Laid Off

Guest post written by my buddy Bernardo Graham

My husband lost his job just before the holidays, and it hit our family really hard. Obviously the loss of a job is always a difficult blow but having it happen right before Christmas was especially difficult. We had to sit down with our kids and have a very serious discussion about how we’d have to cut back for a little while but we’d be able to make it through as a family.

The kids have been phenomenal. We had a very pared down Christmas compared to what we usually do, and they haven’t acted upset about it at all. We also started searching for ways to be more frugal, and actually discovered that since we live in Texas we can select a new energy provider that can offer us cheaper rates! It is such an easy thing to do but we definitely started seeing a pretty immediate savings. Between that and our bargain shopping, we saved a ton of money over the last couple of months.

My husband got a call last week from a company he’s been interviewing with—they made him a job offer! He started back to work immediately and couldn’t be happier. It’s actually been one of the best things that could have happened to us. If you find yourself facing a similar situation, or just want to save a little money, check out Just Energy Electric for Amarillo Tx.

Shopping Gone Tech

The days of shopping at local mom and pop retailers is almost a figment of days gone by.  Other than local boutiques, grocers and specialty services modern technology has infiltrated nearly every household in America.

Comparison shopping online has become more than an alternative means of searching out the best deal and discounted offers for big ticketed items, clothing, trips and more.  From Skechers to the mens worlds softest shawl-collar cadigan or Dillard's lounge wear dusters, the world wide web is becoming your oyster.

InternetRetailer.com reported that 54% of consumers this past holiday season had a quarter of their shopping done before Thanksgiving weekend online.  Talk about a heavy lot of consumer traffic putting major league smiles on retailers faces!  It certainly looks like this means of shopping isn't just a quirk but, a significant venue clearly here to stay.

Wanting A Child

Nina Paley is a wonderfully gifted cartoonist.  I came across this very humorous masterpiece recently and it got me to thinking.  How many reasons I’ve heard for someone wanting to be a parent? 

I’m sure you’ve heard one or two of them yourself:  my biological clock is ticking, we have a girl and want a boy, would like someone to carry on our family name, my parents want grandchildren, a child will make our marriage stronger or, I might regret it later when it’s too late.

And then, you have the other end of the spectrum.  According to the American Pregnancy Association, infertility affects 10% of couples of childbearing age in the United States.  It’s staggering the number of loving couples who so desperately want to be parents and can’t.  They leave no stone unturned in their efforts to give birth to a child whether it be through egg freeze, finding a surrogate mother to carry a fetus, IVF (invitro fertilization), embryo transfer, surgery and acupuncture to name a few.  

For decades the stigma associated with infertility was extremely devastating and shamefully embarrassing.  Not any more. Thankfully, that “hushed” and uncomfortable topic is no longer a grave offense one has to carry because continued global research and development is changing that hopeless option to a reality.  Comforting, nurturing, reassuring experiences and high success rates are making dreams of parentage come true where once there were none. 

Relieving Headaches Naturally

We live within a society that is stress inducing.  Getting away from it all simply is virtually impossible.  We all know that headaches aren’t any fun whether it’s a pounding ache or a massive migraine.  There are things you can do, however, to combat them and sometimes it’s those old tried and true natural cure-alls that are the best for what ails you.

Ice Paks ~ the cold restricts blood vessels around the scalp slowing the rate nerves transmit pain signals.

Nix Smoking~ increased blood pressure, decreased circulation, inflamed sinus/nasal cavities and shrinking blood vessels = headaches over time.

Enjoy A Snack~ our brains run on oxygen glucose & when it doesn’t get enough … well you know.  Need to eat something at least every 4-6 hours or 5 mini-meals each day

.

Massage It Away~ Hitting the right pressure points will do it.  Check out this video to learn how http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRPITC9rxNI&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PLB5CA2703B2DB4F92

Need Fluids ~ So many times we forget how much our body needs liquid.  When it’s lacking, it lets you know because the blood thickens and doesn’t flow as easily through our narrow vessels.6-8 glasses a day is key.

No More Diet Soda~ Studies are indicating the artificial sweetener aspartame being used as a preservative is a major culprit.  

Daily Walking~ When you walk briskly, your body emits natural pain-killing chemicals known as endorphins.  Try 30-45 minutes 3-4 days a week.  It’ll not only kill the pain but burn off calories as well.

Spinach ~ This is high in magnesium and will prevent your blood vessels from going into spasms.

Peppermint~ Believe it or not, a little peppermint oil dabbed on the forehead, temples and back of your neck will reduce the pain in about 15 minutes..