Extra Money

 I think everyone can use a little extra money with this economy. One of the ways I earn a little extra money is by being a "secret shopper." Most of the secret shops are at electronic stores, automotive shops, and restaurants. Some of the shops even include reimbursement for products or services. For example, some automotive shops include reimbursement for an oil change or tire rotation.

There are several companies that hire secret shoppers. I work through Bestmark. I like this company because I am able to log on and pick and choose shops at any time. I have gone a while in between shops before and they've never dropped me. I get an email with available shops about once a week. I think you can change your personal settings so you do not even get emails that often. 

I'm writing about this because I think it's a great opportunity to earn a little money. I had heard about secret shopping before but never knew of a legit company that would hire shoppers. Hopefully someone reading this can also earn a little extra money too :) Click here to follow a link to the Bestmark application.

Quinoa salad

I had one of my favorite lunches today: quinoa salad. I cook about a cup of quinoa (today it was red quinoa from trader joes). I add romaine lettuce, carrots, and reduced fat feta cheese. I will also add raspberries or strawberries if I have them but they are so out of season right now that I did not. I top it all off with vinaigrette dressing. Today I used Annie's. I didn't get a picture till I was almost done. Mostly because I was too busy enjoying it.

Kid safe candy bar

Our reception was in August, so this is a little late. I loved the idea of a candy bar for our favors. I found tons of photos all over the internet of different candy bar options. The only problem was that none of them seemed very kid friendly. I had many younger kids at my reception and I wanted something they could enjoy.

Most of them included glass. I was worried the glass could easily tip. Most of the photos included tall, unstable glass jars. I realize a lot of children can handle glass dishes. I was just a little worried about a table full of glass dishes filled with candy around small children.

Most candy bars also included unwrapped candy. I love little kids, but I know some of them would be tempted to grab a big handful of candy even if there was a scoop in the container. I have also seen many kids put back food items they did not like after it was in their mouth. I'm sure there are many children that do not do this, but all it takes is one spit filled jar of jaw droppers to ruin a candy bar.

Therefore, I looked for two things in a candy: sturdy containers and wrapped candy. I found many tin buckets in many shapes and colors at Hobby Lobby. Wrapped candy can be found many places. Party City seemed to have a lot of variety. I also picked up a few big bags of assorted candy at Target. I also found cute, striped, paper bags on eBay. I wrapped boxes in tissue paper to add levels to the table.

One hour and a smoothie

I finally bumped my gym time up to one hour. I usually go to the gym with my 16 year old stepson. We don't actually workout together, he does more strength training and running, but knowing that he wants to be there an hour makes sure I stay the full hour. My husband tries to go with us when he can. The pain is his leg often holds him back from going to the gym.

I was craving a snack this afternoon after just having a brunch this morning. I knew I needed some more fruits or vegetables so I peaked in my freezer. I found some frozen mango and peaches and I decided to make a smoothie. I just threw some peaches, mango, almond milk, a packet of stevia, and a little bit of ice. It turned out very thick, just the way I like my smoothies.

Here's an odd looking photo of the super thick smoothie.

Winter wonderland

We finally made it to the park. It was still a little cold and wet but it felt good to get outside. Plus I know the dogs lived it.

The only bad part was a the long bridge that was fairly icy. Luckily, no one feel even though Reagan did try to takeoff to run with another park goer. Both of my dogs, Reagan and Angel, try to run with runners. They are definitely out of luck because that one exercise I do not enjoy.

I've tried running before but I believe some people are runners and some people are not. Does anyone else feel the same way? Or do you think you can become a runner?

Empty Gym

I went to the gym yesterday expecting to see overwhelming crowds. Granted, I went at 9:45 hoping to beat the crowd a little. The gym was almost completely empty! I'd much rather workout in an empty gym than an overcrowded gym. I do like having a few people around to keep my motivated but at my old gym I could barely walk in for the first two weeks of the year! It was a large gym too, a huge YMCA that was probably 5 years old at the most.

My mom and sister talked about walking at the park this week but there's still at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Hopefully it warms up a little so we can make this happen.

The view from our front window.

Hello 2013!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

  I hate to wish away a whole year but 2012 wasn't the greatest! My husband, I'll just call him K on here, had orthopedic surgery in January.  He went back into surgery once because it was infected and he just  found out in December he has an infection again! It has been very hard and painful for him. It has also had an impact on our entire year. He cannot walk very far and we're both very worried they will have to redo the original procedure to rid his body of all infectious tissue.

It's also had a big impact on our general health. Before his surgery we were going to the gym almost every day. We also ate pretty well. His surgeries seemed to put a stop to all of that. I have been going to the gym more, aside from the holidays, but he he has only been able to go a couple days. And while I try my best to eat healthy, it just hasn't been happening lately. 

Okay, I'm done complaining. I also have many good memories of 2012 including our wedding reception and getting our puppy Reagan. Plus I enjoyed spending time with my family.

 

our cake and candy bar

Reagan taking a swim (I love her nose mohawk!)

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Here's hoping 2013 is a great year.