50% Off Hanging Vigorous Clear White

Seems like no one has much left for flowering plants in town, but one outdoor flower spot was closing today and had 50% off all their plants and flowers. Paid $13.98 with my 50% discount for this Vigorous Clear White which once gets into our care, should start blooming those nice white flowers!

Review: Quilling Card - Quilled, Fair Trade Greeting Cards

Review by: Cynthia

Quilling Card makes beautiful handcrafted greeting cards that are a true work of art. So much more than just a  greeting card. Beautiful works of art!

Quilling Card, rooted in Vietnam, has been incredibly fortunate to assemble a team of women who have become passionate about the art of quilling. In 2015, they proudly became certified members of the Fair Trade Federation.
With the rapid growth of their business, they were able to open a second factory, starting with more than 60 quillers. They now have  given jobs to nearly 500 locals in Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition to the wonderful team, Quilling Card has also been able to establish a Cottage Industry in Vietnam. Societal aid for those with disabilities is not the same as it is in the US, and often leaves people out of work and helpless. They have set up a program where these members of the community can come take  supplies and complete work in their home, on their own time. They are paid per piece finished, and are able to contribute and create beautiful work they otherwise would not have the chance to do.

The cards are lovely.  They are like a card and a gift rolled into one.  Everyone you send them to remarks how beautiful they are and these cards are usually displayed on a mantel, table or shelf somewhere in their house.  Being a craft and sewing lady I know the work that must have gone into them.  Getting a card like these will touch anyone.  A perfect keepsake!

And So It Grows

                                       Start date : June 8

                                                July 3

Saw a few people planting in 5 gallon pails this year and was able to ask a few people that had access to them, for some, and got potatoes and tomatoes planted. We've tried the in ground garden before and it never produced very well for us. We'll see how this goes. Anyone else doing some planting in pails?

                                                    RHUBARB

                                             STRAWBERRY PLANT

                                   SOME OF OUR RASPBERRY BUSHES


We also have raspberry bushes, a rhubarb plant and a small strawberry bush, (we'll see what happens with it this year- last year didn't do so well). Also planted some sunflowers and daisies this year.

Did you do any planting this Spring?

O'Keefe's Works Hard For You

Dear Readers : I'd love to share my love for O'Keefe's with you-

I recently switched my foot lotion brand.. wanted to try something different- something less greasy and something that maybe would work a bit better for dry feet. I found it with O'Keefe's Healthy Feet Exfoliating. My previous foot cream I found I was needing to use it daily to keep my feet not so dried out..but with O'Keefe's I found I can go days before I see that I may need to use some cream again. Thank you O'Keefe's! I'm a fan now!

Also, decided to try some of their other products, since when your an over 50 (menopausal) female, well ladies you know, your skin starts drying out! I have been quite pleased with my collection of great products and wanted to share with my readers. But hey, these products are for you men too !

O'Keefe's is a great go to product for your hands, feet, lips and body!

And although they have a 100% money back guarantee, I'd be surprised if you need to use it!

Enjoy a Sustainable Picnic or BBQ This Summer Season

Although we are heading into a "new normal" this summer, the good news is that you can still enjoy a summer picnic or barbecue while social distancing.

Rather than grilling meat or packing your picnic basket with food that's packaged in plastic, you can easily reduce your carbon footprint by enjoying homemade snacks and meat alternatives instead. Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet this summer can have great positive environmental impacts. In fact, the average meat alternatives produce 10 times less greenhouse gas emissions than beef!

Here are some of World Centric Zero Waste Manager Lauren Olson’s tips for keeping your summer picnics and barbecues sustainable this summer:

Sustainable Picnic Tips:

• Walk instead of drive to a local park or picnic spot
• Bring a compo-stable bag to collect waste
• Pack organic, local food
• Avoid individually packaged products
• Use reusable containers with bulk snacks, cut vegetables/fruit
• Use natural and non-toxic sunscreens and bug repellent
• Use reusables or World Centric compostables
• Up-cycle an old sheet or towel into a picnic blanket

Sustainable BBQ Tips:

• Grill veggies and plant-based meat alternatives
• If you grill meat, make sure it’s organic and locally sourced
• Buy less food than you think you’ll need to avoid food waste
• Get bulk beverages rather than individual bottles and cans
• Use reusables or World Centric compostables
• Compost your food scraps

Tips for a socially-distanced picnic with friends:

• Don't go to a crowded public park
• Try a backyard picnic
• Bring a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves
• Setup blankets to be 6+ feet apart
• Bring your own food and supplies, don’t share
• Play a game like charades, rather than Frisbee
• Always clean up after yourself

*** World Centric for a Better World

RV Living Upgrade with Carefree of Colorado

As half-timers with the RV lifestyle for over 5 years, we do know you spend time indoors as well as outside your RV quite a bit. 

One thing you do want to have when you are outside is a nice mat to have down, like the Dura Mats from Carefree of Colorado. We love the quality of their outdoors mats, which come in various sizes and colors to match your unit. 

We also have their Sunblocker, which comes in very handy when we have been anywhere hot to help give us and Jake some shade. At the same time it helps with keeping the inside of the RV cool, while cutting the sun's glare, but not blocking any views. It easily slides into the awning roller tubes and comes with stakes and cords to secure it.

Our Sideblocker is equally as functional as the Sunblocker, providing  the same comfort and can be easily installed on either end your awning. This also is available in multiple colors.

Sun and weather continue to play havoc with canopies over your slide outs. Carefree of Colorado can provide a Canopy Replacement to match the size of your slide out in a number of colors.

You can see by our own photos shown above a Before and After of what a difference these pieces all can make.

Online Transactions - Huge in the World Today

Online transactions have become a huge phenomenon in the world today. With the advent of services like PayPal, Venmo, and others, it is now easier than ever to process payments without going to the bank or opening your checkbook. Paper checks, however, are still very popular. Many businesses use them to make payments, and it is still preferred by many in the financial world. As a business, it is important to have your own checks to make payments wherever necessary. While you can rely on your bank for your checks, the internet has also made it easier than ever to customize your checks. There are several companies that do it for much less than your bank will charge. 

Can I Print My Checks On My Own?

The short answer is yes, you can. You can use any printer to do it, and you can print in any colors or designs that you want. The important information you have to keep in mind is that there is some critical information that is absolutely necessary to include in your design. They are:

• Your account number 
• Your bank routing number
• The number of the check 
• Your name and address
• Contact information for your bank 

Additionally, you have to make sure that you use magnetic ink to print the check, use MICR font, and make sure you use special check stock paper. This ensures that no one can misuse your checks in any way, and ensures your checks are secure and safe for use. While you can do this, it is not the easiest thing to do. When managing a business, it rarely makes sense to add on another task to the ever-growing list when you can get it done easily and more cost-effectively online. 

Okay, That’s a Lot. I Want to Buy Online to Save Myself the Hassle. Where Should I Buy It From?

There is no set place for you to buy your checks. Depending on your location, you should research good companies that are reliable and trustworthy. You can use some parameters to make a judgment call that is right for your unique situation.

Information Asked For 

Your checks need to have some of your personal information. Your name, address, account number, bank routing number, and contact information for your bank are what should be asked for. If there are other people signed on to the account, their information may be asked for. No other information is needed. If a company is asking for more information - beware! It is not necessary and they may be trying to defraud you. 

Reviews

Ask the local business community if they have had any interactions or experiences with your chosen company. If choosing a national company, ask on various online forums, and take a look at all reviews on business listing websites. Check for recent reviews and if any are negative. If they are, see if the company has responded and tried to resolve the situation with the reviewer. Buying bank checks online for business has become a very large market, and you want to ensure you’re choosing the best of the best from the many options available. 

Software Compatibility

Most businesses use some form of software to help with accounting. Not every check is compatible with every accounting software there is as there is no universal standard. Thus, when you are searching for the right printing company, make sure that they have the option of printing checks that are compatible with the software you are using, otherwise, it’s all money down the drain as you have to reprint your order. 

Small Details 

When looking for a good deal online, you have to keep an eye out for small details. For example, company A might offer to print a pack of 2 checkbooks for $10 while company B offers a 2-pack for $20. You choose company A, and when your order gets here, you see that each checkbook has only 50 leaves! Checking online, you can see company B’s offer is actually $20 for 200 leaves, which is a much better deal. Shipping is also another small detail you should keep an eye out for. The prices differ between companies, and it adds to the total. You might find a great deal for $20, and find out they charge another $10 for shipping. While it may not seem like much, but the costs definitely add up. 

Thus, while printing checks seems like an easy, no-brainer process with all the options available online, there are actually several factors you need to take into account. This makes the process safe for you and your business! 

Tips on Creating a Passive Income from Home

Having multiple sources of income can do wonders for your finances. Spending your free time doing something constructive can help increase your investments, pay all your debts, and do things that you wouldn’t have been able to do with just one source of income. You might have heard about diversifying your investments, but diversifying the income sources is also very important, especially during these tough times. 

If you have been wondering what you can do to increase your income, here are some easy ways that require only a little investment or no investment at first. Remember, you need to pick something that best fits your personality and interest. While some may need certain skills, others do not require you to have any specific skills. Here are some ideas that you can try – 

·         Make YouTube Videos – This trend is growing rapidly. If you have certain skills in an area such as comedy, opinions, music, reviews, tutorials, and others, you can create videos on them and then upload them on YouTube. You can market your videos and attach Google AdSense so that you can earn income from it. Make sure that your videos are interesting and compelling to attract viewers. 

·         Earn Passive Income through Affiliate Marketing – Affiliate marketing is great for those who have a number of websites and blogs. You can pick up different products or services that you need to promote. For every sale you make, you earn a certain amount of commission, which can be either a flat fee or a percentage of the total cost of the product you are selling. 

·         Try Gambling – There are plenty of gamblingsites in India that allow you to earn money a second income while having fun. The best thing about this avenue of income is that you do not need any skills. You can easily try a few times for free and then start playing with your money to earn a considerable income.

·         Work as a Freelance Writer – If you have a knack for writing, you can create your own blogs or write for other established websites. These offer you a steady income to write for them on different topics. All you have to do is apply to these websites as a freelance writer and start working for them during your free time.

·         Teach Students Online – If you are great on certain subjects, you can teach students online. Online classes are fast gaining popularity, and there is always a demand for good teachers. So, if you have specific skills on a particular subject, you can easily try online classes to earn extra income during your free time.

Even though a lot of these ideas may take you a little time, but the results would be massive. So, take some time to consider what type of work would be best for you and then work towards making it a success. Remember that there is definitely something for you out there. All you need to do is consider your skills and interests and match them with the work you take up.

Work From Home- Lawn Maintenance

Being retired doesn't mean you have nothing to do. Gerry can tell you he has more than enough to always keep busy with around our place, helping out my parents, and keeping up with my "projects" for him -LOL

He was working for someone for a few years cutting lawns but found he could make more money by having his own business. He mostly cuts for seniors that still like to be in their own homes but he also cuts for others who don't want to cut their own lawns or have health issues.

He just bought a ride on mower for $1700 and they are $3400 new. Only has 140 hours on it. Has to buy a blade for $80 and bought ramps for $200. Still needs a trailer to haul everything but using the neighbors in the meantime. 

It's a business where he has had to turn down alot of people that want cutting done because as far as he knows only 1-2 other people in town do this.
He started out with just a mower or two and does the business on his own, but it's a great work from home for someone else to try! Busy, busy!

Things To Consider When Buying A Home

Buying a home is a big life event, and one that should always be taken seriously and with caution. Hunting for a property can be different each time but if you’re buying a property for the first time, then here are some things to consider before jumping straight in. 

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Know Your Limit

When it comes to buying a property, money, of course, is the first thing that is considered, like anything in life. Buying a property is a big expense and not only do you have to think about the actual cost of a property, but there are fees and other additional costs that you need to factor into your budget. For example, if you’re buying a property for the first time, it’s likely you’ll need furniture. You’ll want to have available funds for any additional house fees, including the legal ones. So most importantly, you want to know your limit. What is the top amount that you can pay for a property? There’s really no point in starting off your search before deciding this and also if you end up looking at properties that are way out of your price point, then it can be disappointing for you to get your hopes up on properties you’ve already been looking at online. To save everyone’s time, do your budget or financial research before doing anything else.

Think About What You Need Rather Than Want

Every property is different, and you’ll have an idea of what you want in the property you buy, but sadly it’s very rare that it’s going to have pretty much everything you need. Being realistic is something that you’ll have to factor in your search for a property. It doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice anything that you want but it might be that you have to rethink what it is you need. It’s good to want something, but instead, you should focus on what it is you need as a household. How many bedrooms do you require? Perhaps you need a study or office space if one of you works from home. A garden or parking space might be needed if you own a car. All these questions need to be decided on so that you have an idea of what you’re looking at and what to tell to the real estate agent responsible for finding you a property.

Look At The Property’s Location

The location of your property will likely be of importance to you. You may have requested a place that had a reasonable commuting time to your workplace or was nearby to a school for your children or for any future children that you may have. So when you visit a property, don’t forget to pay attention to its location. These golf course homes, for example, are quite attractive but it’s all about what works for you and what you require. Take a day out to take a look around the local area so that you can see what it’s like during the day and also during the evening. A place can show it’s true colors as it gets dark and your opinion may change, so it’s good to notice this before signing on the dotted line.

What Does The Market Look Like?

The housing market is one area that you’ll need to pay close attention to when it comes to buying property because even if you’re ready to buy, it might not be the ideal time. The market changes and fluctuates depending on the economic and political climates of the country you’re in. So look at what’s selling or being brought in the area that you’re looking at buying to see how well it’s all doing. You may find that the properties you’re after, very rarely appear or they could be valued too high for what you can afford. It’s frustrating, but it’s worth taking advantage of the market where possible.

Don’t Let Emotions Control You

We can very often let our emotions get the best of us and although it can be easy to run away with our heart when property hunting, it’s good to be level-headed when it comes to buying a property. There’s a lot of money on the table, and you can’t allow yourself to be swayed and end up paying too much money or committing to a mortgage that ends up locking you into paying it back for longer than you anticipated. Your gut is the most reliable, along with your head when it comes to making decisions. If you’re buying with a partner, have a game plan so that you are both on the same page.

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Ask Questions When Viewing

When viewing a property, questions are important. You want to gather as much information as possible about the property that you see so that you can make an informed decision on whether it’s right for you or not. No matter how insignificant the questions may seem, they will all be important, even if you asked because an online article about buying a property told you to ask that question. When you’re viewing a property, also take a look around and really get interactive with everything, testing water pressure in the taps, open windows and inspecting furnishings up close and personal. 

Another question you need to ask when moving house is whether it is eco-friendly. Nowadays, it is very expensive to run a home that isn’t designed to be green and environmentally kind. There are many reasons why going green can help sell homes faster and this should be one of your top priorities when looking for a new house. Whether the house has solar panels, what is saving techniques or energy efficient installations you definitely need to ask what kind of green features your new property might have.

Negotiate And Be Confident

And finally, when it comes to the negotiation stages, have confidence. Even if you’re stepping into the unfamiliar ground when it comes to negotiating prices for a property, stay calm. There will likely be a pressure from the agent to push you for decisions quickly, but it’s important that you take your time and to know that you do hold some power of the decision-making too. Of course, the seller may have multiple offers, but then again, yours might be the only one they’ve had in a while, so keep those cards close to your chest.

Buying a property, although stressful, is exciting. Relish the experience and enjoy living in your new home and building memories that will last a lifetime.