Holiday Travel-Thursday Two Questions #63

Thanksgiving is officially over, and now we are on our way to count down for Christmas! Are you excited and looking forward to this biggest celebration of the year? I suppose many of us were, when we were younger obviously. 

Traveling is not on my agenda for many years, since my mom is here now! I'm happy about this part, and would not like to be at the airport at all.

 My questions for this week are:

1) Do you have to travel this season to meet up with family members?

2) What airline would you recommend?

Joining Thursday Two Questions! 

Avoid Overdraft Charges

Keeping close eyes on our financial statement is an important way to prevent unexpected charges. Many of us are always in a rush and so busy with our life, that some time we just pay the expenses without any examination.

It happened, to me, even though I thought I was very vigilance in this area! However, I slipped on occasions reasoning that it was easier to pay than to make that dreaded phone call to argue with the big guys.

When my children asked for recommendation or advise in banking business, I found myself repeated telling them to look at one that offered overdraft protection for checking accounts. The charges were from $35 to $50 per transaction, so I guess the nightmare had a deeper effect in my brain than I thought.

Many financial institute would overlook your first offend as a courtesy to their customers, but the next mistake you will pay dearly for it.

To avoid overdraft charges, look for banks that offer you a sure way to protect yourself from this astronomical expense, such as Aurora Bank, which gives you high yield interest in checking account, transferring between accounts, and linking your accounts together to cover for the unexpected incident.

It is our rightful responsibility to protect our hard earned money after all!

A New Banking Account For Mom

After my mom moved back to Michigan, we have to start everything from the beginning in many different aspects of life. For one thing, she needs new doctors, new dentist, and a whole lot of paperwork to change her residency.

A new financial account comes in high priority for her also, since this is required for all the transactions to take place. Government and businesses preferred to go paperless nowadays. So Aurora bank comes in to mind when taking my mom's situation into consideration. It offers online banking, which means that all of her trusted caregivers can access her account to set up monthly bill payments, transferring funds between her savings to checking to cover the costs for the month, or monitoring the activities on her account.

What I like most about Aurora bank is their competitive interest rates which compounded daily, and their no monthly fee option for savings. As you all know, retirement and social security benefits can only go so far to cover the cost of living. Thus, earning a bit here and there can be a great help in stretching what little we have.

Since my mom's benefits were electronically deposited, I found the online banking option was best suited for everyone involved in our situation.

Refinancing Is a Way to Move Forward

Having a home to live in is one of the greatest blessings in life, whether it is a dream home or not. We work to keep that roof over our head and to provide our family with a sense of stability.

With the economy plummets, refinancing the loan is a sensible way to go. As it is turned out, we often owe more on our mortgage than the real market value of our home in recent years. Many of my friends and neighbors have taken this route to secure a place to live when the loss of income or job became a heavy burden.

Myself, I also had to refinance my home when the original mortgage exceeded my income in an unbelievable manner. I've looked for different options and considered other banks. However, I had no choice but to stay put with my banking institute, since my house was in a neighborhood that has a great decrease in market value. In other words, I could not sell my house for the amount of money I owe my lender.

Through lots of headaches and paperwork, my banking provider worked out a manageable deal with me. I've refinanced the loan for the next eight years. After that, we would have to get back to the negotiable table for another discussion of where to go or what to do.

My friend who lives down the street scored a better deal than me though. Her financial provider sold her back the house for a fraction of what she owed them, but she had to come up with the lump sum to pay them in 90 days. After searching for an affordable solution, she is seriously considered Aurora loans as her lender to pay off her old account.

With income in jeopardy and the cost of living rises, we just have to do what is best to keep moving forward. 

Purple Aster Crego Mixed

Among my pink aster crego mixed flowers, this purple one showed up as a treat. I happened to pick up a bag of seeds at the Dollar Store for a quarter, and thought I would try to plant them. They came up late in the fall, and the strong flowers were fuller than this purple flower. Nevertheless, I was happy to see, and purple is my favorite color.

Linking to Mosaic Monday!

Enjoy Thanksgiving

Lady Bug On Pink Zinnia

One Beautiful Yellow Leaf

A Curtain of Glowing Leaves

ENJOY THIS THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!

Cyber Space Friendship-Thursday Two Questions #62

I consider myself a lucky person when it comes to count my blessings. On this particular post, I want to acknowledge my very few cyber space friends, who one way or another has touched my heart deeper than I realize.

Betchai, and Poetic Shutterbug sending emails worried about my inactivity on blogging last week while I was on vacation with my sisters, Amanda, plus three! I was choked to tears because of their concern, happy that someone noticed my absence, and overwhelmed with joy because they care enough to take time and check on me.

Though we have never met in person yet, Betchai, Jo, and I have this bond for over three years, and we have stuck together since. For that, I'm blessed, honored, and thankful.

The other two cyber space friends I want to mention are HardworkinJudy, and Anne Lyken-Garner; we have known each other since 2007! These two can sense things that I don't want to say out loud in my writing, and they can pick up my emotional turmoil to a T! (Very scary, some time!)

It is almost Thanksgiving, and I am taking this opportunity to show my gratitude to my cyber space friends, and to leave you my questions for this week:

1) Do you have a deep bonding relationship with a friend online?

2) Do you think a friend often understood you better than family members?

Joining Thursday Two Questions!

Specialty Coffee Right In the Office

This post brought to you by Tassimo. All opinions are 100% mine.

Many businesses only offer two choices as far as complimentary coffee go: regular and decaf! Often, these beverages have been sitting there for hours and carry that burnt taste to them. Or the what-so-called coffee tastes like colored water.

I am a morning coffee drinker, and my first cup of java has to be perfect or else I rather not drink at all. Since helping my friend out in a small office of five people, I have voiced my opinion on the "stand by" coffee many times to her. To me, it is such a waste of energy and money since the machine is always plugged in, and the burnt coffee had to be dumped out after a while.

Take a look at the photo above, this makes more sense to have in our office, which tailors to individual taste and offers much better options for a specialty beverage of cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, or tea. There will be no waste of left over coffee, or constant energy usage.

Since my boss is also my closest friend, I have talked her into signing up for Tassimo Professional free demo. We will see what the guys like, but I am positive that they rather have this machine in the office for fresh cup of coffee than our old fashion way of "stand by" one. I'm a latte girl, and I can't wait to make my own first cup of latte right in the office just the way I want  to taste. However, I also love tea, and will be brewing them to savor throughout the day.

If you are an employer and like to take advantage of this offer with Tassimo Professional; fill out this easy form and give your employees something to talk about for months to come. Above all, the discs for these machines are not compatible for home usage; thus, you don't have to worry about dishonest employees or customers from lifting them for personal gain.

Savings Account At Aurora Bank

If you are financially conscientious, then you are like me, constantly looking for ways to save money, and banking institute that offers the highest yield interest. After all, we have worked so hard for our money, and it is just right for us to benefit from our own sweat.

Many banks charge a small monthly fee for up-keeping an account. Even if the amount is just $1.00 dollar, it mounts up to $52.00 dollars a year that will go into their pocket, and not ours. At Aurora bank, there is no monthly fee for savings, high interest yield that compounds daily, and ATM accessible.

The best option I found is the automatic transfer between checking and savings. It is the most helpful tool of all since it can save you money from the overdraft charges that many banks imposed. "A penny saved is a penny earned" as you know!

Many of us struggle to put a bit of money aside every month to save for rainy days, or a vacation, or other purposes, and in order to reach our goals we have to look for ways to cut down on expenses. Eliminate banking fees, and credit card charges for me are another venue to tap in for my savings.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance

If you have a television in your house, I am sure you have heard all about Medicare Supplemental Insurance advertisement. Now more than ever, health cost keeps on rising, and Medicare alone isn't sufficient enough to cover everything or accepted at many doctor offices.

I know this first hand because I have been struggled trying to find a decent dentist to take my mother to, whom also would accept Medicare. The established dentists preferred cash or private insurance, and the newly graduating dentists are riding on high horses with little experience.

This is why I have been looking into purchasing extra insurance so that I have more power to negotiate or to get the best care for my mom. Sometimes, it is worth to spend the money in order to have a peace of mind.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has a page called Open Enrollment Center, where people with Medicare get to choose a health plan that works best for them. You can access this page at CMS.gov to check out the details.

Spirit Lifters

White Asters and Rose Leaves After the Rain

When I am unconnected

and my spirit sagged

I look in nature

for purity and harmony!

These are my comfort

and great spirit lifters
My pain is soothed

Tears in my heart dispensed..

Linking to Mosaic Monday!

Glorious Pink Mums

Pink Mums Thriving

Part of my week is to spend time with my mom now that she had moved back here from the sunny and warm California. We usually went to the market or thrift stores just so she could get out of the house.

A Close Up Shot of Pink Mum

We also went to visit my dad's grave, said a quick prayer, cleared out debris by the head stone, and checked in on the flowers that we planted. These gorgeous pink mums were found there in the cemetery, and they were not at my dad's grave.

Mosaic Of Pink Mums

These beautiful pink mums were just shouting out for attention, and were very close to where I parked the car. Of course, I crawled on the grass to get my pictures while my mama trying to get into the photos too. Sh...sh...don't tell, but I just wanted these gorgeous pink mums flower.

Joining Macro Friday, Pink Saturday,

Outdoors Cleaning-Thusday Two Questions #61

We are now into November, and if your season has changed, I'm sure your yard are full of falling leaves by now. With endless rain and gusting wind we have collected more than our share of leaves, twigs, and trash.

When the weather was nice and sunny, we bagged some debris for pick up. Two days later, our yard was full again with leaves. I usually wait until Spring to do my outdoors cleaning because of this very same reason. You know, I take the lazy woman way out, and do it just once.

This year we wanted to be ahead by raking and bagging leaves. However, we were not, and now just as behind as ever. So, my questions are:

1) Do you bagged your leaves in the Fall or in Spring?

2) Do you burn these sort of debris in your back yard or fire pit? We can't burn anything in our city without a permit.

Joining Thursday Two Questions!

Out For a Ride

Park Rangers Went For a Ride

As I wandered around the shore, the DNR guys got on the boat with serious look on their faces. I like to figure out what was going on by reading their expression, and forgot to snap the pictures until they were far out.

A Nice Day for a Ride

It was a beautiful day for them to go out for a ride though. Metro Park policemen and DNR people strolled around the entire perimeter on occasion to keep security in check. My senses told me to stay on the visible path.

Ride On

I was not sure what these DNR guys looking for, but they were very focus with the task at hand. They headed out further into the main park of the lake, and I had my photos for the day!

Joining Watery Wednesday, and Outdoor Wednesday!

Dried Flower Head

Pink Dried Flower Head

This is how my flower looked, drooping and drying out! Although our weather was still milder than the neighboring States, we could see that nature is going into hibernation fast. We lucked out on last weekend snow storm!

Macro Of Dried Flower Head

It is sad to see my flower in this stage, but it is still very beautiful in my eyes. I love the little lavender streaks coming through on the petals. This was at the beginning of its drying stage a few weeks ago, and now the petals were all gone.

Collage of Dried Pink Flower Head

Going into winter is not my choice, but it comes with the territory. The cold and wet weather is too long for me. It doesn't entice me to get out of the house.

Joining Macro Friday, Pink Saturday, Today Flowers and Mosaic Monday!

Bags For Your Laptop

I have not thought about getting a cover for my laptop, until I went to spend some times with my mom. I looked for Laptop Cases at local stores, and the price for them were outrageous. In my mind, I just wanted a bag to put my laptop in and carry. Simple, and easy for traveling!

 Frustrated with not finding what I need, I searched for online options, and came across Laptop Bags For Women, where they offered different styles, colors, and price ranges to chose from. I know what I want, and what my budget allows.

At the moment, I have no desire for anything fancy, but when I do, I will definitely look at Laptop Messenger Bags to jazz up my world.

Great Comedy Series For the Family

This post brought to you by American Family Insurance. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have to admit the new comedy Stand Up For Family series is a great show for the entire family to enjoy. The language is clean, and the material is mostly concentrating on memory growing up. However, you don't have to take my words for it. In fact, you can just click on the link and watch a few short episodes to judge for yourself.

The videos are recorded by AmFam, and brought to you by American Family Insurance. I believe in censoring a few important issues for the good of the general public, especially when it is on air. Freedom of speak is a Constitution right for everyone, but when it is freely expressed in a vulgar and distasteful manner, it should be restricted.

My Middle School student mentioned to me about the popular stand up comedy on television, "Tosh.O", and told me how all his friends love the show. Out of curiosity, I watch a bit of it, and though funny, the material that being air is totally inappropriate, and downright repulsive at times with the language usage.

There is not too many shows left on television nowadays that the whole family could gather and enjoy. Thus, I really appreciate shows that still keep family in focus, and entertain without disgusting effects.

Gadgets Dilemma-Thursday Two Questions #60

My son went on his 7th grade camp this week for two days, and I was excited for him. It will be a great experience and a long lasting memory to have with his friends. As a rule, the camp doesn't allow the kids to bring any electronic devices with them, including cell phones. However, if needed there is a number for parents and children to get in touch.

In today society, we depend so much on electronic gadgets for our entertainment that we forget to just enjoy the outdoors, or just being outdoors without using either a cell phone, iPod, iPad or whatever. Therefore, I'm glad that the camp cuts out these unnecessary gadgets, and helps the children to focus on their surroundings.

Detroit-Windsor Ambassador Bridge

The other day, I caught a TV commercial on how a family was able to transfer shows/movies from their television to their gadgets for on the go, and a little boy was so happy that he can watch them on the beach.

Come on, you go to the beach, what happens to feel the wind on your cheeks, building sand castles, jumping the waves, finding sea shells? You can't not tell me that you take your child to the beach, and permitting him to glue his eyes on a tiny screen to watch movie. That can't be a good thing, and is just pathetic!

I was mad and sad at the same time to see how we, as parents, allowing these gadgets to take center stage in the children's life.

With this ranting, my questions are:

1) Do you think we know what to do with ourselves without cell phone, or iPod, iPad, Kindle, etc.?

2) Will our children grow up hooking these gadgets to their ears, eyes, and body?

Join others at Thursday Two Questions!

Affordable Eyeglasses At Zinni Optical

Eye exam is a yearly routine for everyone in my house. We all need glasses, and this process alone can put a big halt on our budget. My children all have a touch of difficulty with far-sighted vision. Although their prescriptions are mild, the cost for a pair of glasses runs up in the hundreds.

The eye exam is often affordable, but these businesses make money from the frames and lens. Obviously, you cannot just buy the frame or the lens. You have to purchase a complete pair, and the price for it will knock your sock off! If you want the edges of your lens polished, it will cost you more. If you want transition lens, add another two hundreds bucks. Now, if you have weak stomach, they will talk you into buying insurance and yes, your bill will sky rocket!

Optical businesses are in a huge demand, and they know how to milk us to the last penny. The best thing for us to do is to put the internet to good use, and look for alternatives. Zinni Optical is a place where we can have our eyeglasses prescription filled for as low as $6.95, with FREE options such as anti-scratch coating, and full UV protection.

You can search for the style, price, prescription type, gender, size, and color. With a large collection of frames, I'm sure you will find what you want, with an affordable price to stay on your budget.

Interesting Things By the Water

Maple Leaves By the Water

I walked along this shore line to find interesting things to shoot. It was a quiet morning with different butterflies fluttering around in frenzy, and a few old couples sitting in the sun to soak up that Vitamin D.

Feathery Weed

I don't know if these are cattails or not, but I like how they look with the water as background. Exploring by myself had a big advantage, and that was no interruption of any kind, or the screaming of "mom" from the children that sent me to the sky.

Sparkling Water

The maple leaves at this part of the shore were still green, but can you see the shimmering of water in the background? I plan to go back in a couple of weeks to see if the colors of autumn will be at its peak.

Joining Watery Wednesday!

Online Banking With Aurora Bank

One of the best evolutions in today technology is our ability to do many things online. We can manage our financial part of life without having to set foot in the physical bank anymore. You can open an account; check your statement, pay bills, transfer or deposit money, and monitor activity online with just a tap of your finger.

When I first began using online to carry out the chore of setting up automatic bill paying, I was very skeptical, worried about my privacy and security. However, I love the fact that I don't have to write checks, buying stamps, and going to the post office. Above all, financial institutions are well aware of the risks, and they take precautions to safeguard our information.

Aurora bank offers the same security for online banking. Once you make used of this service, whether you are investing in a money market accounts, your savings, certificate of deposits, or managing your checking, you will benefit from the simplicity of this process. Any time you want to view your account or make a transaction, the information is there for you.

Online banking is very convenient for me. Moreover, it is also a great way for me to cut down on the cost of postage stamps, ordering checks, and the cost of fuel.