True Meaning of Memorial Day

How was your Memorial Day celebration everyone? I bet you had a wonderful time with your friends and family. I was reading the newspaper early this morning and one statement caught my attention. The writer was disappointed knowing that the essence of Memorial Day was forgotten by few. (Picture below was taken at a memorial park beside HardRock in Biloxi, Mississippi)He further stated that people are obsessed with Memorial Day sale, drinking party and cook-out. I can't blame the writer and I can't blame the people who see the holiday as a party event. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. People see it as a good 3-day getaway to be with friends and family. So, I can't blame them to see this holiday as a party event in their lives. As long as they are aware of the true meaning of Memorial Day and in their own ways, they remember those men and women in uniforms who died for freedom.

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This holiday was created to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War but, by the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.

For those who visited the cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have died in military service, I salute you all. God bless you! God bless America!

Brush off that Dandruff

Do you have dandruff? I know it is awkward. Get rid of your dandruff using a cider vinegar. Here's how: Rinse your hair after each shampoo with 2 cups cider vinegar and mix it in 2 cups of cold water. You can also massage 3 tablespoons of vinegar into your hair and scalp before shampooing. Wait for few minutes then, rinse and wash as usual. I hope it works out for you.

Trying to Quit

When I was younger, I love to visit my relatives in the province. All of them have farmlands and I always love to spend my summer time in a country living. The beach is just nearby, fresh fruits are plenty, and I was not bothered with the smell of grandma's cigar. In fact, when I smell tobacco and cigars, it reminded me of my grandma.

Those were the days because this time, I am sensitive with tobacco and cigars. Most of my friends are chain smokers and they tried not to smoke in front of me. Some of them wanted to quit smoking and they tried to switch to blu e-cigarette. One of them likes it because it has no tar, no smell and no ash. It replicates the actual cigarette.

My friend enjoyed puffing the e-cigarette anywhere because it has no smell and it is easy to use. I am not bothered if they use the e-cigarette in front of me because I do not smell the tobacco. The good news is that, my friends wanted to quit smoking. They are trying to quit smoking and I know it is hard for them to do it. Using the e-cigarette helps them a lot.

American Idol Season 11 Powerhouse Performance

I need to say something about what's trending in social media: the American Idol Season 11 Finale! Jessica Sanchez, you are born to become a STAR! Who would ever forget this number? This is so far the BEST performance ever seen in American Idol! For those of you who did not able to watch, ladies and gentlemen Jennifer Holliday and Miss Jessica Sanchez:

I was watching the local Fox news and the reporter was able to interview Phillip Phillips late last night and he was asked what was the most memorable moment on the show, he responded: his duet with the iconic singer and the performance of Jessica Sanchez duet with Jennifer Holiday. He is such a down to earth guy huh? Let us give him a break now. Phillip Phillips was already declared as the WINNER. Congratulations Phillip Phillips.

Victoria's Secret Freebies

If you love online shopping, there are so many good deals out there everyday. Using the coupons would lower the total amount you pay too. I shop once in a while and when there's really good deals like black Friday. My family and friends back home likes Victoria's Secret products and since I am sensitive to perfumes, these items are for them except the tote (wink).I love the free totes from Victoria's Secret and quality tote like this needs $75 purchase. I ordered footwear and clothing's just to get these freebies. Was it worth it? Yes it is... especially when I saw the footwear that I need. The best thing that you can avail freebies of Victoria Secret is to apply their Angel card. You can have it in store or online. This card can also boosts your credit history...use it when you need it...shop when you have the means to pay.

Bridge in Modern Architectural Design

When we went to Saint Petersburg Florida, we passed by a very beautiful bridge and anyone can tell that the design and structures are really great. As we drove on the bridge, the Anchor Bolts and wire are huge, strong and can truly lift a heavy load. It has more than 4 miles in length and constructed of steel and concrete. The steel cables clad in 229 mm steel tubes along the center line of the bridge supports the main span.

The design and most of its construction was inspired a similar cable-stayed bridge in France. The bridge was featured in the Travel Channel and was rated as 3rd in the "Top 10 Bridges" in the World. The bridge is considered as the "flag bridge" of Florida. I have been travelling from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana but, this particular bridge is one of my most favorite bridges.

It has the look of a modern architectural design and I heard that it is a popular location for filming automobile commercials. On our next visit, we will stop on a small fishing pier nearby and we will go fishing enjoying the view of the Gulf waters and the bridge. I would definitely take more pictures of the bridge on that day.

Victoria's Secret Purse

Do you love tote freebies? Victoria's Secret has a lot of that but, you can only have that with a purchase. If you want Victoria's Secret purses, order the item that has freebies in it such as this item. It may not be on sale and you will pay the right price but, you will save a lot from the freebies inside. It usually includes 3 items and that's a deal breaker already.I collect big collectible tote from VS and I have few of them already.Someone back home ordered this item so; I bought it for her. This is actually a cute bag.

Nikon 1 J1 Bundle It

If you hate dragging the bulky DSLR camera, check out the Nikon 1 J1. FYI, I prefer the red or the pink color aside from white. The Nikon 1 J1 12MP Digital Camera Bundle has a lot to offer in your photography activities. You will have the freedom to capture, communicate and connect to life. This gadget will bring quality, depth and passion to visual storytelling and spark conversations through photos, movies and multimedia. Awesome camera in an awesome price as well. Show that zest for life and it will be fueled by that desire to communicate all that you experience using this camera.
Features:

1. Has 12 megapixel resolution which delivers excellent picture quality.
2. The 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm zoom lens provides a 3x optical zoom.
3. 3" TFT LCD display and you will enjoy easy focus selection and photo viewing.
4. This compact camera is supported by JPEG and MOV file formats. It will record movies in Full HD format.
5. Has 5 scene modes which provide creative options for taking eye-catching photos with accurate color.
6. The smart Photo Selector and you will get the best of your photos.
7. EXPEED 3 dual image processor which delivers outstanding system performance, high-speed processing, state-of-the-art phase detection auto focus and the fastest data transfer rates.
8. Has 1 SD card slot which will let you store photos on the memory card of your choice.
9. It includes 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm zoom lens, Sandisk Class 10 Extreme 8GB SD card and red case.
10. The Memory Card Specifications is compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Check it out in the nearest stores in your area.

Enzyte on Facebook

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vianda for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Enzyte products should be taken as part of a healthy lifestyle and individual results may vary.

There are men consumers who are looking for natural supplement to support erectile function. In 2001, Enzyte male enhancement became available to them to heightened arousal and stamina. Now, with the new Enzyte 24/7, it boosts sexual spontaneity; regain male sexual power and confidence. This product enhanced the erection quality and will have a rock solid result. Check out this commercial and visit Enzyte on Facebook:

Have you seen the funny Smiling Bob commercial? The commercial above is way better don't you think? For more interesting information about Enzyte, like Enzyte on Facebook page for the best prices you can get. If you sign up today, you will get $10 coupon off when you buy the Enzyte male enhancement.

This product has premium blend of natural herbs and extracts. Enzyte 24/7 promotes critical blood flow, and guard against nutrient deficiencies that may impact volume and potency. This product has advanced formula for peak performance and support blood flow all day and all night.

Kara Laricks: First Fashion Star Winner

Kara Laricks is the first Fashion Star winner bringing home a jaw dropping prize of $6 million from Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M stores.

Fashion Star is a reality TV show on NBC about fashion design hosted by Elle Macpherson. There were 14 contestants who were competing to create the best clothes and have them purchased by Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M.

Each week they were restricted in time, materials and theme. Each designers whose clothes are not purchased was up for elimination from the show. Three celebrity mentors: Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos have the power to save one contestant before the three buyers chose which of the remaining unsold designers sent one home.

Kara Laricks, Ronnie Escalante, and Nzimiro Oputa were the finalists. They compete on creating separate designs for each stores: Macy's Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M. For the whole season, Kara Laricks sold $630K, Ronnie Escalante sold $420K while Nzimiro Oputa earned $320K.

Happy Mother's Day Mama

If I had to rewind the good old days, our life has full of bitter-sweet memories. My brother and I was raised by single mother. A mother who is so kind, gentle, patient, caring, loving and always encourage us to help others. She taught us to respect the elders, to practice good deeds at all times, and to take away hatred in our hearts. My mother is now on her 70's but, she is very healthy and I thank God for that.

She is a great mom and if not for her, I wouldn't be who I am now. Happy Mother's Day Mama.

Driver's Crazy Maneuver

We are always on the road traveling back and forth from Florida to Mississippi. There are so many drivers who disregard road safety and do crazy stunts on the road like the picture below. In the middle of traffic, this car came out from nowhere passing 4 lanes just to go across the intersection. This maneuver can definitely cause accident!Have you seen people texting in 60mph highway? Come to Florida and most of the drivers are either holding their cellphone, one hand on the wheel or, worst ....texting! These actions are terrible!

On Baby Carriers

I forgot to ask my mother if she was using Baby Carriers when I was just an infant up to toddler. I bet she doesn't and I probably love to cling on her whenever we go out. I have nothing against baby carriers because it served to its purpose nowadays. Mommies do take advantage to have an extra hand to multi task chores without sacrificing the babies comfort. My mother believes in the "old fashion" ways on how to nurture a child. When you cling the infant or the baby all the time, it may not be good but, I believe that clinging the baby will create a closer bond between mother and the baby.

Mommies have the intrinsic instinct to know when to give the baby the independence. How babies communicate and react such as grabbing the spoon during meal time. Even if they ate messy at first time it will be a good start of learning independence. When they are ready to learn manners and cleanliness, mommies can impart that too. Babies learn things differently in their own pace so; certain things may work on your baby but, it is not a guarantee that it may work to another child. What do you think? Would you agree or not and why?

Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte

Sharing to all of you the famous words of wisdom by Dorothy Law Nolte. Snagged from a magazine, the page was on my desk the whole time when I was teaching for 12 years. When I felt hopeless, I just glance into this and focus on the positive note to make a difference. The picture below was taken in Museo Pambata, Philippines.

If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear,
he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity,
he learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with jealousy,
he learns what envy is.

If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise,
he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance,
he learns to love.

If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with recognition,
he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing,
he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness,
he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness,
he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity,
your child will live with peace of mind.

Love your children and do not take them for granted.

Extreme Shield Wax

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Armor All. All opinions are 100% mine.

If the weather is beautiful, we always love to spend the day having short road trips towards nearby cities. We love the outdoor and I myself love taking pictures of the places that we have been to. Traveling is rewarding and before the road trip, my husband always prepares to shield our car for bugs and dust especially when we travel off to a dirt road.



Extreme Shield Wax is all we need because this product has triple action: protects, shield and repels dirt and grime. When my husband applies this product to our car, it delivers incredible shine and no residue of whatever in fact, it looks like brand new. It removes dirt and restores beading and the shine is pretty amazing. It truly helps maintain the look of a newly washed car. When we pass by a rest area, a short wash on the car makes difference. Dust from long hours of road trips gone so; Extreme Shield Wax really works for us. My husband relies on this product and if you are looking for a reliable product to give your car the shine you want so; check out for this product.

Do you want to win a brand new car? Please LIKE the Armor All on Facebook for a chance to win the 2012 Chevy Camaro SS. This car was featured in the commercial of Armor's All and autograph by Nascar celebrity Tony Stewart. I want that car so; I already like the button of Armor All's Facebook. I join the contest too and I am inviting you to do the same. Enter the Armor All, "What Life Did to Your Car" contest on Facebook today. Good luck to us all.

Coastal Living

Look at the picture below, isn't it nice? How would you like to spend your free time? Our neighbor own a boat and they always hang out on the river boating, fishing and just enjoy the view of Indian River and Banana River. I just realized that when we live in Mississippi, we live along the Gulf Coast facing the Gulf of Mexico. The picture below was taken at the Bay Bridge in Biloxi/Ocean Springs Mississippi. I have driven this road everyday from home to my work place.Now, we live near the beach in Florida facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is so beautiful out here and life is pretty laid back plus no heavy traffic at all if compared to Central Orlando. Here is the view of the road where we always pass by when we go to the beach area. We drove Indian River and Banana River before we hit Cocoa Beach area. Hubby and I used our old soft top tracker and just drive along US1 or A1A road and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea. When we get tired, we ate at the local seafood restaurants in the area and enjoys watching the cruise ship.Living along the beach area is quiet and simple. I also noticed that people here are more polite, friendly and family oriented.The last picture with the arrow, I was showing you the tiny object. I was laughing because my blackberry phone can only capture a small and fading picture of the space shuttle Discovery during it's final ride to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. We live few minutes away from Kennedy Space Center and on April 17, 2012, we watched as the shuttle Discovery ride at the back of the big Boeing aircraft --- off for retirement.

Be a Responsible Pet Parent

I was watching the news yesterday showing pet dogs ready for adoption. Over 300 dogs were rescued from a couple who was running a breeding facility in their home. Same thing happened in Michigan a month ago and I keep wondering why these dogs had to suffer from the cruelty. If these dogs are their source of livelihood then, they should provide food and proper care for them. Usually, that is not the case all the time that is why animal rescuers raid their property.

The dogs rescued looks so different now and they are ready to find a new home where they will be taken care of. Do you love animals? Check out the animal adoption center in your area. They needed pet parents like you who can provide attention and care for these abandoned dogs. To help you out, Pets Aware Pet Shop and Pet Care is here to give you ideas on how to care your pets as a family member.

Pet parents involves responsibility to their pet dogs such as crate training, encourage pet socialization, house training, shots and vaccinations, deworming, teething when they are less than a year old and when to spay or neuter. If you are ready for responsibilities as a pet parent then, go ahead adopt a dog today.

Pink BCB Generation Flipflop

I have 3 rewards worth $10 each from Victoria's Secret. I have no plans of shopping but, when I saw this colorful BCB Generation flip flops, I just add it in my cart and purchase it.I bought two flip flops in different colors and of course, using the rewards cards, I paid less.I used 2 rewards cards and one got expired because I forgot that it will end April 30th. Anyway, this flip flop is really nice, durable and though it is a bit expensive, I bought it on sale minus the $10 reward so, I really had a good deal. Always use coupons when you order online, just a lil heads up for all you shoppers out there.

Importance of Life Insurance

Here we go again! Some people can't learn until they are in the unlikely situation. Our neighbor died to an untimely death and his wife was trying hard to find resources for the burial expenses. They just cut-off their life insurance a year ago when she got laid off from job. They are just trying to cut down unnecessary expenses. Was it a wise decision? She was heartbroken! Our sympathy goes to their family. Now that the head of the family is gone, he left his family unsecured. She realized that without life insurance, losing someone so dear is even more painful. She had no one to share the burden.

We probably heard the same type of story right? When we decided to cut our unnecessary expenses, we cut the minutes of the phone and subscriptions of magazines. The insurance does not fall in the category of unnecessary expenses. It is definitely one of the most important expenses which a family should have.

The family life insurance is expensive but, you need to have it. You need to secure the fututre of your family by giving them assurance that everything will be in place even when you are gone. If you cancel your policy, get your quote today.

Ticked Off with Heavy Traffic

As much as possible, we do not want to be caught in the middle of the traffic hours. Traffic is annoying but, that's the price that we have to pay when we live in the big city. Traffic and lack of parking space, oh my goodness ... depressing situation. We live in Orlando and it is one of the busiest city in the world since this is the home of Disney World and Universal Studious.We literally go to Disney theme parks on weekdays and avoid the holidays, weekends and most especially the spring breaks. We can deal with the traffic because it's normal in the big city right? But, you will boil to your limit when there are crazy drivers who cut you off guard and went to the other lane. That's really intimidating and I am ticked off to these crazy drivers!

The Beautiful View of the Gulf Coast

I took this picture while we went to Gulfport, Mississippi. Nice view huh? After every hurricanes, this area is calm and the view is relaxing. You cannot even tell how ferocious hurricanes are until you look at the land across the street of US 90 highway.

If you drive down the Gulf Coast, you will see art work of wood carvings from the old oak trees which are hundred years old or more, damaged by hurricanes. A wise idea to preserved the trees instead of uprooting them, they make it an art and it was beautiful. The artwork are wood carvings of birds found in the gulf coast as well as sea animals. Check out these work of art when you travel along US 90 in Mississippi. Stop by the beach too and take a swim...you will love it here.

Search for Car Quotes

When you rely on someone to drive you to wherever you are without complaints then, you are lucky. Life is really hard to get use to when you do not have a car. You need to wake up early to catch your bus. When you have your own transportation, everything is easy and you do not rush for anything. You can jump to your car and go wherever it pleases you or go to a nearby grocery to buy the things that you needed for that moment.

If you have a descent job and family budget is just right, get car quotes now. If you have the savings in the bank and can afford to buy a car in cold cash, the better. But, most people that I know have their car for 36 months fixed rates. If you think your job is stable then, pursue it.

Having no car is really a hassle because you will always take mercy from others. You should remember that they have their own priorities too. You will be inconsiderate if you keep asking them to drive you to your destination.

Anyway, part of having a car is the responsibility of buying a liability insurance because safetyfirst is really necessary. In the event of accident, your insurance will pay all the damages you caused or even if you are at no fault, insurance will take care for you. Lastly, if you live in Florida and it is your first time to drive, check out Florida DMV on how to process your driver's license.