Archive for the ‘Consumer’ Category

Can You Hear Me Now?

  • by Marisa
  • January 19, 2007

That’s what I’ve been saying lately. My phone has been driving me crazy. And that makes me sad because I really like my phone but it’s no longer available. But I’ve changed batteries and still it shuts off. And now the screen is shrinking. ACK!

One thing that annoys me is that I’ve always been forced to get my phone from the service provider’s store. Why can’t I just walk into a Walmart or Kmart and pick out the phone I want? Why can’t there be competition? Competition would bring the crazy prices down, right?

Well, I just found a way to get a new cell phone for a lower price than I can at my local Alltel store. That’s right, I found an online source for Alltel phones and the prices are great! Like FREE! They even have the Motorola RAZR. My daughter would love that one.

Now, I’m kind of partial to LG because that’s what my current phone is. But I’m open to Motorola or Nokia. I love being able to compare prices and features here. And you know, since my last phone is now out of contract, I kind of like the idea of a one-stop place for looking into other carriers, too. Maybe Alltel will have to sweeten the pot a little if they want to keep my account.

What About Tomorrow?

  • by Marisa
  • January 18, 2007

I know it isn’t a thought any of us want to entertain, even more so if we are parents. But the fact is, we may not be here tomorrow. Death doesn’t always come when we’re old. Sometimes it’s unexpected and usually, it’s much too soon. My son, Jesse, is seeing a girl right now whose parents have both passed away. Luckily, her grandparents were named guardians of Amanda and her brother, thanks to her mom’s will. I wonder how many parents consider this very important issue and act upon it rather than just talk about it.

I have three children still under the age of 18. With my husband and I traveling to Hawaii for business, there is a very real chance that my kids could be left without parents. That’s a sobering thought. In an attempt to put our affairs in order, I’ve created a will that specifies a legal guardian for my children. I was able to do this online at www.itsmylife.com, an amazing site that’s quick and easy to use.

I love that I could personalize my document with my choice of font and border. Even better, the whole process was simplified with an easy My List feature that eliminates having to type the same names over and over. My will with the guardian stipulation was ready for printing and signing within minutes.

I don’t want to imagine that my children would be left without parents but sometimes we need to face the worst case scenarios. Pretending that it can’t happen doesn’t protect your children. Just as I take responsibility for my children, making sure they’re fed and clothed and loved, I must also force myself to take responsibility for their futures if something were to happen to my husband or me.

My kids may not realize it but creating this will and tending to their care after we’re gone is a gift that is priceless. I’ve been able to take into account the people most likely to love my children as I do and those my children love and respect. I’m a better judge of who should care for my children in the event I die than some judge or social worker. Granted, this is a gift I hope my kids will never need but for now, this gift is giving me a tremendous amount of peace of mind.

Legal Help In San Antonio

  • by Marisa
  • January 16, 2007

Residents and visitors of San Antonio who find themselves in need of an attorney are in luck. J.C. Eyestone is a San Antonio Ticket Attorney who is ready to help.

Having needed an attorney in the past, I know that sometimes it’s a huge comfort just to have someone tell you that they understand what is happening legally and can handle it. The problem is finding the right attorney who is willing to answer your questions and reassure you. J. C. Eyestone is that attorney.

Simply fill out the form on his website and J.C. Eyestone will conact you for a free consultation, usually the same day. You really can’t beat that deal. Getting real answers quickly from a qualified San Antonio Attorney can put your mind at ease and help to make the next step a little easier.

Whether you’re dealing with a messy divorce, medical malpractice, Estate planning or a traffic ticket, J.C. Eyestone is the San Antonio lawyer who will initially speak to you free of charge. It’s like having a good friend who is an attorney to guide you. So  if you’re needing legal advice and are in the San Antonio area, don’t worry needlessly, check out his website and get some excellent, free, legal advice.

Wirefly Names Top Cell Phones

  • by Marisa
  • January 16, 2007

I just can’t believe that my trusty LG cell phone isn’t on the Wirefly best selling cell phones list of 2006. I guess that means I need to look over that top 10 list and pick a real winner.

Just as Wirefly reported a year ago the Motorola RAZR is still at the top of the list. In fact, everything Wirefly predicted has come about. People are increasingly looking to use their cell phones for much more than talking. From music downloads to GPS tracking, todays cell phones do just about everything. And Wirefly has predicted those trends with amazing accuracy.

The thing is, my phone has been acting a little wonky. I love my LG but after 2 years, it’s just dying a slow death. And in exactly 3 days my last phone will be out of contract with my current provider. So, maybe it’s time to look into a new carrier and a new phone.

Wirefly has all the latest info on cell phones and plans. It makes it so easy to compare features and figure out where the best bargain is. We have 5 cell phones so getting a good deal is so important. And Wirefly makes it all so much easier, whether I stay with my current provider or not.

Oh, My Aching Back!

  • by Marisa
  • January 12, 2007

I’ve had lower back pain for as long as I can remember. Maybe it runs in families or maybe I hurt it without even realizing it. I do know that the pain was so bad while I was pregnant with Jesse that I walked with a limp for two weeks.

I’ve tried just about everything I could think of to ease the ache in my back. I’ve had an MRI; I’ve gone for physical therapy. I’ve taken over the counter and prescription pain medicine. I’ve had professional massages. My back still hurts. It’s a challenge just to stand up straight in the morning.

Talk about feeling old!

I’ve just read about an interesting pain reliever for the back. It isn’t medicine, it’s a pad. It’s called the PorcuPad and has been used in Russia for 30 years. It’s a pad that has these little rings attatched to it. The rings have these nobs that stick up. You lay on the pad or apply it to your back. The nubs push on the muscle tissue, increasing the circulation and making your back feel warm. This relieves the pain.

I don’t know if it works since I haven’t tried it. I do know that on nights like this, when my back is throbbing, I’d be willing to give it a try. If any of you have tried it, what did you think of it? Did it work for you? Can you tell I’m desperate for some relief?

Time For Another Cleanse

  • by Marisa
  • January 12, 2007

It’s been a while since my last colon cleanse and I’m thinking about doing another. I’d researched a bit and chose a kit at my local Health Food Store. I think it worked well but I kept thinking that I’d like to have more options. My health food store just didn’t have much variety. That’s why I’m going to an online source for my next cleanse.

I’ve always chosen the pro-biotic version of colon cleansing so that’s what I’ll stick with. Everyone around here knows how much I love herbs and herbal supplements. Natural colon cleansing is a part of that. Drinking Dandelion Tea helps on a day to day basis but I do like to give my system a complete cleansing now and then.

I know some people may think it’s crazy or gross. My husband just rolls his eyes and my kids don’t even try to hide their giggling when they see me walk in with my colon cleansing kit. It doesn’t matter. I always feel so much better after I finish my cleanse.

I really do believe in alternative healing. I know that herbs can do wonderful things for your body, mind and spirit. I have about 4 dozen different herbs and I use them often. In fact, before seeking a traditional medical solution to any problem, I’m always more inclined to attempt a natural, herbal one. You should, too.

Sweet Sparkling Scents

  • by Marisa
  • January 11, 2007

Living in a small town in West Virginia means many desirable products just aren’t available. Yes, i can travel to Pittsburgh but so many times that just seems like too much of a hassle. I’m a busy woman, you know.

With the internet, though, I can shop anywhere in the world and compare prices for the best deal, too. Case in point: fragrance. There are so many great scents but too many of them just aren’t offered in any of the stores around here. When I make it to Pittsburgh I’ll pick up a new fragrance and make notes (really, I literally write this down!) of the fragrance I still want to buy. I do the same with makeup and purses and shoes.

Until now, I’d have to wait for my next trip into the city. Now I just get online and buy. I’ve been comparing prices at brick & mortar stores with those online at SparklingScents. I think I’ll make Sparkling Scents my online source for fragrances.

Just look at the prices for the Jessica McClintock Perfume and Fragrance. I don’t think I could beat that locally, even during a sale. And Sparkling Scents carries other quality fragrances, too, like Michale Kors and Kenneth Cole. What a great selection! Oh, my! I just found Angel by Thierry Mugler at a huge savings!

Whether you’re wanting to treat yourself or you’re a guy with a wife or girlfriend to buy for, Sparkling Scents is definitely worth a look. And a sniff. :)

The Fast Lane

  • by Marisa
  • January 10, 2007

I know I’m not the typical car enthusiast. I know that I get strange looks when I drive my Honda S2000, like why is that old lady driving that car? At my age, though, I’m not going to hide my love of cars just because it isn’t typical.

Admittedly, I don’t drive fast very often. That’s because I absolutely detest paying speeding tickets. (Don’t ask me how many times I’ve had to pay them.) So I drive the speed limit, mostly. But I like knowing my car will scoot if I want it to. I mean, you just never know when you’ll find yourself in the middle of some exciting Street Racing, right?

Mostly because of my sons, I’ve also begun to read up on high performance equipment for my car. My sons want me to look into a nitrous oxide system for my car but I’m just not sure I can handle that much additional speed. I’m going to do more research and keep reading the 2FastLane Blog for product reviews and tips. And I’ll definitely check out their article on brake rotors since my husband mentioned needing those replaced soon on one of our other cars.

I’ve been looking at some nice photos at 2FAstLane also but I’m saving the videos for last. I hope I can find a video of a Honda S2000 smoking a Mustang!

The only thing that would make 2FastLane better is a search function. I couldn’t find one but I may have missed it. I got so caught up in all the great info and photos that a search box may have been there all along. I wonder if they want a pic of my S2000 for their site. ;)

Got That Travelling Itch

  • by Marisa
  • January 9, 2007

I get that way sometimes. I just want to travel. I want to get on a plane and go somewhere else. Lately, my travel daydreams have been taking me abroad. Could it be my recent email from my cousin, Amy, who is living in Scotland now? Yep!

We’ve been dear friends, besides being cousins, for decades. I miss her. I’d love to see her. I’d love for her to visit me. I’d be more than happy to visit her.

If I’m going to visit there, though, I’m going to take in loads of sights. I want to see as much of that part of Europe as I can. I know some people would prefer to travel by car or train but I love flying. So naturally, I checked out some cheap flights from city to city to see what I cold afford.

I love what I found. The prices at flymonarch.com are quite reasonable and they offer some specials, too, for even more savings. I bet I could afford several short trips with prices like this.

I’m not real sure which cities I want to visit but I’m glad to see so many to choose from. Anyone have any advice for an itinerary?

Looking For A Great Car At LemonFree

  • by Marisa
  • January 9, 2007

Well, actually, I’m looking to sell and then buy. For those new readers here, I’ve been trying for about 6 months to sell my 2002 Honda S2000. It’s almost paid off but the insurance, even just liability, is much to high with two teen drivers in the house. Bye-bye my favorite car. Show me some less “race-y” Used Cars

I’ve tried to find an online site for selling my S2000 and maybe locating a Honda Civic as a replacement. Not much luck until I found LemonFree.com. Great site and a very nice selection, too.

With such a great selection, I decided to check out one of my other all time favorite cars, the Ford Mustang. 10 minutes later, I’m still “window shopping.” Uh, why do I like cars so much? Was I a guy in my last life? Or have I been hanging around with all these guys in this house too long?

Gee, did I mention that LemonFree.com provides free car classifieds ads, too? That’s right, FREE. How can you not love free? I think I’ll go and price the Chevy Silverados at Lemonfree.com to see what I might be able to get out of my husband’s truck. You know, just in case I can talk him into something more economical. Like that Mustang I mentioned.