tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9691688451265528672024-02-07T03:23:28.416-05:00Debbie: Considering...Sometimes I muse about nothing in particular...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-35898501236371035272015-01-22T23:18:00.000-05:002015-01-22T23:18:01.713-05:00Havens Arc Argan Oil - Product Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP8012e2071661aff471471c5d2fdd62d3" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>
I'm fairly new to the world of Argan Oil at home. My stylist always used it and my hair looked great for a couple of days after my blowouts. It wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to try Havens Arc Argan Oil in exchange for my unbiased opinion.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Haven's Arc Argan Oil is very light - a much lighter consistency than other brands I've tried. Even the aroma is lighter than the scent of the brand my stylist used.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I find that when I rub just a couple of drops of argan oil onto my hands, then through my hair, my blowouts last much longer. If I leave my hair to dry natural, I can rub a few drops through the following day to tame my bedhead and still look presentable. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I prefer to not use oils on my face, but I love using argan oil on my hands and cuticles. My nails, after going through several months of breaking, are finally starting to show signs of growth and greater strength.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You can find Havens Arc Argan Oil at Amazon via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virgin-Argan-Hair-Face-Nails/dp/B00OR2IYGO/ref=cm_cr-mr-title" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link.</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM8012e2071661aff471471c5d2fdd62d3" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-40204924997147896112015-01-21T21:34:00.000-05:002015-01-21T21:34:09.304-05:00ReachItGrabit - Product Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPd5fd2ad58fa72fc8ac89a426121a7d88" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This works great for cans and boxes in my tall cabinets. I'm 5'7" and always need a step stool to reach the top shelves, even though our ceilings are only 7 1/2 feet. The adjustable head means I can use the Reacher Grabber for different angles. I'm recovering from a knee injury, so I use it to pick up items from the floor after my grandson has visited.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The spring and trigger appear to be sturdy enough for most items. I've used the Reacher Grabber to retrieve canned goods, boxes of pasta and condiments without having to bring out my stool.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The only (slight - not deal breaking) problem I have: There are no directions on the package to explain how to turn the head. We fiddled with it for a couple of minutes and learned that you must pull the head away from the shaft in order to turn it. I fear that there is a possibility of breakage if someone were to try to force the turn without pulling the head out.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review</span>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMd5fd2ad58fa72fc8ac89a426121a7d88" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-50799805647820604992015-01-20T14:24:00.003-05:002015-01-20T14:24:46.155-05:00Number 1 Nutrition Glucosamine Condroitin Supplement - Product Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP9c8ea1e2b5e8f1e1e6f506552a9f0684" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I used a Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplement many years ago when I was working a job that required long hours on concrete floors and kneeling on my knees. I was in constant pain, and regular daily use of the glucosamine supplements helped. More recently, I injured my knee and it has been a slow recovery. Additionally, I'm starting to get some of the age-aches that affected my parents.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I've been taking the <a href="http://numberonenutrition.com/" target="_blank">Number 1 Nutrition</a> Glucosamine-Chondroitin daily for about 3 weeks. I always make sure to take it with food, and I've had no digestive issues. The most notable benefits I am noticing is a huge decrease in the popping in my knees and ankles. I honestly haven't had a "pop" in over a week. One of my nagging aches is an old shoulder injury that comes back to visit every so often. Even after spending an entire day in the kitchen, I don't have the ache in my shoulder when I wake up the next day. I started a low-impact dance exercise class a couple of weeks ago and I don't have the aches that I've had in the past.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">This experience has been a reminder that I need to regularly incorporate Glucosamine Chondroitin into my supplement routine, rather than waiting for my body to hurt.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br />If you've priced Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplements in retail shops, you know that they are expensive. While it was worth it to me, since it did help my knees recover from the abuse I was putting them through, it can be a deterrent. The value price available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Chondroitin-Supplement-Supplement-Dramatically/dp/B00LQRXX5A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Number 1 Nutrition via Amazon</a> gives you a better reason to take care of your joint health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm almost 50. I want to be able to participate in several 5K events this year. I do not want to give up because my body is being obstinate. Taking a few supplements is a small price to pay to be able to chase Elliot around.<br /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review.</span></span>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM9c8ea1e2b5e8f1e1e6f506552a9f0684" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-47433913706719854852015-01-14T21:18:00.000-05:002015-01-14T21:18:08.536-05:00Oleavine Konjac Sponge - Product Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP137f10498a2f669671d1c28ec99e2d30" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">This was my first Konjac sponge and I immediately understood the buzz I've heard. Konjac is a plant-based starch and in this case it is spun into fibers creating a very soft sponge when wet. When dry, it is very hard.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">You can use the Konjac sponge without a cleanser and this is a big selling point for me. At my age, I don't need any help with dryness from even the most mild cleansers. I don't wear makeup every day, and this sponge cleaned my skin without drying. At the end of a makeup day, I used the sponge with my regular cleanser and made sure to rinse it well. There is an attached string and you should always hang it up to dry between uses. I highly recommend the Oleavine Konjac Sponge.</span></span><br />
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The packaging recommends using the microwave in order to sanitize the Konjac Sponge. However, I contacted Oleavine as we don't own a microwave, in order to learn an alternative. The preferred method, according to the e-mail I received, is to boil the Konjac Sponge for a few minutes in order to sanitize it.<br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received this product in exchange for my inspection and review.</span></span>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM137f10498a2f669671d1c28ec99e2d30" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-26868455711017562782015-01-13T20:43:00.002-05:002015-01-13T20:43:57.032-05:00Garcinia Cambogia Extract 85 % HCA Complex-2 - Product Review<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP3f790417799d3ba0c09c15acc6423300" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've read about Garcinia Cambogia supplements for quite some time. As with any supplement, there is no such thing as a miracle fat burner. You must make appropriate food choices and incorporate some type of physical activity. What Garcinia Cambogia does do (according to research) is block your body from converting unused sugars into fat. If you eat a diet high in starchy sugars, this won't save you from yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've had no ill side effects from the Summit Nutritions Garcinia Cambogia - no heartburn, no jitters that I've had with other supplements in the past. I do feel that my energy levels are up. I've only been using it a few weeks and have just gotten to the point of taking it regularly as prescribed. For the energy boost alone, I would recommend this supplement.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review.</span>
<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM3f790417799d3ba0c09c15acc6423300" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-58367621616012740642015-01-09T09:26:00.000-05:002015-01-09T09:26:22.425-05:0030K in 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58Jg7JAuwiUQfKCA5WJykXWmxLwJZ8UtXOKvia9ju9ALfUOjtOxGn9Ryr1BhU0k5zksaVsNq_FGu1HWUxi7TVH2fndHZ8zsAeFrC6n9N7g3nhIx__1GQJi01bS5RjvrbIQpdtN3xdjs/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58Jg7JAuwiUQfKCA5WJykXWmxLwJZ8UtXOKvia9ju9ALfUOjtOxGn9Ryr1BhU0k5zksaVsNq_FGu1HWUxi7TVH2fndHZ8zsAeFrC6n9N7g3nhIx__1GQJi01bS5RjvrbIQpdtN3xdjs/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, that would be a nice bonus, but I'm not talking about money. I've set a goal to participate in at least six 5K events in 2015. No biggie. Walk 30 kilometers, or actually just under 20 miles, 3.14 miles at a time.<br />
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If you've seen me lately, you know how ambitious this is. That little hobble that is worse some days than others. That almost permanent addition to my wardrobe of the knee brace. The expanding width of my ass.<br />
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I was SO excited in that picture up there. I was the last one to cross the finish line (even those who had run the half-marathon), but it didn't matter. I walked the 10K and I finished. The encouragement along the way brought me to tears every time. The runners would pant "good job" as they passed me. There were still several people at the finish line cheering when I crossed. I was sobbing - in fact, I'm getting choked up with tears in my eyes right now remembering it.<br />
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I quit smoking a week later.<br />
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I maintained my weight until the arctic blast hit us at the beginning of 2014. I tried to blame the first 5 pounds on quitting smoking. I had quit working out, cancelling my gym membership because we weren't going - I hated the philosophy. I did not want a personal trainer - I had one I slept with every night. I would get phone calls asking when I was going to make appointments and was told: "Well, yeah, we have the equipment but we are primarily a personal training studio."<br />
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By May, I was at the heaviest weight of my life - again. I had reached what I weighed when Elliot was born. He was my biggest motivation in 2013. I wanted to be around as he grew up. Now I have three grandchildren and I want to stick around to dance at all of their weddings - many years in the future!<br />
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I know where my problems lie. It's not so much the food, even though (like everyone) I'm not perfect with what I eat. I don't move enough - period. I wrote an article way back in the day. The simple things I know to be true about losing weight and keeping it off, I just don't follow.<br />
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Then, I hurt my knee. Would it have happened if I weighed less? I can't answer that. Maybe it's just age, All I know is I've lived in pain in my right knee every single day since June 22. Some days are now better than others. I feel that I'm at about 95% most of the time. When I know I'm going to be on my feet for awhile, such as a marathon session in the kitchen, I wear my knee brace.<br />
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I know it's hard to believe by looking at my dewy complexion, but I'm going to be 50 this year. In fact, as of this writing, I will be 50 in less than two months. If the women on both sides of my family tree are any true indication, I have a lot of years left in me.<br /><br />
And I hate the fact that at nearly 50 years old, I have a hard time getting down on the ground to play with my grandson because I'm not sure if I'll be able to get back up again.<br />
<br />
So, I have a plan. Walking to build up my endurance is obviously part of it. If the weather is too craptastic here (as it usually is in January), I have a mall that is open to walkers at 8:00 a.m. about 20 miles away. I also started my belly dancing classes last night. I loved it when I took them a couple of years ago. I felt stronger and more flexible. After last night, I've got some burn in my thighs, but it's a nice burn.<br />
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What I can't do after those belly dancing classes is what we did last night. Harry suggested a pizza and I said "Great - and I can get a salad!!!". Yeah, this pizza shop believes a salad is shredded iceberg lettuce topped with cheese, pepperoni, a couple of slices of nasty winter tomatoes, and olives. Not exactly what I was looking for. So, Thursdays will be slow cooker nights for the next few months.<br />
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AND!!!! I've already registered for my first event. I'm going to do the Pi Day 5K 2015 on March 14, 2015. (Pi Day - 3.14 - get it???) It will be just 10 days after my 50th birthday. Less than two months from now. But you know what?<br />
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I've got this.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-17774427896479064192014-12-15T13:28:00.001-05:002014-12-15T13:32:53.660-05:00Secret Outlast Completely Clear Gel - Product Review<br />
Yes, I'm excited about deodorant. I received a sample as part of a BzzAgent Campaign in exchange for my honest opinion.<br />
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I wear a lot of dark colors, so I've always wanted a deodorant that wouldn't leave marks. Sadly, the gels I've tried in the past were never truly clear - there was always some residue. The other problem with most gels is the amount of time it takes for them to dry. I like to sleep in and I like to shower in the morning. I don't have time to stand around with my arms in the air waiting for my pits to dry.<br />
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On the first morning, I was nervous. I'm so used to being disappointed in "new and improved" products that have been around for years, I was prepared. After a few clicks to expose the gel and a couple of swipes under my arms, I was happy immediately. I like the smell - it's fresh, not perfume-y. The next test was answered in just a matters of seconds - fast drying! YAY!!<br />
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Of course, the main goal of any deodorant/antiperspirant is to protect against odor and wetness. Secret has always provided great protection and the Secret Outlast Completely Clear Gel holds up more than fine.<br />
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I have a secret (tee hee): I might not always take a shower on a Saturday, especially if I'm not going anywhere. And if I don't take a shower, I probably won't be putting on deodorant. I definitely noticed an improvement - no odor, no wetness. 48 hour coverage is great, if it works. This product does provide the coverage and it would be great for an overnight camping trip!<br />
<br />
The last test for me is always what happens to the clothes. Deodorant marks look tacky and more than once I've had to change when some deodorant residue got on the outside of my clothes after I applied the product. In over a month, I never noticed a single white streak on any of my dark clothes.<br />
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I'm happy to have had the chance to try this out. I'm a fan of Secret again thanks to Outlast Completely Clear Gel.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/secret.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=5254132653&Campaign=2877364477&Uid=1749005&token=1aa74d37a57f7459a19cd0a853a8f24d" alt=""/>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-57228313590542836742014-12-09T11:28:00.000-05:002014-12-09T11:28:36.894-05:00LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner - A Review<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote this review several years ago, and I still use LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner to keep my cabinets and walls clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqUBPgr9F9rtvrbYH9tSjQ2OQ-d5VNrAWX0ipJf2cHCS21HrEmb5Oaep5pJGAcxDWVAYtSgJv6wbJ4N12liaF7g-q0WPOV2GqHCzl-Ftoh8PFrEYgj-b-Z6akWQ89EXSpcjkuQlndIjw/s1600/Cleaner+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqUBPgr9F9rtvrbYH9tSjQ2OQ-d5VNrAWX0ipJf2cHCS21HrEmb5Oaep5pJGAcxDWVAYtSgJv6wbJ4N12liaF7g-q0WPOV2GqHCzl-Ftoh8PFrEYgj-b-Z6akWQ89EXSpcjkuQlndIjw/s1600/Cleaner+002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was just a few sprays of the cleaner and a quick wipe with a damp cloth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We have found the home of my fantasies: a log cabin in the
country. Among the many virtues are the log walls and custom-made knotty pine
cabinets in the kitchen. The prior occupants lived in the home for 15 years,
which has positive and negative aspects.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The negative aspect of the prior 15 years has reared its
ugly head in the form of soot from the too-hotly burned fireplace in need of
inspection and the kerosene heaters filled with cheap kerosene. The walls,
cabinets and trim were all coated in a very heavy film of black/brown soot. I
resigned myself to several full days of scrubbing and rinsing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The owners of the property had done a small bit of general
cleaning in the days following the prior occupants move-out. They left behind
several cleaning supplies purchased at the local Dollar General store. One
product was LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner, as well as its diluted
version in spray bottles. After cleaning a very small test area to determine
the safety of LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner on the woodwork, I
became alarmed that it may have eaten the finish. I was assured by my boyfriend
I was seeing was the actual color of the wood on the walls.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided to wait until we had could buy large, soft
brushes to finish the walls due to the natural cracks and crevices in log
walls. I moved on to the kitchen cabinets. I have never used a cleaning product
which so easily cut through the soot as LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose
Cleaner. With barely any effort of my own, I was treated to the natural glow of
knotty pine wood by simply wiping and rinsing with a clean, wet cloth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After leaving the cabin, I stopped at my local Dollar
General store to buy a supply of LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner. In
reading the product label, I learned that LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose
Cleaner contains no ammonia, acid or bleach and it is non-flammable. I was
concerned that there was not an ingredient listing on the bottle. I located the
website for <a href="http://www.lastotallyawesome.com/" target="_blank">LA's Awesome Products,Inc.</a> and learned that LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner is
non-toxic and made from natural ingredients, therefore not required to be
labeled. For those with young children, a negative aspect may be that LA's
Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner is not a disinfectant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also learned on the product website that there is a large
line of Totally Awesome cleaning products which are widely available at
"dollar" stores throughout the United States. The price of the spray
bottle was $1, and I bought 2 64-ounce bottles of LA's Totally Awesome
All-Purpose Concentrated Cleaner for $3 each. The proper dilution ratios are
printed on the label.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the property owners had not left behind a supply of LA's
Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner, I would have used another product that
would not have worked as well or as easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-57482214051374944272012-01-24T10:51:00.000-05:002012-01-24T10:51:56.831-05:00A wedding and a baby...and a conferenceThis year is going to be busy. I learned in November that I'm going to be a Gramma for the first time! So many things to do, so little time to do it - so much money to earn! We don't know the sex of my soon-to-be-grandbaby yet, but there's still time before the end-of-June arrival.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have wedding reception to plan! Trey and Nicole will be getting married on May 5 at a super-secret location. The reception site, however, won't be a secret - they want it here, at the cabin and they want the theme to be Cinco de Mayo. I've been surfing the Web, looking for ideas for food and decor. We're talking a truly small gathering - maybe 40-50 people. I can do that - foodwise - with my eyes closed. I've found a few workable ideas and have them pinned on my board over at <a href="http://pinterest.com/debbiehenthorn/wedding-ideas/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Do you need an invitation? Leave a comment but I warn you - it can be addicting!<br />
<br />
Almost as soon as I knew the baby was on the way, my fingers started itching to crochet again. It makes me feel pretty good because I haven't had the crafting urge in a long time. My friend Marie Anne over at <a href="http://www.crookedyarn.com/" target="_blank">The Crooked Yarn</a> has created some beautiful patterns and I'm using one of hers for my first <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/easy-woven-look-baby-blanket-crochet-8515231.html?cat=24" target="_blank">baby afghan</a>. I might run into a little trouble at first. She designed the baby blanket using worsted weight and I, of course, bought baby yarn. I'm confident I'll be able to work it out. I'm going to play along with her Work in Progress Wednesday on this blog to keep myself moving on the baby blanket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodCUsPvNxS42Fvz0a58wSGCKX1P_jVEB2nLiD17gYWpfFVcqbATZ9ft1P2SpZ0zqqMuY-gDPO3NV7QvhVir4eSN-_KSdAidINVV4IZhmuBUmlHiNmS8GhbWop5m4_YLaY_KsYiqJH254/s1600/sunrise%252C+pasta%252C+yarn+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodCUsPvNxS42Fvz0a58wSGCKX1P_jVEB2nLiD17gYWpfFVcqbATZ9ft1P2SpZ0zqqMuY-gDPO3NV7QvhVir4eSN-_KSdAidINVV4IZhmuBUmlHiNmS8GhbWop5m4_YLaY_KsYiqJH254/s320/sunrise%252C+pasta%252C+yarn+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love the color combination - yellow, peach and a veriegated aqua/lemon and the main color will be white.<br />
<br />
I'm looking to fall just a bit short of my goal toward saving for my trip to Blogher Food in June. I still have time and should get very close. But, I'll be able to buy my place ticket by mid-February, which is my main concern. I'll fill in all the details once I get my confirmation - it's going to be an interesting round-trip!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-49686115204851995302011-04-06T07:53:00.000-04:002011-04-06T07:53:01.869-04:00Distractions, diversions, disgust, disgruntled, DSLI know my own limitations and distractions. I fight them everyday but sometimes things are completely out of control. Right now, I’m disgruntled because on a day I’d like to do a lot of work online, my Internet is out. Yes, I’m typing this in Word to copy into the blog later.<br />
<br />
This is an ongoing comedy of disgusting errors. I actually received a credit on my bill for April’s Internet service because CenturyLink (fka Embarq fka Sprint fka United Telephone and possibly fka Centerburg Telephone Company) finally recognizes that they are not delivering the DSL bandwidth I am paying for. The tech actually told Harry to call again on May 1 for another credit if it isn’t fixed.<br />
<br />
Hey, I’m not doing to look a gift horse in the mouth. That money - $25 – is a couple of articles a month. Of course, then there’s the base telephone service I pay for a land line I rarely if ever use. They like to use a diversion tactic of “only” $12.99 for local service. But, by the time they add on their required bundle of services I don’t use in order to provide an overall discount, I’m up to about $80.<br />
<br />
So, with CenturyLink deciding that I needed a distraction from the Internet today rather than writing news commentary, I’m going to write whatever comes to mind. It worked out rather well when it happened two weeks ago to the day.<br />
<br />
Happy blogging!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-1672163592123904802011-04-04T19:51:00.000-04:002011-04-04T19:54:13.215-04:00C is for Considering...The name of this blog took quite a bit of time to figure out. Harry and I would talk about it, tossing names about. I wanted someplace general, someplace that wasn't about promotion or a specific topic - just whatever I happened to think was a good fit.<br />
<br />
Even though I am very passionate and outspoken about some things, I care about many others. Sometimes I really do think "didja ever wonder?" I'm fortunate to have several outlets for those things that make me go hmmmm.<br />
<br />
C & C Music Factory (yeup, C) had a great dance hit with this song. I remember dancing to it with my friends in the early 90s. Neither club started with a C though - Sir James and Michael J's. Although I'm pretty sure I visited Club Dance a few times. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XF2ayWcJfxo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-88140571707254458132011-04-02T09:45:00.000-04:002011-04-02T09:45:14.338-04:00Beauty, Blessings and BeerQuite the combination, huh? When I think of the letter B these are the first three words that come to mind.<br />
<br />
What is beauty? I don't think of it in terms of people's looks. I think of beautiful souls. I've known Bonny Buffington (catch those Bs?) since I was a little girl. Her family lived next door to Gramma and Grampa (just up the road from where I live now!) and I can remember swimming with them in their above-ground pool. Over the years, Bonny has taught my children. I remember a particular day. I knew Bonny had been battling cancer. The windows were open and I heard singing. I looked outside and saw Bonny walking by, singing. That's a beautiful soul.<br />
<br />
I see beauty everywhere around me. A brilliant sunrise or a blinding red sunset. I'm captivated at watching the hummingbirds in the summertime. The snow on the branches of the pine trees. I appreciate the brilliance of Earth Mother for giving us all these gifts, if only we choose to accept them.<br />
<br />
I am truly blessed. Yeah, I've had bad times and I'm certain there will be more. I've raised two beautiful souls to adulthood. Every day, I wake up beside the love of my life and enjoy the relationship we have built. I have brothers and their families who I love very much. I have a huge family thanks to Mom & Dad that I appreciate and enjoy.<br />
<br />
I'm blessed with friendships that I can never properly explain. A balance of love and trust, even some I've never had the opportunity to hug.<br />
<br />
I really have to thank Barley's Smokehouse & Brewpub. In addition to providing the platform to build Rent-A-Party and subsequently, the Sewing Circle, they taught me to appreciate beer. No - not Budweiser (which tastes better in Canada than it does in the US, by the way) or Blatz (which does taste remarkably awesome when it's ice cold in a can and you're in a cabin in the Hocking Hills). Barley's taught me to appreciate real beer. Craft-brewed British-style ales. Belgians from other places.<br />
<br />
An appreciation for the beauty in real beer led to the path I'm on today. I appreciate small business. I appreciate craft wineries. I appreciate slow food (but not turtles or snails). Being able to appreciate all those things led me to where I am today. A writer, a baker, a food blogger, a small business-owner.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-77417823438769848352011-04-01T13:23:00.000-04:002014-11-18T13:39:16.684-05:00April and Arizona...At the very last minute, I decided to join the A to Z Blogging Challenge with this blog. I've not done very well getting this general catch-all blog off the ground and decided this was the kick in the butt I needed. While I will still write and schedule the posts for Debbie & Harry's Kitchen each Sunday morning when I wake up at stupidly ugly hours, I'm going to do this one on the fly!<br />
<br />
April - so many new opportunities came my way in March. I have a bit of anxiety that I might be overextending myself a bit but I'm gonna keep on truckin'. In addition to the daily articles, I have every intention of having the two cookbooks done by May 1. I also have a lot of work to do to get ready for the market season.<br />
<br />
Arizona, how I miss you. It isn't just my friends...I miss Arizona! From the tears I experienced when I first learned of the beauty to be found in brown to the debauchery that can only be found at a Sewing Circle meeting, I do miss it all.<br />
<br />
Arizona in April is gorgeous! One of my inventory trips was in April - I was laying by the pool at 9 AM. It also coincided with Shawn's 35th birthday - has it really been that long? - so I was able to extend my visit for his party. April 9 will bring the Tsunami's (or Satan, depending on whose description you listen to!) 40th birthday. It's been a tough winter and it kills me that I can't be there to share it with my dear friend.<br />
<br />
But...I have memories and I might even learn to text for the occasion...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA5iWz1c-FYo6GfVmPVFSadWqKFEVjBMww9Vib-sKVMHRkvIAyCve4r_Fy253x-H4kH6mhcnQvxjVxewncAK95_RlIjwJwLD27cCPo0PokHPGbzRmHGcefR9ghdDrgK9cmN53oMaijno/s1600/Harry+AZ+2008+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA5iWz1c-FYo6GfVmPVFSadWqKFEVjBMww9Vib-sKVMHRkvIAyCve4r_Fy253x-H4kH6mhcnQvxjVxewncAK95_RlIjwJwLD27cCPo0PokHPGbzRmHGcefR9ghdDrgK9cmN53oMaijno/s320/Harry+AZ+2008+051.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
Yeah, that's right - we have matching tattoos. My characters are Laugh, love, live - Shawn chose love. We didn't get these in April though - Harry got us drunk in May and led us into that den of iniquity in Scottsdale.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-23330194286132657962011-03-21T06:05:00.000-04:002014-11-18T13:22:09.665-05:00Farmers Market Vendors and the Tax Man - a PSAIt's that time of year. You're planning your market garden, ordering your seed or nurturing along your seedlings. If you live in a state that allows home-based food businesses, you are stocking up on your supplies.<br />
<br />
Are you keeping track of your expenses so you can write them off at the end of the season to reduce your taxable income?<br />
<br />
Yes - the money you make at the farmers market is legally taxable income. I wrote the following several years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the summer farmers market season approaches vendors are
nurturing their vegetable plants and fruit trees, polishing their recipes and
dreaming of beautiful Saturday mornings without rain. Farmers market vendors
should also be thinking about the Internal Revenue Service.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Why should I
worry about the IRS? This isn't a business; it's just something I do on the
weekends to make a little extra money."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"To make a
little extra money." That phrase is the answer. "A little extra
money" earned by selling your vegetables or home-baked breads is income
and subject to tax laws. IRS Publication 583 is a great resource for
small-business owners. It explains the basics of setting up a business in order
to satisfy the IRS at the end of the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most farmers market
vendors would be considered a sole proprietorship and would report their income
with their personal tax return at the end of the year. A recordkeeping system
is a must to know how much you earned over the summer and what your expenses
were. This system can be as simple as a ledger book with an envelope of receipts
or software on your home computer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Angie Mohr, a Chartered Accountant and Certified Management
Accountant and author of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angie-Mohr/e/B002Y40ZZK" target="_blank">Numbers 101 for Small Business</a> series of
books has a great advice. While Angie reminds small-business owners
to get their year-end records in order, I suggest farmers market vendors
finalize their record-keeping at the end of the summer market season. Everything
is fresh in your mind and it will be ready when it's time to file your tax
return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've been a farmers market vendor since 2007. I've upgraded
to a computerized spreadsheet for tracking my expenses and income but I used
ledgers during the first few seasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Farmers Market Vendors: Know Your Income</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This step is the easiest to follow and the most important.
Other than accurately reporting your income to the IRS, it makes sense to know
if you are making money at the farmers market. Buy a ledger book at the office
supply store; write down the date and how much money you had at the end of the
day. Don't forget to subtract your starting bank!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Farmers Market Vendors: Know Your Direct Expenses</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tracking expenses is different for a vegetable vendor than a
baked goods vendor. Produce sellers will have the majority of their expenses at
the beginning of the season as they buy seeds and plants, plus any fertilizer
they might use. Do you buy containers or baskets to package your vegetables?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most vegetable
vendors are using their garden for a dual purpose - home use and selling for
income. Be sure to keep track of the yield so that the seed and other costs can
be divided accurately.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For baked goods
vendors, the majority of the expenses are ongoing and easier to identify.
Ingredients, packaging materials and labels are expenses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Farmers Market Vendors: Know Your Other Expenses</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I keep a mileage log in my car to track my miles to every
farmers market we attend and every supply trip. Most farmers market vendors won't be able to itemize home
business deductions due to the exclusivity requirement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Farmers Market Vendors: Keep Your Receipts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After recording my expenses, I keep my receipts in a
legal-size envelope in dated order in a separate envelope for each month. It's
best to not mix business and personal purchases on the same receipt, but if you
do buy everything in one purchase be sure to exclude the personal purchase in
your ledger.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksd5rm32opmUSO2ennF0JEPRvBYJaKEPPk2m5iX7wl9iwgltQzAnl6tS4MKJ07MCBGLEI5hEF7jNOdNVXh8lTa5_asRPfl6rpJoth0rGkJc8np5y1V4ofZXhDaNdlHfZWRwFtonISpZY/s1600/MVFM+May302009+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksd5rm32opmUSO2ennF0JEPRvBYJaKEPPk2m5iX7wl9iwgltQzAnl6tS4MKJ07MCBGLEI5hEF7jNOdNVXh8lTa5_asRPfl6rpJoth0rGkJc8np5y1V4ofZXhDaNdlHfZWRwFtonISpZY/s320/MVFM+May302009+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our table at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market on the Square</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-54671330289577343832011-01-07T09:17:00.000-05:002014-11-18T13:13:35.772-05:00Guaranteed Weight Loss - Get Sick!I was so full of determination on New Year's Day. I measured. I weighed. I kept track of every single thing I ate - which was no small task.<br />
<br />
We went to Mom & Dad's for New Year's dinner. In our family, that means pork & sauerkraut. This year the pork was BBQ Baby-back ribs! On diet day. Might as well face the challenge head on. I checked the calorie counts before I went to Mom's to get an idea of how much meat I could eat, to know what I was going to put into my body before I put it there. I actually did really well and even had room in my chart for a glass of wine before I went to bed.<br />
<br />
Sometime during the night, the evil germs from my daughter's cold snuck through the house and attacked me! I woke up on Sunday feeling like absolute hell. And I'm starting to show minor improvements each day. I probably shouldn't blame it on Allison. I have writer friends all over the country with many of the same symptoms. I think we should all check our computer filters.<br />
<br />
Being sick is a positive for losing weight. I didn't feel like eating because I couldn't taste anything. I'm drinking tons of water because I'm so dehydrated. That's the other problem - I'm drinking so much water that by the time I'm thinking about going to bed, I have to pee every 10 minutes!<br />
<br />
<br />
A special shout-out to Marie Anne St. Jean! She's keeping us together with Fess Up Friday! over at her blog <a href="http://marieannesmissives.blogspot.com/2011/01/fess-up-friday-and-were-off.html">Marie Anne's Missives</a>. Go visit her, subscribe, be inspired. I'm working on my blog roll over at the side this weekend. A lot of my friends who have taken on the challenge this year have blogs dedicated to their journey.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6uLtyzRgmyI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Over at Weight Shedding Freelancers, I saw mention of some song lyrics that brought inspiration to someone. I agree with them. But, I'm going to use this space for a video of what I consider to be my most ass-kicking inspirational song of all time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-87632785464835631422011-01-01T09:09:00.000-05:002014-12-09T11:30:25.920-05:00And I shall write...I entered the world of freelance writing for PAY! in July 2008. While I didn't think about it at the time, it was actually July 8 - my ex-husband's birthday. So now that date is stuck in my head every time I look at my AC profile.<br />
<br />
Wait - it's not AC anymore. It's the Yahoo! Contributor Network. What a journey it's been. My discipline sucks, always has. I'm the worst boss I've ever had unless you take porch breaks with cocktails into account. But I learned something this morning - I have a total of 401 pieces of content across the Yahoo! family of websites. Only one is a poem - a haiku I wrote for a contest over the summer. Out of that 401, I wrote 208 of them in 2010. That's an average of just over 17 articles a month. Considering that I wrote 40 articles at Y!CN in November I realize that I've got the skills if I just apply myself.<br />
<br />
November was an interesting month writing-wise. I had a lot of great assignments, try-outs for some regular Yahoo! TV positions - I scored the 4 shows I watch regularly! I also started writing for Bright Hub at the end of October and was still on probation through November and did 5 articles for them. I didn't do as well at BH in December but I've got a lot of external factors weighing on me right now. I was also accepted into the Gather Socialwrite program and I was really excited about it. Now - they've changed the platform and I'm just not sure I'm as excited as I was originally.<br />
<br />
So here it is - my writing goals for 2011 based on what I really accomplished in 2010.<br />
<br />
1) 540 articles. This is realistic because I did write 45 articles in November without hurting myself too much. I plan to spread this over each of the sites I write for.<br />
<br />
2) Achieve Hot 500 status each month at Y!CN - I hit it for the first time in November and my December was a bit better with really no hot news. My 2-year old Christmas articles carried the weight and are testimony to the power of residuals. I'd love to be Hot 100 but I tend to set realistic goals.<br />
<br />
3) Improve my news writing so that I can score some Yahoo! News assignments. Sadly, I have a local murder trial to cover but it will be a first person perspective.<br />
<br />
4) Work on my local work to hopefully score a Yahoo! Local beat.<br />
<br />
Simple, achievable goals. I can do this.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-11420574803089563312010-12-31T09:31:00.000-05:002014-11-18T13:11:41.227-05:00A New Year with a lot of changes to be madeI've got to clear a lot of things out of my life!<br />
<br />
This isn't just about losing this fat ass. My office has once again made me insane. After four summers of a licensed home bakery, we're ready to pack it in - 80 man-hours a week for a $250 net is just not working. That means I've got more pans of every sort possible to banish to other bakers along with a lot of other sundry items like a tall-boy rack and packaging materials. I have craft supplies I've collected over the years just taking up space with the "oh, I'll get to that this winter!".<br />
<br />
I will confess: I'm a book hoarder! I love to see books all around me and the pile next to my side of the bed is obscenely high. I've run out of room on all my shelves. This is after I left 5 boxes of books in the basement that I didn't have room to display upstairs when we moved in over 2 years ago. The other problem is the cookbooks. I think a safe estimate is over 500. A lot of them are magazine-type, the smaller Pillsbury series that you pick up at the checkout and I received Gramma's collection when she died.<br />
<br />
A lot of these books have got to go. So, my first call Monday will be to the Centerburg Senior Center to see if they have room in their library. I guess another option would be Centerburg's Interchurch Social Services to see if they could sell them to buy food. Trey said that Half-Price Books pays well for hardbacks - sometimes he would get around $15 for a box. But, that involves driving to Columbus for a "maybe" shot at a few bucks plus interfering with my writer's morals about no royalties for 2nd-hand books. The cookbooks? I love to look at the pretty pictures! But, I plan to especially sort through the smaller books and magazines and open up a word program and type up anything I might be especially interested in.<br />
<br />
I've got to start moving more often. I don't mean physically moving residences, I mean getting off my ass. I was cleaning out one of the basement refrigerators the other day so we could sell it. I hurt so bad the next day from the bending and reaching and that has got to end. Winter-time is a pretty bad time in Ohio to start to think about walking. But, there's a young lady that lives somewhere near us who runs every day she's home from college. We watch her all through the summer and I've seen her every day over the last two weeks, even when the temps were in the teens. I figure I've got a lot more insulation than she does - I should be able to do this.<br />
<br />
There's more changes to come but wow. It seems like we can all give great common-sense advice but when it comes to following it? I've got a long way to go!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-969168845126552867.post-21556676698244742912010-11-11T10:22:00.000-05:002014-12-09T11:29:16.221-05:00But honestly...and a lot of thoughts.Anyone who has been on the web for the last week has probably heard of the Judith Griggs/Cooks Source cluster. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail because it's easy to find.<br />
<br />
Freelance writers work their tails off and battle every single day against those who think "it's on the web so it's fair game". No, it's not. The actual odds of something being in the public domain are smaller than something being protected by copyright. <br />
<br />
While I never posted anything to the "fake/not fake" Cooks Source Facebook page - because I'm just not that witty on demand - I enjoyed the show. The freelance writers banded together to champion on of our own. We may be in competition with each other on some level, but in the end we will fight for everyone's right to get paid for their work.<br />
<br />
The Cooks Source hullabaloo will die down and be replaced by another social media call to action. But, I don't see Judith Griggs et al riding off into the sunset of anonymity anytime soon. If the large companies with expensive attorneys decide to pursue action against the alleged theft of THEIR property? Cooks Source is a small mag with a small staff and no articles of incorporation on file that anyone has found. While I like to think that small businesses are successful, I don't think the coffers of Cooks Source are deep enough to handle the statutory penalties for copyright infringement.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11877292940011747505noreply@blogger.com0