There are different types of ukuleles. (Image from Wikimedia.org)

Hey people! Just got my brand-new ukulele (actually it’s from a local pawn shop, but it’s in great shape. Plus it is new to me). But apparently, there are different types of ukuleles.

There are different types of ukuleles?

You would think I’d already know this by now considering I was raised around ukuleles. I thought they were all the same, only different in sizes. So this particular uke I’m playing is quite different from the one I’m used to, which is slightly smaller. Tuning the damn thing was a pain in the butt because the strings appear foreign to me. Fortunately, I managed to get it decently tuned.

Playing “Sea of Heartbreak” by Johnny Cash

Like mentioned in the video, it’s been a while since I’ve sat down and played a ukulele, so please bear with me. Oh and I know there’s a good chance Johnny Cash will frown upon me if he actually listens to this cut. haha Oh well, here we go…

Take Two: Playing “Release Me” by Lucky Dube

Just to be clear, is it Lucky “Doobei” or “Doob?” I can’t seem to get that straight – and I’ve been listening to them for years!

The Different Types of Ukuleles

So, like I said, there are different types of ukuleles. There are four types: Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone. And here is Aaron from Hawaii Music Supply to give you a better and clear understanding of the types of ukuleles out there.

Wow… I thought I was bad, but after watching this video, now I know I’m really bad. HAHA. Good thing practice makes improvements.

So I think I’m playing the baritone ukulele, because the one I have definitely sounds like a guitar. Or maybe it’s a tenor? Nonetheless, I’m lovin’ it and I can’t wait to learn more. I absolutely love the beautiful sound of ukuleles. Boy do I miss sitting on the sandy beaches of the tropical islands under the coconut trees listening to the fellas jam out to their ukuleles. Oh such sweet memories.

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is under a lot of heat regarding the comments he made recently during an interview with local South Carolina newspaper The State. He says that poor children are stray animals, referring to those who take public assistance.

“My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed!
“You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that. And so what you’ve got to do is you’ve got to curtail that type of behavior. They don’t know any better.”

First off, I would like to point out how arrogant this man is. Shucks, I don’t even know if that’s the right word to use. All I know is he obviously has never experienced the hard life, firsthand. Of course, it can be argued that there may be those who take advantage of the system, but there are many more others, like me, who are in sincere need of financial help.

Taking Public Assistance

You see, I used to be on public assistance a few years ago. I was on foodstamps and welfare, and I bear no shame in it either. I became a mother at age 17, which made the struggle to finish school even harder to accomplish. I had no job and wanted desperately than ever to get my high school diploma, or at least get my GED. So I applied for public assistance. With the help I was able to receive, I was then able to go to school and work my way into the workforce. I am no longer on state benefits, but I will always remember, be forever thankful for the help I received a few years ago during one of the most critical times in my life. I am a hard-working independent woman who pays the taxes these political fools constantly craft and generate.

A Disgusting Mindset

So does that mean a person who receives public assistance while trying hard every single day to advance in this world an animal? Did I somehow evolve from an animal to a human, because now I’m considered “acceptable” for my ability to pay taxes? So I had a baby at a young age – so what!? Of course, I’m able to breed. Does that make every mother that walks the surface of the earth an animal because they can breed? Makes no damn sense. My kid is no stray animal because I used to be on public assistance. On top of that, I work pretty darn hard to take care of my own. Imperfection is amongst us all. We make good decisions as well as bad ones. Some of us have it hard, while others have it easy. Either way, poor children, or any child for that matter, are not stray animals in any shape or form. It’s the ones who suggest such things that are animals, such as the ruthless comments made by South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. This type of mindset is the genuine reason why the rich are getting richer, while the poor, poorer.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryusuke/ / CC BY 2.0)

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Hello all and thank you for taking the time to read my post. The name is Franrose. As many of you know, I’m big on social networking. I’m on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and manage several blog sites. Also, I am a big-time advocate for Personal Money Store, one of the most reputable lending companies online. Anyway, a few days ago, something had crossed my mind, which is why I am taking this time to write and invite those who are interested to join me in this proposal: to exchange links.

We, as a company, manage several web properties, many of which have reached respectable rankings within Google. We have developed a system that is specifically designed to create backlinks and increase traffic flow. One of our sites, for instance, has over 250,000 unique visitors a month, over 62,000 a week – all in a just a short period of time using the system we’ve structured. So I hope that kind of gives you an idea of what I can be able to do for you. All I ask in return is a little of your time to promote me as well.

So here’s what I have in mind: If you run a company or a type of service online, I would like to help increase your web value and the traffic going to your site. I already have a network and a proven system in place for that. But I believe that by helping others achieve their online goals, far greater results will come. It’s definitely a win-win situation. I will help promote whatever it is you are trying to get out there, no matter the service or product. Oh, my apologies – I take that back. This link exchange offer will not be available to any service or product that is illegal, unethical, immoral, or gambling or alcohol in excess. Other than that, you should have no problem being considered for this link exchange proposal.

Unlike many link exchange services online, you will not have to pay for anything when going through us. I don’t think anyone should pay to exchange links (hence the term “link exchange”). Link exchange should be free, and pose no threats to your pockets. Furthermore, back to the link exchange offer, you are not limited to just one website. If you own other sites that may be in need of such help, please do not hesitate to let me know. I will be more than happy to help. Again, all I ask in return is a small amount of your time to promote me as well.

So that’s the end of my day’s tantrum. I hope to have the opportunity to exchange links with you and, hopefully, build strong relationships along the way. Thank you for taking the time to read this post – truly appreciated.

Franrose Smith

I have a 3-year-old kid who is fully potty trained. All the credit, however, goes right to my baby.

You see, I’m a full-time worker. I don’t have the required amount of time to consistently potty train my kid, so I must rely on others who can. However, to my disappointment, they too were unable to provide the kind of training I had wished for. Fortunately, my bright 3-year-old decided one day to lose the training pants and start using the toilet on her own. Ever since then, she has been using the toilet no problem. I was even amazed to see her get out of bed – on her own – one night to use the toilet. She stumbled her way out of her bedroom, down the hallway, into the bathroom, and sat her little white tush on the toilet seat. After answering to nature’s call, she stumbled her way back to her bedroom, and dozed right back to sleep. I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty damn amazing!

I’ve been very fortunate in this aspect. However, there are many parents who are struggling to potty train their kids. Many parents have asked me how I potty trained my kid, and what type of method works best.

The Best Potty Training Method

I don’t know which method works best, but I do know that it takes a lot of time and consistency to potty train children. Everything must be on a set schedule whether it’s feeding your child, having playtime, taking baths, or going to the potty. Not only is having a set routine comforting to children, but it is also quite beneficial in the development of economic and organizational skills. Having a set routine can also help with behavioral problems, in case you didn’t know.

As parents, we all know that sitting at the toilet for hours on end can be both tiring and frustrating at times. But when it comes to potty training your child, the required amount of time invested in training your child will pay off nicely in the end. If they see that you dread potty-time, they will do the same. Of course, you can take your baby to the bathroom, but you can’t make them go. As mentioned earlier, it takes a lot of time and consistency. Instead of getting aggravated, why not take the time to bond with your child and make potty training a fun game? Come up with a reward game where your child is given something each time he goes. For instance, you can put a sticker chart next to the toilet. Every time your baby goes, he receives a sticker, and a step closer to getting a prize. Remember not to push your child or expect too much out of him/her. Even if your child shows no signs of immediate progress, remember that your efforts will eventually pay off.

The Three Day Potty Method

“Professional Parenting Mentor and Coach” Lora Jensen also brings out a very good point. She says that “the way you potty train can actually distract your child from the learning process, ignite power-struggles and leave you frustrated. Your child may even be “stuck” in pull-ups or other training pants for weeks or months to come.” I’m sure every parent would agree that this is not something they want for their child. If you feel you need some help to potty train your baby, by all means get it! Check out Lora Jensen’s “3 Day Potty training” method for clear, specific advice on potty training.

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- GoGirl – Not Your Typical Porta Potty for Females

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abardwell/ / CC BY-SA 2.0)

What is your definition of marriage? (Photo via wtlphotos, Flickr.com)

I’ve been married for 4 years now. My husband and I married at a very young age. He had just turned 21 and I was only 17 at the time… and pregnant. I was the happiest girl the day my husband proposed to me. We had a blurry idea of what marriage is and what exactly we were getting ourselves into. At that particular moment, in that precise moment in time, all we knew and cared for was that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.

What is Marriage?

“What is marriage?” asked my mother. “Surely, you must have idea of what marriage is.” What!? Of course I have an idea, I thought to myself. My parents have been married for 25 years. I’ve seen them work through all their ups and downs. I’ve seen the affection they shared, the secret whispers, and sneaked kisses. I have also seen the fight, the struggle, and disappointments. I’ve seen it all. Or have I?

I was still living at home with my parents at the time. I was a high school dropout with no job or a stable source of income. My husband worked part-time as a bagger-boy at a grocery store downtown. He worked minimum-waged hours and brought in little money. He, too, relied on others for financial support. And here we are, two young individuals in love proclaiming they’re prepared to make the next big step.

Not only was I going to be a bride, I was going to be a mother! A mother! Now that plan for a stable income just had to be in place – and quick. How were we going to support this baby? My parents did it 8 times. Surely, we can do it with one. I had no idea what the future was going to be like. I was not certain how I was going to support a little child or even afford to pay my own bills. I guess I could take on a waitressing job, I thought to myself. However, somehow, someway, I felt confident. I had no idea where to begin, but I was determined to marry the love of my life and give birth to the child that was slowly growing in me. Still, I had yet to find out firsthand what marriage was all about.

“What is marriage to you?” The question played like a broken record in my mind.

Wedding Day

I was unable to go to a salon to get a fancy hairdo so I did it myself. I had my hair in plastic curlers for hours before the wedding. About 2 hours before the wedding, I discovered my little idea of hairstyling was far from presentable. My hair fell flat and the curls I had vigorously worked hours on were nowhere to be seen. Nonetheless, I arrived at my wedding looking the best I can possible be.

I wore my wedding dress (or rather a cream-colored prom dress that I bought from the local mall) and I felt beautiful. I couldn’t believe it. I was getting married. We exchanged our vows that cold night in February, thus, marking the beginning of a new life.

After the ceremony, my husband and I looked at each other with smiles creeping up to the corners of our mouths. We were finally married.

My Definition of Marriage

It hasn’t been easy these past years. We have learned many things since we decided to step into the married life. We had so much to learn and we continue to learn new thing about marriage, as individuals, and our lives in general.

What is marriage? Well, I’ll be perfectly honest. I still don’t quite know what marriage is. I do know, however, that marriage is not just a legal contract made between two individuals in love. Have you ever tried to solve a long equation that requires an extensive amount of time and focus? Well, that’s exactly what marriage is like. This type of equation requires more than just one mind, however. Effort and cooperation is needed from both partners. You have to find what works and what doesn’t. You have to try different things to uncover the right solution. When one thing fails, you start the process all over again. You learn what works and what doesn’t. That’s my definition of marriage.

Personally, we are still trying to solve this equation so many others are also struggling with. Nonetheless, we are getting closer and closer to the answer. I do know, however, that when we do get to point, it’s going to be the best feeling of accomplishment; probably more than everything else we’ve worked hard for and accomplished.

Life itself is a never-ending equation. The equation that matters the most, however, is the ones you share with those who matter the most.

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Thanks for reading! Here are a few of my favorite articles on Marriage from our Money Blog at Personal Money Store. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did:

- Marriage is a Contract, Not Just Love

- Marriage, Money Management, & Installment Loans

- First Gay Couple on “The Newlywed Game” | Warp Speed, Sulu!

Get a $50 gift card on a Nintendo Wii purchase at Wal-Mart. (Photo via el3enawe, Flickr.com)

If you’re looking to buy a new Nintendo Wii game system, you might want to wait until December 5 to get it. According to their website, the almighty Wal-Mart will be offering a $50 gift card immediately after a Wii purchase on that day. Currently, the Wii is going for $199, which is already a sweet deal considering it cost $250 + tax just last year.

With this Wal-Mart gift card offering, you would only need to pay $149 for a brand new Wii. Don’t rush over to their website, however, because this offering will only be available in stores, not online. Keep in mind that this deal will only last till December 12 while supplies last. Generally, I don’t encourage payday loans for things like this, but if it’s something that will actually save you money in the end, why not?

You don’t have to wait till the 5th of December, however, to start your holiday savings at Wal-Mart (as if we don’t know that already). You can save big bucks on Wii games and other games at Wal-Mart as the retailer is offering 15-20% savings on 25 top video game titles.

Get Past Your Pride and Start Saving!

I’m getting a new Wii system for the hubby (shhhh) so I’m definitely stoked about this deal. Like I’ve said before, saving money is my main goal this holiday season. I’m going to target anything and everything that can help put a little something back in my pockets.

For those of you that would turn your nose up at the idea of shopping at Wal-Mart, please tackle your pride with some logic. You’ll find some of the best deals on games, electronics, groceries, diapers, you name it. If you want to save some money this Christmas, don’t let your pride become an issue.

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(Photo via Elizafairy, Flickr.com)

The sketch last night on Jimmy Fallon’s show about Sarah Palin’s new book, “Going Rogue,” was all-out hilarious. Apparently, “Going Rogue” has gone rogue. For months, the anticipated book made headlines and was seen everywhere as far as the media eyes can see. All of a sudden, it disappeared! It snuck off the set of “Late Night”, stole a gun, shot Rachel Maddow, and ran off to see its lover: the New Moon.

Late Night: ‘Going Rogue’ Gone Rogue Video:

(Photo via Pinksherbet, Flickr.com)

If you want longer, thicker lashes, you might want to check out a fairly new product called RapidLash. According to their website, RapidLash.com, Rapid Lash is an innovative high-performance formula that helps thicken and improve the condition of your lashes and brows in just weeks of using the product.

Having long lashes is something most women would die for. Women have gone through extensive measures just to get longer lashes. It’s something about long lashes that makes your facial features even more attractive than they already are. I naturally have long lashes so it’s not really a huge problem for me. But I do know many women who wish they had longer, thicker lashes.

RapidLash Reviews

I first heard about RapidLash over the summer and I was a bit skeptical. However, after reading up on several blogs and reviews from reputable websites, I think it’s the next big thing in terms of growing longer lashes. I’ve heard nothing but positive remarks about the product.

Sarah-Jean, the Fashionable Housewife Editor- in-Chief, said that after using the product for six weeks, she noticed her lashes were notably longer. She even noticed fewer eyelashes falling out. It was so good she bought 3 tubes of RapidLash just to give away to her readers. Another blogger said she no longer has to curl her lashes, which is something we can all do without. Those lash curlers are a pain in the rear end. She did mention a slight irritation around her eyes during the first couple days, but it was gone by the third day and hasn’t had any reactions since then.

Is RapidLash Safe?

Some question whether this lash/eyebrow growing product is safe. A while back, someone from the Alternative Health Journal claimed that while Rapid Lash can help grow longer lashes, the product contains harmful chemicals like prostaglandin and cloprosteno, which he reported can also produce conditions that you don’t want like eye irritation, loss of vision, and eye-color change.

Steve Tarlow, on the other hand, who writes for the Money Blog at Personal Money Store, provides a contradicting explanation:

“What Rapid Lash has done is make some changes to the original eye-irritating formula. What they use is Isopropyl Cloprostenate, and Rapid Lash asserts that it is different enough from its base components to avoid the problems those non cosmetic components are known to promote. Reportedly, Rapid Lash has in the past and is conducting independent trials to satisfy nay sayers like Sevigny of Alternative Health Journal in order to conclusively prove their product is not harmful.”

See for yourself!

No matter what anyone has to say about the product, there’s no doubt that many people are convinced Rapid Lash is the best product to improve the appearance and condition of lashes and brows. And the product doesn’t come cheap either. You can get a tube of Rapid Lash for $49.95 plus shipping and handling. The company is currently offering a 40-Day risk free trial on the product (includes S&H fee of $6.99). So if you want to save money, you might want to take advantage of their free trial offering and see for yourself whether the product actually works. I’m going to try the product myself and I’ll make sure to post my own review on RapidLash.

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