This site has had many themes and topics, none of which really was something I was really interested in. So today as I was searching for some new layouts for it I realized that no matter what topic I pick for it, that none of them will work. I already have my racing site (FemaleRacingNews) and that covers the majority of my hobbies. So I have decided to make this more of a personal blog for people to follow my struggles of trying to become an Internet Mogul, personal things that happen in my life as a Stay at Home Mom, my new quest to get in shape, and following me as I attend drift events throughout the South East. It will definitely be an interesting as I set out to document all these new journeys and still make time for all the other little things in my life. I hope that I can help other Mom’s in my situation as well as other women interested in racing and don’t think they have time, or maybe I can save someone in my same situation with their websites. Who knows… It is going to be an interesting year to say the least, hopefully this site will be turned into something worth reading after all. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
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Who am I?
Name: Amanda
From: South Carolina
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I just finished up buying my fiance’s Valentine’s Day presents. Yes I said presents, I think that lots of small presents are sometimes better than one big present. Especially if you have a small budget.. I found so many cute things that were to girlie or mushy (I’m a hopeless romantic) that were such great meaningful gifts. So if you want a great meaningful gift then I have some great suggestions for you.
First these little things are great.. They are called love tokens, they are little pewter tokens with shapes cut out of the middle. Each token has a different request “massage token” “kiss token” and so on. Really cute gift, and the best part, they are reusable! Place a token a day in your sweeties lunch, or maybe one a night on their pillow.. Find little places to hide them for them to find, and it will be a fantastic surprise!
You can buy them here: http://www.links2love.com/buy_romantic_love_tokens.htm
Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much you love them, but you just can never seem to find the words? Well this gift can help you out with that. You can pick out up to 100 messages to be put in the package. Read the rest of this entry »
The following is a guest blog by Chris Rhoad of StudioRhoad.com/blog/
Let me start off by setting the scene; picture this.
Its Tuesday morning and just another day at the office. The moment your Dockers hit your office chair, someone is barging through the door asking you questions, looking for documents, project updates, and some mindless chit-chat that does nothing but hinder your productivity rather than entertain you. So, for the next 8-12 hours, you endure this and by the end of the day your brain feels like its about to explode, your Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is in full force and your stomach is growling b/c you couldn’t finish your salad due to the “chit-chat queen” asking you questions in between bites. Thankfully though, the day is over and you get to go home and relax.
But, as you might have guessed, the ride home isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. Bottle necks,traffic, road construction, blue-haired daredevils cutting you off, and soccer moms in vans who think they are Mario Andretti have your blood boiling. Not even the easy listening channel can calm your aggravation at this point. But you keep telling yourself that you’ll be home soon. Refuge is just around the corner. Or at least that’s what you thought.
The first step to simplifying your life is to take a step back and reflect. Our lives are so cluttered with things that we make unimportant things more important than we should. These days multitasking and poor time management put undue stress into our everyday lives. Stress causes so many illnesses that most people take medication for. Medication that is not needed if they would just lessen their stress load and have a less chaotic life. Plagued with high Blood Pressure and heart attacks the working public of today is faced with these byproducts of stress. Our eating habits of course does not help much but the major factor in these diseases is stress. Look at your life and see what puts you in a stressful mood, is it work? home life? finances? or is it a combination of a number of things? Once you have pin pointed the source of your stress you can figure out what about that stresses you out? Once you have determined that, then you can figure out how to either eliminate or reduce the amount of stress from the stress producer. It of course will not be an instant change and it will take getting used but the end product is definitely worth it. Spending more time with your family, having more time for yourself, all in all being a better healthier you.
Read the rest of this entry »
Recently, I was driving up to my parents house to help my Dad get around after knee surgery. On the drive up here I was thinking about this blog and how it really doesn’t live it up to it’s name. LifeLessComplicated, should be just that, about Life. So I have decided to take the blog into just that, about Life. Yeah it is going to be a lot more to write about but I’m going to concentrate on how to make life simpler. If there is a way to simplify your life we will write about it. Of course relaxation is still key in the simplification of life just because it releases the tension of everyday life. Taking that small break for even 15 minutes a day will do wonders for your body. So it will definitely stay a LifeLessComplicated staple just not written about everyday. If you ever have a topic that you feel is appropriate for us to include in our day to day postings, feel free to let us know, info [at] lifelesscomplicated.com ..
In the last blog on LLC I wanted everyone to try to get back to the meaning of Valentine’s day.. Today I’m going to write about gifts that aren’t extravagant but that are meaningful and appeal to your girl/guy. If you are someone who sucks at picking out gifts and always opt for the gift card then this is going to be perfect for you!
First. What type of person are they? There are many different types of girls, that’s what makes some so hard to buy for (same goes for guys as well). Everyone is different, everyone likes different things. If you have no a single clue what your girlfriend likes (or want to just see what she would like) then go window shopping with her, be observant and see what catches her eye. You don’t have to go to a jewelry store or anything like that. Try shops like, Victoria’s Secret, Fredrick’s of Hollywood, etc, go to places like those that you have a wide price range and a wide range of product selection. Most people aren’t aware that Victoria’s Secret has things other than underwear and lingerie, they have an entire line of makeup, perfumes, and clothing and accessories. For the guys you can take them to a store that relates to them and their likes. Sports guy? Take him to a sporting goods store. Techy? Radio Shackish stores are your best best. Trendy? Take him to a place where he likes to shop. Just have a day where you want to go hang out and window shop to make it seem less obvious.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I want to give some insight into as why this is my favorite holiday… I’m a hopeless romantic, I will admit it.. I love Red Roses and Teddy Bears. I think that Valentine’s Day has became rather commercial just as most holidays have. I think that it’s time that everyone got back to what Valentine’s Day is truly about, Love.. Whether you have someone who has been in your life a while, or if this is your first Valentine’s Day together make it a less about the stuff and more about your relationship together.. You can do this by not buying into the big time stuff, a girl does not need 2 dozen roses when a single rose expresses just as much… She does not need a 5 pound box of candy when something small from a bakery or specialty place will do just as well.. As much as we love those HUGE teddy bears, Where are we going to put one? Something to show her how much you care is much more of a gift than any novelty item could ever express.. Throughout the coming weeks leading up to the day that is Valentine’s Day I will post a few things here and there about how to make this Valentine’s Day one that is romantic and meaningful, not commercial and unfeeling.
According to Wikipedia the holiday is celebrated differently throughout the world, below you will find those traditions..
Europe
Valentine’s Day also has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk a character called ‘Jack’ Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
In Wales many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen’s Day) on 25 January instead of or as well as St Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine’s Day is known simply as “Saint Valentin“, and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
In Denmark & Norway Valentine’s Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but some people take time to be romantic with their partner, or send a card to a secret love. In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag (”All Hearts’ Day”) and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry’s commercial interests, and due to influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only bested by those for Mother’s Day.
In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s day”. As the name says, this day is more about remembering your friends than your loved ones.
In Slovenia, a proverb says that “St Valentine brings the keys of roots,” so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as the day when the first works in the vineyards and on the fields commence. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally 12 March, the Saint Gregory’s day. Another proverb says “Valentin - prvi spomladin” (”Valentine — first saint of spring”), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on Feburary 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag (”dear”), which can also be found in the word dragoste (”love”). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine’s Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, reputable persons and institutions[16] but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreapt?, who condemn Valentine’s Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.
Middle East and Africa
According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av - Tu B’Av (usually late August) is the festival of love (hag haahava). In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.
In Turkey Valentine’s Day is called Sevgililer Günü which translates into “Sweet Hearts Day”.
In Persian culture (Iran) Sepandarmazgan is a day for love, which is on 29 Bahman in the jalali solar calendar. The corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar is 17 February. Sepandarmazgan were held in the Great Persian Empire in the 20th century BC.
The Americas
In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. “Day of the enamored”, or “Boyfriend’s/Girlfriend’s Day”) is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets. This day was chosen probably because it is the day before the Saint Anthony’s day, known there as the marriage saint, when many single women perform popular rituals, called simpatias, in order to find a good husband or a boyfriend.
In Columbia, the Día del amor y la amistad (lit. “Love and Friendship Day”) is celebrated on the third Friday and Saturday in September, because of commercial issues. In this country the Amigo secreto (”Secret friend”) tradition is quite popular, which consists of randomly assigning to each participant a recipient who is to be given an anonymous gift (similar to the Christmas tradition of Secret Santa).
Asia
Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine’s Day has emerged in Japan and Korea as a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. In Japan this is known as giri-choko (?????), from the words girichoko, (”chocolate”). This contrasts with honmei-choko; chocolate given to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (????); from tomo meaning “friend”. (”obligation”) and
By a further marketing effort, a reciprocal day called White Day has emerged. On March 14, men are expected to return the favour to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence “White Day”. However, lingerie and jewelry have become common gifts.
In South Korea, there is also Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11, when young couples give each other romantic gifts. There is an additional day for single people, Black Day, celebrated on April 14.
In Chinese culture, there is a counterpart to Valentine’s Day, called “The Night of Sevens” (??); according to legend the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid meet in Heaven on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar. A slightly different version of this day is celebrated in Japan as Tanabata, on July 7th of the solar calendar.
I know everyone needs time to wind down before you can completely relax.. If we don’t relax then we end up tired and restless and sleep more than we should.. I’m guilty of this as is just about everyone else on the planet. So today’s post is going to be five ways to wind down, this is also going to be a part of an ongoing theme of blogs.. Todays theme of how to wind down is going to be Five ways to wind down online…
Youtube - I think that Youtube is really a great site. You can always find something on there worth watching. I know my daughter and I love to go on there and search for funny animal (pet) videos, there really are some funny ones on there. There’s pretty much a video on there about anything, I love the new Kia Commercial that’s a parody of the 80s movie Flashdance. I had a friend who hadn’t seen it so I searched Youtube and there it was! From funny to serious to informational Youtube definitely has something for everyone to be able to take a break from day to day life with…
Email - I really think that Email is the greatest thing online.. Just because you can communicate so freely with anyone else who has an email account.. It’s not as complicated as some Instant Messengers so it’s easier for older people to be able to use and for that matter the younger kids to use as well.. It’s great to keep in touch with people, and to send pictures for people who aren’t that computer savy.. So sit down and even if you do talk to someone on the phone everyday and just write them out an email. You will have time to really wind down and you might just make someone’s day.
Social Networking Sites - Myspace, Facebook, Xanga, etc.. All get such a bad rap from these Child Predator shows. I mean really my Mom freaked on me when I told her I had Myspace just because of all the horrible things she had seen on TV. I think they are great, yeah some people do bad stuff on there but you can’t judge everything about one site from the bad stuff. I have talked to people on there that I hadn’t seen since we graduated High School. It really is an awesome way to keep in touch with people and to talk to people you see everyday. I love it because it’s nice to just go goof off on and blow off some steam..
Gaming - I love online games! There is so many different sites out there for online gaming, from poker to checkers to Frogger! There’s a million and one different sites out there for you to play games on, and it’s so much fun. Some sites do charge a fee but most are free and you can definitely wind down with some of these. I love pogo.com it has some really fun games on there, my faves are mostly word games (I’m a dork) but they have Casino games and whatnot on there for other people too. Almost every site has a game portion to them, Yahoo and MSN to name two. If you haven’t ever tried playing some games online try it.
Forums - Message Boards if you will, are a great way to find out anything! There is a forum out there for just about any topic you can think of.. All of mine are mostly car related but there are so many other there it’s almost limitless! Just do a quick search and you will be amazed!
There’s just about something for everyone out there, this of course is the first of many blogs in this series.. Watch out for more in the future.. If you loved it, leave me a comment letting me know other ways you like to wind down online.. Thanks!
I don’t know anyone who says that hate going to the spa.. The setting alone just puts you into a relaxed mood.. The smells and sounds (or lack there of) when you walk into a Day Spa just are wonderful.. There is a way to have this at home and it doesn’t cost very much.. Most spas have a waterfall or some type of water noise in the background, this can be achieved with a small home waterfall (fountain if you will) for as little as $9.95 which I found on Amazon
http://www.spaindex.com/HomeSpa/HomeSpa.htm
There is so many on there it’s a great bookmarkable website to come back to for numerous nights of at home treatments. It has recipes for facial, body, hands and feet, bath, lips, and hair… It also has some for men and teens.. And for different household items that can be made homemade, cough syrup, bug repellent, sunblock, and a few other things that can keep your family from using chemicals (better for the planet too!)..
Once you have completed all the spa treatments you want, draw a bath and use either one of the bath treatments in the link or some of your favorite bubble bath and relax.. For an extra spa feeling, you can get a bag of tea light candles at Wal-Mart for about $4 ((20 or more to a bag) and they are unscented not to interfere with your spa therapy. The bath and candles really make for a great atmosphere for relaxing.
It’s really nice if you have someone to give you a really nice massage to complete out your day of at home spa treatment, KY has a really nice line of massage oils in two different scents. You can check them out their site ky.com they also have a massage guide on there that is printable in PDF format to help out your would be masseuse. I hope you enjoy this and it gives you many nights of relaxation..
I’m going to start a helpful tip section of blogs on here that I’ll post a easy way to either fix a meal or just something that can make your life much easier.. Today I received an email forward from my Mom. Usually they are cute jokes or pictures but today it included a list of helpful tips.. One of which as soon as I was finished reading the email I actually did to see if it was true.. My dryer has been taking longer than usual to dry clothes. I had noticed this the passed few times I had did laundry so I decided to try this tip. The tip is this…
If your dryer seems to be doing just as mine was, check the lint trap, I know what you are saying well duh!! Well I don’t mean just check it for lint, a lot of times the mesh in of the tray becomes clogged with lint itself.. The test of how to know whether or not this is your problem.. Take your link tray and run a little bit of water onto it, if the water pools on the tray then it needs to be cleaned.. I did just this it said to use warm water and soap and a brush (I used an old toothbrush) and scrubbed all the mesh and when I rinsed it out no more pooling! So I dried it off with a towel and replaced it in my dryer and my load of clothes were done in half the time! Try this and then if it doesn’t work, call the repair man!