Choose Your First Home: 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits Available

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Coldwell Banker. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you’re ready to move out of your apartment or your parent’s home, there isn’t any time better than the present. Right now, first-time homebuyers, or those who haven’t owned in the last three years, can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit.

Beginning to search for your first home is an important step to having the ability to build better finances and to live in a place that’s comfortable. If you’re considering a new home for your family, there are specific things that you’ll want to know before diving in.

Before you even begin to look at homes, make sure that you conduct your own investigation. This will mean that you should find the going rates, how much other owners are paying every month, and what you can or aren’t able to afford. Current homeowners who have lived in a current home consecutively for 5 of the past 8 years can receive up to a $6,500 tax credit when purchasing a home.

You will also want to see what types of houses are going and what they are going for. If you know the basics of what’s available, it’ll be easier for you to get exactly what you want. You should also consider things such as your credit rating and your paycheck. You don’t want to walk into something that is over your head or start to look for something, only to find out that you won’t be able to move in.

Making connections with the right people is important. One of the most important decisions that you can make is to find a real estate agent that you feel comfortable talking to. This will make a difference in the type of deal that you get as well as what type of home and mortgage you end up with. Real estate agents have the ability to do investigations for you and find something that is best for you. You’ll also want to make sure that there are connections with home inspectors and the right lenders. Without the right people set in place, you might encounter problems getting the best deal on your new home.

After you begin to look around with your real estate agent, be sure that you begin to understand the terms that are being given to you. Loan terms, terms about the market, and other real estate ‘jargon’ will oftentimes be mentioned. If you don’t know what something is, ask, research it, or check with someone who’s been through the process before. Getting into a first home is a tremendous step up from an apartment, making it important that you understand excactly what it is that you’re getting involved in.

Keep the following in mind to not miss out on 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits.

Future extensions may not be availabe, so all qualified homebuyers are urged to act and have a written, binding contract by April 30, 2010, and must have a closing by June 30, 2010.

The income limits for singles is now $125,000, while for married couples it is $225,000 with a $20,000 phase-out of the credit for both.

While searching for a new home can be fun, it’s also a challenge.

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Checklist: Prepare Your Home For an Elderly Parent

Sandwich Generation

It’s a fact, as we get older so do our parents, and along with our aging parents can come some problems. I recently did a book review on siblings and caring for aging parents. More and more Baby Boomers are facing tough choices with our aging parents regarding their living arrangements.  Some adult children choose to send our parent(s) to a nursing home or assisted living facility where they’ll get around the clock care; others decide to hire help that can come to the parents’ home; while still others may decide to bring the parent to live with them.

My independent grandmother lived alone in senior citizen housing until she was 95.  As her conservator, I arranged for her to have certain medical alert systems in place.  For example, a service checked in on her every day by phone.  My grandmother also  had a medical alert button that she wore around her neck in the event she fell.

Alternatively, my late mother-in-law lived for many years with my husband’s sister.  As mom grew older, adaptations were made in the house so that she could remain ambulatory.

If you’re considering tucking your parent under your own roof, and that parent is disabled, there’s many things you need to do to prepare your home for their safety.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point in helping you figure out just what you need to do in order to make your home ready.

With a clipboard in hand, take a tour of your house from the front entrance to all interior spaces and take notes.

Entrance -
Check to see if the walkway is even for ease of walking, that the steps are not too steep, and that the handrail is adequate.  Does the door open easily and is the whole area well lit?  If your parent is in a wheelchair, the walkway needs to be wide enough to accommodate it and you may need to install a ramp.

Kitchen -
Take a look at the electrical outlets and make sure there are several within easy reach.  Keep dishes and utensils within easy reach too.  Pull-out shelves in the bottom cabinetry make for easier access.  Buy small appliances that are made for people with arthritis as they are easier to use.  Are all the bigger appliances accessible?  Can your parent reach the microwave and the controls on the oven?  A fire extinguisher is a must for the kitchen, whether your parent is living with you or not.

Bath -
Make sure your water heater is not set too high as this could cause potential scalding. A single lever faucet may be a better choice to allow them control over the water temperature.  You should install grab bars around the toilet area and shower/tub.  Consider adding a seat in the shower as well.  Put a non-stick surface in the shower/tub and make sure the bathroom flooring won’t get slick and slippery when wet.  Everything they need should be within easy reach.  If your parent is in a wheelchair, create knee space under the sink and insulate the hot water pipe to prevent burns.  Have a nightlight that turns on automatically at night.

Bedroom -
You can install grab bars wherever they are needed.  Consider getting a hospital-type bed if they need some help getting to a sitting position.  Make sure there is adequate lighting and no exposed cords or drapery to trip on. Are the bedroom and closet doors easy to open?  Keep the path to the bathroom well lit and clear of stuff at night.

The decision to have your parent move into your house isn’t an easy one.  Take the time to make your home as accommodating by researching medical alert products and as safe as you can before you lay out the welcome mat.

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They’re Your Parents, Too! Caring For Aging Parents: Book Review & Giveaway

Sibling Rumble

How Sibilings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy

By 2030, there will be a record 71 million Americans aged 65 and older and the majority will need some sort of long-term care, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Several years ago I considered myself a member of what was referred to as the “sandwich generation.” Esteemed members are those who are parents of young children, yet are facing the responsibility of being caretakers for their aging parents. 

In my case, I became the caretaker of my elderly grandmother, who lived to be 101.  Yes, I come from a family with very strong genes.  My grandmother, born in 1901,  was the oldest of 9 children, and just about outlived them all.

My grandmother, who never spent a day in the hospital in her life, was quite independent, living alone in a senior citizen apartment until she was 95.  A good life, and natural aging caught up with her, and I had to apply to the probate court for conservatorship. Eventually she was admitted to a convalescent home nearby.

I recently had the opportunity to review an informative book by Francine Russo, “They’re Your Parents, Too! How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy” (Bantam Books, New York)

Francine Russo is a widely recognized journalist known for her alertness to developing trends, especially in her own boomer generation.  For nearly a decade Russo covered the boomer beat for Time magazine.  She brings a rich personal history to her writing as a daughter, sister, wife, widow, mother of two, and stepmother of three.  She has a Ph.D in English and lives in Manhattan.

In the book, Russo draws on her own experiences as well as those of dozens of families, healthcare works and assisted living experts to get to the heart of the matter:  what it costs – financially, physically and emotionally – to become your parents’ caregiver.

My daughter is currently a Marketing Director for an assisted living facility here in Connecticut and deals on a daily basis with the tribulations of adult children making life-altering decisions such as those described by Russo. Always close to her great-grandmother, as a teen she was quite aware of the tremendous pressure I was under.  I think this experience has aided in her success as a Director of the facility.

In the book, Russo addresses:

• Communicating more constructively to escape the “anger/built gridlock”

• How to reach consensus when siblings disagree about their parents needs:  overcoming denial and “distrusting the messanger.”

• How sibilings can be in it “together,” even long-distance, when one is doing almost all of the caregiving.

My brother lives out of state and caught up in his own career.  Although we consulted on what course of treatment was best for my grandmother, the bulk of the  responsibility fell on me –  a parent of two teenagers at the time, who also worked full-time.

Caring for dependent elderly parents or grandparents can be one of the most isolating experiences most people ever have to face. Becoming a carer can sometimes be rewarding, but it’s hardly ever easy. It can be a very lonely life, and friends can start to disappear when you’re not so readily available for evenings out, etc. Even those who stay the course can find it hard to listen to the things you feel the need to talk about, and you’re likely to find their conversation very trivial compared to what you’re dealing with.

The author touches on topics that siblings of aging parents need to know that it’s essential that primary caregivers get some time off. This is absolutely vital, and not likely to be offered unless you make a point of saying that you need it. It’s no reflection on your abilities as a carer, or your love for the person that you’re caring for, but you need to take at least some care of yourself if you’re going to take effective care of anybody else.

Caring for someone can very tiring, both physically and emotionally, so you need to be able to recharge your batteries as often as you can, in order to avoid falling victim to depression yourself.

You have a life, as well, and the right to some enjoyment.

The author further discusses opportunities for reconciliation even when sibiling tensions still simmer after parents die, while reinventing the family and sustaining the family connection into the future.

I highly recommend this book, and suggest that if you’re currently in a position with aging relatives, to read it and circulate it to your family members.  Oftentimes it’s easier to make a subliminal point rather than have a face-to-face confrontation over responsibilities.

I’m going to make certain that my own adult children read it.

ISBN: 978-0-553-80699-1
Pages: 286
MSRP: $26

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book DO IT OR AGE QUICKLY: 60-Second Practices to Live Better, Stronger, and Longer by personal wellness trainer and martial artist JB Berns.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Share whether you or someone you know will be or has ever experienced the responsibility of caring for aging relatives and how you or they were affected by it.

This contest will run until March 8, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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Cell Phones and the WAHM

Mommy Brain

As moms and grandmoms, we change hats quite frequently, depending upon “who’s calling us.” And I don’t necessarily mean on the phone.  It’s either the kids, pets, husband, significant other – always somebody wanting our attention.

Cell phones, however, have become a way of life for most of us.

Do we really want to be available for everyone and anyone on a 24/7 basis?  What do I mean?  A famous person once said that the more available you make yourself; the more available everyone will expect you to be. People will actually be annoyed if you aren’t constantly and instantly available at all times.  People expecting you to be available all the time may be annoying.  Cell phone calls follow you everywhere you are including your bathroom.  Even during the evening when you’d like to decompress and relax at day’s end, cell phones may continue to ring and annoy you.  If it’s important – not a problem, however if it’s very menial, why must you be bothered so late in the evening?

Today we live in a modern society and with the proliferation of cell phones we see people talking anywhere and everywhere.  Smart phones are essential if you run a work-at-home mom business, and this may actually prove to be very effective if you’re running in and out of the house during the day.  It’s great to be able to keep in touch with not only the kids and family, but your business associates  when you need to.

Cell phones have become a necessity nowadays, that’s why most people use them. My youngest daughter and I share a “family-plan” on the Verizon network. She has a new Blackberry that she recently upgraded to, and I’ll be getting one on my next upgrade “New Every Two” plan. Cell phone manufacturers have continuously developed different usage and functions for this very small gadget – alarms and calendars help us to effectively manage our time.

Follow certain degrees of cell phone etiquette though; and this tool will be very helpful to you, your family and work-at-home mom business.

Verizon and JuiceBoxJungle sponsored me to write this post, and they asked me to talk about the ways my smart phone affects my life as a parent.

Related Articles:

• Checklist: Prepare Your Home For an Elderly Parent
• How Home Staging Can Help Sell Your Home Quicker
• In Home Spa Treatment: Pamper Yourself
• Baby Everywhere: A Book and a Bag Review and Giveaway

Follow Me on Twitter
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Tags: 2010 Homebuyer Credit, business, family, finance, first-time homebuyer, house, money, mortgage, real estate, real estate agent, tax credit

Guide to Walt Disney World With Preschoolers: Review and Giveaway

February 7, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)  
Filed under baby boomer, books, children, family, frugal, giveaways, grandparenting, kids, leisure, lifestyle, parenting, toddlers, tourism, travel

37 Comments

Disney Tips for Traveling With Preschoolers

Plan a Magical Vacation That is Perfect For Your Family

I’ve had the opportunity to review a new book that takes all the guesswork out of planning for a trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers in tow.

My oldest daughter fondly remembers our family vacation to Disney World when she was younger.  I saved for almost a year, and paid for the entire vacation in cash.

The girls were 7 and 11 at the time, in 1994.  We went towards the end of August when the rates were somewhat less expensive, and stayed directly on the grounds in Florida at the Polynesian Resort.  I don’t mind the heat since I live in New England.  Actually I thrive in it!

Now that my daughter has two toddlers of her own, she’s been making “noises” about wanting to revisit Disney with their kids, who are 1 and 3.   Both my daughter and charming son-in-law are extremely close to both sets of parents.  They’d really like that the grandparents can all join in together for a memorable family trip.

As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your preschooler around in your arms all  day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day!  You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long.

Beyond the Attractions:  A guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers by Lisa M. Battista (BookSurge) is a definite must-read book.

Lisa Battista answers common and not-so-common questions in Beyond the Attractions such as advance reservations; the best time to visit; sleeping away from home and more that will assure that your family vacation is enjoyable and stress free:

Strollers – Strollers are not only welcome at Disney World, they’re highly recommended. In fact, Disney World rents strollers for a reasonable fee.  My suggestion would be to tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

FastPass – You don’t want to spend your entire Disney World vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disney World FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from kiosks located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn’t mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It’s more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day – at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you’re free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

Many other tips to help you maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars are included in this reference guide for parents, by a parent.

Start planning your next vacation!

On Twitter: @DisneyExplorer
Pages: 169
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5757-9

For More Information Visit: Beyond The Attractions

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book, Beyond the Attractions:  A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Tell me why you’d like to win this book.

This contest will run until February 28, 2010 at  11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Related Articles:

• Green Mountains and Flowers: Wordless Wednesday
• Vermont Snow Covered Walkway Bridge and Stream-Wordless Wednesday
• Vermont Snow Covered Mountains: Wordless Wednesday
• Connecticut Farm Barn and Pasture – Wordless Wednesday
• Little Old School House Connecticut – Wordless Wednesday

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Tags: 2010 Homebuyer Credit, business, family, finance, first-time homebuyer, house, money, mortgage, real estate, real estate agent, tax credit

Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitizer Wand – Review and Giveaway

February 1, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)  
Filed under baby boomer, family, frugal, giveaways, health, kids, leisure, lifestyle, parenting, travel

118 Comments

A Healthy Home

Germguaridan UV-C Mini Sanitzer Wand

Safe and Natural

I have a sign in my house that says “Our Home is Clean Enough to be Happy and Dirty Enough to Be Happy.”

Actually, this saying  may be a bit outdated, since I’ve been married for over 35 years, and times have changed.  There’s so many Super-Bugs and diseases around now that we hadn’t even heard of in the 1970s, which are antibiotic resistant.

I’ve recently been asked to review the Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitizer Wand.

The Germguardian is a product that promotes a healthy and natural way to sanitize your home without using harsh chemicals.  It states  the sanitizer wand kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, and also fights odors and reduces allergens like mold spores and dust mights.

Science was never my strong subject, but Ultraviolet light is used in hospitals to sanitize surfaces and kill germs.

The sanitizer takes 4 AA batteries.  I inserted the batteries and had a difficult time trying to put the top back on.  I held the button for the recommended 3 seconds, which turned the sanitzer on.

I ran it over my kitchen table and countertops.  I can’t say with any certainty that it actually did anything, because everything looked the same to me.

The product comes with a black drawstring carrying case, which is good for business travelers.

I’ve been reading that many cities and hotels are experiencing infestations of bed bugs – so this might be a good idea for travelers to take with them and use on pillows and bedding after a visual inspection of the room.

The sanitizer is chemical-free, and recommended uses include:

• toilets
• phones
• computers
• sinks
• countertops
• bedding
• pillows
• shoes

Dimensions: 10.3″ L x 1.5″ w x 1.6″ h

MSRP: $79.99

Instruction Book Included

For More Information Visit: Germguardian

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Germguardian UV-C Mini Sanitzer Wand.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Germguardian and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until February 17, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Related Articles:

• Green Mountains and Flowers: Wordless Wednesday
• Vermont Snow Covered Walkway Bridge and Stream-Wordless Wednesday
• Vermont Snow Covered Mountains: Wordless Wednesday
• Connecticut Farm Barn and Pasture – Wordless Wednesday
• Little Old School House Connecticut – Wordless Wednesday

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Tags: 2010 Homebuyer Credit, business, family, finance, first-time homebuyer, house, money, mortgage, real estate, real estate agent, tax credit

Affordable Scarves – Review and Giveaway

January 30, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)  
Filed under baby boomer, fashion, frugal, giveaways, leisure, lifestyle, shopping

73 Comments

Fashion Accessories

The "Hartford"

Scarves For Fashion and Function

Both of my daughters are the fashionistas of the family.  Always uber-up-to-date on the latest fashion trends, I must have been given the wrong babies when I brought them home from the hospital.  As a Baby Boomer, I now take my fashion cues from my girls.

Are you interested in updating your appearance, at least in terms of your fashion?  If you are, you may not only want to examine the latest in fashion trends, as far as clothing, but you may also want to examine the latest trends in fashion accessories.  Fashion accessories are rapidly increasing in popularity, although many still don’t know exactly what they are, or what to do with them.

When it comes to fashion accessories, you’ll find that a number of different products are included. Fashion accessories, like fashion clothing pieces, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. You’ll find fashion accesories that are designed for all body types – average, petite, and plus sized women.

One of the many different types of fashion accessories available for purchase are Pashminas, wraps and scarves. Womens scarves come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. That’s one of the reasons why they’re often referred to as fashion accessories. There are scarves out there that are designed for wearing with a casual pair of jeans, as well as office wear and evening wear.

I recently had the opportunity to review a Pashmina wrap from Affordable Scarves.  I chose (naturally!) The Hartford, in purple and gold. It’s made of beautiful 100% authentic pashmina, and is completely reversible.  I liked how it looks very elegant, yet I can wear it with a sweater, or even a little black dress for evening!   It measures 72″ L x 27″ W and has a 3.5″ fringe.

Affordable Scarves has a wonderful selection of styles -  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Seasonless.  Selections include silk scarves, cashmere scarves, and pashmina scarves, loop scarves, knit scarves, and shawls.

They offer FREE standard shipping on all orders over $30, and have a Money Back Guarantee.  Payment methods include Paypal, Google Checkout, most Major Credit Cards.

Fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that could use an updating, as well as extend your fashion budget.

Need to know how to tie one of these beautiful scarves?

Enter their How to Tie a Scarf Video Contest for other chances to win a scarf!

Now is the time to find the perfect gift for yourself, your teen, Valentines Day and Mothers Day!

For More Information Visit: Affordable Scarves

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of one (1) Affordable Scarf.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Affordable Scarves and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and which one is your favorite.

This contest will run until February 15, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Related Articles:

• How Home Staging Can Help Sell Your Home Quicker
• Baby Everywhere: A Book and a Bag Review and Giveaway
• ABC Neckties: Affordable Fashion-Review and Giveaway
• Custom T-Shirts for Women from VistaPrint: Get Ready for your next Fundraiser or Blog Conference!
• Surviving Selling Online Through Better Communication

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Tags: 2010 Homebuyer Credit, business, family, finance, first-time homebuyer, house, money, mortgage, real estate, real estate agent, tax credit

Triaminic Thin Strips – Coupon

January 26, 2010 by Moomette's Magnificents (Admin)  
Filed under Buzz, Reviews & Buzz, baby boomer, children, family, grandparenting, kids, parenting, wahm tips

1 Comment

Sick Day Guideline

Cold and Flu Symptoms in Children

When my daughters were younger both were enrolled in family daycare while I worked. My daycare provider was a mom of grown children, and had plenty of experience in recognizing when my girls weren’t feeling quite up to par.

As any new parent or parent will learn, children are very susceptible to illnesses, in part because their immune systems aren’t quite fully mature.

Breastfeeding is a recommended way of providing some immunity to common illnesses, however with so many moms returning to the workforce, most children are weaned by the time they’re 1 year old.

Children also have a habit of exploring the world around them with their mouths and their hands. Anything that comes into contact with their mouth and hands can potentially cause an illness.

The good news is that the more your child is exposed the stronger their immune systems will become, and their ability to fight off infection in the future.

This past fall we’ve all heard about the H1N1 virus.

Now that winter is here, as parents and grandparents we also must recognize symptoms of illness in our children, and know when to take action.

Colds/Cough – Cold and coughs are usually caused by viral infections, thus must be spread by person to person contact, not through the weather alone. Common symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, cough, possible sore throat and occasionally a temperature. Colds can become more severe and result in bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Signs that a cold is becoming worse and may need medical treatment include green or yellow nasal discharge, fever lasting more than one day or a persistent and wheezy cough.

Flu – The flu is characterized by headaches, chills, muscle aches and a high fever. Respiratory symptoms may also develop, and a feeling of fatigue which may last for several weeks after initial symptoms. The flu is also spread from person to person contact usually with respiratory secretions of someone who is sick. Antibiotics can’t treat the flu.

Recently I heard through Debbie at We Speak Media about how Triaminic, a leader in children’s over-the-counter cold and flu symptom medication, has put together an online Cold & Flu Symptom Tracker, based on data from SDI Fan® (a source used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  I checked for my state, and Hartford, Connecticut is currently experiencing moderate cases right now.

Triaminic offers a downloadable sick day guideline which can help parents whether to send their child to daycare or school, or whether to keep them at home.

When dispensing medication to children, remember to always read and follow medicine labels exactly, to ensure that the child receives the right dosage. Single-use products like Triaminic Thin Strips® provides a pre-measured dose of medicine that dissolves quickly on the tongue, so parents know their children are receiving the recommended amount for their age.

You can download a free coupon for $1.50 off TriamincThin strips, an easy way to administer cough and cold medicine to your child.

Visit Triaminic.com and to find out the level of cold/flu activity in the city nearest to you.

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3 Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Start the New Year Off On the Right Foot

No matter how old you are, you can control your health.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is central to good nutrition.  Don’t think that you have to be at the mercy of genetics – take a bit of time to take care of yourself and you’ll experience much better health.  Pregnant women especially should pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while they’re expecting and while they’re nursing.

Here’s a look at a few things you can do to improve your chances of staying healthy and living longer.

Flossing
We don’t have to assume we’re going to lose our teeth as we get old anymore.  Simply flossing on a regular basis, having a good affordable dental plan and keeping a good relationship with your dentist can do a lot to improve your smile, and make you look and feel younger.

Whole Food Nutrition
Almost all of us take a handful of supplements daily, whether from a prescription plan or over the counter.  Keep in mind though that getting your nutrients from foods, as well as a manufactured vitamin, may give you more nutrients in better forms.  Whole food nutrition can work to keep us younger for longer.  Just make sure that your diet is complete and the food you eat is of high quality.

Avoid Smoking
Smoking can be a real problem for people who want to stay younger, longer.  We all know the major side effects of smoking – lung cancer, heart disease, and appearance related problems.  Check to see if your medical plan covers smoking cessation programs. If you want to age healthily, give up smoking by whatever means possible.

photo credit: Quinn Dombrowski

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Reading Glasses Shopper – Review and Giveaway

Spare Reading Glasses

Stylish Reading Glasses for Women and Men

I’m usually so busy and rushed I forget where I’ve placed my reading glasses or sunglasses at home and run out the door for my errands. Then I end up straining my eyes when I have to read a menu at a restaurant or grocery shop.

I’ve found some nice beaded chains so I can wear my readers around my neck, but oftentimes I do take them off and misplace them somewhere.  Just when I need them, I can’t find them.

Recently I had the opportunity to review some reading glasses from Reading Glasses Shopper, which will solve this Baby Boomer’s problem of forgetting where I placed my glasses.

We carry only the best brands and models of discount reading glasses on the market. If you’re shopping online for quality reading glasses, we definitely have what you’re looking for. We are committed to offering you the finest reading glasses at great prices while providing exceptional customer service.

The glasses come in different strength magnitudes, which are sufficient for most people.  You can shop for +1.00 power up to +4.00 power.

Womens and Mens Styles are available:

• Reading Sunglasses

• Bifocal Reading Glasses

• Folding & Compact

• Half Frame

• Full Frame

• Fit Over Sunglasses

The glasses I received are the New Jessica Sun Readers in Black.  While not prescription, they’re fashionable and perfect for reading directions while driving, or sitting on the beach or poolside when I don’t want to take my regular prescription sunglasses with me.

Reading Glasses Shopper has most versions in stock, and are members of the Indianapolis Better Business Bureau.  FREE shipping is available on orders over $30.00

Summer vacation season will be here, so pick yourself up a pair or two of extra glasses at a great price!

Follow on Twitter @RdgGlassesShopr
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For More Information Visit: Reading Glasses Shopper

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a $20 Gift Certificate to Reading Glasses Shopper.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Reading Glasses Shopper and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and which is your favorite style.

This contest will run until February 9, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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