NWR: May He Rest In Peace

Still. In. Disbelief.

I am by far not the biggest Michael Jackson fan ever, but I have grown with his music and felt the highs and lows of his career.

Upon hearing the news, I was completely DEVASTATED. Then again, I am the same person that cried miserably when his hair caught fire in the 1983 Pepsi commercial...

I sincerely hope that Mr. Jackson is able to finally experience the peace that he was never afforded in his time here on Earth.

Rest in Peace...

Weekly Savings Tip: June 22, 2009

So I receive weekly emails about one of my absolute FAVORITE topics - saving money. I've decided to share those here with my readers. ENJOY!

Sizzling Summer Savings

Have some fun in the sun without worrying about your wallet. Here are some savings tips to help beat the summer heat.

• Summer Savings Tip #4 – Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They use about 75% less energy and give off 75% less heat but produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs.

• Summer Savings Tip #5 – Make some shade! Awnings, blinds, drapes and glass films reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Install them on windows, skylights, doors and other places where the sun comes through. During the day, closing the blinds and drapes to filter sunlight will keep the room's temperature from rising.

• Summer Savings Tip #8 – On a hot, sunny day, dark-colored roofs can reach temperatures of up to 150º to 190º F, heating the living spaces below. Consider adding a reflective coating, or choosing a lighter color when it’s time
to replace the roof.

Click here for 10 Summer Savings Tips that will help you cut costs on your energy bill.

For quizzes, savings trivia and payday reminders sent to your cell phone twice a month, sign up on Feed the Pig.

If You're Feeling Anything Like I Am...

How to Take a Mental Health Day Without Feeling Guilty

You can take a mental health day off from work without experiencing guilt. Here's how.

If you are the type of person that is a hard worker, and normally goes above and beyond the call of duty, sometimes you need to treat yourself to a mental health day. This is also true if you typically work beyond the 40-hour work week and are the type of employee to take work home.

All of that hard work and diligence will take its toll eventually, without some spontaneous R&R for your mind.A mental health day is not the type of day off that employers recognize or encourage. If you're reading this at work, that's probably not the best idea. Employers may provide you instead withvacation days, holidays, personal days, sick days, or even family sick days. Some employers combine one or more categories of days off, like sick/personal days. Employers don't offer mental health days.Because employers don't offer mental health days, it is up to you to take the initiative and give yourself a mental health day.

What is a Mental Health Day?

A mental health day is an unscheduled day off from work that involves doing something you enjoy doing, alone or with family and friends. A mental health day does not include doing any errands, going to the doctor's office, or cleaning the house. Sometimes the only way to get some time for yourself, away from the office, and away from the demands of your household, is to disappear for a few hours, doing whatever it is you love best. The activity you choose should be one that is fairly close to home, is not near work, and will renew you in some way. It could be going to see a movie or two by yourself. Or maybe you want to spend the day window shopping, or shopping, at your favorite mall. Your mental health day could be a trip to the local greenhouse, museum, or bookstore. It could be a half day at the salon, or getting a massage.The mental health day can be whatever you want it to be, as long as it refreshes your mind.

Why You Need a Mental Health Day

You need a mental healthy day if you are otherwise a hard worker, slackers need not apply...

What IS That????

You see it. The cutesy invitation seal...WHAT IS THAT and WHERE can I get them?!?!?!?


Photo courtesy of Cards and Pockets

My invitations NEED that...or at least something equally clever. Anyone know?

Just Realized...

...I never shared our cake.

Isn't she a beauty?



By the way, I'm still on the hunt for a similar plateau...

A Little Reading Material

So, we decided to add a special touch to our OOT bags. We'll be including personalized brochures that include the following:

A Welcome Greeting

Our Recommendations for Dining

An Invitation to the "Day After" Brunch

Emergency Contact Information

Directions to the Church and Reception

A Special Thanks to Our Parents

A Special Note to My Mom

Am I missing anything?

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A Little House-Keeping :)

Done:

GROOM!!!
Ceremony Site
Officiants
Marriage License requirements researched and in the process of being fulfilled
Pre-Marital Counseling (Session 5 of 12 approaching)
Mr. CB's Rings (he's a 2 ring groom)
Dress
Jewelry
Shoes
Clutch
FABULOUS Fascinator
Veil
Aisle Runner (YAY for Craigslist!)
Here Comes the Bride Banner (50%)
Reception Card Box
Hair Styist
Cake
Cake topper made by moi
Vases for sand ceremony
Bathroom Baskets and some contents
Frames for various places, ie bar, bathroom baskets, gourmet popcorn (??) buffet
"LAST NAME" monogram ceramic dishes for popcorn buffet
cello bags and ties for buffet
banner (in lieu of gobo) to hang over staircase (where we make our entrance)
ceremony decor (50%)
reception decor (50%)
started buying cases of likka for the bar
our broom
"Dancing Shoes" for Our Guests
BM gifts
Groom and other men's attire
New Photographer!!!
Caterer (and menu)
Videographer
Ceremony musicians
STDs are OUT!
DOC
E-pics
TTD pics
Siggy Drink - Because we are just Tickled Pink to be One...
Lighting for Banquet Room
Photosharing Cards to be included in our Thank Yous
cake server set
toasting flutes
matches for sparkler send-off
Crinoline
Aisle Runner
Diamond Confetti
Dessert and Bar Napkins
INVITATIONS
Hotel Block
Photobook (guestbook)
Transportation
DJ
Honeymoon
Aisle Vases
Order Pictures for Card Box
Manzanita Arrangements for Altar
Cake Plateau
Garter
Brochure for OOT Bags

To Do:

Get Barware
Day of Wedding Makeup
Decide/finalize/purchase remaining centerpiece supplies
Programs
Bridal Party Gifts
Family Gifts
Pastor Gifts
Bouquets
Boutonnieres
OOT Boxes (in progress)
Rehearsal Dinner
Undergarments
Chair Linen
Ceremony Programs
Banner Boy Signs
Table Numbers (in progress)
Seating Chart
Menus?
Bridal Party Jewelry