White World

We finally had a snow storm yesterday, and my world was now under a white blanket of snow! It came rapidly, and built up in just seconds with a gusting wind. I tried to shovel a little bit so the snow wouldn't pack down too heavy for later.

The temperature dropped quickly also, and we had a layer of ice on our driveway! My car doors freeze this morning as I tried to take JoJo to school. Still, we are very lucky this year for having less snow than normal.

Squishy Balls

Different Colors of Squishy Balls

I saw these squeezable, squishy balls in a huge machine at the theater, and thought they would make an interesting subject to photography. The vibrant colors were just screaming for attention, and I had to take the photos through the glass walls of this machine.

Mosaic of Squishy Balls

Depending on where your kids want to get these squishy balls, they could cost up to four quarters for one in the theater setting. Otherwise, you could get them for fifty cents or a quarter elsewhere. Have a great weekend, everyone...

Joining Pink Saturday!!

Uniquely Created By Nature

Snow Loop

It is almost the end of January, but for us Metro Detroit dwellers, there was little snow this year, and finally we had a hit of at least three inches of snow in one night. Now, if you are a person on the strange side of the norm, you would go out and looking for things to photograph.

A Feathery Branch

I was that strange person, looking for something to catch my eyes, or something strange to pop out. The snow loop and a feathery branch were quite special enough to give me this opportunity.

A Feathery Branch and a Snow Loop

 

I guess being on the strange side of the norm has its advantage, and that I was able to see something uniquely created by nature. Now, if you want to ponder on how that loop was formed, I can't tell you since I didn't want to break it to inspect.

A Clearer Vision For Your Valentine

Those that planed ahead, purchased ahead for all special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and such, have you started to shop for your Valentine yet? Yes, Valentine is about three weeks away, and it is coming fast.

Flowers, chocolate, dinner out, and champagne are traditional choices. It is somewhat boring and less original, you must admit! If you are truly and deeply loved your partner, find that glasses prescription and head toward Zenni Optical to pick out one of the best design frames there for that special someone in your life.

Glasses start at $6.95 and there were many types to chose from such as full rim, half rim, or rimless, with an amazing choice of colors. The frames come in acetate/plastic, aluminum alloy, titanium, mixed material, stainless steel, and memory titanium, plus different shapes to fit your loved one.

Only you would know exactly what type or color of glasses your Valentine likes best; thus, spend some time searching for the right one to make it a unique gift this year. With the money you're saving, maybe you could take him/her out for a night in town.

Can you imagine the expression on your beloved's face when you present this present? Don't worry, you can upload a photo of him/her, and use the frame fit try-on interactive gadget to find the best fit.

Pink Bromeliad

Soft Pink Bromeliad

If you are going through a withdrawal of not seeing colors and flowers, head to your local home improvement stores, and feast your eyes on all types of different bromeliad. They have  quite a fantastic selection.

Mosaic Of Soft Pink Bromeliad

Competing with all the garden shops out there, these giant home improvement stores carried many different flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs throughout the year. In a way it is good for consumers to get all their shopping done in just one trip.

Have a wonderful weekend...

Joining Pink Saturday, and Mosaic Monday!!

Through My Ice Droplet

Holding Inside

I am showing you another simple pleasure of life today, and that is of ice droplets. By just look at the inside of it and you will see another world that it held in there!

Three Ice Droplets

We have very little snow so far this year, but it is freezing enough to have ice droplets along my fence, and reflected the beauty around them.

Cracked Ice Drop

This huge ice drop began to crack as the sun came out to warm up the earth.  It was fascinating to try and make out the reflection inside this ice drop.

A Different View

The view in this ice drop was that of my neighbor's garage, and I like seeing that the level of water inside it. It was a sign showing the ice drop was melting!

The Beautiful Pink Color of Sky

"You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working, and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves."
-St. Francis de Sales

“If wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” 

–James A. Garfield

Have a fantastic weekend...

P.S. If you're looking to buy a camera to capture moments like this, http://couponcravings.com/">try looking here with coupons on big name brands.

Joining Pink Saturday, and Mosaic Monday!!

The Right Season For New Coats

Having children you know how fast they can grow in a year, hence, the saying "growing like weeds" fits perfectly in describing them. Every season, there are new clothes, new shoes, and new necessary things to be replaced. This includes childrens coats, if you happen to live in cold weather.

It is also easier to find clothes, shoes, and coats for girls than for boys! There are plenty of style, colors, and designs. I always have more fun browsing through the girls' department too, and I am glad I have a girl to do so with.

Don't you think the little girl in this faux fur coat and hat looks fantastic? I like the softness feel of faux fur, and the elegance look of her tam. It reminds me that this is the right time to look for those clearance winter hats, coats, and boots, since the internet makes it easy for me to shop right from home.

Even though my daughter is now grown, but I still like to shop for girls as I have small niece, and there are occasions one must celebrate. I can purchase the items and have it ship directly to the recipient's home without having to go to the post office.

Now, this makes me curious to know, do you shop for coats during the winter, or off season?

The Story of Milo

If I were to bring home a puppy or a dog, my children would give me extra hugs, kisses, and love, just as they would give this affection to their pet. We have tried our hands at sheltering a dog many times in the past, but always ended up with broken hearts.

The latest addition to our house was a Labradoodle, (Labradore and Doodle mixed), and we named him Milo. He was actually JoJo's first puppy that he bought with his own savings. I drove 150 miles to get him home, and found that he was terribly neglected by his owners. We considered it was a good thing to rescue him from a very unhealthy environment, even though we paid money to get him out of there.

 The first thing I did was to secure the backyard so he had a place to run around, and the second thing was to look for a vet near home. We took him to PetSmart for his shots and check ups. This was where I learned how important it was to have pet insurance.

We insured Milo in a health plan, which I made an affordable monthly payment through my checking account. Milo needed other medications and Heartgard for dogs as he grew. However, I quickly learned that their prescription drugs for Milo were more than I could afford, and there were no discounts under his health plan.

Thanks to the internet, I was able to compare prices at different websites, and ordered directly from them. Milo's medications came right to the door, with free shipping when I met my requirements.

Everything seemed to work out for Milo and us all until a crazy neighbor moved in next door. Milo had a distinct dislike toward this man straight away, and refused to come close to the fence when he was called.

Slowly, I noticed raw pieces of meat along this fence, and took some pictures just in case. At first, the pieces was quite away from our dividers, and then they moved closer each day toward my property.

Milo being a canine was curious enough to dig his head under the fence one day, and his collar got caught in the wire when he tried to go for the meat. His neck had shallow cuts and he bled a bit when I finally got him out.

I decided then that since this environment was unsafe for Milo to be around, when I couldn't even leave him out in the backyard by himself for a while; that Milo needed a new home. Luckily, Milo had a special liking with the mailman so he went home with him the next day after I explained the situation.

We still get to see Milo since he only lives a few streets away from us to this day..

Walgreens Offers Prescription Savings Club

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

As of December 31, 2011, Walgreens was no longer a part of Express Script which meant that patients who were covered under this RX plan have to go elsewhere to get their prescription filled. For many, the disadvantages out-weight the benefits:

• Leaving an established relationship with their regular pharmacist
• Having to look for another pharmacy to get their prescription
• May have to drive further away from home
• Inconvenient hours or no drive through
• Saving time and money with Walgreens by getting one time 90-day refill rather than three times in three months

Since Walgreens and Express Script failed the negotiation process or came to a mutual agreement to benefit the customers, Walgreens offered the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club during the month of January. For only $10 dollars a year, you can cover your family members including spouse, children under 22, and your pets. If you are single, it will only cost $5 dollars a year.

You can save on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications, discount on flu shots, pet prescriptions, and diabetic supplies. It is Walgreens' way to help their customers coping with this change, and have an affordable choice of where to go for their prescriptions.
To support Walgreens, please follow them at Walgreens on Twitter , and like them at Walgreens on Facebook.

If you are curious about the Express Scripts Program or want to check out to see if it is affecting you, please read it here!

Strings Of Million Water Drops

Created by Nature

This was a piece of fuzzy, actually filler after the rain, which landed in my backyard. I had no idea what it was at first, but was overwhelming with those beautiful strings of water drops.

Soaked In Details

My first reaction was to just snap some pictures since it was quite special and was not an everyday subject to see. I really didn't see much detail until the photos were uploaded onto the computer.

The WOW Factor

The more I looked at this piece of fuzz, the more I was amazed at how perfect the water drops on each string were. This was the ordinary thing that gave that "wow" factor to my normal day.

Check out others at Watery Wednesday!

Beautiful Aloe Harlana

Macro of Aloe Harlana

These beautiful flowers were found at the cactus wing in the Detroit Conservatory. They had this pretty pinkish color and very elegant looking flowers. 

Beautiful Aloe Harlana

Although I've been visiting the Conservatory off and on for many years, I've not caught these flowers blooming before! My archive dated November, so if you live around Metro Detroit and want to see the Aloe Harlana in person. November is the month to see them.

Mosaic of Aloe Harlana

Information on Aloe Harlana:

• Native of Ethiopia
• The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds
• They came in a variety of colors such as yellow, orange, pink, to reddish
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing (50 degree F, 10 degree C)
• Drought resistance
• Frost tolerance at 32 degree F, 0 degree C
  Best in USDA zone 10-11
• Flowers can grow over 12 inches tall

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

Insurances For Travelers

One of our life most precious possessions is our health! Having good health is the key to different potentials from holding a job, to supporting our family, to traveling for pleasure and to enjoy life. You wouldn't consider going through life without health insurance, would you?

Although I would love to travel around the world, I don't get that many chances to do so! Every five years or so, I get to meet up with family from afar for a reunion, and from my last trip in November, I learned that you can buy almost any type of insurance imaginable. Here are some to know: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, senior travel insurance, and student health insurances just to name a few.

It is also interesting to note that these insurances are available worldwide, and policy holders get these amazing benefits:

• Comprehensive international health insurance coverage
• Support and protection during your trip
• Customer service 24/7 in multi-languages
• Travel suggestions for your trip
• Customized country profiles

Now, if I ever travel outside the US, I will certainly pursue one of these health insurances while I am abroad. It is wise to have protection and service available for when I am needed than not having any coverage at all.

Counselor Online

There are many ways for us to improve our life by seeking out help. Some prefer to read self improvement books; some opt for inspiring quotes to focus on, and some need guidance from a professional counselor.

Each of us must find our own way, in which we are comfortable, to deal with negativity or problem relationship in order to have a healthy body and mind. We all face challenges daily, and handle them differently from one person to the next.

Many years ago, when I went through the toughest time of my life, self-improvement books came to my rescue. I needed answers, and I needed to know why a certain thing happened. Moreover, I needed to build back my confident, value myself, know my own worth, and find my way in the world.

Back then, I couldn't afford to see a therapist, and had a real bad experience with one in person, so inspiring books were my sanctuary! Therefore, I am happy to let you know that whatever you are going through, getting professional therapy online is now available using the state-of-the-art technology for chatting.

You can have a connection with a professional counselor online, or you can go offline as your own personal preference. The benefit to online therapy is the extreme convenient. You pick out the time that works best for your, and in the comfort of your own space. Thus, save time and fuel cost for yourself.

We all have problems and stresses at one time or another, and being able to talk to a therapist to help us make sense out of it all would be a relief. There are things that we cannot share with loved one or spouse, or best friend, but we can air it out to a therapist who would listen or ask the right questions to guide us through.

Having a clear mind, healthy attitude, and less stress is worth seeking help, don't you think?

Sparkle in the Sun

Sparkle Water Drop

New Year brings new discovery, and in this discovery; reflection, like in the water drop you see above.  It is my simple and ordinary joy. Although it is little, the beauty is quite overwhelming!

Shine Like Diamonds

My point and shoot camera didn't do justice to these sparkle water drops. Freezing and crawling on the surface of this cold earth, I realize how big the universe really is, and we are part of a large entity.

Ice Dome

My attempt then is to be small and ordinary as in this ice dome, there is another world to discover. It takes a great observer to find it. My eyes could only see pattern and texture right now.

Check out others at Watery Wednesday!

Natural Inflammation Relief

Inflammation is the main cause of chronic pain. Stress, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies often bring on inflammation in a certain part of the body for a variety of different reasons. Arthritis sufferers, joints and muscles sufferers know how terrible this pain can be.

For those that are not fond of the side effects from medications, and prefer natural remedies, there is Nopalea, an anti-inflammation wellness drink for you to try. Nopalea, pronouns no-pah lay'uh, is taken from the fruit of cactus, Opuntia Ficus Indica, which contains healing properties of the Nopal cactus, and have been used by native people for centuries.

The health benefit from the Nopal fruit includes if taken daily:

• Contain rare and potent antioxidant
• Reduce inflammation
• Cleanse toxins in the body
• Optimized health in general

If this sounds good to you, and you would like to try these drinks for free, call 1-800-203-7063! You only have to pay for shipping of $9.95! Their mission is to help people obtain greater wellness for health, and enjoy life purpose.

Click on the link in this post to check out other wellness product, and to read other people's testimonial.

(Disclaimer: PayPerPost is not an affiliated of Trivita/Nopalea)

Golden Doodle

Guest post of the week by Moises Henderson

I used my Internet.Clear connection to do some research on a holiday gift for my children that I know that they are going to love. I have decided that we are going to get them a dog. They have been begging for one for years, but my husband and I have vetoed the idea because we didn’t feel like the kids would take care of puppy. Now, they are at the age that I think that we can give them the responsibility and that they will take care of a dog and enjoy a dog. My husband and I have been researching breeds and have decided to get a medium sized golden doodle. They are hypo allergenic and don’t shed. They also are even tempered and don’t require too much exercise. It is a dog that can stay in the house, but also play outside with the kids. They are even tempered and loyal. We have just been trying to find a breeder on-line that is going to have a litter when Christmas rolls around. We are still searching, but hopefully will find one soon so that our kids can have a little puppy under the tree on Christmas Day. I just can’t wait to see their faces light up!