I am going to be taking a few days off from blogging, and away from the the computer in general in order to recharge my batteries. I will check in from time to time so please do say hi in the comments section if you surf through. I hope to be back to regular blogging in about a week.

Cheers!
Sue
XOXO

On Friday Little Sue started her first overseas trip alone. She flew out on Friday from Toronto, and arrived at London's Gatwick airport at 6am their time. Little Sue is visiting her BFF who recently moved to London, and will be back in August. I am so proud of my daughter, not just for having the gumption to travel overseas, but because she saved up the money to pay for it on her own, and did not ask anyone for help in doing so.

Little Sue called me yesterday from the steps of Westminster Abbey. She is enjoying visiting the historic sites, and learned that while she really likes Guinness....it really does not like her back.

This is definitely going to be a great learning experience for her.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

In many ways my favourite critter at the Urban Zoo is Pebbles Jr. our Beta fish. While Betas are not saltwater fish Pebbles Jr. has inspired me to think about adding a saltwater tank to our home. Why a saltwater tank you may wonder? The answer is simply that I tend to think saltwater fish are beautiful, and would love to add a small saltwater tank to our home.

And if you are also wondering if I have a clue as to what is involved in owning one, I can say that my sister has had saltwater tanks before, so I do realise the amount of work involved in maintaining them, and am thinking realistically about it. Granted any suggestions, tips etc from people who are caring for saltwater fish in their own homes would be much appreciated.

I was having a look at this online saltwater fish store earlier today. This shop provides saltwater fish, live rocks, live coral, and other dry goods needed for maintaining a saltwater tank. The shop offer some great deals on these products, and has quite an extensive inventory to check out. I also noted that they offer a 14 day live guarantee, as well as free shipping on orders. The website is very well designed, and it inspired me even further to adding a saltwater tank to our home. If you have a saltwater tank already or like me are thinking of getting one you might want to check them out, and take advantage of their great deals.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

Why is it that when it comes to certain health ailments people feel the need to hide them until they become so bad they cannot be hidden anymore? My Mom is a prime example of this. She is diabetic, and has had tummy troubles since the beginning of the month. I just found out about this today, because she went to the hospital emergency room last night. She is having a C-scan of her abdomen in the next couple of days, and hopefully all will be ok or at least treatable. Still, why would she not say something sooner? Why suffer? And can you imagine if this is something that could have been easily dealt with had she said something sooner....

Sigh....

Sue
XOX

Have you ever tried out a Massage Chair? I had the opportunity to try one out at our local mall last Spring, and since that time I have thought about how wonderful it would be to own one of our own.

This morning I was checking out Human Touch Massage Chairs through their website. I have heard some great things about Human Touch products, and in particular their massage chairs, and I wanted to learn more about them, and purchasing info so I could get an idea at costs etc.

I can tell you that the more I read about them the more I really want one. These stylish looking chairs come with technology that replicates an actual massage that you would get through a licensed therapist. Can you imagine how good you would feel if you could come home from a long day at work, and plunk down in one of these massage chairs?

With my thyroid issues I could use the relaxation that these massage chairs promote, not to forget to mention the better circulation they give people, and in my opinion they are a great way to help get rid of added stress. There is no denying the obvious health benefits of having one or two of these chairs in the living-room.

Check out the Human Touch website if you think you might want one for your home.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

My friend's cat Smokey looks like he has built himself a nest. No worries, he is not stuck up there. Apparently he likes to use the wooden fence you see behind the tree to climb up, and perch in there. I wonder what he is thinking? Or what he is up to?

Happy weekend, and thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For more great Camera Critters please visit here.

Everything you need to know about purchasing truck rims, and truck wheels is available on this website that I surfed through this morning. I actually had no idea how many different kinds of rims, and wheels there actually are including the ability to order custom wheels directly online before visiting the website.

The site, which you can check out at Truckrims.com is designed nicely, and is very easy to use in my opinion. You can check out different products like chrome wheels, and chrome rims, and you can even compare them. There is an easy check-out process that offers secured online shopping, and they will even ship for free on certain orders. Check their site for more details on the shipping.

Now you know where to get your truck, and car rims!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

One of my favorite films so far this year has been Coraline, and if you did not get a chance to see it before I suggest picking up a copy of the DVD coming out next week. Not only did I LOVE this film, but my daughters aged 22, 19, 13, and my 8 year old niece did as well. It is a classic that will appeal to people of all ages that enjoy fantasy.

Coraline was directed by Nightmare Before Christmas' Henry Selick, and is based on a book by Neil Gaiman. My youngest daughter read the book first, and says it is definitely worth a read.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

I admit that I can be pretty fussy when it come to my glasses. In fact it took several trips to the store before I finally settled on my newest pair of brainy specs (see photo of me on the right hand side-bar).

My middle daughter who also needs prescription eye-wear is even far more fussy than I am. When she was little she would often lose her glasses, and on one occasion she broke them out right. That pair of glasses cost close to $100.00 bux! I'm sure if you have a child who wears prescription glasses you can relate to the pain that caused.

When it comes to fashionable eyeglasses that my kiddo will wear that is another story. Styles change so quickly these days it is hard to keep up with what is in. Thankfully I have discovered Zenni Optical, which solves both the problems I'm talking about. Zenni Optical has a huge selection of highly fashionable styles, at very affordable prices.

Check out the photo above. These children's eyeglasses are only $12.95! No, I'm not kidding you! At these prices parents can actually stock up on different styles, and have a couple of spares on hand in case they get lost etc. Now, how cool is that!

With money being tight these days it is nice to be able to order good quality eyeglasses, especially for back to school, without spending $100.00 bux or more.

Go have a look at the Zenni website, they have great deals on adult glasses too!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

This week's Head or Tails prompt is the word pile. My first thought when I sat down to do this blog entry was to tell you all about the garbage strike here in Toronto that is now into its fourth week. However, I have blogged, ranted about all the piles of garbage stinking up our city on my other blog....and did not want to share any more of this nastiness especially the pics with my fellow H.O.T bloggers.

My second thought in regards to the "pile" theme is....

...the big pile of laundry that is waiting for me to get at. What can I say its summer....and sometimes the chores have to take a backseat to the lovely sunny weather we are getting right now.

Happy H.O.T. day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For more Heads Or Tails please click here.

I love to collect keepsakes, and when I attend weddings or showers I always put away and save the wedding party favors as a momento in my keepsake trunk. Treasures such as these are the specialty of Gala Wedding Favors, and they have a lovely new website for your browsing, and online shopping pleasure.

I spent some time looking through the Gala Wedding Favors website, and it was a treat. Not only do they have a huge selection of party favors to choose from, and I am talking for every occasion imaginable from Sweet 16 parties to baby showers etc they also have very unique, and hard to find keepsakes. Oh, and their pricing is very competitive!

If you have a party or occasion coming up, and you want to make it extra special check them out.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

With summer vacation here the question of when is a reasonable time for 13-14 years olds has become a hot topic at our house. My youngest is now in this age category, and will stay up very late if I let her, and sleep in until noon.

I am a fairly relaxed parent, and armed with studies showing that teens are natural night owls I have decided to allow her the freedom of choosing her own bedtime based on how tired she is. In other words I've told her to listen to her body.

However, with that freedom comes responsibility, and we have told her provided she wakes up at a reasonable hour, (say 10am) is able to finish her chores, and is not extremely crabby we will continue to allow her to set her own bedtime for the summer. After all it is vacation time!

Two weeks before school starts we will have to go back to a more regular schedule. And at the end of the summer I will let you know how it worked out.

How about you? Does your teen have a set bed time? Or did you have a set bedtime when you were a teen?

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

There is a new healthy, energy beverage coming to town, and its name is MonaVie. Yes, MonaVie is now available to us Canadians too!

You may have heard of this healthy, energy drink before, because it is endorsed by quite a few high profile people, and celebrities like Rachel Ray, and Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars. It has gotten quite a good buzz in the United States, so I was happy to read that it will be readily available here in Canada now too.

Have a look at the MonaVie website by clicking on the linky above that I have added in for you, and you will be able to learn more about the product, and you can also find a distributor that is close to you.

What I really love about this company is how it is giving back by supporting The M.O.R.E project, which you can also learn more about, and its efforts on the website.

Here is to a new healthy drink in town!

Cheers!
Sue
XOXO

I'm not certain if this critter is a boy or a girl? The photo was taken by a friend of ours during a historic re-enactment here in Ontario last weekend, and when she sent it over to me I thought this would be great to share on the upcoming Camera Critters meme. What a beautiful critter regardless of whether he/she is a boy or girl in my opinion.

Happy weekend, and thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For more great Camera Critters please visit here.

My regular readers , and my friends know how passionate I am about India, and Indian culture. Matthew always jokes that I am reincarnated, and my true home is India. Anyway if you are like me you'll love the fact that Online Salwar Suits Shopping is made easy by this shop.

In particular I wanted to show you ladies this beautiful outfit, that I have just fallen in love with. And I can tell you from experience that there is nothing more comfortable than wearing traditional Indian clothing.

Utsav Sarees has highly competitive pricing, and they are a real treat to shop from. I find their website to be very easy to use, and I love going through all the photos of their unique, and beautiful products. It is a fun way to browse, and shop online.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

I thought I would give you all an update on my thyroid condition. I have been on the new medication called Synthroid now for about 3 weeks, and I am finally starting to feel a bit like my old self again. I'm not feeling so tired, and dragged out or stressed like I have been the past three years. Fingers crossed that when I see the doctor at the end of July my blood work will come up normal. Toes are crossed too.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

A couple of years ago I tried my hand at starting a small online business. The business did ok, but not the wow terrific that I had hoped it would, and I sort of abandoned the idea. It was sad for me, but a good decision at the time for myself, and my family.

Fast forward two years, and now that I am regaining my health, and feeling much stronger I am thinking of retrying the idea again only this time I'll focus on areas such as online marketing strategies that I do not think I had utilised to a full capacity before. Had I took a more serious look at strategies provided by an Internet Marketing Consulting company or perhaps looked for an Internet Marketing Consultant to gain some insight on the nature of online businesses I would have been more successful in the first place.

To that end I have been checking out the website of this SEO Consultant who provides weekly tips for how to make a business successful. If this is something that may interest you have a look at the site by clicking on the link. The site is easy to use, and well designed, and will give you information on how you can get a free evaluation. Knowledge is power in my opinion, and since it is free why not make the most of it by gaining some insight from an expert.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

My regular readers all know how much I enjoy doing these meme note type thingies over on Facebook. Well Penny tagged me in this one, and I think when you read the rules (yes there are always some sort of rules or instructions to go with these things) you'll understand why she tagged me. So here we go:

Lament:

1. Put your ZUNE/iPod/MP3 Player/etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 - 15 friends who might [not] enjoy doing it.

As a rule breaker type a gal I think I'll skip #4, but if you do this meme then let me know, and I'll check it out.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Veni, Veni

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Now Springes The Spray

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
The Coventry Carol

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
This Ay Nicht

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Salva Nos

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Salve Virgo Virginum

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Lo, Here My Hert

WHAT IS TWO PLUS TWO?
Ah, Si Mon Moine

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Miri, It Is!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Gaudette

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Foweles In The Firth

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Lick The Maypole

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
There is no rose of Swytch Vertu

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Razreesh

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Dringo Belle

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
L'amour De Moi

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
The Woods And The River Are Silent

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
I am Eve

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Spiriti

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Snake

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Laude Novella

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
The Circle Of The Lustful

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Temptasyon

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
World Fareth As A Fantasaye

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Come My Sweet

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Tam Lin

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
S'anc Fuy Belha

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Umlahi

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Return Of The Birds

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Lament

Oh, and just in case you are wondering I am currently listening to the Mediaeval Baebes who are all gorgeous, talented, gutsy musicians, and I just love them! Brilliant music! All of the titles listed above are from them.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

My girlfriend, and her husband recently returned from a vacation that they had taken with another couple in Las Vegas. They stayed in one of the big Hotels and Casinos, and while there naturally took in some of those brilliant Vegas Shows that look like they would be so much fun! I was looking at some of the pics that she had posted of their adventures in Vegas to her Facebook account, and it really got me to thinking about how much fun a quick little getaway to Las Vegas would be.

I would love to stay at the Flamingo hotel as to me this just says Vegas baby! Staying at the Flamingo would be like kicking it old school Las Vegas style, because it is the classic hotel associated with this hot city, casinos, entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and the other members of the infamous the rat pack, etc. And when not in the actual casinos you can hang about the famous Flamingo pool area. How cool would that be?!

I would also love to check out Palms Casino Resort amongst some of the others. There are just so many resorts, casinos, and clubs to choose from one trip would never be enough.

I'm not much of the gambling type, but in Las Vegas I think I would probably try out a few of the games like the slot machines. Those always look like so much fun in the movies. I probably would want to try out some of the gaming tables, and roulette.

For me though it would be the big time Las Vegas shows that would be the ultimate thrill. I would love to see the Phantom which is currently playing in Vegas. Jersey Boys is another show that I have been dying to see, and looks like so much fun. I think the ultimate Vegas show currently running right now would be Cirque du Soleil with the amazing magician Criss Angel! I have always wanted to see Criss perform live since I first caught a small portion of his act on tv a few years back.

Of course there are a lot of other things to do in Las Vegas as well. I know that there are some pretty cool tours you can take while in town, again from friend who have gone, and checked it out.

Have you been to Vegas? What would you recommend?

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

I spent part of last Saturday on the beach with my niece. We were collecting rocks to use for building stone circles to our gods, and goddesses.

Something like the example of one that we made above. Ahhhh I LOVE summer because of moments like this.

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants please click here.

I had the opportunity to spend part of this afternoon checking out the oh so adorable American Animal Care Center photos on photo sharing site Flickr.com. If you want to have a smile then go have a look at these cute animal pics.

If you have not heard of the American Animal Care Center before you can check out this info on them by clicking on the linky I've added in for you.

I was reading through their blog located here: Americananimalcare.biz/ and was interested to learn a bit more about who they are, and what they do. They have a brand new blog just started the beginning of this month, but it is already showing promise with some interesting articles for cat, and dog owners to read.

I thought that the article reminding pet owners that fireworks, and cats, and dogs do not necessairily mix was a particularly good, and timely one as it was posted just before the big U.S.A Fourth of July celebrations. Many pets throughout the USA and world are injured each year by firework displays mostly in their own backyards with DIY fireworks.

The blog itself is new, but you can learn more about them through coverage of the American Animal Care Center in news reports such as this one that I had a read through.

Good info, and definitely worth checking out their site in my opinion. You can also stay connected with the American Animal Care Center by signing up to their Facebook page or adding them on Twitter. More details on their group and Twitter can be obtained on their blog.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

The photo above was taken by my sister at the Canadian National Exhibition here in Toronto a couple of summers ago. When I was a little kid I used to call these types of carnival rides "spinny things." Anyone care for a spin on the swings? You spin me right round, baby right round.

The C.N.E or Canadian National Exhibition will open again next month. Here in Toronto it kind of signals the end of summer as it closes on Labour Day.

Happy H.O.T. day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For more Heads Or Tails please click here.

I spent part of this morning checking out a free pdf and eBook search engine called Book Search Queen. Lately I have been reading a lot more eBooks, and a good search engine that specializes in them would be a valuable online resource for me.

I found the website very easy to use. I used the search terms Michael Jackson in the search box located at the top of the page, and was given over 300 options to check out. I tried Madonna, and got similar results. What can I say, I must have celebs on the brain, but I digress. I also like how they list the most recent search criteria for the search engine as it could spur some search ideas when just hunting for some new reading material. Go have a look if you are into eBooks.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

This is a close-up of my sweetie Mary....named for that Scottish Queen. Mary is a very loving, and affectionate cat. I cannot believe it has been almost six years now since we adopted her for the animal shelter. She is such a joy!

Happy weekend, and thanks so much for stopping by! Oh, and for my American visitors I wish you a very happy, and safe Fourth Of July celebrations.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

For more great Camera Critters please visit here.

Have you ever taken out a Cash Advance against your pay check or in other words a Payday loan before? I am not too ashamed to admit to you that a couple of years ago we did use a payday loan service a handful of times, and they can in fact be a real life saver, and nothing to be ashamed of at all. In our case we borrowed the money in order to make certain that other bills were paid for on their actual due date in order to avoid late payment charges, and interest. So if you ask me sometimes these types of loans can be the smart thing to do.

With harder economic times I'm certain there are quite a few people wondering if they can even get a payday loan or cash advance because of poor credit or bad credit history. If you would like to obtain information on bad credit payday loans you can have a look at this online resource I have linked to. They offer information, articles, state by state searches, and an easy form to fill out, so that you can apply right online and receive your loan same day. You do not have to worry about having a fax machine handy either. As long as you are confident that you can pay off borrowed money on time you should have no problem.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX

I woke up with a nasty, screaming sorta headache today. My words for what I think is a tension headache. The weather has been very unsettled here in Toronto, sunny, then stormy, then sunny again. I think all the sudden pressure changes is what is doing me in. I think I'll have a light meal, shower, and nap. Hopefully that should get rid of it....and if all else fails there is always ibus.

Later,
Sue
XOX

Part of my health goals for this year have been eating healthier (I completely cut out red meat) and taking in a lot more fiber. I have also become very interested in a full Body Detox such as the one detailed on the page I have linked to. It is called Dual Action Cleanse, and while I have not tried it yet, I have heard good things about this product, and I like the way it is all natural.

I think part of my own problems stem from having put way too many toxins in my body over the years. Eating right, and quitting smoking were big steps that I have taken to achieve better health, and now it is time to rid myself of the yucky bad stuff in order to gain my health back.

Cheers to healthy living!
Sue
XOX