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The Blog of Jake and Renee!

Welcome to our blog!

 

Wedding Planning

Have you ever planned a wedding or known someone who has? I have never planned a wedding yet, but I was around when my sister was planning hers a few years back and wish I would have known then what I know now. What do I mean? Well, it was a very stressful time for her and my mom...as they did a lot of the planning on their own. They could have definitely used the help of WeddingChannel.com, that's for sure!! This is a great resource that helps brides and grooms plan their weddings. How you ask?! Well, they offer interactive Wedding Planning tools, local vendor guides, photos and more! I know I'm definitely going to use this site when I plan my wedding, and you should too!


By Jake
On 6/27/2008
At 10:58 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Time Flies

I am REALLY looking forward to seeing my niece this weekend. I haven't seen her in a few weeks and it sounds like she's changed lots already. She was just starting to crawl when I saw her last...and now she's pulling herself up on things and trying to walk along them. It's crazy how quick babies grow and how fast they learn. I can't believe that in just a few short months she'll be crawling and will be one already! It seems like just yesterday she was born!!


By Jake
On
At 8:53 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Need Money?

If you haven't learned already, there are many ways to make money online. I have tried many things, some of the things that worked, and some that didn't. I have to say the easiest, and most legit way to make good money is through blogging. What's great is that you can do it when you want. My sister is a stay at home mom and works when she can on blogging. She makes a really nice extra income for their family. It's like a vacation fund, a fund for working on their house, etc. It's so great that with the internet comes many good jobs like this.


By Jake
On
At 8:51 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Capella University

Capella University is an online school that I'm sure many have heard of!! They have 23,000 students currently, and are continually growing. This is an online university that I've looked into before...and actually may attend at some point if I ever decide to go back for my masters. They just have so much to offer....more than other schools I've looked at, that's for sure! For instance, recently in a web release, I read that they now have an online academic writing center. This is a great resource for students who go there. It helps them with instruction, resources, and strategies to get them through the writing process. This is very helpful when you're a grad student...as there is a lot of writing to do. It's definitely something I'm going to look into more, and so should you if you want to get your online university degree!

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com


By Jake
On
At 8:50 AM
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Lots to do

Before I head back to see the family, I suppose I better clean up my place a little bit. During the week I'm often way too busy to clean...and Friday night is usually when I get the chance to do this. It shouldn't take me too long...I just have to pick up a little bit and clean the kitchen and bathroom. Doing a little laundry wouldn't hurt either I suppose!?? Hmm...maybe I should try and do some of this this morning so I don't have as much to do tonight?!


By Jake
On
At 8:49 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Chinese Food

When I was younger I never really liked Chinese food. In fact, when my family would go to a restaurant like this, I would order McDonald's and eat that while they ate their food. Now, however...as I've gotten older I really enjoy it!! I don't know what my problem was when I was younger. The rice, chicken...everything ins SO good! And the best part is....there's a yummy restaurant near where my parents live that is probably the best place I've ever eaten. Maybe we can try to eat there this weekend?!?


By Jake
On
At 8:47 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Radiator.com

The Ford Motor Company is known for their line of quality vehicles. I know this is a brand that I trust most definitely. Between their heavy duty trucks, their sedans like Taurus, Focus, and many others....they take pride in knowing that their vehicles are at the top! With each vehicle there is a Ford radiator especially for that vehicle engine. The thing is, sometimes we need to replace a radiator...in many kinds of vehicles. When this is something you're faced with, look no further than the Radiator.com This is a terrific resource for people to find thousands of ford radiators, and radiators for other makes and models. Take a moment and learn more about them and a Taurus Radiator by visiting their site today!


By Jake
On 6/26/2008
At 7:44 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Exhausted

I'm pretty tired today. Last night I was up late working on my other blog. I'm working on expanding the content and categories on it...so i wanted to give it a little different look at the same time. It was centered more on the topic of Playstation, but with time I saw the need to gear my blog towards a larger audience. I am hoping to continue keeping it primarily about technological topics...so we'll see how it turns out. In the mean time, I really should take a break though...I'm exhausted.


By Jake
On 6/25/2008
At 1:58 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Job Opps online

Do you enjoy making a little extra money here and there? If so, there are so many great ways to do so. My sister has told me many ways that she makes a little extra money here and there. She is a stay at home mom, so she really enjoys the fact that she can make a little money at the same time. How you ask? Well, she blogs for money, does blogs and other simple things like that. She makes almost just as much as she did teaching by doing these things...so it's great for them. If you're a stay at home mom, or just someone needing a little extra cash...then definitely check out the online opportunities available to you!! There's so many just waiting to be taken!


By Jake
On
At 1:57 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Regency

Regency hair schools is known to be one of the best and the fastest growing in the country! They went from having only two schools in the state of Minnesota to having almost 30 campuses across nine states!! That's amazing if you ask me. Regency has been around for over 50 years! They bring a unique approach to cosmetology education by giving their students hands on experience and benefits to students that they can't find anywhere else. Here is where students will find a great placement relationship for placement on cruise ships, salons and more! If you're interested in learning more about this school, head over to their site today.


By Jake
On
At 1:56 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Baby Stages

Before my little niece and nephew were born, I had no idea how quickly they change and grow. I didn't realize that by 8 months they would be crawling, standing up...and rolling around all over the place. They're even starting to make sounds that actually sound like words. It's crazy to think that they will probably be walking in just another 4 months or so!! Where does the time go?! I really liked it when they were little babies...but it's sure fun to see each stage they go through too.


By Jake
On
At 1:55 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Getting SO excited!

I'm really looking forward to the weekend of the 4th. We always have a good time hanging out with family. I'm not sure what we're doing on the day of the 4th, but I know that there are great fireworks that night, then the next day we have a family reunion and the day after that we get to see my brother and his family!! We're all meeting at my sister's house...be none of them have seen them since Christmas!! I'm SO excited. It will be a lot of fun.


By Jake
On
At 1:53 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

kratom

In Thailand there is the Kratom or mitragyna speciosa tree. Have you ever heard of it before? I hadn't until just recently, but was impressed with all that is said about it. It's a very popular tree there, kind of like some of our well known trees here in the states. The Kratom has a strain, Rifat or red vein. It's difficult to find so when purchasing it you would want to make sure that it's a verified Kratom. An interesting fact about kratom is that some people actually chew it to help get through a day of work, etc. If you'd like to learn more about the Kratom like I did...check out their site today! You'll find useful information that is very interesting as well!


By Jake
On 6/20/2008
At 8:15 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Want to earn more money?

Do you enjoy making a little extra money here and there? If so, there are so many great ways to do so. My sister has told me many ways that she makes a little extra money here and there. She is a stay at home mom, so she really enjoys the fact that she can make a little money at the same time. How you ask? Well, she blogs for money, does blogs and other simple things like that. She makes almost just as much as she did teaching by doing these things...so it's great for them.


By Jake
On
At 8:15 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Bittersweet

Tonight is bitter sweet for me and Renee. It will be nice to get back to Iowa and see our families...however it is the last night we have here in Texas with my brother and his family. It will definitely be sad to leave them, as we've had such a wonderful week with them! They have been so hospitable and offered so many great things for us to do. We got to go to six flags, an aquarium, a Rangers game and more! I wish that there were more to do like that back home...but Iowa doesn't have a lot to offer period. Oh well. I suppose I better get off of my computer so I can spend our last night here with them as much as possible.


By Jake
On
At 8:12 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Symark Software

I've talked a little bit about Symark Software in the past, but this time I'm going to tell you something I just heard that they announced. Symark Software, which is the leading provider of Unix and Linux security administration solutions has announced today that their PowerBroker and PowerPassword solutions will fully support the new HP Integrity servers. Being someone who enjoys technological things....I thought this was exciting news and maybe some other people do as well. Symark's solutions help organizations keep their information safe and make sure that they comply with federal and industrial regulations. It's all actually very interesting. If you'd like to learn more about unix security software...head over to their site today!


By Jake
On 6/19/2008
At 11:26 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Swimming With Emry


Before this week, I had never been to the pool with a baby before. My brother and his wife live on a college campus where there's a pool...so it was fun to take my nephew to the pool and just hang out for a while. He looked SO cute in his little swim trunks. When I get back home I'll have to take my niece to the swimming pool too. She has a little bikini...which I'm sure is adorable too!! Babies are just so much fun, aren't they?!


By Jake
On
At 11:23 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Exhausted

Boy, is it exhausting being around a baby this much. Don't get me wrong..I LOVE it! Having little ones around is the best. They're just so full of energy, much more than I have anyways. They're always on the go...wanting to get into everything. It's very exhausting and makes you want to take a nap when they do. I can now understand why my sister and sister-in-law are always so tired and ready for bed by 10:00 at night! I think I would be the same way if I had a little one around 24-7 too. They're fun, but tiring!


By Jake
On
At 11:21 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

PowerOptions


Anyone who has ever heard of PowerOptions before, knows that they are much more than a suite of educational materials and free customer support. They also offer very important information about investing with stock options, as well as a patented technology that can't be found anywhere else! SmartSearchXL is the patented technology, and it helps you find, compare analyze and make money on stock option trading. PowerOptions makes it easy for you to sort, filter and analyze all the stocks and options available. If you'd like to learn more about them you can either check out their site like I did or even call their toll free support with any questions you might have about the options screener.


By Jake
On
At 11:17 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Poor Dog

My family has become quite the "pet lovers" ever since my parents got their dog. When I was talking to my sister last night, she was telling me that her neighbor must have gotten a new dog. During the day while he's at work, they keep the dog in a cage and all he does all day long is cries! She feels so bad for him...and so do I. I wish that people would give their pets more attention and would respect those that live around them. I guess it's been hard for my niece to take naps because he's very loud when he cries.


By Jake
On
At 11:16 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

So Tired

I am sure tired lately. We're down in Texas having a wonderful time, and I've actually gotten to relax quite a bit. However, I think it's just the change in routine that really has me needing more sleep that what I've been getting. One of these nights I may have to head to bed a bit earlier. I want to be sure and be rested for the next few days that I have left here to visit. I suppose I can always catch up on sleep when I get home on Saturday night too though. Either way...it's worth it...I'm having a blast!


By Jake
On
At 11:14 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Needing a watch

I always enjoy finding a site that has exactly what I'm looking for. It didn't take long for me to find a site with the girard perrregaux watches I was looking for. Vialuxe has it all! I wante dto find quality and a site that was helpful. I didn't know much about this kind of watch, but knew that it was something I wanted for when I am working. What I liked best about this site was that they offer a lot of information about their items, and even make it possible to chat online with someone or call customer service as well with any questions you might have. This is perfect for me! I enjoyed looking through their news section, their blogs, and even their dealer locater tool! It was all very helpful and informative!! If you're looking for a very user-friendly site, this is the one for you! You can search by brand, so if you're looking for something specific like I was...it's super easy to find!! If you get a moment, head over there and check it out for yourself! You'll enjoy all they have to offer and the easy layout of their site. See what you think...you won't be sorry you did!!


By Jake
On 6/18/2008
At 8:18 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Cell Phone Troubles

It's kind of frustrating, because I'm supposed to have a great phone...one where the battery is supposed to last for a really long time. Well, lately it seems that's hardly been lasting at all. I'm not sure what's up with it. I'll have it plugged in all night long...and you'd think it would keep a charge for most of the following day but it doesn't. Even when I'm not talking on it or using it, it loses a charge very quickly. It's kind of frustrating. I may have to try a new battery or something!?


By Jake
On
At 8:17 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Learning Design

I enjoy helping my family out when it comes to designing their blogs. My sister seems to be the one who shows the most interest in things like this...and is even branching off designing some of her own work. I'm very proud of her, as she's doing a great job. She still comes to me with questions...but overall is starting to understand html and how to use it to form a really great website! Sometime I'll have to put pictures up of some of the blogs I've helped my family create....if I must say so myself...they're pretty neat!


By Jake
On
At 8:16 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Monex

Now that I have a good, full-time job...I have considered investment options. I have not done this before....but know from talking with my dad that Monex Deposit Company is a good place to start. They are known as America's gold and precious metals investment leader and have been in business for over 30 years. They are known for their excellent customer service and the options they provide. With Monex it's easy to purchase gold or other precious metals for personal deliver, or delivery to a safe storage place of your choice. I'm definitely going to look into them further and see what they can do for me. I'm excited to start my investing future with Monex.


By Jake
On
At 8:14 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Jealous Dog

My mom was telling me that when they were up visiting my sister the other day, they brought their dog with them. She has been better around my little niece...but still gets jealous of the attention she gets from my parents. Zoe is a really good dog, but when she gets jealous she can be naughty. The other day she was in my niece's bedroom and went to the bathroom...all over the floor! My mom was so disappointed in her. She knows better! Next time when they just go to my sister's for a short time, they're not bringing Zoe if she can't be a good girl. I think that's a good idea!


By Jake
On
At 8:12 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Nice Vacation

It's sure been fun hanging out in Texas over the past few days. We've gotten to do a lot of fun things, and have more planned for the rest of the week. I am glad that I got the chance to come and see my brother and his family...and have time to relax and get away from the weather back home. It's beautiful here! I'm also happy to get a short break from work. I love it, but a little time to refresh and relax is always nice too, right?! I'll keep you updated on the happenings here in Texas as times goes on.


By Jake
On
At 8:08 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Medical Software

I enjoy sharing information I find on new technological advances that I hear of. Thankfully, I have a new one for all of you. Epocrates, Inc. has come out with medical reference software that is actually being used already by over 500,000 healthcare professionals. Their software can be used on doctor's PDAs and smartphones. This software offers drug information to help Doctor's get information more quickly and easily. They can find drug dosing information, side effects of the drugs their prescribing, even health plan coverage! It thought it was really neat that there is something like this available. It offers Physicians free medical pocket PC software, free medical palm software, free medical windows mobile software, and more! You can learn more about this free drug reference for iphone on their site today!


This announcement was paid for by Epocrates


By Jake
On
At 8:04 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

New Mop

Ever since I moved to this new apartment, I have been trying my best to take the very best care of it. I'd even like to redo some things there...the closet doors, hardware, etc. One thing I was thinking about getting to help me clean the floors is a microfiber mop. I have heard that it has helped many people keep their floors clean, and I would like to try and see if it's true. Have you ever heard of one before? If not, check into it and see what you think.


By Jake
On 6/14/2008
At 8:05 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Candles

I've always enjoyed having a few candles around my place..just because it looks nice and makes it smell good. However, it is a rule in our apartment complex that there are to be no candles. I guess I can see why this would be...many people may forget to blow them out which is a huge fire hazard. I guess this is just one more reason why I look forward to having my own place. Then I can do as I please. Right now I just have all of my candles packed away.


By Jake
On
At 3:34 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

PS3 Blog

Quite a while ago I had started a PS3 blog. This was something I was interested, and a topic that I knew others would enjoy reading about as well. But, have you ever created a blog that you thought would be a huge hit and it wasn't? Well, that's how this blog was kind of. Since I wasn't getting the reader base that I had hoped for...I have chosen to expand the categories and content to meet the interests of a wider audience. I hope it helps, because I really love this blog and what it represents.


By Jake
On
At 3:29 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Stay at Home Mom Jobs

Do you enjoy making a little extra money here and there? If so, there are so many great ways to do so. My sister has told me many ways that she makes a little extra money here and there. She is a stay at home mom, so she really enjoys the fact that she can make a little money at the same time. How you ask? Well, she blogs for money, does blogs and other simple things like that. She makes almost just as much as she did teaching by doing these things...so it's great for them.


By Jake
On
At 3:29 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Credit Card Site

Many of people today have credit cards. It's practically a necessity in many of our lives, and something we can't quite living without. It's a great resource to have in case of an emergency, that's for sure!! The one thing about credit cards though, is that there are SO many out there! They all have different terms and conditions...some of which users don't even fully understand or even know about. If you'd like to learn more about credit cards, and the different cards available online...you should definitely check out credit-cards-rates.com. This is a great site that helps you find the answers to credit questions. I like knowing that there's a site like this to help people understand credit cards better. Here is where people can find the information they need about credit cards that can be found online. You will also learn about the different types of credit history, the reward programs that are offered with some credit cards, and so much more! I found this site not only to be very informative, but also VERY easy to use! It's easy to navigate, and overall is very user friendly. If you get a moment, head over to their site today and see for yourself the credit card deals they have to offer. You won't be sorry you did.


By Jake
On 6/13/2008
At 7:54 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Iowa Flooding











Last night Renee and I were on a walk. We figured there would be places that we wouldn't be able to walk because of all the flooding we've been getting....and boy were we right. I actually was happy to of brought my camera...as I got some really good pictures of what our town is facing. It's so sad! People's homes are under water...roads are closed off...it's just ridiculous how much water we've been getting! I sure hope that all the rain and the tornadoes are past us so we can have a more enjoyable rest of the summer.


By Jake
On
At 7:48 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Grandpa's Pocket Watch

When my Grandpa died, we had to go through all of his stuff since my Grandma was put in a nursing home. We decided what should be thrown away, and what was sentimental to us and worth keeping. One of the things that I have and will always remember my Grandpa for...are the several pocket watches that he carried around. I used to think that was so neat, and always thought about getting my own pocket watch. Well, having gone through all of his stuff...my dad was able to keep a few and his brother was able to keep a few. Someday my brother and I will get a couple of the ones passed down and I can't wait! That's such a neat heirloom in my opinion!


By Jake
On 6/12/2008
At 8:30 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Trip to Texas

Tomorrow is Friday...that means one more day and then I'm off to Texas!! Renee and I are SOOO excited to go visit my brother and his family. We haven't seen them since Christmas...and I miss my little nephew. I've only ever met him once...so seeing him again after 6 months will be so much fun! I bet he's changed a ton, considering he was only one month old when I saw him last!! I don't know what kinds of things we'll do down there, but as long as we're down there that's all that matters. I'll keep you updated on the trip and how things go!


By Jake
On
At 8:28 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Hot Tub Covers

Right now I live in an apartment. As many can relate...living in an apartment has it's pros...but also it's cons. For instance, I may not have a lawn to care for...but the fact that I don't have the freedom to do what I want with my place as far as updates are concerned really bugs me. It actually makes me really anxious to get a home of my own. Then I can do all of the things that I have been wanting to do. What kinds of things you ask? Well, aside from simple light fixture and hardware changes...I would love, love, love a hot tub of my own. This is not only something that would get used probably everyday, but also something that would increase the value of my home tremendously!

I enjoy browsing around the web, finding products and the best deals. I decided to look around for hot tubs and then came across a site, The Cover Guy! This is a site that offers Hot Tub Covers and spa covers...something I never thought about, but would probably need when the time comes. Since it's something I hadn't thought about, I knew others probably hadn't as well...so I wanted to share them with you!

The Cover Guy is a company that offers oustanding spa cover lifter specials. They have an industry leading warranty and make it super easy for you to order and receive the hot tub cover you're looking for. Not only that, but deliver is free anywhere in the US or Canada! What a great deal!! This is definitely a site that I'm bookmarking and going to refer back to as I get closer to buying a hot tub of my own. You should definitely do the same, and check them out soon. Their site is really easy to use and navigate, so you won't have a problem searching for the things you're looking for!


By Jake
On 6/11/2008
At 9:59 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Blog Design

I enjoy helping my family out when it comes to designing their blogs. My sister seems to be the one who shows the most interest in things like this...and is even branching off designing some of her own work. I'm very proud of her, as she's doing a great job. She still comes to me with questions...but overall is starting to understand html and how to use it to form a really great website! Sometime I'll have to put pictures up of some of the blogs I've helped my family create....if I must say so myself...they're pretty neat!


By Jake
On
At 9:57 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Games

Have you ever played the game memory before? I have...but it's been quite some time! Renee and I were walking down the isles of Walmart on Friday night, with not much else today except browse almost everything they sell...haha. We went down the isle with all the kids toys...because I have to admit, I LOVE to spoil my little niece and nephew! We saw all the games, and when we were going through them, saw the game memory...or some might remember it as concentration. We bought it and have yet to play it. It should be fun though when we finally get the chance!


By Jake
On 6/07/2008
At 3:46 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Visiting Family

I wasn't too sure when I'd be able to get back home and visit again...but then Renee told me she had to go back home, so I decided I would too. We got back last night, and had a nice relaxing evening with my parents. Now, today I got to sleep in and am headed to see my sister and her family. I can't wait to see my little niece...she's a sweetie and growing like crazy. She got her second tooth and is crawling around like a star! I think I will stay with them tonight and then head back home tomorrow. Should be a nice night.


By Jake
On
At 3:44 PM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Opticsplanet.com

Have you ever heard of Opticsplanet.com before? They are the best place online to find hobby related products like Riflescope, binoculars, spotting scopes, digital camera binoculars, night vision and more!! I was really impressed with all their products, and the great brands that they had also like.... Nikon, EOTech, Burris, Tasco, Bolle, Pelican, etc!! That's right, you can find all that right here on this site. And with summer basically here...it's time to get out and enjoy these different hobbies while we can. Take a moment and head over to their site today. Not only will you find a huge selection of the gear and products you're looking for, but also the best prices guaranteed, along with free shipping on most orders over 29.95!


By Jake
On 6/05/2008
At 9:24 AM
Admin: New Post
 
 

Driving Range

I really thought it would rain all week, but thankfully yesterday it started to clear up and got really nice outside. Today is supposed to be the same way, which really makes me happy. If it's this nice tonight after work, Renee and I might go to the driving range and hit some golf balls around. I need to get some more practice before I go golfing again with my dad and brother-in-law. It was fun, but they did better than I did. I guess we'll just have to see what the weather does....


By Jake
On
At 9:22 AM
Admin: New Post