As Cyber Week winds down, have you stuck to your budget?
I have!! Okay, I'll be honest. I don't have a Christmas budget this year so I haven't shopped!! I have, however, been diligent at working on my money maker sites so I will have some to spend!! So far, I've built my Amazon credits over $60. Not a fortune, but it will help with Christmas!
A quick reminder...December 17th is Internet Free Shipping Day. Thousands of websites will offer free shipping so keep that date in mind for any last minute purchases you need to make.
Have a great weekend!!
Love,
Jerri
Jerri's Empty Nest
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Happy Holidays
Every year around this time, you begin to see people complaining about the use of "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas". Personally, I don't have a problem with the use of "Happy Holidays". Allow me to explain.
Why "Happy Holidays"? Simply put, Christmas isn't the only holiday at this time of year. You also have Yule, Kwanzaa, and Chanukkah. Christianity is not the only religion whose major holiday occurs in December.
Is it arrogance that has people assuming it's Christmas and only Christmas? I don't think so. I believe it's just too easy to click a share button or re-tweet without taking that extra few seconds to think.
Is it deliberate disrespect to friends and neighbors? I don't believe it's that reason either. I think that people live in their own little bubbles and rarely look outside. It's more a matter of ignorance than discrimination.
I will continue to use "Happy Holidays". I will also use "Merry Christmas", "Happy Chanukkah", "Happy Kwanzaa", and "Blessed Yule". I know there's probably still some holidays I missed and for that, my sincere apologies!
And those are my random thoughts this morning...
Why "Happy Holidays"? Simply put, Christmas isn't the only holiday at this time of year. You also have Yule, Kwanzaa, and Chanukkah. Christianity is not the only religion whose major holiday occurs in December.
Is it arrogance that has people assuming it's Christmas and only Christmas? I don't think so. I believe it's just too easy to click a share button or re-tweet without taking that extra few seconds to think.
Is it deliberate disrespect to friends and neighbors? I don't believe it's that reason either. I think that people live in their own little bubbles and rarely look outside. It's more a matter of ignorance than discrimination.
I will continue to use "Happy Holidays". I will also use "Merry Christmas", "Happy Chanukkah", "Happy Kwanzaa", and "Blessed Yule". I know there's probably still some holidays I missed and for that, my sincere apologies!
And those are my random thoughts this morning...
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Winning Christmas
My Christmas budget is pretty non-existent this year. To try to pad it a bit, I've been entering every sweeps I can find.
The best place I've found for sweepstakes is Facebook. Almost every store and brand has some kind of holiday sweepstakes in progress. This is also true of small businesses. I've already won a gift pack of baking mixes...which will definitely help with the holiday baking!
Also watch your friends' pages. If they are anything like me, they'll be entering also. The possibilities are good that they will enter one you haven't seen yet and you can enter off their post. In a large number of sweeps, if you enter off of a friend's post...they will receive an additional entry themselves. You not only have a chance to win but you help out a friend!
So log on, start entering, and WIN!!!
Love,
Jerri
The best place I've found for sweepstakes is Facebook. Almost every store and brand has some kind of holiday sweepstakes in progress. This is also true of small businesses. I've already won a gift pack of baking mixes...which will definitely help with the holiday baking!
Also watch your friends' pages. If they are anything like me, they'll be entering also. The possibilities are good that they will enter one you haven't seen yet and you can enter off their post. In a large number of sweeps, if you enter off of a friend's post...they will receive an additional entry themselves. You not only have a chance to win but you help out a friend!
So log on, start entering, and WIN!!!
Love,
Jerri
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Cyber Monday Redux
Yes, I know it's Tuesday! Amazon, though, is continuing their Cyber Monday deals all week.
You have to check the site on a regular basis...the deals change every couple of hours and they sell out fast! If the particular deal you are interested in isn't available at the moment, click the "join the waitlist" button and hope you can still score one!
So far I've noticed that the best deals seem to be on DVDs and blu-ray discs. There have also been some incredible deals on laptops but those aren't in my budget so I didn't pay too much attention to those.
Let me know what you score!!
Love,
Jerri
You have to check the site on a regular basis...the deals change every couple of hours and they sell out fast! If the particular deal you are interested in isn't available at the moment, click the "join the waitlist" button and hope you can still score one!
So far I've noticed that the best deals seem to be on DVDs and blu-ray discs. There have also been some incredible deals on laptops but those aren't in my budget so I didn't pay too much attention to those.
Let me know what you score!!
Love,
Jerri
Monday, November 26, 2012
Cyber Monday
Today is the biggest shopping day of the year for online retailers. Here are a few tips to help with your shopping adventure.
- Check to see if the retailer of your choice is available for cash back at ebates. If you're going to be shopping, at least get some of it back!
- Check websites such as CouponCabin for free shipping or discount coupons.
- Make sure any checkout page you use exhibits the "https" and is secure.
- Keep an eye on Amazon all day as CyberMonday deals will come and go throughout the day.
- Stick to your budget!! Overspending will just cause stress and suck the joy right out of the holiday!
Now, go forth and shop!!!
Love,
Jerri
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Mint Chocolate Lip Balm
A different recipe today...not one you can eat but a perfect homemade gift for the holidays!
Ingredients:
Petroleum jelly
Small metal tin
Cocoa
Peppermint extract or essential oil
Directions:
Melt the petroleum jelly in either a microwave safe container or by putting the jelly in a plastic bag and submerging into hot water. In a small bowl, mix together the jelly and cocoa. The amount used is up to you to achieve the flavor and color you prefer. Add three drops of peppermint. Pour the liquefied jelly in to a small metal tin. Allow to set for at least three hours.
Enjoy!!!
Ingredients:
Petroleum jelly
Small metal tin
Cocoa
Peppermint extract or essential oil
Directions:
Melt the petroleum jelly in either a microwave safe container or by putting the jelly in a plastic bag and submerging into hot water. In a small bowl, mix together the jelly and cocoa. The amount used is up to you to achieve the flavor and color you prefer. Add three drops of peppermint. Pour the liquefied jelly in to a small metal tin. Allow to set for at least three hours.
Enjoy!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Money Update
First a piece of business. Due to a change in management, Superpoints is currently unavailable. Hopefully, they will be under new management soon and once again available to earn gift cards!
Now on to the update.
Even without the use of Superpoints this month, I managed to sock away $40 in my Amazon account. Not bad for just a few minutes each day!! Every penny of that is being saved for Christmas gifts...no more buying books for me until after the holidays!!
Have you checked out the Moneymakers tab above? Would you like free money to spend for Christmas? Or how about after Christmas to get what you really want?
Head over to the Moneymakers tab, get clicking, and earn money!!
Love,
Jerri
Now on to the update.
Even without the use of Superpoints this month, I managed to sock away $40 in my Amazon account. Not bad for just a few minutes each day!! Every penny of that is being saved for Christmas gifts...no more buying books for me until after the holidays!!
Have you checked out the Moneymakers tab above? Would you like free money to spend for Christmas? Or how about after Christmas to get what you really want?
Head over to the Moneymakers tab, get clicking, and earn money!!
Love,
Jerri
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A Change
A slight change has been made to my blog.
Due to some individuals using my blog as a vehicle for disrespect and harassment, anonymous comments will no longer be accepted by this blog. If you have a legitimate comment to make, there should be no problem signing your name to that comment.
I've also been asked by a few readers who the individual is that tags my more heartfelt posts as "funny". This person does not deserve to be identified, discussed, or mentioned after this post. Whomever they may be, the fact that they take the time out of their day to perform a hateful act on a regular basis is just sad and pathetic. Please realize that I seriously cleaned up the language on the first sentence of this paragraph. The queries that I received were in much more colorful terms!
I realize as a writer that my words mean different things to different people and that they may have a completely different context for someone than my original intent when writing. That is the nature of the beast. I have no control what people read in to my words, or if they think that my posts personally pertain to them. When I write, it is about situations I have observed, not individuals. I will also post on friends' behalf when they want a topic addressed and don't have the means to do so. When doing this, I write from my perspective, both to personalize the post and to protect the anonymity of the requester.
I now send these words out to the world. There is no telling what will be made of them but as soon as I hit "Publish", they no longer belong to me.
Love,
Jerri
Due to some individuals using my blog as a vehicle for disrespect and harassment, anonymous comments will no longer be accepted by this blog. If you have a legitimate comment to make, there should be no problem signing your name to that comment.
I've also been asked by a few readers who the individual is that tags my more heartfelt posts as "funny". This person does not deserve to be identified, discussed, or mentioned after this post. Whomever they may be, the fact that they take the time out of their day to perform a hateful act on a regular basis is just sad and pathetic. Please realize that I seriously cleaned up the language on the first sentence of this paragraph. The queries that I received were in much more colorful terms!
I realize as a writer that my words mean different things to different people and that they may have a completely different context for someone than my original intent when writing. That is the nature of the beast. I have no control what people read in to my words, or if they think that my posts personally pertain to them. When I write, it is about situations I have observed, not individuals. I will also post on friends' behalf when they want a topic addressed and don't have the means to do so. When doing this, I write from my perspective, both to personalize the post and to protect the anonymity of the requester.
I now send these words out to the world. There is no telling what will be made of them but as soon as I hit "Publish", they no longer belong to me.
Love,
Jerri
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Mailbox to Suitcase
One of the freebies I've mentioned before are samples. You may think that they are not worth your time to get a one-use sample of something but they really do come in handy.
While traveling recently, I used sample sizes of deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dental floss, and wipes. That was just on one trip. It made my packing easier, I didn't have to worry about the correct sizes for security, and when the sample was gone, I threw it away. I didn't have to worry about packing empty bottles to take home to refill.
Not traveling? They are still useful! Do you have an overnight guest on the way? Pick up a small basket at a dollar store and fill it with sample sizes of various things they'll need during their stay. You can also pick up a small washcloth to use as a liner for the basket. Include a few different brands of shampoo, etc. to suit whatever need they may have. It never fails that you forget to pack something and you'll be ready to fill their need.
Free samples coming in mean less money going out. Say that you purchase a bottle of shampoo for $4.00. You get 20 uses out of the bottle. That's 20 cents per use. Using a sample of shampoo you received then saves you that same 20 cents. Is it a fortune saved? No. Does it still save you money? Yep!!
Samples are available all over the internet. Check the webpages of your favorite brands and follow them on Facebook. Target, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club also offer samples. For the investment of just a few minutes of your time, you can save money and have products you need.
Happy sampling!!
Love,
Jerri
While traveling recently, I used sample sizes of deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dental floss, and wipes. That was just on one trip. It made my packing easier, I didn't have to worry about the correct sizes for security, and when the sample was gone, I threw it away. I didn't have to worry about packing empty bottles to take home to refill.
Not traveling? They are still useful! Do you have an overnight guest on the way? Pick up a small basket at a dollar store and fill it with sample sizes of various things they'll need during their stay. You can also pick up a small washcloth to use as a liner for the basket. Include a few different brands of shampoo, etc. to suit whatever need they may have. It never fails that you forget to pack something and you'll be ready to fill their need.
Free samples coming in mean less money going out. Say that you purchase a bottle of shampoo for $4.00. You get 20 uses out of the bottle. That's 20 cents per use. Using a sample of shampoo you received then saves you that same 20 cents. Is it a fortune saved? No. Does it still save you money? Yep!!
Samples are available all over the internet. Check the webpages of your favorite brands and follow them on Facebook. Target, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club also offer samples. For the investment of just a few minutes of your time, you can save money and have products you need.
Happy sampling!!
Love,
Jerri
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Flying Away
I'm flying home today. I am blessed that I was able to attend the funeral of my dear friend's son.
As I prepare to head to the airport, there are a few thoughts I'd like to share.
I get to fly back to my life. I'll get up tomorrow morning and immediately re-enter my normal routine. For my friend, there is a whole new normal she will have to adjust to living. Her world has been forever drastically altered. I would do anything to ease her pain.
Every moment is precious. I mean every single moment. Do not put things off until "later". Later may not be available. If there is a person, event, activity that means something to you...do it now. Do not waste time that you may not have.
Let the ones you love know how you feel. The ones who judge, or hate? Let them go. Life is too precious to waste valuable time or energy on those who mean you harm. That toxicity steals from your very life force. Don't allow them that power.
Don't be afraid to hug. The human touch is one of the most valuable gifts we can share that also returns to the giver. It provides love and comfort to those in need and doesn't cost a damn cent. Spend your hugs freely.
Be bold. Take risks. Life is too short to miss any adventure or new experience. This is one I personally struggle with but I'm trying to do better.
If there was one lesson I learned this weekend...it is to love hard. Love fully, unconditionally, and without restraint. Not only do you need that, but the people receiving your love need it also. End each phone conversation or face to face meeting with those three little words. It may be your last chance to tell them so.
Love,
Jerri
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Sounds of Heartbreak
The soft rustle of suit coats and fancy dresses as family and friends reach out to each other for comfort and strength.
The laughter as memories and stories are shared and a life is celebrated.
Soft sobs as people sit in quiet reflection.
A mother's cry as the casket is closed.
The revving of engines as the Patriot Guard prepares to ride.
The tick of flashers in the funeral procession.
The snap of flags lovingly placed on veterans' graves.
A 21 gun salute, each volley a virtual assault causing actual physical pain.
The murmur of a Marine's voice as flags are presented to a widow and a mother.
The cry of a baby not understanding why her mother is sobbing.
The click of a camera shutter, grabbing memories for a baby girl to hold what she will not remember.
Car doors slamming as mourners drift away.
The laughter as memories and stories are shared and a life is celebrated.
Soft sobs as people sit in quiet reflection.
A mother's cry as the casket is closed.
The revving of engines as the Patriot Guard prepares to ride.
The tick of flashers in the funeral procession.
The snap of flags lovingly placed on veterans' graves.
A 21 gun salute, each volley a virtual assault causing actual physical pain.
The murmur of a Marine's voice as flags are presented to a widow and a mother.
The cry of a baby not understanding why her mother is sobbing.
The click of a camera shutter, grabbing memories for a baby girl to hold what she will not remember.
Car doors slamming as mourners drift away.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Veterans' Day
On this Veterans' Day, I would like to thank and honor all those with whom I was privileged to serve and all those who came before.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Pauline's Corn Casserole
A family favorite...you will love it!!
Pauline's Corn Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can cream corn
1 can whole kernel corn
1 cup sour cream
1 stick margarine
1 box cornbread mix
2 eggs, beaten
Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Bake in 8 by 11 casserole dish for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle top with cheese if desired.
Enjoy!!
Pauline's Corn Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can cream corn
1 can whole kernel corn
1 cup sour cream
1 stick margarine
1 box cornbread mix
2 eggs, beaten
Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Bake in 8 by 11 casserole dish for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle top with cheese if desired.
Enjoy!!
Friday, November 9, 2012
A Tribute
For those of you that have been following my posts about Sgt. Kenneth (Danny) Reich...this is the link to his obituary and guestbook. If you would, please leave your thoughts for his family.
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Kenneth-Reich&lc=4351&pid=160934206&mid=5299607
There is also a beautiful video at the link. Please view and celebrate Danny's life.
Love,
Jerri
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Kenneth-Reich&lc=4351&pid=160934206&mid=5299607
There is also a beautiful video at the link. Please view and celebrate Danny's life.
Love,
Jerri
Thursday, November 8, 2012
From A Mother's Heart
The following was posted by Danny's mother on the Prayers for Danny Facebook page. It is my privilege to share her message with you.
Danny used to ask me "Mom, if everything happens for a reason, like you say, then why is this happening to me? I have tried to live my life to be the best person possible, I tried to do everything right." I would tell him "Danny, I don't kn
ow, maybe someday you are going to help someone else get through cancer, maybe someday I will have cancer and you will help me. Honey I don't know why." Now after his year and a half fight, I too have been trying to understand what the reason was. Why did he have to fight sooo hard for sooo long to still end up losing his life. Then someone posted something about their pains seeming small compared to what he went through and that he was such an inspiration. That made some sort of sense to me. That maybe Danny went through what he did in order to help others cope, with grace when faced with hard times or pain. I hope in the future whenever anyone out there feels overwhelmed or that they can't go on, you think of Danny and know that you can. I was looking for music for his funeral and I came across this and just had to share it with the legions of facebookers that are hurting right along with us, Danny's family.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A New Day
When I wrote yesterday's post, I was hopeful. It turns out I was also incredibly naive. Today has brought a new round of vile, disrespectful, and hate-filled speech. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I will let yesterday's words stand again today. My wish is that people will read and take them to heart.
Election Day
No matter the outcome today, there are things I wish for my country.
I wish a return to:
Civility
Kindness
Tolerance
Respect
Honesty
I wish to see the end of:
Hatred
Name Calling
Intolerance
Disrespect
Deceit
You would think that these are every day, run of the mill behaviors. You wouldn't expect that this would be something that you need to hope and wish for. This election season has proven that this is not the case. I hope you join me in these wishes.
Love,
Jerri
I wish a return to:
Civility
Kindness
Tolerance
Respect
Honesty
I wish to see the end of:
Hatred
Name Calling
Intolerance
Disrespect
Deceit
You would think that these are every day, run of the mill behaviors. You wouldn't expect that this would be something that you need to hope and wish for. This election season has proven that this is not the case. I hope you join me in these wishes.
Love,
Jerri
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
No matter the outcome today, there are things I wish for my country.
I wish a return to:
Civility
Kindness
Tolerance
Respect
Honesty
I wish to see the end of:
Hatred
Name Calling
Intolerance
Disrespect
Deceit
You would think that these are every day, run of the mill behaviors. You wouldn't expect that this would be something that you need to hope and wish for. This election season has proven that this is not the case. I hope you join me in these wishes.
Love,
Jerri
I wish a return to:
Civility
Kindness
Tolerance
Respect
Honesty
I wish to see the end of:
Hatred
Name Calling
Intolerance
Disrespect
Deceit
You would think that these are every day, run of the mill behaviors. You wouldn't expect that this would be something that you need to hope and wish for. This election season has proven that this is not the case. I hope you join me in these wishes.
Love,
Jerri
Monday, November 5, 2012
Until...
Watching "The View" this morning, I heard a performance by singer Ne-Yo. The name of the song is "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)". It really caught my attention.
For someone who just went through a divorce and stood by another friend going through one of the nastiest divorces I've ever seen...that title pretty much says it all. Divorce beats the hell out of your emotional strength, reducing you to a gelatinous mess. You spend too much time wondering what you did wrong, what's wrong with you, and if anyone will love you ever again.
What she and I both need are men and friends who live that title. Our ability to love ourselves is damaged and will take time to repair. It's a vicious cycle. Our failure to love ourselves right now makes us doubt everyone. We push people away or question whether their feelings are true. Our own insecurities become self-fulfilling prophecies.
It is those who truly love us who are still standing next to us. They realize that patience and steadfastness will win out and carry us through the gloom. We are lucky to have them.
For your listening pleasure...here is the link to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crrOl0egI00
Love,
Jerri
For someone who just went through a divorce and stood by another friend going through one of the nastiest divorces I've ever seen...that title pretty much says it all. Divorce beats the hell out of your emotional strength, reducing you to a gelatinous mess. You spend too much time wondering what you did wrong, what's wrong with you, and if anyone will love you ever again.
What she and I both need are men and friends who live that title. Our ability to love ourselves is damaged and will take time to repair. It's a vicious cycle. Our failure to love ourselves right now makes us doubt everyone. We push people away or question whether their feelings are true. Our own insecurities become self-fulfilling prophecies.
It is those who truly love us who are still standing next to us. They realize that patience and steadfastness will win out and carry us through the gloom. We are lucky to have them.
For your listening pleasure...here is the link to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crrOl0egI00
Love,
Jerri
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A New Angel
There is no greater pain in this world, I believe, than the pain of a parent who has lost a child. It happened to one of my dearest friends this week and I cannot imagine her pain. I don't have the words to comfort her.
But I hope she knows how much her son loved her. I hope she knows that he felt so safe and secure when she walked in to his hospital room in Hawaii for the first time. I hope she knows how he loved each and every card she made sure were sent to his hospital room. I hope she knows the pride he felt at finally introducing his wife to her. I hope she knows the incredible joy he felt seeing his daughter snuggled in his mother's arms. I hope she knows how he treasured each moment he spent with his sisters and brother.
I hope she knows she has a new guardian angel watching over her. I hope she knows he will always be there in her heart. I hope she knows.
My words are inadequate. I close this post with her own words. I hope she knows I love her.
Heaven has a new Angel, Marine Sgt. Kenneth D. Reich passed Oct. 30, 2012 @ 7:30 pm of MDS. He leaves behind his wife Sayuri Furuyama-Reich and 19 month old daughter Nanami Reich. His mom (me) Patricia Kenner, step-dad Grant Kenner. Siblings Brandy Reich, Anna Reich, Kimberly Kenner and William Kenner. A nephew, Jose A. Perez III, and a niece Angelica Perez. Please visit his page, *Prayers For Danny* I lost a huge part of my heart and the USMC lost one of their best.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-for-Danny/186130084781445?fref=ts
But I hope she knows how much her son loved her. I hope she knows that he felt so safe and secure when she walked in to his hospital room in Hawaii for the first time. I hope she knows how he loved each and every card she made sure were sent to his hospital room. I hope she knows the pride he felt at finally introducing his wife to her. I hope she knows the incredible joy he felt seeing his daughter snuggled in his mother's arms. I hope she knows how he treasured each moment he spent with his sisters and brother.
I hope she knows she has a new guardian angel watching over her. I hope she knows he will always be there in her heart. I hope she knows.
My words are inadequate. I close this post with her own words. I hope she knows I love her.
Heaven has a new Angel, Marine Sgt. Kenneth D. Reich passed Oct. 30, 2012 @ 7:30 pm of MDS. He leaves behind his wife Sayuri Furuyama-Reich and 19 month old daughter Nanami Reich. His mom (me) Patricia Kenner, step-dad Grant Kenner. Siblings Brandy Reich, Anna Reich, Kimberly Kenner and William Kenner. A nephew, Jose A. Perez III, and a niece Angelica Perez. Please visit his page, *Prayers For Danny* I lost a huge part of my heart and the USMC lost one of their best.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-for-Danny/186130084781445?fref=ts
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