Jaden's picture of DaddyThe girls enjoyed their chalkboards, but their excitement increased 10 fold when Daddy got involved.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Chalkboards with Daddy
Jaden's picture of DaddyThe girls enjoyed their chalkboards, but their excitement increased 10 fold when Daddy got involved.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
My little lady
Morgan took her purse with her when we went shopping today. It was such a trip to see her walking around the store with her purse on her shoulder! She is so tiny (still around the 20 pound mark), so it is not what you expect to see. So cute!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
"Hi, Ike"
Hurricane Ike is just coming through. It's not doing much of anything right now~ rain & wind gusts. They are still saying to stay inside in case the tornados or flooding break out... So, we are passing the day inside. Errands that have to be done outside will have to be done another day. We'll keep you posted as Hurricane Ike continues through.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Face "certain death"... Should I stay or should I leave?
Today, part of our "educational" day was about hurricanes. We discussed how they form, and what they do. Anyway, Hurricane Ike is coming. We will probably get a lot of rain, wind gusts, and possible tornados and flooding. However, other parts of the state have been issued a mandatory evacuation. They were told if they stayed, they would face, "certain death". So, of course, thousands are staying... Hmmmm... Here is an article from the associated press:
Hurricane Ike, a colossal storm nearly as big as Texas itself, began battering the coast Friday, threatening to obliterate waterfront towns and give the skyscrapers, refineries and docks of the nation's fourth-largest city their worst pounding in a generation.
But even as towering waves started crashing over the 17-foot Galveston seawall and floodwaters rose in low-lying areas, it became clear that many of the 1 million coastal residents who had been ordered to get out refused to do so and were taking their chances.
Authorities in three counties alone said roughly 90,000 stayed behind, despite a warning from forecasters that many of those in one- or two-story homes faced "certain death."
"I believe in the man up there, God," said William Steally, a 75-year-old retiree who planned to ride out the storm in Galveston without his wife or sister-in-law. "I believe he will take care of me."
At about 600 miles across, the hurricane was a monster, taking up almost the entire northern half of the Gulf of Mexico. As it zeroed in on the coast, it trapped 60 people who had to be rescued from the floodwaters near Galveston by helicopter, breached levees in rural Louisiana, and tossed around a disabled 584-foot cargo ship in the Gulf.
Before sunset Friday, power had been knocked out to 70,000 customers along the coast, including 15,000 in Galvaston. That number that was expected to climb quickly throughout the night, according to Centerpoint Energy, the primary electricity provider for the region.
As of 7 p.m. EDT, Ike was centered about 100 miles southeast of Galveston, moving at 13 mph. It was close to a Category 3 storm with winds of 110 mph, and was expected to strengthen by the time the eye hit land. Forecasters predicted it would come ashore somewhere near Galveston late Friday or early Saturday and pass almost directly over Houston.
Because of the hurricane's size, the state's shallow coastal waters and its largely unprotected coastline, forecasters said the biggest threat would be flooding and storm surge, with Ike expected to hurl a wall of water two stories high — 20 to 25 feet — at the coast.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said more than 5.5 million prepackaged meals were being sent to the region, along with more than 230 generators and 5.6 million liters of water. At least 3,500 FEMA officials were stationed in Texas and Louisiana.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Friday asked President Bush for a "wide-reaching emergency declaration" in all 88 counties being affected. Perry said this declaration would ensure 100 percent reimbursement for all storm-related costs.
In Houston, authorities instructed most of the city's 2 million residents to just hunker down to avoid highway gridlock.
Still, authorities warned that the storm could travel up Galveston Bay and send a surge up the Houston Ship Channel and into the port of Houston, the nation's second-busiest port — an economically vital complex of docks, pipelines, depots and warehouses that receives automobiles, consumer products, industrial equipment and other cargo from around the world and ships out vast amounts of petrochemicals and agricultural products.
The oil and gas industry was also closely watching Ike because it was headed straight for the nation's biggest complex of refineries and petrochemical plants. Wholesale gasoline prices jumped to around $4.85 a gallon for fear of shortages.
The storm could also force water up the seven bayous that thread through Houston, swamping neighborhoods so flood-prone that they get inundated during ordinary rainstorms.
Bachir Annane, a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Research Division, said Ike's surge could be catastrophic, and like nothing the Texas coast has ever seen.
"Wind doesn't tell the whole story," Annane said. "It's the size that tells the story, and this is a giant."
Ike would be the first major hurricane to hit a U.S. metropolitan area since Katrina devastated New Orleans three years ago. For Houston, it would be the first major hurricane since Alicia in August 1983 came ashore on Galveston Island, killing 21 people and causing $2 billion in damage. Houston has since then seen a population explosion, so many of the residents now in the storm's path have never experienced the full wrath of a hurricane.
In southeastern Louisiana near Houma, Ike breached levees, threatening thousands of homes of fishermen, oil-field workers, farmers and others. Crews struggled to plug four breaches. "We've got a bad situation," said Windell Curole, levee manager for Terrebonne Parish.
Though Ike was heading for Texas, it spawned thunderstorms, shut down schools and knocked out power throughout southern Louisiana on Friday. An estimated 1,200 people were in state shelters in Monroe and Shreveport, and another 220 in medical needs shelters.
Rescue crews were being tapped before the storm even arrived on shore. Because of high winds, the Air Force and Coast Guard aborted plans to send aircraft to the Gulf of Mexico in a daring attempt to rescue 22 crewmen adrift on a stalled freighter in rough seas 90 miles off Galveston.
And Coast Guard helicopter crews plucked 60 people from the town of High Island on the Bolivar Peninsula, a 32-mile spit just up the coast from Galveston, after rising waters covered the only road.
In Galveston, a working-class town of about 57,000, waves crashed over the 11-mile seawall built a century ago, after the Great Storm of 1900 killed 6,000 residents. That hurricane remains the nation's deadliest natural disaster.
A boat and yacht repair warehouse caught fire and burned to the ground on Galveston Island because the streets were under at least 8 feet of water — too flooded for firetrucks to reach it, Galveston Fire Chief Michael Varela said. No one was believed hurt.
While the Galveston beachfront is dotted with new condominiums and some elegant beach homes on stilts, most people live in older, one-story bungalows. The National Weather Service warned "widespread and devastating" damage was expected.
The sight of the storm's fury frightened some people who initially intended to stay.
"We started seeing water come up on the streets, then we saw this. We just loaded up everything, got the pets. We're leaving," 33-year-old Tony Munoz said in Galveston. "I've been through storms before, but this is different."
In Surfside Beach, a town of 800, the police chief asked one stubborn couple, David and Dondi Fields, to write their names and Social Security numbers on their forearms with a black marker in case something bad happened to them.
Dondi Fields, 50, wrote "I heart U" and "for my kids" on her arm. But the couple finally decided to leave. Police used an aluminum boat to reach them, and a National Guard truck carried them to safety.
In Freeport, Drew Ryder, 47, took no chances. He left his plywood-covered home, heading north with coolers filled with food.
"It's coming, so I'm going," he said. "It's not smart to be here."
Houston's streets were eerily quiet, emptied of the usual weekday traffic. Skyscrapers were darkened, and sandbags protected the lobby doors to some.
At the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, a bartender secured plywood over windows as two dozen customers drank beer, ate burgers and watched scenes of Galveston on giant TV screens.
Andy Weeks, a retiree who serves as the homeowners association president in the eight-story building, spent the morning knocking on doors and reminding neighbors to bring their patio furniture and plants inside. The windows were bare of any plywood or other protection.
"It's pretty tough to get outside to board up your windows," said 64-year-old Weeks, who lives on the sixth floor.
Gloria Dulworth, who lives on the seventh of a high-rise apartment building, refused to let the storm dampen her plans to celebrate her 81st birthday.
"We're surrounded by glass, so I'm taking my crystal candlesticks down. It's been suggested that we roll the rugs away from the door," in case water seeps in. Other than that, said Dulworth, "I'm going to get some fresh veggies. I have cereal and canned milk. I anticipate being without air conditioning for a couple of weeks, but you can't do much."
Hurricane Ike, a colossal storm nearly as big as Texas itself, began battering the coast Friday, threatening to obliterate waterfront towns and give the skyscrapers, refineries and docks of the nation's fourth-largest city their worst pounding in a generation.
But even as towering waves started crashing over the 17-foot Galveston seawall and floodwaters rose in low-lying areas, it became clear that many of the 1 million coastal residents who had been ordered to get out refused to do so and were taking their chances.
Authorities in three counties alone said roughly 90,000 stayed behind, despite a warning from forecasters that many of those in one- or two-story homes faced "certain death."
"I believe in the man up there, God," said William Steally, a 75-year-old retiree who planned to ride out the storm in Galveston without his wife or sister-in-law. "I believe he will take care of me."
At about 600 miles across, the hurricane was a monster, taking up almost the entire northern half of the Gulf of Mexico. As it zeroed in on the coast, it trapped 60 people who had to be rescued from the floodwaters near Galveston by helicopter, breached levees in rural Louisiana, and tossed around a disabled 584-foot cargo ship in the Gulf.
Before sunset Friday, power had been knocked out to 70,000 customers along the coast, including 15,000 in Galvaston. That number that was expected to climb quickly throughout the night, according to Centerpoint Energy, the primary electricity provider for the region.
As of 7 p.m. EDT, Ike was centered about 100 miles southeast of Galveston, moving at 13 mph. It was close to a Category 3 storm with winds of 110 mph, and was expected to strengthen by the time the eye hit land. Forecasters predicted it would come ashore somewhere near Galveston late Friday or early Saturday and pass almost directly over Houston.
Because of the hurricane's size, the state's shallow coastal waters and its largely unprotected coastline, forecasters said the biggest threat would be flooding and storm surge, with Ike expected to hurl a wall of water two stories high — 20 to 25 feet — at the coast.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said more than 5.5 million prepackaged meals were being sent to the region, along with more than 230 generators and 5.6 million liters of water. At least 3,500 FEMA officials were stationed in Texas and Louisiana.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Friday asked President Bush for a "wide-reaching emergency declaration" in all 88 counties being affected. Perry said this declaration would ensure 100 percent reimbursement for all storm-related costs.
In Houston, authorities instructed most of the city's 2 million residents to just hunker down to avoid highway gridlock.
Still, authorities warned that the storm could travel up Galveston Bay and send a surge up the Houston Ship Channel and into the port of Houston, the nation's second-busiest port — an economically vital complex of docks, pipelines, depots and warehouses that receives automobiles, consumer products, industrial equipment and other cargo from around the world and ships out vast amounts of petrochemicals and agricultural products.
The oil and gas industry was also closely watching Ike because it was headed straight for the nation's biggest complex of refineries and petrochemical plants. Wholesale gasoline prices jumped to around $4.85 a gallon for fear of shortages.
The storm could also force water up the seven bayous that thread through Houston, swamping neighborhoods so flood-prone that they get inundated during ordinary rainstorms.
Bachir Annane, a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Research Division, said Ike's surge could be catastrophic, and like nothing the Texas coast has ever seen.
"Wind doesn't tell the whole story," Annane said. "It's the size that tells the story, and this is a giant."
Ike would be the first major hurricane to hit a U.S. metropolitan area since Katrina devastated New Orleans three years ago. For Houston, it would be the first major hurricane since Alicia in August 1983 came ashore on Galveston Island, killing 21 people and causing $2 billion in damage. Houston has since then seen a population explosion, so many of the residents now in the storm's path have never experienced the full wrath of a hurricane.
In southeastern Louisiana near Houma, Ike breached levees, threatening thousands of homes of fishermen, oil-field workers, farmers and others. Crews struggled to plug four breaches. "We've got a bad situation," said Windell Curole, levee manager for Terrebonne Parish.
Though Ike was heading for Texas, it spawned thunderstorms, shut down schools and knocked out power throughout southern Louisiana on Friday. An estimated 1,200 people were in state shelters in Monroe and Shreveport, and another 220 in medical needs shelters.
Rescue crews were being tapped before the storm even arrived on shore. Because of high winds, the Air Force and Coast Guard aborted plans to send aircraft to the Gulf of Mexico in a daring attempt to rescue 22 crewmen adrift on a stalled freighter in rough seas 90 miles off Galveston.
And Coast Guard helicopter crews plucked 60 people from the town of High Island on the Bolivar Peninsula, a 32-mile spit just up the coast from Galveston, after rising waters covered the only road.
In Galveston, a working-class town of about 57,000, waves crashed over the 11-mile seawall built a century ago, after the Great Storm of 1900 killed 6,000 residents. That hurricane remains the nation's deadliest natural disaster.
A boat and yacht repair warehouse caught fire and burned to the ground on Galveston Island because the streets were under at least 8 feet of water — too flooded for firetrucks to reach it, Galveston Fire Chief Michael Varela said. No one was believed hurt.
While the Galveston beachfront is dotted with new condominiums and some elegant beach homes on stilts, most people live in older, one-story bungalows. The National Weather Service warned "widespread and devastating" damage was expected.
The sight of the storm's fury frightened some people who initially intended to stay.
"We started seeing water come up on the streets, then we saw this. We just loaded up everything, got the pets. We're leaving," 33-year-old Tony Munoz said in Galveston. "I've been through storms before, but this is different."
In Surfside Beach, a town of 800, the police chief asked one stubborn couple, David and Dondi Fields, to write their names and Social Security numbers on their forearms with a black marker in case something bad happened to them.
Dondi Fields, 50, wrote "I heart U" and "for my kids" on her arm. But the couple finally decided to leave. Police used an aluminum boat to reach them, and a National Guard truck carried them to safety.
In Freeport, Drew Ryder, 47, took no chances. He left his plywood-covered home, heading north with coolers filled with food.
"It's coming, so I'm going," he said. "It's not smart to be here."
Houston's streets were eerily quiet, emptied of the usual weekday traffic. Skyscrapers were darkened, and sandbags protected the lobby doors to some.
At the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, a bartender secured plywood over windows as two dozen customers drank beer, ate burgers and watched scenes of Galveston on giant TV screens.
Andy Weeks, a retiree who serves as the homeowners association president in the eight-story building, spent the morning knocking on doors and reminding neighbors to bring their patio furniture and plants inside. The windows were bare of any plywood or other protection.
"It's pretty tough to get outside to board up your windows," said 64-year-old Weeks, who lives on the sixth floor.
Gloria Dulworth, who lives on the seventh of a high-rise apartment building, refused to let the storm dampen her plans to celebrate her 81st birthday.
"We're surrounded by glass, so I'm taking my crystal candlesticks down. It's been suggested that we roll the rugs away from the door," in case water seeps in. Other than that, said Dulworth, "I'm going to get some fresh veggies. I have cereal and canned milk. I anticipate being without air conditioning for a couple of weeks, but you can't do much."
Not SO fun activities for the cleaning adult...
Playing with sand and painting are definitely on the long list of things that are not fun for the person that has to clean up after the children. Of course, if you only have 1 or 2 children, it is not so bad. The day we did the sand, 4 of the kids had to get a bath, and get their hair washed (as you can see~Morgan dumped sand on several people including herself). What fun! Today it was paint. You can see what Morgan did with her paint. There was something that I didn't get a picture of though~Jaden painted the wall!!! Great fun!!!Thursday, September 11, 2008
Is "Heelarious" really hilarious?
I don't think so. Last night, LeCount had the news on, and I caught a glimpse of one of the ugliest things I have ever seen! It was crib shoes in the form of HIGH HEELS for newborns!! Huh!?!? Someone really thinks it's cute. Anyway, here is the link: http://heelarious.com/lady.php And the New York Post link: http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212008/news/regionalnews/for_well_heeled_fashionable_tots_116508.htm I just think it is completely tasteless to put newborns in high heels, but that is just my opinion... And, since this is my blog, I will give MY opinion!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
These Dry Erase boards are a hit!
Gabby drew a picture of me. LOL!!!
I try to keep things on hand for when our daily activities end earlier than expected. Today was one of those days. Everything was going well. We read Little Red Riding Hood and colored pictures of the characters. We sang songs and danced~played dress up with hats and shoes... After their naps, I let them go out in the back yard to play with the miniature sand boxes that I had made a while back. Everything went well until Jaden stepped in a fire ant pile!!! I brought everyone in and treated Jaden for her bites. Then, I brought out these dry erase boards. The 4 year old's got the ABC ones, and the younger kids got the numbers. That kept them busy for a while, and I ran back and forth around the table trying to help each one with whichever letter or number they were working on. Sunday, September 7, 2008
Best Cookies EVER!! No Bake Cookies
These are the best cookies I have ever eaten, and they are perfect for the summer because you don't have to heat up the house. INGREDIENTS
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oats (or regular works, too)
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter and oats.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chocolate Dresses
These dresses are too cute! The girls got them from Aunt Sally, Uncle Ray, Patrice & Andrea. I am not sure which one of them picked out the dresses, but they are adorable. I like the idea of the matching dress for the baby doll.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Soooooouuuuuuulllll Train! The hippest trip in America!
For those of you that thought only Morgan liked to dance~ here are some clips for you. Apparently, Jaden likes dancing along with Soul Train. The different moves that she does are ones that she saw on the show. She has made her daddy proud. He said, "That's my daughter right there!" Go, Jaden!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I guess she really wasn't done taking a bath...
I gave the girls a bath yesterday (they get a bath every evening, but these pictures are from yesterday). Morgan decided that she was ready to get out, but Jaden wanted to stay in to play. I got Morgan out, dried her off, and put her clothes on. Next thing I know, she is back in the tub with all of her clothes on!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Grandma Frances turns 83!!
We went to Uncle Ray's house for a BBQ. Grandma Frances is in town for a week or so. We had a chance to visit with her and to wish her a happy birthday. She didn't want any pictures of her taken, so I snuck a cople of side shots. She is a sports lover (just like Uncle Ray & LeCount), so they watched golf and some football. We were hoping to get her to come to our house for at least a night, but it looks like she will be headed home sooner than expected. She may be leaving on Tuesday. If she changes her plans, maybe we can get her over to our house for a little bit.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Raising money to buy a bed
I received a thank you letter from Henry today, along with some pictures. I sent him some workbooks for himself and his 5 year old brother Esneiver. The reason I sent the workbooks (besides giving them something fun to do) is because he needs a bed, a towel, and dishes... I know that doesn't make sense, but I will explain. I had asked him awhile back if his family needed anything. He told me that he did not have a bed or a towel, and they don't have enough dishes for everyone to eat. Since, I don't have extra money laying around, I decided to raise the money using Ebay. I bought some workbooks, and have been selling them for the past 3 months now. I wanted Henry to know that I had not forgotten his request, so I sent him some workbooks, so that he could see what I was selling in order to raise the money for his bed (and the other things). Now, I finally have the money to get him those things!! His birthday is October 28th, and he will be 8 years old. For his birthday, he will receive a bed and dishes. I am raising more money in order to send him a Christmas package which will contain a towel set for him and his brother, a soccer tie blanket that I made a while back, and a soccer ball. Yay for Ebay!!!!! Thank you Mack and Su for your purchases of workbooks that helped contribute to making him happy!!! I will keep you posted as I get more pictures. By the way, my brother Kevin has left for school again, so I don't have him to scan my pictures for me. I took a picture of the pictures that I received. I know they didn't turn out very well, but at least you can see his smile!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Fly for cheap
Since beginning sponsorship, and getting to know the kids in 5 different countries, I have begun to think about international travel again. I would like to meet the kids that I sponsor one day, but I just didn't know how I was going to do it. It is expensive to travel, especially, if (like I) you plan to take your kids with you. Anyway, my friend Mack has given me hope. I am following her direction of raking up frequent flyer miles. Along with the directions she has given me, I have found other web-sites where you can earn miles. Microsoft has games that you play on live search to earn points and redeem for miles, and even some survey companies offer them as prizes. I wanted to pass on her good info, in case any of the rest of you would like to go somewhere for less. Here is what she wrote:
My friends are always asking me how I can afford to travel so much. I tell them that one of my big "secrets" is saving up Frequent Flyer Miles to trade in for otherwise too expensive flights.
If you want to do this, your first step will be to choose a FF program. I have no knowledge about which program is the best, because, like many people, I automatically signed up for the services of our state's small, local airline – the one I fly with the most often, and the one most likely to offer low fares from my nearest airport hub.
If you are researching different FF programs, my best advice is to look for one with a long list of partner airlines. With my program, for instance, I am able to earn miles by flying on American, Delta, Continental, NWA, British Airways, + more, in addition to my primary airline.
TIPS FOR EARNING FF MILES:
1. The obvious and expected way to earn miles is by flying. This is expensive, so if you aren't planning to do it anyway, I don't recommend it. That said, if you have the ability to travel spontaneously, it's fun to watch for super low airfares that make the trip almost worth it for the mileage you will earn. For example, I once found a flight to Paris for under $300, so I booked it even though I had no need to go to France. Between the FF miles I got, and the opportunity to check out some famous art, I felt the trip was worth the money.
2. Apply for a credit or debit card that will earn you 1 or more miles per dollar spent, then use it to buy EVERYTHING. Just be careful you aren't spending more than you can pay off at the end of each month, or you will risk paying finance charges!
3. If there's an expense you can't pay for with your mileage credit card – say, your mortgage or utility bills – use the card to purchase a money order from a department store (Wal-Mart has the best deal in my area). Your bank will see it only as a charge at the store, and you will collect FF miles for your purchase.
4. Be aware of your airline's various mile-earning programs and use them judiciously. I am able to earn extra FF miles by renting cars, buying groceries, sending flowers, shopping online, eating at restaurants … the list goes on and on. Research and determine how you can get FF miles for STUFF/SERVICES THAT YOU WOULD HAVE PAID FOR ANYWAY. If you are buying things JUST to earn miles, it kind of defeats the purpose of being thrifty.
TIPS FOR REDEEMING FF MILES:
1. Book early! Each flight only offers so many FF seats, so if you want to ensure that you snag one to a particular destination on a particular day, you'll need to plan ahead. Find out how far in advance you are allowed to book (usually about a year) and call on the FIRST DAY that you are permitted to make your reservation.
Some programs will allow you to book your outbound and inbound flights separately, so that you don't miss your opportunity to be the first in line if your return date is well past your departure date.
2. If no FF seats are available to your chosen destination, don't give up! Keep checking back, because new FF slots open up at the whim of the airlines or because other travelers canceled. Also, you can try flying into neighboring cities or countries. Note: The more popular your destination, the better chance of securing a FF seat.
3. Before you trade your FF miles in for a ticket, make sure there are no special airfare offers to your destination. Sometimes it makes more sense to pay for your ticket rather than relinquishing valuable miles.
4. Don't be afraid to change or cancel your FF flight if a better deal comes along. You will probably pay a fee to do this, but it can be worth it!
5. Save FF miles by flying into "cheaper" regions of the world first, then continuing onward from that point. For example, let's say you are sponsoring a child in India. Your FF program requires you to exchange 100,000 miles for a ticket to Calcutta, but only 60,000 to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fly into the neighboring country and travel overland or grab a cheap flight to India. Note: Cheap fares to all over the world can often be booked from Hong Kong.
6. Take advantage of "Open Jaw" options. Most airlines will allow you to fly into one country and out of another on your FF ticket. With this money saving method, you can fly into Colombia to visit one child, then fly out of Ecuador after visiting another kid!
7. If you are not on an Open Jaw itinerary, you are generally allowed 1 free stop-over at a scheduled connection city. This probably will not help you to visit your child, but you can enjoy a "mini-vacation" along the way at no additional cost.
My friends are always asking me how I can afford to travel so much. I tell them that one of my big "secrets" is saving up Frequent Flyer Miles to trade in for otherwise too expensive flights.
If you want to do this, your first step will be to choose a FF program. I have no knowledge about which program is the best, because, like many people, I automatically signed up for the services of our state's small, local airline – the one I fly with the most often, and the one most likely to offer low fares from my nearest airport hub.
If you are researching different FF programs, my best advice is to look for one with a long list of partner airlines. With my program, for instance, I am able to earn miles by flying on American, Delta, Continental, NWA, British Airways, + more, in addition to my primary airline.
TIPS FOR EARNING FF MILES:
1. The obvious and expected way to earn miles is by flying. This is expensive, so if you aren't planning to do it anyway, I don't recommend it. That said, if you have the ability to travel spontaneously, it's fun to watch for super low airfares that make the trip almost worth it for the mileage you will earn. For example, I once found a flight to Paris for under $300, so I booked it even though I had no need to go to France. Between the FF miles I got, and the opportunity to check out some famous art, I felt the trip was worth the money.
2. Apply for a credit or debit card that will earn you 1 or more miles per dollar spent, then use it to buy EVERYTHING. Just be careful you aren't spending more than you can pay off at the end of each month, or you will risk paying finance charges!
3. If there's an expense you can't pay for with your mileage credit card – say, your mortgage or utility bills – use the card to purchase a money order from a department store (Wal-Mart has the best deal in my area). Your bank will see it only as a charge at the store, and you will collect FF miles for your purchase.
4. Be aware of your airline's various mile-earning programs and use them judiciously. I am able to earn extra FF miles by renting cars, buying groceries, sending flowers, shopping online, eating at restaurants … the list goes on and on. Research and determine how you can get FF miles for STUFF/SERVICES THAT YOU WOULD HAVE PAID FOR ANYWAY. If you are buying things JUST to earn miles, it kind of defeats the purpose of being thrifty.
TIPS FOR REDEEMING FF MILES:
1. Book early! Each flight only offers so many FF seats, so if you want to ensure that you snag one to a particular destination on a particular day, you'll need to plan ahead. Find out how far in advance you are allowed to book (usually about a year) and call on the FIRST DAY that you are permitted to make your reservation.
Some programs will allow you to book your outbound and inbound flights separately, so that you don't miss your opportunity to be the first in line if your return date is well past your departure date.
2. If no FF seats are available to your chosen destination, don't give up! Keep checking back, because new FF slots open up at the whim of the airlines or because other travelers canceled. Also, you can try flying into neighboring cities or countries. Note: The more popular your destination, the better chance of securing a FF seat.
3. Before you trade your FF miles in for a ticket, make sure there are no special airfare offers to your destination. Sometimes it makes more sense to pay for your ticket rather than relinquishing valuable miles.
4. Don't be afraid to change or cancel your FF flight if a better deal comes along. You will probably pay a fee to do this, but it can be worth it!
5. Save FF miles by flying into "cheaper" regions of the world first, then continuing onward from that point. For example, let's say you are sponsoring a child in India. Your FF program requires you to exchange 100,000 miles for a ticket to Calcutta, but only 60,000 to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fly into the neighboring country and travel overland or grab a cheap flight to India. Note: Cheap fares to all over the world can often be booked from Hong Kong.
6. Take advantage of "Open Jaw" options. Most airlines will allow you to fly into one country and out of another on your FF ticket. With this money saving method, you can fly into Colombia to visit one child, then fly out of Ecuador after visiting another kid!
7. If you are not on an Open Jaw itinerary, you are generally allowed 1 free stop-over at a scheduled connection city. This probably will not help you to visit your child, but you can enjoy a "mini-vacation" along the way at no additional cost.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Free Anti-Virus Software and more!
A friend sent me information on a web-site that provides free protection for your computer. I just wanted to pass on this great information. It is totally free. Enjoy!
No renewal or update fees ever!
FREE Comodo Firewall
FREE Comodo Anti-Malware
FREE Website Authentication
FREE Comodo AntiVirus
FREE Email Security Certificate
What's for free?
Comodo is delivering the best free antivirus program as a cornerstone of our initiative to empower consumers to create a safe and trusted online experience whenever you go online. This new initiative will also make other free desktop security tools available, including a free firewall and spyware software, to avoid leading threats such as trojan infectionsThe free tools include: the ability to authenticate web identities in real time (www.vengine.com), free email certificates for secure email encryption, secure backup for backing up files on your pc and iVault for password management and launching secured internet sessions. Together, all these solutions could cost upwards of $500 per year to achieve a comparable level of internet security and safety. All these products are offered free - without any annual subscription fees or licenses.
Get The Best Free AntiVirus Software Today
http://www.comodo.com/
No renewal or update fees ever!
FREE Comodo Firewall
FREE Comodo Anti-Malware
FREE Website Authentication
FREE Comodo AntiVirus
FREE Email Security Certificate
What's for free?
Comodo is delivering the best free antivirus program as a cornerstone of our initiative to empower consumers to create a safe and trusted online experience whenever you go online. This new initiative will also make other free desktop security tools available, including a free firewall and spyware software, to avoid leading threats such as trojan infectionsThe free tools include: the ability to authenticate web identities in real time (www.vengine.com), free email certificates for secure email encryption, secure backup for backing up files on your pc and iVault for password management and launching secured internet sessions. Together, all these solutions could cost upwards of $500 per year to achieve a comparable level of internet security and safety. All these products are offered free - without any annual subscription fees or licenses.
Get The Best Free AntiVirus Software Today
http://www.comodo.com/
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