Check Your Credit Score

Today, our credit score is more precious to us than ever. Banks are getting stricter with their loan policies, and many of us are pinching pennies. While I don't think we have experienced the Great Depression like our great-great grandparents experienced in the 1920's...we have come awfully close. 


Checking your credit at least once a year is also important with the rising problems of identity theft. Identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. Every year, you are allowed to check your credit report. Some companies will even give you your free credit score.


I myself am a victim of identity theft. I was in my early 20's trying to get a loan to pay off my braces. It was great that my loan officer knew my family personally and had known that we hadn't lived anywhere else but Illinois. There were debts owed to utility companies in Texas and a few other places. It was hectic trying to get those removed from my credit report. I had to mail letters showing proof of where I lived and my identity. 


If you are interested in more about your credit report, you should file to receive your FreeScore.  Finding out where you stand with your credit is very important -Not to mention-making sure nobody has stolen your identity. 

Shout-Out to Blue Sky Scrubs: Need Scrubs?

If you are just starting out a new job as an RN or working in a nursing home, or anywhere else that you need a pair of scrubs, you should check out Blue Sky Scrubs at: http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Men/

Many of the jobs that are still in need are RN's. If you have had training and attended school for the position, then you may be in luck. With an economy that has been shaky, and the U.S. feeling the recession, jobs have been lacking-but one job that always seems to be in need is an RN.

As you begin your new RN position and you need nurse uniforms and supplies, then you can take your shopping list to Blue Sky Scrubs. 

Spending the Holidays with Family

 Traveling Down Memory Lane                       

Since about 2 years ago when grandma Cherry passed away, I think about her a lot during the holidays. I was looking at some of the old photos that were posted with her online obituary and I came across one when she was younger. In a way-it reminded me of myself. I never realized it before, but if you look close, I kind of looked like her... With this new realization, it makes me feel just a little bit closer to her again ... 

With an economy already unstable, not only does that make the holidays rough, but sometimes it's still hard not having those that you loved with you during a time that is described as happiness and cheer. 

The holidays is definitely a time for family. And even if there are those in your family who are without jobs this season, or are having trouble struggling financially-you can at least be thankful that you have each other. Spend the holidays with your family and hold them close. A hug is always worth more than a wrapped up gift... 

Save Energy & Money Washing and Drying Your Clothes

Many appliance companies are developing products to help customers save energy and reduce costs in our power bills. Also, with a shaky economy, it is more important than ever to save money wherever we can. 

Most of us do laundry at least a few times a weeks. Those with larger families do laundry almost every day. Instead of doing many small loads, you should always full loads. This will save on money and the cost of running your laundry machine. Use cold water each time to wash your clothes too. Many detergents are now specialized to use with cold water.

To save on money using your dryer, you should take out clothes that dry quicker halfway through the drying process. During warm and sunny days, instead of using your dryer, hang your clothes out on the line. It won't take any energy at all to dry your clothes naturally. Our ancestors dried their clothes this way-why can't we use inherit some of their habits?

If we use these tips to save money and energy when washing our clothes, our wallet and planet will thank us...

Central IL Hometown Poetry Club in the News

I have a poetry club that has been together since 2005.


While we are a small group, we keep on trudging along, trying to bring inspiration and happiness with poetry. We are always on the lookout for new members, and welcome any type of poet with open arms. 


Awhile back, I was interviewed by an online magazine about my club. The magazine centers around taking care of those in nursing homes. I was quite surprised to get the call. I have been waiting for quite some time, wondering if it had ever been published. After not hearing for quite awhile, I pretty much gave up.


Just recently, I found the link while doing some Google research--seeing where my website ranked, etc. The story about my club reading at the nursing home had been published!--back in February....And now--8 months later--I find out....Better late than never!....


It is a lovely article.  You can see the article about my club reading at the Arcola Healthcare Center by clicking on the link below:
http://www.caringfortheages.com/news/ltc-features/single-article/facilities-find-residents-receptive-to-poetry/1b6ebf73d917f373abd0d1109e29933f.html


One of our other hopes of the club is to gain more members... If you are in the central IL area and enjoy poetry or know of others who are, our club is always in search of new poets....Read more about our club at: 
http://www.arianacherry.biz/poetryclub.html

Tuning in to the new Ringer TV show

Guest post written by Anna Castle


I really get excited for the fall season because of two different things, fashion and TV. I know that there will be all kinds of really great clothes filling up shop windows and clothing racks that I can't wait to try on and buy. But I also love watching the new seasons of all my favorite shows in the fall. It seems like there are some really great shows premiering this season too. I've been watching the show The Ringer with Sarah Michelle Gellar in it and I love it so far!


My favorite type of TV show is drama and this one is really fitting the bill for me. I was online reading an interview she did about teh show when I ran across some info on direct tv bundles. I showed it to my husband and after that we decided to change over our internet and tv to one of those bundles.


My husband and I are both wondering what the big thing the bad twin's up to is on the The Ringer TV show

Life, Family and Friends

One moment you are living your life just like you do every day. You take the kids to school, go to work, come home, cook dinner, watch some T.V. or get on the computer and then go to bed. Every once in awhile, you see a movie, have date night with your spouse, or get together with your family. 


One day can change all of that. It can be an incredibly happy day and the next day, you can be shocked with news. I have advice to all of you. Appreciate your friends and family every day-no matter how mad they may make you at times. They are the only ones you have. In the last few years, it just has seemed like I have started to lose those that are close to me in life.  I've lost my grandmother (my father's mom) whom I loved so dearly, I've felt like some of my friends have drifted apart, my father-in-law lost his mother, and some of my family have been really sick.  And now just recently, another special close friend of mine has passed away unexpectedly.


This is what I fear about getting older. Losing the ones that I love the most. You can be going about in life, and then one day-somebody's gone. You don't get to pick up the phone anymore, you don't get to hug them hello and goodbye....they are gone. ....Although, one day, as I believe, we should all meet again in Heaven..in eternity. And I so hope that I do, because I miss so many so dearly...


So remember, tell your friends and family that you love them today.... You just never know when your last goodbye will be....


I've come up with a poem about Life's Philosophy in the thoughts of all of this. Feel free to read it at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8991393/lifes_philosophy.html?cat=34