Our Fight With Raccoons

Hey neighbors!!

Some of you may remember me mentioning our fight with raccoons not too long ago.  Well, it is still going on!  There is apparently a family living in the crawl space above part of our home.  It is a little creepy to listen to them scratching around above your bed and having minor skirmishes.  I have been asleep and startled awake to them screeching at each other.  I think I mentioned the first time they did this I was positive something was in our bedroom.  They were also raiding our trash cans, even pushing the lids off when we put bricks on them.

So, we had a couple of humane traps and trapped 8 of them, along with a possum.  No, not all at the same time.  Unfortunately we found out that we were not taking them far enough away.  So we actually may have caught a couple more than once, although we have since been told that once a raccoon is caught in a trap that he won't fall for it again.

Move forward a few weeks.  Our friend came up and repaired our roof where the coons had torn an opening to get in.  We figured, no more problems....we were wrong.  We continued to have our trash raided and to hear them in the ceiling.

Next step hire a pest removal company.  Guess what?  The closest one we could find is about an hour away and they charge mileage every time they come. This is where it gets a little frustrating.

First day he arrives and brought one trap.  Yes, you read that right, one trap.  We told him we heard raccoons, plural and that there was fighting, but he only brought one trap.  So, he added one of ours and placed them in the crawl space over the shed, since that is easily accessed and connects to the home.  My husband checks the traps in the morning, one raccoon and one empty, unsprung trap.  Our trap worked and the one he brought did not.  He could not get it to spring either.  So we paid for someone to drive an hour and set up our trap to catch a raccoon. When he picked up the raccoon he set some new traps he had brought.  This time he caught one more raccoon and another trap was missing the bait and was sprung.

Since then he has reset the traps only to have them empty and minus the bait.  So these coons are getting the food out and somehow not spring the trap until after.  Fast forward to this past Tuesday.  My husband checked the traps and they are empty and have been tipped over and moved some.  We called and he came out again to reset the traps with bait.  Well, this morning the one he set out beside our trash cans was once again minus the bait and was closed.  No raccoon.  Our trash was all over the place.

So, I think the raccoons are winning the war.  Not only are they avoiding capture, we are feeding them all kinds of nice treats.

As far as the company itself goes, I am not impressed.  He arrived with one broken trap.  He has consistently arrived late.  The first raccoon that was trapped he left there for an extra 24 hours because he was busy and didn't think he could make it here in time and back to where he needed to be. Oh, and he also said they could not go into the crawl space above our bedroom, because to do so he would need to remove two small pieces of siding and remove 6 screws from the board behind it.  This was designed as an entry to the crawl space.  Even if my husband removed it, he said he probably would not do it.  I wish we could have found someone else, but apparently anyone else is even further away.  A company that uses the Pocomos software would be nice.  Perhaps a little more organized.

Who knows which one of us is going to win this battle.  Right now I would say the coons are ahead and we are just waiting, with baited traps.

Are You Struggling From Paycheck to Paycheck? Lance Advisors

Hey neighbors!!

Finances are a topic most of us shy away from talking about.  It is often a bone of contention between spouses and has probably led to more than one family crisis. Financial stress is very real.  In our fast paced, I want it all now society many of us have a tendency to purchase items on the spur of the moment and regret it later.  It gets even worse when you purchase on a credit card and then the bills start rolling in.  Next thing you know your income is smaller than your outgo.  This is when you start struggling from paycheck to paycheck and wonder how you are ever going to get back on track.  You are just surviving and trying to keep your head above water.

Perhaps overspending is not the cause of your financial problems, but illness or injury is.  Even a short term illness can run up medical bills, but when you talk long term illness or an injury that hinders or stops your ability to work then you are talking financial trouble.  Between loss of income and the medical bills piling up, you end up with debt, that is often hard to pay off when you still have your regular monthly bills.

Some Causes of Financial Debt

1.  Overspending
2.  Living above your means
3.  An accident or injury
4. Illness
5.  Death in the family
6.  Not enough income
7.  Divorce
8.  Credit cards
9.  No budget in place
10. College
11. Pregnancy
12. No savings
13. Loss of employment
14. Cut back on hours of employment
15. No knowledge of how to budget

Do You Need Someone Like Lance Advisors?

I am sure there are many more items that could be added to the list above.  Many times we just get in over our heads and then have no idea where to go from there.  Lance Advisors or someone like them just might be the solution you are looking for.  Occasionally our debt is too much to handle on our own and we need to seek outside advice.  This is when you need someone with experience, not just your best friend.  Seek out an advisor who has experience and who has good references.  The last thing you need at this time is to put out more funds on something that does not work.

Setting Goals to Recover From Debt

No matter how you got into this situation you need to begin setting goals to get out.  You will need both short term and long term goals.  Some will be easy to implement while others will take time and consistency.  Remember to keep your eyes on the goals.  If you get distracted from what you are working towards you will end up even deeper in debt.

Before we start working on some solutions, I want to add here to always budget in for a little fun.  If all you have are your goals, with no end in sight, you could become depressed or stressed.  I am not talking about budgeting in a huge vacation, but a little here and there for a dinner or inexpensive fun. Fun can be inexpensive, like a trip to a museum, aquarium or zoo.  You could plan an afternoon at a park and pack a picnic lunch or grill out.  Go to a local ball game.  Schedule this for 1-2 times a month and stick to it.  You need to allow for some time spent on fun or enjoyment.

One of the first things you need to do is to sit down and list all your income.  Next list all weekly/monthly bills.  You will also need to include the regular bills that might be yearly, such as car tags, home insurance, taxes on your home, etc.  Oftentimes for those yearly bills it will be easier to have a savings account you put money into each moth, so when the bill comes due you have the funds to pay it.  Now is the time to figure out exactly what you can afford to pay each month.  Look closely at your list and see if there are any ways to cut your outgo.  Even small amounts add up so consider every expense and see if there is any way to lower your bill.  Create a budget and then stick with it.

A Few Ways To Lower Expenditures

1. Consider if you can change companies for any of your major bills that would lower them.  Perhaps cell phone, internet, even your car and home insurance.  Shop around a little and find the best deals you can to save on these expenses.

2. Lower your electric and water bills by conserving where you can.  Shut lights off when they are not in use.  Take shorter showers.  When washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc. turn the water off in between.  I have a tendency to leave the water running as I grab extra dishes off of the counters or the dining room table rather than turning it off in between.

3. Are there any bills you can cut out?  If you have both cell phones and a landline, perhaps you could go to just one or the other.  Many people no longer have landlines.

4. Do you have member ships to gyms or other clubs that you could do without?  Or is there another option instead of paying for the membership?  Some gyms have discounts based on your income.

5. Lower your grocery bill by using coupons, looking for sales and perhaps finding new recipes.  Cut back some on entertaining.  Drink more water.

6. When you do need to make larger purchases, look for the best deals.  Use the internet to research before you purchase so you can make a wise choice.

7. Try to reduce what you spend on gasoline by combining trips.  Make stops on your way home from work rather than making another trip out.  See if you can carpool with a co-worker to work, or a friend when going to the store or kid's sport activities.

8. If you pay for child care is there anything you could do to cut costs? Can you hire a teen? Maybe trade off sitting with another mom.  Make sure that what you are being paid to work is really worth the expenses you are putting out between child care, travel expenses and etc.

9. Consider contacting a financial advisor like Lance Advisors.

10. You made need to go with debt consolidation.  You can combine several bills and thus get the payment amount lowered.  You can also consolidate debt with a personal loan or a loan based on your home ownership.

So, once you have done all this, see where you stand financially.  You may need to seek other assistance from outside sources if this does not help in your situation.  Remember, all is not lost. Sometimes life just hits us hard and we have to do what we can and then see where we go from there.

Please leave a comment if you have some other ideas for reducing expenditures and getting ahead.

Three Ways to Cherish Your Daughter

Raising a daughter is such a major responsibility. In some ways, men and women are very similar, however, each person is different and has unique needs. You may have to tailor your parenting approach for each child. With this understanding, it's important to relate to your daughter in a way that honors who she is, and the woman she'll grow to become. You'll want to encourage her in ways that are unique to her gifts, talents and interests. When your daughter feels loved by you, as a parent, you'll give her a foundation of safety and security. From that place, she can really thrive. 

Consider the following ways you can actively cherish your daughter. 

1. Go out on dates. Create your own separate date night with her. Just like you'd have a date night with your spouse, do the same with your daughter. Make it unique. Perhaps you could get her a carnation before you head out.Use this as a time for you two to connect, have fun and make new memories. You can go grab dinner at a local restaurant and go for a walk afterward. You can opt to go roller skating or ice skating. You two might decide you'd like to go to a local bookstore to pick out some reading material. This will give you one on one time and allow you to build a close relationship.

2. Be a source of wisdom and refuge. Whether your daughter is in elementary school or college, there are so many things she faces on a daily basis. There's the pressure of making friends, getting good grades and fitting in. Even though it might seem trivial to some, these are areas of stress for a lot of young people. Knowing this, it's a good idea to be a source of wisdom and encouragement for your daughter. Whether she's had a bad day or is feeling unsure about a new friend, be a source of refuge. She should know that she can be completely vulnerable and open with you.  If you have a close relationship she will feel she can discuss anything with you.

3. Although gifts are not required in parenting, sometimes a special gift just to show you care, makes a child/teen feel loved.  You can give them something like a beautiful charm it bracelet or a special book they have been wanting to read.  It doesn't have to be expensive, but keep it around their interests.  

Thanks for stopping by where neighbors share!!

I Love Photography

Hey neighbors!!

Many of you have seen some of my photos I have taken since getting my Canon 6D.  I have always enjoyed photography.  I started out of course with a simple point and shoot.  You know, the kind that is small enough to slip in a pocket of your purse and you just turn it on, point at what you want a picture of, use the little lever to zoom in or out and push the button.  It does all the focusing by itself.

Move forward a few years.  Of course I have changed cameras a few times and upgraded a bit.  Most of my cameras have been Canon, which is why I chose Canon when I moved up to a DSLR.  I did what most people do at first with a DSLR and kept it in Auto mode.  I occasionally changed to Sports or Night, but I definitely left it on Auto for most photos.

Then, I decided I needed to learn how to move to Manual mode.  You know the one where you can totally ruin the picture if you don't learn what all those odd terms mean.  Like ISO - does that mean "in search of" something?  The only thing I was in search of were good photos.  And shutter speed.  All the "shutters" in my home need moved manually.  White Balance?  Aperature? Do you shoot RAW? Raw what?

Fortunately my daughter was also interested in photography, and she was more than willing to explain some of this to me. ISO does not mean "in search of", it actually stands for International Organization of Standardization. This is the group that sets rating standards for camera sensors.  Basically it refers to the light sensitivity of your sensors.  ISO is one of the important settings when taking pictures, because it can lighten or darken your pictures.

Shutter Speed is a second part of an important triangle of three main areas you adjust when taking pictures.  Shutter speed determines how long the shutter is open allowing light in.  So when it is dark, you need to slow it down, so it stays open longer.  When it is bright outside, you speed it up some.  also shutter speed has an effect of catching movement sharp and clear, or blurring the motion.

Last section of the triangle is Aperture.  This is the size of the hole that allows light in.  Smaller aperture less light, larger aperture more light.

Now obviously, my explanations here are extremely simple and there is much more involved.  There are many sites that will give you more information and more technical details. As you become more experienced taking photos, you will start to learn the right settings for different situations.  Sometimes I still go back to auto if I am taking a lot of pictures in varying light and with different types of action going on around me.

When you get the settings wrong, sometimes you can correct the photo through editing, but that is not always the case. I try to get out and take photos a few times a week, even it is just our dogs, but I love when we can plan a trip just for photography.  We drive around back roads and search for wildlife, old buildings and landscapes that catch my eye.

I am having so much fun learning about my camera and the difference settings make in the result of your photos.  If you are interested in photography and have a page or site please share it in the comments.  I love seeing other photographer's photos.

Thanks for stopping in today!! See you soon, where neighbors share.

Lindsey Graham Celebrates 6th Homecoming

Hey neighbors!

Received this from AG Publicity today, that Lindsey Graham celebrated her 6th Homecoming in Naples Florida.  The event was held at First Baptist of Naples and was a great success.

This year Lindsey was pleased to have special guest, Michael Booth.  A native Floridian, Michael is part of the well-loved Southern Gospel group, the Booth Brothers.  The talented singer performed as a soloist, and then collaborated on several songs with Lindsey. They performed a live version of her original song, Trust You, from her latest EP "Still, My Soul: Songs for Quiet Moments.” They also performed a duet of Lindsey’s current radio single, Safe, which features Michael.

Lindsey said of the event, "This was the first time hosting this event in the main sanctuary of my own home church. It was thrilling to have more than 1000 people there to celebrate with us, and to encounter the Lord through song, laughter, & testimony.  It was a great night of worship, praise and redemption in the name of Jesus. We shared many laughs and many tears as we gathered to celebrate God and all He is doing in and through Lindsey Graham Ministries.”

This year Lindsey has been added to the line-up for the National Quartet Convention, one of Southern Gospel Music’s most prestigious events, held at the LaConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.  She will be performing on Wednesday evening, September 25.

Top Celebrities That Have Their Own App

Top Celebrities Who Have Their Own App

Image Credit: Pixabay

Celebrities are known for expanding their roles outside of their normal work in order to expand upon their success. Some celebrities start their own restaurants or businesses hoping to use their name and brand to further their success. Other celebrities try to find footing in other aspects such as fitness and health. However, one new trend that is popping up is celebrities that have their own successful mobile applications. Technology is becoming more prominent in our lives, and some celebrities are chomping at the bit to be apart of the tech industry. Here are some of the top celebrities that have made their name in the world of mobile applications.

Kylie Jenner (Kylie Cosmetics)

Kylie Jenner is on track to be the youngest self-made billionaire ever, and she's showing no signs of slowing down. Jenner is best known for her cosmetic lines and social media following, and has recently released an app called Kylie Cosmetics. This app is Kylie's latest business savvy move as she moves to corner the makeup industry. The app’s primary goal is to improve the overall experience of customers, allowing them to track their orders and have access to exclusive deals. If you’re a huge fan of Jenner and her makeup lines, then this app is a must-have.

Damon Wayans Jr. (Special Guest App)

Instead of developing an app that helped fans follow his everyday life, Damon Wayans Jr decided to turn the entertainment industry on its head. By partnering with serial entrepreneur Kris Jones and developing Special Guest App, Wayans Jr. did just that. Special Guest App is a platform that allows talent to register online and fill in their information. Consumers can then use the platform to search for local talent to hire for parties and events. The app also takes care of   other things such as payment and reviews. The whole purpose of the app is to make the live entertainment industry at the local level run much smoother. Special Guest App has the potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry and change it for the better.

Tyler, the Creator (Golf Media)

Tyler, the Creator and his band Odd Future are well known for creating unique and exciting pieces of content. Camp Flog Gnaw and various other projects have displayed Tyler’s creativity, but none like Golf Media. Golf Media is described as “Tyler’s brain in one place”, and includes content such as live streams and behind the scenes content. Unfortunately Tyler killed the product in 2018, but much of the unique content is still circulating around the internet.  If you enjoy the seeing the creativity that artists like Tyler can express, then you should look into the content that was posted to Golf Media.

Maisie Williams (Daisie)

Best known for her role as Arya on the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones, Maisie Williams is a young star with a bright future ahead of her. However, Williams isn’t afraid to branch out to new areas to further her career. Her mobile application Daisie allows creators to create and share their projects with other people. Williams sees this mobile app as a way for creative types to display their hard work and create long lasting networks that could help them in the future.

Disclaimer: At the Fence is not promoting the individuals named in the above post. We are mentioning apps they have created and how technology is changing the way we promote our names, businesses, etc.

Finances After the Holidays - Gladiator Lending

Hey neighbors!!

I am sure glad spring is just around the corner, but as we are shaking off the winter weather how are you doing financially?  Winter is of course one of the seasons where people tend to spend more money than they intend to.  Between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's we can put out quite a bit on food, drink and gifts.  Parents have a tendency to go into to debt to make sure their children have a good holiday.  Husbands and wives often purchase expensive gifts for each other, as do dating couples.  Then there are families who must purchase a gift for every member of the extended family, even if they really never interact with each other.  Parties for work, church get togethers, old friends dropping in all make our spending go up.

So, now that the season of spending is over, what do you do next?  First of all, don't stress out.  Take a deep breath and then sit down with pen and paper to start a budget.  On one sheet of paper write out all income.  Next list each of your expenses.  Be sure you consider all expenses, groceries, insurance, phone bills, gas, electric, garbage, internet, everything must be included.  Then examine your list of expenses and see if there is anywhere you can cut back some.  Some examples would be:
1. Eat at home more and schedule once a month to eat out.
2. Make sure everyone is turning lights off when they leave rooms, adjust your thermostat a couple of degrees and cut down on shower time.
3. Try to condense your shopping trips when you are going somewhere else to lower your gasoline expenditure.
4. Consider changing cell phone providers to get a lower bill.
5. Write down every penny you spend.
6, Contact the companies you owe and see if there is a way to lower your payment.

My husband and I did number 5 for a period of time and we were amazed at the unnecessary spending we did.  A couple of sodas when we could have brought a drink from home.  A little snack when we filled up the gas tank.  Large sizing everything, because it was a great buy.  Even purchasing items on sale because it was a substantial savings, even though we really did not need that item.

Another thing we started, that we still do, is to drop all our change in a jar.  It amazed me how much the change added up to.  Not too long ago I had about $60 in change in a jar.  And my daughters love to talk about the time we saved $100 for food on a trip, just by saving our change.

Now, perhaps you have acquired a larger debt than you can possibly pay off.  At that point you may have to consider borrowing from a company like Gladiator Lending.  Companies like this can often help you with a small loan, or with consolidating your debts into one smaller payment.

No matter which choice you make, set down that you will control your finances next holiday season, so it won't get out of hand again.  We try to budget what to spend on each family member.  Occasionally we go together to purchase a larger gift.  Figure out what will work for you and your family.

Have any ideas to share?  Leave them in the comments.  Perhaps your idea will help someone else.  Thanks for stopping by today!! See you soon.

Restoration Series with Prison Fellowship

Hey neighbors!!

So glad you stopped by today.  The Restoration Series, is a video series about Prison Fellowship's Academy.  This is a revolutionary in prison program they are using to help combat incarceration and recidivism.  Take a moment to read about Jonathan's Walk and watch the short video clip below.

About:  The Restoration Series Jonathan's Walk

For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most.

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Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn't going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware of the challenge set before him.

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Still, he is determined to take the skills he has learned into the world outside of incarceration and stay there, helping build the community that he is part of for years to come.

Prison Fellowship presents The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film series following one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. It demonstrates in imagery, powerful storytelling and social interaction what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.

Though America is home to only 4% of the world's population, we house more than 20% of its prisoners. Recidivism–the tendency of a criminal to reoffend—is out of control. The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.

If you are interested in viewing the rest of the series, use the following link:  https://www.prisonfellowship.org/restorationseries?utm_source=flyby&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=MW_TRS

Thank you for visiting with us today.  Be sure to stop back again soon.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Bringing Home a Dog

Hey neighbors!!

So, you've decided to add a puppy or dog to your home.  Now, purebred, mix breed, male, female, puppy or adult dog is all a matter of opinion.  Do your research and choose what will work best for you.  Make sure you get a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle.

What I want to talk about is what you need for your new friend.  Before you bring him or her home pick up some necessary supplies.  First do some inquiries to locate a good vet.  You do not want to be frantically calling to find a vet should an emergency arise.  Your vet will be able to give your dog the shots that are needed and can also recommend products for worming and for controlling fleas and ticks.

You will need a collar and leash.  If you chose a puppy over an adult dog, you may want to choose an inexpensive collar first.  Your pup will quickly outgrow the first collar you purchase.  Make sure to check the collar regularly to make sure it has not become too tight.  We use a two finger rule.  You should be able to slide two finger under the collar without making it too tight on the pup.  The leash needs to be of good quality so your dog can not get away from you.  Add a dog tag to this list so should your pet ever run off, hopefully someone will be able to contact you.

Purchase dishes for food and water.  I personally recommend the metal ones, as they are easier to keep clean and sanitize.  You can find them with non-skid bottoms or with a stand to hold the bowls.  Plastic often gets chewed and ragged looking quickly.  This also makes it harder to wash.  Another option is ceramic, but my dogs have actually broken a couple playing with them.

A crate is a good idea.  Not only can you keep your pup contained when he can not be watched, but it also assists in housebreaking.  Crates are convenient to place your pup in when company shows up and you do not want them underfoot and possibly getting hurt.  Most dogs will consider their crate a safe place.  Crates are a benefit when traveling too.

A dog bed is an option, not a necessity.  You can purchase a dog bed at your local pet store, Walmart or even online.  Blankets are also nice for a pet bed.  If your dog is housebroken you can place the bed in the crate.  Mine is right next to my bed and Paisley knows when I say bed to get in her bed.

Pick up a few toys and chews for your pup.  Find out what works best for your pup.  I can not give mine any stuffed toys as they quickly rip them open and tear out the stuffing and squeakers.  Check your dog's toys on a regular basis to make sure they can not get hurt with them.

Find out the type of grooming tools you will need.  Brushes, combs, flea combs, and nail clippers are all valuable tools to have on hand.  While in the grooming aisle be sure to pick up a shampoo and conditioner for your dog.  With 5 dogs we have a variety of products.

Be sure to ask what your dog is presently eating.  It is best if you are going to change foods to do so slowly.  Begin to add the new food a little at a time so you do not upset your dog's digestion.  Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and/or food allergies so look for a food that meets your pet's needs.

There are some other dog supplies that I would consider optional.  Dog gates come in handy for containing or restricting your pet from certain rooms.  I personally have a grooming table for my own dogs as well as a neighbors two dogs.  It makes grooming much easier for me.  If you do not have a fenced in yard consider purchasing an exercise pen or an outside kennel.  This will allow your furry friend to be outside without worrying about him running off.  You can invest in sweaters and coats, t-shirts and bows as well as booties to protect your dog's feet.

The most important thing is to love your pet.  If you have any other suggestions for supplies please feel free to add a comment and share them here with our neighbors.

Just a Few Scholarships

Hey neighbors!!

I know many of us are looking forward to spring for many reasons.  Some of our children or perhaps even you are considering college soon.  If you are, now is the time to start checking in to what scholarships are available and if you qualify to apply.  So, I am putting together a list of some of the scholarships available.  Be sure to check out each scholarships and read what is required to apply.  Make sure your application and whatever other paperwork is required is turned in on time.  Several of these sites have information on past scholarship winners as well as other pertinent information that will assist you when applying.

Are you interested in economics?  Consider applying for the Rusty Robert Tweed Scholarship.  This is for an outstanding student in economics or finance.  One winner will be awarded a $1000 scholarship.  Deadline to apply is April 1.

The Minc Law Scholarship was formed on the premise that everyone who wishes to continue learning in college should be given the opportunity.  Mine Law awards one applicant with a $1500 scholarship.

Does any one remember the actress Donna Reed?  There is a Donna Reed Performing Arts and Scholarships and Internships.  Each year, the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts grants scholarships and merit awards to individuals who qualify for post secondary education and desire to pursue an education or a career in the performing arts.

Do you consider charitable giving to be a main focus?  The Jonah Engler Scholarship does too.  High school seniors and college students who have not reached their senior year are eligible for this scholarship that awards one person $1000 towards their college tuition.

TOPTAL Scholarship is specifically for women.  This program is for ambitious women 16 and older. Not only do they offer a scholarship, but they also have a 1 year mentorship too.  Designed for women who are, or want to be leaders this is a scholarship you should look in to.

Adrian Rubin Trust Scholarship is the creation of Adrian Rubin.  Mr. Rubin had a tough time affording his college education, and now he has this trust fund to assist others who need a helping hand.  This scholarship awards one applicant $1200 for their educational expenses.

Are you an achiever, who creates opportunities for yourself or others?  Perhaps the Opp Loans Scholarship would be the perfect fit for you to apply for.  This scholarship is awarded 4 times a year for $2500 per scholarship.  The student must have a 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA.

Here is one for the person who is passionate about research into natural foods and supplements that help us lead healthier lives.  The Verma Farms Scholarship is open to students regardless of their major.  They award one individual with a scholarship for $1000.

For students interested in broadcast and film, there is the Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation.  They have established several different scholarships of different monetary amounts.  If this is a field you are interested in visit the site to learn more and see which scholarships you qualify for.

Be sure to check out some of these scholarships, and if you do not see one that fits your needs keep looking.  I was amazed at the variety and amount of scholarships available.  There is a scholarship to meet just about any need you may have.  Also many local colleges can assist you in locating scholarships.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you again soon.

Choosing Clothing Items for Your Child’s Casual Wardrobe

Most parents take pride in the way their children dress. It is common to pay special attention to your children's clothing. When shopping, you want to buy clothing items that can be used in variety of ways. Children are sometimes invited to special occasions or events that require dress shoes and dress clothes. More often than not, they will be wearing casual clothing. Read on to find out how to choose affordable and quality pieces for your child’s casual wardrobe.

Shoes
A nice pair of shoes can make a basic outfit look extraordinary. You want your child to outgrow shoes instead of wearing them out. Leather shoes are a good option to add to your child’s wardrobe. This material is durable and high quality. Leather shoes also go well with a dressy outfit.
Leather shoes can be found in a variety of styles, such as childrens leather boots. Leather ankle boots are popular among women and they also make this style for girls. An ankle boot can dress up your outfit. It can be worn with both casual and dressy outfits for a range of style.  Be sure to also include a good quality sneaker.  

Jacket
Every child should have a nice winter jacket to wear in cold temperatures. The jacket should fall along the thigh, which covers up most of the outfit. It should also be in a neutral color like a navy blue or black.  Having a lighter jacket on hand for cooler weather, like a windbreaker or zip up sweatshirt, is also a good idea.  Denim jackets are good casual wear.  Jackets can also be worn as a fashion statement.

Socks
Socks are another important component of a casual outfit. If your child is wearing an outfit that exposes the legs, then your child should be wearing a nice pair of socks. For example, a pair of ruffle socks would go good with dresses. On the other hand, a pair of white socks would pair well with oxford shoes and dress shorts for boys. You should also stock up on athletic socks for playground and sports.

Shirts and Blouses
For boys you more than likely are going to have t-shirts, but also a few polos and button up shirts.  Girls of course will also like t-shirts and polos, but they often like to include a few frilly and feminine blouses as well.

Pants, Skirts, Dresses
When purchasing these items, denim and corduroy both look nice and hold up to play.  Khaki is another good choice.  Obviously denim skirts are great and last well, but sometimes little girls want something a little more girly.  Make sure to add a few different types and styles.

Style allows your child to show their personal style when it comes to clothing. It depends on the type of look you are trying to achieve for your child. Be sure to allow your child's personality show through.  They don't need to have all their wants and wishes granted, but allow them to make some of the choices regarding color or style.  Some children may prefer patterns and designs, while others may prefer more subdued colors.  As long as they are dressed appropriately let them participate in the purchases. 

Thanks for stopping by!! See you soon!

Post 3 - Looking For Spring!!

Hey neighbors!!

Sorry about missing yesterday's post.  Between church and preparing for today, I was pretty busy.  So once again we have cold weather and a wintry mix coming in!!  Yay!! (Sarcasm there!!) I hope you are having better weather than we are.  My whole family is tired of winter.

Then to top it off, we think we have a raccoon family living in the ceiling above our bedroom.  My husband did some research and they say that it is often a mother and her babies when you hear what sounds like more than one.  We actually heard a fight last night.  Not to mention a bunch of bumping and scratching going on.  They have been raiding our trash on a regular basis.  With all the cold, wet, icy, raining, snowy weather we are having it is impossible to get up on the roof to find out where they are getting in.  One person recommended cutting a hole in your ceiling and catching them, but that does not sound too safe to me.  So, we are considering calling someone who catches animals and see what they can do.

Then took my daughters Golden Doodle to the vet today for her shot and her rabies shot and they fed her a generic cheese, the kind you squirt out of a can on a chew, to distract her.  Well, she vomited it all up on the way home.  She gets slightly carsick, usually only drooling, but today she decided to vomit all over her crate.

I think I might just go back to bed today.  What do you think?  OK, enough of what is happening here.  Let's get on with our post for the day.  Share this giveaway somewhere.  It can be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email a friend, I don't care how it is shared, just so long as you actually share it.  So share our giveaway and then be sure to comment here letting me know you shared it.

I am adding a few of our recent pics, just to make the post interesting.  Thanks for stopping in!! And let's all share, like neighbors!!

Vacations that are a True Escape

Have you ever wished for a vacation that was truly restful? An honest to goodness escape from day to day stresses may be easier to accomplish than you might imagine. The trick is to pick a location that provides the relaxation you need while suiting your personality. Use the following suggestions to get your vacation planning under way.

Escape to the Seaside

It doesn't get any more relaxing than sitting by the edge of the water enjoying a good book. Consider one of the quiet beaches in north carolina as your vacation destination. You can awake to a beautiful sunrise, spend your afternoon soaking up the sun or wandering through local shops, and have a relaxing dinner of local seafood. At the end of the day, drift off to sleep with the sound of waves crashing in the background.

Hide in the Woods

Getting in touch with nature gives you a peaceful feeling that eludes your daily life. Renting a cabin in the woods is the perfect way to escape. Many cabins in the national parks have a rustic appeal while still offering modern amenities. Eat a breakfast cooked over the campfire, take a hike through the forest, and end your day by falling asleep to the sounds of the little creatures playing all around you.

Lost in a Crowd

If you have a restless spirit and cannot imagine sitting and doing nothing every day of your vacation, consider losing yourself in a crowd. Take a trip to one of our county’s amazing cities. You will discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at every turn. Enjoy yourself as you explore local cultures by day and go dining each night.

Whether your idea of fun is soaking up the sun, hiding away in nature, or blending in with the crowd, these vacations will give you just the break you need. With a little careful planning, you will finally come home from a trip without being more tired than when you started.

Looking For Spring Giveaway Pt. 2!

Hey neighbors!!

We are still very cold here. 10 degrees today with a feels like in the negatives! So, today I am thinking would be a good day for baking. My daughter bakes some low carb peanut butter cookies. They are pretty good. We have even made them thumbprint cookies with low sugar jelly. 

So, today’s entry is comment below with your favorite cookie. It can be homemade, bakery or store bought. And I will share the recipe for the low carb peanut butter cookies in another post shortly.

Don't forget, the last post will be on the 20th.  Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping in!

-Lori

A Gift That's Always Welcome

How many times have your wracked your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for that special person in your life, only to come up short? The reality is that no matter how close you may be to someone, some people are just incredibly hard to buy for. Everyone has their individual likes and dislikes, which is why it can be so hard to find the perfect gift for a loved one. There's really a huge disappointment factor in finding out that the gift you thought was utterly perfect for your special someone was met with a so-so level of enthusiasm. 

So, what's the solution? Cookies! Send them love in cookie form. If there is one gift that will always be met with enthusiasm, it's a package of freshly baked, beautifully decorated and utterly delicious cookies. Cookies are simply an endearing gift in many ways, which is why they are always a smart choice. Cookies can be decorated in any number of ways to suit a range of occasions, and they can also be packaged beautifully, to make an impressive gift presentation. Whether the type of cookie is chocolate chip, shortbread, brownie, cheesecake or Oreo, you can bet they will be eagerly received by whoever is the recipient. 

Cookies can also be delivered by cookie delivery Atlanta or by services in other cities, so this gift choice comes with a high level of convenience, too! Whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Valentines' Day, Easter, Mother's Day or the Fourth of July, a wonderful package of beautifully wrapped up cookies is a gift that will always fit the bill. So, next time you find yourself wracking your brain in an effort to find the perfect gift idea, just choose a selection of your favorite cookies, and send them on the way. Your loved one will be sure to enjoy this gift enormously, without a doubt!

Capresso 12 Cup Coffee Maker

Hi neighbors!!

Check out this 12 cup Coffee Maker ($39.99) from Capresso.  Are you looking for a new coffee maker?  This just might be the one for you.

Obviously the first thing is, it can brew 12 cups of coffee.  It has multiple nozzles that spray the hot water evenly over the ground coffee.  It has a programmable 24 hour clock/timer.  My family thinks the ability to set the strength of the coffee is a huge bonus.  There is a drip stop so you can pour a cup of coffee before it has finished brewing.  And my husband's idea of a bonus, it can keep the coffee warm for 2 hours.

Something I think is a benefit is the reusable gold-tone filter.  I get so frustrated when we run out of filters and no one added them to the shopping list.  It is black with stainless steel accents.  Of course the carafe is glass. The filter, carafe and lid are dishwasher safe.  Although if you are like my family, you don't really wash a coffee pot often.

Now, here is what I am doing with mine.  Although it is a great coffee maker, mine s only going to be used to make my tea,  I LOVE IT!! I hate to have my tea taste like coffee.  So many restaurants use the same machine, and you can taste the coffee.  There are two McDonalds near us that do that.  I don't like coffee to begin with, so when I order tea, I want it to taste like tea.  This has been so simple to do.  I simply drop two family size tea bags in the reusable filter, fill the reservoir, close the top and hit the button.  I come back to a carafe of tea, that I transfer to my pitcher.  It is nice because I can have tea ready to fill my pitcher as soon as we empty it.

Visit the Capresso website and be sure to follow them on their social media.
Facebook - HERE
Twitter - HERE
Instagram - HERE

So glad we were able to share this review of the Capresso Coffee Maker!! See you soon!!

Broadway Basketeers - Says I Love You!!

Hey neighbors!!

Found this GREAT site Broadway Basketeers to share with you!  They sell all different kinds of gift baskets.  Valentines Day is fast approaching and the gift baskets from Broadway Basketeers is a perfect way to say I love you.

When you visit their website, the hardest thing will be choosing which basket to send!  Some of course are towers of boxes of cookies or candy, and they also have flowers and one of my husband's favorites, cheesecake.  We received the Gourmet Cookies and Chocolate Valentines Day Gift.  It includes:
4 - Oatmeal Cookies
4 - Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 - White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
4 - Double Chocolate Cookies
4 - Milk Chocolate Bavarian Pretzels
4 - Chocolate Covered Grahams

Don't these look tempting?

All of these are in a flat basket and there is a colorful bow on top.  They look wonderful!!  It is so easy to order and them shipped directly to your loved one.  *Please note the stuffed sloth, candle and candy hearts are just added props for the photos.

Your recipient may try one and share the rest, or they may want them all for themselves!!

The cookies, pretzels and grahams all taste great!!  My husband said he practiced self control and only ate one cookie and one pretzel.  The day is not over yet though!!

What a great Valentines Day gift this basket makes!  Of course they have baskets for just about any gift giving occasion, so be sure to visit the Broadway Basketeers website and give them a follow on social media.
Facebook - HERE
Twitter - HERE
Instagram - HERE

So glad I was able to share Broadway Basketeers here, At the Fence with my neighbors!!