Surviving NJ

I'm really frustrated that Corzine wants to raise the tolls 800%. He's screwing New Jersey folks who have to travel that on a regular basis, let alone everyone who uses it. Yes, you read that right, if you aren't from NJ, our Gov wants to raise our tolls 800%. Worse yet, he wants to lock that bad boy in place so nobody can change it legally.

NJ 101.5 is looking to give New Jersey folks a chance to be heard. They are holding a rally on the steps of the Trenton State House. If you'd like to be a part of it, it will be on February 8th at 12 noon. Jim Gearhart and Jersey Guys Ray Rossi and Casey Bartholomew will be there. You can read more about this by clicking on the link above.

Here's the fun part, is the Gov making cuts in legistlation? Are they looking at changing things there? Yeah, okay, that's me laughing...because that would be the smart way to look at things. Let's see, does a small state need an OBSCENE number of school districts? Yup, not even going there... 

Anyway, if you'd like your voice to be heard, check out their "When Pigs Fly" rally. Corzine was quoted:  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:49 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Last night on "Drive-ins, Diners and Dives" on the Food Network, Guy traveled around New Jersey visiting diners in the state. Usually he covers 3 or 4 places in a show that are scattered around the area. Last night, being that NJ is the Diner State, he focused on New Jersey alone.

He visited different areas like Cliffton, Heightstown, Hackettstown and others. The first place they

visited though caught my attention, and that was my very favorite NJ town, LBI. If you've been reading my New Jersey category of my blog, you'll see I have pictures galore of LBI!

The diner he visited was Mustache Bills, which is less than a mile from Old Barney, the lighthouse at Barnegat Light. Mustache Bills is a NJ diner that is open on weekends from 6 to 3 I believe. The reason I know this, is 90% of the time I drive by it, it's closed! I started to question if it was open, but then saw the odd hours. We went down one time to see, and sure enough, it was not only open, it was hopping busy!

It was awesome to see our New Jersey represented on the show! Another great place to grab some chow in LBI if you're looking for great breakfast food is Uncle Will's Pancake House. It's one of my favorites, and probably the reason there's a line always waiting to get in during the summer!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:26 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

The dogs were on the sofa and moved the pillows off of it. That cat decided it make an excellent resting place. I left them there, because he's been sleeping there a lot the last couple of days!

The living room sofa is mostly the dogs. This is where my office is, and they sleep on it during the day to keep me company.  The cat can find any spot that looks comfortable and in moments, he's sleeping there.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:28 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:19 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm starting a 12 week body challenge. What's cool is that tomorrow I'm going on a grocery store tour with my trainer Danielle, which will literally go aisle by aisle and point out clean and healthy choices. It's the choice  factor which is important. You can pick this product up, it's a choice that works. I'll always have to turn packages over and read the ingredients, but now I'll know what products to hone in on.

Most people think they have an idea of  what they can and can't eat. I'm going to learn what I can eat, that I didn't realize! I know I can have fruit and vegetables, but I'm planning on getting new ideas of things I hadn't thought of before.

It's a new process to me still, so I'm still learning. I went to Whole Foods twice now, even though it's an hour away, and one day I was there for a long time, because I personally flipped over tons of packages, boxes and more to read and learn what I could eat. I'm excited to see what I may have overlooked.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:13 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I was looking at Las Vegas hotels recently, while I was checking out vacation plans for the year. It's just not going to happen this September, because our other plans overlap again, just like last year. Last year, I had hoped to go to the Blog World Expo, but becasue I was due in Florida the following week, I couldn't book back to back trips.

It would appear once again, I'll be in Florida in September, only this week prior to Blog World Expo. I decided to use our vacation club down there again. Don't get me wrong, I would be happy to use it out in Vegas as well, but we've decided to drive, so the East Coast works a little better for us, since it's half the distance as driving to Vegas.  

This year, I'll be heading to the Jersey shore early in the season, heading to South Carolina with my son, and also heading to Orlando with my husband in September. I have a full season planned, and I'm looking forward to hitting the road again. I'd love to sneak away in the winter months, since I hate the cold so much, but I just can't swing it right now.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:05 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

He keeps me company no matter how many hours I put in a day. Boo, Buggy, Buster, whatevever name comes out of my mouth at that moment, is my buddy.  The best part is he doesn't mind if I'm having a bad hair day, have PMS or am giddy with laughter over something trivial. :)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:56 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is what my desk is looking like right now. I have some things I want to do, things I want to rewrite for a website, dates I need to remember, plug-ins I wanted to add to a few places, and the Advil is always in site!

What does your week look like?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:46 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:35 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (4)

My trainer Danielle has been a blessing for me. Not only is she helping me with one-on-one training, she's also a dietitian, and I'm now up to eating clean 5 days a week. The turn around within me is amazing. I've still got a long way to go, but thanks to the help of Danielle over at Metamorphosis Studio, I'm able to see my future in a way I couldn't before.

I believe I found her in particular for a reason. I'm very overweight, and the thought of working out at a gym with other people wasn't something I looked forward to. I started looking at trainers, and the moment I walked in her studio and spoke with her, I knew we'd be a good match.

She makes me feel like I'm part of a team, and that means a lot to me. When I start to feel overwhelmed with the large task at hand, I remind myself, that while I haven't been able to do it alone all these years, she knows exactly what she's doing and it's time to trust her.

I've accomplished a lot so far, and I'm in in for the long haul. You're looking at a woman who has 100 pounds to lose. That's not pretty, but for the first time in my life, I'm not giving up, and I'm doing it the right way. I'm not looking for a quick fix, and I'm not looking for an easy way out.

I'm working hard, I'm working out, and I'm eating clean, healthy foods.

When I first thought about eating clean, meaning ridding myself of foods with preservatives and chemicals, and things I didn't recognize, it made me nervous. What if I couldn't find foods I didn't like? Man, it was all for nothing, because not only am I enjoying what I'm eating now, my tastes are changing, and I don't want to put the other stuff back in me.

I turn a box around to look at the ingredients, and if there's junk in it, I just think, yikes, I don't want that in me. I'm working so hard. I'm down 25+ inches, and I'll be measured again next week. I'm hoping it's more, but I'll take what I can get. I'm not giving up, because I'm finally realizing my future is there for me to reach out to it.

I'm excited and know that this time next year, I'll see myself as a healthier and thinner person. Amazing to me, as I've not seen myself as an adult at a healthy weight. I'm enjoying the transformation, and when I get further along on the journey, I'll post pics of the changes.

I started with Danielle in September, and it's been 4 months so far. I won't stop until I reach my goal, and she knows I'm in in for the long haul. I'm dedicated and am working to make the changes necessary.

If you're looking to make a fresh start, or get back into shape, she's really a neat person to work with. For more information, you can find her information here. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:19 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (4)

I work at home, and I'm at my desk a lot. I decided to splurge on a new toy, and just had this delivered. I'm sitting on it as I write this, and all I can say is it's pure love. The strength is strong enough for me, which was my only concern. It has nice pressure, not a too light one.

Oh my goodness, life is good. I wanted to try one of these before I ended up buying a much more expensive variety, and it was a very good purchase! I'm absolutely loving it, loving it, loving it.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:03 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

With the Major League Baseball delve into steroids and looking at players who may have used steroids, it got everybody talking about this topic. There was also some news reports of some Hollywood types who also dabbled in steroids. I really don't know much about the topic, but understood what it meant to Clemens if the claims were true.

One of the things I learned was that there were different forms of steroids. Not only were there human growth steroids that ballplayers were being accused of using, there were also legal steroids for bodybuilders and others. Honestly, I wouldn't have known the difference.

It's eye opening learning about all of this stuff. I don't compete, and if I did, it would never be on a level like the MLB, so I can imagine the pressure that's involved. I do wonder why if there are legal choices, why would people choose the illegal ones? 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 03:38 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

The Giants are headed to the Super Bowl. Being an Eagles fan, you'd think I'd have wanted the Packers to win last night. Let me be honest, I was glad the Giants pulled it off. I'll tell you why, before you start jumping on me.

I think it's a good boost for local businesses. If people are excited about the game, they're likely going to support the local small businesses to prep for the game, or to watch it at small taverns and bars.

New Jersey folk are quick to bitch, and with Corzine's stupid "rape us at the tolls" plan going on, we have reason to. Now we have reason to cheer about something good, instead of something bad.

Let me just point out that both the New York Giants and the New York Jets play football in NEW JERSEY, yet neither team carries our name. Just saying....

So congratulations to the Giants on their win, and here's hoping it boost local business with the excitement and party planning.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:39 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I have a couple of trips planned this year. One of the things I need to find out about is if I fly, and I have a laptop bag, does that become my one carry on. I guess it does, so I have to remember that. I know I'm not checking that bag if I fly, but what else can I fit in it? Also does your purse count as a carry on, or you can have a carry on and a purse?

My husband has a Swiss Army laptop bag I got him for a gift which is more traditional in shape, but I have a backpack laptop bag. I think I could fit more stuff in there. I haven't flown in awhile, and I guess figuring out stuff like this will be helpful.

I've been putting off flying, but told my husband I wanted to fly this year. I may do a long weekend down in Florida while it's still cold up here. I guess I could leave my laptop at home, which I do on some vacations, but I've been working on a writing project lately, and I'd probably want to bring it along with me.

When it comes to luggage, I've got a nice rolling bag that I can check in. I'd like to update my son's luggage this year also I think. I've been using a nylon duffle bag of sort, but I love the Dockers luggage, and the Swiss Army luggage, along wtih some of the other sturdy styles I've seen. We're doing South Carolina in the summer, so I have time to replace his still. I'd like one that rolls behind, like I have. I have a cheaper second one, but would like to upgrade his to a sturdier bag. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:20 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

If you're looking for a great little cafe in Central Jersey, I have a jewel to share with you. There's a little cafe at the top of the hill near the High Bridge train station called Cafe Hola! It has great baked goods, smoothies, milkshakes, along with sandwiches, fruit cups, soups and more.

It's adorable inside, and offers fresh food. You'll always find fresh baked goods like muffins, turnovers and cookies on the counter. In the fridge case you'll find pies, cakes and other goodies to choose from.

My son is sold on the banana shake, and I'm fond of one of their smoothies. If you choose one of the fruit smoothies, you can even get home made yogurt added in.

Check out Cafe Hola! next time you're in Hgh Bridge. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:51 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

If you like to play games old school style, then you'll want to check out Richie Knucklez on Rt 12 in Flemington, NJ. This arcade and pinball store sells machines to the public.

There's something special going on there on Friday nights though call Flashback Fridays, and you're not  going to  want to miss this! From 6pm to 10pm, they open up the showroom so you can play the games. You simply pay a $10 charge, and you get unlimited play on old time favorites like Pacman, Donkey Kong, Centipede and more. There are also pinball machines there to play.

I'm a pinball girl myself, while my son is more into the arcade machines. We went in tonight, and had a blast. I'm loving the Dracula pinball machine! It's a nice family friendly place, and there were ample machines so that there was always something to play. It was a comfortable crowd, and you could see some people had favorite machines!

If you get a high score on one of the machines, they'll add your name to their board. My son was aiming for 1st on a game, but only made it to 2nd! He wants to go back and keep trying! As for me, when we go back, I'll be playing the pinball...you can count on it! For more information, you can check them out at RichieKnucklez.com.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:49 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Let's face it, controversy stirs the pot. If you have a strong opinion on something, you're told to speak loudly about it on your blog, and traffic will follow. It doesn't matter if it's a popular opinion, or one that people hate, you're told to take a stand. With the politics going on right now, that would be easy to do. I am just not into controversy.

The question becomes, are you speaking your truth when you stir the pot?

Many people tend to have different personalities online. Behind your screen and typing on your keyboard, it's easier to say something you might not say if you were face to face with someone.
You need to ask yourself, why is this other side coming out? Are you naturally shy, do you wish you could say these things outside of your online presence. If you're a different person online than off, it's time to look at your own truth.

Let's face it, being true to yourself is what life's about. There's no need to pretend to have a lion's roar, if you're merely a kitten in person.

I'm naturally charismatic offline, but I hate controversy. It's just who I am, so it doesn't make sense for me to speak about something, just to make a point- even if that means not getting big traffic to my blog.

At 40, I've come to understand who I am, and what I like.

This year, I've traveled quite a bit and met a few of my fellow postie pals. I got the chance to go out to West Virginia, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Jersey. What I found was that the posties I met were fabulous people. What an experience that was, to come face to face with people I'd been chattering with online. I got to meet my friends Marisa, Amy, Suni, Colleen, Cass, Angie, and Marcus! I wish I had made it to Vegas, but I had other travel plans in place the following week.

If you're not sure what a "Postie" is, then you're missing out. They are a loyal, fun group who will bend over backwards to help another Postie, will meet you halfway when need be, and will show you how to do something, if you're trying to learn.

Who knew that a pack of "Posties" could make such a large dent on the web. Indeed they have, and I'm proud to call myself one.

I won't be a controversial postie if you meet me, because it's not my nature, but I'll be sure to have a smile for you, and a pat on the back.

The Postie world itself has been controversial with the rollercoaster of events over the last year. One thing I know, is that I'm buckled in and ready to ride the rail again. We're about to take another ride on SocialSpark...care to play along?

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:25 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This book should be required reading for every teenage girl, woman in her 20s, 30's and so on. I love this book. I first saw it mentioned in a magazine, so I hopped over to Amazon and pre-ordered it. It was due out the following day, and it got here quickly!

Body Drama is full of pictures, writing, questions and more. Is that normal? That's one of the first things a woman will ask herself if something new is going on with her body. I love how this book takes on simple topics, down to complex and even hush-hush topics like "down there". Let's face it, we all are curious to know what's "normal".

I love how they take pictures of several different shapes and sizes of women, and show us the variety that is out there. Seriously, there's a 2 rows of vaginas. Nope, you don't see the woman attached to it, you just see a bunch of vaginas. They all look so differently. See, nobody is exactly the same, but you may find similarities to a few.

There is a section where it is just different bodies, and it's ispiring to see so many different shapes of people baring it all, so that you can understand, we're all unique. It's not just about pictures though, even though they are images of healthy women that are exposing themselves so you can see that "normal" does not mean one thing.

The strength in this book is not just in pictures. It takes a look at things like our period, piercings, our boobs, as well as hygiene. Ummm, I noticed something, is this normal? That's the beauty of this book, it lets you know what is and what isn't normal. It's like that conversation you wish you could have with your mom when you're a teenager, but are too embarrassed. It's that ending the curiosity to see if yours look like theirs. It's that knowledge that helps women understand, you don't have to be embarrassed of your body. Understanding your body empowers you.

Take the time to pick this book up for every woman you know. If you have a teenager daughter, this would make an excellent gift, but you may want to grab a copy for yourself as well.

I give this book an excellent rating, not only for what's included in it, but for what it can do to women's self-esteem everywhere.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:25 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Colleen is going somewhere awesome! I can't tell you where, but I can give you a clue. In fact there are a bunch of clues floating around out there. If you guess correctly, you have a shot at winning a prize. Let me just say up front, Colleen's prizes are good ones, so you'll want to get involved! Here's some of the things you can win:

The prizes:

1st Prize - a $50 Travelocity Gift Card, and a souvenir from my trip!
2nd Prize - a $25 Travelocity Gift Card, and a souvenir from my trip!
3rd, 4th, and 5th Prize - a souvenir from my trip!

I happen to have clue #11 right here for you:

 The people who inhabit the country Colleen is visiting invented gin and brandy.

If you need help finding the other clues, you can go here to find them all. Now, don't be putting your guesses in her comments, be sure to read the rules and do it the proper way. She has the full list of rules on that same post, so read them, enter properly, and you just may win something fabulous!

Side note: Let me also point out, if you followed that first link and saw the picture of the two of us together while I was in Florida...oh my gosh! I am losing weight! It's hard for me to "see it", since I see myself every day, but looking back at a picture taking around Thanksgiving two months ago, I can see it now! Woohoo 

Also, this is the same Colleen I'll be walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. You can help us both out by donating to our team! If you'd like to help us reach our goals, keep on reading and check out the post below this one for all of the details.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:42 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

LINKS (keep reading) and a great feeling, knowing you're helping a great cause.

I am trying to raise $1800 for breast cancer by participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I'll be walking 26 miles, and bringing more awareness to this disease.

Here is my official donation page through AvonFoundation.org. Under my picture, there is a pink button that says "SUPPORT ME".

In an effort to raise donations, I'm offering you an awesome deal.  

If you make a donation through my official donation page, I'll hook you up with link love. I have a network of 10 active blogs. Each is updated regularly, and is current. Please click on the pink button under my picture on the donation page that says "SUPPORT ME".

• $25 donation gets you a link on my sidebar here for the entire year of 2008
• $35 donation gets you a link on 3 of my blogs for the rest of 2008
  
• $50 donation gets you a link on 5 of my blogs for the rest of 2008
  
• $100 donation gets you a link on all 10 of my blogs for the rest of 2008

You must make a donation through the official donation page. They accept credit cards so it's  a quick and easy way to donate. Remember, you're making the donation through the AvonFoundation at my official fund raising page to sponsor my walk. You are not paying me individually.

Once you have made the donation, email me at: DebsMix (at) Gmail (dot) com, to let me know what you would like me to link to. I WILL NOT LINK TO GAMBLING, RX sites or ADULT SITES. Once I recieve an email from them showing that your donation was made, I will add your link.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

I'm bringing awareness and helping raise money for breast cancer.

My grandmother lost both her breasts to breast cancer, and I've had my own scare in 2003, after they found a lump via mammogram. Thankfully for me it was benign. My grandmother was not as fortunate, and on two separate occassions went through breast cancer, each time having to sacrifice a breast.  I'm making a difference in my own small way.

If you'd like more information on Breast Cancer, I have a Breast Cancer Awareness page here.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:08 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

 I love playing with colors and pictures. I'm not a graphics girl, but I know what I like. I'm about to start building another website during the next week or so, and have been busy looking at great photos over at iStockPhoto.com. I love that place for professional images! Anyway,  last night, I got caught up looking at images so I could pull just the right ones I'll need when I build my site. I like to have all the pictures that I like selected, and then I go in, buy more credits and purchase them. Lookig through the pictures, I could feel the creative surge swirling through me. It's a slow process in the beginning for me, because I know I'll sit for hours tinkering and playing with things.

I'd like it to have a similar feel as another site I have, but offer totally different information. Once I get into the want or desire to get started, it's like a fever takes over me, and I have to keep going! I'll start to feel the drain about 3/4's of the way through. That's the point where I'm doing playing with the creative side, and working on adding content and more information.  

Either way, I'm ready to dig in and get started. I've penciled out an outline, ideas that I want to flow with, along with topics I'd like to cover, and looking at the amount of content I'd like to add.

My schedule has an interuption in the middle of the day today, as it's my first day back to my trainer, so I'm going to start it tomorrow! I can't wait to dig into the project and get going. It feeds my creative side.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 01:09 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

"So anyway...."

It's a chatty Monday in my brain today. The funny thing is, I don't feel like picking up the phone and chatting on the phone, so I'll just let my fingers do the talking today.

About a week ago, I'd mentioned that we were looking at keeping our vacation club, or possibly letting it go. We decided to keep it, and when I realized the large network we were a part of, I was open to all sorts of new options.

My problem came in when I actually tried to book reservations! I have now tried to book 22 different reservations, which are all full. That's crazy! I tried booking a bunch of them 6 months ahead, and a few more 8-10 months ahead. It doesn't look like it's going to work well through the extended network. Through our own company, I can find answers, but they aren't the answers I want right now.

For example, I can't get into the Keys in Florida, but I can get into Hawaii. Great, fabulous, but hello, airfare to Hawaii is astronomical! I can get into Vegas, but only a 1 bedroom, as opposed to a 3 bedroom in Orlando, based on the points.

I've been fiddling around with this thing for the last few days, and I'm pretty frustrated right now. I ended up having to purchase a separate vacation for summer, and now I have this pending. I'm not sure if I'm going to do something in the fall iwth my husband, or what I'm doing at this point.

It's paid for in full, so it's just waiting for me to book something. The problem is, what I want, and what I can get are two different things! Don't get me wrong, I can book Orlando again, but I've been there 4 times in the last 2 years. Love it, but was hoping to go a few other places. 

Maybe we'll toss Sedona back into the mix again, we'll see. We loved it out there, but we were really looking more towards the east coast so travel is a bit easier.

I guess time will tell. As for now, my son and I are booked to enjoy North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina this summer. Only I had to pay for that, because through the vacation club it was booked! Stupid thing.... 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 03:02 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

Did I ever mention here that I gave up butter? No really, I don't use butter anymore. I don't use it in my cooking, I don't add it to my vegetables, and I don't add it to my toast. It was a deal I made with my trainer. It was actually easier than I thought. I was concerned I wouldn't be able to do it, but once I stopped using it, I didn't feel the need or desire to start again. I do have to say, down the shore, while having steamers(steamed clams) or lobster, all bets are off. That is when I'll have butter. That's it.

Popcorn is another story. I love butter and salt on my popcorn, along with corn on the cob. It goes together like soup and crackers, ya know? Anyway, I struck a deal that I could have popcorn still, but in return I get four sprays of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". That's it, no more, and not real butter, but it's a bargain I was willing to make on my quest to a better body. 

Popcorn is actually a safe treat I can eat. It's safe when it's not loaded up with butter, and eaten naturally. I'm grateful it's on my list of foods to eat, because it's filling and is great fun to eat while watching movies!

I've always loved those home theater popcorn machines, but I don't eat it often enough to justify it. I think they're cool though, and would a great additon to an entertainment room! If you've thought about getting one, check out StargateCinema.com for their huge selection of home theater seating, decor, and more. I love that they have the ability to search items by price. It makes gift selection a breeze!

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

It feels like I'm sitting on a rock. The good news is now that rock is a round rock, and not pointy. This stupid hamstring pull has been no fun. 

On that note, I haven't taken any medication today. Yesterday, I held out until around 6pm. It's bothering me today, but I'm hoping to distract myself enough to not have to take anything. I'm only going to take the RX Ibuprofen at this point, but it's frustrating that this stupid rock won't move.

My brain says put a pillow under it so it feels softer. Duh! The feeling is inside my body, not outside of it. It doesn't really register, but it is what it is.

I head back to my trainer tomorrow, and I'll be glad to see her again. I want to get back into a routine, because being off a routine throws me off track. I'll be doing upper body training, and light treadmill work for my legs for now. I've got to take things slowly, and not rush myself. Thankfully, I'm working with someone who knows how to help me heal properly. That's a relief.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:35 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Check out the video phone! Isn't that cool? I actually saw this over at a company called Neobits.com. They are a company that offers telephony products for businesses. It doesn't matter if you have a large business or a small business, they have a product that suits your needs. Just imagine, I could put one of these in my husband's office, and one in my office. I would have a blast with it!

Okay, seriously folks, we're talking business here. My husband works at the office most days, but there are days he works at home, doing the virtual office routine. As for me, I do all of my work at home. We haven't gotten to the point of needing a business phone system yet, but I did register a phone number other than my home number for needs, when they arise. I like the idea of expanding in other areas.

With Neobits.com, they have things like a PBX system for small offices. Whether you need something like a Talkswitch, a Panasonic or NEC, they have a large choice of brands and styles to suit your needs.

One of the features I liked on their website, is that you can easily navigate and find what you need. The one that caught my attention was that you can find phone systems based on your business size. That helps you narrow down what would work best for you. Many of you know I also have a business blog over at BizMarkTech.com so I like to stay current on business applications, as well as systems to improve communications. I worked in the telecommunications field for quite awhile, so this kind of stuff always interests me.

I liked that I could see the phone systems that worked best for me, which would have 1-4 people. They also sort items by price, so I can work within a budget and see what options are best for me. Have you checked out Neobits.com yet?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:06 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

As you may have read, I pulled my hamstring, so my training will be a bit slower. My personal trainer was quick to point out I can still work on my upper body, while my lower body is healing!

Smiles go out to her, "Yes, I'm still going to work, now that I have my doctor's approval for that!"  As for my leg, it will be slow going on the treadmill for awhile, until I get better range of motion.

Anyway, many of you know I'm in the process to change my body. At 40 years old, I decided to finally get this extra weight off my body, and get healthy. With the New Year upon us, many others have decided to start that journey once again.

Discovery Channel does it well with their National Body Challenge. Here's the cool part; they'll be kicking off the event at four malls nationwide. One of the malls chosen is NJ's very own Short Hills Mall. If you're in NJ and you're interested in getting involved, here's what you'll find.

You can get weighed, get a fat analysis, get measured, along with other fun things. They'll be an opportunity to have a "milk moustache" picture taken. People from Bally Fitness will be there to get you motivated, along with the opportunity to save money at The Discovery Store.

Nope, wait...there's more. You can test your health and fitness knowledge, get goodies while supplies last, and load up on information. This is a really motivating way for you to get yourself ready to start your own program.

I've been working mine, and am now eating clean regularly. You know my trainer is working my body well, since I've lost over 25 inches so far! I'm hoping it will be even more next time I get measured.

Here's some more information for you: Register on site or online, and you can FREE access to a customized meal plan, activity tracker and more. Are you ready for this next piece of information I'm about to share? When you register, you'll also qualify for an 8 week membership to Bally Fitness! Come on, they're giving you someplace to work out, tons of info, helpful plans, and all you have to do is move.

If you're in NJ, head to the event for a great motivational start!

You can find all the details here.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:29 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)