1800Flowers.com - gift baskets

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, you are probably busy planning your menu and place settings. Don’t forget a show stopping centerpiece! How about a beautiful fall arrangement from 1800Flowers.com!

If you are traveling to Thanksgiving dinner, like me, you may be thinking about what you can bring for your hostess. I like this lovely autumn bouquet. Perfect for my aunt’s centerpiece!



Another great idea is gift baskets. What an easy way to get all of your holiday shopping done in one place! Just order the perfect gift for everyone on your list and have it shipped directly to their door! Same day delivery is available on many gifts! And now you can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season. Aren’t you clever!

Flowers - 1800Flowers coupon codes

Do you have a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion coming up? Then, you are going to need flowers! And with the holidays coming up, why not save a little money at the same time? You need 1800Flowers coupon codes! They have great bouquets, baskets and gifts for 10% off! Lucky you!

How adorable is this Margarita Bouquet?! This is perfect for cheering a friend up or bringing as a hostess gift to Bunko night! What a great centerpiece that would make!! That is sure to get smiles and be a fabulous ice breaker!

Flowers are always a great gift for any occasion! They can say so many things that we don’t have the words for. Brighten up a dreary day or tell someone special that you care. Say “Happy Birthday”, “I love you” or just "Thanks for being a friend!"

Shasta Pools

Earlier this year, I wrote about how Shasta Pools helped out a family in need when another pool company had left them high and dry. Now I see that Shasta Pools Commercial Division created a resort-style pool for the Arizona State University’s Vista del Sol dorm. We certainly didn’t have a pool like that on my campus!

I also saw an article about how many families are deciding to contract Shasta Pools to build them a backyard “staycation” instead of spending money on a vacation. This makes sense as it would pay off year after year. I’m also pleased to read that they developed eco-friendly products that also save their customers money by cutting down on their energy bills. It seems that this company is dedicated to offering their clients the best in the pool business.

Sakwinder Narwal

Sakwinder Narwal has loved fishing all of his life. He is interested in the feeding habits and environments of the fish, as well as gathering pleasure from his “connection with nature.” He is also fascinated with the technology used in fishing, besides enjoying a relaxing time in a beautiful setting. “Fishing has taken me to some of the wildest and most beautiful natural settings,” Sakwinder Narwal says.

While he travels around the globe looking for his next fishing experience, he says he is strictly a “catch and release” fisherman. I certainly hope so, since several sharks are on his list of favorite catches. Sakwinder Narwal fishes nearly every week in places like the Florida Keys, the Delaware River, Long Island, and the marshes of Louisiana.

RENEW International

For nearly three decades, RENEW International has been revitalizing the Catholic faith in over 150 dioceses in the United States. Their international work has served people in 23 countries, across six continents and in 44 languages. This ministry has touched the lives of 25 million people by fostering spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition. RENEW International empowers individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life. It also helps them deepen and share their faith and to connect faith with action.

Among the ministries of RENEW International are programs designed to promote service to others. They also have ministries targeted to specific groups including college students, adults in their 20s and 30s, and those affected by church scandals. Their worldwide ministries include a three year program that aids those affected by war and poverty in other nations.

NESStaffing.com

NESStaffing.com, home of Nationwide Employment Solutions, offers many resources for the unemployed. At NESStaffing.com, job seekers can upload their resume, search jobs, find salary reports, and get tips for resume and cover letter writing. NESStaffing.com can help unemployed persons find part time, full time, and work from home jobs. Some of the positions available are clerical, sales, healthcare, customer service, accounting, and information technology. With a network of recruiters, staffing partners and employers, NES works hard to fulfill their motto, “Your future is in our hands!”

The convenience of a free online service to help the unemployed find work is especially important in today’s economy. NESStaffing.com can also help job seekers find continuing education and provide them with free industry magazines. They can also help provide relocation services and background checks, which can help speed up the interview process.

K-Designers

K-Designers, industry leaders in exterior home remodeling for 31 years, can give you a “new home at the old address.” In today’s housing market, it is becoming even more important to increase the value of your home. One of their most popular products is lifetime maintenance-free insulated siding. Imagine being able to add value to your home, save on energy bills, and never having to paint your house again. All of this is available with K-Designers America’s Dream Exterior.

Fall is a great time to improve your home’s energy efficiency before cold weather sets in. K-Designers, winners of multiple awards, are offering a great October promotion. With any America’s Dream package purchase, you’ll also receive half off a garage door, storm door or security door. Check out their website to find the location nearest you.

Amos Tamam

Amos Tamam has been working in the taxi industry for 30 years. Using his training as an electrical engineer from Tel Aviv University, he has spearheaded many innovations that have proved useful to taxi drivers. Amos Tamam began servicing taxicabs in New York City in the 1980s, but is now the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems.

His company is responsible for developing the technology to enable taxi drivers to use wireless credit card machines in their cars. These machines have been used in New York City and Philadelphia and the company is hoping to provide this service to other major cities. Not only does this innovation provide convenience to the customer, but it may help prevent robberies as taxi drivers will not have to carry as much cash. While my city doesn’t have many taxi cabs, I’m sure that many visitors to New York are grateful to Amos Tamam for his innovation in the taxi industry.

Power Properties Dallas redefines "home"

After visiting the Power Properties Dallas website, I’ve decided that I need to bag my bags. Texas…here I come!!

Power Properties Dallas is one of the leading real estate developers in their market. They are redefining apartment and condominium living.

Power Properties Dallas has three different types of living styles to accommodate any taste. Verandah, Boutique and Historic Groups assure that there is a place for everyone! The Verandah Group features pools, fountains, outdoor fireplaces and even calming music piped through the trees! That sounds like a tropical paradise resort, not apartment living! The Boutique Ground locations each contain less than 18 residences apiece, so they really promote a sense of community. Properties in the Historic Group feature hardwoods, high ceilings and intricate moldings.

I kid you not, if they had property in my city, I’d sell my house right now!

Shasta Pools helps a family in need

I hate to listen to the news with all the negative things happening in our world, so it is refreshing to hear good news every once in awhile! While researching Shasta Pools, I ran across this article involving a Phoenix family and the trouble they were having.

Fiona Behan had paid $15,000 to a pool company that started work, but then filed for bankruptcy, leaving an empty concrete hole in her backyard. The pool was intended to provide hydro-therapy to her 6 year-old daughter, who suffers from a form of autism. Behan contacted a local news outlet, who ran the story and asked for viewers to lend a hand. Shasta Pools, the world’s largest privately held pool builder, stepped up to the plate. Shasta Pools and their subcontractors donated about $15,000 to create a “backyard oasis” for Behan and her daughter.

Shasta Pools helped out someone just because they could. To me, that is the mark of an exceptional company.

Survey Resource Center

After working for a publishing company for over five years, I know the importance of having qualified sales leads. Survey Resource Center (SRC) provides leads for sales professionals in several industries including “long-term care, annuities, financial planning, reverse mortgage, debt refinance and several other financial market niches.”

Survey Resource Center “stands by the quality of its products and is willing to stand behind every order with a unique 3-way guarantee.

• 100% phone and address connect guarantee:Any inaccurate phone number or address will be replaced at no charge.

• Six month exclusivity from day of delivery:Leads are exclusive and will not be resold for six month.

• 100% money back guarantee during first 90 days:If, after contacting all leads provided, customers do not earn at least $1,000.00 for every 100 names purchased during the first 90 days, Survey Resource Center will unconditionally refund 100% of the purchase price.”

With a guarantee like that, how could you go wrong?

YMT Vacations for summer fun!

Summer is here, which means it is vacation time!! YMT Vacations offers both cruise and land tour vacations. Alaska, Europe, the Panama Canal, just to name a few! There is something for everyone!Personally, I am wishing to be on a beach right now, so YMT Vacations Hawaii 4-Island Queen’s Tour sounds fabulous!! Or, a 17-day Hawaii-San Diego Cruise!! See four different beautiful islands!! YMT Vacations also has a 17-day Seattle-Hawaii cruise that ends in Vancouver, British Columbia. Image relaxing on a sandy white beach, fruity tropical drink in hand, with the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean lapping quietly at your feet. That is the ultimate in relaxation!!

Linus Gitahi

A lot of people seem to be running marathons lately. Friends that I didn’t even realize have an interest in running are suddenly traveling to other cities to participate in long-distance competitions. I’m not sure what the sudden interest is, but I feel like I should be doing it too. I took a run a jog around the block today and nearly keeled over in exhaustion.

Linus Gitahi is the CEO of Nation Media Group which is Kenya's largest media group and owns a number of newspapers. Linus Gitahi has a blog on Kenyan runners, so you should check that out if you are interested in the subject. Linus Gitahi claims that they are the “world’s best runners” and offers advice on how you can run like a Kenyan.

There's still time for Mother's Day!!!

Ok, last-minute shoppers—you just realized that Mothers day is this weekend, right? Don’t worry—there is still time to order that special lady a great gift. Go to 1800flowers now to find a gift fast! You can order flowers online and have them delivered the same day. 100% satisfaction guaranteed, so you can’t go wrong.

There are all kinds of great deals on this website! You can save 15% on Mothers day flowers and gifts when you use PayPal! Send two or more Mother’s Day gifts and save $15! Save up to 30% on gift baskets!

Don’t forget the Grandmothers! They deserve great gifts, too. I think our grannies would love these Blooming Plants.

So, order now!! You don't have much time!! Happy Mother's Day!!!

More for Mother's Day!

I was just checking 1800flowers again, still deciding on Mother’s day gifts, when I noticed the Spotlight A Mom contest. In 500 words, you can describe a fabulous mom. There are daily winners selected with great prizes, including a $100 gift card to 1800flowers, which means she could choose her own Mothers day gifts. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a Beaches Resorts vacation to Turks & Caicos or Jamaica! So, if anyone wanted to nominate me, I certainly wouldn’t say no….hint, hint.

While we’re on the subject of…me….someone might be wondering what I would like to receive as Gifts for mothers day. Well….the Godiva Jewelry Box combines two things I really love—chocolate and a place to keep my jewelry! Then, there is the Vineyard Elegance basket, combining chocolate and wine…how can you go wrong? And the Chocolate Spa Gift Basket? Hello?! Have you met me?! Perfect!

So, those are just some hints to get you started. Let me know if you need a hint for a mother in your life.

1800flowers for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is May 10, so I started doing some Internet research this weekend. My husband and I are last-minute shoppers. Not just for mother’s day, but even when shopping for each other. Typically, we end up sending our moms last-minute flower arrangements. This year, I decided to get ahead of the game and found that at 1800flowers, if you order flowers for mothers day before April 30, you will save 20%.

This website has a Mother’s Day Gift Center that has many great suggestions for the mom in your life. My mom would love the Azalea in the Garden Tote, as she has the green thumb in the family. My mother-in-law would be smitten with the Martha Stewart Vibrant Purple Bouquet, since that is her favorite color. I truly think you could find something for every mom here, including a lovely bubble bath set for the new mom. They have tons of gifts sets, including candy and cookies.

Seriously, I’m a mom and I have to say that you just can’t go wrong with ordering flowers for mothers day. But, if you aren’t sure what she’d like, you can always order a gift card to ensure that she’s happy. I was also excited to see that there is an 1800flowers iPhone application available, so now I can order flowers on the go, if I do happen to need some at the last minute. Happy Mother’s Day!! (Hopefully, my moms aren’t reading this. :)

YMT Vacations

We had a lovely Easter weekend with extended family and by the end of the afternoon, the kids were bouncing off the walls from the outrageous amounts of sugar they consumed. My aunt and uncle are taking their two children to Disney World next month, so they are busy packing and planning. As it is now the middle of April (somehow it snuck on me again), I’m sure lots of other people are making summer vacation plans, as well. Alas, we are now a single-income family, so we will not be planning a trip this year…but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream!

YMT Vacations offers discount vacation packages on both cruises and land tours. Oh, the choices! It is amazing to me the amount of things you can amuse yourself with on a cruise. And just think of the cute nautical outfits you could wear! YMT Vacations has new tour packages to choose from including a 25-day European cruise and land tour or a 17-day Alaskan luxury cruise! Or, wouldn’t Hawaii be lovely? That answer is always “yes!” YMT Vacations is a member of United States Tour Operators Association and has been in business for over 40 years. We’ve been thinking about a fall foliage tour, so maybe we’ll be able to plan one of those this year. The itinerary shows stops in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Quebec, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. That sounds like fun!!

Well, wherever you are traveling to, have a safe and enjoyable journey! (And think of me, back here on my couch.)

What is YOUR online reputation?

I hadn't given a single thought to reputation management until I was reading one of my favorite blogs recently. Mindy, the author, sells advertising on her blog, which is the source of her family's income. She frequently participates in Momversations, which are video discussions between successful mommy bloggers on selected topics.

In one particular session, the ladies were discussing "Post Baby Body." In the clip, which is edited together with the other women's responses by the Momversation website, Mindy made a comment about how the changes to a mom's body are like changing from a girl to a woman (I'm paraphrasing a bit.) One viewer took this comment out of the context in which it was meant and was actually offended by it. This viewer had her own highly trafficked website, No Pasa Nada, so she wrote a post harshly criticizing (and unfairly, I might add) Mindy and ended up with over 100 readers posting their displeasure over the comment, as well.

The scathing comments continued on the website until Mindy wrote a follow-up apology on her own blog. She attempted to comment on NPN's blog post, but the author had closed the comments. After Mindy's apology, NPN opened comments back up and Mindy was able to confront her critics. She commented that these hurtful comments were putting her integrity and livelihood in jeopardy by tarnishing her online reputation. NPN finally closed the discussion and comments and appears to have moved on. But, what if she hadn't moved on? If this woman had decided to continue her tirade, she could have launched an all out campaign against Mindy and her blog, effectively cutting off her revenue source and putting her family's financial security at risk. (Thank God she didn't. I applaud NPN for not going any further, BTW.)

The Internet is such an enormous part of our lives now that we look to the web to be our reference guide on all things. With the incredible number of personal blogs and watchdog websites, there are a lot of opinions floating around on the Internet. You can find entire sites dedicated to consumer complaints against companies. Some of these vitriolic tirades are well-deserved, but some are isolated incidents and some are even competition-inspired fabrications.

So, what to do when your name is smeared? Call the experts, of course. Oh, yes, there are experts in online reputation management. Check out the site if you don't believe me. You can actually pay public relations consultants and web experts to monitor and correct negative online attacks on your reputation. As it turns out, all publicity isn't good publicity.

See all the fun things you can discover when you have nothing better to do with your day?! I'd LOVE to know what you think! ;)