Movie Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

I must say, in all honesty, when I was asked to review the new DVD/Blu-ray release: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I wasn't too sure it was a movie I'd be interested in.Gerry and I love our action movies and I put up the wall before I gave it a chance.I thought for sure it was going to be BORING, but it wasn't- it was a GREAT movie and Gerry and I would both recommend it.
There were parts that made us laugh and parts that made you feel for the characters and their own lives/stories. A heart touching story.

We got a basket of goodies along with the movie and it was really neat since alot of the items you see in the basket, were pictured in the movie as well.The basket contained products from both Britain and India- as the movie takes place with characters leaving their homes in Britain to come to live in India.

Gerry and I found it alot of fun to have items that went with our movie- in theme..it really added to the whole experience!

Spice Goddess, Chef Bal Arneson (Food Network and Cooking Channel Canada) checked out the movie and filmed her take on the movie along with her recipe for Butter Chicken…mmmm.

If you don't run out and buy this movie at least be sure to rent it.

Why Student Loans Are Still Worth It

In the heat of a troubled economy and saturated job market, many future and recent high school graduates have been left to wonder whether the cost of a college education is even worth it anymore. In the past, the prospect of graduating college and immediately finding meaningful employment made the load of student loans easier to bear. But with recent college graduates spending a year or more either under or unemployed, the burden of paying back student loans has increased. However, the importance of a college education actually increases during harder economic times. The following will help you to realize why student loans still are, and will continue to be, worth the effort:

1. To Get a Job, Period

Because there are so many applicants for every job positioning available, there are some jobs that it is almost impossible to even get a foot in the door without a college degree. While in the past, there may have been times where it would be more worth it to seek employment after high school and let your experience speak for itself, employers now are looking for candidates with a combination of experience and a superior education. As the Bachelor's degree has become the new high school diploma, it is more important than ever to, at the bare minimum, earn your undergraduate degree.

2. To Advance Your Career

Even if you can find a decent job without a college education, you will more than likely eventually stumble upon a roadblock years down the road without a degree. Many promotion opportunities are reserved for those with superior educations, so you may find yourself being passed up by less qualified employees if you do not see the importance of obtaining a college education.

3. The Amount You Will Earn Will Dwarf Your Debt

As a high school student, the figures associated with taking out student loans for college may seem immense. But financial programs like Discover can help break the numbers down for you. Once you put it in context, the amount of money you will earn over the course of your career, especially if you have a college education, will make your debt seem like mere pennies in the future.
While it is never a bad idea to plan ahead for your future and manage your costs, taking out a student loan to obtain a college education is not irresponsible spending. It's an investment in yourself. Without a solid college education, you risk getting left behind by your peers in the future.

Trick or Treat? I Say TREAT!

It’s a long held misconception that Halloween is about dressing up in costumes and great fun for kids. In fact the holiday is about treats and chocolate. What other time of the year is it perfectly all right to accept candy from strangers? Halloween is even something that healthy living advocates can get behind, as most of the candy comes in those tiny portion controlled sizes, so that you can have just one...or ten.  This year how about we forget about the ‘tricks’ and focus on the ‘treats’ instead.

Our friends who also love their Halloween treats:

Nestle USA.com-

Halloween candy sales grew by 5% in 2011 as families are planning bigger and better Halloween celebrations. More costumes, décor, food, fun and… candy. To help in that effort, Nestlé has announced new Halloween candy novelties and packs that will add to this year’s holiday flair.

Novelty candies are in demand and popular brands and flavors still rank among the most wanted. Spooky Nerds and BUTTERFINGER^® Pumpkins offer a nod to the holiday in the brands families know and love. The Ultimate Scream (32 oz.) variety bag features the very best of Nestlé’s chocolate favorites, with fun-size bars of BabyRuth, 100 Grand, Crunch, and Butterfinger, and the Boo Bag! (38 oz.), which contains 60 fun size-bars of Nestlé Crunch, BabyRuth, and Butterfinger.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company-

Their Halloween Chocolate selection appeals to kids and adults. They have bulk chocolates for candy dishes, Halloween themed parties and trick or treating. They also have a large assortment of gift items.

Pumpkins, witches, and even eyeballs are just some of the many Halloween style foils they feature for all different kinds of chocolates ranging from solid milk to crunchy to caramel filled. Yum!

Teleflora Gives Back to Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Teleflora has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in the fight against breast cancer.

Every time someone purchases Teleflora’s Pink Hope & Courage Bouquet at teleflora.com, 15% of the suggested retail price goes back to the charity.

Teleflora’s Pink Hope and Courage Bouquet (Available on teleflora.com for $52.95)

A charming arrangement that arrives in a delicate pink satiny cylinder bursting with pink lilies and roses.

 

Planning the Next Great Getaway

Everyone needs a vacation. A chance to escape from work, school and everyday chores is an absolute must, but maybe you think you cannot afford a vacation or just are not sure where you want to go. If either of these problems have been stopping you and your family from taking a great vacation worry no more, because there is a not so far vacation spot awaiting your arrival. For your next trip, whether it is for a week long getaway or just a weekend, consider the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which is located between New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama. Believe it or not, this vacation spot has something for everyone.

Honestly, if you can think of it, you can do it at the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Enjoy 26 miles of sandy beaches and the warm Gulf of Mexico. Relax on the beach, or rent a jet ski and try parasailing. Whatever your speed you will be able to find it. If you are an avid gambler be sure to check out the Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos, which offer hours of play and endless chances to win. Additionally, this vacation spot offers countless Gulf coast events year round. Such events as the 16th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast and Wavefest ’12 are happening in October. There is an event for everyone, whether it is food, music, cars or crafts you’ll find an event to enjoy.

The possibilities are endless for the entire family. Additionally, you can spend as much or as little as you want. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has luxury resorts, but also offers affordable family lodging. So, there is no need to worry about the cost of this trip. Enjoy some family time or some alone time, whatever the ideal vacation is for you, you will find it at the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  

Today's Winners

Sorry for the delay-this giveaway was suppose to have happened yesterday but I just didn't get around to it and got lazy by the end of the evening. Getting darker and colder earlier so it's already putting Gerry and I into hibernation mode.

Our giveaway today was:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2012/08/review-and-giveaway-fun-and-educational.html

And our winners are:

-tcrowley122@hotmail.com wins:http://www.educationalinsights.com/product/puppet-on-a-stick--8482-+(set+of+3).do

-jentam777@gmail.com wins: http://www.educationalinsights.com/product/bbq+blitz!--8482-.do

Thank you to all who entered. Winners have been notified and have 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.

Bloggers Wanted

Looking for Bloggers who would take part in a multi blog giveaway. I am trying to promote my It Works Facebook page with more Likes and working with companies to donate prizes for the giveaway.

I need to have more bloggers who would be willing to promote the giveaway on their page as well and combine all our entries.

If you'd be interested in helping me out, please email me: oneincomedollar@yahoo.ca

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on DVD/Blu-Ray Sept 18

Snacks and movies are what Saturday nights are made of.

In the near future, we will be pre-viewing 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment's:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on DVD September 18th, at which time we will also be enjoying a British/Indian gift basket to truly enhance our movie experience.

This award winning feature starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, and Maggie Smithfocuses on a group of British retires looking to outsource their golden years to India. However, they find their destination, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel much less than what they have originally anticipated. 

The movie is charming and sweet with subtle humor that will keep the audience entranced in the storytelling. Through their journey the seniors find out that it is never too late to start over again, and that love and surprises can be found around every corner of the world. The movie is said to be a true portrayal of old age and what it can bring. Filled with vivid Indian scenery with bright and vibrant colors it will make any viewer want to back up and outsource their lives to India.

Be sure to watch out for my upcoming review of this film.

Stop Separation Anxiety-Tips From Iams

With summer over, many of us are experiencing a change to the summer routine which often involves the return to school and the end of vacation time. While this can have an impact on all family members, the four legged family members can suffer the consequences as well. 

With the return to school, many dogs are now experiencing separation anxiety occurring when their owners leave for the day. Separation anxiety, is not limited to school times, any dog can suffer from it, including my own dog, Jake. IAMS has several great tips which can make the school time transition for your dog easier. 

1.       Skip the production – If your pet is giving you the “sad eyes” as you begin to jingle your keys and head for the door, it will be your natural instinct to shower them with love and affection to pacify their separation anxiety. However, for your pet, this only reinforces their emotional state. Instead of putting on a big show, give your pet a simple “See you later!” The same should be done when you return home.

2.       Tire them out – Before heading out for the day, ensure you take your dog on a minimum of a half hour walk, depending on the breed. This will help ensure your pets aren’t antsy while alone.

3.       Stimulate the mind – In the morning, instead of feeding your pet from their regular bowl try using interactive food dispensing toys, which can be found in many major pet stores. Your cat or dog will have to try and figure out how to get the food out. This will not only keep them entertained, but will tire them out for the afternoon.

4.       Kitty and Doggie Daycare/Walkers – Pet day cares and dog walkers are a great alternative to keeping your pets busy and active. Whether you are hiring a walker or leaving your pet in a care center, you must make sure that you trust the people you are leaving your pet with. Do not be afraid to ask questions, check credentials and references.

5.       TV and Music – Music helps calm the body and believe it or not that goes for your pets as well. Tune the radio to a classical station and keep the volume low as dogs and cats have very sensitive ears.

6.       Practice Patience – Getting over separation anxiety can be a big hurdle for you and your pet. For a while, your pet will truly believe that you are leaving forever.  With proper pet parent patience, your pet will soon regain the confidence that you will return. Practice makes perfect!

Walks are always great, but do not forgo the most important part of the day for your pet: playtime. Engage together in fun activities when you arrive back home. This will give your pet something fun to look forward to at the end of each day.

For more pet care tips, remember to visit www.iams.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iams.

Staying Safe During a Burgulary

Our home is our castle; it is the one place where we should always feel safe. It is therefore very difficult for anyone to imagine someone breaching that feeling of safety. However, with 3.2 million home and vehicle burglaries every year in the United States, it is in fact a very real threat. 

There are a number of important things that home owners can do to protect themselves and their home from a potential burglary.

 During home robberies situations preparation is key. Discuss with your family beforehand a possible plan of action if this situation was to arise. Remember that most thieves just want your things and not you, so be sure to stay out of their way to avoid harm.

Get into a safe place and promptly dial 911. When calling, make sure to give the authorities your location as well as detailed description of the event. If you are in your bedroom and an intruder walks in, it is often best to pretend to be asleep; therefore you can usually avoid a confrontation. 

If you notice an intruder in your home making a little noise, such as dropping a shoe, plate, or even honking the horn, can be enough to scare most intruders as they will realize that your home may not be the quick and easy target that they may have initially anticipated. 

Most importantly remain calm and have a few emergency supplies with you, such as car keys, flashlight or even a weapon which can be used to defend yourself and your family if need be. This ideally would be the last course of action, once the authorities have been alerted. 

The best way to deal with a potential robbery is to prevent it. There are a number of surveillance and security systems designed to keep you safe. Find one that works for you.