RSS Email
You are here: Home / Archives for Melissa

Upgrade Your Computer Memory With Crucial

May 28, 2012 by

As a blogger and gamer there is nothing more important to me than my laptop and desktop computer. The one thing that I recently realized was that they both were lacking sufficient memory and decided it was time to do an upgrade.

Thankfully I received an email from Crucial asking if I wanted to do a memory review. After receiving that email it got me thinking about all of the computers in the house and how all of them needed an upgrade in the memory department. About three months ago I bought a new laptop which came with 4GB of RAM which you would think would be enough but I was starting to notice a lag in performance. This is the computer that I decided to upgrade first to see how much faster it operated with the memory upgrade and right off the bat I could see a noticeable increase in performance.

Most people including myself take the RAM in their computer for granted and assume what comes in their machine initially is sufficient but that is not always the case. Thankfully Crucial makes buying computer memory super easy and anyone can do it even if you know nothing at all about computers. At Crucial.com they have a memory advisor where you select your computer, product line and model and it will show you memory upgrade recommendations. If you want to take it one step further and really simplify the process all you need to do it download the system scanner where it will tell you how many memory slots your computer has, how much memory you currently have installed, total memory that your computer can be upgraded to and it will make suggestions on what memory you should buy.

It really is that easy to buy memory and Crucial even has videos showing how you do a memory upgrade but all computers are different so you may need to go to your computer manufactures website for further instructions. I upgraded five computers total and it took me less than 30 minutes to upgrade them all and I am really glad that I did. Melinda and the kids tell me that they can tell a difference when they run certain programs and games that used to lag before the memory upgrade.

Have you ever upgraded your computer memory? Do you think it helped?

I Disclose




Horses and a Farm Seem Like a lot of Work

May 27, 2012 by

I know a few people in Delaware who own horses and they tell me they are the best animals to own and are really friendly. A few times the kids have asked if we could get a horse or a pony. UM NO!

I know if we owned a horse the kids would absolutely love it but I have a few problems with owning a horse.  The first is space because living in a townhouse probably isn’t the best place to board a horse.  The second is food because from what I understand horses eat a TON of food on a daily basis.  The third is clean up because a horse would be like every other animal we own and either Melinda or I would be the ones to clean up after a horse.  Also, when you need a shovel to clean up after an animal they may not be the best family pet.  Fourth is clothing because I am sure you don’t just jump up on a horse and ride it in shorts and a t-shirt. You see real horse riders wearing a helmet, boots and chaps.  Luckily you can get chaps from Equestrian clearance because from what I saw they aren’t cheap.  I was also thinking if we did ever get a horse I would also get Equestrian clearance dog coats because they make a dog look so much more sophisticated. LOL.

I don’t think we would ever get a horse but Melinda on numerous occasions has mentioned she would love to buy a farm and live on it like a farmer meaning crops and farm animals.  I guess if Melinda’s dream ever did come true why not get a horse.

I Disclose




Having No Insurance Is Stressful

May 27, 2012 by

Health and dental insurance is something that everyone should have but due to one situation or another doesn’t.

My family for example doesn’t have health or dental insurance because Melinda is a stay at home mom and I am a contractor for a bank.  Being a contractor has it benefits but its one HUGE drawback is no insurance benefits.  Thankfully our family is pretty healthly so we have avoided having to pay any huge medical bills out of pocket.

I was just talking to Melinda today about having to get Shaun and Shae in to see the doctor as they both need physicals and Shae will probably need a few shots.  Shaun needs a physical to play football in August and Shae because she will be starting school in September (Crazy that she is starting school already).

I am not sure how other people feel about having no insurance but I get freaked out and have even looked into buying it directly but the cost is so high I am having to gamble and pray nothing serious happens to anyone in my family.  I have always taken health insurance for granted because I have also has full time direct hire jobs where health benefits were provided but it has been a stressful year and a half for sure.

Do you and your family have health insurance?  If not how do you get through?

I Disclose




Sunday Linky Edition #145

May 26, 2012 by
Every Sunday we will be hosting a Sunday edition of Linky’s. Please list your awesome posts and giveaways that you want others to read and know about. We love Linky’s because it gives us a chance to read other blogs and enter giveaways that we might have missed out on. So please enter your permalink below so everyone can check out what you have. Don’t forget to come back every Sunday for our Sunday edition of Linky’s.



Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Arlington Cemetery

May 25, 2012 by

In honor of Memorial Day I thought I’d share a few things about the Soldiers that guard The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. If you’ve never been to Arlington National Cemetery before it really is an extraordinary site to see. I realize it’s not the most glamourous place to visit but it a beautiful and majestic site to experience for people of all ages.

arlington cemetery washinton dc tomb of the unknown soldier

  • The soldiers that guard the tomb are called Sentinels
  • The Tomb of the Unknowns is Arlington’s most popular tourist site.
  • The Sentinels are dedicated to their duty and guard the tomb through some of the most extreme weather. The welfare of the soldiers are never in jeopardy.
  • The Sentinels wear standard issue military dress shoes that have been modified so they stand straighter, taller and perpendicular to the ground.
  • The Sentinels are taught to glide across the ground rather than march, you will not see their heads or rifle bob up and down.
  • The Tomb has been guarded 24-hours a day, 7 days a week,everyday of the year since July 2, 1937.
  • The Sentinel walks 21 steps, turns to face the tomb for 21 seconds, turns to face down the mat again, waits 21 seconds and begins his 21 steps in the other direction again. This is repeated over and over until his shift is over.
  • The 21 steps and seconds the Sentinel follows for his watch alludes to the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary.
  • Sentinel changes happen every 30 minutes during summer months, every hour during winter months and every 2 hours the rest of the year.
  • It takes an average of 8 hours for a Sentinel to prepare for their next shift.
  • During a Sentinel’s 24 hour shift they stay in living quarters under the tomb.
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc

On your next visit to Arlington or Washington, DC be sure to visit the dedicated soldiers that guard the Tomb of the Unknowns and take with you a little bit of knowledge.




A Good Reputation Is Key

May 24, 2012 by

I was always told that having a good reputation is key to being successful and I agree with that statement 100%.

You wouldn’t buy a car, choose a nanny or get someone to fix your house if they had a crappy reputation. The same holds true for us as bloggers.  Why would companies want to work with us as individuals if we have a bad reputation? I recently discovered a site called reputation.com and the basic premise is that you can get an instant snapshot of what your online reputation looks like.

This service finds existing posts about you online and will send you alerts whenever a new post does appear online about you. It also identifies and alerts you to damaging posts and to me this is the feature that I like the most.

The internet is a cruel world where people can say what they want when they want and most of the time the person they are bashing has no idea that it’s even going on but now with this website that is no longer the case. If someone has an ax to grind with you and they take it to the internet for all to see at least you will now be notified (if you sign up for the free service) and you can now at least defend yourself if you find it necessary.

I know some people could care less about what others say about them on the internet and I tend to be one of those people unless the story is so fictitious. Disliking someone is one thing but saying false things to ruin ones reputation is total wrong and now there is a site to help you combat this problem.

Do you think this is a service you would use? Do you care what others have to say about you online?

I Disclose




Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop for Healthy Snacking Giveaway

May 23, 2012 by

Healthy living and eating has taken a key role in our lives recently. Rob and I started running so we have changed the way we cook and snack.

Nutritious fruits and veggies are tops on our list for easy snacking but there is a little obsession I have, popcorn. For as long as I can remember popcorn has been my indulgent snack of choice a couple nights a week. In fact popcorn is my mother’s favorite snack too; it often turns into her dinner on lazy no-desire-to-make-dinner nights. My kids inherited my love of popcorn too. There are many nights that I’m making 2-3 bowls to share while we watch movies.

Since we’ve recently made changes to our diet I’ve had to change my snacking habits; that means cutting back on the “junk food”. Thanks to Mom Central I have been given the chance to try out Orville Redenbacher’s® SmartPop! Gourmet® microwave popcorn.

• 100 calories per 6-cup serving
• 94% Fat Free
• Pops right in its own bowl for sharing (or not)
• 100% Whole Grain
• One serving of Smart Pop offers 2 servings of whole grains

smart pop, healthy snacking, 100 calorie snacks
So while the Smart Pop doesn’t taste exactly like the butter and salt soaked snack I’m used to it IS a great alternative so I don’t have to give up what I love. In fact I’m eating more popcorn and less other snacks (chips, crackers, pretzels)because I don’t have huge guilt with Smart Pop.

Right now Orville Redenbacher wants to give our readers the chance to try popcorn snacking the healthier way. Enter to win one of ten (10) boxes of SmartPop! Gourmet® microwave popcorn. Just tell me your favorite healthy choice snack.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall
  • Like  Orville Redenbacher and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Follow Mom & Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Orville Redenbacher Popcorn #Giveaway from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/K5hHXO 10 winners
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Orville Redenbacher’s. I received an Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! product as well as a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.”
I Disclose




USA 7’s Collegiate Rugby Championship Discount Philadelphia

May 23, 2012 by

In our family, we are huge sports fans. So we can’t wait for the weekend of fun on June 2nd and 3rd at this years Rugby Championship.

The 2012 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) is a two-day rugby event at PPL Park in Chester, PA with live entertainment, gourmet food, interactive games and other activities. The tournament features 16 elite University teams competing in 38 matches over two days, in exciting pool play format. Rugby is the newest sport to be admitted to the Olympic Games, and the CRC showcases some of the USA’s top Olympic contenders. Participating teams for the CRC have been chosen based on their quality of rugby, fan following and the potential for exciting rivalries. Several teams are returning for the 2012 CRC, including Army, Navy, Notre Dame, and 2011 Champions Dartmouth. Local favorites Penn State and Temple will also be returning, and will now be joined by Delaware. The field is rounded out by top teams, Cal, Florida, NC State, Wisconsin, Arizona, Maryland, Notre Dame and “Red River” rivals, Texas and Oklahoma.

Just use the promotional code – dropkick to receive a 30% discount off ticket price.
Single-day and weekend tickets for USA 7’s CRC are also available online at www.USAsevensCRC.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the PPL Park box office. Group discounts are available by calling 215-389-9543.




What I Learned from Bloggy Boot Camp Philadelphia

May 22, 2012 by

Something happened with this Bloggy Boot Camp. I walked away with ideas and inspiration and didn’t just talk about making changes but instantly put a couple in place. Blog conferences as a whole are supposed to educate the attendees on not just blog basics but how to run it like a business, increase traffic, put out quality content and engage your readers and fellow bloggers.

Bloggy Boot Camp Baltimore was a different feeling for me. Two years ago the sentiment felt “Every man for themself”, this weekend felt more encouraging and accepting of each other. I left Philly feeling good about where I am as a blogger but also confident that I could make some changes to grow.

inspired by bloggy boot camp

Takeaways from Bloggy Boot Camp Philly

  • Define your own success. Blogging goals are different for everyone and that’s ok. Whether you want to make money, write a book, be in front of the camera or inspire readers to try something new own that goal. Be ok with it. Don’t let other bloggers define what your success should be.
  • Have a Purpose. Why do you blog? Who is your audience? Does your blog reflect those answers? Once your figure out your purpose you’ll be more focused on each task and not waste time on the other things.
  • Always expect a payoff. This came from Laurie of Tip Junkie. That doesn’t mean expect money from everything you do but expect something. This could be new readers, increased traffic, exposure to brands or recognition within the blog world. Don’t waste time on things that won’t benefit you in the end.
  • Run your blog like a business. Again Laurie from Tip Junkie had some great advice for those wanting to take big steps with our blogs. Give yourself office hours, . This helps especially with gaining some control in work/life balance.
  • Try something new, you might like it.  Personally I hate vlogging but I’m going to take ClassyMommy’s advice and just keep at it till I’m comfortable with it. I know if I were to increase my video reviews or regular converations it would benefit the blog. Maybe you want to expand your photography or try your hand at fancy recipes just give it a try.  You’l never know who it’s going to turn out until you try.
  • Don’t judge others.  We all blog for different reasons with different goals.
  • It’s OK to say no. If you aren’t comfortable with a topic, product, brand or anything else than don’t endorse it.
  • Build relationships online and in real life. Connections with real people can bring on the best ideas.

If you’ve ever thought of attending a blog conference then Bloggy Boot Camp is definitely the way to go. The intimate gathering, the flow of information and education and the relationships built is all worth it.




Being Mr Mom Was Hard

May 21, 2012 by

This weekend was busy to say the least and I am not sure how single moms and dads do it.  I was without Melinda for less than 24 hours and it feel like I was going to die (maybe a slight exaggeration).

Melinda was at Bloggy Bootcamp in Philadelphia Friday night and Saturday which left me alone with the kids.  I want everyone to understand that I am not complaining that she went I just want to explain how busy it was without her.  Usually we will do a divide and conquer but I was solo on Saturday.

Here is a breakdown of my Saturday.

  • Took Shae to dance which runs from 10:30am – 11:30am
  • While Shae was at dance (closed to parents) I ran to get Melinda’s van washed and vacuumed
  • Picked Shae up from dance at 11:30 then went home to get her changed for a noon birthday party
  • At noon dropped off Sabreena, Shaun and Shae at the birthday party
  • After I dropped the kids off at the birthday party I took my car to get it washed and vacuumed
  • Went food shopping after my car was clean
  • Went home to put the groceries away
  • Got the two dogs  then went back to the party to pick up the kids
  • Dropped the dogs off at home
  • Took the kids to the mall for bathing suits (a lot happened while at the mall)
I typically don’t mind going shopping with the kids but at the very first store all hell broke loose.  While Shaun was in the dressing room trying on bathing suits I hear Shae crying.  I see Sabreena with her so I figured they were having some sort of argument that made Shae cry.  I then see Sabreena carrying Shae over to where I was and Sabreena told me Shae tripped, feel and slammed her head on the tile floor.  When I looked at her head I dam near passed out because she has the biggest goose eggs that I ever saw.  Thankfully am employee was in the area and ran to get some ice for Shae’s head.  I instantly went into panic mode because I wasn’t sure what to do so I took and picture and text it to Melinda to see what she thought I should do.  I want to say that I was totally not ready or equipped to handle this kind of traumatic situation what so ever.  I felt like I was going to have a panic attach because I was afraid Shae was seriously injured.  Thankfully after an hour or so no symptoms of a concussion appeared so that made me feel better but I did ask her random questions throughout the day like “count to ten” and “tell me your name” so I could be sure she knew what was going on.

This was 10 minutes after Shae hit her head

  • Took Shae to the Disney store for a treat since she dam near split her melon open
  • Finally left the mall and went home
  • Put pizza in the over and was about to take a shower when I got a text from Melinda
  • Went to pick Melinda up at a friend’s house who drove Melinda home from Philly
  • Stopped at Wawa so Melinda and I could get dinner since the kids ate the pizza
  • Went home to eat dinner
  • Chatted With Melinda for a while
  • Melinda went to bed and I worked on my new computer that I won in a giveaway
My Saturday started at 10am and ended at 10pm.  At 10pm I finally relaxed while the house was quiet for about two hours before I went to bed.  I guess I could have done a few less things that I listed but that isn’t who I am.  Crazy thing is I am already in panic mode for August when Melinda will be at BlogHer 12 for three days.  I am so going to die or have to hire a full time baby sitter, LOL.

I Disclose




« Previous Page
Next Page »