You may have seen my Tweets or my pictures on Instagram on Tuesday about my delivery from Smooth Fitness. If not, here is a picture of what I received on Tuesday at around 7 pm….

Smooth Fitness Blogger

I got a huge box (weighing 168 pounds) with a bunch of smaller boxes inside it. It came with a main frame piece, but mostly lots of smaller pieces. Can you tell what it is? It’s my nifty, new elliptical. I have been accepted as a Smooth Fitness Smooth Blogger. Yay! That means you can expect to hear lots more about the company and my experiences with my new workout machine.

That being said, let me give anyone reading this and considering getting one a piece of advice: get someone else to assemble it. My mom and I worked on building mine from the time it arrived until 11 pm. I continued working on it until midnight by myself. However, it’s still not fully assembled. I was gone most of the day yesterday, so I didn’t get a chance to finish it then. Thus, my lovely new top rated elliptical is standing in the middle of our living room and is not put together or being used yet. This is what it looks like right now.

If you don’t have the option of having someone else building it, then I would allot lots of time to build it. Read the directions very carefully. We actually had to backtrack a couple of times. So, take your time. Perhaps, read ahead and then come back to it. By this point, you may be wondering why I wanted to be a Smooth Fitness blogger. So, I thought I’d take a minute to explain my reasoning.

• I’ve gained weight. You may recall that I’m grieving the loss of my father. When he was put into the hospital, I gained weight. Since his passing, I’ve gained even more. I really want to get healthier again. I think Smooth Fitness will help me do this.
• I love ellipticals. I never had a local gym. So, during my first semester at a college in North Carolina, I tried out some of the equipment in their gym for my required physical education credit. It was there that I discovered my love for ellipticals.
• My mom wants to try it. I think it’s great when I can get something we both want to use. Plus, I’d love for her to get healthy with me.
• I want to spice up my workout routine. I’ve been doing workout videos for years now. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those. However, they aren’t the same as using one of these machines.

So, what do you think of my reasons for wanting to be a Smooth Fitness blogger? Do you have any advice for me getting started?

The post Smooth Fitness Smooth Blogger: Here’s to a Healthy 2013 Summer appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

You may recall the posts I’ve done on my cell phone carrier. In case you have forgotten, I have US Cellular. That’s why I am so excited (and honored) to announce that I’m a US Cellular Blogger.

US Cellular Blogger

I feel honored because this is actually US Cellular’s first blogger program. In fact, they have even named us the US Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade. Now that I’m a US Cellular blogger, you can expect to hear more about this great company and their wonderful devices and services for the next several months. Since it’s been a little while since I told you about US Cellular, I thought I would tell you why I love being a US Cellular customer (and blogger).

• Belief Points. My two-year contract with them was up in August of last year. With everything going on, I didn’t have a chance to look at phones until January. When I got my Samsung Galaxy S III, I switched from my contract over to the Belief System. Now, I don’t have a contract and we earn points every month that can be used to purchase a new device or other goodies. I think this point proves exactly why I think they treat me like a neighbor and not a number. They trust us to pay our bill and continue our service with them, without a restraining contract.
• History with US Cellular. My very first cell phone that my parents got for me was with US Cellular. I was a sophomore in high school (I feel old saying that) and I needed a way to call my parents when I got home from a volleyball game. My parents chose the company because of their…
• Reliability. To this day, it’s the only cell phone service I can count on in my neck of the woods.
• Award winning. That’s right US Cellular has won multiple awards. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. In 2013, the company also received their 15th consecutive J.D. Power and Associates’ award for “Highest Network Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users In The North Central Region.”

So, what do you think of my reasons for loving them? Can you see why I’m so elated to be a US Cellular Blogger and to participate in the Better Moments Blogger Brigade? Are you convinced you need to switch to US Cellular? Then, click that link to learn more.

Disclosure: I will be receiving compensation and a new device for being a US Cellular blogger. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post US Cellular Blogger: Better Moments Blogger Brigade Member appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

YoCrunch MVP Contest

Way back in 2011, I did a YoCrunch Yogurt Giveaway wherein I tried the new YoCrunch Yogurt (and loved it) while hosting a giveaway for some YoCrunch coupons. It got a good response and I even did YoCruch Halloween Giveaway followed by a YoCrunch Yogrut with Mott’s Applesauce Giveaway back in August 2012. That’s why I think my readers will enjoy the newest (and soon to be closing) contest from the fabulous YoCrunch yogurt people.

It’s called the YoCrunch MVP Contest and it features some very neat prizes! You can win a soccer ball or even a $1,000 Visa gift card! Woah. I could certainly use that gift card (I have big plans for the summer with some expensive conference trips coming up, but more on that later). You see, YoCrunch is an official snack of the USYS (United States Youth Soccer) and to highlight that they are running a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Photo Contest. The YoCrunch MVP Contest aims to see pictures of your soccer star in action and is willing to allow you a shot at winning $1,000 to do so. You simply have to submit a photo of your Most Valuable Player in action and tell them about him or her in 250 words or less. However, you must enter NOW. Entries are accepted until 11:59 TONIGHT! So, you literally have to enter right this minute.

Additionally, I have a special something to encourage you to enter. After you submit your photo on the YoCrunch Facebook page, indicate that you’ve done so in the comments section below and you’ll automatically win 2 FREE YoCrunch Multipack Coupons. (YoCrunch will be sending them to you and will verify your entry in the contest). Good luck!

The post YoCrunch MVP Contest: Enter NOW appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Raising Kids on the Spectrum

I will admit that there have many times I received a Chicken Soup for the Soul book and simply skimmed over it, enjoying some stories but skipping many that didn’t seem to suit me. This was the first one in a while that I actually wanted to keep reading and I even stayed up late reading it a couple of nights. I haven’t read all of the stories yet, but I have read over half the book and at least a few stories from each chapter of Raising Kids on the Spectrum. So, I feel like I have a pretty good feeling for this book.

That being said, I enjoyed reading Raising Kids on the Spectrum. Many of the stories are very touching. A few are even kind of funny (there’s a whole chapter dedicated to seeing humor with Autism). Obviously, some referenced their faith. However, I didn’t find this one to be as strong on the religion as other books in the series. I thought it was really just a collection of stories from parents who have children with Autism. I had never encountered a book like this before, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.

I’ve seen some of the issues addressed in Raising Kids on the Spectrum, but from the teacher or school’s perspective. It was a nice change to read how parents perceive their children and their struggles (and gifts). I found some stories to be refreshing since they highlighted the positive points of their children. I think some people have a negative image of people with Autism. I loved that this book included stories about people with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning Autism, so that others know that we can’t just judge people. I love that the book challenges us to change the way we see others and how we react to them… it’s impossible to know someone’s situation just by looking at them.

WIN!

Three Laughing Lindsay readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Raising Kids on the Spectrum book.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win this book.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries
For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.).

Giveaway ends on June 3rd at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.
GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US & CA residents only.

Disclosure: I received a free book. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post Raising Kids on the Spectrum: Chicken Soup for the Soul Book appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Grieving the Loss of My Father

You would think that Mother’s Day would have been easy for me. I spent the day with my boyfriend, my mom, and grandmother. That part was ok. However, by the end of the day, I realized that Father’s Day was quickly approaching. It also occurred to me that I would never have another Father’s Day with my dad. Ever. So, as I lay in bed that night, I suddenly felt almost as bad as I did back when it initially happened. I attempted to be quiet about it, as my mom was sleeping and had to work on Monday. I don’t think she knows, but I spent the better part of an hour sobbing that night. I actually cried myself to sleep. The week following that night was not easy.

I’ve thought about my father and missed him virtually all week. The scene from Sunday night repeated itself on Wednesday night. During the day, I usually try to stay ahead on the blog. However, I couldn’t find the motivation to do posts until the day of for much of the week. I generally try to have posts ready to go for the weekend by Thursday. I’m actually writing this on Friday afternoon, if that tells you anything. That is to say that at night I’ve been a wreck and during the day I’ve attempted to just distract myself from the pain.

It’s interesting to me that I’m having trouble grieving the loss of my father now. Back on May 9th, I read this stages of grief post on my friend’s site and I commented that I hadn’t really felt much anger. This week I actually experienced some anger… not at my father though. I’m angry he’s gone and that I no longer have a father. I’m angry that some people seem to assume I’m ok with things. It’s hard for me to describe the exact pain I’ve felt this week. I can simplify it and say that it’s been depression during the day and anger at night. I can also say that I’ve never felt anything like this before and I don’t even know what to do about it.

Grieving the loss of my father is not an easy thing. This week seemed like a step backwards for me and I’m dreading Father’s Day with everything I have. I guess I don’t have a real point for this post, other than to let anyone who cares know that I’m having a hard time. Also, I haven’t been responding to many emails or as supportive in the Facebook groups. So, I apologize for that. I’ll try to get back to people again soon. Just not this weekend.

The post Grieving the Loss of my Father: It’s Still Hard Sometimes appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Ballistic Case

I will admit it. I initially purchased a different brand of phone protection. However, as soon as I received the Every1 Series Ballistic case, I switched and haven’t gone back. I wanted the Every1 Series because it features a durable screen protector. The other brand I bought had a screen cover, but it became scratched within days. I’ve been using this Ballistic Case for a month now and the screen protector still looks perfect! I’m very impressed with it. The screen protection is definitely one of my favorite features of it. Plus, I love how the edges stick out from the screen just a little bit to keep it from touching a surface. I think that really cuts down on any scratches. I also like how this one comes with a button over the home screen button, rather than leaving it exposed. It keeps dust out better and makes it easier to hit.

Another feature that I like (compared to the other brand) is the port covers. I guess I’m a typical to heavy user of my phone during the day. So, I have to charge my phone every night. The other brand’s charger port cover was annoying. It would get stuck and I worried I was going to snap the case if I pulled too hard on it. Thankfully, my Ballistic case has a cover that’s easy to open. It also seals back nicely, without trouble. It’s the little things.

The back is kind of neat. It has a kick-stand, which I never use. However, it’s good to have the option if I need it. I will say that I was a little surprised by how easily the back gets scratched. It’s a shiny plastic, but mine already looks scratched-up. Then again, it’s better to be on the case than my phone. Besides, nobody looks at the back of my phone. I also wish there was more protection around the phone’s camera in the back. The case just has a rectangle hole which allows the camera to be free. I guess I wouldn’t mind a more full-body protection approach to it.

I am definitely happy with my Ballistic Case. I feel that it does a great job of protecting my phone from life. I intend to keep using this case and don’t plan on going back to the other brand. Although, a little birdie told me I may get the Galaxy 4 this summer. So, I may need a new case soon. I’ll probably get another one of these, if that’s the case.

Disclosure: I received a free Ballistic Case. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post Ballistic Case Protects My Samsung Galaxy S III Phone appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Slimming Capris

Sadly, I have gained some weight back since my dad passed away. So, I’ve had to go back up in sizes. I also feel like I need all of the help I can get to look better. When I go to work, I need to look nice. However, it is warming up (finally). That’s why I love a good pair of slimming capris. They allow me to feel a nice breeze without wearing shorts.

Another confession: I almost always wear black pants to the schools. However, I thought I would get something a little different and go for the Nautral fit belted dori slimming capris in shark. It feels a little different to wear a color other than black or jeans on the bottom half of me. However, it’s a fun change. Plus, I love the belt that came with these pants. It’s a very fun one.

It seems I have found yet another pair of Lee pants that I adore. These slimming capris make me feel better about myself and they are so comfortable. The material is very fitting to wear all day because they are soft. I don’t mind wearing these all day since they are so comfy. In fact, Lee has actually become my preferred brand of pants these days due their durability and comfortability. I practically live in their pants and jeans.

So, what do you think of my slimming capris from Lee? Do you own a pair of pants from Lee? What do you think of them?

Disclosure: I received the pants for free. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post Slimming Capris from Lee’s Spring 2013 Collection appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Teacher Interviews

I’ve interviewed for a teaching position in six different counties/cities in the past year. So, I’ve come to realize that each school/district does hiring their own way. I’ve also learned that each interview has some key similarities to them.

Teacher Interviews: The Differences

• The number of people in the interview. The county that I student taught in has just the principal at teacher interviews. Other districts have the principal along with other staff (such as a parent, a teacher in the subject area, assistant principal, or the director of an area in the county) take a round-robin approach with questions. Most places require a second interview with either the HR person and/or superintendent. Another county’s HR person calls in people for interviews with them directly. This particular interview took place with the human resources person, the person over special education, and the elementary education person. It consisted of an oral interview and a surprise written interview. Like I said, they are all a little different.
• Location of the interview. I’ve had several interviews take place at the actual school of the position. One time I even got a formal tour of the school. Other places have interviews at the school board’s offices.
• The type of person they are looking for. This seems pretty obvious, but I figure it’s worth mentioning. Every school has its own environment and every principal is different. I’ve had some awkward interviews wherein I left being ok not teaching there because it didn’t seem that the faculty got along very well. So, while they may want someone who knows what they are doing, you have to have the personality to fit in at that certain school. It’s hard to remember after so many interviews, but I try to keep in mind that I haven’t feel like many of the schools were a good fit for me (or vice versa).

Teacher Interviews: The Similarities

• They want to know about you. Virtually every interview starts out by asking me to tell them about myself and my experience as it relates to the position. By this point, I’ve got a pretty standard response that I tailor to the position.
• They want you to have experience. This one is the most frustrating thing for me. All of the principals want someone with experience. However, it’s difficult to get experience without a job.
• Time. You can generally expect the teacher interviews to take place during the regular school hours. I’ve never had one outside of those regular hours. I’ve had some in the morning and some in the afternoon, but nothing before 9 am or after 2:30 pm.

So, there you have it. The differences and similarities that I’ve noticed in my many teacher interviews. Have you ever interviewed for a teaching position? How did it go?

The post Teacher Interviews: It’s That Time of the Year Again appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

No Impact Workout DVD

Ivy Larson has Multiple Sclerosis and has had 2 hip surgeries. So, Ivy knows first-hand how difficult it can be to find a workout that doesn’t hurt your joints. That’s why she has created this no impact workout DVD called Full Fitness Fusion. It’s a challenging DVD that features shorter duration, higher-intensity moves that allow users to get leaner and tighter in less time. She suggests you do the 30-minute workout three times a week to see results. That sounds totally doable to me.

I figured that the workout would be either be really easy or really hard. However, it wasn’t really either one. The short spurts of high-intensity movements were difficult for me (I think they are supposed to be). I will say though that they didn’t stress out my joints. It was just a good workout that got me sweating and moving. I loved that it maximized my workout so I didn’t have to spend lots of time working out. I also liked that it was truly a no impact workout DVD.

This no impact workout DVD is fabulous for anyone who has joint issues. In fact, another lady in the workout has had a knee replacement. One was pregnant while they were all moms pressed for time. As you can see, this is meant for busy people, too. Would you like to try it out? Then enter below!

WIN!

1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a copy of Full Fitness Fusion on DVD.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win a copy of this workout.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries
For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

7. Add the Get Healthy Event button to your blog.

<a href="http://laughinglindsay.com"><img src="http://laughinglindsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Get-Healthy-Event-Button.jpg"" border="0" alt="Get Healthy Event Button No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution" title="No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution" /></a>

Giveaway ends on May 29th at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.
GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the no impact workout dvd Full Fitness Fusion. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post No Impact Workout DVD Full Fitness Fusion 30 Minute Solution appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Thor 2

My boyfriend and I really enjoy this string of movies Disney has been making based on the old Marvel comics. We go and see all of them in the theater because they make a great date movie. There’s always some entertaining action and there’s usually some sort of relationship issue that I enjoy. Plus, the actors are attractive. It’s a win-win for us to see one of these movies. The trailer for The Dark World looks great. Take a look at it.

I love Chris Hemsworth as Thor. The role seems to suit him well. We both like Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins has a good role, too. I’m definitely looking forward to this Thor 2 movie. Plus, it’s supposed to come out on November 8th. My birthday is November 4th. We actually saw the trailer for this when we went and saw Iron Man 3 this weekend. When I saw the date in the trailer, I elbowed my boyfriend and said “birthday”. He seemed to like the idea.

Additionally, my Siberian Husky that died last year was named Thor. My dad named him that. So, I will definitely be thinking of my dog and my dad whenever I see this film. I’m thinking Thor 2 will be just as good as the first Thor movie. Are you planning to see this movie? Did you see the first Thor movie?

The post Thor 2: The Dark World Movie Poster and Trailer appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

What Maisie Knew

Doesn’t the little girl in that poster look adorable? I think I would watch this film just to see her performance. Plus, Alexander Skarsgard is not too hard on the eyes. Then, let’s not forget what a great actress Julianne Moore is. Here is the trailer I keep talking about…

Doesn’t What Maisie Knew look interesting? With my education background, I’m very interested in seeing the story play out for the child. The movie is currently playing in New York and it will go to Los Angeles on Friday. Then, it will expand to more cities on May 24th and May 31st. I hope it comes close enough to me for me to catch it.

Needless to say, it didn’t take much to convince me to do an awesome giveaway to promote this new movie from Millennium Entertainment. The very special What Maisie Knew prize package features a signed poster, an autographed copy of Julianne’s children book, and pens!

WIN!

Three (3) Laughing Lindsay readers will win a What Maisie Knew prize package containing:

• A WHAT MAISIE KNEW poster signed by star and hunk Alexander Skarsgard.
• An autographed copy of Julianne Moore’s newest children’s book from her Freckleface Strawberry Series.
• WHAT MAISIE KNEW pens from Millennium Entertainment.

Disclosure: I will be receiving a free What Maisie Knew prize package, just like the winners. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post What Maisie Knew: Starring Julianne Moore and Alexander Skarsgard appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

BooJee Beads

The whole idea behind BooJee Beads is to give people a fashionable yet professional way to wear their id. I think it’s a fabulous idea because I actually wasn’t sure what kind of lanyard to wear if I ever get a full-time position. Most of my lanyards had either a college, conference, or brand printed on them. So, I didn’t want to give them free advertising or have to answer questions about those places. Now, I have some great lanyards to wear that I won’t mind answering questions about.

The first product I knew I had to have from BooJee Beads was the Kim II lanyard (which I don’t actually see on their site right now). It’s part of their fashionable lanyards line and it’s great. Instead of having regular cloth material around the neck, it features silver hammered rings. This looks very classy and chic. It will look great in the classroom because it goes with every outfit and it doesn’t scream old teacher. I really love the looks of this one. It actually looks like a long necklace, instead of a boring lanyard.

The other product I chose because of its usability. The ebony and ivory ribbon lanyard is multipurpose. You can obviously wear it as a fashionable lanyard. The ribbon is washable and features a breakaway safety clasp. Then, you can also detach the reel to have a pretty badge reel. I like that because it gives me options for wearing a badge. I’m not constrained to just wearing it around my neck. This one gives me the option to wear it multiple ways. Plus, the black and white looks great with lots of outfits (I’m all about getting good use out of something).

As you can see, BooJee Beads makes some great products. They are perfect for teachers, bloggers who attend conferences, and nurses. In fact, to help you out a little, I have a special coupon code. To receive 15% off your BooJee Beads purchase (between now and the end of the giveaway), enter code BJBLindsay531. Additionally, one lucky person will win a BooJee Beads product.

WIN!

A Laughing Lindsay reader will win a BooJee Beads product of their choosing.

Disclosure: I received the two lanyards from BooJee Beads for free. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post BooJee Beads: Fashionable Lanyards and Badge Reels appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Loving Moments

Loving Moments is a new line of affordable nursing bras and tops from the people at Leading Lady. The line is available exclusively at Wal-Mart. So, you know it’s a good deal. Plus, it means that finding nursing wear is even easier now that Loving Moments products can be purchased while you shop at Wal-Mart for other goods. I think this is the perfect partnership between a brand and a store. They fit together nicely.

Another good partnership is that between Loving Moments and Pampers. Currently, when you purchase a Loving Moments Wirefree Sport Nursing Bra or a Loving Moments Nursing Bra Tank you can receive a sample of Pampers Newborn diapers and wipes. That sounds like a great deal for both mom and baby. Both of you get something you need. You can get the great nursing clothing you need, while stocking up on essentials for caring for baby.

In addition to this hot deal, there is a great contest going on. You can enter to win a complete nursing wardrobe, washable nursing pads, and a one year’s supply of Pampers diapers on the Loving Moments by Leading Lady website. You can enter to win a nursing prize package by clicking on this link and submitting your info. If I were a new or soon-to-be mom, I would run over and enter that sweepstakes as I know that moms will definitely need those items.

So, what do you think of the new Loving Moments nursing apparel? Will you be entering the sweepstakes?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Pampers. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post Loving Moments by Leading Lady Pampers Sweepstakes appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Southern Manners

My first semester of college was out of state (North Carolina) at a private, liberal arts college. I didn’t think that going down the road a little over two hours would make much difference. However, it did. Granted, I didn’t consider the fact that the college was expanding and attracting students from all over. Nonetheless, I felt very much out of place at that first college. I didn’t feel skinny enough or rich enough to be attending. Interestingly enough, a girl once heard me speak a whole sentence and then asked where I was from because she had never heard anyone with my accent. It turns out she was from New York and she pointed out that I sounded different, even from those people from North Carolina.

Since I’ve started blogging and traveling more, I’ve come across other situations where I realized that my southern manners were unique. One of the biggies is the fact that I was raised to say m’am and sir. It’s not necessarily reserved for older folks. Rather, it’s a sign of respect to someone I don’t know (yet). So, I automatically revert back to it whenever someone I’ve just met asks me a question. One time, I had a woman flat-out tell me to stop it. Then, when I went to the beach this week, I said it to a woman who was younger than me. She told me that I didn’t have to say that because I was older than her.

Between having southern manners and talking differently, I’ve really come to realize just how different southwestern Virginia is. We don’t like the hustle and bustle of the city. We tend to be quieter in a large group (however, you get us around our best friends or family and all bets are off). We value family ties. We automatically reach out to help someone when there’s a death in the family (I’ve heard that it’s uncommon to bring food to a grieving family, but we do this whenever someone dies here).

I’m not saying southwestern VA is perfect. In fact, there’s lots wrong with (it can be boring here and everyone knows your business). I just think it’s interesting to just now realize how different the place I call home is. What do you think? Am I different from you in any of these ways?

The post My Southern Manners: What Happens When I Leave Home appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.

Kranich’s Jewelry

As soon as you land on the Kranich’s jewelry homepage, you can tell how beautiful their stuff will be. Everything on that main page looks beautiful. It’s so sparkly and classy. I was instantly interested in working with them as soon as I glanced at the page. I knew I could find some good pieces on their site to highlight. Here is my Kranich’s jewelry wishlist:

• Diamond Hoop Earrings – I prefer hoops for my earrings. That’s because I don’t like to have to keep up with the backs of earrings. They are always so small and I’ve lost several. I think the diamond hoop earrings at Kranich’s jewelry website are fabulous. I would love to own a pair as I don’t have a pair of hoops with diamonds.
• Fashion Rings – I actually have large (fat) fingers. So, I have a hard time finding rings that fit me. However, I’ve seen several beautiful pieces on their site and they actually have my ring size listed. That excites me greatly as I would sometimes like to wear a ring, but the fashionable ones are often too small for my fingers.
• Fashion Watches – I’m always wearing a pair of hoop earrings and a watch. I need to know what time it is when I’m in the classroom so I know to change classes/activities. However, I need one that looks professional and matches many outfits. On the Kranich’s jewelry website, I saw several that fit this bill. They are fashionable yet classy.

So, what do you think of my Kranich’s Jewlery wishlist? What is on your wishlist?

Disclosure: I will be receiving a free piece of jewelry for posting this. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

The post My Kranich’s Jewelry Wishlist: I’m picky about my accessories appeared first on Laughing Lindsay.