I Love My New Coat! Thanks Honey!

Just in time because today's low was low 50 degrees!

Last weekend my husband and I went out for a bit of shopping.  We stopped by Old Navy for a sweater vest for him but when he saw this coat he asked me to try it on!  Then he said "Let's buy it"!  Thanks Babe!

The Bacon Eating: Teens, Socializing and Public School

Marcus aka The Bacon Eating Kid answered a question about a child that wants to return to public school to hang out with their friends. Thanks Nicole for the question!

Marcus also speaks about the drama in public high school.

Please feel free to listen and share this video with others!

Happy Housewives Day! November 3, 2011

Housewife Day recognizes the importance of stay at home wives and moms. Also referred to as "Retro" Housewife Day. 

Our laundry room

Today,  I celebrate and thank all of the ladies who choose to stay home, take care of the house and family!  

It's Annual Enrollment Time! November 2011

It's been more then 4 years since my husband and I had benefits offered from our employer!  Which meant we had to compare the companies, co-pays and coverage that would best meet the needs of our family.

And the winner was...my husband's insurance package!  More coverage, less money...makes more sense. 

Also, I'm hoping to leave my job soon so it's nice to know we won't go without health, dental and vision insurance!

Nevada Drug Card: Discount Prescription Drug Card!

This discount prescription drug card was a life saver when we were unemployed!  

Nevada residents can download a free discount prescription drug card, Nevada Drug Card and receive savings of up to 75% on their prescriptions at participating pharmacies.

Use this card if you're without prescription coverage or your insurance doesn't cover your prescription.

Thanks QueenBeeInspirations from Etsy! Handmade Greeting Cards

I purchased some fall handmade greeting cards from QueenBeeInspirations recently.

When I received my order I found this lovely surprise and a note!

This is why I'm a repeat customer of her's.

Do you have a favorite Etsy store?   

Bank of America backs off of debit card fees

We've been BofA customers for over 11 years. (many Californians refer to the bank as BofA) And with any relationship there's been good and bad times.

My husband and I decided to not jump ship after BofA announced that they would start charging a monthly debit card fee and wait to see what was going to happen.

Well, after all the negative media and social networking Bank of America has decided to withdraw their plans to charge a $5 debit card monthly fee!

I Would Like to Share My Response Regarding "Are Anti-Depressants Good or Evil"?

This is my response to an article written at Blog Her.  The writer states the increase of commercials regarding the use of anti-depressants are creating a false result of 100% relief for common depression.   

I've been diagnoised with Major Depression Disorder with Psychosis and Stress Anxiety after I attempted suicide and was committed to a mental institution last spring. For more than 10 years I wasn't getting REM sleep, living with several severe chronic pain issues and trying counseling and biblical counseling to cope with mood. I now know that the medications that I'm on now continue to save my life. I also know that after a year I've had to have my dosage change because my depression likes to creep up on me like an ocean and drag me down with an anchor tied around my waist! The hardest part about taking anti-depressant is that one is a test tube. There have been numerous medication that didn't work for me. And I continued to suffer. Once I was committed the doctors put me on a combination of anti-depressants I was finally able to sleep...for 13 hours. I cried.

I also understand there's no cookie cutter method for dealing with depression and not everyone suffers from the degree that I have. But, after hearing about Richard Armstrong's suicide, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, I also say that people should seek help so that they can get the help they need!

Do You Think Some Celebrities Treat Weddings As A Promotion For Their Careers?

Kim Kadashian has announce that she has filed from divorce from Kris Humphries yesterday.  I have to say I was shocked.  One is making that decision after just a few months of marriage.

My question is do you think some celebrities treat marriage as a promotion for their careers?

And has this fact turned you off from watching any future TV celebrity weddings?

Day of The Dead Celebrations - November 1-2

Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and around the world in many cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. 
Courtesy of Wikipedia

An example of an alter celebrating Day of the Dead

Our experience with Day of the Dead started with Marcus' Spanish school project.  He researched and created a beautiful altar.  He included photos of his dad's parents and my dad, sugar skulls, figurines and flowers.  (sorry, no photos)  I cried when I saw it! 

I think it's important to celebrate our family members who have passed with our children.  Marcus was born after my husband's parents and my father died.  My husband and I broke out family photo albums and shared our memories with Marcus. 

Menu Plan Monday - October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween or Happy Harvest Day!  For our house we do enjoy decorating and indulging on some chocolate candy.

On Sunday morning, around 3am, I joined my husband on The Strip, here in Las Vegas.  We had the best seat from the pick up truck while driving. 

When you're there you would never realize that it's that early in the morning. Our favorite costumes were the groups.  We saw a bunch of Waldos, the Toy Soldiers from Toy Story and guys dressed as bumblebees.  

Lots of people, in costumes, still drinking and having fun.  I hope they feel the same way in the afternoon.

Sorry, no photos from The Strip! I forgot my camera!

Enough about Halloween... now onto this week's menu plan.  Thanks to Organizing Junkie for hosting this linky party!

Oven Fried Pork Chops, Potato Salad, Mixed Greens


Beef Stroganoff with Rice


Tacos, Refried Beans 


Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Brie and Cranberries, Salad


Soup and Sandwiches


Leftovers

I Love Mini Snickers! What's Your Favorite Candy?

Ah, night has fallen!  Time to break out the chocolate candy.  I love mini Snickers right from the fridge!

The Status of My Work Desk Is All Clear! October 2011

I finally cleared the clutter and re-organized my work desk.  As you can see I do like to include humor and personal items to keep me motivated throughout the day!

There's Arthur and D.W. from Marcus' 7th year birthday cake.  A Rubik cube and Slinky to amuse myself during long periods of silence.  Marcus gave me his hand one Mother's Day!  Love it!

And I love keeping lots of family photos, postcards, buttons and notes on my cork-board, on the wall.

And I have my smiling troll that lights up at night.  It's fun to have flashing toys and candles lite when I'm working late.   

Scrapbook is full of my favorite things.  Dry eraser boards are from Pottery Barn!  Love them!

Sometimes my husband and son will add a photo to my collection!  They're always my motivation for working this job!

And when it seems like it's getting to me I have a reminder...Relax to get me back to center!

What Am I Wearing On My Head? My Penguin Hat!

Happy Halloween! 

50% Off Sale at CVS!

CVS had fall, Harvest Festival and Halloween decorations at 50% this weekend!  I also stocked up on foundations, nail polish, dryer balls and Noxzema!

The cashier noticed that I put my bag into a large tote and asked me why I did that.  I told her that I like using my tote for carrying my purchases.

She then advised me of the Green Bag Tag!  You will receive $1 Extra Buck every 4th visit with every reusable bag purchase!

It also has a little leash to tie around your bag or tote.  (love that!)

Don't forget to use your CVS card for additional savings!  I saved $12 more dollars!

Bats Are Flying in The Office at Our House!

More Halloween decorating in the home office!