Well, okay, maybe you didn’t notice THAT but I bet you noticed my new blog address!   Just a few days ago my blog was transferred from Blogger/Blogspot over to its own home, thanks to Heather over at I Can Do That Designs.  I’ve only been blogging for a year and wasn’t sure if it was worth it to move.  I started blogging just to share a couple of fun deals that I had found, or products that I liked, and somehow it all just grew and grew.  I am so grateful for each follower who reads the thoughts from my graying head!   Now that I’m out on summer break, it seemed like the right time to move to a new program.   I thought about doing the move myself for oh, about a minute.  When I read the first few instructions I realized that I was in over my head and needed help.  The Good Lord must have wanted it to be, because He made sure I had just enough in Paypal for it to work out.  Apparently God likes me to blog.

Heather took care of everything, from moving the blog to setting up my ads, from tweaking my template to hosting the site!  I couldn’t have asked for anything better.  Her prices were very reasonable and it was worth every penny.   She communicated really well with me, keeping me up-to-date on the move and what was taking place.  I felt reassured that she was handling everything for me.  She made some suggestions to make my life easier (making pages and categories, for example) and I think they make my page look more professional.  My hope is that this move will make my blog more self-sufficient and enable me to offer more to my readers.  I’ve already received a few offers for product reviews/giveaways that will be really good for my readers.  Every time you click on one of the ads or affiliate links, share my posts via Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest, or comment on my posts,  you help me to build a better page and offer better giveaway prizes and information.  So thank you for that!   If you’re considering a move to WordPress I highly recommend Heather.    Contact her to see if she can work her magic for you, too.  And if you want some tips on blogging, she’s got those as well.  Enjoy!

(Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  The opinions are 100% mine.)

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

Burgers R Us.

Head over to Weber City, VA one day (morning or night) and get a good meal.  Burgers R Us is the kind of place that has the old candy brands at the cash register, a Christmas tree in the lobby year round, and vinyl tablecloths on the tables.  It’s the kind of place that you would see only the locals in (and now you, because I’ve told you this secret.)   And finally, it’s the kind of place where you can order fish for breakfast and no one will look at you like you’re crazy.   Even if you are.

Want a gourmet meal with cute little tied chives for garnish?  This is not it.

If you’re ready for a huge old-fashioned pancake, the best from-scratch biscuits you can imagine, or a place with lots of choices at good prices, then head over to Burgers R Us.  It’s on the Main Street of Weber City (click for map), you can’t miss it!  The sweet ladies who work there are sure to greet you with a smile.  Take a minute to look around the gift shop while you’re there.  Burgers R Us isn’t fussy; it’s a reminder of the way things used to be….and maybe how they should be.  Enjoy!

This is a sponsored post.
If you’re a young mom, a career woman, or a busy homemaker (or all three, like me!)  it may seem like you are spending all of your younger years serving others.   My kids are my life and their needs trump  mine every time.  That’s the way I want it….for now.  Someday though, my husband and I plan to  enjoy the retirement that we’ve worked so hard work to earn.  When we are ready for that life, I would love to check out retirement homes like these in Georgia.  I mean, just look at this!!  It’s fabulous!

This waterfall entrance is just the beginning.  Cresswind at Lake Lanier is located near Atlanta, so cultural events and attractions are just a few minutes’ drive away.   Shopping, dining, and healthcare are just outside the community.  I don’t know that I’d ever leave this gated oasis, though.  What else would I need?  They offer a clubhouse with all sorts of great activities, indoor AND outdoor pool (that we wouldn’t have to worry about maintaining!), walking trails, and tennis courts.   They offer a variety of floorplans for homes, stocking them with outstanding features for comfort and convenience.  I was astounded at the affordability of these homes!

Take a moment to view the video on the website, or view the siteplans of the homes.  Can you see yourself living in a home that boasts granite counters, oversized showers, a security system, and special details like crown moulding and wainscoting?  Even the wiring for your flat-screen TV has been prepared (above the fireplace!)   I think they thought of everything.  Some of the homes have basements, and you can also get an attic for storage.   There are several home models to choose from and the community is vast.  What a great opportunity to meet new friends in the prime of life.

My husband and I have already been talking about where we see ourselves when the kids are grown.  I can absolutely dream about living in a place like Cresswind.  I imagine it as a second life.  You’ve worked hard for your retirement, why not enjoy it in a retirement home in Georgia?

(Disclosure:  This post was brought to you by Kolter  Homes.  The opinions in this post are 100% mine.)

A few days ago I posted my review of Desert Journey by Dr. Jerry Burgener and promised there would be more. This week I finished Return to the Desert and again was surprised by the depth of the novel, even though it is such a small book.  I encourage you to read Desert Journey before Return to the Desert because it really isn’t a stand-alone book. Although the situations are a bit different and there are some new characters, the background of the story is really set with the first book.

This time when  Jerry returns to his spiritual guide, he has a little more under his belt in the way of self-reflection.   He has relapsed into his old ways, however, and must find the meaning of his dreams and connection to the people who have been bound to him through the ages.  I admit that I was really not expecting the outcome of the book.   I’m surprised that  Jerry is so open with his feelings and personal experiences with the people that he meets.  It’s almost as dramatic as watching reality TV in some ways.  Still, Jerry learns some good life lessons that enable him to lead others in the way that his guide taught.  Keep a box of good granola bars nearby while reading this book; you’ll probably get the craving for them.  This is the kind of story that would make a good book club read or even a made-for-TV movie.

If you’ve struggled with relationship issues or finding the meaning of happiness, take a page from Burgener’s book and explore your feelings.  You might be surprised at what you learn.

Dr. Jerry has a Ph. D. in Human Learning and has vast professional experiences including the school setting, mental health organizations, and as a forensic psychologist. He enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and much more.  You can find out more about Dr. Jerry on his website Creating the Best.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for review. This post contains affiliate links.  The opinions in the post are 100% mine.)

A new Daily Deal site, SoLoLaDeals.com LAUNCHED THIS MORNING!!!   Here’s what they had to say:

We’re so excited to be bringing you national deals on amazing products that have ALL been reviewed by bloggers! This means we’ve put these products to the test and they meet our standards. Today one of our deals is this *HOT* Gift Card Deal!! Score a $25 Gift Card for $20 ($5 savings) to stores like Gap, Old Navy, KMart, Sears, Macy’s, & More, AND snag 25 points to bid on OTHER gift cards!!! Either way, you’re getting a savings on the first gift card, and you could win ANOTHER gift card!!! PLUS, you get a $5 credit after your first purchase, making this only $15 NET!!!

How to Snag This Deal:
1. Sign-up HERE and purchase the You Never Lose deal.  Your $5 credit will show up after your first purchase.  According to the email I got, the credit is deducted BEFORE you pay.

2. Allow 24-48 hours for your voucher to be ready.

3. Once your voucher is ready, go to YouNeverLose.com and select your gift card, then START BIDDING on other gift cards!

**Read the terms carefully—-from what I could tell, shipping is free on the gift card you purchase, but you pay $5 to ship a gift card that you win.  I read about the site on several other blogs and there were several people who reported winning a $25 gift card for around 50 cents.  Not saying that you will get one at this price….but it might be fun to try!

The website email states that the $5 credit will change to a $3 credit in a few weeks, so don’t miss out on the chance to get yours!

ARE YOU A BLOGGER?
Apply to be an affiliate; tell them that Dianna (user 184) from Savings in Seconds sent you.

(Disclosure: Note that the link above is my affiliate link.  Feel free to post yours below!!)

Well, my OCD has kicked in with my blog.  Now that I have this fabulous new look (more on that at  this post) I wanted to have a media kit too.   Up until now, I’ve been emailing my blog stats upon request to companies who want to offer my readers a chance to win their products.  It’s time to have something more professional.  Plus it’s just fun to have stuff match, right?

I had earned a few dollars in Paypal from some online surveys and it was burning a hole in my online pocket.  Isabella Grey, owner of  Shades of Grey Emporium, was offering a great deal on media kits that was less than HALF what other sites charge!  I contacted her and she had mine finished in a couple of days.   It is exactly what I wanted.   Plus she is so easy to work with, I felt like I’ve known her forever!  Isabella blogs at Just Another Static Heart.  I love to support other bloggers and this was a great opportunity to get something I needed at the same time.  Win, win!

Do you need some new graphics for your website?  Whether you want blog bling, a button, or a new header,  I hope you’ll visit Shades of Grey Emporium and tell her that I sent you over.    You can look at her current product package to get an idea of what she makes.  I asked her for some custom work and she was able to create it without hesitation.  She’s awesome!!!   Isabella currently has a special running (surprise freebie with every order, plus 30% off discount toward your next order.)    Enjoy!

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.  The opinions are 100% mine.)

It’s a perfect time to get your bake on this summer! The Flower Hazard is proud to present The Baker’s Dozen Giveaway Hop! From now through June 25th, you will have the chance to enter to win some great baking items! The Flower Hazard is giving away several items great for baking cookies, so check out the main giveaway on her site! Each giveaway in the hop is valued at $25 or more, so check the linky below, visit all the sites for your chance to win!

 Savings in Seconds thanks Wholesome Sweeteners for their generous prize package.  One lucky winner will receive a basket full of truly Wholesome Sweeteners!  Retail products including Fair Trade Organic Sugar, Sucanat, Light Brown Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Organic Turbinado and their newest Organic Coconut Palm Sugar will be in the basket. The winner will also receive liquid sweeteners which include Fair Trade Organic Raw and Amber honey and Organic Light, Raw and Flavored Agave Syrups. This prize package is valued at $100.00.

I received these products to sample (not the basket, stuffed toy, and crayons pictured in back) and we’ve been enjoying the variety of flavors in the wholesome sweeteners.   There are so many sweeteners that I haven’t heard of.  We had never tried the agave syrups before, and I definitely didn’t know it came in so many flavors!!   One thing that I really liked about Wholesome Sweeteners’ products is that they are Fair Trade Certified.  I also don’t have to worry about icky chemicals in my sweeteners, because the products are USDA Organic and contain no GMO.   Wholesome Sweeteners has been able to bring water, electricity, education and health care facilities in developing regions of the world including Malawi and Brazil.   My husband asked me about the Fair Trade labeling so this gave me a chance to discuss it with him.  Fair Trade products enable the farmers who provide the goods to buy land, send their children to school, and build thriving communities where they work and live.  In short, Fair Trade means exactly that—everyone in the trade benefits.  Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?  You can support this initiative by purchasing Fair Trade products from Wholesome Sweeteners.

Here are the products we received from Wholesome Sweeteners:

We couldn’t believe how many flavored agave syrups there were.  So far I haven’t been too daring with my creations.   I used the sugar on my fresh fruit and in my morning hot tea.  Divine!!  We only used a bit of the sugar but it made the most delicious syrup at the bottom of the bowl.  My kids ate every one of the berries.  My daughter likes the organic honey on her morning pancakes.   I also  plan to use some of the sugar on our zucchini muffins (as soon as our zucchini is ready to pick!) and maybe the agave syrups to make snowcones for the kids.   I’m thinking about trying the stevia in my sweet tea and possibly even koolaid, because I’m really trying to cut down on the amount of refined sugar my family consumes.  Doctor’s orders, plus mommy guilt!

Save some green: The good people at Wholesome Sweeteners have provided you with a $1 coupon toward a purchase of Fair Trade Organic Raw and Amber honey.    You can follow Wholesome Sweeteners on Facebook and on Twitter.

Are you ready to try Wholesome Sweeteners in your baked goods?  This is a great prize package that will give you lots of creative freedom!  Use the rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway.  This giveaway is open to US/CAN readers and ends June 25.  Good luck!

(Disclosure: I received product samples for the review. The opinions are all mine!)

Did you get Dad a Nook for Father’s Day?  How about downloading this freebie for him……..it’s a critically acclaimed book with decent reviews.

Dad might also like this download about Arnold Palmer.  If he can’t play golf on Father’s Day, at least he can read about it!

Download this classic for free!

Now for mom……here’s a freebie from one of my favorite new authors!

This one looks interesting.

And something to help de-stress your weekend:

I love Naartjie clothing, especially for my daughter.  When the dresses get too short to wear alone, pair them with leggings or jeans to make a cute top.  It’s a stylish way to stretch your budget and the wardrobe!   I love to shop these sales to keep some clothes on hand for back-to-school.  Check out their sale and score free shipping on ANY order, today only!  Don’t forget to go through Shop At Home to get 3% cashback.   If you’ve never signed up for Shop At Home before, you’ll get a bonus $5 in your account with your first purchase!

Here are some cute dresses I found for under $15 each:

There are lots of cute items for $19.99 too.   This is a great price for a church dress, something great to wear to a wedding, family reunion, etc.

(Disclosure:  This post contains a referral link.)