To Stocks or not to Stocks

Last week I blogged about receiving a gift from my insurance. Although it's not a huge amount, investing it seems to come to mind.

Firstly, I'd love to pay at least some of the bills, but since this insurance was a product of impulsiveness (we thought about it maybe 2 days before finally deciding to get one), I'm also considering possible investment scenarios. I feel considering investing it is important because now, I no longer live for myself, but for my little tot.

I remember my college friend Mike. As soon as he graduated, he went into online stock trading. He said at first it wasn't really that rewarding in terms of money but as you learn how the game is played, you get to choose the right investments. I think this was how he was able to earn enough to enroll himself through college. He is now a doctor.

Another encounter with Stocks was when I had to arrange to sell all my late father's stocks. Reading from the internet, it seemed like we had to go through so much just to have everything transferred to someone else's (my mom for example) name just so we can sell it. Transferring would cost a lot of money and selling would incur taxes as well. Lose-lose situation either way because we would have to shell out money first when the need for money was actually the reason why we were selling. If we didn't need the money, I would have told my mom to hold off until the economy performs better (this was in 2000, I think).

Good thing another college friend, Ge (short for Gerald) helped us out on this. He did everything for us and his fee was very minimal. Up until now he's still doing stock trading on the side. I have yet to prepare my grandmother's requirements since she wants to sell her stocks too so I still keep in touch with Ge.

Browsing the internet for information about stocks led me to a lot of free online training. Maybe when I get more time on my hands I can seriously consider this as an occupation on the side. I love how information can be so easily available, even the daily stock picks. I love numbers, so maybe... one day... one day. For now, I have to decide if it's worth investing into.

Thanks for reading. Hope you all have a great week.

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Mailbox Monday

I'm so excited to join another linky. It's my first time to join this Monday linky and I know I'll have fun! Come join me!



Quoting post from Stacie of Simply Stacie.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday!! A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!

Hosted by Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A little of this A little of that…

Here’s how to join in the fun:

* Add your blog link to the linky
* Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favour.
* Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!

Everyone is welcome to participate. Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.

Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe. We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.

Help us spread the word about Mailbox Monday! Write a post for your blog and add the blog hop code.

Let’s have fun and meet (and read via email) some new blogs!!

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Blog Makeover

I joined WAHMaholics Blog Makeover contest!

I'm not really sure if I can handle a makeover but her designs are simply fab that I couldn't pass up the chance. Do check out her blogs and designs.

Contest ends today so click HERE to join!

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Playing in the rain, finally.

My daughter and I just finished playing in the rain. After a long dry spell, we finally had rain. It poured though it didn't last for more than 10 minutes. I love rain, but apparently, my little one is scared of the sound it made as it hit our roof.

My mom wanted her to see the rain to conquer her fear so she took her to the door. Voila! She opened the door and wanted to step out! I immediately changed my clothes and removed her nappy then took her outside.

The drops were icy cold!! Each drop was huge and coming down real fast. At first she got scared of being wet but since she saw I was happy and smiling, I guess she tried to enjoy it too. My mom then took out her small umbrella to play with. Although she was already soaked, like a princess she still held the umbrella over her head.

Then after maybe 3 minutes, I saw her legs shaking. I quickly carried her so I'd transfer my body heat to her. I asked if she felt cold, "Yes" was her reply. I asked if she wanted to go in already, a vehement "No".

I saw puddles of water quickly forming in the street so I decided to open the gate. As we didn't have any garage doors nor any roofing in our carport, walking to the gate on washed cement carrying a 12kg toddler on your arm proved to be quite a feat. She was so happy seeing the water splash everywhere as tires sped through the puddles. She was also intrigued by other children playing in the rain.

After some time, I decided to take her in, against her will. It was a belief that getting soaked by rain in May can cure prickly heat. But ice cold rain?? I think a few minutes was enough for her. I'd rather have some prickly heat on her than have her have a cold because of it.

How I wish that when we do get our own house constructed, we'd have one of those fancy electric garage doors. Aside from keeping our vehicles (and some other things) safe and dry, it would be easier to just push a button, see the door go up and watch the raindrops from the garage.

Now off to check out some garage door prices! Have a great Friday everyone!

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BHO is back!!

Bloguardian Hellsite: Overcashed is back! Time to reunite with M3o. Let us all spread the word!
Come, join the welcome party! It's raining champagne and DOLLARS now!


Click on the word DOLLARS to join!

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It's Friday once again

It's the last Friday of the month, yay!! Wow, time flies so fast!
I'm looking forward to Follow Me Fridays, New Friend Friday, Friendly Friday Follow, and the new Friday-Follow!

To those who come by my blog from Follow Me Fridays, New Friend Friday or Friendly Friday Follow, or the new and revived Friday-Follow-me, here are a couple of things about me:

1. a stay-at-home mom but trying to find work from home;
2. I have a 20-month old daughter;
3. have 2 other blogs, My Tummy Calls and My Game of Chance;
4. I'm starting to love blogging and article/review writing;
5. I loooooooove Fridays!
6. So please do leave me a link and I'll be more than happy to follow you!
7. I am thumbnail #10 on Follow Me Fridays, #28 on New Friend Friday, #5 on Friendly Friday Follow, and #51 on Friday-Follow-me
   

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It's my week #4 to join Trendy Treehouse's Follow Me Fridays. Click on the button below to join!



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This is my week #2 to join New Friend Friday. I know I'm going to have so much fun!! Looking forward to meeting you all. Also, there's a giveaway happening on our host's site, The Girl Creative. Good luck!

This week's sponsor is Tammy from Stitch-n-Studio. Be sure to check out her site for lots of great stuff.

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This is also my week #2 to join Friendly Friday Follow.



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This is my first week to join the new Friday-Follow. Click on the new badge below to join.


Big thanks to Tami, Ian, and Harriet for reviving the much-loved Friday Follow.

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Wishing you and your family a great weekend!

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A gift from my insurance

My other post got me thinking. Since I will be celebrating my birthday in a couple of weeks, I remembered that it's been 4 years too since I signed up for my insurance! This means I'm eligible for endowment this year (I get a gift every 2 years). Though not much, roughly $1,300, it's enough to help us out with some bills for the month or even for the year. My insurance will also serve as my retirement benefit, since the gift will continue for years.

I am so thankful hubby and I invested on insurance 4 years back. We weren't earning much but we thought it would be a good idea to get one before we turn 30. I'm glad we did.

I'm also happy that his job provides health insurance for both me and my little girl. I know we'll be taken care of if need be. With a little one around, it sure makes parents feel a sense of comfort knowing that their children are covered.

Another thing I'd like to look into is Pet insurance. It's not at very common around here but I know they do offer it in some countries. I'd love to get one for my chocolate labrador, Autumn, who turned 3 last May 16. She was our first "child" and I trained her for some time. My brother now takes care of her since my ex-helper left. It's just impossible to take care of a terrible two toddler and tremendous three lab on my own.

I'm so excited to get my gift notice. Got to watch out for the mailman soon!!

Have a great day everyone! Thanks for reading.

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It's been 4 years!

It's a little past 12am, 28th May, Manila Time. I can't believe hubby and I have been independently living on our own for 4 years now!

A lot of good and bad things have happened since then, but I'm hoping that our 5th year will be different. I hope we will be in our own house by then, though small, it's a home to call our own.

Good morning and thanks for reading. Have a blessed day/evening.

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Good luck and Congratulations

I did a post last March about speaking with an old friend. Last month we tried to chat via yahoo messenger but since she was newly hired by a start-up company, she really couldn't stay and chat. She also went to meetings and had lots of discussions.

Yesterday, she buzzed me and we tried to catch up. This time, she wasn't in any meeting, she was busy with her duties. You see, she's the Country Manager for HR of the new firm, but since it's new, she's also handling the Admin and Finance units. She's somehow in charge of everything, from placing orders for procurement of an ID card printer, sets of ID card and badge holder, etc. to recruitment of their staff and coming up with HR policies.

She's been real busy but I'm so proud of her. There were times when she really had low self-esteem because she couldn't land a job. What destroyed her more was that her private life was also a mess. I am so glad that she's out of it now, both career-wise and personal life, and that she has landed this great opportunity.

Another great news, is that after 4 years (I think), my sister finally has a job too. For a while they were living by my brother-in-law's pay but since their kids are now 7, 6, and 3, with 2 of them attending school already, it just wasn't enough. A head hunter called my sister to let her know that a new company is looking for people with her past experience (credit cards). The head hunter said, she fit the job to a T. When she went to her first interview, she had to take several long mathematical exams. After 4 hours, only 2 out of 40 made it, one being her. She was told that the final interview will be scheduled the week after.

The following week passed and she didn't get any call. She decided to send a text message to her head hunter. The reply, the final interview was being conducted right there and then (about 100 applicants). They forgot to call her! After a lot of apologies, the head hunter said she'll be scheduled the week after, since it was their fault. What surprise that the interviewer/investor, called my sister on her mobile to do the final interview. He was very pleased and asked her questions about credit cards.

My sister then sent a message to the head hunter to let her know that the interview was concluded. The headhunter replied that my sister got the job and she was the first one to be hired. Great huh?

I'm so proud of my sister. I hope she makes it big this time. I hope she realizes that working isn't for fun anymore, that they need it... for their children. She can't job-hop anymore since people, specifically children, depend on her.

To Iya and Tine, good luck on your careers. I wish you success! Congratulations!!!

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Thank you Melay!

Since Monday, my youngest sister Melay has been staying with us. Our youngest brother, and our middle sister will be spending 3 days at the beach with her family and our other relatives. Since no one else will be in the house, I told her she can stay with us.

Melay has been such a big help to me in looking after my little girl. With her in the house, I was able to do lots of chores. My mom helps me out too but since her atopic dermatitis has been acting up due to the change in weather, her hands are literally changing its skin.

Unfortunately, my sister had to go back to work early this morning. I told her that if she can't hail a tricycle at 5am, hubby had agreed to take her to work by car then come back home to prepare himself for work.

When I awoke at 7am, I asked my mom how my sister went to work. She said they were able to hail a trike at around 5:15 to take her to the village entrance. She would then be picked up by an office mate.

What I forgot to tell my mom and my sister was that a few years ago, our neighbor's daughter was held up there, in front of a mini grocery. A man came up from behind and poked a knife at her side and demanded her money. She gave everything she had and came home with a gash. She was very lucky.

This was the time hubby enrolled us in a gym to get fit and hopefully be ready to take some self defense classes. Since I had to commute home sometimes when I used to work, night shift too, he figured at least I would know how to defend myself if needed. Of course, the first thing I'd do is to give everything but if worse comes to worst at least I'd have some martial arts background for a little hope of survival.

With chaos in the world now, learning self defense is a great idea. Unfortunately, I didn't go through with it because I got pregnant (then miscarried) a couple of months after enrollment. But since I remembered this incident, maybe I'd enroll again. I will even invite Melay to learn with me.

Thanks for reading.

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Follow Me Back Tuesday

It's my first week to join this newly discovered blog hop, Follow Me Back Tuesday. If you wish to join, please do click on the badge below to know how and add your blog to the linky.

As with my fridays, I'm very excited to meet new bloggers and discover new ideas.

A big thanks to the hosts Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat & Boobies,Babies And A Blog..

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Ultimate Birthday Gift - Disney World Package

I received word that I won an all-expense paid vacation package to Disney World!

I've been blogging about my little girl's birthday that this news totally surprised me. I hurriedly run to my PC to research about Disney World Packages so I'd know how to spend my prize. From someone who hasn't been outside her own homeland, I was so amazed at what Walt Disney World, also known as Magic Kingdom, has to offer.

I felt giddy just reading about their theme parks, water parks, resorts, golf courses, and other recreational activities. It took me less than an hour to be convinced that this was the prize of a lifetime, for me and my family.

I was ready to reserve tickets and confirm hotel reservations when I felt someone shaking me. It was my little girl, waking me up at 8am. Ugh! It was all a dream! Oh well... I was told to dream big.

Anyway, wouldn't it be just a great, big miracle if indeed I won something like that? When we were younger, my father's siblings all decided that they'd take their kids to the US for a short vacation and to visit Disneyland or Disney World. My father, the ever practical and logical man that he was, decided against it and didn't agree. We (my 2 siblings and I) were the only ones who didn't go through the process of passport application, visa application, etc. I remember him telling me about it then, and it didn't really bother me. When he was telling me about it, I recall him saying that we should only live within our means. Then, it didn't really make sense.

Now though, it makes perfect sense. I am actually grateful I learned that lesson. Now that I have my own family, I will treasure each and every moment that brings us closer to having that grand vacation. I would love for my daughter to be able to visit such places, even all 5 locations around the globe, as long as it is within our means.

Two weeks from now is my birthday. Let's see where that takes me and my family.

Have a great day everyone and thanks for reading.

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Birthday Registry

To sign or not to sign up for a birthday registry, that is the question.

I'm debating whether or not to sign up for a registry for my little one's 2nd birthday. It's not that I'm choosy about the gifts that she should receive. I actually like them all, whether it be kids toys, dresses, footwear, books or personal stuff. I'm just concerned that some of the toys she may receive may no longer be fit for her.

In clothes for example, she wears 3T... and she's not even 2 yet. Her shoes could almost fit her cousin who turned 3 a couple of months back. I know some people would say I'm just probably biased in saying my daughter is a big kid. Almost all parents are anyway when it comes to their children. I just don't want people to get offended when they don't see my daughter wearing or using their gifts because they don't fit her anymore.

I would love for her to receive a lot of educational kids toys. I do believe that ages 1-4 are the best time to teach them. They literally absorb everything like a sponge. As of the moment, she can read most of her books already and surprised us a couple of weeks back by spelling some 3 letter words! I got a knack at letting her spell cow earlier. She looks up as if thinking and says, "C..O..Wa". That made me realize that how she spells isn't because she memorized the words. When I ask her what letter is W, she does say double-u. This is another reason why I'm thinking having a registry is an advantage. At least I'd get to put in toys that I get a feeling she'll love.

The thing with registries, lots of people think that you only list the expensive ones. When I signed up for my bridal shower registry, I had stuff in there for about $1 or so. Sure there were expensive ones, but I didn't expect people to buy it. I signed them up so that if ever we'll buy it, we get an additional discount. Out of all the people who attended the shower, only 2 got from my registry. It wasn't after I opened all the gifts that I realized that the other gifts were way more expensive than those I chose. From that time on, I made sure, that when I was invited to an event and the celebrant signed up for a registry, I check that out first. I may end up saving a lot and buying something I know they'll love.

So given that only a few actually check out registry lists, do you think it's still a good idea to sign up for one?

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Birthday Surprise

After posting a greeting to my nephew Ray Paolo who celebrated his birthday 2 days ago I also dedicated a sort of feedback regarding the cake I bought for him yesterday.

When we got to my mom's place, my sister hurriedly called me. She said that Milkita of Unican sent her about 600 pieces of candies to giveaway. Woohooo! My sister gave away some of the treats but reserved half of it for my niece's birthday celebration on the 26th.

Thank you Milkita for being part of their celebration. I hope we win too in September.

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Birthday Theme

My little one turns 2 in September. I know it's like 4 months away but things seem to be going by so fast that I am thinking of a theme for her party this early.

September is one of those typhoon months in our country. Last year, I had to postpone her party three times, yes 3x, because of major typhoons hitting Manila. Typhoon Ondoy, or internationally known as Ketsana, wrought the biggest havoc and that was the exact date of her party. A few of my friends tried to go but I called them all and said not to, since we were starting to get stuck in heavy floods.

Anyway, since that time of the year is pretty cool because of the rain, I was thinking of a Cowboy theme. At least with all the layers, the kiddos won't sweat much. Being me, I googled cowboy boots before I even thought of the costume and I would love to get my daughter one of those pretty kids John Deere Boots... and it comes in pink and white, yay! Now that I found a perfect pair for my daughter, time to match one for mommy (and maybe daddy) too, right? I found us these Twisted X Boots, and mine can also come in pink and brown to match hers, while a light or dark blue and brown pair would be perfect for Daddy.

Now for the costume. I found some great stuff on ebay, but I thought most of them just look like layers. Frugal me thinks, as long as I have the right boots, scarf and hat, I can pull this off without actually buying a set for the costume. Well actually, I still may need to buy a vest. But at least I spend less right?

I'm getting so excited just thinking of what games to play or what to decorate with. I'm liking what I've thought of and seen (online) so far especially because it's unusual for us here. We don't really have cowboys so this should be one unique party.

Please do let me know if you have any ideas for cheap giveaways or prizes for games. I'd love to hear them. I don't promise that this will be the final theme, but it's a start. Last year we had a fairy (Tinkerbell) party and it was too girly. I felt sorry for the boys that they couldn't dress up much. Now I think it will be more enjoyable for all.

Hmm... so what's next? We'll see tomorrow. Hope y'all are enjoying your Saturdays!

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Red Ribbon Cake - Chocolate Creme Roll

This is not a sponsored post. This is merely my personal opinion and experience regarding Red Ribbon's service and their Chocolate Creme Roll.

I decided to bring a cake or roll for my nephew since it's his birthday. Together with some of our relatives, we will be going to their (my mom's) house later and bring potluck. My sister said she will be having spaghetti ready at around 6pm. My cousin, who is his god-father, will be bringing Roasted Chicken and my grandmother will be bringing the juice.

I decided to call both Goldilocks and Red Ribbon Bakeshop. In the end, I opted for a Chocolate Creme Roll from Red Ribbon. The girl on the phone said it was one of their new products. Besides, you only had to order a minimum of P250 ($5.40) for delivery versus P300 ($6.50) for Goldilocks, which would mean a roll and something else. I placed the order at 11am and scheduled it to be delivered at 2pm since we would be leaving at around 3pm.

So 2pm came and went. By 3pm, I was on the phone twice, once with a Red Ribbon customer service rep and the second time with a supervisor. They had no idea what happened to the order and the supervisor assured me that she will contact the branch manager ASP. By 3:11pm, I got a call from the branch. They informed me that the rider had an accident. His motorcycle was hit by a jeep.

They apologized for the delay and also let me know that the roll I ordered was the last one, thereby meaning it was ruined. They offered me 2 half rolls, a discount and waived delivery fee. It was around 4pm then when I got the rolls.

As a customer, I was very frustrated and disappointed (before knowing what happened to the rider). What if I ordered a really big cake for a grand party? But I also told the manager that knowing the story behind the incident, I also feel for the rider. I even asked how he was and if they already took him to the hospital to be checked. I also thanked them for the discount.

Anyway, about the cake, we loved it! It wasn't too sweet but very chocolatey. I love the chocolate fudge in the middle as much as the choco cream covering the whole thing. The cake itself was very soft too. We will definitely order it again. It's only P150 ($3) for half a roll.

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My New Discovery - Fire extinguishers

Still about my discoveries in my own house, care to guess what I found tucked at the very back of one of my kitchen cabinets? Fire extinguishers! Not 1 but 4 of them.

Since our country lies near the equator, our temperature is about 32C (89.6F) on a normal non-summer-peak day. Last Wednesday, I just heard on the news that Manila sizzled at 37.5C (99.5F), it's hottest for the year and is expected to breach the 38C (100.4F) mark. Statistics show year on year that fire breakouts increase every summer. They are caused mostly by appliances left unattended and short-circuiting due to extreme heat.

Upon seeing those fire extinguishers, I was both dismayed and relieved. Dismayed that my ex-helper never thought to ask where to put them. Of course, I would have scattered them all over the house in strategic places so we can get to them fast in an emergency. But I was relieved just knowing I had them available.

I've heard oftentimes that people would rather be robbed and lose some things rather than lose everything due to fire. So upon seeing my new discoveries, I check on their expiration date. There was none. I immediately googled to know more about it and found out that if it hasn't been used, it's good for 6 years AND should be tested once a year. The thing is, these were given to us almost 2 years ago. I don't know exactly when it was bought or if it was even tested. I guess I'll have to bring it somewhere to have it checked and refilled if needed.

Another thing I found out from Google was that there were different types of extinguishers for different classes of fires. Since we had lots of electrical equipments in the house (PCs, laptops, servers, switches and a big bulky multi-function copier), it would be best if we have a couple of CO2 fire extinguishers as well. It can tackle electrical fires and is safe for sensitive electrical equipments. If it's true, then I can rest assured that most of our equipments can still be used in the event that we use the CO2 fire extinguisher instead of the conventional foam extinguisher. Imagine the saved investment in that! I do hope though that the time to use it never comes.

How about you? Any new discoveries in your own house?

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Happy birthday Paolo!

Happy, happy 7th birthday to my one and only nephew
Ray Paolo!
We love you so much!!!
Be a good boy always.

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Worldwide Mission Monkey Day!

First off, a big "Thank you!" to Ian over at The Daily Dose of Reality for spearheading this linkup. I, as a mother, really appreciate all the effort everyone puts up to try and help little Monkey. I have no financial means to help at the moment but I hope that by spreading this post, Momma Michelle and Little Monkey get more help from all the wonderful bloggers out there.

Thanks again Ian for the HTML code below.

Hello blog-world! I am participating in what's known around the world as Mission Monkey day! What is Mission Monkey you ask? Well, there's this blogger friend of ours known as Pixie Momma, aka Michelle. Michelle has a little girl, or Monkey as she's known by who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. To learn more about it, click here. Monkey is a sweet little 16 month old girl. She doesn't deserve this. Nobody deserves this.

But the good news is that Monkey only has Stage 1 (low risk). The bad news is the medical bills are mounting and the Physical Therapy (starts today) isn't covered by insurance. Michelle is using the donated money to offset medical bills. She will donate and unused portion to another family dealing with the same issue.

This is why the blogging universe is banning together like never before to rally around Michelle and Monkey to provide support. In addition to further entice you to lend your hand, and donate to the cause, we have over 50 items that have been donated. Many bloggers are hosting these fabulous giveaways and all you need to win one of these items is just one raffle ticket.

Donation pages:
Princess of Sarcasm - http://bit.ly/9nUmBp
The One and Only Oka - http://bit.ly/9KZSOG
SupahMommy - http://bit.ly/bSMrGw
Jenn B Says #1 - http://bit.ly/bYzHAH
Jenn B Says #2 - http://bit.ly/bej01D
Amber - http://bit.ly/cTGq29
Two Little Monkeys - http://bit.ly/cZKjzK
Mommy's Nest - http://bit.ly/9tLjoy
Chief's Hiding From the Kids - http://bit.ly/cfKIiO
Jenny - http://bit.ly/dftIS2
Jana (link forthcoming)

You may donate any amount of money via PayPal as it's linked directly to Michelle's bank account. However, in order to be a part of the raffle, this is how that's going to go. If you donate the following, you get the subsequent number of entries:

• $10 - 2 entries


• $20 - 5 entries


• $30 - 10 entries


• $40 - 15 entries


• $50 - 20 entries


• $75 - 35 entries


• $100 - 50 entries


• $200 - 125 entries

The raffles for each item will start on or around July 1st.

Click on Monkey to donate!

<h2 class='title'>Click on Monkey to donate...please help!</h2><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" /><br /> <input type="hidden" name="encrypted" value="-----BEGIN PKCS7-----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-----END PKCS7----- " /><br /> <input type="image" src="http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/Heather910Pics/missionmonkey.png" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /><br /> <img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1" /><br /> </form>

If you are donating money via PayPal, I need to know who it's coming from. For example, look at the first picture below. The link takes to you this screen. Press the plus sign and then indicate your blog name/blog email address so I can track you accordingly.

And, here's the thing: this could be any of our kids.
Thank you for your time and thank you for your donation.

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There are also a few other things going on to celebrate Mission Monkey please visit them all!



Twitter party!
More info can be found here - CASH PRIZES!!!!!!

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Kerri over at Kerri's Klutter is donating $1 for each and every linkup she receives for her weekly meme, Comment Love Letters. In addition, Adrienne is matching Kerri's donation dollar for dollar! Go and link up and support Mission Monkey!

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ZGirl and Travis are participating in a weight loss challenge and they are asking for your sponsorship. Please visit them and lend your support!

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Jenn over at BabyStepsInHighHeels has a challenge where she's going to donate $1 for every comment/new follower from now until the end of May. Please visit her!



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Thanks again everyone and I do hope you and your family have a great weekend.

Read more here