Happy Birthday Swagbucks! come join the celebration with me and the Swag Guy for your chance to win $1000!

On February 27th Swagbucks will be celebrating it's 4th birthday and as part of the celebration, they are giving out 4 $1000 prizes! Read the information below to find out how to enter, for your chance to be one of those very lucky Swaggernauts.

Want a chance to win $1000? Here's what to do:


1. First you need to sign up at Swagbucks, if you have not done so already. You can use the referral link provided when doing so.

2. RSVP here using my referral link, so you can come celebrate with me at the Swag Guy's Birthday Blowout!

3. After RSVPing, start inviting your friends to join you at your party so they can have a chance to win $1000. You can use the Facebook and Twitter links provided to promote it.

The celebration will kick off on February 27th, so be sure to come back so you can start earning for our party. The party that earns the most will be awarded a 10 Swag Bucks bonus to each of it's participating partygoers.

See ya there and!

 A Little R & R

What do you like to do to unwind?

 

Do you meditate? Do you use your quiet time to reflect on what is going on in your life? Think about all of the things you have accomplished or would like to accomplish in the future, both near and far? Do you focus on the positive or the negative? Give attention to yourself, making sure that you are fulfilling all of your needs, for once?

Perhaps self-medication is the method of choice?

Taking a time out from a non-stop, on the go, strenuous, not to mention exhausting lifestyle is a necessity. Self-medicating on occasion, can be a beneficial method, as long as it is non-habit forming or life threatening.

Kicking back with your favorite brew, a glass or two of the Chardonnay you prefer or the cocktail of your desire can all be a refreshing and calming way to sooth the body mind and soul.
Beer and wine are devine after a day filled with confusion, chaos and a little too much excitement. Cocktails can be deliciously mind-numbing, but there are a number of people opting for natural herbal remedies, which you can find at your local GNC or in a health food store.

There are several good products to choose from that can reduce anxiety and pain and many of them also promote restful sleep.

 

(This is the one I have used...Nature's Way Valerian Root, 530 mg.)

Valerian Root is a popular choice that many people seem to enjoy. It is not only helpful in the sleep department and not only gives a nice calm feeling, it can also help reduce physical pain caused from menstrual cramps and other sources that can cause pain or discomfort.


I have tried Valerian Root and it has been effective when I have dealt with pain that is more on the moderate side. When regular old Advil doesn't do the trick, it is a nice alternative. It can be very relaxing and it has helped me get better sleep in the past. However, I would not use it nor would I recommend it for severe pain, for those who suffer from Endometriosis or other painful diseases that not only are painful, but also cause fatigue.

 

Kava Kava is also one that I have heard of, that a lot of people turn to for pain, and anxiety. I have not tried this product, but have read good things about it.


You might also like Gaba, which is one I have also tried, but to be perfectly honest, I am not always a fan. I have mixed feelings on this one. Sometimes it works wonders and other times it does absolutely nothing for my Arthritis pain or my Endometriosis flare ups. Sometimes it does relax me which is what it is suppose to do and other times it makes me moody or more anxious. I guess it just depends on how and when you take it.


Our GNC does not carry Kava Kava, but I have found all of these products on Amazon and I think you might be able to get them there a lot cheaper than what you would pay at a store.


There are plenty of others to choose from and a lot of their products are offered in forms of capsules or powders.


Just like any kind of drug, you always want to be cautious, especially if it is something you have never taken before. I am always pleased with the help I receive from the staff at GNC. Any time I have a question, they are always helpful. So, don't hesitate to ask and I'm sure you can always call them for information also. If you aren't sure though, you should consult a doctor before you try it.


I have a review coming up, it's my own personal review on a product I have used that helps me sleep wonderfully...I can't wait to tell you about it.


Nothin' like a good book, right? (not that I would know)

Reading is always a great way to escape from reality, if your attention span will allow. Whether you prefer a good old fashioned paperback or have recently been turned on to the new technological way...via the Kindle. Whichever you desire, a book is an excellent way to get your mind off of things. It's nice to be able to go off to a quiet peaceful place and just put your feet up for a while.

(What I would read if ADD wasn't such a pain in the you know what. Just saw the movie the other night for the first time in my life. However, I was told the way it ends in the movie is not how it ends in the book. Is this true or is my uncle pulling my leg?)

Do you blog about it?


If reading doesn't suit you or ADD has a habit of preventing you from getting through even the first paragraph of what is probably a very good book, like Cujo...the Internet might be a better way for you to enjoy a little R & R.

I may not be able to sit and read a book, but for some reason my attention span can handle a good blog. I enjoy reading reviews about books that others have read, that unfortunately I will most likely never read myself. I'm always on the look out for books that are available on audio though, because I always feel like I'm missing out on some good reads.

Some people even have their own blogs. Anyone can start one, it doesn't have to be a blog you write for the masses, or a niche blog. It can be a journal too. You can start one for just yourself or for just you and your friends and family. If you want to make it a well known blog, you can always try that to. Either way it is the perfect way to get to express yourself or blow off some steam.


Are you Pinterested?

Pinterest is quite possibly the best place on the Internet, but be ware...it is sooo addicting. If you are looking for recipes, decorating ideas, funny quotes, pictures for your blog, or just want to fantasize, this would most definitely be your go-to site.

You can find just about anything here...cars, fashion, food and beverage, cocktails,  DIY, arts and crafts and what everyone seems to love to pin the most...the dream homes, dream baths and showers, dream gardens, dream vacations, dream weddings and other things we all dream about...you can even find your dream hubby...Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, or whoever you are smooching in your dreams.

Some advice, eat before you get on this site. My tummy is always grumbling because of the foods I find on that thing. You may want to do like I do, and keep some crackers nearby, in case you have a snack attack.


Is it all fun and games for you?


What is it about Solitaire? I've practically been playing my whole life and it still never gets old. Facebook has some fun games too, ones I have forbiddon myself from playing, because of how distracting they are. Lately, I've been feeling some strong urges, I've been so tempted to play some Treasure Island.

Oh and I love Mall World, I know it's very juvenille, but I can't help it. It's like the perfect kind of retail therapy. You get to run your own shop, shop at other people's stores and although your avatar is a shopaholic, in real life you don't lose any money and even when your avatar does they make it so easy for her to earn it back. Wouldn't it be great if life was as easy as that.

It may not realistically break the bank, but it can take a lot of your time, time that could be well spent on your blog. Instead of making fake money that your avatar can spend on clothes that you will never get to wear in the real world, you could be making real money from advertising and might be able to buy real outfits, from real stores, that you can actually wear.

Plus, after a while I get tired of looking at my avatar who looks nothing like me, no matter how hard I try to make myself look that way. It does get to the point where she starts to make me a little sick, it's pretty sad when you start to become jealous of an animated woman.

Another addicting game, The Sims. Oh yes, I do love The Sims, now that is a fun game. I started playing back in July or August, somewhere around that time and it did start to consume me. Luckilly, I cut myself off from it, so I could concentrate on the more important stuff I had to work on. It is fun, but I think I'll stick to methods that are relaxing, but not so distracting.

There are some great games on Swagbucks, that I do play, and they don't distract me as much. Plus I earn SB's for playing them, and I don't get addicted to them as much. I generally play those during short breaks. If I have nothing else going on, I might play a little longer. Puzzle and word games seem to help get me out of a creative funk, they often get those juices flowing again.

So, if you need to take ten and you enjoy playing games, you might want to try these. You can sign up and earn Swagbucks, which can get you some nice rewards and prizes. Why not earn a little Swag while you unwind?


Nap time is the best time, wouldn't you say?

There's always nap time. I love drifting off to La La Land, whenever I get the chance. I prefer little cat naps, because they don't leave me so groggy, instead they give me a nice boost of energy. The problem with cat naps though, sometimes they turn into long naps and then by bed time, I can't get to sleep.

I have found that I enjoy power naps more so in the spring and summer while laying on the sofa with the sun coming through the window. Winter is not good power napping season for me, because they are rarely power naps. The colder temperatures make me want to hypernate under the covers and I would stay there all winter long, if you let me.

If I do decide to do a power nap, I will usually take them on the couch with the tv on. I'm not really what you would call a sound sleeper. If there are too many distractions going on, it makes it difficult for me to fall and stay asleep. I rarely have the tv or radio on when I'm trying to get some zzz's.

The tv can help relax me and I will fall asleep, but if there is any loud noise I will wake up most of the time. So, if I only have time for a quick nap, I'll sleep on the couch with the tv on and I don't usually stay asleep long while doing so. There is always a noise or the sound of someones voice that will awaken me. It's like being in a trance, you fall into a deep sleep, but with the snap of a finger, your up.

Thunderstorms are a different story when it comes to sleeping. I have absolutely no problem sleeping through a thunderstorm for some reason. Loud noises coming from the tv or the cats running wild through the house with their little jingle toys can wake me instantly, but I will sleep right through the big bangs from a Thunderstorm.

Mellow out to music?

Music is probably the most popular way to mellow out...

  

I don't know about you, but I could not live without music. I love music of all sorts, but my favorite to kick back to, is soft rock. I am partial to the classics such as Journey, Bread, The Carpenters, The Jacksons, Phill Collins, Lionel Richie, Kenny Loggins and George Michael.

I also love oldies and Motown music. You can't go wrong with a little Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Marvin Gaye, or some Beach Boys, Beatles, Bee Gee's, CCR, and one of my personal favorites The Box Tops. Country is also one I can relax to. I always find comfort in Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and believe me there are many many others.

(You get me on the subject of music, I can go on forever. My list of favorites is so long, it would take me a lifetime to list every single one of them.)

How about a little aromatherapy?

My absolute favorite form of relaxation is, a nice steamy hot bubble bath. A little Bath & Body or some aromatherapy always does the trick. After bath time, I enjoy veggin in my Hello Kitty jammies and indulging in some salty snacks and some chocolate.

Snickers Peanut Butter Squares or Ben & Jerry's are my go-to foods...

(Phish Food always works for me.)



There's no place like home...

(Etsy)

Wouldn't it be fabulous, if you could just pack up and jet off to a tropical location like this...

(It would be great to be able to just go to Tahiti, the Virgin Islands, or Fiji any time you wanted, wouldn't it?)

Vacation is a must, you gotta get a way sometimes, if or when you can. Unfortunately, not all of us have the privilege of flying to the Bahama's. Travel may not be an option.

That's not all bad news though, chillin' out doesn't necessarily require you to leave the country or your house. Spending your vacation at home can be just as relaxing.

There is nothing more comforting than sleeping in your own bed, or eating a home cooked meal... nothing beats comfort food.

I don't care what anyone says, there is no place like home. 

What do you do?

(Johner)

So, what do you do to relax?

Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All

I use to love this song when I was little, it is still my all time favorite Whitney Houston songs and videos...

RIP Whitney Houston

We all have our opinions, nobody really knows for sure what took the life of one of the most gifted women in music of all time, this past Saturday (at just 48 years old). I'm pretty sure I know the cause, but I'm not going to speculate, that is not what this post is about.

I grew up listening to Whitney, there is no denying, she had one of the best female voices of all time. In my opinion, her rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" was the best ever! How can anyone top that?

When I was a little girl...and I'm sure many of you can relate to this, whenever I would hear her sing, I always thought "how did she do that?", nobody should be able to do the things she was able to do with her voice. It was pure magic...like if someone were to walk on water. Seriously, how did she do that?

Ms Houston is definitely in my top 5 best voices of all time along with Roy Orbison, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin. 4 out of 5 of the best voices of all time are gone and they all died way too young and so tragically. Michael Jackson is number 6 on my list.

The reason I chose the picture featured in this post, is because the other ones I saw, didn't look like her. They were her most recent photos. It wasn't that she wasn't still a beautiful woman, she just didn't look like Whitney.

The way she looks in the picture I chose, is how I want to remember Ms Houston, when she was a healthy, vibrant, beautiful, young woman.

3 Simple Tips For A Great First Date: By Jason Anthony...(http://evenminds.com)

(Dr. Catherine's Old- Timey Tonic)

Preparing and planning for a first date can seem like a daunting task.  All too often we allow our personal experiences, expectations, and societal pressures to come into play. This can bring on a lot of anxiety and divert our attention from the more important factors. 

With a little guidance and some know-how, preparing for and participating in that first date can be made into a very fun and positive experience (even if a connection is not made). 

Below I’ve outlined three very practical steps that the mature individual can start implementing today to create first-date success.
 

1.  Recognize The Goal


The ultimate goal of the first date is to get to know someone better.  Plain and simple.  Whether male or female, there is no reason to put too much emphasis on where it will go, or expect this person to be “the one.”

Slow your role for a second.  One reason why so many people dread or hate the dating scene is that their expectation levels are set too high.  Then they get confused, frustrated, or baffled at why they can’t just find the right guy/girl already.

Your one and only goal of the first date is take some time out to get to know this person and find out if there is a match, or any compatibility and chemistry.  This qualification process is extremely important and will continue on for some time so don’t get too analytical.  If the potential for a second date is in your future it can be explored as needed.


2.  Eliminate The Common First Date Mistakes


Never set up a first date to be the typical “dinner and a movie,” date.  This bears repeating, so I will - never set up the first date to be the typical dinner and a movie date! 

Why?  Beyond the fact that it’s the most used strategy for first dates, there are a couple of important reasons.  For starters, dinner leaves too many variables open.  Where do you go?  How much do you spend?  Who’s reaching for the check at the end of the night? 

Say you find out this person is someone you really aren’t into and you haven’t even gotten the appetizer yet.  Are you ready to spend the next hour eating in awkwardness or perhaps silence with this person?

The movies are another deal breaker.  If you’re in the theater you’re spending roughly two hours side by side in a dark room with no conversation or barely any interaction at all.  Not exactly a great way to get to know somebody. 

Don’t get me wrong here, great relationships and long lasting marriages have sprouted from this old fashioned combo, but let’s make it easier on the both of you and be a little more functional, which we’ll get to in just a sec.

Also, remember to avoid places that are loud and noisy for the same reason as the movie theater.  That underground club may be very fun and exciting but the idea is to welcome conversation and communication - not put a wedge between it.

Probably the worst location mistake we can make on a first date is being locked in somewhere for an extended period of time.  Stay away from anywhere that will not grant you the ability to pull the rip cord in the event disaster strikes and you need to run.

Finally, get rid of the myth that you’ll need to, or have to, impress the other person.  There’s nothing more unattractive than a try-hard.  Outlandish gestures, boasting, spending, or suggestions will only implant the wrong type of perception.

Did you notice the subtle difference there?  We want to make an impression - not try to impress.  It’s a nuance that can convey whether you are a confident person, or one who seeks approval.


3.  Keep It Relaxed And Informal


Since we know to hold off on dinner and a movie, our next best bet for location would be somewhere quiet, relaxed, and easy going.

Safety is a must.  As with any relationship trust plays a vital role starting on day one.  For the most part, it’s common knowledge to choose or agree on a public and welcoming setting, so stick with what makes sense.

Cafes and coffee houses are great place to have a conversation, perhaps a cup of coffee or tea, and start some dialogue.  Most cities and smaller towns have wide variety of locally owned or chain establishments that will work just fine and provide a great setting.  The reason why these types of places work is because they give us options. 

If it’s not working out we can respectfully part ways without wasting a significant amount of either person’s time or money. 

If things are moving along well, we can stay and talk more to see where it goes. 

If things are going really great, and the time permits, then go ahead and suggest that the two of you go grab a bite to eat or change the location!  See how that works? 

We’ve assessed and qualified the dynamic between the two of you responsibly, prior to making any commitments in advance. 

Picture it like dipping your toe into the swimming pool to test the temperature prior to jumping in.  See, this is where the start-small mindset can really work in your favor.

By affording the process to unfold simply and naturally, we eliminate a lot of the stress and frustration that has come to be associated with meeting someone for the first time.  How the rest of the date and your future plays out depends on the two of you and a variety of other factors. 

Now I’ll pass the conversation on to you... What type of first-date experiences or blunders have been through?  Do you find dating to be a fun or stressful activity?  Leave a comment with your thoughts below.

Jason Anthony, founder of EvenMinds, (http://evenminds.com) is committed to inspiring others to design an extraordinary life, empower themselves, and improve their well being.  Get a free e-course on building healthy and dynamic relationships (http://evenminds.com/rdm-giveaway) just for signing up for the EvenMinds newsletter.

Correction: Regarding Swagbucks

Last week, I told you about Swagbucks and when I was telling you about their referral system, I got some of the information wrong and wanted to correct myself. When your referral gets Swagbucks, you also earn Swagbucks, but if their referrals get them, I don't think you get them...I am not 100 percent sure about this, I may be wrong, but I think you only get them when your own referrals get them. If anyone knows the exact answer please do let us know. I just wanted to clear this up for you, I don't want you to think I was misleading you.

Anyway, if you haven't joined yet, you are really missing out, it really is a lot of fun! If you want to earn some free rewards and prizes go here to sign up!

Great Tips For Bloggers: overcoming writers block

For those of you who struggle with writers block like I do, I think this post by Ashley of Little Miss Momma, might be very helpful to you. There are some great tips here, she really got me thinking. Ashley's ideas also helped me come up with my own ideas, that's the great thing about reading, which is something I am trying to get myself into doing more often.

ADD makes it difficult for me to do a lot of reading, but when I do get the chance to or if I make myself do it, it always seems to help me overcome writers block and it also helps get those juices flowing every time.

So, if you are stuck and really want to get yourself out of it, one of the best things you can do,  is read! It doesn't matter what it is, whether it's fiction, non-fiction or a post such as this one, you are almost guaranteed to get at least some inspiration from whatever it is you are reading.

There are some other things that help me with my writers block and I will be sharing those tips with you in a later post.

Whenever I am in a creative funk, this guys pictures or quotes always seem to pop up and I'm cured. Thank you Albert!

Welcome Back Pinspiration...writers block be gone!

So, I must have jinxed myself last week, because that good ol' friend "writers block" decided to come back for another visit and once again over stayed its welcome. I decided to take a short break, so that I could get some more content done for you, but my un-invited guest just did not want to leave. Fortunately, I finally got rid of the nuisance. Let's hope that pesky "writers block" got the hint this time and my "pinspiration" will stick around for a while.

What do you all for writers block?