I took an unannounced hiatus from this blog.  I honestly didn't plan to, but was very busy during this Summer so Internet took a backseat!

Now that the Summer is winding down, I plan to take it a little more easy and spend more time on my hobbies, which include blogging!

I'm going to hunt around for a new layout, perhaps more in celebration of Autumn, and take it from there.

Enjoy these last few weeks of Summer!

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When the word "retirement" is uttered, it usually sends some people into a nervous jitter, and others into a confused haze.  I fit into the latter category, but neither is very great.  Having a solid plan regarding your retirement, and your personal finances in general can you feel more informed and in control of your future.  Northern Trust offers personal financial planning services that can help you work through financial decisions and retire the way you want to.

How would I like to retire? I could name a thousand lavish lifestyles, but really I think just enjoying time and traveling a bit would be perfect.

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There are some good music festivals happening now and coming up.  I'd really like to see some of them, it's just a matter of getting organized and committing!  Shouldn't be that hard, I know!  You know how it is. 

Well as soon as I comment on the nice weather it turns to overcast, gloomy and somewhat humid.  I don't think the air quality has been very good for the past few days, I've been meaning to check that. My throat slightly hurts and I've heard others complaining on the same thing, and I think it's due to the environmental causes, not common colds.  Hmmm.  Well I hope this heavy weather clears up soon.

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Take it from someone who knows, the task of moving is one that can turn very quickly into a total disaster, if not carefully planned and prepared for.  I've had my fair share of moving nightmares, but luckily thanks to the rise of the internet, there's lots of helpful advice out there that can make moving day a lot smoother.  I'm lucky in that I haven't had to make an international move from one country to another, but for those who do, can find free quotes from moving companies, along with other helpful home related information.  Good luck!

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The weather has been absolutely fantastic the past few days.  I've really been taking advantage of it, by gardening and taking a few small day trips to visit friends or check out a town.  Ah, Summer!  It is a great time of year.

The day trips are fun but a huge disadvantage to them is the high price of gas.  It's just ridiculous.  So I think we'll hang close to home the rest of the Summer, which is totally fine.   Lots of time to do all things summery yet!

Hope everyone is having a great Summer!

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The last time I bought a new pair of glasses, I purchased them through a traditional retail store.  They cost me upwards of $100 despite my health benefits, and I'm not even satisfied with them!  The staff didn't measure correctly, so the glasses are actually too lose fitting and easily sit crooked on my face. As you can imagine it's extremely annoying and distracting.  Luckily, I'm due for a new pair soon.  ZenniOptical.com sells prescription eye glasses starting as low as $ 8!  I couldn't believe this at first, but it's true.  By selling manufacturer direct to the customer, they can offer their products at a much lower price.  Furthermore, the quality of their products was recently put to the test by FOX's program "Deal or Dud" and did remarkably well.  Watch Zenni on Fox and see for yourself!

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Sorry for the way-too-long absence, but as soon as summer comes it's hard to find the time to blog!  I do have a spare moment today though.   Even though it's the warmer weather, I've been baking a lot recently! YUM! I made cornbread a couple weeks ago, ginger cookies more recently, and today I'm going to try out a delicious looking pastry, lol!  I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, well it's almost summer. officially in a few days!

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Wow, I can't believe we're into June already! Time does fly..  Soon enough it will be officially summer, but the weather sure isn't cooperating!  It hasn't really gotten all that warm so far, and there's always a semi cold wind blowing it seems.  Oh well, once it does warm up I'll be dying of heat! So I better not complain :P  I've been watering the garden lots but until the sun really shines and it warms up enough it won't grow too well.  So come out sun!

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If you own your own business, or manage one, it's crucial to keep on top of all the paperwork that's involved.  Software to help you manage timesheets, expenses and other management tasks can make all the difference in staying on top of it all!  If you don't know where to start, how about if I told you there was software available that does all of this, for FREE?!  Well it's true, there really is.  Journyx offers Online Time and Expense software at no cost.  Read some great Timesheet success stories of companies that have gotten ahead using their software.  The best things in life are free!

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It's a nice day today, so I'm going to catch up on some yard work I've neglected due to my trip.  Lots of flowers have bloomed which is nice to work around.  As for unpacking,  I've pretty much unpacked everything, finally!  Can't say the house looks super clean though ;)

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