Surviving NJ

This is me this week. I'm having insomnia issues again this week, and I'm finding I'm up until 1-3am! I'm usually in bed at 11pm, and asleep by 11:30 at the latest. Luckily I don't have to wake to an alarm, so I can sleep in some, but if I sleep later, it compounds the problem.

I only have insomnia issues about 3 times a year. I keep wondering if it's a pre-menopause thing. I hate to take anything to help me sleep, but I know if I hit a certain point, I just won't sleep. We picked up some Advil PM stuff the other day, and I've taken it twice. I'm really trying to avoid taking it anymore. The problem is, when it's rolling around 1:30 or 2am, I'm wishing I did take it.

I'm hoping to be back on my regular schedule soon enough. This insomnia stuff is getting old...way too fast! 

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We were watching a real estate show last night. We love seeing shows like House Hunters and stuff, and sometimes when they do the international version, it's neat to see some of the other areas and what a flat would look like. Some of them amaze me at what they find, others are just downright scary!

Last night they had one in Portugal, and my husband and I were talking, and we just don't have the desire to go overseas. If I was looking for real estate to retire, it would either be west or south like most people in this area. I'd want to go somewhere that offers a little more for the money. While NJ has a lot to offer, our money can go much further in other areas. We'll make money here, and retire somewhere else probably to stretch our dollars.

My aunt had always expected to retire in North Carolina and ended up in Arizona after a visit. They went from years of planning in NC, buying property and the sort, then in a moment's notice switched. My grandmother wasn't planning on moving, went to visit a friend, and bought a house a week later in North Carolina!  I guess my family gets spontaneous at times!

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Speaking of shirts, I just helped my trainer with her online store. I ordered two of the products when I was done, so we'll see how it all turns out. I'm hoping that the resolution looks good. I did their recommendation, but it could have gone a little higher. It's just that the image got too large. I hope it comes out clear and sharp when they get here.

What was cool for me, is I traded a free training session for help. She offered me the opportunity and I jumped at it. She's a great trainer, and I've loved working with her. I'm signed up for 8 more weeks, so a freebie tossed in there works for me.  

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Unless you live in the jungle, do you really have to tell me on your door..."no shoes, no shirt, no service?" It cracks me up when I see those signs. I understand obviously there's a reason for them, but it still makes me giggle, especially being a woman. No shirts? Oh my goodness, I better hurry home and go get one then!

As a woman, wouldn't it be fun to stand in front of the door and drop the top, flip off the flip-flops and parade around that mini-mart? Ha, okay, maybe not, but seriously....so many of those little warning signs are mandatory for say the health department, or because some bozo did something, so now we all have to be warned all the time.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:36 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Tomorrow is Halloween. I don't get excited about it anymore. When I was a kid, I used to rush home from school and watch the clock. We couldn't go out trick or treating until at least 6pm. It was "the set" time to go in my neighborhood! Sometimes that clock moved ultra-slow, or so it felt.

These days, maybe it's because I know if I want candy, I can just go to the store and buy some. Maybe it's that I don't dress up in a costume these days, or maybe it's just that I grew up.

I can think back on the memories, and while I have good memories, I'm not a huge fan of Halloween these days.

I know people who love it and decorate their house and lawn like crazy! I'm not sure what makes each holiday special to each person, but I guess this one just isn't mine.  

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I lost some weight over the last 8 weeks, and it was an incredible feeling to see the results of my hard work. I lost some inches too. While I'm elated, I realize the work isn't over yet. Just as I'm feeling as high as a kite at the fact of losing 20 whopping inches, I catch a profile of myself. My pulled back shoulders, proud of my accomplishment drooped as I saw that side view. I've come so far, and yet I have so far to go.

It's okay, I won't let it get me down for long. I feel good inside, and that's a nice feeling to have.

It's just amazing to me that a 3 second moment can dampen a natural high I was feeling all morning. It's okay, my Pooh Bear physique will slowly change, and as long as I keep working, I'll just be one second closer. 

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Last year, I was so organized when it came time to travel. I'm talking I was PREPARED with a capital P. I had every itty, bitty thing you'd ever need, orgazined, packed and ready.

This year, I've waited until the morning I leave one too many times, and last time I hit the shore in September, I'd seriously forgotten some of the clothing I planned to take! I have no idea what changed this past few months. I've been traveling a lot the last two years, and I've gotten pretty good at packing quickly, but I think my brain went out the window last trip, because I did a terrible job! Oops, forgot it...yeah, forgot that too.

I head to Disney in November, and this time I'll be prepared. I'll make sure our digital cameras are packed, sunblock, bathing suits and more. Usually I make a list, and of late, that's stopped. I think it's time to make a list again! I don't want to end up spending our spending money on things like sun glasses, aloe and sunblock!  

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..."but Mom it's money!"

I have two lottery tickets sitting on my table. They are both winners, maybe for the sum of $7.00. I could easily swap them in, but I keep forgetting! My son is beside himself that I have $7.00 of "free money" laying there, and I'm not turning it in. I'm deciding if it's more fun to torment him and leave them there....or actually turn them in for new ones.

As we get older, the value of money seems to change. Do you remember getting a $5.00 and you were over the moon? As a kid, money is something that is to be spent on someting fun. As an adult, money pays bills and does fun stuff. I guess the paying bills stuff changes the perspective some.

As a kid, I used to go through the real estate section of the newspaper and look for houses that weren't too expensive. I didn't have dreams of a mansion, just my own little cottage. I thought it wasn't bad, since the price was lower than others, and if I'd be able to afford that one day, it would be perfect.

My son once asked me about living in a shed. He could just pop a tv, a chair and a bed in there. It was a fun thought for him, and like a typical parent, I had to change that.  What about heat? Where will you go to the bathroom, get a shower, or eat dinner? I had fun playing with him, as he came up with clever solutions. Apparently, the shed would be in my backyard, he was just coming over to Mom's if he needed something! I got a kick out of this.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:03 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

There seems to be a lot of RV's and campers on the road in September and October. I'm guessing it's because the weather is so nice during this time, that it makes traveling and camping out a delight. We used to have a pop-up camper years ago, but because I was living in a townhome community at the time, we had to park it out on the main drive. A car ended up plowing into it, and there it was, all squished up and our camping gear was everywhere. We ended up replacing that pop-up for another one, but then eventually sold it.

I guess as I've gotten older, I've become more of a hotel girl than a camping girl. Getting older, the idea of sleeping on the ground, or even getting up from the ground after sleeping doesn't enthuse me. I'd need one of those mondo Big Daddy G type of campers with all the bells and whistles. Since that's not in my budget, I'll just meet you there and book a hotel room!

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There's some crazy boat rocking going on in the internet world of PR (pagerank) these days. Google has spun their wheel and people everywhere are stunned at the results. There are big websites that are being knocked down 2 and 3 points in ranking. That's a heavy burden to face when you rely on PR for value.

It's a funny thing, because before a year ago, I didn't know what Page Rank was, nor did I care. Today I care, because I understand that there's value attached to that number, when you're doing online work. It's going to be a fun ride, because I don't think it's over yet. This blog took a hit, as did 3 of my other blogs. Land where they may, it just means you have to adapt. We're humans, we adapt...we may not like it, but it is what it is.  

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Have you ever worked on a project with someone, and when you went to jump in and enter your data, you saw it was all ready done? It's frustrating to lose that time, when you could have been working on something else. The problem is with some programs, only one person can be in them at a time. When you have collaboration software, everybody has access to it, and things run more efficiently and smoothly, since you can see what others have done. It makes business team projects run that much better having collaboration software.

If you're in the market for collaboration software, Epazz has the solution for your company. If you contact them, you'll be able to get set up and experience a 30 day free trial. Once you see how much mor smoothly things like scheduling, email management, and your content management is, you'll be glad you found Epazz! They offer total manage hosted solutions for businesses just like yours. Not only will it help improve work flow, you'll be able to personalize it to your needs. When you have enhanced communications, things just work better. If you're looking for solutions, look to Epazz.com for your needs.

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This is "The Plantation" in LBI. I haven't eaten here yet. It always seems to draw a good crowd, so that's a good sign. We just have so many restaurants we all ready enjoy, we don't usually have enough days in the week.

I was here years ago when it was the Owl Tree.  

Have any reviews on it? If we hear good things, maybe we'll add it to our agenda next time we are down that way. 

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I keep thinking of upgrading our television for Christmas. My husband isn't big on the idea yet, but we'll see. I could run over to PC Richard or another place, and see what they have to offer. In their catalog, they have projection televisions and more. I'm loving my sister's big screen high-def television, and while our Sony is working fine, I'm itching to upgrade. Honestly, I don't watch as much television as he does, and I think he'd love it. He just has to get over the spending money part of the deal. He's of the philosphy, if it's not broke, don't fix it. I love new technology, so I'm more on the try something new and upgraded mind set.

No decisions yet, but it's on my mind.  

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I love getting my nails done, and it's a simple pleasure really. I ended up having to cancel my appointment this week since I wasn't feeling well. The problem is, once I break the habit of having an appointment, I start to question if it's really necessary. Gee, if I go, it will cost XXX amount of dollars, and is it really necessary?

If I had kept the appointment, I wouldn't question it at all. I would just keep going, knowing that I had an appointment, and it was done. I guess now that summer is done, I could cut out the pedicures, but they are my favorite! I don't care about my fingernails as much as my toes, but while I'm there, it's just a few more dollars.

If I go back to booking regular appointments, I feel tied in and know I need the money. I don't think my husband's brain would do all this ping-pong action...he wouldn't drive himself crazy trying to decide what to do next. What would hubby do? hmmmmm..... 

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Hubby went out to the home store today, and he said it was super crowded. It must be this incredible 70+ degree weather that has everyone out and about. He went to check out snowblowers and home lighting. We saw some solar lighting that would work well outback, and work well for the dogs when they go out. It's low light, but enough to brighten certain areas of the yard. On the snowblower front, it looks like he finally found what he's been looking for. He's been telling me about the different between different cycle engines, but I told him most of that is lost on me. You can explain it to me, and I'll understand it at that moment, but ask me 10 minutes later the differnce, and I'll have no idea!

We (my son and I) headed over to  GameStop today, and we noticed it was more crowded than usual today. I guess everyone has spring fever in October!  

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My dogs were sitting in the kitchen, since they know I put their food down while making dinner. Grace likes to remind me, "just in case" I forget?!! Yeah, not like that's going to happen when a moose is breathing on you waiting...

Anyway, I go and put the food down, and decided to sprinkle a tiny bit of shredded cheese on top for them for a treat. My girl just about did backflips, over a sprinkle of cheese. It really is the little things, isn't it. It was sweet to watch her buck up like a pony, and jump like a frog as I got it and started to put it on. She was like an excited child on her birthday!

She enjoyed that little simple pleasure today, and I enjoyed her reaction.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I tried the Curves cereal this morning, and I have to say it was pretty good! It's a Honey Crunch variety that I had, and I'm a picky cereal eater. I'm generally the Capn Crunch and Trix kind of girl. I know, some grown up, huh? Anyway, I liked it dry, which I always try my cereal first, and secondly, I liked it with milk.

For me, that it held up and stayed crunchy in my milk was a bonus. I hate cereal that goes soggy on me.  I made my husband try it too, and he liked it as well. Here's the cool part about this cereal, it has 5grams of fiber per bowl, and a bunch of good stuff in it.

I'm working my way to more grown-up cereal, and I may have found one I like. It only took me 40 years to go out on the limb and try something new!

If you didn't read my previous review of the breakfast bars, they're having a contest where you can get your picture on the box. They have all the details over at CurvesFoods.com so if you are interested in entering a contest, I'd check it out for all the details and rules. Maybe I'll see your face on my cereal box next year, or maybe you'll see mine!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:46 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

 Peace.Love.Happiness

My son just called me a hippy. Ha, I got such a kick out of that. I was talking about a sculpture, and he goes, "You're such a hippy!"

Why? Because I like art? Ummm, not sure what his theory is, but he says I sound all soft and "spacey" talking about peace, love and art! LOL

Okay, I can live with that, but I got a kick out the perspective of a 13 year old. I've never been considered a "hippy" before, but okay, if that's how he sees me, that's fine.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:31 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Have you ever been to a forum where it was just starting? The groups are still small, and you know everyone. The best part is you can usually find something you have in common. If you were on the Only Alumni communities, you'd be able to hook up with your College Alumni Forum. 

If you're looking for colleages and alumni from California colleges, or maybe from right here in New Jersey, you can check to see if there's any activity, or even start some of your own. My own husband is a Rutgers graduate. I went to the Rutgers board, and it was pretty quiet, though it could be a great place to start some conversation. It only takes a few people to get the ball rolling, and then everyone is joining along!

The lastest posts are talking about ghost stories, and getting the conversations moving about Kenyon. What have you got to share?  So whether you're looking for Union College Schenectady Alumni or University of New Haven Alumni, join into this new forum board, and tell your friends! This post has been brought to you by Only Alumni.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 01:58 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I decided to try the Curves granola bars for breakfast this morning. I've been eating another brand of breakfast bars regularly and have been happy with them. Curiosity always has me willing to try something new though. Before eating the Chocolate Peanut Curves bar, I compared the labels side by side. In every place except protein, the Curves bar has the better label. It has less calories, fat, sodium, and even has more fiber. The only place it was different was in protein. These bars have 2g, while my others have 10g. I'm wondering if the others will leave me feeling fuller longer, or will that just be a myth, since they are about the same size. (I've heard fiber/protein leaves you feeling fuller)

The flavor was mild, not strong, and it was satisfying. These are chewy granola bars, and I'm glad that the flavor isn't too strong. I'd say that if you wanted to try these, you'd be pleased with the experience. They also have 100 calories, so it makes it easy to toss in your bag for a good snack later in the day. I also have the cereal, so I'm going to give that a try either for lunch today, or for breakfast tomorrow. We'll see what kind of mood I'm in later. These do say naturally and artificially flavored on the label, so I appreciate knowing that straight out. I also like that it has 5grams of fiber, so that will help fill me. I'm curious to see at what point I get hungry today as compared to when I eat my other bars. I think I'll be tossing some of these in my grocery cart. I love to have alternatives, and I think my son would even enjoy these. Nice snack, not too many calories, and easy to toss in my bag.

I went over to their website which is at CurvesFoods.com and they have a contest going on. You can win and get your picture on the front of their products! How cool is that, picture seeing yourself on the grocery store shelf on a box of cereal! I love the rules in the contest, which is about an essay, but it's not about how much weight you've lost, but about how your committed to change, and weight management, and how it makes you feel. YOu can win your picture on their products and $5,000 which is a year long membership to your local Curves. Ladies! Maybe you'll be seeing me on your cereal box, you just never know! I'm in a zone, and working out regularly now! I have to tell you, it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:58 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Did I ever show you this? This is a church in Long Beach Island that has solar panels on the side of their roof. Isn't that cool? Good for them! It's one of those things I've passed for years, and never thought to snap the picture until my husband mentioned it!  

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My husband called from work and wanted to know if I wanted to go out to dinner. I decided to pass until tomorrow night.  I'm feeling the effects of the work I did, and didn't jump in the shower yet for a second time today. That's the weird thing about working out in the late afternoon, I end up having to take a second shower at like 5pm!  I've been playing online for a little bit, though usually I jump in as soon as I get home. Not this time, now I've stalled long enough! I better get in there soon!

We can go out to dinner Wednesday night.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:43 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm feeling strung out! I put my time in, and now I'm feeling the wear and tear on my body. My trainer pushed me hard today, and we added something new. She warned me I'll be more sore tomorrow. Tomorrow? I'm sore all ready! LOL

I'll tell you, it feels great though to push my body like this, and it's such a great high when I get finished to know that I just worked as hard as I did. It's a big change over the last 20 years. I'm hoping to see great changes over the next year. 

I'm not sure how celebrities do it, working out 6x a week, or for hours at a time. At least the ones who are doing that are being good to their bodies. The other celebrities end up in detox and drug rehabilitation because made different choices. I think I like the feeling of being strung out from exercise better than I would like what drugs can do to you. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:39 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

<blockquote>Gatorade said it will introduce "Gatorade Tiger" in March, with more products to follow. Woods even picked out the flavors himself, with the drink available in a cherry blend, citrus blend and grape</blockquote>

It was bound to happen! The question is, how many people will walk into a store and buy Gatorade Tiger in place of the other. Don't they all ready have those flavors? They probably want to know that too! LOL

Endorsement deals are big, and this is his first deal with a US drink company.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:35 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

A lesson I learned years ago was that quality makes a difference when it comes to value. For a long time, I would buy the product that had a lower monetary value to save money. The problem is, a lot of times, that product didn't work as well, or didn't last as long. I then understood that you may pay a little more for quality, but the rewards outweighed themselves.

When it comes to finding a unique product, and one of high quality, consider looking at Anchor Bay Tile. You can find them at AnchorBayTile.com. They offer a variety of tiles in unique shapes and styles, offering both quality and comparitive pricing. They offer glass tiles, ceramic tile, metal tiles and more. What a great find! I love their metal tiles, and the large selection! Imagine solid pewter tiles added to your backsplash! I can't pick one favorite, because they have such a huge selection of them. I love all the unique stylings. I haven't seen anything like the metal ones before.

On a lot of home shows on television, you're seeing a lot of designers adding glass tiles into bathrooms again. It really gives a shower a nice look, and a different feel. My favorite here would be the Melody Glass Mosaic tile! I love the colors in the Zaffiro pattern!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:21 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

At 2 o'clock this afternoon, it was looking increasingly dark. It started to look almost like night time! Then the rain came! I opened the sliding glass door in the sun room and snapped this picture. It was dark out, but not quite this dark. The camera makes it look a little darker.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:03 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

How cool is that? I did a makeover at Makeover Solutions! It was so much fun. I got to choose from a bunch of different hairstyles, make up, hair color and more. We won't get into haircolor, since I had that mishap last week! Anyway, I found out that I just don't look good with long hair. It weighs me down, but I do love the medium layered bob. That's pretty much what I'm always working towards, only my hair has more wave in it, and curls in humidity! I'd love it to stay this smooth and straight! That's actually the color I was for about 20 years, and I've only gone darker this past year. What do you think? This goldie girl went more natural. Looking at it, I do like the gold, maybe it's time to go back to it again! I've worn bangs since I was young, so I like to stick with those.

What do you think?

Over at Makeover Solutions, it's so much fun to play. You can open a free account, and you have access to a bunch of great selections. You can also choose to upgrade, and then you go from about a hundred choices to thousands! I don't know about you, but I love doing these makeovers! It's so neat to try things before doing them, so I can see if they work for me. I always think I'll grow my hair longer, and then I see it and I know why I need it medium to shorter hairdo. What I loved about this program was you were able to adjust the settings around your eyes, lips and things, so that the makeover stuff actually lines up properly, and you get a realistic look. It was so easy to use. I did this in under 10 minutes! It's up in the gallery now!

Which picture do you prefer? This 40 year old chick could use some comments on what to do next!  

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Have you read this book? My friend Julie told me about it, and I'd read a review over on a blog. Yesterday, I read two reviews about it on different websites. I kept stumbling over them, and I figured it kept coming to my attention, because I needed to pick it up....so I did.

Have you read the book yet? I all ready know the premise, but I figure when something keeps coming in front of you, getting your attention, maybe you need to carve out a few minutes and take a closer look. I'll let you know what I think of it when I'm done. I'm reading another book first this week, but hope to finish it up tonight.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:35 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I've never been here before. I've never been in Ron Jon, and I've never been to a lot of the clothing stores on Long Beach Island. When you're a plus size shopper, a lot of times you aren't included in the merchandise a store sells, and you can only buy so many purses and shoes. I don't know if they carry plus size clothing, and they might, but I don't want to be embarrassed walking in only to find that my size isn't carried.

I said to my husband as we were leaving the island in late September, I'll have all new shopping experiences next year when I get all this weight off of me! Imagine that, going to the island for the last 20 years as a plus size person. Sure I was not plus sized when I was a kid, but for 20 years, I've avoided many of these stores for fear of not "fitting" and standing out like a sore thumb.

Next year, I'm looking forward to going into a bunch of "new to me" stores.  

Do you love online shopping? If you are on the hunt for the best prices around, sign online today! If you need home décor furniture, wedding rings, vacuums or bedroom furniture, the biggest selection at the most affordable prices is online! No matter what you are shopping for, we are sure to have it! Sign online for all your shopping needs today!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:18 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

When I woke up yesterday, I can't explain it, I just felt like my tummy was a little smaller. It's not a lot smaller, but something looked or felt different. Is it in my head? I got on the scale, and while nothing changed there, I swore when I looked in the mirror, something tiny seemed different.

I go out to the kitchen and give my husband a hug, and he says, "I think you're getting smaller."

I got all excited and went, "Really? I thought so too...how can you tell?"

His arms wrap further around me. SMILES REAL BIG :) I'm getting smaller! It's a long journey, but I'll take whatever I can get right now. Woohoo.....I made some progress.  

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New stores and condos starting at $399,000...is that all? :\

This went up early this year, and so far I only saw some sign of life in one unit upstairs. The top is residential, the bottom stores. You can find this on the main drag in LBI. I'm curious to see what fills the little shops.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:00 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

My friends are going to Vegas in November, while I'll be heading to Florida. I had hoped to join them for a conference, but my plans went in another direction. It was so hard to hear everyone getting excited and looking at the different Las Vegas Hotels available, because it made me want to go even more!

My son and I are doing Disney right about the same time my friends will be in Las Vegas. I actually thought of trying to swing doing both. I was even looking at some of the Las Vegas Hotels, and liked that there were not only the traditional strip hotels, but an Embassy Suites and Hilton, which I like to frequent. 

I've heard great things about the Bellagio and the Venetian, so I think they are on the top of my list of Las Vegas Hotels, but I'd like to keep MGM and a few others in mind as well. We were just talking today about doing a Arizona and Vegas type of trip in the future. We had pegged 2008 as our year for Vegas, but we may push it back one more year.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:55 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Here's Old Barney at Barnegat Light...

...and here's Dairy Queen next to it. That's the part we visit, hence my trainer! The Kelly's sig is on top, but look just a little lower and you'll recognize the DQ symbol! LOL 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:00 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is a back, and do you see the big sideways triangles? They are your lats, and mine are killing me! My trainer worked me hard the other day, and I'm feeling it like crazy. Advil isn't helping, I'm trying to stretch, but it's hard for me to get a good stretch on those muscles! Anyway, I'm sitting here looking at a card I picked up when I got a massage down the shore. That's what I need now, a great massage!

When I was down LBI, I tried a new place called the "Island Wellness Center" and my therapist was Greg Porzio. He was great, and I got a really nice massage there. He works part-time in LBI, and part time in Lavalette. Make sure you ask for him if you're looking for a good massage. The "Island Wellness Center" is in the Spray Beach area of LBI at 26th St & LB Blvd. I'd definitely return.

Anyway, here I am at home, worked out on Thursday and two days later, I'm feeling it. It's funny, because she says that when I'm in better shape, I won't get that ache so strong, and I'll miss it. Miss it???? hahahahahah, that's funny

I'm working on it, but it's going to be a year long journey. I have a lot to lose, and a lot of body that's been neglected for one or twenty too many years. ;)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:49 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Have you been to Daddy O's yet?  We haven't gone here yet. It stands where Wida's used to be. Wida's was around for years and years, but the wear and tear were showing. Daddy O's is what took it's place. The redo looks fabulous.

We actually ate at Tuckers, Buckalews, Kubel's Too, and The Marlin this time, so we didn't have another night on our agenda. Maybe we'll try it out next year. 

If you've been there recently, what were your thoughts on it?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:13 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (3)

Here's another one of the small businesses in Long Beach Island. Go by in the height of season, and it's mobbed. It's tiny inside, with maybe 3 booths, and a counter to order finger food or ice cream. They used to have a pink car outside they adveritsed on...I think it was a little Escort Wagon. Anyway, it's another piece of the island that is there every time we visit. 

I've only grabbed something here once a year ago, so I'm not familiar with most of their offerings, but I always loving seeing it as we drive by.

I go to Panzones for pizza. We had a great "dog" at Dom's last year too, which is right down the road.

It's no Caesars Palace, but it holds its own charm! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:04 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Here's a little place that rents bikes down the shore. I snapped it as we were driving by. It's funny, because down the shore, you always see bike rental places. I started to think about the last time I was on a bike. At the trainer, I go use a stationary bike, but I havne't ridden an actual bicycle in years! I'll bet it's been almost 20 years.

One of the things I did notice was how much more active we were this year, compared to years that have passed. I think I'm going to make sure I stop here next year and ride a bike! When we were young, we used to rent bikes and go riding on the boardwalk in Wildwood with my parents. It was a fun activity, and yet for some reason, not something I thought to do!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:58 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy