In the meantime....

Charter Closure Report Clarification | edspresso

ORECK Magnesium Vacuum Giveaway on The Nesting Place Blog

OMG, that's what she said too. So I found this new DIY Blog called The Nesting Place. Not only was this blog added to my top reads lists, it has a fabulous top giveaway.
I usually don't enter them because of all the forms & yada I have to fill out, junk email, etc. but I'm making an exception. I'm already the owner of about 10 years old, NO OLDER of the Oreck XL, that has just bit the dusts, (not permanently because that's never the case with an Oreck) but it's own it's last leg, ( or maybe seems to be since I suddenly found a possibly way to get a new one. :)
Anyway, the nesting place is giving away the New Oreck Magnesium Vacuum, I really want you to visit her site so I'm not going to spoil all the details but I will say it is the most lightweight vacuum on the market, can swivel under the low tables & swivels its way into the smallest spaces. U can find the giveaway here. http://www.thenester.com/2012/01/omg-oreck-magnesium-giveaway.html/screen-shot-2012-01-05-at-8-46-47-am. Also, if your reading, you are all part of this DYI community, u have to check out some of the other posts she shares. Let me know what u think. http://www.the nester.com

Here's a link to Oreck's page too, which u will need once u follow the instructions to signup for the giveaway.
http://www.oreck.com/thenestingplace

Doodle 4 Google 2012, Children Artist K-12

Does your child's imagination wonder far behond imaginary? Are their artist skills buddying? Here's there chance to win a scholarship for college and even for their school. http://www.google.com/doodle4google/#utm_source=sem&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=BKWS a campaign that launches every January is for Students K-12 to use there artistic skills & redesign Google's Home page based on something they want to do, or be, or experience when they grow up. They may want to start a pet rescue farm that educates people about the importance of saving the animals.....one may want to travel to the moon with there pet dog lassy...one may want to grow up to be a professional baseball player do he can save the children from_ .... whatever there dream for the future, here's there chance to share it with the world. Although " What I'd like to do someday." was last years theme, Google may be asking for something of a different Theme for 2012. Stay tuned as it should be announced any day now.

Best (in my life) of 2011 + social media

Besides family & friends of course I will have to say in 2011, the one or actually two (because I can't decide)things that have made my life easier in 2011 are of course my iPhone & Google. I can't keep up with either of them because they are steadily producing more things that make my life easier. For the iPhone... All the Apps. Some of my favorites, invoice2go, it lets me design professional invoices, estimates, purchase orders, etc. & syncs with my phones contacts & emails or text professional invoices to clients . U can pick a logo & set up straight from your phone & even print them too. My fitness Pal makes a really cool calorie counter app for those trying to diet especially if this is your New Years Resolution, this is definitely an App. To add to your Apple gadget. Google, I just can't get enough. The only complaint I have is they move so quickly at optimizing everything that I cant learn quick enough. They have Google Music which downloads all your music players to one player, including itunes, then u can access it online or from your phone anytime day or night. If u are a business owner Google has made life so much easier if your not tech savy but can benefit from having your business online than the only requirement pretty much is to be able to read. Almost anyone can learn their instructions to optimizing a business online. Most everything you need is free. That's the biggest advantage!! Oh & now Google can sync to your iPhone!! Social media sites is in a category all on it's own. Facebook tops out at 750 million users and Twitter is not far behind. Facebook I will say took up slot of my time. So much that my husband took up the issue with our family therapist. I think I have battled the addiction & succeeded.

Genius behind the Flash, Atlanta Photographer Karen Roberts

I know u have heard of the phrase"genius at work" I always thought how stupid that sounded. Whether you carried around a coffee mug or key chain that read, "Genius at work." I thought to myself, HOW STUPID! But when u actually find someone SO talented, far beyond their work title...well then I don't start to think of the coffee mug being so stupid. She is more than just a photographer., (Plus, You have to really be more than the average talent to carry that key chain or walk with that stupid mug... in my eyes!
Anyway, Karen Roberts, a photographer in Smyrna, GA (Metro ATL,) well she wears the photography crown, of Genius at Work.... the stupid coffee mug does not say it deserving enough for this hard working photographer.
Karen recently photographed my two nieces, Baylee (4) & Macy (11). Karen's studio & I mean a studio like on a Hollywood set or model shoot. Equipped with all the props & wardrobe changes, indoor or outdoor. Oh! and not to limit what she can do, you name the location and she is the Genius behind the FLASH. She photographed one of my friends daughters at the Georgia State Fair, who would have thought? I want to share a few of my nieces fun photo pics but it's a must u click here to view her websiteamp; just to see this Genius at work!!! Or follow her on facebook at Karen Roberts Photography Fine Arts & Beach Prints. Also her blog has lots of photos.Here are just a few examples of how fun she gets.

Disconnected... Updated Blog Test Only from iphone

So it's been a whole year now since we have not had Internet service at home. I know what your thinking .... & of I can get past this then anyone can. Of course I've had my iPhone, so there's a some what connection to outer space. One thing is.... I have really become tech savy on my iPhone. I actually type bids & invoices & email them all from it. I'm even typing this blog post from my iPhone....so don't underestimate what these little monsters can do.

Plan Your Stress Free Wedding in 2 months or less

Did your man finally pop the question? Maybe your best friend just got engaged. And if neither of these 2 questions pertain to you that's o.k. too, because you, ~~probably~~ [I feel for sure of] are just like every other girl or women in the world and are just dreaming of what your big day might be like. We'll no matter what brings you to fantasizing about your wedding every girl in the world does it at some time or another. Some women admit to even doing after their wedding (I guess maybe for what you would have done different.)

I personally always saw myself of having a big elaborate wedding when ever that day came. The wedding I fantasized about was far different than what actually took place. I'm not saying it wasn't elaborate - (worked out in fine detail.) because it was definitely worked out in fine detail. Over the top - not quit but more like ON TOP. On Top of GRAND CANYON. It could not have been any better. The pictures where perfect. I had no guest lists (because I was so far from home. ) I had no wedding party. It was a stress free wedding. I have over 700 pictures to show.

To plan your wedding at the Grand Canyon I suggest starting atleast 60 days ahead.

1.- Pic your day
If you are planning to have guest than of course you will want to pic a Saturday or Sunday. When selecting a date keep in mind the Grand Canyon is A National Park, with that said it attracts millions of visitors every year. There are also 4 sections of the canyon North, South, East, and West Rim. Depending on date of your wedding these could be closed. September or October is good time of year. I suggest the South Rim of the Canyon because I am not familiar with any other areas. You don't have quit as many travelers this time of year.
2. Make Hotel Reservations- Do this immedietly 60 days in advance. If you plan on staying inside The Grand Canyon National Park there are hotels such as the El Tavar Hotel inside the Park. but they book up well in advance and your room and hotel may be limited staying in the park. Staying outside the park may require a 45 minute to 2 hour drive depending on location but can save money. There are some nice hotels outside the park that offer nice wedding accomidations including wedding cake, dinner, etc. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ is one suggestion.
2.. Who will marry you? Licensed or ordained ministers, clergymen, or pastors of recognized religious society's. Costs, Discuss Vows Options with them, they may suggest a location at the Canyon, and the Date the person is available. You will have to google this for more info and decide unless you have been referred to one by your pastor. You will want to decide on this early because he or she will be able to refer you and help you in obtaining a marriage license and hotels, etc. Judge Bill Sutton of Coconino County, AZ is licensed to officiate a marriage on the Canyon and is rather cheap. He also has lots of suggestions about location such as Grandeur Point at the South Rim, Vows, etc.
3. Marriage License - this can be done through the mail. Do this at least 6 weeks in advance because you will be mailing back & forth more than once to the County Courthouse in Arizona. I suggest a 2- 3 day certified mail carrier so that you can track your package. Approximate costs is $72 but could change at any time.
4. Purchase a Special Permit and Parking Pass at the Grand Canyon, this website will help with all your questions. Approximately $125 subject to current laws and restrictions which may change at anytime.
5. Purchase Airline Tickets - if you will be traveling by plane. Airlines usually go up on tickets 2 weeks prior to the departure date. This is standard for all airline. Purchasing Tickets should be done as early as possible and suggest your guest (if any) do the same. You should not stress over guest's arrangements or worry with that being your responsibility. Remember this is suppose to be a STRESS FREE wedding.
6. Rental Car Arrangements- Research rates and sign up for the company's (coupon or savings plan prior to booking.) this will save you some money. Also, I suggest you get a very large car probably even an SUV, make sure your rental car is aware that you will be bringing lots of luggage (and especially if you have a large wedding dress.)
7. Schedule your HAIR AND MANICURE AND PEDICURE at the same salon. You don't want to be driving all over a town you are not familiar with looking for there location on the day of your wedding. Schedule with in 1 month of your wedding day and early in the morning. Some stylist may even come to your hotel to do this. Have a picture of what you want your hair to look like. Remember this person does not know you and you want this day to be perfect. A picture can speak a thousand words to a stylist.
8. Shop for your dress and husbands attire.
9. Immediately following check-in at your hotel (or prior to) locate a local floral shop, visit there and see if they are capable of making an arrangement for your bouquet. Bring 2 or 3 pictures of your favorite bouquets out of a bride magazine, because depending on the season and flowers the florist may have a problem with obtaining fresh flowers if she does not already have them in stock.

Now you are ready to say I do! You can visit and get a peek of just a few of my photos below. I have over 700 pictures. If you would like more info and suggestions just leave a comment and I will do my best to respond quickly.

Grand Canyon Wedding Photos