Making Order out of Chaos with an Academic Planner

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Leslie Josel created Order out of Chaos out of inspiration to help her son (who suffers from ADD) become organized and succeed academically and beyond.  She designed the Academic Planner to help students better manage their time, complete homework assignments, as well as balancing after school activities and homework.

Although this planner is marketed for students but it could be adapted for blogging, at-home business, or any other responsibility where you need to keep track of regular commitments or activities beyond a basic calendar.  I've looked at using this planner to help me work my business but haven't decided how I want to use it.  (The academic calendar format is kind of fitting since I started my business in August.)

Noteable Features:

• Unique vertical index page in the front of the planner, enabling you to record up to 7 daily tasks only once.
• Weekly planner pages line up with the index on a line by line basis.
• Days of the week are listed horizontally across the planner.
• Includes a separate space to enter after-school activities and weekend commitments.
• The grid system quickly reveals both scheduled and available blocks of time, facilitating weekly time management and planning strategies.
• Larger size pages to allow more room to write assignments and appointments.
• A handy vinyl back pocket to hold notes, slips, or other necessary papers.
• Three hole punching to allow for easy placement in binders.
• Durable covers and sturdy spiral binding.
• Based on a school calendar (August to July).

When I showed this planner to Austin (suffers from ADHD) he said it was similar to what they use at school.  Although he's never brought his planner to my house I was able to obtain a sample picture of one of the calendar pages for comparison.  They were given one of these planners at the beginning of the school year preprinted with their classes.  I believe it's helped him complete more of his homework assignments resulting in better grades than he had in elementary school.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wantable Makeup Box Review

I decided to try something different this time around with the Wantable makeup box. I've never been really big on makeup since I was raised by my dad and not my mom.  Every once in a while I like to try out new things, hoping to feel a little girly.

When you register for Wantable you answer a survey/quiz for the type of box you're wanting to buy - makeup, accessories, or intimates.  You're rating the things that you like or don't like so their stylists can handpick items matching your tastes.  Since I never paint my own nails (I do such a crappy job) I selected dislike on the nail polish; everything else was a like.  The ship notice came the next day after submitting my order; the whole process took less than a week!

Here is what I received (comments in italics from the manufacturers):

1. Lipstick "Saucy" from Manna Kadar.  RETAIL $21.00.  This high pigment lipstick is not for the timid; layer it on for an attention getting look!
2. Peepers Eyeshadow "Rolled Oats" from Darla Makeup.  RETAIL $18.00.  The ultimate staple for any makeup bag.  This light taupe with golden undertones is almost good enough to eat.  A great color to wear alone or pair up with other colors to create a great day to night look.
3. Angled Foundation Brush from JAPONESQUE.  RETAIL $24.50.  Conveniently sized for portability, the Travel Angled Foundation Brush is an essential tool for creating a truly flawless foundation finish.  Synthetic bristles easily wash clean while maintaining their shape.
4. FAKE IT - Alpha Blonde Lashes from Liberty Republic.  RETAIL $8.00.  Blondes totally have more fun!  The lighter color of these lashes may make them look oh-so-natural on even the fairest of women, but they also intensify the look of bright colored mascaras applied on top.  100% sterilized natural human hair.  Invisible band.  Hand knotted and flared.  Included a trial of lash adhesive.
5. Dramatic Impact Mascara Blue from Cailyn Cosmetics.  RETAIL $15.00.  Dramatic Impact Mascara gives you long, lush lashes with full volume thickness, and deep rich pigment.
6. Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Suprême Sample.  An exceptionally light creamy mousse texture, combined with the antioxidant, anti-aging properties of our exclusive Labrador Tea extract.  Easily applied with the fingertips, its long-lasting formula gives the eyelids an iridescent look.

So the total retail value of this makeup box was $86.50.  With Wantable's service you could have something like this for $40 with a one time purchase or $36 for a monthly subscription.  This is a great value!  The makeup was in the shades I've used before, except I've never had colored mascara, so it wasn't a stray from my comfort zone.  It's so amazing that a total stranger can do that having never even seen me!

I wore the lipstick with my Halloween costume; it was the only makeup I had on since I had the mask.  I've been carrying around the mascara in my purse, intending to put it on at work but I keep chickening out LOL.

Register today and snag yourself a great package with new makeup to wear to your holiday parties!

Wantable's Social Networks

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | G+

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ozeri BP5K Talking Digital Blood Pressure Monitor Review

 

Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with Voice-Guided Operation & Intelligent Hypertension Indicator is quite a mouthful to say or type!  I applied for this campaign thinking that Benny could use a better blood pressure monitor.

Benny was the first to try the BP5K.  He had two different readings, the first time high and the second time normal.  The female voice talked him into the right position in which to place his arm.  The voice was loud so it kind of startles you when you first use the BP5K.  I think that's what accounts for the higher reading the first time. (I too had a high then a normal reading.)  Along with the voice there's a little arrow in the upper right hand corner indicating whether you need to raise or lower your arm into position.

PROS

• Easy to use
• Large display and font for nearly anyone to be able to read.
• Memory for two users
• Voice and visual guidance
• Tells you if your reading is too high or optimal; no need to look it up

CONS

• Voice is too loud
• Positioning for proper reading is too tight, making the voice guidance annoying from the stammering

The voice reminds me of the Orbit Gum girl.  I tried to find a clip to go along with this post but discovered there's been more than one girl.  So now I don't know who's voice it is!

I received the product mentioned above for free using business2blogger.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I would use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with Voice-Guided Operation & Intelligent Hypertension Indicator isn't currently in stock but you can add it to your Amazon wish list to snag one later.

 

Virtual Safe Deposit Box - The DocSafe

TheDocSAFE is a virtual filing cabinet and safe deposit box.  You can upload a copy of just about anything you can think of, from just your basic information all the way to your last wishes.  Some people have also used TheDocSAFE to save their resumes, treasured family recipes, and pet records.

If you're wanting a place to store your important documents but don't want to mess with a physical safe deposit box at a bank then TheDocSAFE is the way to go.  It's more convenient (unlimited 24-7 access), cheaper ($5.95/month or $49.95/year), and you don't have to worry about a key (losing key, replacement key costs, costs to drill the box, etc.).

TheDocSAFE is pre-organized into standard categories so you don't have to guess what to name each section.  I've highlighted a few of the categories below.

My Profile

This is where you list your basic information and would upload your home's deed/mortgage document.

Marriage Documents

Current marriage and divorce information is listed here, including a copy of your marriage certificate and divorce decree.

Children

This is where you list your children and upload their birth certificates.

Medical

All your doctors and their contact information goes here, along with your health insurance information and a copy of your card, your medication with dosages, and your allergies.

Taxes and Financial

This is where you can upload copies of your tax returns and any other important financial documents.  TheDocSAFE recommends that you black out your social security numbers on anything that you upload.

Miscellaneous

Anything else you could possibly want a copy of that's not covered by the preset categories goes here.



TheDocSAFE also has an affiliate program through ShareASale where you can earn 30% commissions on memberships.

TheDocSAFE Social Facebook | Twitter

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Liebster Blog Award

Thanks to Krystle for nominating me for the Liebster Blog Award.  Now that both of my blogs have received this award the world is in balance! LOL

About the Liebster

The idea behind this award is to recognize new bloggers and help them get some buzz and promote their blogs.  It's a sign of recognition and it can pretty much mean what you want it to mean.

If you've been nominated for the Liebster Award and accept it, you need to follow a few rules.

1. Write a blog post about the Liebster Award.
2. Thank the person that nominated you.
3. Post a link to their blog on your blog.
4. Display the award on your blog and including it in your post and/or displaying it using a widget.
5. Answer the 11 questions about yourself provided by the person who nominated you.
6. Give 11 random facts about yourself.
7. Nominate 5-11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 1000 followers.
8. Create a new list of questions for the nominated bloggers to answer.
9. List the rules in your post.
10. Inform the bloggers who you've nominated for the Liebster Award - remember to give them a link to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it!).

Note that you can nominate someone who has been given this award already, as long as they have less than 1000 followers/subscribers.

My Answers to Krystle's Questions

1. What would you do differently if no one would judge you?  I don't know that I'd do anything differently because I'm different enough as it is LOL.
2. What is your favorite holiday and why?  Well, we only really do something for Thanksgiving and Christmas so it'd have to be one of the two.
3. Why did you start blogging?  I started doing product reviews when eShakti emailed a request for reviews in exchange for a product.
4. Have you done anything lately worth remembering?  My weight loss journey is worth remembering.   I made it to ONEDERLAND!
   
5. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?  It depends on the situation that provoked the tears.  There are situations that call for tears.
6. What was your favorite school subject?  Probably languages.
7. What makes you smile?  Just about everything.  I almost always have a smile on my face.  No, it's not one of those fake permanent smiles.
8. What activities make you lose track of time?  Reading fiction.  I easily get lost in the story and don't want to leave it to do whatever else I need to do.
9. Time or money?  Time is more valuable than money.  There are an infinite number of ways to make money but you can never make up for lost time.
10. What is your favorite movie?  Titanic
11. What is your favorite blog post?  I don't have a favorite yet.

Random Facts about Me

• I was born a week late and so was Austin.
• Benny and I met online in the Simple Paradise Mall of SecondLife.  I started as the interior decorator for his shop there....one thing led to another.  You can read an article I wrote about us here.
• I absolutely HATE politics.  There's not a single politician I trust.  They're either making campaign promises they don't keep or have skeletons in their closets.
• My father raised me but I haven't heard from him since a few weeks after introducing Benny.
• I'm totally uncoordinated and have always been.  I remember a picture of me from a ballet performance in preschool where I was going the opposite direction from everyone else.
• My first job was a receptionist at a country club.  There wasn't much to do so basically I got paid to read and do my homework! LOL
• I'd probably choose a spa day over a shopping trip.  I don't pamper myself and could use a nice deep tissue massage.
• States I've been to (even if it's just a drive through or layover):  Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia.
• My blood type is O but I can never remember if it's negative or positive.
• Shopping is therapy in itself, even if it's just window shopping.  Whenever I'm upset over something and drive to some stores, walking around for a while, I come home refreshed.
• I rather enjoy scaring Benny, whether it's my loud sneezes or I'm able to jump out of somewhere and scare him.  I just find it so amusing!

My Nominees

• Shannon @ GolladayFit
• Elena @ Cropped Stories
• Julia @ A (Future!) Weight Loss Success Story
• Ash @ A Step in the {Right} Direction
• JoAnne @ Broadcasting Sunny

My Questions

1. What have you gained or hope to gain from blogging?
2. What types of blogs do you like to read?
3. If you were able to retire today what would you do?
4. What's your dream job?
5. Award Shows - Love or hate?
6. Reality TV - Love or hate?
7. What's your favorite fruit or vegetable?
8. What's your favorite music genre?
9. If you were to win the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?
10. What is one goal you want to tackle in 2014?
11. Do you have any strange talents?  If so, what is one?

Corseting Cassi

Corset:  a woman's close-fitting boned supporting undergarment that is often hooked and laced and that extends from above or beneath the bust or from the waist to below the hips and has garters attached. - Definition from Merriam-Webster

 

I remember reading about corsets in school and seeing them in old time movies.  Every time I'd think, "Why would a woman want to torture herself and wear these things?"  Then in the last couple of years when I started entering blog giveaways I started seeing corsets everywhere.  I thought they must not be as uncomfortable as they used to or these giveaways wouldn't be so popular.  So I'd enter, trying to get the Black Satin Under-Bust Corset.  Then in July I stumbled upon a request for reviewers and jumped at the chance.  Sure enough I was selected!

I looked at the size chart to figure out what they should send me.  My waist measurement matched their 7/8X size but according to US Dress size I matched their 5/6X size.  I provided my selections and waited for the corset to arrive.  I received the Black Burlesque with Red Stripes Corset. Immediately I tried it on over my clothes and found it to be way too big.  Benny said that I'd need one about two sizes smaller!  But does that mean I should get the 5/6X or drop to the 3/4X?  The corsets come with a G-string but I don't like them so I didn't even try it on.

I sent them a message through Tomoson on 8/1 asking what they recommended that I do but received no response whatsoever!  The paper enclosed with the corset only said to send it back to them with the new size.  No instructions on shipping method and who was supposed to pay for the shipping.  I left the package sitting on my desk at work all that week waiting for them to reply.

On 8/12 I sent an email to the contact listed on the paper that was enclosed in the package to see if I'd get a response that way.  I went ahead and returned the corset via UPS (using my work's discount made it cheaper than USPS).  The contact responded to my email on 8/14 with the same information on the paper (but a different company name).  So it looks like I'm going to be out the money for the return shipment.

Tracking information was finally sent to me on 8/27 and the 3/4X arrived 9/3.  I immediately tried the corset on and found it to be way too small to zip.  So, I must lose a lot of weight between now and Halloween or Benny will have to use the back ties in order for me to wear the corset.

This time when he saw the corset Benny believed it's not appropriate for public viewing, only the bedroom.  I tried without success to convince him otherwise but all night he kept saying that he didn't like it.  After I showed him photos online similar to what I had in mind he seemed OK with it.

What I've collected so far to wear with the corset

What it looks like put together

You can see my pooches a little bit but overall the corset fits pretty well.  I even sat at the computer for 30 minutes to an hour.  The bones didn't bother me as I thought they would.  It was pretty snug but in just the right places.  My Halloween costume is virtually complete!  If it weren't for the poor customer service experience this review would be glowing.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UGLee Pen {Ergonomic Pen} Review

How many times have you gone to write something and your hand cramps up?  Or, do you take a lot of notes and your hand becomes sore?  The UGLee Pen is an ergonomic pen known to be good for anyone who writes but especially for those who experience pain while writing.



I tried writing with the UGLee Pen various times both at home and at work.  It just felt too wide for me.  The grip feature felt like I was holding onto one of those rubber fishing lures or worms.  Yes, I've used these things when I fished but to hold it in my hand while writing made it kind of creepy.

Part of my job requires writing quote and order information in a small space on a 5x8 card.  I struggle to write legibly to begin with but it was difficult to write with the UGLee Pen in this small space.  The tip of the ink cartridge is just too big for this application.  Perhaps if Dr. Lee offered a fine point version of the UGLee Pen I would have more success writing with it.

 

 

The UGLee Pen comes in a variety of barrel colors - Red, Pink, White, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Gray - for $19.99/pack of 3 + $3.95 shipping & handling.  These pens come standard with black ink but refills are available in black, blue, or red for $15.00/pack of 10 + $2.95 shipping & handling.  If you don't like the UGLee Pen just return it for a refund as Dr. Lee indicates in this video.

Click here to order your own pack of UGLee Pens.

Like UGLee Pen on Facebook or follow on Twitter

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Woolzies - An Eco-Friendly Wool Dryer Ball

Woolzies are 100% pure New Zealand wool dryer balls that do everything that conventional fabric softeners do plus they reduce drying time by 25%. They are money back guaranteed to last for at least 1,000 loads!   Woolzies have no chemicals at all and are also hypoallergenic so are safe even for people with wool sensitivities.

I haven't used fabric softener for a few years; there wasn't any particular reason why I stopped.  I still used the dryer sheets until the bars came along.  I had gladly switched to the bars so I wouldn't have to hunt for the sheets or track them all over the house.

The Woolzies review opportunity came along and I jumped on it.  After all, who couldn't use some kind of helper with laundry, right?  I don't do our laundry the way everyone else does (or at least I don't think I do).  I put the load in the washer right before bed and toss everything in the dryer when I get up in the morning.

I've tried Woolzies for about a month in every load.  I've mixed them in between the clothes, put them on the top, and put them on the bottom.  Because of the way I do laundry I haven't experienced faster drying times.  I do believe they have helped reduce the static cling that the dryer bars don't handle.  (Woolzies also entertain the cat when she's playing on top of the dryer.)

Woolzies are currently only available for purchase online.  They're available for $34.95 per box; shipping is free within the US and $6.95 worldwide.  Thinking to purchase a box of Woolzies for a Christmas present?  Gift wrap is available for an additional $5.  Please visit the Woolzies' website (link below) for more information.

Woolzies Online:  Website | Facebook | Twitter

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I Tai Cheng'd It Up & Lost

May 5 - August 3, 2013

If you followed my weight loss progress on Life as We Live The Long and Winding Road to Wellness: Cassi's Journey you saw my transformation since joining Weight Watchers and starting Tai Cheng.  I've received so many compliments over these past months slimming down.  Even though I can't always notice the changes everyone else around me does.  The encouragement from others helps keep me plodding along the weight loss path.


The Tai Cheng Program

This is what's included when you purchase the program - 

Every day you start off with the Neural Reboot (warm-up) and then work on the Tai Chi moves.  The first three phases consist of learning six moves individually the first week, pairing them up the second week, and putting all the moves in sequence the third week.  With the final phase you do the first and second sequences (separately) the first week, the second and third sequences (separately) the second week, and all three sequences (separately) the final two weeks.

Program FAQ (PDF)

Function Test

I didn't score as bad on the initial function test as I had expected (8/20 instead of 0/20).  So where do I stand after 90 days?

• Squat:  2.  No pain, just a little wobbly.
• Single Leg Stand:   2.  A slight wobble here.
• Shoulder Mobility:  0.  No pain but still the discomfort when reaching the bottom of my left shoulder blade with my right hand.
• Chair Touch: 3!  I didn't lose the grip on my back fat.
• In Line Lunge:  1.  A slight wobble there.
• Rotary Stability:   1.  Still a little wobbly.
• Standing Toe Touch: 3!  I can touch the floor now.

My overall score raised by 4 to 12/20!  Sure, I'm not at 100% but didn't expect to be.  No pain, just a little stiffness in one area.  I'm more balanced as the wobbling decreased significantly over these 90 days. Once I reach my goal weight I'd like to revisit this function test to see what further improvements I've made.


Physical Changes

I didn't expect to see that much of a physical transformation since Tai Cheng is low/no impact.  Can you see any differences (besides my smile)?

Some of the stretches during the Neural Reboots became easier as time went on.

• Inverted V Hang:  I was able to only touch the floor with my fingertips in the beginning.  By the end my whole palm touched the floor.
• Deep Knee Bend:  I went from hardly able to bend to almost in a complete squat.
• Drop Stance & Kossak:  In the beginning I had to lean on the couch for balance.  By the end I was able to hold myself up and bend a little further.

Pros & Cons

PROS

• Regained the balance and flexibility I hadn't had for years.
• Relatively easy to perform most of the moves in both the Neural Reboot and the Tai Chi sequences.
• Improved my posture and gait in others' eyes.
• Foam rolling helped rid the pain I've had in my legs for years.

CONS

• Doing the splits in any form.
• Needed an advanced option at the end to do all 18 Tai Chi moves in one fluid motion instead of repeating the sequences of six.

Overall I think this is a great program for someone like me who wants to get re-introduced to exercise and improve balance and flexibility.


Check out your local library for the DVDs (and buy the foam roller separately like I did) or click below to purchase your own Tai Cheng kit.

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream Giveaway

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief is a breakthrough natural, patented pain relief formula that is a proprietary combination of 7 of the world’s most potent natural pain relievers that quickly and effectively alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain (burning feet)—with NO known side effects and without a prescription.

It always seems like some part of my body is experiencing pain.  Traditional medicine relieves my pain less and less often as the years go by.  So I'm starting to search for other ways to quickly knock out my aches and pains.  When I stumbled upon Noxicare™ I just had to try it out.  However (luckily?) I didn't experience any pain during the trial period so I haven't been able to test it out yet.

The Giveaway

Two lucky winners will receive a free full size tube of the Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream.  Please complete the form below to be entered into the giveaway.  You only have to like Casually Cassi and Noxicare's Facebook pages.  Additional entries available for following us on Twitter as well as daily Tweets.

Entry-Form

DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Enter Brand New Google Nexus 7 16GB Giveaway

This is your chance to enter to win one of the brand new Google Nexus 7 (16GB) tablets that was just announced on July 24th and they began taking orders on July 30th.  This tablet which has the best specs currently on the tablet market includes a 7.02” screen which has a 1920x1200 HD resolution which is an incredible 323 PPI.

Dual cameras now with a 1.2MP front facing and 5MP rear facing camera, the new Google Nexus 7 boasts up to 9 hours of active use battery life with it’s 3950mAh battery. It also has Qi compatible wireless charging built in.

Audio on the new Google Nexus 7 includes stereo speakers with surround sound, powered by Fraunhofer. The dual band Wi-Fi supports Wireless a/b/g/n but I would have loved to see Wireless a/c support which exists in the newest routers but client devices are still slow to support.

You also get:

• microUSB
• SlimPort™ enabled
• 3.5mm audio
• Microphone
• Power and Volume buttons
• GPS
• Gyroscope
• Accelerometer
• Compass
• Ambient Light

The New Google Nexus 7 in spec is better than the iPad mini in nearly every way including double the pixel resolution, equal in camera quality, 4x as much built in memory and a vastly superior processor. At a price that is still $100 cheaper than the iPad mini.

Enter Now for your Chance to Win a Google Nexus 7

Thanks to the following sponsors Dragon Blogger,  SBABZY, TechWalls, CravingTech, Techetron we are able to co-host this giveaway and one lucky entrant will get a brand new Google Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB.

Win the Brand New Google Nexus 7 16GB

You can increase your odds of winning by sharing your custom link in the PromoSimple giveaway and convincing others to sign up with your referral link, up to 250 bonus entries can be gained this way. Also it is setup so you can tweet from the widget 1x per day so you can get 30 extra entries if you come back and tweet everyday from the widget (bookmark this site). Remember to do all of the entries, thank our sponsors and if you do write a blog post and become a co-host remember to leave the post URL as your entry validation. As an additional benefit if you choose to become a co-host you can win $50 cash for hosting the winning entry even if you don’t win (or that in addition if you do win).

This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere over the age of 18 where rules and restrictions apply. See contest rules for details, but if you live outside the U.S. you have a few options, one you can receive $229 cash via Paypal instead of the Google Nexus 7 due to the costs in shipping and limitations in shipping Internationally directly from Google’s site, you could gift it to someone else in the U.S. or if you are willing to pay for shipping I will order the Nexus 7 delivered to me and then ship the device Internationally to you as long as you are covering shipping costs. This will add time to the delivery as it has to ship to me and then ship overseas to you however.

Review of Ameilta by Court Yard Hounds

After a few years out of the limelight and the Dixie Chicks, sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire are back together as Court Yard Hounds.  Amelita, out now, is their second album under their new name.  Containing 11 tracks, Robison and Maguire took a different approach on this album.  There's a new perspective in the air, partially due to the time that's passed since Robison's divorce.  She sees life and the world in new ways now.

DISCLOSURE:  I participated in this campaign for One2One Network.  I received a free digital copy to facilitate my review.  By posting I'm eligible for incentives.  All opinions stated are my own.

If you take away the instruments that give the Amelita track a country sound it reminds me of songs from the 60s.  This song is about rescuing a girl named Amelita.  She had fallen into a web of lies started by this guy that had promised to make her famous.  You can see the toll the stress from this lifestyle has had on her.  Despite everything she doesn't seem to really want to leave.  It makes me wonder if the sisters were indirectly writing about Robison's marriage and Maguire trying to rescue her.

The Road You Take has more of a rock vibe.  It's nice to see a country album ending in a different style.  This shows the versatility Robison and Maguire have.  They are truly sisters in life and in harmony.

Social Media

Court Yard Hounds on Facebook

Court Yard Hounds on Twitter

Emily Robison on Twitter

Martie Maguire on Twitter

    

Book Review: ISLAND DREAMS by Suzy Liebermann

I felt safe in reviewing a photography book.  There's no story, no plot line....no spoilers!

COVER

ISLAND DREAMS Motivational Photography Book by Suzy Liebermann takes you away to paradise through images of various beaches in the Bahamas.  Each relaxing photograph is paired with a motivational quote.

My favorite photograph in this book would be the view from the grass to the ocean.  I think it may be a view from a lower level than the cover image.  You have the grass, white sands, a palm tree, and the beautiful blue ocean ahead.

This is my favorite quote:

don't compare

yourself

you are

perfect

the way you are

Purchase your own copy of this beautiful eBook on Amazon.  Let it be a source of inspiration and meditation.  Dream about paradise.  Relax and indulge in the beauty of the island world of the Bahamas.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Reviews

With book reviews I'm worried I might reveal too much.  It could be a major spoiler alert!  For now please visit my mini-reviews on Goodreads.

Cassi's bookshelf: read



More of Cassi's books »

Geekatoo - Saving $$ on Local Tech Support, Computer Repair, & More!

Geekatoo is a great referral source to locate local geeks for computer repair, home theater installation, network issues, tech support, virus removal, web design, and more.  These Geeks are a lot less expensive than the Geek Squad (averages 75% cheaper).  All Geeks have gone through a vetting process - identity verification, employment history, residential history, and criminal background check all completed by outside background search firms.  Geeks also must undergo knowledge tests to verify they know their stuff.

Benny fiddled with and built computers back in Germany so most of the stuff I can't do he can.  However, there are times that he's totally stumped.  Currently his laptop just shuts down for no reason.  We're not sure if it's just too much dust on the fan or something more ominous.  If it's not a dust issue Geekatoo would be a perfect solution.  He can pick out a Geek and they can speak Geek when he/she is working on his laptop.

How it works:

1. Join Geekatoo for FREE!
2. Post the problem you're having.
3. Geeks will post their bids to solve your problem.
4. Either wait for bidding to be complete or select the geek you really like.
5. Meet to fix your problem.
6. Once the job is complete, the Geek will invoice you on Geekatoo.
7. Pay your invoice through the payment gateway (i.e. Amazon, PayPal, etc).

It's just that easy!

Just for signing up you get $5 to use towards services.  When you refer someone they'll get $10 off their first service.  Once their service is completed you'll also get $10.  It's a win-win situation saving money and getting discounts on future services!

Click here to sign up to get or give tech help.