I’ve knocked a lot of things off of my bucket list. One of my major dreams was to live in Paris for a year and travel throughout Europe. Another was to spend time in the Greek Islands. I’ve walked across hot coals in New Mexico and met the Dalai Lama. My poetry has been published in books and magazines. I was blessed to get the chance to be a lunch chef at a hot springs resort, study with spiritual teachers, take art classes and visit ashrams.

In my life, I’ve always felt that if you want to do something badly enough, then put your all into it, work hard, save your money and do it. I’m glad that I did a lot of these things fresh out of college, because it’s harder now to find the time, leave everything and get away.

But, when you think about it, there are always more things you can add to your bucket list:

I would still love to visit Australia, explore the Great Barrier Reef.

I would love to spend time in Ireland, check out the pubs and the glorious countryside.

I would still love to run The Amazing Race. Don’t know if I ever will, but one of my best friends and I always dream about it.

I would love to visit Bora Bora, stay in a hut that you can only get to via the ocean.

I would love to be able to be a philanthropist, even for a short amount of time. I would love to have enough money to help make others’ most cherished dreams come true. That would give me so much joy!

This is the beauty of life. There are always new adventures to be had, new landscapes to explore!

I’m not near retirement yet, but, when I think about it, that seems like a glorious time to knock some of those desires off my bucket list. I just hope I have the funds to do it when I get there. For ideas on how you can fund your retirement adventure, check out AAG.com.

Whether it’s a Caribbean Cruise or learning a new language, becoming a gourmet chef or visiting each continent, they have some great ideas for you.

It’s never too late to explore and learn something new!

What’s on your Bucket List?

Disclosure: This is a partnered post with AAG but all opinions and experiences are strictly my own.

 

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos

Aislynn is used to watching out for the enemy. Her parents taught her from the time she was a child to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and that have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as simply quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with the glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes much too late that she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, prepared or not.

 

AMAZON

Author Janette Rallison

Janette Rallison is old. Please, don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that.

Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She didn’t do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of these felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off.

Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

 

 

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/17/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer is time to celebrate! With bbqs, beach parties and pool time, it’s a wonderful season to spend more time with family and friends. Especially after the long cold winter we had here in New England.

Summer is a great time for exploration, for trying new things, whether it be a hike in the woods, teaching your kids to grow their own veggies or learning to float. These are memories that will be cherished always.

 

As much as Summer is play time, it’s also important to stay safe and keep yourself and your family well protected. One way is to always wear sunscreen and have extra on hand. Sunburns can turn a summer outing into a very painful experience. It’s also important to have first aid items on-hand for minor mishaps, cuts and scrapes. By having essential first aid items on board, you can quickly take action and get back to doing what you love and enjoy!

 

This summer HealthyEssentials.com has some wonderful savings for you on these items!

We’re ready for the unexpected with Johnson & Johnson Healthy Essentials products such as Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunscreen with its light fresh scent and Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45. I love the feel of this lightweight clean sunscreen. It absorbs immediately and has a delightful subtle scent.

We have Band-Aid Tough Strips for cuts and scrapes and Neosporin for extra protection. I also love the Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara for the beach and pool!

The Healthy Essentials program is offering tips and tools, printable coupons and lots more including the products you and your family love. You can save more than $45 by visiting them in July and signing up for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS program coupons and offers.

Check out these deals:

Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA® Sun product (excludes trial size)
Save $2.00 on any (3) NEOSPORIN®, NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive bandages, BENADRYL® Topical or JOHNSON and JOHNSON RED CROSS® Brand products (excludes all trial and travel sizes, First Aid Kits, 10 ct Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, and On-the-Go First Aid Kits). Must buy (2) different brand products to qualify for this offer along with a third product
Save $1.00 on any (1) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Product
Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE® SMART RINSE Anti-cavity Mouthwash, 500 ml
Save $1.00 on any LUBRIDERM® product
Save $1.00 on any (1) CLEAN & CLEAR® product (excludes trial and travel sizes)
Save $1.00 on any (1) REACH® Total Care Floss, or REACH® Gentle Gum Care Floss, or REACH® Dentotape® or REACH® Access® Flosser
Save $3.00 on any (1) REMBRANDT® Whitening Kit or Strip or any (2) REMBRANDT® Whitening Paste or Rinse
Save $1.00 on any (1) VISINE® product, 5 oz. or larger

 Are You Summer-Ready?

Disclosure: This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. All opinions and experiences are my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Sponsored by: Heroes of the City
Hosted by: Mom Buzz Media
7/11 – 7/31

Heroes of the City is a television cartoon about rescue vehicles in a small town where everybody gets to be a hero!

Follow the wonderfully exciting adventures along with the friends in town. Meet Pauli Police Car and Fiona Fire Engine as they help the townspeople find thieves, put out fires, and solve one of the many mysteries that happen in the otherwise quiet town. You’ll also get to know Calamity Crow, the most misunderstood bird in town.

Emphasizing friendship, Heroes of the City contains a ton of warmth and shows what may be accomplished by helping each other. The cartoon is primarily targeted at children age 3 – 7.

Global distribution of Heroes of the City by Your Family Entertainment AG.

Giveaway

Heroes of the City has sponsored a $50 Amazon Gift Card to be given to one lucky winner! Just complete the entries below for your chance to win! Giveaway is open to US Residents and ends on July 31st.  Best of Luck!

Special thanks to the following awesome bloggers for bringing you this giveaway!

Budget Savvy Diva, Literary Winner, Imperfect Women, Simply Sherryl, Our Wolves Den, Mommy Knows What’s Best, Valerie’s Reviews, Adventures of a Frugal Mom, The Mommy Bunch, Java John Z’s, Bay Area Mommy, Practical Frugality, MyCouportiera, Kara’s Deals and Steals, Free Social 2011, Strange Daze Indeed, Ceva De Umplut Timpul, Mary’s Cup of Tea, More Than a Mom of Three, and Xtreme Qpon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This blog’s participation in the promotion of this giveaway does not make them responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway has been sponsored by Heroes of the City and hosted by the bloggers of Mom Buzz Media.

 

Matt Archer: Redemption

“There’s more to me than you know…”

When Matt Archer’s sister, Mamie, said that to him three years ago, he had no idea how prophetic those words were, or what this would mean for his family.

But he knows now. And it changes everything, and brings the war right to Matt’s doorstep.

In the epic conclusion to the Matt Archer series, the endgame is near. Betrayed by an enemy, the wielders have been called off the hunt by their own government, despite increasing reports of paranormal activity and worldwide deaths. Matt is forced to sit on the sidelines, knowing that proving monsters exist means revealing who, and what, he is. Soon the world will know his name. And this will only make his job harder.
Matt’s only hope lies with a man he barely knows—his father. If Erik Archer can put together the final puzzle before the monsters do, maybe they’ll have a chance. Just maybe.
Mystery, tragedy and the power of family combine as Matt races to win the war and save the people he loves. There’s only one thing he’s afraid of…
It might already be too late.

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job of all. She believes chocolate is a basic human right, running a 10k is harder than it sounds, and that everyone should learn to drive a stick-shift. She loves monsters, baking, vacations, and listening to bad electronica.

 

 

 

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/6/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Doctor On Demand, however all opinions are strictly my own.”

It was a wonderful holiday weekend, but my acute right shoulder pain put a damper on it. Recently I had heard about and installed the app for Doctor On Demand and this seemed like a great time to try it.

It’s very easy to use the app and I was asked to fill out some general information along with my current symptoms and any medication I might be taking. After that, a checklist appeared where I could check off any other issues that I might be having or any illnesses.

After a very short wait, Dr Tara greeted me. I used the video chat (you can use that or the audio chat). She was very pleasant and professional. She went over my history and we talked about my current injury. What was pretty cool was that I could show her the exact area of the pain and where it extended to. She was able to pinpoint the area and we got an idea of what was going on.

It seemed to be a shoulder strain and I asked and she explained to me the differences between a strain and a sprain and also when to use heat and when to use ice. It was very informative and helpful.

I’m taking her advice and my shoulder pain has eased up some. I’m alternating with heat and cold packs and continuing to take Ibuprophen for the inflammation.

I tend to use my right arm a great deal and, as a writer/blogger it gets an extra workout, but, I am trying to rest it whenever possible.

I’ll follow up with my primary if it continues and possibly get physical therapy.

 

Things to know about Doctor on Demand

• All doctors are US licensed and board certified
• The cost is $40 per call which is the same as a lot of co-pays
• All doctors are background checked before joining Doctor on Demand
• Dr. Phil is an advisor and his son, Jay McGraw is a co-founder of Doctor on Demand

You can find an overview of Doctor On Demand here.

When is a good time to use Doctor On Demand 

• Use Doctor On Demand for –
  • cold, cough, flu, allergies
  • Rash, Pink eye, hayfever
  • Asthma, bladder infections
  • pediatric questions
  • most cases that are not life threatening
  • prescriptions refills
  • referral to a specialist
• Do not use Doctor On Demand for any medical problem that is life-threatening
  • chest pain/pressure
  • poisoning
  • seizures
  • serious head, neck or back injury
  • broken bone

There are times that you don’t have time to go to the doctor, where it’s inconvenient, where the weather is inclement or where you just would love to talk to someone with medical expertise. For that, Doctor on Demand is a great resource that you can use from the comfort of your home.

Learn More

Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand on Facebook

Doctor On Demand on Twitter

 

Download Doctor on Demand Free

Download Doctor On Demand on iTunes

Download Doctor On Demand in Google Play

 

And now, a Giveaway

We would like to celebrate the fact that you can now talk to a board certified doctor (on demand!) from the comfort of your own home, thanks to the Doctor on Demand app…. with a great giveaway.

 

The $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway will end on July 22nd.
It is open to US residents, 18+ only.
Please use the Giveaway Tools Form below to enter! Good Luck!

The blogger code to enter into the giveaway is SDI14 and it will give you $10 off your first call.

Disclosures: The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway is open to US residents, age 18+ only. The giveaway will close at 11:59PM EST on 7/22/14. One winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. If you have any questions about this giveaway or would like to inquire about group events like this, please contact the Blogging Mamas Network at bloggingmamas.blog@gmail.com.

Welcome to the Candle Warmers Giveaway!

Hosted By: Life of a Southern Mom

Sponsored By: Candle Warmers

I love candles warmers and the delicious scents that you can find. I love to have a different selecion, depending on my mood or the atmosphere that I want to create.

Candle Warmers develops, manufactures and distributes patented candle warming appliances and other accessories to help scent the home. They also manufacture and distribute their candles under “City Creek Candles” which are each hand poured, scented candles and customers have a choice of wicked or wickless candle options. Candle Warmers has a wide choice of products, including the traditional plate candle warmers, candle warmers lanterns and lamps, wax melt warmers, wax melts, crock warmers, lamp accessories and City Creek Candles’ line of wickless and wicked candles.

Jennifer at Life of a Southern Mom had the pleasure of working with Candle Warmers and reviewing a few of their products. If you would like to read her full review, you can visit her website here .

Prize: (2) Winners! First Winner will receive a Aurora Candle Warmer Lamp in black with a 16 oz. City Creek Candles in Hot Apple Pie (ARV $54.98) & the Second Winner will receive the Precision Cut Illumination Fragrance Warmer with a wax melt set in Warm Vanilla. (ARV $24.48)

This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years of age or older and will run from July 3- July 17.

By entering you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions listed on the Entry Form. All winning entries will be verified. Winners will receive an email from Jennifer at lifeofasouthernmom@gmail.com and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

 Good Luck and thanks for entering!