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February 1, 2011

Unanticipated Consequences

I should have been an economics major. Ok, not really, I love being a graphic designer, but still microeconomics is quite intriguing. Spencer is currently taking micro this semester and anyone who knows me knows just how much I love school. Actually, I love being a student. I love books, I love paper, I enjoy taking notes, and yes I know I am crazy. I could be a professional student and be quite happy.

While Spencer is gone each day, I can't help but read over his lessons as well. I enjoy the discussions we have over the course material.

His professor posted this as a discussion topic a few days ago. I have been pondering this and overall the theory of unanticipated consequences.

"The US State Department estimates that more than 1 million children are involved in global sex trade each year.  According to CNN.com, some parents in Cambodia have sold their children for as little as $100.  A New York Times reporter recently acquired the funds to purchase (rescue) some of these children.  By negotiating with "sex traffickers," the reporter was able to free and find homes for a few abused children.  Keeping in mind that sex trafficking in Cambodia is a multimillion dollar industry, what might be an unanticipated consequence of the reporter's actions?"

Thoughts?

January 31, 2011

Day 31

I can't believe I made it an entire month without missing a single day! I love this sweet, pudding-faced boy so much. Spencer sat down to enjoy a cup of pudding and didn't notice Huddy sneaking around the corner. Next thing we know, Hud has a handful of pudding and this was the result...

Free Photo Postcard

I love this freebie! It is actually one of my all time favorites. I tried it earlier this month when the freebie option was for 10 photo postcards and all of my recipients truly enjoyed the gift of an adorable picture of Huddy arriving in their mailbox. This site is super simple to use and the end product is wonderful quality. Each of my recipients received this sweet smile in their mailboxes.


How does it work?
You simply upload 1 Free Photo Postcards. You can select pictures from your cellphone or your computer. I chose the computer option, because my cell phone at the time did not produce print quality photos. After uploading your photo, you can then add a 250 character message for your recipient. Despite the fact the website is www.cellphonepostcards.com, you do not have to enter your cell number or even use your phone at all.

This is a great way to surprise and brighten someone's day :)

Ready to get started?
Go to Cell Phone Postcards. Click on the green “Get One Free!” button to get started. Registration is completely free and no billing information is required to try out this great product.

January 30, 2011

Day 30

Who knew keeping a commitment such as a 365 photo project would be so hard...ok I did, but still I am trying so hard to not miss a day. I once again never managed to take any pictures on my camera today. A leaky washing machine and stubborn dryer pretty much filled my day. Either way, I managed to snap this super adorable picture of Hudson. Lately, every time he eats lunch, he falls asleep in his highchair.

Maybelline Freebie

Maybelline Fit Me Makeup
"FLAWLESS LETS THE REAL YOU COME THROUGH 
BEYOND MATCHING: FRESH, BREATHING, NATURAL SKIN"

I have seen advertisements for Maybelline's new line of Fit Me cosmetics, however I have not tried any of the products yet. I am not a huge fan of foundation, I actually can't stand the way it feels on my face. I wear it from time to time but not everyday. My other biggest complaint is that the shade always seems either too light or too dark for my skin tone. The new line from Maybelline introduces 18 different shades, so that users will be able to find a better match, and consequently have a more natural look. I am willing to try this one, and a sample is the perfect place to start.



If you want more information on this product you can check it out on Maybelline's website.

January 29, 2011

Day 29

I love watching my two favorite boys play! Huddy loves for his daddy to throw him up in the air. He also loves to terrorize his daddy by trying to stick his "stinky-piggies" in his mouth.

January 28, 2011

Day 28

Today was a very busy day around the house! Unfortunately, my big nice camera just never made its way into the day. So today you are receiving a photo from my new cellphone. I am in love with this cookie recipe. I have been experimenting with changes/additions here and there and I think I have finally found the best mix.


Peanut Butter and Honey No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup skim milk
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 cups instant oatmeal, or more as needed
  • 2 Tbsp Cocoa (I added this to the original recipe)
Directions
  1. Combine the butter, milk, white sugar, brown sugar, cocoa and honey in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a rapid boil for 90 seconds. Stir the salt and peanut butter into the mixture and remove immediately from the heat. Add the oatmeal quickly and mix to combine. Make sure the texture is thick with a little bit of sauce, but not too much sauce. If needed add extra oatmeal.
  2. Drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto aluminum foil or waxed paper; allow to sit 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Original recipe can be found here

January 27, 2011

Day 27

Hudson loves the playground! This is by far our favorite playground because it is always clean and never crowded. Huddy specifically loves the slides, he has recently learned how to slide down on his own. My favorite part of going to the playground is definitely watching Spencer play with Hudson. He is the best Daddy. He runs with Huddy (or chases), he climbs the steps, he crosses all the bridges, and of course goes down the big slide. I think that is his favorite part of the day, Spencer that is...and Hudson.



January 26, 2011

Day 26

My new phone arrived today! I have been eagerly waiting to try out the camera. Unlike my Blackberry Curve, the Droid X boasts a 8 mega pixel camera. This is a substantial improvement in my mobile photography capabilities. The quality definitely impresses me, but of course is nothing compared to my Canon Rebel.

Freebies for Me

I love freebies! There is always something exciting about opening your mailbox and receiving tons of little gifts. Each day I am on the lookout for freebies that catch my attention, spark my interest, and leave me anxiously checking the mailbox each day for their arrival.

Steps to follow for successful freebie sign ups

One.
Setup a new email. Do not use your everyday email for freebies, your inbox will be flooded with unwanted emails. However, setting up an email that is just for freebies and coupons, is a great way to organize all of your savings into one neat inbox. I also make sure to check this email regularly and delete everything I don't need.

Two.
Check the source of your freebie. If it sounds too good to be true, trust your instincts. I only sign up for freebies from companies I know and trust.

Three.
Keep your eye out. Most great freebies show up and disappear before you can click your mouse. Remember, you aren't the only one wanting to score these amazing deals. Find a blogger you enjoy that gives updates on all freebies, I use Freebies 4 Mom. Following an avid deal watcher will give you the greatest advance and news on upcoming deals.

Four.
Keyword, freebies are free. Do not ever pay anything for a freebie, not even shipping. A true freebie does not require payment and be leery of any that do as this could be a scam for your credit card info.

Five.
According to Freebies 4 Mom, do not sign up for "trials". She says, "If you see the word “trial” then stop. Just don’t do it! I don’t recommend doing any free trials, because a free trial means you will be billed. Yes, they say you can cancel at anytime but many things can happen which will result in you still getting a bill. You typically see free trials for magazines. Don’t do free trials, there are lots of free samples of magazines available."

These are just some basic tips, if you would like to know more, I suggest reading "Be a Smart Freebie Finder".


Today's Freebies


Photo Courtesy of ASPCA.org
My favorite freebie for today is the Free Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA.

"Help keep your pets safe with a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA! In the event of an emergency, our pet rescue window decal alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC's toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your pets get into something they shouldn’t!"- ASPCA.org

Want one for you sweet animals? Sign Up Here.