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Monday, October 31, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 30 Let Him Take The Lead}

May I admit that I have been asking, no, begging God for the past nearly three years to be a stay at home mom?  Is it also ok to admit that I have allowed myself to have PPD because of it?  Well, not intentionally.  But, that's what happens when strongholds take over you.  I don't know if I will ever not want to be a stay at home mom.  I don't feel like I spend enough time with my family.  But, what I do know is that God is leading this journey.  I'm just taking His hand as a child would.  I don't know the plans He has for me, but He does.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Maybe God knows that I wouldn't be happy as a stay at home mom.  Some stay at home mom's don't feel fulfilled.  Maybe that would be me.

Maybe God isn't saying no, but just not now.

Whatever He has planned for me is good.

Just like when I was a teenager and my parents wouldn't let me ride with my newly licensed teenage friends (and I was so furious), they knew what was best for me.  They were protecting me.  They didn't want me to be a statistic.  They didn't want me to die like my cousin did at only 14 years old.  They had my best in mind.  They weren't trying to steal my fun or be overprotective.

I didn't understand it then. But I do now.  And, I appreciate it now.

And just like my parents...even more than my parents...God is watching over me now.  He knows what is best for me and I'm going to let Him take the lead.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 29 What A Ride!}

I love this quote.

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, favorite beverage in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,Woo Hoo...what a ride!" Author Unknown

What a great to live your life.  Though it doesn't seem to be a Christian quote, I see it through the Christian filter.  How wonderful to live a life of serving others and taking the awesome ride called life!

How about the lyric in Lonestar's song "Mountains"?  The good Lord gave us mountains so we could learn how to climb.

Another great mental picture of how life is to be lived.

We would complain that life was boring if we didn't have ups and downs and curves along the way.  I think God knew that.  He's awesome like that.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 28 The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale}

The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale.

Yes, all words are meant to be capitalized.

It's true.

The big bad wolf is standing outside your door, huffing and puffing and trying to blow your house down.

Will you let him?

Or, will you put on the full armor of God and take charge.  Will you fight?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
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10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Ephesisans 6:10-18

Photo Credit: Google

Thursday, October 27, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 27 The End, Part Two)

Yesterday we left off asking, Would anything change in our lives if we were told we only had a few precious days to live.

I'm a little sad to say that my life would be very different.

I would quit my job and spend as much time with my family as possible.

I would let them know how much I love them.

I would cook a beautiful meal for them.

Maybe take a short vacation.

Tell as many people about Jesus as I could.

I could go on and on.

So, why don't I go on and do that now?  Why do we have to wait until the end to live like we want to live?

Loving this life is not about getting but giving.  It's not about anything of this world except for people.  Other souls.  Precious lives that are hanging in the balance.

I have some things that I will be changing.  Do you?

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 26 The End}

My husband was telling me about a co-worker who received some tragic news recently.

His co-worker went to the doctor and was told he had a thyroid issue.  After visiting a specialist he was told he had stage 4 cancer.  In addition, he was told he only has 4 to 6 weeks to live.

It breaks my heart to hear this and I don't even know this person.

It makes me think too.

How would I live my life if I was told I only had a few precious days left?

Would anything change?

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 25 The Frogs}

Today is October 25th.  It is so hard to believe that we are 3/4 through our journey of 31 Days of Loving Life.  I hope you have been encouraged, inspired and even stretched.  I hope you have experienced an aha moment or two.  Ultimately, I hope God has used my little blog in this great big world to speak to you in some way, no matter how small.  During these last few days in this series, I have a few things on my heart, but I'm not sure where God will lead.
Today I want to talk about the recurring problems in life.  The ones that seem to cycle, come and go.  They are thorns in our lives.
For me, they are a lot like the dog lying on the nail.  The old hound dog was lying on the front porch just howling and moaning.  Someone asked his owner why he didn't do anything to help the poor old dog and he replied, he's laying on a nail and it just doesn't hurt bad enough for him to get up and move.
In my devotion this morning I read about the Egyptian Pharoah with the frog problem.  There were thousands of frogs in his country, maybe millions.  They were everywhere.  The frogs came as a result of a dispute with God over the Israelites.  God sent Moses to speak to the Pharoah:
"When shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses?" “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God." Exodus 8:9-10
This was an aha moment for me.
How often do I say tomorrow to God?  How often do I say tomorrow to my problems?  Why wait a moment longer than I have to, to rid myself of my own "plagues"?
It's time to clear out the frogs!

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Monday, October 24, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 24 While I'm Waiting)

What are you supposed to do when we are waiting for the Lord to answer your prayers?  Continue Praying.  Be obedient.  Stay faithful.  Continue to serve Him.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
I absolutely love the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller.  Below is the video used for Fireproof.  Love the song.  Love the lyrics.  Love the movie.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 23 Choose Happiness}

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
~ Groucho Marx
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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 22 Everything is A Miracle)

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. "
~ Albert Einstein
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Friday, October 21, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 21 Count It All Joy}

Today's post is a little later than normal.  I apologize for keeping you on the edge of your seats! Just kidding!

Back in July, my husband had to have ear surgery.  Sounds very simple, but it was anything but simple.  He had a cholesteatoma deep within his ear that had taken his hearing.  We were terrified.  Worried about the surgery.  Worried about the medical bills.  Worried about him being out of work for several weeks.  Worried that we couldn't make ends meet.  Just a whole bunch of worry.

We knew that God would provide.

He did.

We knew that God would provide healing.

He did.

We cut back on everything.  It was really a luxury to go out to eat, even at a fast food restaurant.  And, not only did we survive, but we thrived.

We enjoyed spending time together as a family.  I became quite spoiled to not having to wake up so early and I loved getting home early too.  We found our church and fell in love with our church family during that time.  My husband was able to spend a lot of time with our son.  We had eight full weekends together as a family.

But, there was a problem.  The tumor was gone, but his hearing didn't improve.  And, it still hasn't.

Today, he met with the surgeon again and has scheduled another surgery for November 15.  And, I'm not worried.  I'm happy.

God provided more than we needed during his last surgery and recovery and I know He is already providing for us now. I see this as an amazing opportunity and blessing.

Now, I don't have to look at the calender and be disappointed that my husband can't make it to a family Christmas gathering because he has to work.

I don't have to figure out if we can go as a family to our Christmas program at church.

We can truly enjoy spending this Thanksgiving and Christmas season together as a family.  That's the greatest gift we could ask for.  On our wish list, the success of the surgery and we know God has already provided that too.

- - -

These are the verses that I have clung to during many times of trial I have experienced (various translations):

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

James 1:2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Philippians 4:19
My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 20 Flying Blind}

Have you ever seen the "God is my Co-Pilot" bumper sticker or tag?

Have you heard the song "Jesus take the wheel" by Carrie Underwood?

These words became real life for Jim O'Neill in November, 2008.  Jim suddenly became blind while he was piloting his two seater Cessna airplane from Scotland to England.  At first, Jim thought it was temporary and due to the glaring sun, but quickly realized there was a bigger problem.  Jim had suffered a stroke that rendered him completely blind.  Jim was 15,000 feet in the air with no way out.

Amazingly, with the help of the Royal Air Force and Air Traffic Control, Jim was able to safely land his plane.  The Royal Air Force flew to meet Jim and stayed within 300 feet of his plane and guided him by giving simple instructions, turn right slighly, go up, go down. After three attempts at landing, he did land and was taken to the hospital.  Jim had suffered a stroke and did recover.  (You may read the full story here.)

I love this story.

I love struggle victory stories.

God is right there with you.  All the time.  He gives us those simple instructions that we need to safely land, ie live our lives.  Just like with Jim, we usually only get one step at a time.

Go this way.

No, that's not a good idea.

Read this book, blog, etc.

Here's a verse to help you.

I am so thankful for that God is ever present in my life.  Are you allowing Him to guide you, or do you question His every instruction?

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 19 Excusitis}

Have you ever had a case of excuseitis?  I'm too old.  I'm too young.  I'm overweight.  I'm not smart enough.  I don't have any time.

Fauja Singh could have said he was too old.  When he was 89 years old he began running marathons.  Yes, that is correct.  89 years old.  Over the weekend he completed his eighth marathon.  In case you don't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles.  Fauja finished in last place, at 8:25.17.

What stands out most to you in this story?

I certainly hope that it isn't that Fauja came in last place.  I hope that it's the fact that not only did he conquer his own reasons not to run, but I'm sure, he overcame the remarks and opinions of others too.

What an inspiration.

Reminds me of Abraham and Sarah.  God doesn't look at age.  He's ageless.  Timeless.  He doesn't look at any of our other excuses either.  He knows our limitations, but calls us anyway, because He equips us.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil. 4:13

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 18 The Pumpkin}

This past weekend, while Dylan wasn't feeling his best, we speent the weekend at home.  Normally when we are home I keep the Nick Jr. channel on at a low volume, hoping he will learn all of the positive character qualities they teach as well as math, colors, etc.  Well, this weekend, mommy learned something too!

If you are a mom of a young child, I'm sure you have heard of Franklin.  If not, fyi, Franklin is an adorable little turtle cartoon, check it out, super cute.  Moving on now.  Franklin and his friend Bear had grown a huge pumpkin and wanted to take it to the fiar to be judged.  They were on their way to the fair when tragedy struck.  The pumpkin rolled down the hill and smashed into a tree.  Franklin and Bear were so upset.  I can't blame them, all their hard work ruined.

Then came the life lesson.

Mrs. Muskrat came up on them and saw what happened.  Then she said it.  "Don't worry, everything can be made into something good."

Repeat:  Everything can be made into something good.

What good is a smashed up pumpkin?  It's perfect for ribbon winning pumpkin pie!

Are you broken?  Feel smashed up?  Feel like you have hit a tree head on?  Know that you have good inside you too.

Everything can be made into something good.

I'm learning that being broken isn't always such a bad thing.  It's often the perfect time to share what's on the inside of you that's normally hidden in your shell.

Here's to turning smashed pumpkins into pumpkin pie!

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 17 He Understands}

I've always heard that Jesus understands our pain, that while on earth He was tempted and suffered just as we do. It's one thing to hear it and a completely different matter to believe it.

I'm currently reading Max Lucado's new book, God's Story Your Story.  In this book, Max Lucado quotes the verse that is the origin of this saying, and it is quoted in a translation that I've never heard it quoted before.

For our high priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses.  When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.  Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's Throne where there is grace.  There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.  Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV

This verse doesn't exactly paint the picture of Jesus sitting on His throne, tapping His fingers and saying, I can't believe she just did that, said that, failed that...again.  No completely opposite.  I'm envisioning Jesus sitting at His throne, looking down with love, saying you can do this, you have what you need to overcome this, I am with you, I have been there.

We all gravitate to people that we have things in common with.  I hope that this verse causes you to gravitate to Jesus more than ever before!

He does understand.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 16 What's your MO?}

I can hardly believe that we are on Day 16 already! My how the month has flown by!  It will be Christmas before we know it! I LOVE Christmas and fall, so I don't want to rush it!!

Today I'm thinking of my MO.  I used to watch a lot of crime shows, I don't anymore because they are so negative, but I did really love them.  I liked trying to figure out who did it and why.  Clue for television!  In those shows, the police are always searching for the criminals' MO, mode of operation or manner of operation.  Basically, how they choose their crimes, etc.

Yesterday, my baby really didn't feel well when he woke up.  He was just lying around and whimpering and very tired.  The past few days he really hasn't been himself, so much that his nursery school teachers even commented on it.  So, I was already concerned about him.  So when he woke up that way, this momma panicked!  My first reaction, call the doctor!! Something is wrong!

Well, I did call and they referred me to Urgent Care.  Fun.  Always fun to go to the urgent care! I spoke to my husband and decided to wait it out a little bit.  He had no fever and no other symptoms.  Ultimately, he was fine and we didn't go to the doctor.

Afterward, that got me to thinking.  In my life, what is my MO?  What is my reaction?  Do I always panic?  Do I go to God first?  Or do I call my momma, my husband, the doctor?

Let's say it isn't a negative situation, let's say something really great just happened.  I got a raise or Dylan just said a new word, then what do I do?  Call my husband or my momma? Or do I thank God?

I really believe that I need to change my own MO.  I need to put God in first place, my husband second, my family third and everything else can follow.  I say God is my number one, but my MO has proven that He gets called second or third.

Hmm, a little something to think about.

What's your MO?

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 15 Little Snowdrop}

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness day.  So many families experience the loss of a child and many suffer alone.  Below is a poem that I found online, that is a beautiful memorial to the precious little ones that left us too early.

Little SnowdropThe world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says of our love for you.
~ Author Unknown

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Friday, October 14, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 14 Meaningless Life}

Photo Credit Sandeep Kumar

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 13 Overcoming Anger & Negative Emotions}

Have you ever been mad at someone?  Really mad?  When you thought back on that time later, did you get mad all over again?

That nasty little cycle is two things: not letting go of the past and is also insanity.  Have you heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results?  It's true.

I am a stuffer.  I tend to stuff my feelings instead of dealing with them.  I don't want to argue.  I don't want to talk about it.  I hope that I can stuff it, say it will be ok tomorrow and then pray that it will be.  Well, lets just say that doesn't work too often.  Nope, sure doesn't.

Whenever I see the person or am reminded of the situation, I am flooded again by frustration, sadness, you name it.   So how do I deal with it?

Pray.  God's Word directs us to pray for our enemies.  I don't believe that is just our arch enemies.  I believe it is also the things or people that rub us the wrong way and bring out the worst in us.  Then I pray for myself. I need strength to deal with this problem and that strength can only come from the Lord.

The formula is simple.  The answer is only a few short words:

1 Thessalonians 5:13 Pray without ceasing.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 12 A Godly Husband}

Today is a very special day.  It is my husbands birthday!

To honor him, I'm sharing the traits of a godly husband that I recently read.  Although the list could be longer, these are a great foundation.

1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate.
2. A wise husband is honest.
3. A wise husband is hard working.
4. A wise husband is truthful.
5. A wise husband exercises self control.
6. A wise husband is a man of integrity.
7. A wise husband is faithful and reliable.

I am so very thankful for the blessing that my husband is to our family.  I will be praying these traits over my husband, not because he lacks them, but because I love him and want to raise him up!

See you tomorrow!

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 11 When You Are Between A Rock and A Hard Place}

Do you ever wonder where God is during your struggles?  Do you question His love for you?  If you do, then these verses should answer those questions and confirm how deep the love of God is for you!

Isaiah 43 The Message
When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place

1-4 But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
   the One who got you started, Israel:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
   I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
   it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
   all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
   That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
   trade the creation just for you.

Thank you Lord for your love.

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Sunday, October 9, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 10 Love Knows No Borders}

If you are new to my blog, I am joining with over 700 bloggers in the 31 Day Series.  We have all committed to blogging about our passions for the month of October.

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- - -

Did you choose someone to encourage yesterday?  Didn't it feel amazing to do something for someone else that was unexpected?  Are you wanting to help others now?  Me too.

Recently, we sponsored our first child through Children International.

(Side note: I researched many child sponsorship programs before deciding to sponsor with Children International.  You can find them at

I searched and searched for our sponsor child.  It was really important to me that we find a little boy near Dylan's age that shared the same birthday as Dylan.  I thought it would be a great connection for them to have their birth date in common.

I chose Jerson from Guatemala City, Guatamala.  Jerson is such a precious little boy.  Cocoa brown skin, charcoal black hair and the sweetest little smile.  Jerson is two years older than Dylan, he will be four soon.

Jerson lives with his parents and two brothers in a cinder block house.  The family lives on $150 per month.  One hundred and fifty dollars per month!!

It breaks my heart!  We now call him our adopted child.  Dylan has learned his name and we tell him that Jerson is his brother.  Dylan is so cute when he hugs and kisses his picture.

When I think of the life Jerson and his family live, I feel guilty for the times that I am unhappy with my life.  Or am not thankful.  Or when I take my life for granted.

You see, we now know someone living ina third world poverty life.  Everything has changed.  We see our riches.  We are rich beacause our house doesn't have a dirt floor.  We are rich because we both have jobs. We are rich because our son doesn't go to bed hungry or dirty or in need of necessities.

Through meeting Jerson, our family is learning to look at our blessings in a completely different light.

Love knows no borders, do you?

If you have never considered child sponsorship, I pray that you would.  So many precious little ones are praying for a sponsor to choose them at this very moment.

For more information on Children International, please visit

**This post represents my own opinions and have not been requested nor compensated by anyone.**

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 9 Be Something To Someone}

You can't be all things to all people, but you can be something to someone.

We all have obligations (most likely up to our ears!) but think of how wonderful the world would be if we all dedicated a snipet of time each day to love on someone else!  It doesn't have to take a lot of time.  A quick email, a short tweet, a simple facebook message, only take moments, and could completely turnaround someone's day.

Like the single mom that is so overwhelmed or our friend that has been sick for a while.  Or our friend from college that is struggling in their marriage or our neighbor who has just lost their job.  You don't have to look far to find someone to bless with your words of encouragement.

You don't even have to say much.  Simply, I'm thinking of you, would mean a lot.

When you step out and love someone else, you will reap a bounty of love for yourself to.

So, who will you choose today?

- - -

If you are new to my blog, I am joining with over 700 bloggers in the 31 Day Series.  We have all committed to blogging about our passions for the month of October.

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 8 The Butterfly}

Just when the caterpillar thought life was over, it became a butterfly.

I found this story online and wanted to share.  It perfectly illustrates the need to face challenges in life.
"A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!
I asked for Strength.........
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom.........
And God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity.........
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage.........
And God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love.........
And God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors.........
And God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted ........
I received everything I needed!
Trust in God. Always.
I pray you immerge from you cocoon as the most beautiful butterfly the world has ever seen!

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Friday, October 7, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 7 Dreams}

Dreams are to life like oil to a lamp - they fuel the flame.

Do you have a dream?

Or, has it been a while since you allowed yourself to dream?  Has life left you a little bruised?  If so, now is the time to release those hurts to God.

God can, and will, use those trials and hurts that you have endured for His glory.

God places dreams in each of us.  He has specific plans in mind for each of us.  Do you cultivate the dreams that He has given you?  Feed those dreams.  Give life to them.  Chase them.  Allow them to take wings and fly.

There are two reasons why people choose to squelch their dreams.  Either they are afraid of failure or they are afraid of success.

God has placed your dreams inside you to fulfill His plan.  he chose you for this purpose.  God doesn't change.  He is the same, always.  Even if you choose not to fulfil your destiny, it will still be done.  God will raise someone else to fill your calling.  Don't be the person who refused God's plan for you.

Allow your dreams to take flight.  The Lord will lead you.  He promised.

Proverbs 16:9 Amp

A mans mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

The Lord is going to lead you, guide you, direct you.  Even things that you think are impossible, are not.  He will work supernaturally on your behalf.

So, dream again.

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Interruption: 31 Days of Loving Life {How I Pray}

I'm sneaking in this post during my 31 Days of Loving Life series to share How I Pray.

I love prayer.  It is 1 on 1 communication with God.  No hype.  No show. Just talking, sharing, sometimes questioning, always thanking.

I am so awestruck how personal God is.  So personal that He gave us the gift of prayer.

Here are some definitions of prayer from

1. a devout petition to God or an object of worship.
2. a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.
3. the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship.
4. a formula or sequence of words used in or appointed for praying: the Lord's Prayer.
5. prayers, a religious observance, either public or private, consisting wholly or mainly of prayer.

I love that prayer is spiritual communion with God.  Communion is a community act of sharing.  I'm not the only one participating.  God is there with me, participating too.

A youth pastor once said that God's phone number is Jeremiah 33:3.  I've always remembered it.

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

God is there waiting to listen and have communion with you.  Will you call Him?  He will answer.

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 6 If I had my life to live over}

“If I had my life to live over
I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather rambling about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculped like a rose before it melted
in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more
while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment, realising that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's" and more "I'm sorry's"

. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . .
look at it and really see it . . . and never give it back.”

Erma Bombeck

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 5 Life is Like A Coin}

Life is like a coin.  You can spend itany way you wish, but you can only spend it once. | Lillian Dickson

How do you want to spend your life?

When it is all said and done, and you look back, what would you like to see?

I would like to hear the words, "Well done".  I do not want to look back in regret or sorrow.

As Erma bombeck says:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say I used everything you gave me."

What a beautiful picture of a life well spent.

You hold your own coin in your hands.

How will you spend it?

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 4 Steps To Happiness}

Day 4 Steps to Happiness

If you missed Day 3, please click here.

Over the past few days we have seen how discontentment robs us of the ability to be happy and to love life.  Today, I would like to explore the steps to happiness.

The current sermon series at my church is The Church Revealed from Revelation.  Sunday's text is the perfect starting point for today.

Revelation 2:5(b) Repent and do.
The three steps that our pastor outlined for "Repent and Do" are:

Repent first and then:

1. Change Your Mind

2. Change Your Heart

3. Change Your Actions

The first step, Change Your Mind, is the foundation that we must lay to reach the height of our happiness.  You must choose to be happy.  Happy isn't a given.

Every day we can choose to be happy or we can choose to be unhappy.

No, we don't see it as a choice at the moment we are forced to choose, but it is a choice.  A choice has to be made.  Don't let your circumstances make the choice for you.

Changing your mind is a choice that only you can make.  And, be warned, it's a choice you will need to continue to make.

The second step, Change your heart, is the center of the solution.  The core.  It's the glue that holds it all together.

To change your heart you need to spend time in the Word and in prayer.  You probably won't see a transfiguration of your heart overnight, but one day, you will look back in amazement at the change that has taken place.

In addition to scripture study and prayer, you can also read Christian devotions and books or listen to cds.

I'm a huge fan of Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland.  They both combine teaching and encouragement through daily emails, which I love.

When your heart changes, your will see that your entire life will begin to change.

The third step of the process is Change Your Actions.

You may not like to read books or devotions.  Maybe you don't like to listen to teaching cds or itunes.  This is part of the change in your actions.

Take it one step at a time.  Doing a little will eventually add up to a lot.

We may not have full control of our circumstances but we do have full control of our actions.

I have applied these very same steps in my life and continue to do so even now.

To be honest, I don't recognize the person I was 10 years ago.  For that, I am extremely thankful.  I wasn't happy with who I was then, and I'm still not happy with that person now.  But, can I tell you something?  That person is no more.  I am so much happier with the person I am today and the person I am continually growing to be.

Join me?

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Monday, October 3, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life: Day 3: I Want What I Want

Welcome to Day 3 of 31 Days of Loving Life.

Today's topic is: I Want What I Want.

Will you think back on yesterdays' reflective questions?

During your times of discontentment...

What was it that I felt I was missing out on?

What was my initial reaction? Sadness? Anger? Bitterness? Resentment?

When I think back on this situation, do I feel any of those emotions now?
While these questions are fresh in your mind, let's read the story of Cain and Abel:

Genesis 4: 2-8:
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”[d] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
I believe the proverbial straw that broke the camels' back was when God looked at Abel's offering favorably but not Cains.

Cain's emotion was anger.  An anger so severe that he committed murder.  Not just any murder, but the murder of his own brother.

Being the older brother, I think Cain probably felt some sense of entitlement; that he should have the easier job.

Clearly, Cain is hungering for something more.

Discontentment was the catalyst of Cain's sin.

As a coincidence, we were discussing this chapter last week in our small group study at church.  I love the way our pastor's wife described this hunger for something more.  "I want what I want."

It's true isn't it?  We want what we want.  Me. Me. Me.

Can we be honest with ourselves?

I mean really honest.

When we get what we want, how long are we actually satisfied?  As the saying goes, until the new wears off!  For me, that's usually not more than a few months, at the longest.

Why is that?  I believe the answer is found in 1 John 2:15-16:

 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

God didn't make us to be in some rat race chasing the next trend or to keep up with the Joneses.

As a pastor once said, the church is God's plan A.  That's you and me.

God wants to prosper us.  He wants us to be happy, peaceful, loving.  God isn't against us having stuff. God is against us placing more value on our stuff than on Him and His people.

Reflection for today: How do you define happiness?  When you think of the perfect life, what does it look like?

We are just getting going on this journey.  I hope you will continue to stick with me.  We are laying the foundation for loving life!

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

31 Days of Loving Life: Day 2: The Beginning

Welcome to Day 2 of 31 Days of Loving Life!  If you have missed Day 1, please read it here.

I'd like to begin today's post with scripture.  It's several verses, but read them all.  They paint the picture of the first discontentment of man.

Genesis 3:1-7

 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Maybe you are thinking, "Wow, I can't believe anyone could be discontent in the Garden of Eden.  It's the Garden of Eden for goodness sakes!".

Well, maybe that's just what I'm thinking.  But, it was literal Heaven on earth.

No sickness.

No tears.

No anger.

Only fellowship with God and your perfect mate.

I try my best to imagine it, but I know it was better than the best I can imagine.  Way better.

I absolutely love how Ann Voskamp describes this story in her book, One Thousand Gifts.

"Satan, he wanted more.  More power, more glory.  Ultimately, in his essence, Satan is an ingrate.  And he sinks his venom into the heart of Eden.  Satan's sin becomes the first sin of all humanity: the sin of ingratitude.  Adam and Eve are, simply, painfully, ungrateful for what God gave.

Isn't that the catalyst of all my sins?

Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives.  We hunger for somehting more, something other."

I have to be honest, these few words have rocked my world.  They have ripped open the veil of my selfishness and made me truly look at myself.

The catalyst of all my sins is ingratitude.

Now, I'm not trying to say that because you feel discontentment in your life that you are sinning.

The point I am trying to make is that it is a slippery slope.  And, you best get your hiking boots on if you dare to disembark it.

For today, will you do a little self examination?  Will you think back on those times in your life when you felt most discontented and ask yourself these questions:

What was it that I felt I was missing out on?

What was my initial reaction?  Sadness? Anger? Bitterness? Resentment?

When I think back on this situation, do I feel any of those emotions now?

I hope you will join me again tomorrow as we continue our 31 Day journey!

I'm praying for each of you friends!

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31 Days of Loving Life: Day 1 Welcome

Welcome to 31 Days of Loving Life!

I must admit, I wasn't going to hop on the #31Days train.  But, I feel like God is leading me through this, so I am jumping on board!

I welcome your comments and feedback and look forward to taking this journey with you.

As a side note, this blog will be moving to a permanent home soon!  The new site is

Now, let's get this train rolling!

In my life I have experienced some terrible seasons of discontentment.  I hate those seasons.  They are so uncomfortable, even painful.

It is my prayer that as I share my heart, God's truth and my experiences with you, that you will find contentment in your life.

Did you just cringe when I said contentment?  Don't worry, I did too.

Why is it that the mere mention of being content or contentment bring up thoughts of living in lack and settling for second best?

Do you know that the definition of contentment is : the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.

Hmm, ease of mind makes me think peace.  Peace.  Oh, I like that.  Total peace.  Makes me take a deep breath just thinking about it.

Do you also know that a synonym of contentment is happiness?  Yep, it's true.  Happiness.

I defintately don't tie hapiness together with lack and settling.

As we continue through our journey we are going to delve deeper into learning that being content with where you are (on your way to where your going) is wonderful.  It's a place of peace and happiness.  Inhale. Exhale.

I hope you join us!

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Your product isn't the next iPhone. So what? Throwing a stand-out event can generate tons of buzz anyway.

After five long years of innovation, research, and testing, David Dickinson, CEO of start-up Zeo, based in Newton, Massachusetts, was confident that the product his company introduced last year — a personal sleep monitor that gathers data from brain waves during sleep — was unlike anything on the market.

But one more hurdle remained: getting others to notice. "We had to introduce the Personal Sleep Coach in a way that it was clear that it was a breakthrough innovation," Dickinson says. "We asked ourselves, how do we get people talking about it with each other?"

One way Zeo attempted to do that was by hosting a product-launch event for the press at the posh Standard Hotel in Manhattan last summer. Because the company wanted invitees to experience the product firsthand and spread the word through their reviews, they invited them to actually spend the night using the personal sleep coach in a paid hotel room, and to wake up to their personalized results on how they slept.

"Sometimes an event can provide an environment that is unique to the product use," Dickinson says. "It can be quite powerful."

Developing a new product in a new category is a formidable task, but actually launching the product when it's ready for the market can also be one of the most stressful times for a business owner. New products can earn about half their sales and profits far earlier in the product life cycle than many business owners realize, according to Robyn Sachs, president of RMR & Associates, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm based in Rockville, Maryland.

However, holding an actual event isn't for everybody. "For many people, I think their first impulse is to have an event," says Joan Schneider, president and creative director of Boston public relations and marketing communications firm Schneider Associates, and author of the book "The New Launch Plan: 152 Tips, Tactics, and Trends from the Most Memorable New Products. "But in this age where everybody is triple booked, unless you have big news or a big draw, it's hard to get people to show up."

Chances are your company isn't introducing the next iPhone, but that doesn't mean you can't organize a product-launch event that will draw crowds and create plenty of buzz for your new product. Here's how.

Organizing a Product-Launch Event: Determine Your Purpose

You're confident you have a great product that deserves a launch event. Now what?

Obviously, you'll want your event to lead to a sales boost for your new product, but you need to decide exactly how you want to achieve that – and how your event will contribute to that outcome. "Understanding the must-have results will help you quantify the value you expect from the event," Schneider says. "Are you shooting for product distribution, media coverage, consumer awareness, sales, or influencer outreach?"

Once you know your end game, you can begin to invite your winning team. Schneider says that there are three main types of events: trade events, media events, and consumer events. In the case of the Zeo event, the company was trying to spread word of the new product through media attention, so the company designed its event to educate the key reporters and editors they invited to review the product. In contrast, at a trade event, you might invite key influencers in your industry, such as industry analysts or editors of trade publications.

"Whatever you do, don't try to host one event for lots of different audiences," Schneider says. "When it comes to launch events, one size does not fit all."

Narrowing your purpose and your target audience will help you craft a consistent message to market and sell the event, right down to the invitations themselves. "The hard part is making sure the message is consistent, and then converting it into an experience," says Mark Cheplowitz, president of Wizard of Ahs, a corporate event-planning company based in New York City.

Organizing a Product-Launch Event: Scout Your Location

The most important consideration for your event's location is proximity: you want as much of your targeted audience as possible to be able to get there easily. You also want to make sure you choose a location that reflects your product, in the way that the trendy Standard Hotel in Manhattan reflected the breakthrough innovation of the Personal Sleep Coach.

Glitz and glamour aren't necessarily prerequisites for a trade event, however. Something you might not have considered is holding your event at a trade show. Steve Canton, president and CEO of iCore, which is based in McLean, Virginia, hosted Voice over Private Internet (VoPI) provider, chooses to roll out the majority of his company's new products in trade show booths. In the company's newsletter to existing and prospective customers, it announces which shows they will be attending.

"Sometimes, doing it at a trade show makes perfect sense, because basically all of the people you want to come are at the trade show anyway," Schneider says. She warns, however that "there is a lot of competition."

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box. "The word event is changing," Schneider says. "You have to think beyond press conferences and cocktail parties. Launch events can include street teams, mobile marketing, flash mobs, and cyber events."

At the New England Confectionary Company (NECCO), based in Revere, Massachusetts, each year an event is held to announce that year's phrases for the Sweethearts Valentine's Day-themed candy. But last February the company decided to solicit input from customers on what those phrases should be. The top two results were "tweet me" and "text me."

"When we learned the phrases, we decided to make it a cyber event," says Jackie Hague, VP of marketing for the company. "We weren't really comfortable with it at first, but we were able to leverage the strength of Twitter and use that platform to get people together. Even though people weren't physically together, they were all emotionally connecting, which is why it was so much more rich."

Organizing a Product-Launch Event: Give Your Audience a Reason to Go

Oftentimes the most difficult part of planning a launch event isn't deciding who to invite or where to host it — instead it's creating a memorable, worthwhile experience. "I believe the most important thing is adding value for your audience," Dickinson says. "It isn't so much about telling your story as it is about trying to find a way to address their needs. With the media, we gave them all the information they needed to do their job well."

In Dickinson's case, the media was guaranteed a firsthand experience with the product. But if it's an event specifically targeted at consumers, how will you attract that audience? You might try something like an event discount to consumers who buy the product at the event.

"When you look at it from a consumer's point of view, look at what they are being hit with from so many different mediums," Cheplowitz says. "You really have to stand out and have a different message."

Not every product introduced can be classified as revolutionary, Schneider says. "If it's evolutionary, a better mousetrap, it may not be worth having an event unless it's really clever," she says. "Have a spokesperson or a celebrity, or connect it to a cause. You need to add something to the event to make it really exciting."

Organizing a Product-Launch Event: Follow Up

It's the morning after — so in order to continuing building momentum for a new product, instead of seeing sales turn into something resembling a bad hangover, you need to follow up with your target audience. The reality is that the launch party was only one part of the larger product-launch process.

According to Sachs, too many companies focus all their energies on the first announcement and trade show. She says that key to a successful launch process is realizing where your product fits in the marketplace, and consistently communicating your product through a variety of public relations vehicles (press releases, social media, and print advertising, for example) over a long range of time. In other words, a launch alone is not a successful launch.

"When clients get bored of the advertisements you've created, you know when it's starting to sink in with your target market," she says. "It's much more difficult than the average small business owner realizes."

-Peter Vanden Bos for

Creating a Memorable Product Launch

Your product isn't the next iPhone. So what? Throwing a stand-out event can generate tons of buzz anyway. After five long years of i...

Friday, August 10, 2012

When planning an event, especially as a rookie, you might not understand the terms used or questions asked by the event planner or venue and F&B provider. So here are some tips to help you when planning your next event.

Space Configurations

The amount of space your event needs will depend on the type of function you’re hosting and corresponding room layout, e.g., theater, classroom, banquet, or reception.

Theater — Plan for 8 square feet per person if no AV presentation is involved. If AV will be used, increase the space to 10 square feet per person. Theater setups allow you to pack the most people into the smallest space, and are fine if attendees won’t be taking a lot of notes and sessions are short.

Classroom — Allot 12 square feet per person if you want three people per 6-foot table, or 18 square feet for two people per 6-foot table, allowing 44 inches between each row of tables. For classroom configurations with AV, plan a minimum of 15 square feet per person. Classroom setups are better for serious training sessions or when people need room to take notes.

Banquet and Reception — Banquets and most receptions with a bar (or multiple bars) and standard buffet tables require 10 to 12 square feet per person. Banquet rounds are best for in-depth, small-group discussions, and they allow for quick room reset for food functions.

Food and Beverage Needs

Having the right mix of cold and hot beverages is key to keeping attendees happy and hydrated. Take these averages into account when placing your beverage order.

Coffee, Tea, and Soda — Average consumption of beverages in the morning will be roughly 65 percent hot (coffee and tea) and 35 percent cold (juice, iced tea, and soda). In the afternoon, beverage consumption will average about 65 percent cold and 35 percent hot. Coffee and hot water for tea are purchased by the gallon, which equals about 128 ounces and produces roughly 20 6-ounce cups.

Snacks — Buy cookies, pastries, and brownies by the dozen rather than per person as it’s cheaper to buy in bulk. Or, if it’s something that’s individually wrapped, like granola bars or yogurt, buy on consumption.

Alcohol Estimations

While you certainly don’t have to serve alcohol at your event, it’s quite common to have at least wine and beer on tap — especially at evening affairs. Consider these rules of thumb to help keep your attendees satiated, but not sloshed.

Wine — A 750 milliliter (mL) bottle of wine contains 25.4 ounces. For each bottle of wine, you’ll get about four-and-a-half 6-ounce servings, or five 5-ounce servings.

Beer — A keg of beer holds 1,984 ounces, which equals about 165 12-ounce servings.

Liquor — A standard bottle of 80-proof distilled spirits (such as vodka, rum, gin, or tequila) holds 750 mL, or 25.4 ounces, and pours approximately 17, 1.5-ounce shots. If your bartender is using 1-ounce pours (known as a “short shot” or “pony shot”), a bottle will yield up to 25 drinks. To keep costs down (and drinks conservative), instruct your bartenders to use a measured shot glass rather than free pouring. Also negotiate to purchase liquor by the bottle rather than by the drink. It will be cheaper in the long run to buy the liquor for 20 to 25 drinks in one bottle rather than paying per drink — just like buying a keg of beer is cheaper per glass than buying individual bottles or cans. Agree up front with the catering manager on a system for auditing the used and unused bottles of liquor before and after the event.

In addition to these serving rules of thumb, also consider the following stats regarding alcohol consumption, which typically varies depending on the environment in which it’s served.

Cash Bar — Average consumption for a one-hour party with a cash bar (where guests are purchasing their own drinks) is 1.5 drinks per person. While a cash bar might seem like a more cost-effective option for event planners since attendees are purchasing their own drinks, keep in mind that you are still responsible for the cost of the bar setup, any necessary labor, and the bartender (and possibly a bar-back helper).

Open Bar — Conventional wisdom will tell you that free drinks flow more, well, freely. And you’re right. Average alcohol consumption at a one-hour “open” or “hosted” bar is 2 to 2.5 drinks per person.

Reception — If you sponsor a post-conference reception with a cash bar, 50 percent of the crowd will stay for the reception, averaging about 1.5 drinks per person. If it’s a hosted bar at a cocktail hour, 80 percent of the conference crowd will stay for the reception, consuming an average of 2.25 drinks per person in the first hour and 1.5 drinks in the second hour. Here again, you’ll want to purchase sodas and beer on a consumption-only basis (rather than a per-person basis), paying only for what is used.

Dinner — If you’re hosting a dinner, serve three bottles of wine (two white and one red) for each table of eight people, as one bottle of wine yields about five glasses.

Below-the-Line Costs

It’s important to understand the below-the-line costs of your event, beyond the basic charges. You may be surprised to find up to an additional one-third of your bill comprises administrative fees, service charges, and mandatory gratuities, plus local and state taxes.

Gratuities — A gratuity can be a tip or mandatory percentage of the basic charges. Depending on local tax laws, a gratuity may or may not be taxable. The way in which gratuity is distributed can be specified in your event contract with the venue. A rule of thumb for event-gratuity payments is 1.5 percent to 2 percent of the total event bill. You can have this amount added to your master account and distributed to preselected banquet and bar staff, or you can distribute it yourself to make sure the appropriate people receive it.

Tips — A tip is a small sum of money given voluntarily and directly to someone above and beyond a standard charge (generally for performing a service or task). Tips range from 15 percent for average service to 20 percent or more for exemplary service, and are awarded to waitstaff, housekeeping staff, and other service personnel at your discretion.

Administrative Fees — Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, an administrative fee is an automatic and mandatory amount added to food and beverage charges by the service provider. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the total, and is usually used to defray the cost of labor and equipment. Generally speaking, these charges fall somewhere in the 18-percent to 23-percent range.

Note that sometimes, these administrative fees, taxes, and surcharges are not included in your quote. So ask if menus are available with “inclusive pricing,” or pricing that includes both taxes and gratuity. If you see a “++” after the cost on a menu, it means “plus tax and plus gratuity.” Also, ask what foods, beverages, and services are taxable and at what percentage. For example, some states and cities charge tax on alcoholic beverages, but not on food or nonalcoholic beverages. You’ll want to know the figure on which your gratuity or service charge is based, as well.

Possible Perks

When negotiating perks with a venue, be prepared to answer questions about previous meetings you’ve planned, anticipated attendance, projected attendance at meal and beverage functions, the estimated number of room nights you’ll require, and your space requirements for meeting rooms. Your leverage depends on all of those things, as well as the type of facility you’re dealing with and the dates of your event.

Calculating Event-Registration Fees
To determine your event’s registration fee (RF), divide your fixed costs (FC) by the number of anticipated attendees (AA) and add your variable costs per person (VC/P).

Example: If the fixed cost for your event is RM200,000, the variable cost per person is RM500, and you anticipate 1,000 attendees, the registration fee should be RM700.

The formula is:
(FC/AA) + (VC/P) = RF
(200,000 / 1,000) + RM500 = RM700

If you’re planning your event when everyone else wants to be at that particular venue, it’s “high season,” which means higher prices. On the other hand, if your event occurs during a time of year when monsoons  are common, it might be “off season,” which translates to better overall pricing. Bottom line, if your event fills a “hole” in the venue’s schedule, it will be more flexible on other pricing.

Regardless of when your event takes place, you can usually negotiate one complimentary room for each 35 to 50 cumulative room nights during your event. Stipulate in your contract that the total number of rooms used is cumulative through your entire event, not calculated daily — and that it includes your guests’ early arrivals and late departures — and that all rooms used by your group, regardless of how they were booked (i.e., through the Internet or a travel agent) count toward your total room count. You can also request staffers’ rooms and speakers’ rooms at a lower rate (or with upgrades). Other negotiable perks include resort and health-facility use, complimentary cocktail parties, parking waivers, free Internet or business-center use, complimentary airport transportation, and reductions or waivers for the cost of parking, meeting rooms, or exhibit space.

By having these formulas and rules of thumb to reference, you’ll be at the head of the class when it comes to planning your next hospitality event. After all, knowledge is power.

-Candy Adams for Exhibitor Magazine with modifications by Best Events

Hospitality Rules of Thumb

When planning an event, especially as a rookie, you might not understand the terms used or questions asked by the event planner or ve...

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Drawing on the ethereal, ghostly set of the famous ballet, designer
Bill Heffernan of HMR Design Group brought a moonlit-forest look
to the tent that housed the ensuing gala in Millennium Park. Large,
transparent cubes decorated with projected branch patterns hung
overhead in the dining space, while ferns and white freesia topped the tables.
Photo: Bob Carl

In the Hamptons, the Parrish Art Museum's Midsummer Party included
dinner in an ornate tent. Overhead, a leafy projection and twinkling
rope lights contrasted with a more high-tech lighting rack, which
produced a dancing effect.
Photo: Patrick McMullan/

The National Ballet of Canada celebrated its 60th anniversary
in June. During the reception, which had a specialty vodka cocktail
called "Diamonds in the Skyy," ballerinas danced and stretched casually
amid the guests.
Photo: Gary Beechy

For the City of Hope "Spirit of Life" gala in Los Angeles, Namevents
turned a parking lot adjacent to Geffen Contemporary at MOCA into
a dinner space meant to evoke a high-end nightclub. Guests sat in
lounge areas with plush couches and blankets, and dinner was served
on glass tables with programmable LED bases. On some tables,
tall glass vases designed by Chris Matsumoto were filled with water
and stones in colors that echoed the hues on the invitation.
Photo: Line 8 Photography.

The event this year drew inspiration for its theme from Cleopatra,
the subject of 'Cleopatra: The Exhibition.' A troupe processed through
 the dining room to announce a feast hosted by Mark Antony and Cleopatra,
also known as dinner.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

With a Night at the Museum theme, the event had an area dedicated
to all things ancient Egypt, including pyramids, a Sphinx, and hieroglyphics.
Photo: Christie's Photographic Studios

To honor the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, the
19th annual Canadian Cancer Society fund-raiser brought a surreal
and upscale version of the tale to life. The design for the dining room
 included five different table styles, seven linen combinations,
 three types of chairs, and four colors of chair cushions.
Photo: Alexandre Chéron

Thematic catering at the Daffodil Ball included soup served
from a teapot. An edible pocket watch crust rested on top.
Photo: Fahri Yavuz

The evening had decor with towering paper centerpieces in the shapes
of flowers, windmills, and airplanes. Artist and illustrator Jami Darwin Chiang
constructed the paper pieces.
Photo: Josh Sears

Decor here included plush white lounge furniture, hanging chandeliers, and topiaries.
Photo: Peter Peck Field

Long, communal tables and lounge-like configurations provided

more relaxed seating on the upper level. For centerpieces,
designer David Monn incorporated square-shaped topiaries,
illuminated by candles that hung from the leaves in glass cylinders.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash

A tunnel of silver balloons from Balloons by Tommy.
Photo: Joseph R. Palmer

Spring/Summer Event Touches

Drawing on the ethereal, ghostly set of the famous ballet, designer  Bill Heffernan of HMR Design Group brought a moonlit-forest look ...

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Friday, September 12, 2014

An Apple for You

Happy Friday, everyone!

The CASE Study Challenge had this picture up for us yesterday...

And it worked perfectly with these new stamps from my new Gina K Designs Stamp TV Kit... The Simple Things.

I was playing around with a tutorial for Stamp TV, using 3 pieces of patterned paper to make 5 cards, and this was one of the cards I made using patterned paper, stamps, burlap, cardstock and ribbon from this kit.

Want a peek at the other cards??

So much fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Silke Ledlow said...

Super cute take on the Case Study Tricia! Glad you had a chance to play with us :) !!! Hugs ~S~

Kristie W. said...

I'm going to have to take a look at the kit. Love all of the cards you made using it! The papers are fab!

Melody said...

Darling card! You know I love that gingham background.

Anja Curvers said...

Oohhh that background is great, lovely card. Thank you for joining us over at case study challenge.

umichka said...

all patterns look so good at your card! Thank you for being with CAS(E) Study this week.


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Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Brothers Everhart Ch. 21 It's a Beautiful Morning

Previous chapter: Fed up with his life as a reluctant vampire, Prince had purchased a magic potion to become a mortal again. He hurriedly swallowed it down and waited.

At first he felt nothing and wondered if it could be that he, Prince Everhart, once the ultimate con man, had just been fleeced by a gypsy fortune-teller. But then--after several agonizingly painful moments--it worked!

He felt like he'd been released from prison--not that he'd ever been there!--given a second chance at life and he could not quit smiling.

The first thing he did was remove the blackout curtains from all the windows even though it was the middle of the night. The heavy fabric had weighed him down emotionally, adding to the pain of not being out in the sunshine. He'd always taken daylight for granted and thought of himself as a night person but now he knew he'd never get enough of being out in the daytime hours, rain or shine, nor of being a part of humanity again.

He went upstairs and looked in his bathroom mirror. He was cheered to see his own familiar face minus the fangs and plus the natural golden glow of his skin and he cracked,

"It's me! I'm back!"

Prince had always used a tanning booth, but now he decided he'd try to get outside in the sun more often for that as well. There was plenty of room for sunbathing and exercise on the deck that surrounded his house and looked out on the pond.

It was early, early in the morning and he went to bed on the couch. He was throwing out that coffin tomorrow! Not surprisingly he didn't sleep much; he was too exhilarated as so many ideas for the future flooded his mind.

He was up with the sun and anxious to get to the office, but he thought he'd better give Pepper a heads up rather than just strolling in and, anyway, she'd told him that since he'd been gone she sometimes worked from her apartment. He tried her at home but she must have already left--she usually came to work early and left late. She answered her cell on the first ring though, her soft clear voice sounded calm and efficient as always.

"Hey, Beautiful!" he said, "The doc says I have a clean bill of health, so I'll be there in about ten minutes."

For a moment she said nothing, clearly struck speechless. Prince couldn't know but it was his manner as much as what he'd said that had shocked her.

"Yes, it's me. Want me to bring in doughnuts?"

Usually it was Pepper who brought baked goodies of various kinds ever since she'd discovered Prince had a sweet tooth.

"Uh, yeah, sure...I mean, yes. that would be--um, sir, are you sure the doctor said you're completely well?"

He just laughed,

"Of course. What's the matter? Worried I might be losing my mind? Well, I have and I haven't. There are going to be some changes around our place of business, Pep, but they're going to be good ones."

She nodded dumbly before she remembered he could not see her.

"That'll be...nice," she said faintly, wondering if the changes included getting rid of her for a new sexy version or what. Because, in her opinion, Prince was acting very strangely, indeed. She managed to get her mind in gear again and said,

"I'm just pulling up to the building now."

"See ya soon," he still sounded like he was laughing at some secret joke.

In the meantime Pepper was over the moon at the prospect of seeing him again. He would never know how very much she'd missed him and worried about him.

When he walked through the doors into her office she was so excited and nervous she couldn't meet his eyes. When he looked away for a second, she quickly peeked at him and sighed mentally. He looked wonderful, as rakishly handsome as ever; like he'd never been sick. Admittedly she'd never been able to picture the very vital man in ill health anyway.

"Well, what's on the agenda today?" he stood in front of her desk expectantly and she couldn't stop herself from smiling even though she still would not look him in the face.

"Well, since I didn't know you would be back, there isn't much. Just the stuff I emailed you and it looks like you've already taken care of that," she said peering at his schedule up on her screen.

He looked around and out the windows,

"It's really a beautiful morning, isn't it?" he said almost rapturously.

He obviously expected an answer from her but she hadn't been this disconcerted by him since he first employed her. She really couldn't say why that was except she'd never before heard him make one remark in regard to the weather since she'd known him. In fact, he'd seemed oblivious to it. As for being cheerful early in the day, well most mornings he tended to frown, grunt and suck coffee down until at least noon, when he came awake and started to smile a little.

She still hadn't replied and he looked at her. To break the tension she jumped up from her desk,

"Oh, my goodness! I forgot to make the coffee! I haven't been doing it while you were gone and no clients were here."

She'd thought that would make him finally retreat to his office so she could gather her wits about her, but he merely watched her move to the coffee maker. Having never been a coffee drinker, Pepper had gradually learned to make it exactly the way Prince preferred it.

Now her hands were shaking as she prepared it.

Idly, he watched her make the coffee, humming some unknown tune to himself. Prince watching Pepper do something didn't usually throw her, but today...

The coffee maker made hissing noises and the coffee began to drip,

"It shouldn't be long," she assured him, watching it expectantly even though she knew it would be a few minutes. But she also knew he was directly behind her and she was avoiding the moment when she had to turn around. Finally she could stall no more and she spun on her heel. He was closer than she'd thought and she stopped in her tracks. Still he did not move, blocking the way and suddenly she felt cornered.

"You don't seem too enthusiastic this morning and that's not like you," he said.

Finally she had to meet his eyes,

"I'm so sorry if I'm coming across that way," she apologized. Looking directly into his face was almost like looking into the sun somehow, she thought. Scary and exciting...and dangerous. He seemed almost radiant this morning and she was suddenly mesmerized,

"I guess I'm just taken aback," she went on, "I didn't expect to see you. Well, not until you called just now. You look amazing, sir. Just as if you'd taken a vacation rather than been sick in bed."

"Thanks. I'm a fast healer," he grinned, "Okay, I'm going into my office now, but I'll be calling you in there in a few minutes. We have much to talk about concerning plans for this company."

Caught in his spell, Pepper forgot about worrying. She was much too happy at having his attention; much too undone by his close presence after such a long absence. He disappeared behind his door and she sat at her desk, gazing off at nothing.

It wasn't long before the in-house phone line lit up and Prince said he was ready for her to come in for their discussion. That he'd used the phone pleased her because it meant he was trying to follow her recent suggestion. Prince had developed the habit of leaving his door open when no clients were there and just bellowing, "Pep! I need you!" when he wanted her attention. It was none too professional and Pepper had finally apprised him of that.

"What if I have a client waiting in my office that you don't know is there?" she'd asked, "You don't want to be yelling for me; it's not dignified. I'm your employee, not your business partner or colleague, and you need to keep that in mind when dealing with me in front of clients. You shouldn't leave your door open anyway, Boss, even if no one is here. It's just not right for me to be privy to your phone conversations with clients. Not as a rule, anyway."

"You're right, you're right, I know you're right," he admitted. He usually took her advice to heart but he didn't like to stand on ceremony either. Besides she handled so many things for him, knew all his secrets, and all the company business that he did tend to think of her exactly that way; as his equal in all things. He just didn't realize that he did.

Furthermore, she was so earnest and worried when she lectured him that it rather amused him. He would have promised to take her advice no matter what.

"Okay, I'll keep my door shut from now on and I'll use the phone...unless I forget," he had grinned at her in that devil may care way he had and she'd gone all soft inside and had to smile back at him,

"Thanks, I know you'll try your best."

He'd been working on it; Pepper was proud of him. However at this moment she was more worried that today might be her last day on the job. There was no real reason to think that just because he'd said there would be changes. But unfortunately losing this job--and Prince--happened to be her worst fear.

She gathered up her courage, her knees knocking and her heart hammering, and opened his office door...

Sim Girl said...

Oh oh oh!!! I love it! I'm happy to see he's so thrilled to be 'alive'! LoL! And Pepper, poor Pepper thrown for a loop. Lol!! He's so happy and it worries her. Thinking she's going to loose her job too :/ Goodness I hope not. xD! Great update!

Sovereign Dark said...

I was laughing my head off at all the photos of Prince after he'd turned human again..all smiles, thumbs up and 'heeeeey! alright! I'm back!'

Wow, though Pepper must have fallen hard. The poor girl's a nervous wreck, which seems quite out of character for a girl who's always got it together. I also hope Prince will come to feel the same. As I've seen it, no one takes care of the man as well as she does. That's including himself, and I'll dare say especially not himself. xD!

As much as I'm a fan of vampires, seeing Prince cured made me smile. Great, great, great! Thanks for these wonderful updates, Lor.


text:
Friday, December 28, 2007

Blog Reactions to Bhutto's Assassination

It did not take long for blogs and online comment forums to erupt with reaction to the attack on Benazir Bhutto at a rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Ms. Bhutto died in the attack, either of gunshot wounds or injuries from a suicide bombing or both, and more than 20 others at the scene were also killed.

Though there have been a number of attacks on Ms. Bhutto’s life in recent months, along with other political violence in the country, and she has said often that her life was in danger, the common initial reaction to the assassination is naturally one of shock.

On the All Things Pakistan blog, Adil Najam writes:

I, like most Pakistanis, am still too numb with shock and grief to think coherently about what has happened or what the implications of this are for the country and for the world. But this I know, whether you agreed with her political positions or not, you cannot but be in shock. Even as I type these lines I am literally shaking. Hers was a tragic life story.

A poster using the name “Quote” on Sepia Mutiny, a blog for the South Asian diaspora, writes:

Benazir has been in public life for 30 years, and in politics for 20 years and by now you either loved her or hated her. I’m not a real Pakistani, but I remember the euphoria of 1988 pretty well, and the crashing disappointment of the her second term in the 90s, when only dedicated PPP partisans still believed in her. Reading the news this morning was like a punch in the gut.

(PPP is the Pakistan People’s Party, which Ms. Bhutto led.)

Many bloggers and commenters are noting that the Bhutto family is regarded in Pakistan almost as a royal family, and that it has been touched repeatedly by political violence and tragic death — comparisons with the Kennedys are common.

Adil Najam again:

At a human level this is a tragedy like no other. Only a few days ago I was mentioning to someone that the single most tragic person in all of Pakistan - maybe all the world - is Nusrat Bhutto. Benazir’s mother. Think about it. Her husband, killed. One son poisoned. Another son assassinated. One daughter dead possibly of drug overdose. Another daughter rises to be Prime Minister twice, but jailed, exiled, and finally gunned down.

Today, in shock, I can think only of Benazir Bhutto the human being. Tomorrow, maybe, I will think of politics.

Read on about Bhutto's assassination.

Anonymous said...

When the news broke last night, I watched the news coverages over at CNN, BBC and CNA and was doing some channel switching.

At one point, CNA displayed the word "assessination" on the sub-titles area. Luckily, CNA claimed to have the Asian perspective only.

It was like ... WTH r u doing?

vanclaire ( said...

Even though I'm not a Pakistani myself, but this shocking tragedy saddens me to a large extent. As Ms. Benazir Bhutto, in my opinion has always been a woman of courage and bravery. Even though she had often stated that she knew her life was in danger, she still chose to continue her fight/move towards democracy for her country.And for that, she's someone I always had great respect for, her passing is truly a loss.

And I agree with the quote by Adil Najam, that the "single most tragic person" is her mom, even though I'm not a parent myself,but I can truly empathize with her, a mother's grief and tears.


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Whois report

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This is a discussion forum to cater the need to every professional be it student or qualified i.e CA Students, CAs, Chartered Accounts, CS Students, Company Secretaries, CWA, ICWAI students, Cost and Works Accountants, LL.B Students, Advocates, covering the full aspects of auditing, accounting, secretarial practice, taxation, and much more. This form is useful for Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Cost Accountants, Advocates in practice or service
Monthly Visitors 22K
Global Rank 443387
Estimated Price $3,924

Domain age of is 7 years. Traffic is around 25K visitors during previous month, which corresponds to 443387 place in the global site ranking. During this month, traffic to site has decreased by 11% compared to previous month, and equals to 22K visitors. Estimated potential revenue of this site may be up to $109 per month. We did not find any sites that have the same ID at Analytics and/or Adsence.

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Estimated Cost and Revenue value: $3,924

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Home - KUAM.com-KUAM News: On Air. Online. On Demand.
Monthly Visitors 30K
Global Rank 333357
Estimated Price $5,220

Domain age of Kuam.com is 20 years. Traffic is around 33K visitors during previous month, which corresponds to 333357 place in the global site ranking. During this month, traffic to site has decreased by 9% compared to previous month, and equals to 30K visitors. Estimated potential revenue of this site may be up to $145 per month. We did not find any sites that have the same ID at Analytics and/or Adsence. According to our information, it is safe to visit Kuam.com.

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May'17 (est) 33K
Apr'17 (est) 36K
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Feb'17 (est) 35K
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Dec'16 (est) 30K
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Aug'16 (est) 25K
Jul'16 (est) 30K
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May'16 (est) 32K
Apr'16 (est) 39K
Mar'16 (est) 39K

SiteGur Score

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Jun'17 -328
May'17 -781
Apr'17 -256
Mar'17 -376
Feb'17 1436
Jan'17 384
Dec'16 -565
Nov'16 -474
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Sep'16 3455
Aug'16 310
Jul'16 1874
Jun'16 -4807
May'16 898
Apr'16 -1280
Mar'16 59

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Moms Fucking Boys Videos, Pics and Movies Moms fucking boys movies, old milf photos and mature videos
Monthly Visitors 16K
Global Rank 595705
Estimated Price $2,916

Domain age of is 7 years. Traffic is around 16K visitors during previous month, which corresponds to 595705 place in the global site ranking. During this month, traffic to site has increased by 1% compared to previous month, and equals to 16K visitors. Estimated potential revenue of this site may be up to $81 per month. We did not find any sites that have the same ID at Analytics and/or Adsence. According to our information, it is safe to visit

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May'17 (est) 16K
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Mar'17 (est) 17K
Feb'17 (est) 13K
Jan'17 (est) 19K
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May'16 (est) 13K
Apr'16 (est) 18K
Mar'16 (est) 13K

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May'17 -296
Apr'17 400
Mar'17 283
Feb'17 -2592
Jan'17 -1899
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text:
Mr.J Images Host Hosting photos for forums absolutly free. Adult as well as Non Adult.
Monthly Visitors 115K
Global Rank 86926
Estimated Price $20,016

Domain age of is 7 years. Traffic is around 127K visitors during previous month, which corresponds to 86926 place in the global site ranking. During this month, traffic to site has decreased by 8% compared to previous month, and equals to 115K visitors. Estimated potential revenue of this site may be up to $556 per month. We did not find any sites that have the same ID at Analytics and/or Adsence. According to our information, it is safe to visit

Monthly Visitors

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Jun'17 (est) 115K
May'17 (est) 127K
Apr'17 (est) 64K
Mar'17 (est) 53K
Feb'17 (est) 50K
Jan'17 (est) 37K
Dec'16 (est) 42K
Nov'16 (est) 37K
Oct'16 (est) 23K
Sep'16 (est) 48K
Aug'16 (est) 119K
Jul'16 (est) 92K
Jun'16 (est) 186K
May'16 (est) 192K
Apr'16 (est) 106K
Mar'16 (est) 67K

SiteGur Score

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Jun'17 -15
May'17 4936
Apr'17 2141
Mar'17 529
Feb'17 3029
Jan'17 415
Dec'16 1698
Nov'16 4281
Oct'16 -4946
Sep'16 -8107
Aug'16 1560
Jul'16 -3181
Jun'16 -1541
May'16 5294
Apr'16 3977
Mar'16 -2435

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Traffic Source

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Estimated Cost and Revenue value: $20,016

Daily Ads revenue: $18

Monthly Ads revenue: $556

Yearily Ads revenue: $6,672

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Other information creation: 26 October 2009 expired: 26 October 2016 information first time archived: 29 October 2009 last time archived: 22 May 2015 how many times: 44 information domains linked to site: 150 pages linked to site: 75100