The Green Onion in Champaign, Illinois

I've been a sucker for Chinese food for some time now. I enjoy visiting all kinds of Chinese restaurants and trying out the buffets-sushi included! For awhile, I wanted to try to copy some of the same recipes to make in my own kitchen-especially the sushi! That way I can have it anytime that I want.

Just as you area heading into Champaign,Illinois, you will find a unique little market located at 2020 South Neil Street. It's also across from the turn-off to drive into the movie theater too. While you are waiting for your movie time-why not stop in at the market!...or go in afterward, and pick up the ingredients for a Chinese dinner at home.

t the Green Onion, you will find seaweed wrap to make sushi, a variety of rice, Chinese noodles, vegetables, fish, chicken, sauces-about everything you need to make anything off the menu at your favorite Chinese restaurant... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

POEM: "The Lonely One" (Bullying Ends Now)

My daughter told me how their school was having an assembly on bullying. 

So many schools need to do this-at least twice a year. Sometimes children are so afraid to speak out when kids are making fun of them. 

I was a target of bullying when I was in school. Kids used to make fun and tease me almost every day-it got worse when I got into junior high and high school. There were a some days I felt alone, but the few friends that I did have-stood by me....along with a few teachers too....



I wrote a small poem about conquering bullying and thought I would share it.......





The Lonely One (Bullying Ends Now)

So you thought I was the odd one?..
I was the one that you didn't think fit in...
I stood in the corner all alone
while you laughed.
You thought you were strong...

Well friend, today, let me tell you-
You were wrong.

You might have gotten me down,
or thought it was funny
when I would frown.
Because of something mean
that you said.

Maybe back then,
I didn't have the strength,
So I just let you win.

I didn't have the heart
to tell you,
how you tore mine apart.

Well friend, today,
Let me make up
for what I didn't say.

I don't care what you say,
Because it doesn't matter today.
I've moved on,
and I don't even care where you have gone.

Never again, will I let someone back me into a corner
and pretend that I was nothing.
Never again will anybody laugh at me
Because they thought I looked funny.

I'll never be the lonely one.
Because you know what?
I'm done...

with you.
Now I'm stronger.

How to Keep Your Children Busy During Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation

Thanksgiving begins to roll around again, and it's time to make the big family dinner. Some may decide to prepare a day or two before the big holiday, and others may prepare even a week before! Although, sometimes life just gets in the way, and it can be difficult trying to find the time to prepare ahead of time.

Not only are you anxious and excited about the big Thanksgiving dinner, but so are your children. It can be hard to keep them entertained while you are busy in the kitchen preparing the main course and side dishes. Although, if you don't want the added stress of spending extra time in the kitchen, you can always ask your guests to bring their favorite side dishes as well.

As your family comes "home" for the holidays, usually, that means cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. The kitchen can become quite crowded with little ones running around. Small children all have a general curiosity and really just want to know what is going on in the kitchen...and the big question: "When is it going to be finished?" Children are also the ones who like to touch and taste all of the food cooking too, so it's hard to keep a watchful eye on them and the dishes that are cooking.

How does the Thanksgiving chef keep the children busy and entertained while the dinner is being prepared in the kitchen?...Click here to find out how!

Tips for Buying a Thanksgiving Turkey

Tips for Buying a Thanksgiving Turkey

"All of the tricks have been played
And the treats have been tasted.

Soon, November will roll in,
and all of those October Autumn moments
will be memories that we have painted...
to keep in our hearts forever...

In no time, we will share a Thanksgiving table
with friends and family whom we adore
Savoring the tastes of love and good food
with a priceless flavor..."

-Ariana R. Cherry

It seems that as soon as Halloween is over, and we've put away our costumes, we are putting the turkey in the oven. Time flies by so fast. Although, in October, in our minds, we just might be planning that Thanksgiving dinner and what we will be cooking. For some, it's a matter of just fixing a few side dishes and heading over to our parents, in-laws, grandparents or even friends. Others like to fix a nice dinner right at home, with all of the amenities and comfort not too far out of reach.

For those who enjoy the traditional turkey, we must start checking out prices in our nearby grocery stores and finding the best sale. If you buy it too early, you risk spending too much, but if you wait too long-you also could risk not getting the brand or size you had in mind either. Usually about the first week or two in November is sometimes the best time to buy the bird. Click here to continue reading this article.

Handcrafted Beaded Bracelets for Sale

In my free time, I also create handmade jewelry sometimes. I have a couple of cute handmade beaded bracelets for sale. Recently I have created an Etsy store-although I still have some products to list. Currently, there are two products that are listed for sale. I have posted them below if you would like to see them. Thanks for looking! ( I also accept Paypal for payment too). 

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Blue and White Polka-Dot Bead & Button Bracelet

**ONE SIZE FITS ALL***

A unique hand-strung beaded bracelet.

A unique and pretty handcrafted bracelet with a polka-dotted blue button,turquoise chips, swarvoski crystals, cat-eye beads and pearls. 

This bracelet stretches, so you don't have to worry about hooking it with a pesky clasp. 

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This is a unique hand-crafted bracelet and there aren't any other ones like it. 

It is stretchable so there is no fuss with extra clasps. It is very easy to just slip on and go ! :) 

Stretch bracelets are great for those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome or other hand pains. They are also ideal for those mornings that you are in a hurry and you don't have time to mess with a clasp!

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                                                         The Christine Bracelet

This is a unique type of handcrafted bracelet. It comes with a character ACEO card. "Christine" is fun, stylish and also sweet. Her bracelet has been strung with designer glass beads, flower buttons, and polka-dot buttons. The bracelet has been designed to stretch, which makes it easy to slip on and go. 

This is the FIRST bracelet of the "character bracelets" line from Sentimental Jewelry... Let your personality shine through with the "Christine" bracelet. 

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This is a unique hand-crafted bracelet and there aren't any other ones like it. 

It is stretchable so there is no fuss with extra clasps. It is very easy to just slip on and go ! :) 

Stretch bracelets are great for those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome or other hand pains. They are also ideal for those mornings that you are in a hurry and you don't have time to mess with a clasp!

How to Save Cash When Traveling to Your Home Away from Home

As fall has arrived, it also means that winter isn't too far away. While the bulk of us will stay to endure the snow and cold chill, there will be some who decide to travel south to escape winter. One common place that many people will travel to for the winter is Florida. 

You can enjoy the beach year round in Florida and enjoy temperatures that hardly ever get near freezing. Plus, the only thing you scoop in Florida is sand-there usually isn't any snow to shovel. Some rent a place to stay while others already own their own vacation real estate that they reside in during the winter months. 

Traveling can often be expensive. You have the cost of plane tickets, buying a new wardrobe to adjust to the weather temperatures, common hygiene items and food. If you already own a vacation home, then you may already have it furnished, but you will have to restock everything else for the length of your stay. 

Since expenses can add up as you get adjusted for the new few months, you can find ways to save money. You can often check the Internet for coupon websites or even visit the company's Facebook sites. Brands often offer discounts on their Facebook or Twitter pages to offer savings to consumers-this can encourage you to buy from them. Sometimes even flight companies offer savings for travel expenses too. If you plan ahead for your trip, you can begin collecting savings from a variety of Internet resources. 

Those who plan on traveling over-seas for the winter, can also find savings too. There are also international coupon websites to browse as well. You can find hotel savings and even specific holiday savings. 

When you can save a few dollars, no matter where you are traveling to, you can have more cash to purchase the items that you need to get settled into your vacation home. 

Signs by www.Signazon.com

I had another wonderful sign created for me to advertising my writing business, and this one was just as pretty! They actually created a design from my current logo and came up with the sign to the left. I just love it! 

This sign was created by www.Signazon.com. They offer a variety of great services for all types of businesses. The customer service was great to work with, and gave quick service too!

The company designs signs, Window decals,  car magnet signs,custom vinyl banners, and real estate signs. 

My Rural Freelance Writer sign was easy to put on my door, bright, vibrant and very colorful! I like it a lot. If my business continues to grow, perhaps I may have Signazon create another sign. I definitely recommend these guys, as they do awesome work!

Thank you  Signazon for this pretty sign! :) I appreciate your hard work!

Proud to be an American

Say a prayer for those who lost their life on 9/11. 

And don't forget why you should be proud to be an American

GOD BLESS THE USA

In Remembrance of Sept. 11th , 2001  The day that America cried, The day that we as a nation, almost lost our pride. ‘Tis was a sad and heartfelt day, I believe that the memories will never fade away. Our heroes who fought for their lives to save the next target, The heroes who worked day and night, to rescue the wounded This was the time that our nation came together as one, As we united and mourned together of the tragic events that struck our life America and its generation will never be the same, Or will we live without fear or pain… Our minds are grief stricken… Our hearts are broken… This is a time for healing, A time for uniting A time to pray Not to run away… America, our nation, we are scared and hurting for those at war, For those who lost their lives. But we as a people, Shall stand together, To unite and protect Our fathered land.

Halloween on a Poor Man's Budget

Halloween will be here before you know it, and some may be worried about having to spend a lot of money on candy or Halloween costumes. There are several ways to enjoy the Halloween holiday without having to break the bank. It's time to get out your imagination and find out how to put your creativity to use for Halloween. 

Check out the article, "Halloween on a Poor Man's Budget," to find out how you can save money this Halloween. 

Back to School Poem

Labor Day has officially come and gone, and almost every kid will have started or be heading back to school. The dog days of summer are ending and fall will be in full swing soon. Leaves will be falling from the trees and the smell of roasting marshmallows around the campfire will be lingering around the neighborhood late into the evenings. 

Heading back to school creates new memories for children and brings back old ones for adults. School is a place to learn and to grow. 

To remember some of your old school memories and get ready for back to school with your children, check out this "Back to School" poem that I have written for your enjoyment. 

CLICK HERE TO READ "BACK TO SCHOOL" poem. 

Create Your Dream Burger at Champaign, Illinois's Meatheads

When you are craving a juicy hamburger with all of our favorite fixings, look no further than the Meatheads restaurant in Champaign, Illinois. You can order your favorite burger, a chicken sandwich or hotdog and then add all of your desired toppings. Add some french fries (which are hand-cut daily from 100% fresh Idaho Potatoes) and your favorite soda (or a hand-dipped milk-shake!).

At Meatheads, you can build your own burger or order from the ones that are available on the menu. One type of burger that you can order is the Texas Ranch that includes 1/3 lb Angus Beef and ranch sauce. Get a burst of flavors with the Californian that includes toppings such as cucumber wasabi sauce and avocado.
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING ABOUT MEATHEADS RESTAURANT AND THEIR DELICIOUS HAMBURGERS!

New 911 Signs Available in Moultrie County, Illinois

(*Special note: this was first published in the Sullivan News Progress newspaper)....

Green Reflective Signs Offer Quicker Response Time

It is impossible to predict when an emergency is going to happen. At any moment of the day, a fire can strike, a friend or relative could fall or a small child could choke on an object. What is the worst case scenario? The ambulance or police being unable to find your home.

When there is an emergency, you want help as soon as possible. The simpler it is for a rescue team to find you, the quicker it is for them to provide help. Sullivan fireman, Rob Young, is wanting to make it easier for response teams to find an address in an emergency situation. Recently, the Sullivan Fire Department has begun distributing green reflective signs to both residents and business owners in Moultrie County.

“This project started three years ago. The Lincoln Fire Department in Mattoon has already began handing out reflective signs. Charleston and Lerna have also been distributing them. I thought that these signs would also be helpful for the people of Moultrie county,” explained Young.

The new green reflective signs display the first part of a resident or business's 911 address. They can be placed on a front porch, mailbox or a post in the front yard.

Right now, there is no ordinance stating that these signs are mandatory. While people have a choice whether to buy one or not, Young feels that they could be helpful for the community. “The signs are good for the fire department, the police and the sheriff. There will be no question if we have the right house or not. They also allow for a quick response time because the address sticks out and makes it easy to find. We will be able to find an address day or night,”he stated.

Some people in Moultrie county are already taking advantage of the new reflective signs. “We have sold over 300 signs in our area already,” estimated Young. “The signs are not just for residents, it's for anybody in Moultrie County that wants these signs,” he clarified. Young continued on to offer some advice."I'd like to urge everybody to get a sign because it helps everybody respond more efficiently. It helps all of us.”

If you would like to get a green reflective sign, you can request one at the Sullivan Fire Department by giving a $20 donation. Checks can be written out to the Sullivan Fire Department. To request a sign, you must provide your name, 911 address and phone number. The donation will help the Sullivan Fire Department and allow a quicker response time in the event of an emergency. For more information, you can visit the Sullivan Fire Department's website at: http://www.sullfire.org or call them at

217-728-8714.

Running for St. Jude

Recently, I got to write an article about a fundraiser for St. Jude that is being held in my area. It is so amazing what some of these people do to raise money for the children. When people do something great to help others, it really can light up people's lives.... Below is the article that was submitted to an area newspaper that I write for... 


Perhaps maybe you can think of some ways that you can raise money for the children of St. Jude too...


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St. Jude Fundraiser

According to the St. Jude Hospital website, about 7,800 patients are seen each year. It takes around $1.7 million a day to operate St. Jude Hospital. Donations from the public provide more than 75% of the hospital's funding. For the past 50 years, the hospital has increased the rate of survival in children. In 1962, the rate was only 20%. Because of their efforts today, children have an 80% chance of surviving.

A very special group of people are doing their part to raise money for St. Jude right here in Moultrie county. Last year, the group raised over $42,000 by running for St. Jude.

This year, their dedication is still just as strong. The runners hope to beat the $42,000 that was raised last year. With even more people signing up to join the cause, there's a possibility that it could happen.

“There are approximately 45 runners along with drivers and other volunteers that have sacrificed two days of their time to raise money for the kids of St. Jude,” stated Kali Taylor, coach of the Sullivan H.S. Girls track team, who is organizing this year's run.

The second annual St. Jude Mattoon-Peoria run is set to take place Friday, July 20 through the 21^st. “We will leave Riddle Elementary at 8 a.m. sharp. The public is invited to send us off on our 140 mile journey towards Peoria. We will be traveling on five motor homes along with an emergency vehicle equipped with EMT's, a music vehicle from WMCI 101.3 out of Mattoon and a chase vehicle,” informed Taylor.

In order to participate in the fundraiser, each runner is required to raise $750. 100% of the profits will go to St. Jude. The group of runners are a variety of individuals from all walks of life. “Our runners range from seasoned veterans with marathons under their belt, weekend warriors, rookies just getting started and long time runners looking to use their gift to help others. Some are strangers, some are long time friends but by the end of the run we all become family,” Taylor stated. There are 29 other cities, along with a team from Memphis, who also participate in the run to Peoria too. The team from Memphis make the 465 mile trip by foot to join in.

Taylor explained how the run for St. Jude worked. “St. Jude rules require that two runners be on the road at all times, always wearing reflective vests and staying to the side of the road. An emergency vehicle follows the runners the entire way to Peoria. The first 9/10th of a mile will be run by all runners and volunteers as well as the last leg across the bridge into Peoria. The motor homes travel ahead to the next stop while the runners are out on the road.”

Taylor is very grateful to be part of such an amazing event. “This was such a life changing experience for me personally that I can't imagine not being a part of this for the rest of my life. After running the Boston Marathon twice and reaching the 'Olympics' or holy grail for runners, I was looking for a new challenge. A friend mentioned the St. Jude run and after hearing about it, I immediately said yes without hesitation. Two of my cousins underwent bone marrow transplants and I was at the hospital for both to witness them getting their 'bags of gold'. It is amazing to see new life.”

Angie Del Ponte who participated in last year's event, will also be running this year. There's only thing that inspires her to run each year. “The kids. You get all cranky and hot from running and all you want is a shower. You are also hungry and you just want to eat. But once you see the kids, you appreciate everything that you have done. They all treat you like movie stars... It's amazing to see the kids and how happy they are to see you.”

Del Ponte's husband, Marc, also takes part in the fundraiser for St. Jude. Last year he was a volunteer and helped navigate. This year, he made the decision to become a runner. What inspired him to become a runner? “The kids,” he simply answered.

If running isn't something that comes easy to you, there are other ways to raise money for St. Jude too. Amber Righter, organized a quarter auction to raise money for the event on June 28^th at the Sullivan Methodist Church. “Over $600 was raised. A retail value of $1,100 of products were auctioned off,” quoted Righter.

While Righter honestly admitted she wasn't much of a runner, she did say what inspired her to hold an auction for St. Jude. “Its' for the kids. I wanted to be able to help with the run in a different way.” Righter's six year old daughter, Hannah, also took part in her own way too. “She drew pictures and people were buying them at the auction. Hannah even asked me, 'Mommy, do you think $6 is enough to pay for their medicine?' After that, I knew that as a parent, I was doing something right! I don't think there is anything that can make your heart smile more than kids helping kids,” beamed Righter.

A number of vendors took part in the quarter auction held by Righter. The vendors included: Gold Canyon Candles, Mary Kay, Norwex, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Longaberger, Just Jewelry, Thirty-One, Argonne, Shabby Chic, Tastefully Simple and Jamberry Nails. Two businesses also made donations to the auction as well. The Flower Pot gave a $10 gift card and I Tan & Fitness donated 10 Session of kettle bell classes.

Righter couldn't have been more pleased with the turn-out of her auction. “It was a huge turn out and very successful. I was overwhelmed at the turnout and couldn't have been more excited to raise the money.”

Donations for St Jude are still being accepted. If you are interested in making a donation, write your check out to St. Jude and get in contact with any of the St. Jude runners. You can also contact WMCI 101.3 and listen to any announcements regarding the fundraiser for St. Jude.

Need Web Content? Special Article Package

Every website needs updated content. 


It is what keeps your visitors coming back. A website doesn't need a major overhaul-it just needs a little bit of change every now and then. I would like to provide your website with fresh content each week. 


Currently, I have a web special for content. 
You can order 20 articles from me for $100. 
With this package, you will get 5 fresh articles per week. You can take time to promote your website instead of having to write content. I'll take care of keeping your website fresh while you do your marketing or create products. 


Although, if you are unsure about ordering a full package, 
you can test me out first. 
I will write an article for your website (400-450 words) for $5.50. 


For more information about my writing services, check out my webpage at:
http://www.arianacherry.biz/yourwebcontent.html
or send me an email at yourwebcontent@yahoo.com 

My Sign from Signs on the Cheap

I received my sign from Signs on the Cheap the other day. It's pretty snazzy. The photo is on the left of this blog post. It will be used to just advertise my writing business. I will probably sit it out in my yard somewhere. 

The crew does a really good job and they really care about the quality-as I exchanged a few emails with them until the photo was just right. 

If you need many signs, you can order 99 of them for $100 (that's a little less than $1 per sign!).....

You can check their website out at: http://www.signsonthecheap.com/ for more information on designing and ordering a sign (or two...or more)....

Arthur, IL Freedom Celebration: Saturday, June 30th: Spectacular Firework Display!

Arthur, home of the largest firework display in central Illinois, will be lighting up the sky with colorful fireworks this Saturday, June 30. In past years, Arthur has had thousands of people come to town to see the popular firework show.

“Last year was probably our best show. There were probably about 20,000 people in town,” quoted Tim Singer, the Arthur Fireworks Chairman. “We hired a new contractor, Central States Fireworks of Athens, IL last year, and they will be returning again this year. I hope for another good show from them ,” Singer stated.

John Weitekamp, the lead designer of Central States Fireworks, is a 12 year veteran of fireworks. He carefully crafts the design and implementation of each show. The Arthur Rotary Club, The Village of Arthur, CBM Plastics Inc, Tri-County Welding and The Arthur Park Board will be sponsoring the fireworks and Freedom Celebration this Saturday.

Not only is the Freedom Celebration popular for launching fireworks, but it's also a big day for business in Arthur. “We have been told the restaurants, service stations and some other businesses have their best day of the year the day during the Arthur Fireworks. Any time you bring people to Arthur for an event, it is an opportunity to showcase the town and people always come back,” Singer explained.

The Freedom Celebration will kick off the day with a parade beginning at 1pm. Parade line-up begins at noon at the Old Progress Tank Facility at 402 East Progress Street. The parade's theme is “United We Stand.”

At 4pm, in Jurgens Park, (south of the high school off Route 133), events throughout the evening will feature an air show with skydivers, helicopter rides, and, possibly, a World War II aircraft. Helicopter rides will cost $20 per person. Food and drink stands, as well as inflatable games will also be available. Handicapped parking will be accessible to those who are in need.

Crowd members gathered at the park will have a chance to catch 2012 Arthur Firework T-shirts that will be launched by the Arthur Fire Department. The rural aviator will also be dropping t-shirts from a powered parachute over the country roads (weather permitting). Between 5 and 6pm, the WWII aircraft is expected to make its appearance. Then, about an hour before the fireworks, sky-divers from the Mid Illinois Sport parachute club will fall from the sky onto the football field. The National Anthem will be played as the last sky-diver lands, carrying the American Flag.

Central States Fireworks will begin launching off their fireworks at approximately 9:30pm in Jurgens Park. “The giant fireworks display will feature an exceptional array of shells from around the world, including many American specialties,” said Mark Jones, the Rotary Club Fireworks Commissioner.

Some of the featured fireworks this year include a “Cube Shell’ that forms a three-dimensional cube, the wall of fire and the ultimate fireball. The show will also be bringing back the popular-requested rural patriot, who will ride his horse through the “Niagara Falls” while carrying the American Flag. Those watching the firework show, will enjoy music broadcast by the 106.7 radio station team. They simulcast the music in time to the fireworks. This year's display is expected to last about 24 minutes long.

Singer, (Arthur Fireworks Chairman), believes that Arthur puts on a memorable firework show that encourages people to return year after year. He explained the key ingredients to putting on such a successful event: “We have built a reputation of providing a first class show over the 15 years the Rotary Club has sponsored the show. There is no other show that has the flame effects built into their show like ours and none as entertaining. Add in the WWII aircraft, skydivers and powered parachutes, there is something to watch from 4:00 until the show begins. Families can come and enjoy the show for free and not spend a dime. Or they can enjoy the concessions and helicopter rides. It is a family oriented event that kicks off the celebration of the birth of our great nation.” 

ACEO Art on eBay

I have enjoyed drawing since I was a little kid. 


My grandma always said, "keep it up!" and always advised me to keep practicing so that I would get better. 


Recently, I see that there are artists selling their art in a neat little collectible way. They call it ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals). It is art that has been put on little cards that are about the same size as a sports card. 


You can buy blank ones that have been designed for mixed media, drawing, oil painting, pastel and water-color.  I have purchased the mixed media, because I like to combine pencil, markers, pen and whatever else I can get my hands on. 


My favorite thing to draw are cartoon figures. I can draw a person, but I have always had trouble drawing the human anatomy. Drawing cartoons allows me to draw simple bodies without having all of the extra detail.

There are many people who are creating and trading their cards on eBay. Many of them are drawings, while others are oil and water-color paintings too. If you would like to see what eBay has, simply type ACEO into the search, and it will bring up many of the listings. 


I have started to place some of my own ACEO on eBay. You can check out my auction listings by clicking HERE.

Need a Sign? :) Check out Signs on the Cheap

We use signs for many things throughout our daily lives. Signs are used for selling items, promoting businesses or sharing our political party choice. Signs are great for advertising.


http://www.signsonthecheap.com/  offer affordable choices to help you create your own personal sign. Currently, they have a special package that allows you to order 100 signs for $99!



You can create your own sign by using their online website template or use one of their starter templates that will help inspire your design. They offer signs in categories such as business, contract, political, real estate and bandit signs.  Once you have finished your design, you can also order your stakes and frames for your sign too. It's an online one-stop sign shop for all of your needs. 


The Rural Freelance Writer here-will be using their services soon too :) Once I receive the finished sign, I will be posting a photo of their work. I can't wait to get started and post it out in my yard! :)


If you have a need for a sign that will work for your budget, check out http://www.signsonthecheap.com . They will be happy to assist you. 

Cheap Yard Signs

A Guide to Using Pinterest

Social networks are developing all over the web at a rapid rate. As technology has evolved, we have become social creatures of the Internet.

We crave social interaction...on the Internet. Many of us already spend hours on the popular social network website, Facebook. Sometimes, newer networks may take some time to rise above the more popular ones, so they go unnoticed for a while. Recently though, one network has working hard to join the high ranks of the Internet social revolution: Pinterest.

The Pinterest Network allows users to share and repin images with their friends and other followers. Members of Pinterest can create boards organized into different categories such as my life, for the home, design, art, and a number of others too. Within the categories, a member then "pins images" to a specific board. Pinterest is similar to "window shopping," -only it's on the Internet.

 

Participating on the social network, Pinterest is pretty simple... Point, click and then "pin" your image... Then type in a URL and description of your image. Not only is Pinterest simple to use, it is a useful tool for writers...Click here to continue reading....

Living on a Budget Doesn't Have to Mean Losing Out

In this day, as the economy continues to move up and down and it is more important than ever for families to stick to a budget. Nobody's job is ever completely "safe,' and the hours at work are never guaranteed. We must all learn to live within our own means.

Thankfully (and knock on wood),my husband and I still have our jobs. We appreciate each day that we can provide food for our family and a roof over our head. We don't ever take anything for granted and also live each day at a time. While we pay our rent, utilities, groceries and things that our daughter needs, there is looming debt that we do try to make payments on... Although there is debt-we do stick to a budget too. .. So how do we do it?

Groceries: Shop Sales/Shop Cheap

While there is a local grocery store in our small town, we do shop out of town at least twice a month. We try not to drive out of town more than two times in a month. If we have to go out of town, or we are with other family members, we try to make purchases as we can while we are there. This is an ideal way to save on fuel as well. 

Our groceries are purchased at discount grocery stores such as Aldi. While the bulk of our food is purchased at Aldi, we do buy our hygiene needs at Wal-Mart. The maximum that we usually spend on a grocery trip to Aldi is never more than $100. When my husband and I shop at Wal-Mart, we split up certain items, so that neither one of us is carrying the load of the over-all price. If we really need a certain item (such as milk, bread, eggs, etc), we buy it on sale at our local grocery store. We hardly ever pay full price for an item at a local grocery store.

Entertainment


Click here to continue reading about how my family and I stick to a budget...

Hamburgers: One of The Best Sandwiches to Arrive in America

The hamburger has been a popular food of America for years. It is a favorite sandwich served at fast food restaurants and can be dressed up with a variety of condiments. Hamburgers are also popular at family cookouts, being served fresh off the grill on a tasty bun. Some like to add their own seasonings and sauces to liven up the meat, making it their own recipe. For some Americans, the hamburger is perhaps even-a way of life... 

History of the Hamburger

People have been eating ground meat for thousands of years. At the start of the 15th century, minced beef was actually considered a delicacy in Europe. Then in the 1600's, in the German port of Hamburg, Russian steak tartare was shipped to Germany. The people named it, “tartare steak.”....

Click here to continue reading about "The Hamburger." 

Strawberry Jam in Arthur, Illinois June 1st and 2nd 2012

It began in the 1950's as merchant sidewalk sales... The “strawberry festival” idea evolved when a strawberry social was taking place south of the Otto Center in Arthur, Illinois. There was plenty of sweet juicy strawberry pies and other delicious food that attracted visitors to the quaint little town. 


Now, that little social has been born into what Arthur has created as “The Strawberry Jam.” Those who love that juicy tart, yet sometimes sweet fruit can enjoy a festival that is all about strawberries. Arthur will be celebrating the Strawberry Jam Festival once again this late spring on June 1 and 2nd, 2012. 

Vendors who line the sidewalk try to include at least some type of strawberry theme to their stand. Food stands will add at least one strawberry item to their menus.


Click here to continue reading more about the Arthur, Illinois Strawberry Jam Festival...

CoPro Assists Consumers from Becoming Victims of Fraud

Americans get scammed in some way every year. According to Daily Finance.com, American consumers lost $1.7 billion because of financial scams such as fraudulent debt collectors, fake lotteries, identity theft and counterfeit checks. 


And if you think that information is scary, consider this: These kinds of scams are happening in your hometown.

According to an interview with Sullivan, Ill., Police Chief John Love, there are many records of scams that have happened in our area. Sadly, most of those who become victims are seniors. Most seniors have grandchildren, so they become easy targets. Love explains one scam that happens often. "One common scam is when a person receives a phone call stating that their grandchild has been in an accident or is in jail. The caller informs the senior that they must transfer the money to help them pay bond or to help pay for the accident. The scammer also advises the person to make sure that they do not tell anybody else. When that grandparent receives this call, they are scared and worried for their grandchild, so they easily give up their banking account information." 


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Family Restaurant: Greenview Grill in Sullivan, IL

Partners Tim Lappin (of Bethany) and Matt Wilson (of Sullivan) opened Sullivan Country-Club restaurant,Greenview Grill, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The two are excited to be opening up a restaurant together in this area.

The restaurant business is not unfamiliar territory to both Tim and Matt. Together, they both have about 30 years of restaurant experience. Tim Lappin was the previous owner of Jibby's and Matt Wilson was the manager at Hickory River. They couldn't be happier to have a chance to run the new establishment-as the way it happened was merely by accident...

Click here to continue reading more about Greenview Grill in Sullivan, IL

**You can also read more about restaurants and food in the Illinois area by clicking here too...

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers know that being a mom isn't easy, but we sure all give it our best. What all mothers remember, is the love that their own mother provided for them... And that is what we hang onto as we learn to teach our own children...


Below is a special mother's day poem for all moms out there... May they be remembered on Mother's day and every day of the year...


A Mother's Love is for Eternity-Click here to read...

Source: voices.yahoo.com via Ariana on Pinterest

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