A Bit of Business Part Four

Today we're going to address this blog itself.

I admit, when I first began my blog...I had no idea what a numbers game it would truly end up being.  Absolutely no clue!!

See the ads on the sides and bottom of this post?  I get paid every time someone clicks on one of the ads.  Let me be clear...we are talking a penny or two per click.  That translates to a whole lot of clicks before I make any real money at all!

When you click on an ad, you are under NO obligation to buy!!  I won't be paid any more if you make a purchase, that is entirely up to you!  I am paid strictly per click and there is absolutely NO pressure coming from my end for any purchase whatsoever.  I will never pressure you to buy anything on this blog.  Even if I am doing a product review, the opinions are just that...my opinions!  They are not a push to buy any particular product.  You, my darling readers, are grown adults and more than capable of making those decisions on your own!!

Another component of the numbers game is the number of followers on the blog.  Over on the right hand side, you'll see the option to follow the blog via Google Friend Connect.  If you haven't already become a follower, please take a second out of your day and join now!  You'll be glad you did!

Love,
Jerri

A Bit of Business Part Three

Just a bit more today on the Facebook fan page.

Facebook rates the success of a fan page by the number of fans and the amount of interaction.  So what exactly does that mean?

Facebook tracks the number of people who have liked the page.  The more likes, the more successful the page is considered.  In addition, it counts how many people have viewed each individual post.

Another tracking by Facebook is how many likes each individual post receives, how many times it was shared, and which posts are the most commented on.  That's a lot of tracking!!

When you visit my fan page, please do me a favor and click like on those posts you've enjoyed!  Comment and let me know your thoughts.  And be sure to let your friends and family know about the page and invite them to join!!

Thank you all so much for your support!!

Love,
Jerri

A Bit of Business Part Two

Today we're going to cover a tiny bit...my Facebook fan page.

This is the easiest way while on Facebook to keep up with the daily posts.  And it's easy!  All you have to do is "Like" the page.  Once you've liked the page, you can choose the option to not only have the posts show in your daily news feed, but also receive a notification whenever a new post is published.

There are also instances when content or comments are posted solely on the fan page.  It's rare, but it does occur!  I know you don't want to miss a thing!

It's also a wonderful forum for fans to interact with each other, send me a message if you prefer to make a private comment, and to share a particular post with others on Facebook.

Head on over to Jerri's Empty Nest and hit that "Like" button!  You'll be glad you did!!

Love,
Jerri

A Bit of Business

This week will cover just a few little business matters on my blog and fan page.  Not the most thrilling topics, I'm aware, but something that has to be done every once in a while.  Please bear with me and who knows...you might learn something you didn't know!

First on deck for the week is my ebook, "Social Media Musings".  I'll be doing a free promotion event this week so if you haven't grabbed it yet, here is your opportunity.

Social Media Musings will be free this week from February 26th through February 28th.  After the 28th, it will return to it's usual 99 cent purchase price.  Which, personally, I still think is a great deal!!

The last time Social Media Musings was offered in a free promotion, it made it on to Amazon's bestseller list.  Let's see if we can do it again!

Thank you, my darling fans, for your support!!

Love,
Jerri

Sweet and Spicy!

No, I'm not talking about me!!  You'll love this chicken, though!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Ingredients:

2 whole chickens, cut up

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

2/3 cup local honey

1/4 cup Creole mustard

1 teaspoon curry powder

Directions:

Put chicken, skin side up in a 9x13 baking dish.  Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes, basting every 20 minutes. 

Enjoy!!

Frugal Homework

I have an assignment I need to do.  I have to write a paper, using a movie as my basis.  It can't be just any movie...it has to be a movie with a legal theme.  And not just any legal theme, it has to be business related.

By now, you know me.  If I have to have something, I'm going to get it for cheap or even better, free!

I chose my movie based on a list I Googled for top legal business movies.  After choosing "North Country", I headed over to Amazon.  I found the dvd for $5.99, added it to my cart, and headed for checkout.

At checkout, I had a $5.00 Amazon promotion code on dvds.  I'm now down to $.99!  Of course, I also had Amazon credit built up so those last few cents were covered!

My homework assignment is covered, I get a great movie, and all for free!!

Trust me on this one...you can do it too!!  It just takes a little work and paying attention to freebies when they're posted!

Love,
Jerri

Capacity

I am constantly amazed by a human being's individual capacity.  What do I mean?  Well, a lot of things depending on the individual.

I am amazed by the capacity of a mother dealing with an autistic child and the depth of her love and dedication.

I am amazed by the capacity of a friend to dream; to charge forward in to her future.

I am amazed by the capacity of friends to love, to support, to offer their shoulder to cry on regardless of what they themselves may be dealing with on a daily basis.

I am amazed at the capacity for love a mother feels for her children, truly unconditional.

I am amazed at the capacity for the pain someone can go through and still get up and live every morning.

I am also unfortunately amazed by the capacity for anger and hatred I see in others.  That is more of a sad amazement, as I feel nothing but pity that so much of their time and energy is wasted in such a manner.

I prefer, however, to focus on the things that amaze me and bring me joy, feed my soul, and lift my spirit.  I hope you do the same!

Love,

Jerri

Expiration Dates

Please read the following:


"I, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Do you see what's missing?  That's right...there is no expiration date.

If you know a veteran, you have learned they share a special connection with those with whom they've served.  Facebook abounds with veterans' groups from every base, fort, station, etc.  It doesn't even matter if you were there at the same time.  These are the people that shared a unique experience.

It doesn't matter if the veteran is vocal about their service or not.  Some mention it frequently, taking pleasure in the memories.  Others are more private and you may not even be aware that they served.  For each, however, this oath is still in the very core of their being.  We all took the same oath, whether as a teenager or an adult, and know the weight and depth of those words.  

We are rapidly losing veterans from the Greatest Generation.  You see them out and about, frequently wearing a duty cap.  Take a moment...and say thank you.  When the VFW or American Legion pass in a parade...stand.  They have earned your respect.

Now scroll back to the top and read that oath again.  Pause for a moment in your day and realize the sacrifice made in the past and appreciate those making that same sacrifice today.

Love,

Jerri

Missing Books

I miss my books!  Let me be specific.  I have plenty of books to read; they just happen to be college textbooks.  Those aren't the books I mean!

I miss my books I read for pleasure.  Like seriously, dreadfully miss them!  I am so exhausted at night, I don't even have the energy to read.  I miss escaping to other worlds, other times, and other people's lives.

I have a bestseller I've been "reading" now for over a month.  Pre-college days, this same book would have taken me no more than 48 hours.  Someone told me recently that college was what killed their reading for enjoyment.  They became accustomed to reading only for information and just never went back.  I don't want that to happen to me!!

I know that at some point, I'll get in a groove with this college stuff.  I also know my books aren't going anywhere and will be waiting for me when I'm ready.  I just want to be able to do it now!

Ah well...back to the books!  (textbooks, that is!)

Love,
Jerri

Happy Presidents' Day!!

Black Russian

Bet you saw that title and thought this was a drink recipe, didn't you?  Nope...it's an absolutely scrumptious cake!

Black Russian

Ingredients:

1 box devil's food cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
1/4 cup Kahlua
1/4 cup vodka (I prefer Stoli)
1 can chocolate frosting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients (except the frosting) until thoroughly blended.  Pour batter in to a greased and floured bundt pan.  Bake for 50 minutes.  Cool completely and frost.

Enjoy!!!

Winning Streak

I've had a pretty good start to this year as far as sweeps go.  While I haven't won anything huge, like a trip or cash, I've still managed to score some pretty sweet deals!

I've won a Nook HD+ which I absolutely adore!  I've also won a 22lb wheel of Jarslberg cheese.  With that win, I was able to share the wealth with friends and family.  I've won a beautiful tufted chaise lounge which is absolute heaven to relax on with a good book.  In addition, I've scored a couple of books, a Zatarain's party box, fingernail polish, and probably a couple of things I've already forgotten!

I get asked on a regular basis how I do it.  Okay...I'm ready to share my secret.  Are you ready?  Are you sure you're ready?  My secret is.....

I ENTER!!!

Yep, that's my big secret!  The simple truth is you can't win if you don't enter!  I try to set aside an hour a day to enter sweeps.  Some I'll enter on the fly as I come across them.  But you have to enter to win!

Now get those fingers warmed up, get online, and WIN!!

Love,

Jerri

Happy Valentine's Day!!

To-Do Hell!

Last week I mentioned how I've had to resort to a to-do list to keep up with life since I began college.  I looked around this morning and realized I have more than one list!

I have my "real life" list for things I need to get done around the house, errands to run, and just life in general.  It's getting longer by the minute!  I do have to admit that things I thought were essential to daily life have now taken a distant second to getting my homework done!

I also have a "homework" to-do list.  I have found it helps when I have tests coming up in multiple classes, with assignments on top of that!  It is my feeble attempt to hold on to what is left of my sanity!

You'll have to excuse me now...I just thought of a few more things that need to go on the list!!

Love,
Jerri

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!

A Historical Moment

Have you seen the news today?  The Pope quit.  A short little sentence, but one of huge historical importance.

A Pope hasn't resigned since 1415.  1415...almost seven hundred years ago!!!  The amount of time since the last occurrence is just mind-boggling.

Being raised Lutheran, there are a number of things I don't know and/or understand about the Catholic church.  One of the things that has always mystified me is the selection of a pope who is already so advanced in age.  Wouldn't it make sense to place someone in that office that is robust, and has the energy to lead a congregation of one billion?

There is already a lot of talk about the Conclave choosing an American.  The truth is that the American Catholic church is still considered a toddler in the eyes of the Church.  Think about it...our country isn't even three hundred years old!  That's just a blip in the history of the Church.

This will be a fascinating time to watch the goings on in the Vatican.  The formalities, the smoke signals, and the pageantry of a new selection are a piece of living history.

Stay tuned!

Love,
Jerri

Death by Chocolate

This was a huge hit this holiday season and is a perfect dessert for Valentine's Day!

Ingredients:

One box brownie mix (13x9), your favorite variety baked according to directions on box
One carton whipped topping, thawed
One large box instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to directions on box
One bag Heath bits

Directions:

Cool the brownies and cut in to bite size pieces.  In a trifle dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:  brownies, pudding, whipped topping, and Heath bits.  Repeat the layers two more times.  Keep refrigerated.

Enjoy!!!

Frugal Planning

Usually on Fridays, I do some sort of frugal post.  This Friday is just a tad bit different.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching!!  With planning, it can be a frugal holiday.  Now notice...I didn't say cheap, I said frugal!!

Start looking for special deals restaurants are running for that night.  Many offer dinner for two with special pricing.  Better yet, pick up a couple steaks at the grocery store, light some candles, and eat in!

Planning on roses? Head to the grocery store!  The roses will last just as long as the florist's...for half the price.  Don't worry, they have vases too!

Chocolates more your style?  Head to your favorite brand's Facebook page.  Many have special Valentine offers and coupons available.

There are just a few ideas to get you started.  Which means...GET STARTED!!  Don't be one of those sad people standing in front of the cards in a panic the morning of the 14th!  Plan now!

Love,
Jerri

Now and Then

I took a break yesterday and skipped posting.  I have to admit, it felt pretty good!

Trying to maintain posting six days a week on top of attending college full time is challenging.  I needed to take a step back, gather my wits, and relax for a moment.  I went out to lunch with a friend, had a big margarita, and a lot of girl talk.  The perfect recipe for refreshing my spirit!

Today, it's back to reality.  I have homework to do, laundry to finish, and the myriad of tiny things that make up real life.  When I got divorced almost a year ago, I had no idea what twists, turns, and giant leaps my life would take.  It's been a hell of a ride so far!

Enjoy a break from daily routines every now and then.  It will invigorate you, inspire you, and let you catch your breath for the next long haul.  We all need that!!

Love,
Jerri

Lists

I've always been a proponent of accomplishment lists instead of to-do lists.  I believe in writing down what you've achieved that day.  That being said, college has challenged that philosophy.

Okay, it hasn't just challenged it...it's thrown it completely out the window.  I cannot survive right now without a to-do list.    I'm talking a comprehensive, Alzheimer avoiding, minute by minute, to-do list.  As detailed as check e-mail, water plants, and eat!

As part of my organization goal, I'm looking for an online calendar that I can install on my laptop, sync with my phone, and that has alerts as frequent as every thirty minutes.

Ideas, anyone??

Begging for help...

Love,
Jerri

Busy

Now that I'm attending college full time, I find myself neglecting things I would never have dreamed I would.  Busy seems to be my new buzzword and I'm not so certain that's a good thing all the time.

I've always tried to be prompt and diligent in replying to friends' posts, emails, texts, and phone calls.  Not so much lately!  Allow me to explain...

This past week I received an email from a dear friend.  I read it and told myself I would reply "just as soon as I had time".  A couple of days later, I received a second email from that same friend.  This time the subject line read "You better not be testing me!!".  Oops!!  I had completely forgotten to reply to the original email.

I immediately dashed off a couple of lines explaining my negligence and begging forgiveness.  Luckily for me, she was understanding and loves me anyways!

Obviously, one of my new "goals" for this year is to figure out an organizational method that allows for real life, student life, and my own life!  Bear with me, my dear friends and treasured readers, as I figure this out as I go!

Love,
Jerri

Amazing Women Day Six

In honor of this week of amazing women, here's a classic drink recipe in tribute!

Pink Lady


Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz applejack
1/4 oz lemon juice
1-2 dashes grenadine
1 egg white
Maraschino cherry
Pink rimming sugar

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with the cherry.

Enjoy!!!

Amazing Women Day Five

Let me tell you about a friend of mine.

Lisa is one of the most incredible women I know.  She runs the Speech and Accent Academy in Miami, FL.

Do you have an accent you wish to reduce?  She's your teacher.  Do you have a speech approaching and need some feedback?  She's your coach.  Lisa is also your biggest cheerleader!  There is nothing that gives her more pleasure than to see one of her students succeed.

Not in Miami?  Lisa also helps students and clients over Skype.  She also runs a community page for students called Accent Reduction Miami.  If you need a coach for public speaking, there is no one better to help you achieve your goals.

To learn more about Lisa, check out her website here.  You can also follow her on Facebook at the Speech and Accent Academy here and Accent Reduction Miami here.

Go!  Learn!  Enjoy!

Love,
Jerri