GET INSPIRED WITH EMBROIDERY

I went round my friends house recently and saw that her little girl had all new clothes for her doll. Intrigued to know where she got them from so I could get some for my niece I was surprised to learn that she had actually hand made the items using machine embroidery designs patterns.

She told me about a favourite online store of hers called Digistitches. You can literally find all kinds of ideas here to inspire you, as well as patterns that you can download and try out yourself.

When you talk about embroidery a lot of people will associate this with clothing, but did you know there is so much more you can do with it too? Things like pony tail holders, refrigerator magnets, pacifier clips, cloths and much more.

Its definitely one of those hobbies that you would never get bored of as there are always so many new patterns to learn and stitch coming up all the time. If you see yourself as a bit of a master embroider I'm sure you have come up with a few creations of your own in the past.

As you navigate around the website there are plenty of ideas and products for all occasions such as Halloween, Mother and Fathers day, Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, Easter and so much more.

This carrot patch applique above particularly caught my eye. I just think its so cute, and I can just imagine it being on the front of the Easter basket as my kids wonder round trying to find their eggs. And then afterwards either keep the basket for show in the home somewhere or use the pattern on a T-shirt instead. You can have endless fun with embroidery.

If you're old or new to embroidery or even thinking of starting it up you should have a look at the site to find out more and get inspired.

BENEFITS OF A CONSERVATORY

When you run out of space in your home many people will build conservatories as apposed to an actual extension as its much cheaper, and you could have your conservatory up in a matter of days instead of months.

There are several uses for them. The most popular choice is a relaxation/dining area if you only have a living room in your home. Other options are using it as a children's play room, an office or even a hobby room.

Its a shame you can't get two story conservatories so that you could use the top as an extra bedroom. At least I don't think you can get them anyway! With the decent conservatories prices around could this be the next big thing perhaps?

They make a great addition to any garden too for somewhere to sit if you still want to enjoy the sun but without the heat and harmful rays.

Plus if you love to have parties and enjoy having guests around a conservatory is an ideal spot for people to mingle from the garden to the indoors without ruining your carpet in your living room!

I've given you some good ideas to think about now haven't I? I think everyone should have a conservatory.

STYLISH CORK & BULLETIN BOARDS

I'm sure we have all used those cheap cork memo boards in the past, where the pins wont go in properly or they end up falling out. Not to mention the fact that most of the time they don't go with our decor and look an eye sore!

Now you can get beautiful and stylish ones that look more like designer picture frames than a place to keep your notes and reminders. PulpProducts.com have a particularly good collection. You can choose from 13 wooden frame styles, 6 different styles and several colours.

The Bulletin board collection have a special pin proof fabric that ties in with the colour of the frame perfectly, and have a lifetime guarantee. And the cork boards are made from the best self-healing cork to again ensure that the board will last you for many years instead of just several months.

I love the fact all the Bulletin and cork boards are hand made in America, meaning a lot and care and thought is put into each piece. Even the pushpins (that come with every cork board by the way) are sourced from an American company that makes them out of wood for that extra high quality possible.

If you need a board larger or smaller than the ones featured on the website you can have one custom made. These type of boards look that good you could put them anywhere and not just in your office or kitchen.

The Bulletin boards are probably a little lesser known than the cork ones, so you can actually request a sample of the fabric to be sent to you in the post so that you can fully appreciate and inspect.

Pulp Products also do a selection of photo albums, scrap books, memo boards, photo frames, binders and refills too.

SATURDAY CENTUS: Times Up

Saturday Centus is a short story theme where you are given a different prompt each week, and have to work it into your story. The words this week are 100, you are allowed to add a picture and the prompt is in bold. Here is my short story:

As she opened the door for 7th time this week the chair dominated the small room.

The only piece of furniture left in this empty shell that was once called her home. But the only place where she could sit and gather her thoughts.

Alone in the dark and cold space she sat on the chair cuddled into a ball stroking the arm rests ... picturing her husband in his best times.

"Oh Peter why were you taken from me so cruelly?" she sobbed.

Her thought was interupted by a knock at the door ... "Mrs Robinson its the bailiffs"

CONSIDERING A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE?

Have you been considering trying to get a bachelor of education degree but not sure if you have what it takes to go ahead? Or even what the requirements are to enter to even study for the actual course?

There are several teaching subjects offered at Nipissing University based in North Bay, Canada:

- English

- Mathematics

- History

- Computer Studies

- Music (Instrumental)

- Geography

- Science

- Visual Arts

- Heath and Physical Education

- French

- Religious Education

First of all to even be able to get onto one of these courses you need to have a recognized undergraduate degree with a minimum of ten full courses which is equal to 20 semester courses under their belt.

If you are differently-abled, Aboriginal or is a member of visible minorities you can still apply as long as you meet the minimum criteria.

To read the full list of requirements and see what the conditions are you should follow the link within this post to find out more.

The first round of admissions will be taken on April, 2012 so that gives you time to prepare and gather all the information you need.

Applicants should expect to apply to at least one or more of these divisions:

- Primary/Junior - Kindergarten to grade 6

- Junior/Intermediate - grades 4 - 10

- Intermediate/Senior - grades 7 - 12

Although all these rules, regulations and requirements can come across as quite complex remember they are there for a reason, and will be worth it in the end.

SAVE ON DENTIST COSTS: Individual & Family Dentist Plans

Have you ever visited one dentist to be hit with a huge quote to get your problem sorted? But you continue and go ahead anyway because you think all the prices are going to be the same wherever you go?

With family or individual dental insurance at Dental.com you don't have to be paying out costly prices on the first quote you're given. In fact you can get discounts instead. A recent customer saved over $1300 on braces for her daughter through the plan.

There are lots of dentists to choose from in your area, and you can even choose different dentists when you're working away or travelling.

You can get dental plans for individuals from $79.95 a year which makes it especially good for people who can be tied to budgeting such as students, retirees or the self employed.

The family plan offers great value for money from just $129.95 a year and covers entire families no matter what the number of members are. Considering how much dental treatments cost which often can be more than the plan amount for just one thing, imagine the amount of savings you could be making on that one visit.

You can even save on check ups too so now there is no excuse not to go to the dentist!

I used to avoid my dentist like the plague! - especially when I had to pay out large amounts for a 5 minute check up appointment for them to say all is OK. But dental plans now make it easy and affordable to do this.

UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM: Contemporary Lighting

Some people may not consider the bathroom as the most important room in the house, but if you think about it its one of the places you spend a lot of time in really.

Plus when you have visitors come where is the main two places they are going to go? Its the living room and the bathroom right? So its just as important to get your bathroom lighting fixtures and other items in there looking the best they can.

Old fashioned light shades and bare hanging light bulbs (yes you still see those!) are slowly being phased out thankfully, and people are going with contemporary bathroom lighting instead to compliment their modern bathroom suites.

The Bathroom Lighting Outlet have a fantastic selection of lighting for all tastes and all styles of bathrooms. You can get energy efficient lighting, wall sconces, antique brass finish ones for the more traditional look and my personal favourite chandeliers.

There is something about chandeliers that makes you feel like you live in a million dollar home! I also like the Mika Lavery wall lights pictured above. I think they could completely transform your bathroom and give it a kind of Egyptian or roman style. And a different kind of look to your usual plain white bathroom suites with matching tiles and flooring.

Its definitely given me a few inspirations and ideas for transforming my tired avocado green bathroom. I'll start with the lights and make everything match around it!

Have a look at the website yourself and see if you can get drawn in by the gorgeous lighting selection too.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? - Psychic Readings

We all would love to know what our future will hold and the people that say they don't must be curious .. even just a little bit.

I went to see a physic a few months ago and everything they told me has now come true. At the time I was a dubious being a first timer and all that but not I'm a believer!

I was pleased to hear you can actually get Psychic Readings via an online chat at Hollywood Psychics. Or phone Psychic Maya, Judy or whoever you choose for a live reading.

Its refreshing to hear that you can actually chat to a real person rather than these automated services you call that have the same reading for everyone. This way its a lot more personal and you get individual attention and can ask questions along the way without being left wondering well what did that mean?

I really like the idea of choosing your own psychic to talk to and that you have the option to do this 24/7, and not when opening and closing hour schedules say so. After all you can't put a time slot on when you want your thoughts and desires answering.

As well as the online chat and phone readings you can also try out the tarot, clairvoyant and dream interpretation readings too.

Is that dream about falling down a cliff mean you're going to die? as it obviously suggests in the dream or is there a more logical reasoning behind it such as you're falling in love with someone where the relationship could turn out to be a rocky ride along the way!?

The physic mediums are all professionals and can see and speak about things with you that you probably never thought of in that way before.

All you have to do is create an account, pick a psychic, decide how much you want to spend then you can be chatting away and finding out your destiny in no time at all.

VERTBAUDET BOYS PEA JACKET REVIEW

I'm sure your child or children have more than one coat/jacket but its always nice to have a really smart one that they can wear for special occasions.

My boys pictured here are wearing the grey and blue boys pea jacket from Vertbaudet. They are priced at £45.00. And although that may seem pricey to some I can tell you the jackets are well worth the money.

The quality is strong. The material seems to have a resistance to catching those annoying bits and hairs from nowhere! And the ones that do creep on can be brushed off effortlessly.

The jacket is very warm - so my boys tell me :-) .... and you have a choice of zip or button fastening or you can use both.

Every time my sons have worn these they always get compliments off people on how smart and nice they look. I would definitely recommend them and its a refreshing change than wearing those polyester coats you see a lot of children wearing.

NB: This item was sent to me to keep in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Other Vertbaudet Reviews:

Boys roll neck sweater

Boys elasticated trainers

Boys school uniform

Boys swim shorts

Boys polo shirt and shorts set

Boys checked shirt

HOW WEB HOSTING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

When I first started using computers it took a while to figure everything out. Then you get used to it and be great at it! But the trouble with computers and the Internet is there is always something new that you need to learn to be one step ahead.

Like if you're setting up your own business for instance. One of first and important things you should do is make sure you have decent web hosting.

Maybe you have no idea what web hosting is and how it can benefit you? But once you do know you will think how you ever managed without it before. It might be worth checking out the Top ten web hosts as when you start looking into things more.

GET THE BEST CHEAPEST DEAL: dealnews.com

This post brought to you by dealnews. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everybody always likes to fish out a bargain and grab the cheapest deal possible. For instance if you're looking for a new laptop and you find the one you want you're less likely to grab those laptop deals straight away. If you're familiar with the Internet you will look around and see if you can find one cheaper.

But with website dealnews you don't have to, as all the best offers have already been found for you in one place. Whether you're looking for clothing, electronics, travel or just what the local deals are in your city. Plus if you're on the look out for a specific item or something from a certain store you can sign up for email notifications so you're always in the know.

Over 2,000 stores and thousands of deals are featured on the site and new ones coming in each day. Imagine if you were to search for those all by yourself! Now you can just go to dealnews.com - its so simple! and saves you cash too so that's always an extra bonus in itself.

The deals are no ordinary ones either that you usually see catalogues or your local shop promoting on a weekly basis. These are special Black Friday type deals. dealnews.com will find the lowest valid deals possible and from reputable stores so you know you will be getting quality goods.

Being a bit of a shopaholic myself I'm constantly scouring the clothing deals section. Timberland shoes for $15? .. erm yes please!

Have a look around yourself and see what deals catch your eye for anything you want! If you find something you like or are going to buy I'd be really interested to find out. Just let me know in comments. Happy Shopping!

THE FUN & EASIEST WAY TO ORGANIZE: Clipix

I have and have always been an organizer - to the point where it can get annoying to people sometimes if they are involved in whatever I've got planned! I'll send them links on Facebook, emails, text messages and it can often get confusing for everybody!

But then comes my saviour! clipix. This fantastic tool lets you store everything you find in one place and share with your friends and family in one go.

For instance with Valentines day coming up I've been looking for things like venue, new dress (of course!) underwear and present ideas. But when you're browsing the Internet you can get lost in all the information and where you found it!

With Clipix its easy! Registering takes less than a minute. There is a special Clipix button that you drag to your bookmark bar. When you see something you like click the button on your bar and a pop up menu will appear where you have the option to add it to a clipboard of your choice or create a new one.

When this is done you can access your Clipix main page and everything appears there on a easy to the eye and very organized clipboard screen If I do say so myself!

You can add anything you like Holiday ideas, Favourite websites/articles, products you want to buy - it really is that simple and I love it!

You should have a look and sign up yourself. You will wonder how you managed without it before. Also its worth checking out Clipix on Facebook and Clipix on Twitter.

What would you use Clipix for? Let me know in comments ...

My own work in progress!

Promoted Post

SAVE $$$ WITH WALGREEN'S PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS CLUB

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you finding yourself at the pharmacy on a regular basis and feel like your just burning a giant hole in your purse or wallet?

Top pharmacy Walgreen's have came up with the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club to help people save money for themselves, family members and even pets.

By joining you would get discounts on over 8,000 brand named and generic medications, diabetic supplies, nebulizers, flu shots and pet prescriptions. Plus if you buy any of the Walgreen home brand products or photofinishing services you get extra bonuses there too.

From just $20 a year for membership imagine what kind of money you can be saving over time. And if you might think £20 a year is quite expensive to cover members of the family individually the $35 a year Family Membership plan sells itself as it includes cover for your immediate family and any pets you have also.

This must be great news for people who use Walgreen's as their regular pharmacy anyway. With the plan it allows you to pick your medicines up in store easily or have them shipped to you for free. That sounds so much better than these online prescription ordering services doesn't it who would charge for getting your medicines out to you?

You can find out more about the plan and how to join via the website, liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter

FIND LOVE THE FUN WAY: Online Dating

Are you fed up with trying to meet someone out with friends? Or just don't get to go out to find singles that often?

Its all about finding your love on fun dating sites these days. You can get a date in your country, your town or even your own area if you're lucky.

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN ONLINE

After a long term relationship it can seem like you will never find love again.

A lot of people are drawn to online date chat rooms. Generally people here are not time wasters. There are thousands of men and women out there looking for their perfect date!