#BlastFromPast Hello

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Hello! Today is November 1st, 2009. Exactly one month ago I turned 30 years old. Sixteen days ago I gave birth to my second son, Mason, via repeat c-section. My first son, Callan, is 20 months old today. Maybe I am having a little postpartum depression, maybe not. But I need something new, something for me. So I decided to start blogging again. I used to blog faithfully. I blogged about my struggle with infertility, and then I blogged about our triumph, and blogged through my whole first pregnancy. I blogged through the first year of our firstborn's life. And then I got pregnant (surprise!!) this second time, and I kinda fell off the blogging wagon during most of the pregnancy. But a lot was going on besides being pregnant. My hubby is an Army veteran and was (and still is) dealing with a service connected disability. We had just recently moved back to Minnesota after living in Texas for 5 years. We had to move in with my parents (ugh!) and were working on getting a place of our own, which we did, thank you God! Hubby was on the hunt for a job. So, a lot was going on, and I took a hiatus from blogging. But like I said before, whatever it is now, I need something for me. So I am trying my hand at blogging once again. I don't anticipate I will have a lot of readers/followers, but I am doing it more so for the therapy of writing! So, hello Blog World! Here I come!

Finding Myself

Finding Myself by Olga Sushinsky

About The Book:

Although Rebecca O'Conner-Smith is somewhat content, she secretly longs for a more fascinating life. Her dead-end office job bores her, and her husband Jason, while sweet, is more interested in settling down in suburban Toronto than going on adventures with her. So, when an opportunity to be a part of an archaeological dig in southern Israel arises, she takes it. Despite the current hostilities of the country, Rebecca is passionate about the culture, history, language, and even music of Israel. Getting the chance to use her skills and knowledge obtained from her archaeology major in a place she loves is a dream come true. Spending three weeks digging in the treasure trove of the Israeli desert makes her feel fulfilled like never before. However, the dig inspires her to further her archaeological degree despite the financial toll it will have on her marriage. Moreover, Rebecca finds herself attracted to another volunteer who intellectually challenges her in ways her husband never did. Torn between a secure, comfortable life with a man she loves and a challenging, exciting academic career with no guarantees about her future, Rebecca must choose what kind of life she wants to live for herself.

About The Author:

Olga Sushinsky graduated with a B.A. in History and French and an M.A. in Near Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto. Her longtime fascination with ancient Israel inspired her to write her debut novel, Finding Myself. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading light fiction with happy endings, visiting local galleries, and spending time with her family. Olga lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and two children.

Preorder your copy of Finding Myself on Amazon.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Ferryl Shayde - Animal Magic Book 6

Ferryl Shayde - Animal Magic Book 6 by Vance Huxley

About The Book:

The Tavern has survived both Robert de Beaumont and the Sheffield Eight, but has it been fatally damaged? Rachels' Shunning still causes unrest, while many are shocked by the deaths of Taverners and allies, and the number of badly injured. Meanwhile Jenny steps into her role as the new Mistress of de Beaumont, an old, traditional demesne with scores of apprentices. Underneath the grief and confusion, Isabella's poison is spreading. The Taverneers are wrapped up in their own reactions to the deaths, their new bodyguards, and projects. Abel and Kelis are both trying to keep the secret, even from each other, but something magical is drawing them together. Abel discovers that another myth is real, Kelis discovers more about the origins of magic than she ever expects, and Jenny finds herself refereeing a four-hundred-year-old rivalry. A race against death leaves Kelis with a new distraction, though not as dangerous as Jenny's Pack. With the parties at Christmas and New Year as further distractions, none of the Taverneers realize how far the rot has spread, but some Adepts are working overtime to catch Isabella in the act. As rumor and fact merge and splinter, Abel is left trying rescue all he, and the Taverneers, hold dear from the resultant chaos.

About The Author:

Vance Huxley lives out in the countryside in Lincolnshire, England. He has spent a busy life working in many different fields – including the building and rail industries, as a workshop manager, trouble-shooter for an engineering firm, accountancy, cafe proprietor, and graphic artist. He also spent time in other jobs, and is proud of never being dismissed, and only once made redundant. Eventually he found his Noeline, but unfortunately she died much too young. To help with the aftermath, Vance tried writing, though without any real structure. As an editor and beta readers explained the difference between words and books, he tried again. Now he tries to type as often as possible in spite of the assistance of his cats, since his legs no longer work well enough to allow anything more strenuous. An avid reader of Sci-Fi, fantasy and adventure novels, his writing tends towards those genres. 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Viteyes Blue Light Defender

With a majority of public schools closing for at least a month (with some for the remainder of the school year like ours here in Blackduck), students will be resorting to online courses during this time frame as well as playing on their digital devices even more so than usual to pass the time. As we spend hours looking at screens, the eye muscles that focus on near objects get tired. High-energy blue light also reduces contrast, therefore, causing our eyes to constantly adjust focus and the eye muscles to get more overworked. This can cause short-term effects of digital eye strain, including headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, eye strain, and eye fatigue, and long term effects on overall eye health. I have experienced all of these, and am nervous my son will begin to as well.

Many people are unaware of the solutions available to protect their eyes from blue light and digital eye strain. Introducing Viteyes Blue Light Defender: made specifically to protect the eyes against the overuse of digital screens as well as the sun. Viteyes Blue Light Defender is formulated with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are the only natural defenses our eyes have against the harmful effects of blue light. This premium formula also includes bilberry for added eye health benefits and Astaxanthin to help relieve tired and strained eyes. Viteyes Blue Light Defender is available as a gummy as well in capsule form and can be used by those 12+ to adults. A good daily vitamin to add to your and your children's routines.

Check it all out at Viteyes on Facebook, as well as Viteyes on Twitter.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#TurboTaxTime Giveaway

 

*NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES* Monday, April 6th at 12:00 AM PT to Thursday, April 9th at 11:59 PM PT. Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 Visa e-gift card from TurboTax. Users enter the giveaway by heading to the TurboTax merchant page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form on the page. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Friday, April 10th via the email address they used to enter. 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

AmourCBD

AmourCBD's family of products are simply the best in the market today and they are a brand you can trust. They use only the finest, U.S.-grown hemp and the highest grade, broad spectrum CBD oil available on the market today. All AmourCBD products have Zero-THC and they back this claim up with regular, independent third-party laboratory tests. The Advanced Pain Relieving Cream is FDA registered as an OTC product. Very few competitors take the time or spend the money to take this step. The Advanced Pain Relieving Cream also contains the most effective, proven pain reliever commercially available today, lidocaine, and is odor free. This means you can apply it anytime, anyplace! They know that when buying a new class of products, like CBD, trust is just as important as efficacy and they have gone the extra mile to accomplish both.

I got to try the first FDA registered CBD cream, made from the best quality and medical-grade ingredients. And importantly, AmourCBD products don’t contain any THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis and to a lesser extent in hemp. I use this on my feet, and okay, I know that sounds funny, but I have Plantar's Fasciitis, and omg, the pain! But this helps!! It is insane, and it is awesome!

Check it all out at AmourCBD on Facebook, as well as AmourCBD on Twitter.

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Small Book For The Hurting Heart

A Small Book For The Hurting Heart by Paul Tautges

About The Book: 

Loss comes in many forms: the death of a loved one, unemployment due to downsizing, a relationship ripped apart by conflict or divorce, even the loss of a dream. The list goes on and on. Although the specific circumstances of each grief are as unique as the person grieving, what remains the same is the inner pain being experienced and the need to apply God’s gracious promises to each one of them. Grief may threaten to overtake us or destroy our joy. In A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing by Paul Tautges, men and women will see Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, who is well-acquainted with grief and sadness. Tautges walks with readers through their grief to see the one who nourishes their faith and heals their soul.

About The Author:

Paul Tautges is pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He is also a recognized leader in biblical counseling and has authored many books on topics related to pastoral ministry, counseling, and parenting. He is an adjunct college professor and ACBC fellow. In addition to writing regularly on his blog, Counseling One Author, Tautges has written for Crosswalk and Biblical Counseling Coalition. Tautges has been married to Karen for thirty-two years. Together they cherish their ten children and growing tribe of grandchildren.

Get A Small Book For The Hurting Heart HERE.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

MarieBelle Chocolates

Maribel Lieberman is the founder of MarieBelle New York, and to this day, its most inspired doyenne. From her first chocolate shop in Soho, Maribel’s passion for discovering and sharing new flavors, has seen her continually reinvent how we enjoy chocolate. Lieberman lives in Soho in New York City with her husband, artist Jacques Lieberman and their daughter.

MarieBelle's chooses only the finest selection of Criollo cacao beans from all over the world. What the fine Arabica bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate. Criollo cacao makes up less than 10% of worldwide chocolate production, and as such, is highly sought after by connoisseurs. Chocolate made from Criollo beans has a distinct reddish color, and an equally distinctive complex taste, which can include flavors of caramel, nuts, vanilla and tobacco.

Check it all out at MarieBelle on Facebook, as well as MarieBelle on Twitter.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Bombshell #Giveaway Digital Code Bundle

The Oscar-nominated provocative real story of three ambitious and strong women who risked everything to stand up to the man who made them, Bombshell is available now on Digital, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD. This empowering drama commended by critics and audiences alike was the Oscar winner for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling, and was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Actress (Charlize Theron), and Best Supporting Actress (Margot Robbie). Explore the fascinating journey it took to bring this ripped-from-the-headlines tale to the screen with in-depth Blu-ray and DVD bonus features, including a 7-part making-of documentary featuring interviews with the incredible cast and crew that brought this story to the screen.

Enter to win a bundle of digital codes for these 5 movies: Bombshell, Judy, A Simple Favor, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and The Hunger Games. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#SpringAtKohls Giveaway

 

 Wednesday, April 1st at 12:00 AM PT to Tuesday, April 7th at 11:59 PM PT. Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 e-gift card from Kohl's. Users enter the giveaway by heading to the Kohl's merchant page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form on the page. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Wednesday, April 8th via the email address they used to enter.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Our Covid-19 Situation #Coronavirus #Covid19

I have refrained from posting anything Covid/Corona related up until this point, because it is everywhere and I think people are overwhelmed with it all. But I want to share our story. We are currently not that affected by it all, though I think that is going to drastically change very soon.

When it first hit Minnesota, it was way down south from us. We live up in the Northwoods of Minnesota, not too far from the Canadian Border. So, it was like, ehh, okay, no big deal. Not too concerned, it does not affect anyone we know. No one in any states we knew had it or was affected by it yet.

Then it spread to Anoka County where many of our family live. So then it was a bit more scary, but still, not "here" yet, and no one we knew had it or was affected by it. But then Minnesota had it's first death. Ok, so maybe this was a little scary. And we all started to be a bit more cautious, washing our hands more, using hand sanitizer more, doing the social distancing. Callan's school was cancelled, as were all school's statewide. I remained working, as did my husband. Still, not a huge deal for our family, really. But then Michigan got hit hard, where two of my sisters live. And Texas, another family member lives there. Their states got the Shelter In Place, but Minnesota hadn't yet, and our numbers were still fairly low. As an immunocompromised person, I started to get nervous. We could foresee the "storm cloud" coming. We did not panic buy, as many did (seriously who needs that much toilet paper?), but we did stock up on groceries, as Callan was now home all day, and eating 3 meals at home, plus snacks.

Minnesota go the Stay At Home orders. While Jason is an Essential Worker in healthcare, I am not in Customer Service. So I decided to stay home with Callan. My workplace is still open, but they gave us the option to stay home if we so choose to. After much talk with my husband, we decided we were at enough risk of him bringing something home from the clinic daily, regardless of the Coronavirus, and we knew our son was nervous about this whole pandemic as is, on top of his regular PTSD, and when your son begs you to please stay home, you do it. Plus, in our eyes....he is a precious gem. He is our only remaining child, and HE comes first. So I am staying home. I have been off work officially going on 4 days now. As of yesterday, Minnesota had 629 positive cases, and 12 deaths. Minimal, compared to other states. But rising daily.

Callan began his Distance Learning yesterday, and that is a big change. But besides school, and me being home from work, and having to hunt for basic groceries and sundries in our area - not a whole lot has changed for us. Do I think it will get worse? Yes. Do I think it will firsthand affect us in someway more than the aforementioned changes? Yes. Am I scared? A little. And I think you all should be as well. I think people need to stay at home, and limit their trips to the stores and out and about. This is not vacation time. Yes, if the weather is nice, go for a walk. But don't let the kids play with 8 other kids on the street. Don't stop to visit with your neighbors and talk about the weather. Being stuck at home sucks for some, I get that. But I think some people are enjoying it a little too much.

TOST #Giveaway

Refreshingly dry and not too sweet, TÖST can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, by anyone. Have guests who don't want to, or can't, drink alcohol? TÖST lets everyone join the party, whether they're drinking or not. Serving beef, chicken and a vegetarian option? TÖST complements every cuisine with style. Looking for a good mixer? TÖST plays well with vodka, bourbon, gin, and rum. When you raise a TÖST, you raise a glass to hospitality and goodwill, and no one ever feels left out. TÖST is the one bottle for everyone!

Enter below to win a 3-bottle case of TOST just in time for Mother's Day! Good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Happy April Fool's Day 2020

   

Fun Outdoor Activities For Summer 2020

As summer fast approaches, it's time to start thinking of some outdoor activities that you can plan to take advantage of the warm weather and all that additional time off. Summer is a great time to go a little bit out of the box and out of your comfort zone with the activities that you plan. To help give you some ideas, here are a few fun outdoor activities that you can plan this summer.

Going Camping

Nothing immerses you in the great outdoors quite like a camping trip. Finding a spot out in a campground or, if you're even more adventurous, out in the wilderness itself, is a great way to get some fresh air and disconnect from the material world for a few days over the summer. Going in warm weather ensures that you'll stay relatively comfortable at night when the temperature typically dips a bit. When camping, you're going to want to make sure you are prepared with all of the camping equipment Toronto you might possibly need. If you're on your own out in the wilderness, it is far better to go in far too prepared than missing something that you may wind up finding essential.

Throwing a Family Reunion

In the summer, there is a greater chance that everyone can be a little more flexible with getting some time off and freeing up a few days for an event like a family reunion. Throwing a family reunion is a perfect summer activity. You can all get some time outside while connecting with family members who you haven't seen in a while. With more free schedules for most family members, the summer is the ideal time to plan a large-scale event like this. 

Hitting the Beach

There is no more quintessential summer opportunity than gathering up your towels and beach chairs and picking out a spot in the sand to relax. Whether you live fifteen minutes from the beach or a few hours away, whether it's a day trip or a vacation, you should try your best to carve out some time this summer to spend some quality time on the beach. You won't get the opportunity to do so at any other time of year.

Going camping, throwing a family reunion and hitting the beach are three fun outdoor activities that you can count on planning for the summer. All of them take advantage of the warm summer months and less stringent schedules that come in June, July and August.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker + Activity

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm, and director J.J. Abrams’ riveting, inspiring conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, electrified audiences around the globe, earning more than a billion dollars worldwide. Fans can now complete their collections as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrived on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 31st. Bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary, which goes behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and explores the legacy of the Skywalker saga. Bonus features also dig into the film’s Pasaana desert scenes, including the thrilling landspeeder chase, and the ship in which Rey discovers family secrets as well as a new little droid named D-O. Plus, fans will hear from Warwick Davis, who reprises his role as Wicket the Ewok, as well as the creature effects team that created a record 584 creatures and droids for the film. Digital consumers will receive an exclusive feature highlighting legendary composer John Williams, who has scored every episode in the Skywalker saga. Bonus features include:

The Skywalker Legacy – The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chase – Dive into the making of the movie’s epic landspeeder chase and discover how this spectacular sequence was brought to the screen.

Aliens in the Desert – See what it took to create the Pasaana desert scenes, from the sheer scale and complexity of the shoot to its colorful details.

D-O: Key to the Past – Explore the ship that connects Rey to the mystery of her missing parents and get to know the galaxy’s newest, irresistible droid.

Warwick & Son – Warwick Davis, who played Wicket in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, dons the Ewok costume once more; this time joined by his son Harrison.

Cast of Creatures – The team behind the film’s memorable creatures reveal the puppetry, makeup, prosthetics and digital magic that bring them to life!

Digital Exclusive: The Maestro’s Finale – Composer John Williams reflects on his body of work for the Star Wars saga and shares insights on scoring Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

The ninth and final episode in the Skywalker saga welcomed the return of original characters Luke Skywalker, General Leia Organa, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Emperor Palpatine, and Lando Calrissian, along with the latest generation of heroes and villains, including Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Maz, Rose, General Hux, and Kylo Ren. Newcomers include Jannah, a new ally of the Resistance; Allegiant General Pryde of the First Order; and smuggler Zorii Bliss. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their at-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition includes Blu-ray and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Ultimate Collector’s Edition, including 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the resolution of HD paired with fully immersive picture and sound and Dolby Atmos audio, allowing viewers at home to practically feel the Force.

On March 31st, coinciding with the physical release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, eight Star Wars films are being released on 4K UHD for the first time: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Health & Wellness Items For This Time At Home

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Home Activities For This Time At Home

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

4 Things You Need For An Outdoor Event

Planning an outdoor event, no matter its size, brings a unique set of challenges. Having the process firmly under control means making sure certain aspects of the event's logistics do not get overlooked. It's wise to keep an eye out for the little things that can ensure your outdoor festival, party, or fundraiser goes off without a hitch. 

1. Good Lighting

Any time an event takes place outdoors, lighting becomes key. You should not assume that the sun will be shining and provide enough light for every aspect of the festivities. It's not just the event itself that needs to be illuminated. Parking areas, travel paths, and staff access should all have sufficient lighting. If any setup and prep work will be done ahead of time, you'll need to make sure workers can see for that, too. 

2. Restrooms Facilities

This is a perennial problem for large events. Avoid long lines and gathering around portable bathrooms by arranging for portable festival restroom trailers. Each one can accommodate multiple party-goers at once, and they are a functional, attractive, and sanitary option for your guests.  

3. Parking Assistance

You'll want to have some form of assistance for getting vehicles parked and then getting people back and forth from the lot to the actual event. Start by having enough staff or volunteers to direct cars to the appropriate places to park. This will maximize the number of vehicles you can accommodate and allow you an accurate idea of how many more you can fit. 

You may want to consider offering a separate paved handicapped lot that is closer to the festivities or a shuttle to offer assistance. Not everyone will be able to trudge through an open field to get from their vehicle to the event. 

4. Emergency Backup Plans

When you are planning to get a large group of people together outside, weather-related delays or cancellations can happen. For the times when things just don't work out, have a backup plan in place. 

Careful planning can make your event a success. Use common sense and attention to detail to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch. 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#SpringIntoHomeDepot Giveaway

 

 Monday, March 23rd at 12:00 AM PT to Thursday, March 26th at 11:59 PM PT. Five (5) winners will receive a $100 Visa e-gift card from Home Depot. Users enter the giveaway by heading to the Home Depot merchant page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form on the page. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Friday, March 27th via the email address they used to enter.

 
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

How To Buy And Learn An Instrument

So, you've recently decided to pick up a musical instrument, and you're wondering where to begin. It's difficult to know what materials you need and how to learn this new skill. Here is a quick guide to what to do when first learning an instrument.

What To Buy

When you're first learning, it can be easy to want to dive headfirst into all the bells and whistles associated with your new hobby. However, be conservative with your money at first. The amount you pay varies widely by the instrument you decide to learn, but for your first instrument, you shouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars. Some instruments can go for thousands, but those are professional quality. When you're first starting, a beginner-level instrument will be more than sufficient. Later on, you can start buying the fancy vintage equipment parts for musical instruments.

How To Learn

With today's technology, learning an instrument, especially a popular instrument like piano or guitar, is easier than ever. There are several mobile apps dedicated to teaching people to play instruments cheaply. Most of these apps don't cost more than a few dollars, which is much cheaper than traditional lessons. However, if traditional lessons are the way you want to go, most local music stores either offer lessons or can recommend somewhere to get lessons. The other option is to teach yourself. Teaching yourself has the potential to be easier, however, it could be difficult to start, and your understanding of music will probably not be as comprehensive.

After you've bought your instrument and you begin learning to play, the rest is up to you. What do you want to do with your newfound skills? Do you want to try to get some gigs, or are you just playing for yourself? That's the beauty of music; you can do whatever you want with it.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.