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Joan’s Boomer Blog

Helping Boomers Find Wealth, Health and Happiness in the Second Half of Life

Archive for October, 2009

New Senior Discounts

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-29-2009

Here are some new senior discounts I’ve come across.

Goodwill Industries

Everybody is familiar with Goodwill stores, which have locations throughout the US. Goodwill Industries provides education, training, and career services for people with
disadvantages.

Discount: 10%-20% discount varying by store. Discount may be
valid only on certain days of the week so check with the store nearest you.

Age Requirement: 55+

Discount Restrictions: Age requirement, discount amount and
participation can vary by location. Call your local Goodwill for more details - Toll Free: (800) 741-0186.

Cinemark Theaters

Want to go to a Movie? Cinemark Theaters offers discounts to seniors

Discount: Save up to 35% on regular adult ticket prices. On
Mondays, save up to an additional 10% on all showings.

Age Requirement: 62+

Discount Restrictions: Qualifying age and discount amount
may vary by location.

Website: www.cinemark.com

Want to know more about where to find senior discounts? To search for more great senior discounts and sign up for a free newsletter visit SeniorDiscounts.com. On this website, you can join in discussions too or search for discounts by city and zip code.

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Boomer Joke of the Day - Senior Road Trip

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-27-2009

A good friend sent me this Boomer Joke of the Day - Has this ever happened to you?

Senior Road Trip

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn’t miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.

All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn’t let up for a single minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card.”

This coming week is National Senior Mental Health Week. You can do your part by remembering to contact at least one unstable Senior to show you care.

My job is done.

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Holiday Gift Ideas are Easy to Find at Shop.com

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-25-2009

Find Holiday Gift Ideas at Shop.com

Find Holiday Gift Ideas at Shop.com

Need holiday gift ideas for spouses, kids and grandkids? I like to do my shopping all in one place if possible and for holiday gift shopping, I often turn to Shop.com Looking for the perfect gift idea for the cook on your list? Why not get an Oilless turkey fryer?

=”">Oilless Turkey Fryer from Shop.com

Oilless Turkey Fryer from Shop.com

Here in Texas, deepfried turkey is a holiday delicacy but cleaning up the oil can be a big mess. Where can you dispose of so much oil? That’s why, when I see this oilless turkey fryer, which uses infrared heat, I knew this was what my husband was getting for Christmas this year.

If you’re looking for nostalgic gifts for the baby boomers and seniors on your list, Shop.com has a great selection of nostalgic board games, nostalgic radio shows, and even an old fashioned hot dog cart!

My daughter also collects Barbie Dolls. She never really played with them, but rather saw them as an investment so each and every year, I look for the latest in collectible Barbies. This Wedgewood Collectible Barbie was one of her favorites. Shop.com has the 2009 holiday Barbie as well as other collectible Barbies.

For holiday gift shopping, I really like using SHOP.COM because it’s an easy-to-use online shopping comparison site. SHOP.COM basically does all the work for you by scouring the internet and working with nationally known stores to get the best deals and bring them to their customers. No matter what type of gift you’re looking for, whether it’s toys, clothing, housewares, electronics and more, they have it.

Join SHOP.COM on Facebook to find out about the latest coupons, free shipping offers, sweepstakes and exclusive sales.

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Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show Set for March 2010

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-20-2009

Think Texas and think country music, rodeos and livestock shows. Texans love country music and

Brad Paisley will be in Houston March, 2010

Brad Paisley will be in Houston March, 2010

rodeos and it’s well worth the trip to experience the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show which takes place in March 2010. Over 1 million spectators come to this - the world’s largest rodeo - each year. This year the entertainment will include country entertainers Brooks and Dunn, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw, and for the young at heart - the Jonas Brothers.

We live in North Texas and love going to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo each year. Although we’ve been to Houston several times for softball tournaments while my daughter was in college, this will be the first time we’ve attended Houston’s Rodeo and Livestock Show. The biggest decision is which one of the terrific shows to attend?

Besides the artists already mentioned, more will be announced in early January, with one show each day from Tuesday, March 2 to Sunday, March 21. Tickets are on sale now at RodeoHouston tickets. If you click on your preferred attendance date, there is a photo of exactly what you’ll see from that seat. Ticket prices vary according to the artist and the seating area so there is a price range suited for every pocketbook.

I grew up on a farm and I love seeing the kids with their animals. Going to a livestock show is a great chance to reconnect with my own youth.

Besides great entertainment, the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show benefits youth and supports education, facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. The first was held in 1932 and since then, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed more than $250 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, and other educational and youth programs.

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Create Retirement Income - Earn Blogging Money!

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-18-2009

Visit www.TheNicheBlogger.com

About a year ago, I decided to try my hand at blogging for money. I love writing but what I needed to know is the nuts and bolts of how to build a self-hosted WordPress blog from scratch. Earning blogging money is easier than you think, no matter what your level of expertise - even if you aren’t sure of your writing or computer abilities. The most important thing, if you want to earn money from blogging is to have a solid plan of action to help you earn a good income from your blogs. It’s not enough to just put a blog up and hope that the money will soon show up.

Blogging can create retirement income for you. What will you do in retirement? Travel? Volunteer? Play with your grandchildren? Are you still working and saving? All of these make great blogging topics.

So, you think you want to earn money blogging - now how do you find the right plan of action to help you earn as much money as possible? By finding a mentor or model in someone who is already a successful niche blogger. Niche blogging is the art of creating a successful blog in one small subject area. Do you know something about gardening? Where to find great coupons on the internet? Birding? Nostalgia? Just about any topic you can come up with has a small niche waiting to be filled.

The source I used to help me create several successful niche blogs is called “The Niche Blogger!” This is a complete program that was put together to help new people get their own start in blogging.

This will cut down on your learning time and help to ensure that you don’t make mistakes that will prevent you from making money. The program covers just how to set up a self-hosted Word Press blog, how to choose a successful topic and write about it, what plugins you need, how to promote your blog and much more.

One note of warning, if you join The Niche Blogger, you are going to have to dedicate yourself to it. You need time each and every day to devote to the program, which takes you step by step. There is also a great forum for asking any questions you may have.

One of the problems with trying to earn money blogging is that there are many different methods out there. The trick is to choose a good model from the very beginning, making it much easier to dedicate yourself to it because you know you will be able to succeed.

You should also realize that even though you can start earning very quickly, you won’t become rich overnight. Building a successful niche blog takes time but it’s also fun and you can enjoy the process as well.

Blogging money will begin to trickle in and then build upon itself over time. Before you know it, you can be earning a great part or full-time income from your blogs! And, once your blog is set up, the income becomes relatively passive. All you need to do is write a blog posting 2-3 times a week.

Earning money from blogs gives you a great second income, retirement income or passive income.

All you need to do is make sure you find follow The Niche Blogger instructions, and that you dedicate yourself to it until you are successful. You may well remember the moment you became a niche blogger as one of the decisions that changed your life for the better.

Blogging money is truly the way to go for passive income!

The Niche Blogger - Make Money Blogging

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Moving Within the LA Area? Try Local Melrose Moving

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-18-2009

If you are considering a move in the Los Angeles area, whether it’s personal or commercial, consider local Los Angeles Movers Melrose Moving. Melrose Moving serves the Los Angles area and they are reliable, professional and - best of all - affordable.

Melrose Moving also provides well-trained packers and they can accommodate last minute calls, as well.

Read some feedback from satisfied customers. of take a look at the free moving tips on their website.

If you are moving within the Los Angeles area call toll free, 1-800-431-3920, to get a free moving quote. Why not trust your next move in Los Angeles to a local moving company?

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Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle Recipe

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-14-2009

Old fashioned blueberry buckle is one of those nostalgic, homey dessert recipes that takes me back to

crispy, homey blueberry buckle

crispy, homey blueberry buckle

my childhood. This recipe for Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle was my grandmother’s recipe. Try it warm and steamy from the oven with a topping of vanilla bean ice cream - better yet, make it homemade ice cream!

Ingredients

1/2 c shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 c butter
1 egg beaten
2 1/2 c sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
2 tsp lemon juice
2 c blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c butter or margarine

Directions for Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle

Cream shortening and 1/2 c sugar. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy.

Sift together 2 c flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture alternating with milk, stirring to blend.

Spread batter in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.

In a separate mixing bowl, toss lemon juice with blueberries and then sprinkle them over batter.

Make a crumb topping with remaining 1/2 c flour, 1/2 c sugar and other ingredients and put on top of berries.

Bake this blueberry buckle at 350 for one hour or until done.

Serve warm with cream or whipped cream.

Delicious!

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Keep Your Computer Safe with Antispyware

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-14-2009

Anyone who spends time on the Internet these days knows how deadly getting a computer virus can be. I remember on New Year’s Day, in 2007, I turned on my computer as usual, only to be presented with “the black screen of death!” I had become the victim of a computer virus. To keep from being a victim yourself, the best defense is Antispyware Software

There are many antispyware programs out there but CounterSpy antispyware by Sunbelt Software was rated the #1 antispyware software by CNET in March 2008 and Sunbelt Software has long been a leader in antispyware programs for your computer.

Counterspy’s 15 day trial version removes any spyware on your computer and you get the version that is current on the day you install it. Try Counterspy to keep you and your computer safe from “the black screen of death.” Trust me, you don’t want that to greet you when you turn on your computer.

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Frozen Blueberry Preserve Recipe

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-13-2009

Remember those tasty blueberry jams and preserves your grandmother used to make? This easy version of that blueberry preserve recipe actually needs no canning.  Just put into freezer til you’re ready to use it.

In these economic times, many people are learning to make their own jams and jellies, grow and preserve their own food and save money too. What’s more they’re having fun rediscovering the skills our mothers and grandmothers used every day in the old-fashioned kitchen. This recipe also makes a terrific gift for someone you know.

Ingredients to Frozen Blueberry Preserve

4 c mashed blueberries
2 packages of sur-Jell or Penjel
1 c. white syrup
5 1/2 c sugar
1/4 c lemon juice

Directions

Mix blueberries and Sure-Jell or Penjel until thoroughly blended and let it stand for 20 minutes.

Add syrup, sugar and lemon juice very slowly and stir thoroughly, making sure all sugar is dissolved.

Put the preserves into containers and freeze.

Wow your guests at your special holiday dinner or breakfast with this delicious homemade blueberry preserve recipe.

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I’ve read many articles lately about how Americans are scaling back their lifestyle because of the economy. They are using coupons, shopping sales and expecting price cuts before they will shop. Americans are now cooking at home more to save money, buying items at Goodwill and finding out they don’t need as much money to live. Another article I read said that many looking for new careers or are changing careers, now opt for making less money but creating or taking a job that is more spiritually fulfilling to them personally.

I really think the current economy is offering people a glimpse of a new way to live their lives. Perhaps the economic downturn forced many to cut out eating in restaurants several times a week or shopping for expensive clothing, but I believe people are discovering a certain financial freedom in being able to live on less money and not risk falling into debt again. Eating home cooked meals around the family dinner table, learning to shop sales and find bargains or finding a designer jacket at a yard sale or a Goodwill store creates a satisfaction in people that their lives were missing before in the mindless rush to spend more and more money.

Now the economic downturn is perhaps offering people a second chance to do something fulfilling with their lives. They are taking jobs that pay less but offer more satisfaction like working with non-profits or volunteering. I know of some women who lost their jobs recently and so decided to pursue other, more artistic careers. One woman lost her management job but now knits and crochets baby items to sell on the internet. Another sells things she makes at craft fairs and art shows after losing a better paying job through lay offs. Now that they have learned to live on less through necessity, they are thrilled that they scaled back their lifestyles. This has allowed them to do what they truly love.

Baby boomers have also been forced to rethink their retirement plans, remaining in the workforce for longer. If they find work they love to do, though, this could help them actually live longer, more fulfilling lives. My husband and I have scaled back our retirement plans but we’ve decided we would rather live on less and be financially secure in our senior years.

I know another person who couldn’t find a job, trimmed back his lifestyle to the bare bones and now he is able to work part time and volunteer with local animal shelter groups. Another took a less paying job working with a local non-profit.

Some of these people thought they would scale back temporarily and then go back to their previous way of life once times were better. However, now that they have found more satisfaction in life and the way they manage their finances, most say they would never return to working only for money and finding their life’s satisfaction in spending sprees.

From what I’ve read, economists and businesses don’t really expect people to ever return to the spend, spend, spend lifestyles they had before. To me, this seems like a good thing.

Perhaps the bad economy will spur people to rethink how they live their lives and help them find more satisfaction, both spiritually and financially.

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