Portland, Seattle, Vancouver Help

Hola, friends!

(source)

Husband and I are excited to have a Northwest adventure in August! :)  It's been one year since we've been on a vacation (which is the longest I think we've gone!) -- okay, that's a lie, I've been on two vacations since, but husband hasn't!  And that one vacation a year ago, was really a vacation for me since it was in Miami and a work trip for him....  SO, he's excited!

{ He totally should be a student / nurse / work for himself, there is a lot more time to vacation for me than he ;) }

I have Portland and Seattle planned, including reservations for dinner in the Space Needle's restaurant -- cheesey?  Maybe.  But it includes free admission to the observation deck -- meal + observation deck = no cheese for me!

Vancouver is harder to plan, and therefore I refuse to do it.  I really wanted to go to Vancouver Island, but it is apparently so far away that we'd have to rent a car and make it an over night trip, boo.

SO, if you all have any recommendations for things to do in Vancouver in August (as well as Portland and Seattle) -- let us know!  I've been once and loved it.  So I know we'll be doing the Capilano suspension bridge.  We'll be staying for 5 nights and are in need of ideas!

(source)

We are foodies (hence Portland!), we like being outdoors, and history and culture.  We don't care for shopping or art galleries.  We aren't partiers, either.  If there's something picture-worthy, I need to hear about it.  Fortunately, husband is used to waiting on me to get that perfect shot -- and he will even recommend a shot angle for me.

I N   P O R T L A N D / O R E G A N:

• Food recommendations?
• Locations for getting a great photography shot?
• Must see spots / must do attractions
• What vineyard do you recommend?
• Do you recommend the drive to a beach?
• Tips

I N   S E A T T L E / W A S H I N G T O N :

• Food recommendations?
• Locations for getting a great photography shot?
• Must see spots / must do attractions
• Mount Ranier or Mount St. Helens?
• Tips
• Best way to get to Vancouver from Seattle (we'd rather not rent a car and drive, we've heard there is transportation options, but don't want to make a lot of stops -- we just want to go from Seattle to Vancouver)
• Is Forks, WA worth it? ;)  We have a history with the Twilight series but are in no way Twihards (or is it Twihearts?)  -- our first date was to see the first movie so it has a place in our hearts a wee bit.

I N   V A N C O U V E R :

• Food recommendations?
• Locations for getting a great photography shot?
• Must see spots / must do attractions?
• Day trip ideas?
• Things to know about BC
• Tips

If you live in any of these locations and want to meet up, let me know!  My husband has to check in with work occasionally, so I'd be available to meet at a coffee shop!  I mean, in Seattle - I have to check out the original Starbucks & Seattle's Best!

(source)

Time Management

In honor of Thursday's prompt on "having it all," I've decided to talk about something a few bloggers have actually asked for my advice on : time management, particularly as a nursing student/blogger/newlywed/etc.  So here we go!

Blog Posts

I definitely have posts on the ready in case things get a little crazy and I can't sit down to write a new post for the week or in case I have a complete blanking moment when it comes to blog content.  Some blog topics require a lot of work, like wellness posts, and others are fun and easy, like the inspiration board posts which right now you will be seeing every Wednesday through July for our new home  decorating inspiration.  Regardless, I make sure that I can have at least two posts scheduled a week, with the hopes of doing at least one or two more either from posts I've previously written as back up or new posts that I might right the day or even weekend right before.  

I know a lot of bloggers do this as it really is important to do.  

(via my Instagram feed)

As far as getting inspiration for your posts, well it just depends on what your blog features.  I like to do a little bit of everything, hence why I have a "lifestyle" blog and not just a fashion or home blog.  I love wellness discussions, inspiration, fashion, giveaways, introducing fellow bloggers, crafts, recipes, relationships, and so much more.  But I try to tailor posts to (a) what is current or what could be current and (b) what is realistic in my life right now.  I'm right in the middle of a crazy summer working day jobs, night shifts at the hospital, working on a house, travels, and a bunch of events.  So if you'll notice a lot of my posts are either short and to the point Monday Inspiration posts, fashion, Friday finds, or inspiration boards with the occasional posts about my life or my thoughts whenever I get a chance to sit down.  But I have a running Evernote note dedicated to all my ideas for future posts and blog series when I'm on the go.

Meals

Since my husband works the regular 9-5 job out of the house and I have a crazy schedule with a few day jobs and night shifts at the hospital, sometimes we go days with out seeing each other (because I leave to go to the hospital before he even gets home).

For meals, my husband loves the crockpot.  And I love it, too!  I can have a meal ready for him when he's home and then I can take some for myself to eat around midnight (my lunch time at the hospital).

For food prep, I often find time on Sundays to go ahead and prepare vegetables, fruit, and just plan ahead.  I will chop up practically all the vegetables and either put them in the fridge or the freezer.  The freezer is my very best friend in the kitchen.  All I have to do is go into the freezer and throw some of the pre-cut peppers, broccoli or whatever else and through them in to the crockpot or pan and they will defrost and cook perfectly.  It really cuts down time when actually preparing a meal.  

(via my Instagram feed)

I haven't yet done the whole make-five-meals-on-Sunday-and-eat-the-rest-of-the-week thing, yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

Last tip, I go to Costco.  I buy meats in large quantities and then I stick them in the freezer.  The Costco large quantity meats will last us the entire month.  I currently have Italian sausages, ground turkey, some steaks, and chicken thighs in there.  Like the precut vegetables, I can defrost them easily in the crockpot, but obviously I move them in to the refrigerator the night before I know I'm going to use them for the grill, stove, or oven.  My husband and I try to minimize trips to the grocery store as much as possible to both save time during the weeks and to save some money overall during the month.  It works out super well!

Calendars

These are my other best friends, like outside the kitchen.  I got a big fancy Erin Condren calendar for myself for New Years, and though I love it.  Nothing beats the calendar on my phone.  I have everything in that calendar (and right now, it's very colorful).  With iPhone and Android (and I assume Windows) you can use different calendar groups and get even more organized.  Some people will have their own calendar group for "Meals."  I have one, but I don't use it.  But this really helps me plan ahead.  Do I have a lot to do next week?  If so, I know I'm probably going to relax as much as possible and get in some blog planning, quality time with husband spending, and anything else that I need to do.  It may sound silly, but sometimes you have to plan for the little things in life.  This is an especially good de-stressing tip.  If you plan out when you're going to study, do housework, or even sleep, it makes you feel a lot more in control and you'll be a lot more productive during the day.

(via my Instagram feed)

Click on over to learn more about the new season of Tia & Tamera as the try to have it all.

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch tomorrow night as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

Time Management

In honor of Thursday's prompt on "having it all," I've decided to talk about something a few bloggers have actually asked for my advice on : time management, particularly as a nursing student/blogger/newlywed/etc.  So here we go!

Blog Posts

I definitely have posts on the ready in case things get a little crazy and I can't sit down to write a new post for the week or in case I have a complete blanking moment when it comes to blog content.  Some blog topics require a lot of work, like wellness posts, and others are fun and easy, like the inspiration board posts which right now you will be seeing every Wednesday through July for our new home  decorating inspiration.  Regardless, I make sure that I can have at least two posts scheduled a week, with the hopes of doing at least one or two more either from posts I've previously written as back up or new posts that I might right the day or even weekend right before.  

I know a lot of bloggers do this as it really is important to do.  

(via my Instagram feed)

As far as getting inspiration for your posts, well it just depends on what your blog features.  I like to do a little bit of everything, hence why I have a "lifestyle" blog and not just a fashion or home blog.  I love wellness discussions, inspiration, fashion, giveaways, introducing fellow bloggers, crafts, recipes, relationships, and so much more.  But I try to tailor posts to (a) what is current or what could be current and (b) what is realistic in my life right now.  I'm right in the middle of a crazy summer working day jobs, night shifts at the hospital, working on a house, travels, and a bunch of events.  So if you'll notice a lot of my posts are either short and to the point Monday Inspiration posts, fashion, Friday finds, or inspiration boards with the occasional posts about my life or my thoughts whenever I get a chance to sit down.  But I have a running Evernote note dedicated to all my ideas for future posts and blog series when I'm on the go.

Meals

Since my husband works the regular 9-5 job out of the house and I have a crazy schedule with a few day jobs and night shifts at the hospital, sometimes we go days with out seeing each other (because I leave to go to the hospital before he even gets home).

For meals, my husband loves the crockpot.  And I love it, too!  I can have a meal ready for him when he's home and then I can take some for myself to eat around midnight (my lunch time at the hospital).

For food prep, I often find time on Sundays to go ahead and prepare vegetables, fruit, and just plan ahead.  I will chop up practically all the vegetables and either put them in the fridge or the freezer.  The freezer is my very best friend in the kitchen.  All I have to do is go into the freezer and throw some of the pre-cut peppers, broccoli or whatever else and through them in to the crockpot or pan and they will defrost and cook perfectly.  It really cuts down time when actually preparing a meal.  

(via my Instagram feed)

I haven't yet done the whole make-five-meals-on-Sunday-and-eat-the-rest-of-the-week thing, yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

Last tip, I go to Costco.  I buy meats in large quantities and then I stick them in the freezer.  The Costco large quantity meats will last us the entire month.  I currently have Italian sausages, ground turkey, some steaks, and chicken thighs in there.  Like the precut vegetables, I can defrost them easily in the crockpot, but obviously I move them in to the refrigerator the night before I know I'm going to use them for the grill, stove, or oven.  My husband and I try to minimize trips to the grocery store as much as possible to both save time during the weeks and to save some money overall during the month.  It works out super well!

Calendars

These are my other best friends, like outside the kitchen.  I got a big fancy Erin Condren calendar for myself for New Years, and though I love it.  Nothing beats the calendar on my phone.  I have everything in that calendar (and right now, it's very colorful).  With iPhone and Android (and I assume Windows) you can use different calendar groups and get even more organized.  Some people will have their own calendar group for "Meals."  I have one, but I don't use it.  But this really helps me plan ahead.  Do I have a lot to do next week?  If so, I know I'm probably going to relax as much as possible and get in some blog planning, quality time with husband spending, and anything else that I need to do.  It may sound silly, but sometimes you have to plan for the little things in life.  This is an especially good de-stressing tip.  If you plan out when you're going to study, do housework, or even sleep, it makes you feel a lot more in control and you'll be a lot more productive during the day.

(via my Instagram feed)

Click on over to learn more about the new season of Tia & Tamera as the try to have it all.

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch tomorrow night as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

Sponsors, Giveaways, & First Things First

Hey friends!

It's been a bit busy in my life over here, I'm working on school, my upcoming graduation, client work, and the upcoming lifestyle magazine (which reminds me, if you haven't received an email back from me you will soon!).

I do have a few backup posts for such a time as now, fortunately!  I just haven't even had time to get to the blog to schedule them!  I will be in full swing next week, though :)  

I also still have openings for April advertising spots! I am having 20% off all ads using the code APRIL20 .  Visit my advertising page to get your spot!

sponsor love.

Meet Courtney and learn about her faith, blogging, and upcoming baby numero uno!  Plus, you can then enter the giveaway for $20 to Target.  I personally love Target. :)  I also really love this post about how her and her husband told their families!

Halie has some fun Tuesday link ups called First Things First:

Today's topics: 

First Roommate (s)

First Time Living Away from Home

First Dorm Room at College

I'm going to briefly answer these at the end of the post. :)  Go link up !  I love writing prompts!

Lauren is such a sweetheart with a lovely sense of style!  Every Tuesday she has a Style Sessions link up!  It's been awhile since I've done an outfit post (though I have one ready to go in my camera....), but this is definitely going to be something I'll be participating in!  It's so much fun seeing everyone's sense of style.  If you have any favorite or upcoming style posts, you should consider linking up!

Last but certainly not least is the wonderful Kristyn.  You've all met her before on my blog and she's a fellow Atlantan (though we haven't been able to have a blate yet!)  She's always such a doll !  You'll be seeing her around these parts again, pretty soon :)

giveaways.

There are some awesome giveaways going on in the blogosphere.  I'm going to some up some fun ones for you!

• $20 to Target
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer
• $1,000
• Verismo Coffee System
• Coach Purse
• $1,000

First Roommate: The first college I attended after high school graduation was a small liberal arts university.  It was a beautiful campus with gorgeous Southern architecture and history galore.  The college did a great job of pairing roommates that come from the same cities/areas (I guess to share rides commuting between home and campus).  I met my roommate where we lived the summer before college began, we seemed to have a lot in common.  But we ended up just kind of going our separate ways.  She met this guy who would also be starting at the same university and they spent what seemed like 100% of their time together.  I was trying to balance my faith and living on my own for the first time.  Fortunately, we were only suite mates.  I was fortunate to have a room to myself and we only shared a bathroom.  When I transferred out at the end of the semester, I didn't even say goodbye.  I mean I had a lot going on and it just didn't even occur to me.  But I hear they are engaged now and I'm glad they are still together.  They seemed like a good pairing. :)

First Time Living Away from Home: college as aforementioned :)  It was a super interesting adjustment.  I was around a lot of things I wasn't really comfortable with and dorm life is awful.  I guess I was also being all prudish, but I still managed to find a good group of friends with Campus Catholics and a sorority I was planning on rushing in (but ended up backing out when a sorority weekend coincided with another obligation I had as a member of Regnum Christi, a sect within the Church).  It was in Campus Catholics that I met my husband, two of my bridesmaids, and two of my husband's groomsmen.  So I guess this was still a pretty awesome time in my life ;)  Even though I moved back home because I transferred to a university closer to home, I still enjoyed visiting my friends over the next few semesters.

First Dorm Room at College: as I mentioned, I had my own little space and I only shared a bathroom with my suite mate.  For some reason I was in to black, white, and red.  So I had black bath towels, a red run, a zebra blanket, a black comforter, and black, white, and red decorations.  Including an Eiffel tower from Target.  In fact, I might have gotten the majority of things form Target (love Target!).  I actually really don't like the color red now, so I never really kept any of the red stuff from that "theme." But I still have the zebra blanket and use the black bath towels.  I pulled these picture from Facebook to show you ;)

Sponsors, Giveaways, & First Things First

Hey friends!

It's been a bit busy in my life over here, I'm working on school, my upcoming graduation, client work, and the upcoming lifestyle magazine (which reminds me, if you haven't received an email back from me you will soon!).

I do have a few backup posts for such a time as now, fortunately!  I just haven't even had time to get to the blog to schedule them!  I will be in full swing next week, though :)  

I also still have openings for April advertising spots! I am having 20% off all ads using the code APRIL20 .  Visit my advertising page to get your spot!

sponsor love.

Meet Courtney and learn about her faith, blogging, and upcoming baby numero uno!  Plus, you can then enter the giveaway for $20 to Target.  I personally love Target. :)  I also really love this post about how her and her husband told their families!

Halie has some fun Tuesday link ups called First Things First:

Today's topics: 

First Roommate (s)

First Time Living Away from Home

First Dorm Room at College

I'm going to briefly answer these at the end of the post. :)  Go link up !  I love writing prompts!

Lauren is such a sweetheart with a lovely sense of style!  Every Tuesday she has a Style Sessions link up!  It's been awhile since I've done an outfit post (though I have one ready to go in my camera....), but this is definitely going to be something I'll be participating in!  It's so much fun seeing everyone's sense of style.  If you have any favorite or upcoming style posts, you should consider linking up!

Last but certainly not least is the wonderful Kristyn.  You've all met her before on my blog and she's a fellow Atlantan (though we haven't been able to have a blate yet!)  She's always such a doll !  You'll be seeing her around these parts again, pretty soon :)

giveaways.

There are some awesome giveaways going on in the blogosphere.  I'm going to some up some fun ones for you!

• $20 to Target
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer
• $1,000
• Verismo Coffee System
• Coach Purse
• $1,000

First Roommate: The first college I attended after high school graduation was a small liberal arts university.  It was a beautiful campus with gorgeous Southern architecture and history galore.  The college did a great job of pairing roommates that come from the same cities/areas (I guess to share rides commuting between home and campus).  I met my roommate where we lived the summer before college began, we seemed to have a lot in common.  But we ended up just kind of going our separate ways.  She met this guy who would also be starting at the same university and they spent what seemed like 100% of their time together.  I was trying to balance my faith and living on my own for the first time.  Fortunately, we were only suite mates.  I was fortunate to have a room to myself and we only shared a bathroom.  When I transferred out at the end of the semester, I didn't even say goodbye.  I mean I had a lot going on and it just didn't even occur to me.  But I hear they are engaged now and I'm glad they are still together.  They seemed like a good pairing. :)

First Time Living Away from Home: college as aforementioned :)  It was a super interesting adjustment.  I was around a lot of things I wasn't really comfortable with and dorm life is awful.  I guess I was also being all prudish, but I still managed to find a good group of friends with Campus Catholics and a sorority I was planning on rushing in (but ended up backing out when a sorority weekend coincided with another obligation I had as a member of Regnum Christi, a sect within the Church).  It was in Campus Catholics that I met my husband, two of my bridesmaids, and two of my husband's groomsmen.  So I guess this was still a pretty awesome time in my life ;)  Even though I moved back home because I transferred to a university closer to home, I still enjoyed visiting my friends over the next few semesters.

First Dorm Room at College: as I mentioned, I had my own little space and I only shared a bathroom with my suite mate.  For some reason I was in to black, white, and red.  So I had black bath towels, a red run, a zebra blanket, a black comforter, and black, white, and red decorations.  Including an Eiffel tower from Target.  In fact, I might have gotten the majority of things form Target (love Target!).  I actually really don't like the color red now, so I never really kept any of the red stuff from that "theme." But I still have the zebra blanket and use the black bath towels.  I pulled these picture from Facebook to show you ;)

Winners of Design Week #Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter, powered by Random.org, chose 11 winners for the giveaway.  Each winner won according to the order in which they were chose, eg the first winner gets the first giveaway prize of a Blog Consultation from By Aimee.

I will, of course, email all of you to confirm your win and prize. :)

Each winner was verified and unverified entries were replaced with verified entrants.  Congratulations to the 11 winners!  All these designers and bloggers are not only talented but super awesome and sweet!  Thank you for all those who entered!

Don't forget to go enter the current giveaways I'm a part of : 

>> Verisimo system

>> $1000 giveaway

Winners of Design Week #Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter, powered by Random.org, chose 11 winners for the giveaway.  Each winner won according to the order in which they were chose, eg the first winner gets the first giveaway prize of a Blog Consultation from By Aimee.

I will, of course, email all of you to confirm your win and prize. :)

Each winner was verified and unverified entries were replaced with verified entrants.  Congratulations to the 11 winners!  All these designers and bloggers are not only talented but super awesome and sweet!  Thank you for all those who entered!

Don't forget to go enter the current giveaways I'm a part of : 

>> Verisimo system

>> $1000 giveaway

ABC's

{{ I took this from the lovely Emily from Be Blessed, Y'all! }}

A - AVAILABLE OR MARRIED.

B - BOOK.

All time favorite = Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott.

Childhood favorite = Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.

Recent favorite = The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne.

C - CAKE OR PIE.

D - DRINK OF CHOICE. Tea (iced sweet, hot chai, hot rooibos, Zen flavors).

E - ESSENTIAL ITEM. iPhone, definitely. 

F - FAVORITE COLOR. Deep purple, buttercream yellow, grey, white, black, dusty rose/light pink.

G - GAME TO PLAY/WATCH. mma ( mixed martial arts )

H - HOMETOWN. Alpharetta (Atlanta), Georgia.

I - INDULGENCE. The Counter's chocolate malt with whipped marshmallow or Red Robin's Mile High Mud Pie.

J - JOBS.  Currently, Charming Life Studio & all that entails, plus a few other things here and there.  Future jobs: nurse, maybe an epidemiologist one day.

K - KID(S) & NAMES.  We don't have kids yet, but we do have names (sort of).

L - LIFE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT.  My herd (husband + animals), my family, my faith.

M - MUSIC GROUP/SINGER. Tom Petty, Nickelback, NeedtoBreathe.

N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS.  One, a brother.

O - ORANGES OR APPLES. Hm... I never eat either individually....  But I do like both in a salad, apples in a pie, and orange creamsicle frozen drinks.

P - PHOBIAS/FEARS.  Asphyxia (this fear started when I started having panic attacks, for those of you that have these you probably understand), being home alone (especially at night) because I'm afraid of baddies coming in.

Q - FAVORITE QUOTE.

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."

- St. Catherine of Siena

R - REASON TO SMILE.  My herd.  My future.

S - SEASON.  Autumn, all the way.  But each season has it's beauty and adventures.

T - TATOOS.  One.  You'll never see it ;)  It's a religious symbol with a design that I made.

U - UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT ME.  hm...  I have an aversion to honey.  I can't eat it raw, I can't deal with it if gets on me, and I can't have something that is heavy in honey flavor (baklava).  I can spoon it in my tea/water and drink it fine, but that's about it.  Like I cannot deal with it in other ways. For the longest time, I had to have husband deal with the honey.

V - VEGETABLE YOU LOVE.  Green beans, corn, sweet potato, squash, zucchini.

W - WORST HABIT.  I can crack just about any joint in my body.  Now, it's a myth that this will cause arthritis, and I've spoken to my chiropractor about what it does mean: that I'm wearing down those tendons.  It stinks, but it's like a tension build up and a proper crack makes it feel better.  Heck isn't that what happens when you get an adjustment anyways?  I just feel bad because I know it's annoying to others.

X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD.  Dental, chest.

Y - YOUR FAVORITE FOOD.  Cheese, Italian meats, tomatoes, etc.  Put those on a panini and I'm golden.

Z - ZODIAC.  Cancer (Cancer III, to be specific, the husband is a Cancer I).  Though, I really am not in to astrology (but if you are then there you go!  I'm a Cancer III!).

Advertise in March!

I'd love to work with you and have you on my sidebar!

Check out my advertising page for more details :)

Advertise in March!

I'd love to work with you and have you on my sidebar!

Check out my advertising page for more details :)

Design Q's Needed!

Hello!  We're getting ready to launch Design Week 2013 on March 1!  Though I can't share all the fabulous bloggers contributing yet, one blogger is going to answer some graphic design questions that you may have!  So ask your question in the comments, please!

Design Q's Needed!

Hello!  We're getting ready to launch Design Week 2013 on March 1!  Though I can't share all the fabulous bloggers contributing yet, one blogger is going to answer some graphic design questions that you may have!  So ask your question in the comments, please!

All you Northwesterners out there...

(source)

Husband and I are super excited to be going to Portland (OR), Seattle (WA), and Vancouver (BC) for my graduation/one-year-anniversary/lets-do-something-awesome extravaganza celebration thing this summer.  This is where YOU come in.  We have booked Portland and Vancouver hotels, but we are stuck on where to stay in Seattle (apparently there are many districts? and hence why this post is going up in February because Seattle is already booking up!) and then we want to know what you think we should see and do and places we should eat (we are total foodies)!

Keep in mind:

• We are foodies
• I will have my camera + 3-4 lenses (most of the time)
• We like adventure and the outdoors
• We love culture and history
• Neither of us care about shopping

If you live, have lived, or have visited these places, let me know what we should be doing!  I think we are more excited about this trip than our trip to Hawaii (though that was fun, don't get me wrong).  We would love your input! :)

All you Northwesterners out there...

(source)

Husband and I are super excited to be going to Portland (OR), Seattle (WA), and Vancouver (BC) for my graduation/one-year-anniversary/lets-do-something-awesome extravaganza celebration thing this summer.  This is where YOU come in.  We have booked Portland and Vancouver hotels, but we are stuck on where to stay in Seattle (apparently there are many districts? and hence why this post is going up in February because Seattle is already booking up!) and then we want to know what you think we should see and do and places we should eat (we are total foodies)!

Keep in mind:

• We are foodies
• I will have my camera + 3-4 lenses (most of the time)
• We like adventure and the outdoors
• We love culture and history
• Neither of us care about shopping

If you live, have lived, or have visited these places, let me know what we should be doing!  I think we are more excited about this trip than our trip to Hawaii (though that was fun, don't get me wrong).  We would love your input! :)

New Blog Design Launched

For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter or don't view the blog page frequently, I have a new blog design and I'm so eager to share it!  So pop on out of your Reader, and let me know your thoughts!

All of 2012, I went with the "clean," "white," "symmetrical" feel.  I essentially had the same layout and design with the occasional tweeks.  This year, I wanted to go with something different.  What do you think?

Monthly Newsletter

I'm now launching a monthly newsletter to send updates, upcoming events, giveaway information, special offers, popular posts, and more!  You can click HERE to subscribe.

I am primarily doing this because I'm not sure how many of you actually visit the website (versus view updates in your readers or other methods of subscription), and I don't want you to miss the Charming News (since I have a section right on my right sidebar that has news related to the blog, the magazine, advertising codes, etc that I don't put in the content of my posts).

Here's the form again: Subscribe to our newsletter !

Latest Giveaway from TCB

I am sharing my winter to spring transition fashion favorites on The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife blog including a giveaway for large ad space and a copy of Blog, Inc.  Share the love and go enter HERE!

New Blog Design Launched

For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter or don't view the blog page frequently, I have a new blog design and I'm so eager to share it!  So pop on out of your Reader, and let me know your thoughts!

All of 2012, I went with the "clean," "white," "symmetrical" feel.  I essentially had the same layout and design with the occasional tweeks.  This year, I wanted to go with something different.  What do you think?

Monthly Newsletter

I'm now launching a monthly newsletter to send updates, upcoming events, giveaway information, special offers, popular posts, and more!  You can click HERE to subscribe.

I am primarily doing this because I'm not sure how many of you actually visit the website (versus view updates in your readers or other methods of subscription), and I don't want you to miss the Charming News (since I have a section right on my right sidebar that has news related to the blog, the magazine, advertising codes, etc that I don't put in the content of my posts).

Here's the form again: Subscribe to our newsletter !

Latest Giveaway from TCB

I am sharing my winter to spring transition fashion favorites on The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife blog including a giveaway for large ad space and a copy of Blog, Inc.  Share the love and go enter HERE!

Student Success: Renting Textbooks

I don't know about you, but I once had almost $1,000 in textbooks alone my first semester of nursing school!  I mean first tuition costs, then hundreds of dollars worth of additional fees, and for some reason, my university decides to take my $500 book allowance I get from my scholarship.  And the costs are going up yearly.

Now, universities, colleges, and various online vendors are offering book rentals, but Campus Book Rentals makes it easy.  Type in the book that you need and you can add the book you want to rent to the cart and voila, you save 40-90% on your textbooks!

An Example from My College Experience

Here is an example of a book that I use frequently in nursing school:

The list price is about $150, and currently brand new on Amazon you can get it for $116 or you buy used (however I have had a few problems buying used in the past with people overselling the condition of the book).  Or, you can also rent it.

Campus Book Rentals Program

An advantage of the Campus Book Rentals (versus renting through your university), is that you can change your return date.  This flexibility can be such a great feature!  If you only need it for a few weeks (say to study for the final exams with), then you can change the date and your rental price decreases since you won't be renting it for an entire semester.  

Campus Book Rentals also let's you highlight in the book, which could be really helpful for classes that you really need to take seriously, like, for instance, my medical-surgical nursing course for me.  If at the end of the rental period you want to keep the book, you just pay the difference!  That might become helpful if you kind of exhausted some funds at the beginning of the semester paying for tuition and books.

But the best part?  Free shipping both ways!  So $51 for this 1,000+ page nursing text book and I don't have to pay for shipping to return the heavy book?  I am sold.  If only I had know this back when I bought the book!  Some books just don't resell as well, you know?

The RentBack Program

Lastly, if there's a book that you want to keep but it's currently just collecting dust, you can participate in their RentBack program, where you can be the person renting out the textbooks to other students and collect money in return!  Um, awesome!  I have quite a few books that I want to keep (I may be a textbook hoarder), but am currently not using because they are from another semester.

For more information (like how there is a 30-day full refund for, say, if you dropped a class) on CampusBookRentals.com, you can view the video below:

As you now know (if you didn't already), I am a nursing student, so I was particularly attracted to the fact that Campus Book Rentals is partnered with Operation Smile.  What that means is that with each book rented, Campus Book Rentals makes a donation to Operation Smile.

For 30 years, Operation Smile has been a children's medical charity helping to fund and provide resources to repair facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates.  This dramatically improves the quality of life of beautiful children all around the world whose families otherwise couldn't afford these surgeries that might not be as "important" as, say, heart surgery.  However unrepaired cleft lip and cleft palate could have long term health effects other than just self-esteem issues.  Complications include lifelong speech and feeding issues, and 1 out of 10 infants born with a cleft disorder will not see their first birthday (source).  So by saving money, you are helping make a difference.

For more information on Operation Smile and Cleft Lip & Palate, click on any of the following links:

• FAQs about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
• Operation Smile Fact Sheet
• Clefting: A Global Crisis

Disclaimer: Campus Book Rentals reached out to me about the prospect of working together to promote the book rental program and Operation Smile.  I, however, accepted the partnership because I have been a university student for several years now and have seen the positive shift towards renting textbooks.  I also feel a calling to pediatrics nursing and recognize the importance of the role that Operation Smile can play in the lives of children and their families.  I can attest that this post was 100% written by me and that this is all my truthful opinion.  Thank you.

Student Success: Renting Textbooks

I don't know about you, but I once had almost $1,000 in textbooks alone my first semester of nursing school!  I mean first tuition costs, then hundreds of dollars worth of additional fees, and for some reason, my university decides to take my $500 book allowance I get from my scholarship.  And the costs are going up yearly.

Now, universities, colleges, and various online vendors are offering book rentals, but Campus Book Rentals makes it easy.  Type in the book that you need and you can add the book you want to rent to the cart and voila, you save 40-90% on your textbooks!

An Example from My College Experience

Here is an example of a book that I use frequently in nursing school:

The list price is about $150, and currently brand new on Amazon you can get it for $116 or you buy used (however I have had a few problems buying used in the past with people overselling the condition of the book).  Or, you can also rent it.

Campus Book Rentals Program

An advantage of the Campus Book Rentals (versus renting through your university), is that you can change your return date.  This flexibility can be such a great feature!  If you only need it for a few weeks (say to study for the final exams with), then you can change the date and your rental price decreases since you won't be renting it for an entire semester.  

Campus Book Rentals also let's you highlight in the book, which could be really helpful for classes that you really need to take seriously, like, for instance, my medical-surgical nursing course for me.  If at the end of the rental period you want to keep the book, you just pay the difference!  That might become helpful if you kind of exhausted some funds at the beginning of the semester paying for tuition and books.

But the best part?  Free shipping both ways!  So $51 for this 1,000+ page nursing text book and I don't have to pay for shipping to return the heavy book?  I am sold.  If only I had know this back when I bought the book!  Some books just don't resell as well, you know?

The RentBack Program

Lastly, if there's a book that you want to keep but it's currently just collecting dust, you can participate in their RentBack program, where you can be the person renting out the textbooks to other students and collect money in return!  Um, awesome!  I have quite a few books that I want to keep (I may be a textbook hoarder), but am currently not using because they are from another semester.

For more information (like how there is a 30-day full refund for, say, if you dropped a class) on CampusBookRentals.com, you can view the video below:

As you now know (if you didn't already), I am a nursing student, so I was particularly attracted to the fact that Campus Book Rentals is partnered with Operation Smile.  What that means is that with each book rented, Campus Book Rentals makes a donation to Operation Smile.

For 30 years, Operation Smile has been a children's medical charity helping to fund and provide resources to repair facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates.  This dramatically improves the quality of life of beautiful children all around the world whose families otherwise couldn't afford these surgeries that might not be as "important" as, say, heart surgery.  However unrepaired cleft lip and cleft palate could have long term health effects other than just self-esteem issues.  Complications include lifelong speech and feeding issues, and 1 out of 10 infants born with a cleft disorder will not see their first birthday (source).  So by saving money, you are helping make a difference.

For more information on Operation Smile and Cleft Lip & Palate, click on any of the following links:

• FAQs about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
• Operation Smile Fact Sheet
• Clefting: A Global Crisis

Disclaimer: Campus Book Rentals reached out to me about the prospect of working together to promote the book rental program and Operation Smile.  I, however, accepted the partnership because I have been a university student for several years now and have seen the positive shift towards renting textbooks.  I also feel a calling to pediatrics nursing and recognize the importance of the role that Operation Smile can play in the lives of children and their families.  I can attest that this post was 100% written by me and that this is all my truthful opinion.  Thank you.

Advertise in December

I would just love to have you over for the holiday season.

Visit here for more information.

Advertise in December

I would just love to have you over for the holiday season.

Visit here for more information.