A Day in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is just a couple of hours away from Maine. However, it's not very often that I get the chance to visit it. I can come up with 2 reasons -  traffic and traffic.

It's a good thing that I have a friend who loves to drive and doesn't really mind traffic. Well, not as much as I do.

I am a Horrible Fan!

Yes, you read that right... I am a horrible fan!

I stopped watching the Super Bowl right after the halftime show simply because I don't want to experience the pain I experienced during the first 2 Super Bowls where the Patriots lost to the Giants. Trust me I was devastated and bawling when they lost to Giants 2 times in a row.

This time I was quite sure I jinxed the games so I decided to watched Criminal Minds reruns instead. Boy, I was happy to hear it from the 11pm News that the Patriots won. I may not experienced the excitement watching the game but I surely spared myself dying of heart attack last night.

How I rocked and rolled in 2014

Year 2014 was packed with great experiences and happy memories. Too bad I wasn't able to document each important event because I was too busy with a lot of things. Yeah, I know that is an understatement. But would you believe if I tell you that most of the important things I had last year are kept in my heart? Cliche!!!

Anyway, here are the highlights of 2014 in no particular order.

1. Races. I have done only a few. Unlike in the past couple of years where I tried to run 2 races a month, last year I did only 8 races compared to 13 races in 2012. It was 1 race shy of what I did in 2013 though. As I have said I have no time to document some important events so I have not blogged any of those races so no PR comparison. However, I was able to take photos of my bib so I'm sharing them here.

I started the year with a 5K last year. It was my 2nd start-of-the-year-race (with Buffet, wink*)

Last Hurrah for Summer 2014

We just got back from another weekend camping. This I presumed is our last for the season. I will be back to work starting this Tuesday. This means fun is over for me. But then maybe not. I will surely find time to have fun even if summer is over, I promise!

 Our luxury accommodation for the weekend. LOL

Camping with Fam Bam

The weather last weekend was really gorgeous so we took advantage of it. We spent it at Byron again. This time B joined us. Though it took a little convincing because B also knows that camping with Daddy means gold panning which means he will be bored all day waiting for him to be done with his thingy in the river. LOL

Our accommodation for the night.

Comfort Food - Recycled!

I'm cheap and lazy! Yeah, I am that horrible!

I'm cheap because I don't want to waste food. I don't want to throw out left-over food specially if they are still good and got lots of potential. "Potential" in food for me means recyclable. Well, it doesn't sound yummy, does it? Just read the whole post HERE. Now, I'm hungry again! LOL

I'm having fun Summer-ing!

This is a late post. I have lots of stories to tell about my summer but I was busy summer-ing, so bear with me. I will post all of them before summer is over. Promise!

I have 2 more weeks left of my summer vacation. In a couple of weeks I will be back to work and fun is over. Well, not really. I will surely have fun working with kids again. But working for 12 hours straight is really tough, so to speak. But it is what it is. I just want to spend the last few weeks of summer with my Sweetest doing some fun things.

The familiar School House in Byron, Maine near the Coos Canyon picnic park.

Germaphobic Meets Hydroponic

I have issues with dirt. I bet I was the only kid (aside from my brothers) who never grew up playing in the mud. Well, my Mom was a "germaphobic" so we were not really allowed to get dirty.

Anyway, my Sweetest loves gardening. He loves growing vegetables even if he doesn't eat them. Yes, you got that right. He is a grower not an eater.

When I came here he wanted me to get involved in gardening. But being raised by a germaphobic, I can't get down on my knees and touch soil. He begs me every year to do gardening with him. But I just can't. The only help I can give him is to eat the produce which is very easy and yummy. LOL

This year, I finally decided to conquer my fear of dirt. I have bravely told him at the start of Spring that I will get involved in gardening and give up 100% of my germaphobic psyche to help him.

Spring is in the air

Winter this year was long and cold. I thought it will never end. But everything as an end as the saying goes. Right now we are having a fair share of rain and sun which are the mainstays of spring in Maine. And yes, we are budding.

This year I have finally come to terms with my dirt-o-phobia. Yeah, there is no such word. I know there is a specific term for what I meant but I'm too lazy to google it. Anyway, as some people know, I have issues with dirt. That is one of the reasons why I can't do any mud challenge.

Five things you should know about wedding photography

When you start planning your wedding a wedding photographer is going to be one of the top things to consider. With so many about, it can seem daunting when looking for the perfect wedding photographer. This article is here to help you understand what is out and offer some tips in the quest of finding the perfect photographer for you.
Finding and booking early
Once you start looking around, it is often best to start right at the beginning of the wedding planning. If you start looking early and find a couple of wedding photographers you like, then you need to be sure that the date you set is fine with the photographer as sometimes they may have a busy schedule.
If you are to start looking as the wedding date gets closer and closer then chances are the chosen photographer is booked and you will have to start again, with less time and with stress levels rising. The first thing you should know is the best photographers are often your first choice, so finding them early is going to increase the chances of them being available on your date.

Definitely Trying to Start the Year Right!

Happy New Year, Everyone! As usual, I'm late in greeting you all. I have a reason for that. "I want to be the last one to greet you all for greater impact". Wink***

Yup, that was me in gray hat and scarf and aviator sunglasses.

So how was your New Year? Mine was awesome! It was freezingly awesome! It was brutally cold but awesome! And I was totally cool and awesome!

Do you have 5-minutes?

I have 2 jobs so I work 12 hours a day. I am not complaining. I am grateful because I have 2 jobs while I know there are lots of people who don't have one or even a part-time job.

I work from 6AM to 6PM. That is when the last kid at our Before and After Care Site is picked up at 6PM. If the the parents are late I will be working more than 12 hours.

Being on your toes 12 hours a day can wear anybody out. But that doesn't mean that I should look worn out or haggard or worse - a walking dead. LOL And how do I do that? Just give me 5 minutes.

This is my 5-minute routine which can last for 12 hours. And this wasn't photoshopped either.

Great Suggestions And Advice On Do It Yourself

Lots of people are able to appreciate taking on a do-it-yourself job. If you're beginner you should understand whether you need permits or what the rules are. What's the top option for an individual new to do-it-yourself? Perusing these practical suggestions and thoughts is definitely a great beginning. Love!

Sign Company in Chandler AZ

In today's competitive market, visuals are a key component to the success of your business. 1 Stop Signs is a full-service sign company in Chandler that creates visually engaging signage in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Contact us today to learn how first-time customers can save 10% off!   Sign Shop in Chandler Since 1996, we have completed thousands of signage projects across the globe—Mexico, Japan, Denmark, Korea, Canada, Taiwan, and Puerto Rico just to name a few! As a  professional sign maker in Chandler, we use state-of-the-art equipment at our in-house manufacturing facility to deliver superior products that brand your business!   Office Sign Company in Chandler Boost your corporate reputation with custom signage that reflects the style and tone of your products and services. Our sign shop in Chandler offers a variety of aesthetically pleasing branding products, including:

Ensure you shoot before and after photographs of any work or developments that you do to your house. You might like to check back on each of the effort and changes as soon as it feels like the job in general won't be achieved. Keep photos on your personal computer or have them printed for a scrapbook.  Do you want to repair a hole in your wall created with a nail or screw. Produce a divot in the wall using the curved end of the screwdriver by pressing it in the screw hole. Then use spackle or drywall compound to fill the divot. This will definitely provide you with a fine smooth wall surface.

Get your garage organized by arranging your things by their own kind and also the quantity of time you utilize them. After you have done this, place them into clear-plastic containers. Label each carton, and stack them up. These containers can actually assist you to arrange your garage. Additionally, it is helpful to keep bugs and rodents outside.  Clean out your house every couple of months by looking around and gathering things that you do not need. It's a fantastic experience to update your interior decor along with giving unwanted things to charity. Consider these things that you do not need and contribute them to your local charity or orphanage. This can de- clutter your house and provide you with space for new things.

Make your house feel as a house with the addition of a doormat. Lots of folks have a tendency to overlook the inclusion of the doormat in-front of the door. It-not only serves a goal of making a house feel whole, but also serves to hold your floors clean. Putting out a doormat where folks can wipe their feet will reduce the amount of time spent cleaning your floors.

Including window treatments to your own windows is a fantastic method to achieve a feeling of seclusion. Many folks don't really use drapes or blinds as they need to allow in natural lighting. But remember you could see outside, but whoever is outside, may also see inside. Window treatments can enhance your privacy and also come in various styles to select from. You do not need to go with all the inexpensive plastic factory blinds. You will find a few really nice wood or bamboo shades, which do the job, as well.  Another quite straightforward but easy-to complete advancement is painting your house with a new coat of paint. By purchasing top quality paint with eye-catching colours, you'll enhance the overall look and feeling of the area. Retouch the first color or maybe attempt a brand new, dynamic color in your rooms.

If you're looking to replace your flooring with hardwood, consider using bamboo. Bamboo flooring has turned into a favorite choice among homeowners due to its many benefits. Bamboo is eco-friendly. It's extraordinarily durable, which is normally tolerant of changes in temperature therefore it's very resistant to warping. Bamboo is one of the finest options in flooring materials now.


About the Guest Author:
Complete our online contact form to learn more about specials from our sign company in Chandler. We proudly serve clients

in Chandler and within a 25-mile radius, including Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, South Phoenix, East Phoenix, and Scottsdale, AZ.

My Shoe Fix

I have a confession to make. I love shoes! Oppps, I think you all know that by now. It's not a secret anymore.

I have another confession to make. Whenever I finished a race, I reward myself a pair of shoes. That one is new to you, isn't it?

Yeah, buying a new pair of shoes is a good motivation for me to sign up for a race and of course to train for endurance so I can cross the finish line. So this pair of shoes are well-earned reward for finishing a race.

I have one last confession to make here. I always buy on clearance so this pair cost me only $2.96. Yup, I just don't have the proof now because I already worn it so I removed the tag.

And that is true. I am not lying.

Who doesn't want Freebies?

I love freebies! Every store in the planet has it's own commercial strategies to lure costumers to their door. And when you go inside... you are trapped!

Contrary to urban legend, I don't go shopping a lot. I go to the store but not to shop. I only spy for what is on sale. And most of the time I left the store empty handed. Well, there were times I got somethings in my hand or a little baggie but they were mostly samples and freebies. So don't judge me! LOL

I do love to shop though. And most of the time, if I really need to go shopping, I plan it. If the store has strategies to lure costumers, I have a counter strategy not to fall on their trap. And yes, I go there to take advantage of what good they can offer.

So yes, I went to VS the other day because I got this on the mail. I received this kind of promo on the mail every month and I take advantage of it. It does come with 2 other promo cards that says 1. $10 off the bra and 2. Free Tote for $65 purchase. I only use the the card above. Just to make it clear and to stick to my alibi. LOL.

Rise or Fall

Life is a game of football. When you fall... just rise back up and aim for a touchdown.

- Ruthi Orona-Gregoire -

-------------------------------- Photo Friday ---------------------------------

To Join Photo Friday Challenge... click HERE.

Window Shopping with my BFFs

Last weekend, Lerna - a Filipino friend from Massachusetts came for a visit. Medy, Lerna and I were kinda tired of just hanging out at home cooking and eating Filipino food so we decided to go "window shopping" in South Portland.

Since Medy nor Lerna can't drive, I assigned myself as the official driver of the day. And since I am the only one who knows South Portland (where most of the stores are) by heart I was also the official Tour Guide.

Our first stop was the Nordstrom Rack. We browsed all the designer brand items but there was nothing we really liked. Or shall I say, there was nothing our purses liked. But Medy was happy to find out that they got our shoe size there - 4, 4 1/2,  and 5. We didn't buy anything and that explains why we went out of the store without shopping bags on hand.

Next store was Target. Since it was literally just a stone throw from Nordstrom Rack we decided to check it out too. Medy and I liked a pair of red boots but we were not too crazy about it. So we left the store without shopping bags too. We were so proud of ourselves. Two stores in a row and we were still in control.

From there I drove straight to the Mall but we didn't go in the Mall. We went to TJ Maxx which is right outside the Mall. We met some Fiipinas there browsing on some clearance racks too. And no we didn't get anything too so no shopping bags either.

From there, we went to visit TJ Maxx's big brother, Marshalls. We spent another 30 minutes browsing and checking out clearance racks too but we didn't find anything worth spending our money on. So no shopping bags too.

Then off to the Christmas Tree Shops. We didn't spend a lot of time there but we did buy something. I bought  Pringles and a pack of cough drops. Lerna bought tea and Pringles too. Medy didn't get anyhting but at last we finally left a store with shopping bags.

We ended our window shopping galore at Marden's. Lerna found a nice backpack-style bag and did not have second thoughts on buying it. She purchased that baby in a heartbeat.

She paid $2.99 for that cute thingy. Woohooo!!! We got a great bargain. Mission accomplished. And we left the store with shopping bags.

It was indeed another day of shopping adventure. On our way home we planned for our next shopping escapades in another shopping town. wink*

My $1 Shopping Spree

Nothing gives me a real thrill than finding a real-honest-to-goodness bargain at the store. Just imagine yourself walking in at Nordstrom Rack and being greeted by this amazing collections of designer sunglasses at 75% off. Good right? No! These designer sunglasses cost range from $85 - $125 a pair.  So I just walked away.

But that incident did not dampen my spirit a bit. I just continued browsing and checking things out and viola! I found an entire rack of active wear on clearance.

I did not have second thoughts. I grabbed what I can handle and splurged. For everything on it was on 75% to 98% off.

So would you pass on that kind of opportunity? I won't! So let's have a little fun here. Or shall I say - Let me brag about it!

1. Marika Dri Fit Top: Original price - $42. Clearance - $1. Savings - $41. (I bought 3 of them in different colors.)

2. Nike Tennis Sports Dress: Original Price - $50. Clearance - $1. Savings - $49.

3. American Buddha Yoga Tops: Original price - $42. Clearance - $1. Savings - $41.

4. American Buddha Yoga Sports Bra: Original Price - $42. Clearance - $1. Savings $41.

Let's do some Math. Yeah, I hate Math but this time, I love it. This is the only kind of Mathematical problem that I love to do. Seriously! LOL

Here we go.

So, you don't have to be a Rocket Scientist to figure this out. I spent $4 (plus Maine taxes) on 6 items which would have cost me $260 if they were not on clearance and had a total savings of $254 since they were on clearance. 

Now, can you blame me for being a shop-a-holic again? Don't judge me! LOL.

Maine Shopping Attractions

First of all, I am a recovering shop-a-holic. LOL I really don't know if there is such a thing but whatever. Shopping for me is not really my main priority. I just shop on "if-need-be" basis.

Second of all, I don't really post anything about my shopping spree online for fear of being tagged as a "brag or show-off". But I think I need to write about my shopping experiences now for "if-need-be" reasons.

Who doesn't love bargains like this one?

Well, I have noticed on several blogs that most bloggers are now writing and posting about their shopping escapades. A lot of them are mostly product reviews and tips on where to find bargains and sales to help shoppers. Some of them are giving helpful alternatives to shoppers to choose wisely. But a few of them are using these kind of posts for online monetizing reasons. And in that case... I am joining the band wagon.

And who doesn't love the thrill of acquiring "on sale" stuff like these?

So, whether you like it or not. I will be posting stuff about shopping, bargains, clearances, discounts, on sale items, 75% off, 90% off and whatever "off" there would be around Maine.

And I will be giving tips and ideas where to find some cool items at discounted prices. I will also write some reviews of products and stores. Note however, that my reviews are all 100% mine and they will not in any way be influenced by the store or the product manufacturers. Just to be clear, I have it written in my disclosure policy about my views on specific things that I am writing about. So you can check it out HERE.

So here is a short list of MY Maine shopping attractions. These are several of may go-to-stores that I where I am having if-need-be shopping moments. Just to let you know, they are not paying me "right now" for writing and  mentioning them here in my post. But I will be happy to write about them and get pay for it in the near future. So watch out! LOL

1. Walmart. It's the happiest place on earth. wink* This is where I go to to find practically anything and everything and I do pay less here. This was the very first place I drove to when I got my license. LOL.

2. Big Lots - They got lots of cool stuff on discounted price. I usually get emails from them every week to let me know what items are on sale. Yeah, where kinda close, you know. hahaha

3. Marshalls - This is my shopping haven for designer goods and I don't pay full price for them. Going to Marshalls is always a good shop-portunity. And on certain days you will get lucky to get items priced at $1.

4. Hannaford - This is where I do my grocery shopping. There are items that are priced low here on certain days. I love their organic produce because they are reasonable priced.

5. Dollar Tree - Yeah, just what the store says - everything here is a "buck". From food to toiletries, from diner ware to party supplies... everything is a dollar. This is where I get most of my party planning supplies.

6. Goodwill - This place is where you can find rare treasures. This is a thrift shop but I do find some brand new things here too. This is where I bring my old stuff too for them to sell. This is a store for all the good reasons. 

Photo Credit: From the internet.

7. The Christmas Tree Shop - Yes, it's Christmas all year round in Maine. This is one of the best places to find anything at discounted price Christmas or not.

Photo Credit: From the internet.

8. Target - Lots of cool items here at low price too.

Photo Credit: From its Facebook Account... Here

9. Marden's. Oh I tell you, when you find an item here that you really really really like... buy it because if you don't you will regret it. As the song goes - "you should have bought it when you saw it at Marden's!" Yeah, that's how it is because I learned my lesson hard here.

Photo credit: Kendra

10. Nordstrom Rack - This is my newest go-to store for one item... shoes! Oh yes, they got my size. They have sizes 4, 41/2, 5, and 51/2. And they got them in stilettos too but not in stilettos-high price.

There you go. Those are the places where I go when I need to relax, recharge and spend some "me-time". But be aware too that when I go to those stores... most of the time I don't buy. I just want to check items and dream about them. So don't judge me! LOL.

Sometimes, a woman just needs a place to relax... a hobby... and a sports.  For me, it's walking in the store. wink*

-------------------------------Maine Attraction-------------------------------

 

This is a SPECIAL POST for MAINE Attraction... a regular blog that features everything and anything about my home - Maine.