Financial Advisor Wanted

I really need to get our finances in order. We've done a really good job at getting and staying out of debt, and we are able to chunk away quite a bit of savings. Which is ever so helpful! But what else should we be doing? Is there a way to invest smartly without quite as much risk to our future? Mind you, we are in the safe zone. We could afford to be a bit more risky because we are far enough from retirement to earn it back. Still--the idea of losing money at any amount is just not acceptable to me. I need to find a newcastle financial adviser to help us figure out where to go from just getting by with a little extra! I've got four kids to put through college--weddings to pay for--and a luxury retirement of my dreams! I need to start now!

A Defining Lawsuit

Did you hear about this woman? Her name is Jammie Thomas and she is a 30 year old single mom. She was ordered to pay six record companies that sued her $9,250 for each of 24 songs they focused on in the case. They had alleged she shared 1,702 songs in all.

She is claiming it wasn't her, and her attorney believes that no one proved that it was actually this woman online sharing these songs. That is a big deal to me--I do have kids, and if it were to come down to something online--would I be charged with things that they do? Of course! I would go to jail if my kids skip school in some states. In others I have to take out an addition $15,000 insurance policy just so my child can get a drivers license. Finally--Parents are being required to "PARENT"! If you don't want the penalty--watch what your kids are doing!

Bed & Breakfast Wishes

We leave for Europe in just over a week! I can't wait! I've never been there before--and I think our itinerary is just perfect! The right amount of time in each locale so that we can soak up as much of the area as possible. I really wanted to find bed and breakfasts in the areas we were going to be, but the kent bed and breakfast I found, was just too far away to be feasible. It was a disappointment! I just really thing a trip to England should be lived to the fullest--and that does NOT include a stint at a fancy hotel!

Friday Night

It's Friday night! I think it is so amazing how fast the weeks go by when school starts. It seems like it's Monday and the next day is Friday. What happens to all of the days in between. Tonight we are having the cousins over for a sleep over. Kind of something for me to do before I dump my four kids off on my sister for a week.

I think we will order in pizza, and set up shop in the family room for the boys. Movies, popcorn--fun! The girls we'll set up some dress up upstairs in Kate's room. I think they will love that--and we will have the tea party instead of the pizza party. Of course, tonights "Tea" will consist of pizza squares and crazy bread chunks--I'm not creating two different menus. I'm just not that good!

I Wanna Slow Down

I don't have much of a schedule of my own! I have chores, I have dinner to cook, and then it's the kids schedule. Baseball practice, dance practice, study needs, homework time-you name--it's now mine--even though it isn't! My husband is the scheduled man--and if there is anyone with a "Mad Gringo" inside threatening to break out--it's him! Mr. Suit and Tie wearing, over-scheduled business manager! Poor guy!

I couldn't even picture him in a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops! That is just not him. hawaiian shirts are even more foreign than just a t-shirt. The man is never home--the man is never relaxed!

I would love to get him this "Froggy Notion" shirt. Not only is it awesome looking, but doesn't it look extremely comfortable. Heck, you could wear this shirt with khakis and dress shoes, and he could go to work in it!

The whole Mad Gringo notion is to "Slow Down" and although I know that that is relatively impossible with my husband, I think it would be a great idea to get him to take a break and relax in maybe an article of clothing or two!

Student Council

Daniel is doing really well in school which is remarkably nice. He's actually been chosen to be the class president. Really it's just a position that means he gets to represent his class on the student council. He gets to go to all of the meetings and take notes to bring back to his class. He's only in the second grade--the last school that they went to only allowed student council in grades 4-6. Knowing that--he feels completely grown up and is taking this new responsibility very seriously! It's so cute!

Viagra Availability

I find life trends so amazing. You read in the bible about men aging and having kids when they are 700 years old! Yet only a decade ago, men would lose the ability to sire offspring at a much younger age. The sex drive that is so rampant when they are younger is still there--maybe not as rampant--but in existence. But the ability to act upon the desire was not there. Until the creation of the little blue pill! Can you imagine how that has changed the life of millions of aging men everywhere?

I think it's funny to think of an old man such as Hugh Hefner with his three bimbo girlfriends and he's admitted to using the pill. Honestly, there is nothing to be embarrassed about--it's age people! I'm just glad there is a cheap viagra out there so that men from all walks of life can find that same fulfillment in their old age! If you are looking for an online pharmaceutical option for purchasing your pills--you will definitely want to check out ManOfThePeople.com, they have a comprehensive list of reputable online pharmacies to make your online purchases more convenient and safe.

I've Missed Them All

I have always looked forward to the fall season for all of the new schedules to come out on TV. I have my favorite shows that I've been waiting for. But during their hiatus' I've seemed to lose track of them. I haven't watched one new season premiere or even series premiere at all. I did want to catch the one with Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton--but apparently that one was on last night--and I missed it to!

I really have been out of the loop lately! I'm never in my bedroom long enough to set up the Tivo--let alone watch anything I would have had recorded! I'm hoping life slows down really soon!

Tequila Time

Do you enjoy a good drink? Is your taste a little more refined than that of a beer chugging, tequila shooting frat boy? Is so, then you are definitely going to want to check out The Tequila Guy! This is a website for the connoisseurs of all things Tequila. There are restaurants restaurants and even featured recipes. My husband makes a killer Tequila Lime Shrimp. He sautees garlic and shallots with lime juice and some tequila. Throws in his shrimp--tosses it--flames it and then serves it over Spanish rice. Let me tell you--it's TO DIE FOR!!

Although Blue Agave is the best tequila (if you ask him) his personal favorite is/was Porfidio. It's been awhile since he's had it and apparently there was a problem (?) in the village where it was made--and all of the Agave plants were cut down, so he's not sure they still make it! You know--I should look around The Tequila Guy's website--I'm sure there has got to be something about this somewhere in it's headlines section!

The Kids

Tonight my husband got off early and decided it would be fun to just take the older kids out for some one on one "Dad Time". So he took the older three bowling. I was left home with 2 year old Brett--and honestly, I don't mind that. Like everyone says, he's a different kid when he's an only child! He and I took the dog for a walk and stopped at the park nearby. He loves the "sippy side", and has mastered the ladder getting up to it. We collected leaves on our way home, and then used some scotch tape as he proudly taped his treasures to the front window.

The older kids had a blast as well. I think Daniel ended up with the highest score--and Kate could only talk about the amazing pink ball she had. They all had fun and stopped for Ice Cream on the way home. I think it's funny how such little things can really just make a child's day!

I Missed On The Lights

Just after Christmas last year we started a little redo. I call it little--I called it little then and I still call it little--however, it encompassed the entire house! Most of the rooms "redo" only involved the carpet or floor coverings--but many rooms including the kitchen and all of the bathrooms had extensive work done. Out of the entire project the hardest thing to decided on (next to the kitchen tile) was the bathroom lighting. I didn't think it would be that hard-but oh my heavens. Not only because there are so many really nice choices--but every room is different. In fact, even now--we wish we had realized how dark the corner is by the shower, because now we are looking at either cutting a window back there ($$$$$) or having another light put in.

I found this really helpful lighting guide online, but sadly not in time for our redo. It would have saved me so much time--and even the problem that we are facing now.

If you are doing any type of bathroom remodel--you are going to want to check out that guide--it's amazing! From the styles of lighting available to lighting tips--it will save you so much hassle in the long run. Wish I had found it sooner!

My New Little Piece!!

I have a new blog going currently on my own domain. You can find it at Katerbug Blue and I love it! I'm using that little spot on the World Wide Web to just cover some fun outings and tourist spots that are available in the Chicago area. Honestly--It is more fun than I ever dreamed. What makes it really nice--it's keeping me on my toes to find fun events to take the kids to so that I can blog about them! I try to include pictures and links in every post--I hope you'll hop on over--and check it out! Especially if you live in the area or are visiting soon! I would love any and all fun ideas-Northern Illinois-wide--I'm game for just about anything!

It's All About The Boobs

I think it is so funny how everyone is obsessed with 'boob jobs' these days. Honestly--there was quite a stir as too whether or not Tyra Banks was completely 'natural' or not. Every new starlet that comes out gets the same speculation--and when it turns out that they had gotten Beverly Hills Breast Implants, it makes the front page of all of the gossip magazines! What is up with that! What happened to having just a little decorum!

That said--I do have to admit that although I have no need for that kind of surgery for my chest--I'm a little in the BIG department--it is nice to know that there is a good California cosmetic surgeon, because I do have a lot of other work I would like to have done! A little liposuction, some sculpting here and there, neck work--and heck--you might as well do a face lift while you are at it! I'm a whole package kind of girl! Just leave my boobs and booty alone! Oh, and my nose--nothing is more painful in my mind than the nose!

When it comes to Los Angeles plastic surgey you can bet you are getting the best. Not only is California number one in the country for plastic surgery procedures, they also take great pride in keeping their clinics not only clean, but beautiful! Truly--have you ever seen a waiting room that is more fitting to Beverly Hills than this one?

It looks cleaner than my house--and they are doing surgery in there! If I ever do get a chance to make some improvements--this is where you will find me! Maybe there will even be a reality show that follows me from beginning to end! Well, wait--I'm not dropping my drawers and baring my bosom for just anyone!! My husband would kill me!

Daniel's Weekend

What a day! The kids were really good! They usually are, but there are times when life and kids just choose to get hectic at the same time!

I had Daniel into the Emergency Room this weekend. He had a fever of 103.7, and was complaining of a really bad sore throat. My first thought was immediately Strep-and with 3 other kids in the house, we weren't taking any chances.

Turns out--his strep test was negative and they just classified it as Tonsillitis. So all is well and good--and he's been back to school both days this week, and he's feeling fine!

Playstation--To Play Or Not To Play??

My kids will be spending a week with their aunt and their cousins while we are in Europe. It's kind of funny--you'd think they would be excited most about having time with their cousins--but nope--it's the excitement of being able to play Playstation! We don't have one in our house-we used to until it broke and we never replaced it. I was looking online at this PS2, but haven't decided whether or not to purchase it. So it's a BIG deal to have for a whole week.

I guess I shouldn't tell them that the kids only get to play it on Saturdays, and only after their chores are done. Talk about a let down for my kids. Can you imagine being so excited to play something all day everyday for a week, only to find out that there is really only 12 hours with it--to divide amongst 6 kids? Poor kids--this will drive them crazy!

Fun New Contest

Are you creative? Do you like having the possibility of winning wonderful prizes? If so, I have a contest for you! Of course, you'll be up against the likes of my sister--and I have to tell you, she's amazing when it comes to talent and creativity--so you will definitely have to bring your "A Game". Of course, besides her--you have to create a logo that is even better than the current logo--and I have to sneak in my own humble opinion--the current one is awesome!!



What a great opportunity, not just to create, but to get your name on something really amazing if you win!

The contest is of course for the Ford Blue Oval Scholars. This is a wonderful scholarship program sponsoredby the Ford Motor Company Fund-so it's logo needs to be just as wonderful.

The prizes are great too. They are:

• 1. First Place - Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design
  Premium = Retail $1,700
• 2. Second Place - $300 for design software of choice
• 3. Third Place - $150 for design software of choice
• 4. Fourth Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 5. Fifth Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 6. Sixth Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 7. Seventh Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 8. Eight Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 9. Ninth Place - $50 Music Download Card
• 10. Tenth Place - $50 Music Download Card

If you are interested in participating in the logo design contest, you will want to visit their website for a full list of rules and regulations, but for starters you can enter up to three different logo ideas per week and all entries will be judged and selected by a panel of Ford Motor Company Fund employees and design experts. They will be basing their judgement on the representation of the Ford Scholars program, longevity and adaptability for use in different media, and positive visual impact.

It sounds like such a great contest, for a really great scholarship program--I can't wait to see the top ten!

Barrett's Early Birthday

We are heading over to my sisters house tonight for her son's Pre-3rd birthday bash. Not really--he's getting his gift tonight--and they will sing Happy Birthday-but his actual day isn't until the 26th and his party is on the 28th. They got him one of those ride on toys simply because of his fascination with cars. Lucky for me Brett doesn't share the same addiction! They are hopping to quell his interest in their cars with his own. He will love it--and I'm sure my boy will be green with envy until we get him one to match for Christmas! I can't wait to see his excitement tonight--we'll definitely have to take pictures!

Kitchenaid At Coupon Chief

Last night I was watching one of the shows on the cooking network. They were making pie crust--the one thing I try and fail miserably at consistently. As I watched them dumping all of the ingredients in (rather messy--and without the careful care I give my ingredients) I was surprised to see just how perfect their pie crust came out. I am much more careful and I get mush! As I watched I noticed they were using a dough hook. Now I have only ever seen a dough hook on a Kitchenaid stand mixer, and although I've always wanted one--now I REALLY WANT ONE!

So, I did what I always do! I headed online to see if I had any online coupons for a quality Kitchenaid mixer. I found just what I was looking for at Linens N Things. Kitchenaid was also available at CHEFS so it really came down to choice in color. I know--I'm incredibly picky about the color of my appliances--and will even pay a little more to get the color I want. I didn't need to in this case--I have a Stainless Steel Kitchenaid on order! How very cool!

I love CouponChief.com! It's one of those sites that you hear about use from then on. My sister found the site first, and couldn't wait to tell me all about it. There are hundreds of merchants listed with thousands of online coupon codes. You shop directly from the site, but when checking out--throw in your little Coupon Chief code-and you save 10% or more and even get free shipping at times. Christmas is coming--and it will be one site that I will use for all of my shopping needs!

European Vacation

I love that movie! My husband and I are in fact planning a little trip to Europe. Well, honestly--as with any trip to Europe--it isn't little by any stretch of the imagination or budget. We are going to be staying in London, Paris and Madrid-but I'm hoping to see so much more than just those three places. I've always wanted to go, but have waited 30 years to finally make it. It's just 3 short weeks away--and I can't wait.

Rob is going to take the kids, which is a huge life saver. She has four of her own, and I can't imagine taking on four more for 10 days--but she insists that she wants to and that it will be fun. mmmm hmmmmm, I'm sure!! Anyway, I will take a ton of pictures--and share them when I get home!

eLife Insurance

I love that you can pretty much purchase anything online these days. Heavens, my sister shopped for and found her house that way. Even my dad has turned into a web savvy shopper and he's 75 years old. He's bought bigger purchases than I have. He's bought a scooter and his biggest purchase yet...a huge, beautiful 5th wheel--from the internet. Yeah, he's got us squashed with that one-well, except for Robyn's house that is, her purchase was bigger. I generally shop for Christmas gifts, sports collectibles and insurance policies.

Speaking of insurance, it's been years since I've actually talked to an agent in order to get an insurance policy. In fact, in most cases I will move on to company number two rather than having to speak to an agent. Luckily, you can now buy every type of insurance online, even Life Insurance. That one was always the tricky one because they wanted a doctors visit. But now, you can get an eLifePolicy right from the privacy of your living room! No doctors appointment needed, and no agent to talk too. If you qualify for a policy, you can print your documents in minutes!

I love the ease technology brings to our lives! I'm just amazed we ever lived without this kind of stuff!