Taking your photos to the next level at www.lifepics.com!

We all know how important our photos are to us. They catch our moments and turn them into memories to treasure, one at a time, so we can look back and so we can share with others who weren't lucky enough to be there. We never want to miss a second. Sometimes those pictures catch things that we wouldn't have actually seen otherwise; like that butterfly on your daughters nose that landed just as you clicked the button. It's moments like that we want to keep and share and look back to in years to come. LifePics understands how important your memories are and is offering a great service backed up by great customer service.

LifePics was formed in 2000 and has brought retail photo services and technology together with the internet to create the world's first 1-hour online photo processing network. They have partnered with more than 20,000 stores to bring your pictures directly to you. You can edit your pictures online and then send them to one of the many retailers in your area for printing. We all know how hard it is to find an hour to wait for your pictures after waiting in line to drop the memory card off or even having the state of mind to remember to go pick them up in the first place. With LifePics, you load your pictures, adjust them as you want them(no more red eye!), and order your prints so they are ready when you need them to be. Or, as is my preference, you can have them mailed directly to you so no special trips back to the store to pick them up with the limited time you have left in your day.

Customers who use the LifePics network get free, UNLIMITED, high resolution storage for your images, the ability to share your images just about everywhere you need and want too, and social networking options. You can also create great photo products like mugs, mouse pads, calendars, t-shirts and all those other gifts that would make the Grandparents happy or give you the ability to show off your wonderful children no matter where you are! You also get hundreds of different print options, and often, these are available in 1 hour so if you happen to know you are going to be in the area and want them in a rush, you can swing right by and pick them up!

LifePics offers several other services to not only consumers, but to the professional photographer and to the retailers as well. If you want to set up a website to sell your masterpieces or expand your current business, THIS is the place to do that! They have something for everyone. They even offer some really great tips to those of us who may need them! Be sure to check out their Photo Tips and Spark while you are there! Read through the tips as they will give you some great ideas to really help create some wonderful pictures!

I know there are a lot of options out there but none of them offer the great customer service you receive at LifePics. Real people with a passion for what they do and the experience to back it up! You won't deal with a better group of professionals!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and I stand behind them 100%.

Ok, I'm amused!!

So it evidently doesn't take much to amuse me today, but this was funny. I have Google Alerts set up on my gmail account. You know GOOGLE MAIL. Well, my Google alert just ended up in my spam folder. OOPS?!?! HAHA! Yeah, I know it probably wasn't funny to anyone but me, but it cracked me up!

Working on a project that pays well so will have to catch up more later. It's getting crazy around here. Right now, we have a gas leak which has to be fixed(joy) and for being Texas in the summer, I'm FREEZING!! It's 86 degrees out instead of 106 and you'd think my body would enjoy the break, but NooOOoo!! What's up with that? I even had to turn off the air conditioners in here!

Ok, will catch up with y'all later! Till then, Live Laugh, and most definitely LOVE!!
Amy

Bloggers Needed for Review!!

Hey all! I am in need of bloggers to try out a new energy drink and write a nifty little review on the product. It's 80% juice and so much better for you than the Monsters, Rockstars, and Red Bulls!

Anyone who volunteers will get a can of the drink as well as a write up on my blog here and I will tweet the link to the review plus post it on all my other social networking sites so as to draw more traffic to your blog as well!

If interested, please leave me a comment or send me an email with ENERGY in the title to amyswinningways@gmail.com

Thanks in advance!!!
Amy

My Coffee and Tea Adventure begins....

As I sit here with my Venti White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, I can’t help but reflect on all the different types of coffees and teas there are in the world. As a self-proclaimed coffee and tea addict (my friends and family will back me up on this), I have tried literally hundreds of different kinds, brands, strengths, sizes, beans, leaves, you name it and have made a mere dent in all of the different options out there. I mean, WOW! There is literally something for everyone. Whether you like it hot or cold, sweet or unsweetened, mild or strong, or if you are one of those, as I am, who have to yield to their mood to decide the offering of the day, you can and will find it…if you know where to look! Doubt me? Come along for the ride as we discover them all and you can decide for yourself!

Over the next, oh I don’t know, DECADE, I am going on a coffee and tea hunt and will be documenting all my findings for my readers. My goal is to try and review every type, brand, flavor, and essence of coffee and tea out there and all the gadgets that go with. If there is a coffee air freshener or any other coffee/tea “flavored” something or another, I WILL find it and post it here so you know who, what, when, where, and if applicable, why it is what it is. If I like it, you will know about it. If I hate it, you will know that too. I want to give you all an opportunity to know what is really out there so that you too can have an idea about it and broaden your horizons as well. Maybe, just maybe, I can convince you to go try it for yourself. If not, well, then you can live vicariously through me.

Now, as I already have this in hand, let’s discuss Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha. Anyone who knows Starbucks and has had the opportunity to try a White Chocolate Mocha will probably tell you that it can only be described as “this side of Heaven”. It is smooth and creamy while holding a brilliant White Chocolate flavor. I prefer mine quad strength so when I go to make my order, or if you go now that you are curious, just say you need a “Quad Venti White Mocha” and they will fix you right up. The number of shots depends on the size but if you want a Venti, you will get 2 espresso shots, 3-4 squirts of white mocha and vanilla. It is then filled the rest of the way with freshly steamed milk and topped with whipped cream (which, by the way, they make fresh everyday). It’s a pretty simple little recipe and, once I decide on the first espresso machine to review, we will definitely have to try it out at home.

Next time you go to SB, be sure to check out your cup when you get it. It will tell you exactly what you ordered, if you happen to know Starbucks-speak, that is! If you order a quad, it will have a 4 listed for shots. The syrup will be listed as WM. If you order with no whip, it will say either NW or will have a circle with a W in the center and will have a line crossed over it. It’s all rather basic, but it is still really fun to check out if you haven’t already.In the future, I will be posting an article on exactly what all the little things on the side of that cup mean.

One of the other wonderful things I really like when I go to Starbucks is the Mint Chocolate Brownie. It’s very chocolaty and extremely rich. It will make you pucker and your eyes roll in the back of your head all at once. It was my weakness at Christmas time this last year. It’s bright green on top and has the most awesome taste. If you’ve ever had Mint Chocolate ice cream, just think about it being mixed into a brownie batter and cooked up right. Now tell me your mouth isn’t watering just thinking about it! It wasn't available today and I really wanted one so I am hoping that it wasn't just a holiday item. I haven't paid any attention recently when I've gone as my mood did not dictate it, but this time, well, I want my Mint Chocolate Brownie!!

Well, I have to go fix dinner so this was my recommendation for the day. I am going to sit back here and continue enjoying this absolutely wonderful drink and continue my search of espresso machines after dinner is done. I currently have it narrowed down to about 35 and there are STILL more to be seen that fit into the price range I am looking for. Decisions, decisions! If you happen to have one to recommend, I would love to hear from you! Just drop me a comment on here and I will gladly check it out! I may have to just try them one at a time and review them as I go. Hmmmmm, there's a thought!

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time: Live, Laugh, and Love!

New Winner Selected in My First Contest!!

Unfortunately, the previous winner did not respond so I had to pick a new winner. Adanma you are the winner for this contest! I have emailed you so please respond and I will get you your prize!

Thanks!
Amy

Make money with Kellogg's Fuel for School Rebate

Thanks to The Coupon "High" for this little money maker! I follow her blog religiously!! Go check her out!

The Kellogg's Fuel for School rebate is back again this year! Purchase 10 participating Kellogg's products between July 6, 2009 and September 30, 2009 and send in the rebate form and you'll receive a $10 rebate check plus a $70 coupon code from Dell.

The participating Kellogg's products are:

* any Kellogg's Cereal (10 oz. or larger)
* any Keebler or Austin Product (8 oz. or larger)
* any Sunshine Product (8 oz. or larger)
* any Eggo Product (4 ct. or larger)
* any Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bar (8 ct. or larger)
* any Kellogg's Special K Cereal Bar (8 ct. or larger)
* any Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Toaster Pastries (8 ct. or larger)
* any Kellogg's Reice Krispies Treats Squares (8 ct. or larger)
* any Kellogg's Fruit Flavored Snacks (6 ct. or larger)
* any MorningStar Farms Veggie Foods Product (5 oz. or larger)
* any 100 Calorie Right Bites (6 ct. or larger)

Print your rebate form by logging into your Kellogg's account (or signing up for a new account) and then going here. Please note that all items must be purchased in the same transaction and you must send in the UPC symbols, the rebate form, and the original register receipt.

Last year, there were all kinds of opportunities to snag some excellent buys with this rebate form and I'm guessing this year will be no different.

Here's one way you can currently turn this rebate into a money-maker:

Buy 10 Eggo BakeShop products at Target this week for $1.50 each
Use 10 $1/1 coupons here, here or here (you can usually print 2 at each site, by hitting back and refresh - to get 10 you'll need 2 computers)
Spend $5.00 plus tax out of pocket
Send in your receipt, the UPC codes, and the rebate form
Get $10 rebate check from Kellogg's
Approximately $4 money-maker after the sale, coupons, and rebate (minus the cost of tax and stamps)

Free!! 10,000 ZipLock Gift Packs!

I love the Right Home giveaways! First 10,000* to respond will receive one full pack of Ziploc® Brand Sandwich Bags and one small Ziploc® Fresh Shield® Twist 'n Loc® Container.

You can get yours RIGHT HERE!!

My First Contest WINNER!!!

*************The winner of my first contest is grannyvon! **************

Granny Von!! I need your email address please. If I don't have it by the 10th at 9am, I will have to choose another winner.

Everyone else, THANK YOU so much for making my first contest a raving success! You all are absolutely awesome! Check back frequently as I have new contests, and yes, I did says ContestS, coming soon!!!

HUBBY IS COMING HOME!!!

Ok, so as soon as he can find someone to help him take the vinyl sides off the truck, he is heading home. He will be working the WACO market where he should have been to begin with if he had not gotten carried away! He should be home tonight if he can find someone to help him in Coffeyville, Ks. YAY!!!!

Let's see if I can get this to post now....

Ok, wow, I was finally allowed on to my own blog. It hasn't let me do anything the last few days and that was really annoying. It would go, then it would stop. It would literally say STOPPED at the bottom. Who stopped it? Not me. Little internet gremlins or something messing with things. I finally got irritated enough I just kept refreshing until it worked. It took 8 refreshes to get to my new post page. I love technology. But where would we be without it, right? Oh, wait, we would be doing this the "old-fashioned" way. Now think about that for awhile. I'm still waiting for all the machines to go the way of Terminator and turn against us. That would be a real kick in the pants!

So, I am going to be selecting a winner for my contest here in a second now that it let me on here, barring it kicking me off and not letting me do so.

I did get a call from the lady at Do It Outdoors Media. She was really nice. This job is tearing us apart and they are going to do whatever they have to do to get him back in his home area. YAY!!! I have not handled this well at all and, so far, I've had friends and oldest daughters to help me out. Two oldest are now up in Wichita Falls and our friend is leaving tomorrow. I am dropping him off at the bus and will be left with 5 kids, ages 9, 7, 3, 2, and 10 mths alone. Any other kids I could handle but the pair of Lucas and Meghan is too much for any one person. Just ask all of our previous babysitters. They never last long for some reason. Lucas tried to run off 3 times in the last week. Says he is going to find daddy! This last time he was naked as the day he was born! I mean, geez, if you want to go on an adventure, at least put on some clothes!! He's 3 so things like clothes don't immediately come to mind. He just keeps telling me he needs to find daddy. And the comment he made to Meghan that they needed to go to Walmart to pick up daddy still tears at my heart strings! Either way, daddy should be at least in an area where the kids can see him a couple days a week if not every evening within a few days. And it will bring me back the man I love so much that it hurts!

So, I am off to select and contact the winner and be sure to look for another contest coming soon!!

Till my next post, be sure to Live, Laugh, and Love!
Amy

Saying goodbye to yet another celebrity!

It is yet another sad moment for me this week having to say goodbye to someone else I have grown up with. Mollie Sugden, 1922-2009. She died at the age of 86. Ok, for alot of people they will think WHO? Well, for those of us who love the British comedies, Mollie Sugden was the bomb! "Mrs Slocombe" was a pleasure to watch. You never knew what color her hair would be from episode to episode! Are You Being Served?, which originally aired from 1972 to 1985, can still watch it today on the BBC. For those who haven't seen this show ever(OMG!!), you should really check it out. The chemistry between Mrs Slocombe and the effeminate Mr Humphries is just hilarious to watch. The whole cast was great! You can check out the videos on YouTube. Here is one to get you started! Goodbye Mrs Slocombe

Be sure to check out Are You Being Served?

Mollie, Ed, Farrah, Michael, Karl, and Billy, thank you for making my days more entertaining! You will all be greatly missed!

Elance.com

Ok, so I found myself with all this extra time on my hands and alot of experience that I really want to put to good use. I started this blog so that took care of a little time but it's not really here to be a money maker for me. I've always been the one to financially take care of my family and being without a full time job the last couple of months has pretty much been driving me crazy!! So, while checking out ways I could possibly use this blog as a revenue generator, I came across an even better idea. My blog will be used for this, that, and the other and I will post all those things I want to post, but the one site that I have come across that will keep me busy is Elance. It's a true work at home, LEGITIMATE place to find work. You go in and make proposals for different types of work that interest you. They've got Admin type work, management, computer type projects, sales, you name it, they pretty much have it. It's really great! I even upgraded my membership as to improve my chances.

Well, I just signed my first project agreement. I am going to help a psychologist with his ebook. He's also got a children's book he wants to convert to Kindle. He's got other projects in the works as well so this could be a pretty long term deal with a few hours of work a week. I also have several other people I am speaking with in regards to projects they have(including the aforementioned Percy).

I have been quite impressed with this service so far. You always here about the work at home scams but this is an actual place that you can find work at home work. Payment methods are confirmed and they do have this thing called Elance Escrow where the money is deposited and then paid out to you after the work is done and you submit an invoice. Therefore, you can assure that you get paid.

I'm not gonna make a fortune starting out and I am aware of this, but there is no reason that I can't up my rates a tad in the future after I get some good ratings. I was checking out some of the other providers and how much they are making and all I can say is WOW!!! And to be able to fill my time and make some cold hard cash in the process without the expense of having to drive somewhere or take the kids to a daycare center or anything of the sort, it definitely works for me!

If you are looking for some LEGITIMATE work, go check it out. The place is great and it's easy to bid on projects. I know you hear that all the time, but I have finally found the real thing! With a free account, you get 3 connects a month. That really isn't alot but it will get you started! You can upgrade for $9.95 a month. I just upgraded last week and have already gotten a project that will pay for that fee in the first hour or so so it is very VERY worth it!! Don't just take my word on it though. Go and check it out for yourself HERE!

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask. I may not know the answer yet, but will definitely try to figure it out for you!

FREE BAG TAG!! Only 92 left for today!

"FREE Nursery® Water Bag Tag
A Free Gift

Let us help you keep track of your child’s belongings with this fun Nursery® bag tag featuring Elmo®! You may record your name, address and phone number for easy identification and attach it to your diaper bag, child’s backpack or overnight bag. And best of all, it’s FREE!

Nursery® will give away up to 100 bag tags per day while supplies last. The number we have left to give away today is indicated below, so click now before it’s too late! If the number is already zero, we invite you to come back and try again tomorrow."

http://www.nurserywater.com/offers/bagtag.php

There are 92 bag tags left as of RIGHT NOW at 12: 07am on Saturday, July 04, 2009.

Limit one free bag tag per household. No purchase necessary.
Offer good while supplies last. Offer good only in the United States.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Also, don't forget to enter their sweeps while you are there!
http://www.nurserywater.com/offers/sweeps.php

Oh WOW!!

Ok, well, I am still toasty and sore so I am browsing around the internet today watching videos. Yesterday, in response to a position I applied for thru Elance, I had the amazing pleasure to speak with Percy(Perseus) Von Lipinski. He's been on CNN and he has videos all over YouTube. He is the founder of the company I applied for and he is one of those explorers of the world that I wish I could be. He has pretty much been everywhere from the drugged out streets of Vancouver where he calls home to Paris, France, to the great safari's. Watching his videos, you can hear in his voice and see on his face how much he truly loves the adventure. And watching the videos are not only fun for the viewer, but ladies, tell me this man is not simply adorable! I mean, WOW!! So cute!! I will sit here and hope he never ever EVER realizes I just put that comment here. lol

I have been watching videos and reading about him since yesterday. That voice drew me in like a moth to a flame, let me tell ya! I am absolutely fascinated. The cool part is, since I've spoken with him and the conversations have been great so now the video watching is more personal so it will help me to live vicariously thru him since I seriously doubt I ever get the chance to go see a lion up close and personal like that. Don't take any of that the wrong way people! Really! No tackiness meant! I have a thing for eyes and voices and hubby is very aware that some give me goosebumps just like those Triple Z's or whatever they are give them to him. We have this agreement that if Ewen McGregor and Brandy whatshername suddenly show up at our door we will look the other way. What exactly is the chance of that happening anyway? Really?!?

So, have I peaked your curiosity yet? Go check Percy and his videos out! Start out at Highly Entertaining TV and read thru there. It tells you a little more about him. You can find his videos on YouTube HERE. Now tell me he is not adorable and that that voice does not just grab you?!? You've been warned! hahaha

I'm deep fried!!

Ok, well, there is no other way to put it! I am soooo sunburned that it is not even funny. Took the 3 oldest girls to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor yesterday. Youngest oldest daughter started to burn so I gave her the shirt right off my back. She is now fine and I am very well done. I think I am still cooking too! There are parts of my back that are not only red, but almost purple! I keep getting the "why didn't you use sunscreen" question every where I go. Unfortunately, that is not an option for me. I've been thru them all. Literally! The doctor even tried to find different ones and I tried those. They make it 100% worse! If I use sunscreen of any kind, instead of being burnt, I end up charbroiled with blisters and all. Therefore, the reason I had my shirt on.

Hurricane Harbor was an absolute blast. But, to all the people out there, can I PLEASE suggest that you do not take ANYONE who is going to poo in the pool? Before we got there, they had to shut everything down because someone did just that. It wasn't even in the kiddy area so they aren't sure if a kid did it or someone else. Can you say EWWWWWWWWWWWWW?!! Then, after we got there, it happened TWO MORE TIMES!! I mean OMG!!! Hello!?! These weren't just diaper remnants. These were full blown FLOATERS!! So, there were 3 times everything had to be shut down for "safety" reasons. All the water for the rides is shared so better safe than sorry. And since they use whatever salt mixture now rather than chlorine, I'd really rather them be safer than all of us be sorry.

Anyway, we had alot of fun! I forgot what it was like to not have a baby on my hip and 2 toddlers in tow! My girls are getting so big. My oldest is now driving and that is just a very depressing thought for me. Another 2 years and she'll be off to college. She's got a job and a boyfriend and where did the time go?

Ok, well, thank you all for following my blog and entering my contest! I've seen some great comments and I really appreciate you all!!

Will be back later to update some more!

Amy

Update on Hubby

Well, its been officially 5 days since I have seen my husband. We've had many a discussion on him making decisions that affect all of us to such an extent as this one does. He is currently sitting in Amarillo waiting for the truck they gave him to be fixed! Tell me that is not just pure Karma there? He makes a decision to take this job, does not consult me on taking the one out of the state, and now he sits there since MONDAY not making a single sent. They put him up in a real nice motel 6 and give him a $20 a day per diem so he can eat. Otherwise, there he sits, being homesick with nothing else to do since he has no vehicle and the lead in Tulsa is MAD because he's not in his territory. Well, DUH!! Thats what happens with the people you send the truck to for maintenance screw it up! They had all the belts and whatnot replaced a couple weeks ago and since whoever did it didn't follow proper procedure, well, the alternate brackets and all that were bent all to heck. They had to order a new one but whoever ordered it first ordered the wrong parts. They reordered it yesterday and had it priority overnighted and now the pullies aren't lining up correctly(or so they think as they aren't totally positive). Hubby is supposed to be in Coffeyville, Ks. He was supposed to be there Monday. Here it is Thursday and he is still 400+ miles from there. Its to the point its not just ridiculous, but its just plain stupid. BUT, there is a bright side. Hubby will now think twice before talking to me about something like this first. He says he's feeling like crap and should have discussed it first and that he was irresponsible in taking the job to begin with. I do not disagree! HAHA. I try to protect him from having to learn things the hard way but this time, well, he's learning it the VERY hard way. Will let you know if they ever get that truck back on the road!