Which vampire brother, Stefan or Damon would you like to take home

If you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries, you’re already familiar with the supernatural love triangle that’s formed by one beautiful girl (Elena) and two vampire brothers but the question is who would you pick to take home?

Ian Somerhalder plays Damon Salvatore, the elder and far more dangerous of two vampire brothers who share a long and bitter history

Paul Wesley stars as Stefan Salvatore, a vampire struggling to live at peace with human beings

I guess it will come to you as no shock that I would pick Damon. The character of Damon is what attracted me to the series. Damon has so many layers to him – funny/sarcastic, nonchalant, vindictive, compassionate and of course sexy, and very, very bad. Don’t get me wrong I love them both Stefan is so overshadowed by Damon. If discussing strictly in terms of character development, I’ve come to notice some reasons for this. The beauty of Stefan’s character isn’t easy to be noticed by all viewers, unlike Damon’s as it is not explicitly expressed in the main story. But rather, much of it has to be seen through flashback scenes and a comprehension of how his past was like. I believe Stefan’s history and past life plays a major part of the person he is in the present day. The appreciation of Stefan’s character could be easily overlooked and overwhelmed by the more exciting and readily unveiled multi-layered personality of Damon.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same beautiful girl, and battling to control the fate of an entire town. During season one, Stefan (Paul Wesley, “Fallen”) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder, “Lost”), returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons – Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev, the upcoming film, “The Killing Game”), who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce, the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved in 1864, while Damon was intent on releasing Katherine from the tomb where he believed she was trapped by a witch’s spell all those years ago.

If you haven’t Watch this I urge you to get caught up fast! The new season premires Thursday 9/9 @ 8/7C. 

The Vampire Diaries Season 1’s arrival on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 31 so go  pre-order the set today  at http://bit.ly/9APlGp.

*I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to raise awareness for The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season – which arrives on Blu-ray/DVD on August 31. Visit http://bit.ly/9APlGp to pre-order your set and vote for which vampire brother YOU would like to take home!*

Back-to-School Shopping Budget Tips

Whether your child is starting Kindergarten or heading off to college, back-to-school time can wreak havoc on your wallet. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to. From shopping for clothes and desk accessories to computers and dorm-room furniture, it’s important to plan ahead. If you don’t, your bills could be sky high and you will be asking yourself why! To avoid overspending when shopping for school this year, follow the following tips:

* Take inventory. Before you head out to buy the “in” outfit of the season, the expensive Binders and book bags or the latest dorm-room accessory, take inventory of what you already have. If you’re like me, you may find  unused notebooks, papers, pens and all the extra stuff you bought last school year that you never needed lying around. After seeing what you do have, then start making a list of what you need.

* Search for savings. Look for store coupons and sales in your local newspaper. On Sundays, many local newspapers include ad supplements filled with store savings for the upcoming week. Once you’ve compared prices from store to store and found the best deals on the items that you need, you’ll be ready to shop. Also take advantage of stores that do price matches! Just make sure you have your sales ad’s with you.

* Shop online. avoid the crowded parking lots and stressful last-minute trips to the storeYou’ll often find the best prices on school items online. On Amazon, you can find many back-to-school items, including supplies, clothes, backpacks, furniture, electronics and even textbooks! Between August 11-31, 2010 get $10 off your $50 purchases or $25 off when you spend $100 on kids’, juniors’, and young men’s clothing. Also They have 50 School Supplies Under $5

* Buy more save more when buying in bulk. Buying supplies like pencils or notebooks in larger quantities can help you save money in the long run. If the quantity is more then you need, see if you can split the cost and the items with Friend who’s shopping for school supplies.

* Stick to the list. I admit we are bad when it comes to this. The kids always seem to want to get the cool pretty stuff and all the extras! But only buy the items that are on the list of necessities that you created before you started shopping. Sticking to the list will help you stick to your budget.

*KEEP THE KIDS AT HOME- When Buying supplies your better of going alone!  If your kids are like mine they always find a way to sneak the little extra’s in the cart! Don’t let school shopping break the  bank and be stressful! 

Getting Organized for Back To School With Smead Products

School is here!  That means the predictable overload of handouts, worksheets, newsletters, homework, and all other forms of paperwork that will inevitably form a disorganized mess on you and your children’s desks.  Don’t worry though, there is a solution.  All you need is the The Smead Stadium File Folder and the Smead SuperTab Folders.

The Smead 12 pocket Stadium file folder is the ultimate solution to turning that pile of loose papers on your desk into an efficient and organized working space.  It has everything you need to keep organized.  The 12 pockets come in a wonderful tiered design so every section is easily visible in a quick 2 second glance with no shuffling through and struggling to find things.  Designed to hold both papers and folders, it allows you to organize your papers in whatever quantity you would like!

Next thing is to set up your Smead Supertab file folders.

There are a variety of options whether it is for you or your children.  You can organize each folder with a variety of labels including alphabetical, by date, by subject, or you can just leave it blank until you decide.  Whether you are organizing utility bills for you office desk or organizing the kids’ sports and school events by date, or the individual child these products have got you covered! The extra large labels will make sure that everyone can easily access anything they need quickly and with little effort.  There are a lot of things to worry about every school year and around the house, but organization does not need to be one of them.  Go pick these up now so you will be ready when the paper avalanche comes in!

Where To Buy:

1. Stadium File
-Office Depot
-Franklin Covey
-Amazon.com

2. Supertab
-Office Depot
-Staples
-Buy Online Now

Be sure to check  More Great Tips and how to create the perfect Home Kitchen Command Center or a Homework Station

Photobucket* I Also received a Target Gift Card for My Time*

“Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 Don’t Forget!

I told you a couple weeks ago about AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET.  I can’t wait!  The more I see and hear about this show, the more I am hooked.

If you watch the News Recently, there have  been numerous stories in the news about suspicious government activity.  The one that Raises red Flags for me and makes me go mmm is the  one when Washington Post described how a complex network of private contractors involved in intelligence gathering have effectively formed an unregulated “shadow government.   I admit I find myself always questioning the Government lately.  I will be the first to admit I don’t put ANY TRUST IN ANY OF THEM!!

So The question is who is watching with me Sunday night!  Do you think this show will bring in big numbers?  I do!  I think a lot of us can relate and ready for a change in TV!  Find out more about “Rubicon” by visiting http://www.amctv.com/originals/Rubicon/ to view exclusive content from the show.

SP

AMC’s new original series, Rubicon premieres Sunday Aug 1 at 8pm

Common Superstitions

* Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky day

* A rabbit’s foot brings good luck

* An apple a day keeps the doctor away

* To find a four-leaf clover is to find good luck

* If you walk under a ladder, you will have bad luck

* If a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck

* To break a mirror will bring you seven years bad luck

I am sure we all believe some of these are true! It’s Ok you can admit it.  I know I am bad when it comes to black cats and Friday the 13th!

AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET. AMC taps into our collective paranoia with its compelling new conspiracy series, Rubicon. Will Travers is an intelligence analyst who cracks codes for a living. When Will’s world is shattered by an untimely death he begins asking questions, diving into a web of mystery and danger. Not every conspiracy is a theory. A political thriller focusing on a think tank analyst who happens upon a global conspiracy, the tone of the series will resemble that of 1970s classics The Parallax View and Three Days of the Condor. Oscar-nominee Miranda Richardson (Tom & Viv) and James Badge Dale (The Departed) have signed on to play the leads.

“Rubicon is an incredibly compelling story that taps into the powerful concept of trust. Who can you trust in your own life? Do you trust the government and its relationship with the corporate world?” said Joel Stillerman, Senior Vice President of original programming, production and digital content for AMC. “These are questions we’re all asking in light of current events and they have always presented a very potent formula for great drama.”

I admit I have little trust in the government. I can’t wait for this series to start.

SP

Amazing Music Boxes are a great gift Idea

What do you get the person who has everything?  A lot of times it is hard to think of a unique gift that you can get for someone that is personally suited to them and a quality product.  I would suggest considering a Music Box.  As a kid my Grandmother had a musical jewelry box that would play a wonderful lullaby as she took out her earrings and necklaces.  I used to love the sound of that music when she was getting ready to go out that I would sit in the room the whole time she was getting ready and hum along with the music box.  You can refresh these kinds of memories too or help someone you know create their own. Look no further than amazingmusicbox.com.  This is the top shelf of Music Boxes.  Each Music Box is hand made in Italy through the ancient art of inlay.  Inlay is a meticulous design that pieces together multiple wood pieces into an assembly that creates beautiful designs.

The Amazing Music Box Co. purchases these music boxes directly from the artisans in Italy.  Not only are they high quality, but there is something for everyone.  They are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes and finishes.  Ranging in price from $99 to $2,000 these music boxes can accommodate a smaller budget or the most unique of tastes.  You can personalize the music boxes from a variety of themes and tunes from Musical Boxes for Babies Like “baby blocks”  to a “Wedding Day” Music box that will keep those wedding bells memories alive for years to come every time it is opened.  So check them out today and give a gift that will always be remembered.

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Civil War History @ CivilWar.org

The Fourth of July is a special holiday to many of us.  It symbolizes the greatness and Independence of our country and the American Spirit.  I love it because it reminds us of the trials and tribulations we overcame as a country for our freedom and that anything is possible if we are willing to work at it.  At a time when our country is faced with many difficulties it is sometimes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  In the face of immediate problems like the current economic recession and other global issues we face as a country we often lose that historical reference.  It is vital that we hold onto the memories of what this country has endured and how we have emerged victorious.  This is why I love CivilWar.org.  The Civil War Preservation Trust is dedicated to not only the preservation of the actual Civil War Battlefields for a multitude of purposes, but the sorely needed education and explanation of the causes and effects of the Civil War.

This is a time in the country when many of us are divided.  I think it is important to remember where this division can lead us if that division is handled improperly.  The Civil War is a glaring reminder in our nation’s history of that fact, and CivilWar.Org is leading the cause in promoting Civil War Education and preservation of Civil War Battlefields and artifacts.  This is as much for Adults as it is for students.  The website is loaded with tons of information about the History of the Civil War.  With well researched articles, biographies, maps, photos, and links to books for kids and adults about the Civil War it is a one stop shop to educating yourself on this important moment in our history.  I always make it a point to educate my children about the significance of holidays in their historical context, and this site makes it fun for all of us to learn about it.  They even make the material easily accessible no matter how young your kids are with fun games and puzzles.  Who knew History could be so fun?!  The Civil War Preservation Trust also hosts a lot of fun and engaging events like tours of actual battlegrounds with historians, reenactments, and a host of other events.  So head on over and check them out at www.civilwar.org, and don’t forget to donate!

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Teacher appreciation month on bing.com

Teachers play an important role in a number of milestone events we experience while growing up.  I had many great teachers in my life, but the one that stands out the most is one of my high school teachers.  She became like a 2nd mom to me.  Till this day we still stay in contact.

Since I am grown now with my own kids in school I appreciate teachers even more.  It takes a special person to be a teacher.  My Kids have been blessed with great teachers.  All of my son’s teacher’s have been great but my daughter’s 2nd grade teacher has to be my favorite.  I was sad to hear that she was retiring this year.  She helped my daughter so much. She never gave up on her when other teachers did.  She worked very closely with us to make sure Jasmine was getting the help she needed.  I knew that no matter what questions I had I could ask her and she knew she could call me anytime.

Sometimes we get caught up with the busy days and don’t show our teachers the appreciation that they deserve now you can! Bing is encouraging students and parents to recognize teachers who have made a difference in their lives through a new campaign focused on supporting kids’ education. Bing has committed to a gift of up to $500,000 and teamed up with DonorsChoose.org to provide both kids and adults with a way to express their thanks to a teacher and help another teacher or school in the process.

Visit www.bing.com/education to post a comment or share a story about a teacher who made a difference in your life (or the life of your child), and Bing will provide you with a $5 donation to DonorsChoose.org, which can be applied toward any classroom project of your choice. Each visitor can leave up to 5 comments, resulting in a total donation of $25. At the end of June, Bing will aggregate the comments and share them with each teacher in the form of a congratulations letter.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Bing and a $100 DonoseChoose.org giving code to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a thank-you gift certificate.

Sex and the City 2 Rumors

I am sure if you’re a big Sex and the city fan you know there have been so many new rumors regarding the new movie!  The rumors range from Carrie leaving Big for Aiden to Sex and the city 3!

I am not ready to say I believe that Carrie is leaving Big for Aiden.  I will admit that I would have loved to see them together but not now..   The best rumor is part 3 of sex and the city.  I am betting this one is true!  I am sure the numbers will bring a part 3!  I am a big Fan so of course I am all for it!

And don’t forget! Thursday May 20th is the last day to enter EXTRA’s Carrie’d Away Sweepstakes!! GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE IF I DON’T WIN ANOTHER BIG FAN DOES!!

What do you think will happen in Sex and the City 2? What rumors do you believe?

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN:

1) Only EXTRA gets you on the list for the Sex and the City 2 World Premiere in New York City on May 24th! So Tune in to EXTRA May 17-20 and watch  for the word of the day for your chance to win.(Monday through Friday, air times vary).

2) Log on to www.extracontest.com and enter the “Word of the Day” as well as their contact information for a chance to win. Viewers may enter daily (one entry per person, per day).

The Grand Prize winner will receive a VIP trip for 2 to New York City, including roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for 3 days/2 nights compliments of Southwest Airlines Vacations, 2 tickets to the World Premiere of “Sex and the City 2″ at Radio City Music Hall, dinner after the Premiere at Tao Asian Bistro, a special private “Sex and the City” Hotspots group tour plus a fabulous “Sex and the City 2″ prize pack!

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for EXTRA and ‘Sex and the City 2.

EXTRA and the Carrie'd Away Again Sweepstakes "Sex and the City 2"

I admit am a sucker for Sex and the City! I was thrilled to see that Sex and the City 2 was coming out. I already have my calendar marked for May 27th when the movie opens everywhere!  I plan to go see it that night unless, I have good luck and   win 2 tickets to the World Premiere of “Sex and the City 2 for May 24th!   I know I am not the only fan that would love to win this Opportunity so I am sharing it with all my readers!    The only thing that I ask if you do win the grand prize it to take LOTS OF PICTURES AND SEND THEM TO ME LOL!!


FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN:

1) Only EXTRA gets you on the list for the Sex and the City 2 World Premiere in New York City on May 24th! So Tune in to EXTRA May 17-20 and watch  for the word of the day for your chance to win.(Monday through Friday, air times vary).

2) Log on to www.extracontest.com and enter the “Word of the Day” as well as their contact information for a chance to win. Viewers may enter daily (one entry per person, per day).

The Grand Prize winner will receive a VIP trip for 2 to New York City, including roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for 3 days/2 nights compliments of Southwest Airlines Vacations, 2 tickets to the World Premiere of “Sex and the City 2″ at Radio City Music Hall, dinner after the Premiere at Tao Asian Bistro, a special private “Sex and the City” Hotspots group tour plus a fabulous “Sex and the City 2″ prize pack!

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for EXTRA and ‘Sex and the City 2.