 oz can pizza sauce
2 hot dogs
grated mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Spoon pizza sauce on to muffins. Thinly slice hot dogs and arrange on top of sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese has melted.
P.S. These are also good for big kids to take to work for lunch!!
Enjoy!!
Ingredients:
2 English muffins, toasted
1 8 oz can pizza sauce
2 hot dogs
grated mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Spoon pizza sauce on to muffins. Thinly slice hot dogs and arrange on top of sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese has melted.
P.S. These are also good for big kids to take to work for lunch!!
Enjoy!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Beating The Rush
A simple assignment for this weekend! It's something that needs to be done every year and something that usually gets put off until the last minute!
Christmas cards.
Yes, I said Christmas cards in September. We're going to take a tiny step this weekend and get a huge jump on the holiday season.
If you order personalized cards, do it now! This will avoid the problem of your favorite being out of stock and leave plenty of time for shipping. We all know personalized items seem to take more time than the company ever says it does.
Regardless of whether you need to order cards, get working on your list. Update addresses, get missing addresses, and figure out just how many cards you'll actually need. Use your social media accounts to reach friends you don't have addresses for or are adding to the list.
If you have decided that actual, physical cards just aren't in the budget this year (and I completely understand!), spend some time designing an e-card that reflects you and your family this holiday season. This also entails updating your address list...it's just in this case it's your contact list and current emails.
Now you have your assignment...and so do I!! Have fun!!
Love,
Jerri
Christmas cards.
Yes, I said Christmas cards in September. We're going to take a tiny step this weekend and get a huge jump on the holiday season.
If you order personalized cards, do it now! This will avoid the problem of your favorite being out of stock and leave plenty of time for shipping. We all know personalized items seem to take more time than the company ever says it does.
Regardless of whether you need to order cards, get working on your list. Update addresses, get missing addresses, and figure out just how many cards you'll actually need. Use your social media accounts to reach friends you don't have addresses for or are adding to the list.
If you have decided that actual, physical cards just aren't in the budget this year (and I completely understand!), spend some time designing an e-card that reflects you and your family this holiday season. This also entails updating your address list...it's just in this case it's your contact list and current emails.
Now you have your assignment...and so do I!! Have fun!!
Love,
Jerri
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Indulgence?
Do you consider listening to someone vent or express their feelings an indulgence? Does it matter if it is a friend or just an acquaintance?
Recently I heard a friend say they weren't going to indulge someone by validating how they felt about something. That made me so sad to think that someone could be so dismissive of another's pain.
It only takes a few minutes of your day to listen to a friend. They don't expect you to fix the problem, they just want to share what's in their heart. To dismiss them or their feelings makes that person feel invisible, that they don't count, and that they don't matter. No one deserves that sort of treatment, particularly from a friend.
The next time you're tempted to rush off the phone or out the door, stop and think for just a second. Could those few minutes of listening make a difference in that person's day or life? Have a seat, get comfortable, and let that friend know that they matter.
Love,
Jerri
Recently I heard a friend say they weren't going to indulge someone by validating how they felt about something. That made me so sad to think that someone could be so dismissive of another's pain.
It only takes a few minutes of your day to listen to a friend. They don't expect you to fix the problem, they just want to share what's in their heart. To dismiss them or their feelings makes that person feel invisible, that they don't count, and that they don't matter. No one deserves that sort of treatment, particularly from a friend.
The next time you're tempted to rush off the phone or out the door, stop and think for just a second. Could those few minutes of listening make a difference in that person's day or life? Have a seat, get comfortable, and let that friend know that they matter.
Love,
Jerri
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Simple Pleasures
In today's economy, people are having to cut back on everything but the basics. That made me think of things I enjoy that are either free or don't cost much. Here are some of what crossed my mind.
- A good book
- An email from a friend
- A phone call from my child
- Raspberry Zingers
- A hug
- A soft kiss
- Guilty pleasure television
- Crossing an item of a to-do list
- Winning a giveaway
- Petting my dogs
Pleasure doesn't have to be expensive. Look at just one day of your life and notice the small, simple things that make you smile during the course of a day. You'll be surprised how many there are!!
Love,
Jerri
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Fall's Treasures
We're getting close to the beginning of fall and I thought I would share a few of my favorite things about fall.
1. The changing colors of the leaves on the trees.
2. Brisk morning air.
3. Pulling out the cashmere sweaters.
4. Boots, boots, boots!
5. Apple cider.
6. Cool evening walks.
7. School is in session.
8. Football.
9. Cool sleeping weather.
10. Stews and soups.
What are some of your favorites? Let me know!
Love,
Jerri
1. The changing colors of the leaves on the trees.
2. Brisk morning air.
3. Pulling out the cashmere sweaters.
4. Boots, boots, boots!
5. Apple cider.
6. Cool evening walks.
7. School is in session.
8. Football.
9. Cool sleeping weather.
10. Stews and soups.
What are some of your favorites? Let me know!
Love,
Jerri
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Back to the Oven
Now that it's approaching fall, it's time to fire up that oven again! Here's a yummy recipe to get you warmed up:
Oven Steak
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb (at least 1/2 inch thick) round steak
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package onion soup mix
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place steak in a greased 9x13 baking pan and salt and pepper to taste. Pour soup and 1/2 cup water over steak and sprinkle with onion soup mix. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for two hours.
Enjoy!!
Oven Steak
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb (at least 1/2 inch thick) round steak
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package onion soup mix
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place steak in a greased 9x13 baking pan and salt and pepper to taste. Pour soup and 1/2 cup water over steak and sprinkle with onion soup mix. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for two hours.
Enjoy!!
Friday, September 7, 2012
My Favorite
To celebrate my friends this Friday, I decided to share a few of my favorite friendship quotes. Hope you enjoy them!
“A Friend is a treasure. More precious than Gold, For love shared is priceless And never grows old.”
“I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship.” Pietro Aretino
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” Winnie the Pooh
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Tennessee Williams
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Jerri
“A Friend is a treasure. More precious than Gold, For love shared is priceless And never grows old.”
“I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship.” Pietro Aretino
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” Winnie the Pooh
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Tennessee Williams
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Jerri
Thursday, September 6, 2012
No Bones
I saw a statement the other day that said "A tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break a heart". I don't think there were truer words ever spoken.
Repeated criticism and/or name calling can break down even the strongest individual. If a kind word rarely passes your lips, it speaks volumes more about you than your intended target. Is kindness really an unobtainable goal?
A while ago, gossip blogger Perez Hilton changed his ways. He went from writing vitriolic, anger driven posts to writing the same news but from a positive perspective. He is still telling the truth, but doing it in a manner that is not meant to deliberately cause pain.
Think of your own interactions with those you love. Do you speak kinder to acquaintances and strangers than you do to the one you love? Do you greet people with a smile all day and walk through the front door at night with a scowl? Has your tongue broken any hearts today?
Love,
Jerri
Repeated criticism and/or name calling can break down even the strongest individual. If a kind word rarely passes your lips, it speaks volumes more about you than your intended target. Is kindness really an unobtainable goal?
A while ago, gossip blogger Perez Hilton changed his ways. He went from writing vitriolic, anger driven posts to writing the same news but from a positive perspective. He is still telling the truth, but doing it in a manner that is not meant to deliberately cause pain.
Think of your own interactions with those you love. Do you speak kinder to acquaintances and strangers than you do to the one you love? Do you greet people with a smile all day and walk through the front door at night with a scowl? Has your tongue broken any hearts today?
Love,
Jerri
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Another Option
In the past, I've reviewed how to enter sweepstakes through Facebook and Twitter. There is another option that is sitting in the bottom of your purse or stuffed in your wallet at this very moment.
Pull out your last grocery or home improvement store receipt. In the majority of cases, there will be a survey opportunity listed on the bottom or the back of the receipt. These retailers are sincerely interested in your feedback and most offer a sweepstakes incentive to encourage you to complete the survey. Some offer electronic prizes such as iPods and iPads...other offer cash.
What do you have to lose? By providing feedback, you can improve your shopping experience and possibly win a prize. The next time you clean out your purse or wallet...think twice before that receipt hits the trash or recycling bin!!
Love,
Jerri
Pull out your last grocery or home improvement store receipt. In the majority of cases, there will be a survey opportunity listed on the bottom or the back of the receipt. These retailers are sincerely interested in your feedback and most offer a sweepstakes incentive to encourage you to complete the survey. Some offer electronic prizes such as iPods and iPads...other offer cash.
What do you have to lose? By providing feedback, you can improve your shopping experience and possibly win a prize. The next time you clean out your purse or wallet...think twice before that receipt hits the trash or recycling bin!!
Love,
Jerri
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Paralyzed
I have a question for y'all. Have you ever needed to do something, or ask someone something and were just paralyzed by fear?
How did you overcome the fear? Did you just power through it? Did you just not do whatever it was?
Did you rely on prayer? Did you talk it out with a friend? Or did you internalize it all? If you internalized, how did you function each day?
Okay, so one questions is closer to a dozen. I'm interested to hear what y'all have to say!
Love,
Jerri
How did you overcome the fear? Did you just power through it? Did you just not do whatever it was?
Did you rely on prayer? Did you talk it out with a friend? Or did you internalize it all? If you internalized, how did you function each day?
Okay, so one questions is closer to a dozen. I'm interested to hear what y'all have to say!
Love,
Jerri
Monday, September 3, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Labor...Easy!
Orange Salad
Ingredients:
1 pkg orange gelatin
1 pkg lemon gelatin
1 pint orange sherbert
2 11 oz cans mandarin oranges
Directions:
Place both gelatins in a bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Mix until gelatin is dissolved. Fold in sherbert and stir until thoroughly blended. Add oranges, pour in to a mold or pan and chill.
Enjoy!!!
Ingredients:
1 pkg orange gelatin
1 pkg lemon gelatin
1 pint orange sherbert
2 11 oz cans mandarin oranges
Directions:
Place both gelatins in a bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Mix until gelatin is dissolved. Fold in sherbert and stir until thoroughly blended. Add oranges, pour in to a mold or pan and chill.
Enjoy!!!
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