So, I recently discovered the goodness that is Medicated ChapStick. I realize I’m like a century behind the rest of the human race, but I’ve been busy with lipstick, gloss and lipliner for the past 15 years.

Then I jokingly mentioned to my boyfriend that I’m “addicted” to the stuff … I was only half kidding.

For fun, I decided to Google ChapStick Addiction and was astonished to see there were pages and pages of conversation on this very silly subject.

If this little habit of mine gets any worse, I may seriously consider joining Lip Balm Anonymous.

Posted in Health & Wellness   Tagged: Chapstick Addiction   

So, the economy’s in the toilet (I know, thanks, Captain Obvious). With the holidays lingering, I’m wondering if you’re making drastic changes to how you spend those precious bucks this year.

The biggest thing I’ve noticed is how retailers have responded. I get coupons every day, either in the mail or via e-mail, from practically every store I’ve ever shopped at. Retailers are going big, $15 off $35, $10 off with no minimum purchase, $50 off $150, etc.

I’ve noticed … those coupons are working. For family members with no specific gift requests, I’ve shuffled through the stacks of coupons wondering if I can find something they’d like while still saving a few dollars.

Do you have any money-saving strategies to share?

Posted in Shopping & Fashion   Tagged: Coupon Codes, Holiday Shopping   

At “Santa Paws” in the Downtown Disney Area at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can bring their dogs for a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Open daily until December24, 2008, Santa Paws can be found at Downtown Disney Marketplace near the World of Disney store.

      

One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, the Mickey Mouse Revue opened in Fantasyland in 1971 and featured an audio-animatronic orchestra of popular Disney characters (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Scrooge McDuck and more!) singing such classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee.” The Mickey Mouse Revue closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now occupies the site.

      

I have the desire to be more “green.” I’ve yet to put that desire into motion with practice, but I’ll get there. (Hopefully you found some inspiration with Erin.) One thing I have done recently is use my bank’s “green” programs, which includes ordering a “green” debit card like the one I got today (of course, mine has an actual number on it…but you’re not getting it!): My bank rocks!

Actually, it’s a credit union. Fairwinds Federal Credit Union, and I’ve been banking with them for 10 years. They’ve recently launched various “green” programs that are aimed at helping preserve the environment around us. To check-these-out you can visit the Fairwinds site; I’m also listing them here.

* FAIRWINDS Online Banking. Hello?! 24/7 access to your account. This means you can check-on your money at any time, and don’t even have to have contact with anyone (sometimes a good thing).

* e-Statements. No more paper! Now that’s going green!

* Bill Payer. Pay your bills online. Not only is this going green but it’s also saving you money. Why wouldn’t you want that?

* Direct Deposit. This is certainly one of my faves. Can’t go wrong here.

* Automatic Payments. - Automatically have your payments (loans, gym dues, etc) deducted directly from your FAIRWINDS account. This is life made simple!

So why not join Fairwinds Federal Credit Union today? It’s totally free, and you only have to have a limited minimum to open-up an account.

Posted in Living   Tagged: banking, environment   

Orlando Shakespeare Theater, in partnership with UCF, presents The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge at Loch Haven Park from December 5-28, 2008. Visit orlandoshakes.org for more information.