New Job, New Experiences

If someone had told me two years ago that I would be working in retail in 2011, I would've called them a total liar. Now I would have totally had to eat my words. I decided to accept a position at a local outlet store. ( Sorry for the hush-hush; haven't really read up on the etiquette for this job as far as disclosing info online. Hope to be able to share all I can because I LOVE this store and the deals are fantastic!!)Anywho, the job that I took is entry level, low paying, and I love it. I am only part-time but I still enjoy it. It is very different from anything that I've ever done. It's funny to think that I went from being a phlebotomist (diagnostic technician) to being a "store associate". I laugh out loud sometimes when I think about the choices I've made in life. They may not make sense to many, but they make sense to me and that's what counts. Healthcare will always be a part of me, but it just feels good to wear a different hat career-wise. One day I will have that professional career that I've always wanted, but for now, this is okay. It's been a long time since I've been able to say that I actually like my job. Who woulda thought it would be at a store??? Now to figure out how to work and not shop!! I hope I still have a paycheck at the end of the pay period. I already knew that shopping was my weakness and now I work at a store....Ummm...I think I just may have to call shoppers anonymous!!! Thanks for reading...stay tuned for more of me and this thing I call life!!! Peace and blessings!!!

Wow! has It really been more than a year????

As strange as it really seems to me, it has been more than a year since I started blogging. How on Earth did I let my blogiversary (May 10th)slide by without notice? It's funny that a year ago blogging seemed like such a big part of my life. What a difference a year makes. life has dealt me quite a few challenges this year and I am still not quite sure if they've made me stronger; wiser for sure, but stronger???? Anywho, it's time to get back to the real reason this blog was started. It was meant to be an outlet for those passions of mine that get buried in this hectic whirlwind called life. My soul aches to pour out the written word but the time it takes is seldom afforded to me. Blogging world you will be my muses along with the rest of world in general as I embark on year 2 of this journey.

**UPCOMING POSTS**
My Couponing Experience--My Way
Teens--Raising and learning to let go
New Job---Who woulda thought???

***This is a running list and will include many more, time permitting!!***

KidsBowlFree Registrations Are Open!!!!

My Family Is Registered For Kids Bowl Free...Why Don't You Join Us? Kids Bowl Free allows your family to bowl 2 Games FREE everyday all summer (May 1--August 31). Plus, there is a family pass option where parents, grandparents, older children that don't qualify for the Kids Bowl Free passes and babysitters can join in the fun and get the same great 2 FREE Game offer every day.

Visit http://www.KidsBowlFree.com for all the details.

Plus, when you register please enter my email address (katricemiller@hotmail.com) so our family is entered to win some great prizes including Gas Cards, Amazon.com Gift Cards, Weekend Hotel Trips, Restaurant Gift Cards and many more!

Please copy and paste my email address (katricemiller@hotmail.com) in the "Referred By" field on the registration page and we'll both be entered to win.

As soon as you register you'll receive an email to confirm your email address. You can then let other families know about Kids Bowl Free too...and have a chance to win these great prizes and enjoy all of the FREE Bowling!

Enjoy,

Twitter Parties--I love 'em!!! (Part 3--My Second Win)

After winning a prize in the other twitter contest I was so ready to try again. On February 2, I attended The Lands' End Twitter Storm Twitter Party. I had so much fun chatting with so many of the people and the questions that we had to answer made my snow-day so much better (we got 4 inches that day). I figured I'd give it a shot because they were giving away 50 prizes over the course of four hours. Color me shocked and happy when I won a combed cotton throw from Lands' End. It has so become my favorite!! I chose to get it in the Dusty Clay color just because it was bright; I love bright!! I have purchased products from Lands' End before, so I am aware of the high quality merchandise they provide and this throw is absolutely no exception. Thanks LandsEndPR for a wonderful contest and prize!!

**The aforementioned opinions are 100% my own. I was not asked to write this review by Lands' End. I received the product for winning a contest.**

Twitter Parties--I love 'em!!! (Part 2--The First One)

My first twitter party was on January 26, the XigoHealth Twitter Party. As with all contests, I went in with a level head, totally not expecting to win anything, but of course really hoping! As luck would have it, I won the pre-party prize. I had no clue what the prize was until a few days ago when a package arrived with Xigo (pronounced “chee-go”) Maximum Immune Defense and a $20 gift card for Target. Can we say Woohoo!! I love free stuff, especially free money!!! I tried Xigo a couple of days ago mainly because this time of year always zaps my immune system with the change in the weather and the increased pollen index. I already had that yucky-stuffy-runny-who-knows-which nose going on, and the icky-sticky-watery eyes, so I knew I was in for it. I chewed two of the tablets as per the instructions and I must say that I was surprised. The next day I was totally symptom free. My very well used, almost empty box of tissues are not necessary. My sneezing fits have come to an end. I think I just may need to buy stock in this company, that 's just how good it is. I thank everyone over at MomSelect for introducing me to XigoHealth and huge thanks XigoHealth for a fantastic product.

**The aforementioned opinions are 100% my own. I was not asked to write this review by neither XigoHealth, nor MomSelect. I received the product and gift-card for winning a contest.**

Twitter Parties--I love 'em!!! (Part 1--The Intro)

Do you attend Twitter Parties? If you had asked me that 3 months ago I would have responded with a quizzical "what's that". For those who are like me and don't know what a twitter party is, it is basically a real-time forum where you learn about some great companies and their products (some we know, some we don't) with the added bonus of potentially winning some prizes. I received a newsletter from MomSelect & Maria Bailey (Founder of MomSelect) that first introduced me to Twitter Parties. I followed the link to RSVP and from there I was hooked. Twitter Parties are an amazing way to interact with various companies and consumers in a fun and informal fashion. I have attended somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 twitter parties and have won two prizes. I plan to attend more, but I really must admit that I am not the most savvy "tweeter". I am still learning about the various methods to attend the parties so that I can maximize my participation factor. Now to dish about my winnings--YAY ME!!

Crouching Bargains--Unhidden Treasure!!

Okay, okay, I know my title is a bit tongue in cheek, but it got your attention, right!!??☺ I want to introduce you to Vibe's Treasure Depot--a veritable cornucopia of bargains and deals. Whether you are in the market for some cool, new trinkets or are looking to upgrade your garden decor plus anything in between, I am positive that there is something there for everyone.

My treasure quest led me to this amazing 16-piece Chinese Wok Set. I love making authentic Asian cuisine in my home and the best tool for the job is of course a wok. My set included a standard 14-inch wok,(4) rice bowls, (4) Asian-style spoons, (4) sets of chopsticks, a wooden spatula, and a set of cooking chopsticks all for 30 bucks. On top of that, just for be Vibe's very first customer, I received a $10 gift card that I am itching to use. I have my sights set on this amazing tapestry called the Tribal Maiden Wall Art. I am so impressed with the quality of the wok set that I can hardly wait to see how the other products measure up. To purchase products visit http://vibestreasuredepot.com and also be sure to checkout her facebook fan page. I love to support women in business for themselves, I hope you do too!☺

**Products were purchased by me and opinions are 100% my own. Gift card was received after purchase. No monetary compensation was received for this review.