Shared Work Program
This program may be available in your state, and is offered through the Department of Economic Security (DES). Business owners can apply, and if approved, will have up to 40% of their employee payroll paid by the state. It is basically partial unemployment. A full-time (40 hour/week) employee would work reduced hours (24 hour/week) and claim 2 days/week of unemployment. Employees do not have to look for work elsewhere, and aside from the initial sign-up form, do not have to complete weekly unemployment reports.

American Express
Turn your Blue Sky points into gift cards. Two $50 gift cards are heading my way, and all it cost me were points. Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend. $25 gift cards available starting at 3,250 points.

Google Shopping
Find the best price for gifts. To access Google Shopping, go to http://www.google.com/products. Type in the gift you are looking for, press enter, and the results return immediately. You can refine your search by price or ratings.

Automatic Renewal
Pay attention to automatic renewal notices. If you no longer want/need the product, cancel your membership. While on the American Express site, I noticed a $79.00 fee from Amazon had been applied to my account. It was for their Premier Shipping, a program I signed up for two Christmases ago. While it suited my needs in the past, it doesn’t suit them now. The fee was 100% refundable. I also contacted Proactiv and Consumer Reports and canceled those automatic renewals.

Mac
Apple is offering 12-months interest free financing on new Macs, plus $100 rebate when you purchase a Mac and a printer. Printers start at $99.95. Qualify for the rebate through January 18, 2010. Rumor has it Apple will be offering huge discounts on Black Friday.

Coupon Codes
Before finalizing your online shopping orders, search for coupon codes. Google the name of the E-tailer plus the word coupon. Using this technique, I received free shipping from Snapfish, a savings of $6.11.

Fits of laughter.

“Ok, I’ll take my big cannon and show you who’s boss.” Tom cajoled.

More laughter and innuendo.

The buzz of the evening wore off, but the playful conversation lingered in my head. Was he ready for his close up? Yes, actually he was. While I set up the tripod, he cleared the counter and set up an array of spices and secret ingredients for we were making an instructional video. Not the type Carrie Prejean would record but an honest to goodness How To video for making jerky.

I should call him One Take Tom for he could expound on the subject without missing a beat. It was hard to decide what should fall to the cutting room floor, or be deleted via iMovie. He’s my husband, and I felt a bit guilty omitting recorded episodes of meat grinding, salt sprinkling, and the tearing open of hot pepper packets. But cut I did, and replaced with photos overlaid with text. Even with all the snips, the video runs nearly seven minutes long. I’ll post the YouTube link below for those interested in jerking their meat.

With Mommy and Daddy making videos, it seemed natural when my seven year old asked to record her recipe for a soda drink. She wrote down her ingredients, sending Tom to the store for more Diet Coke. She had plenty of Pepsis which are on hand for guests. Her little sister was her lovely assistant, nodding her head and chiming in at just the right moment. I think my girls had a lot of presence for seven and four. Who else but a child would combine the two powerhouses of cola?

• Coke or Pepsi?
• Carrie Prejean, Donald Trump, or Perez Hilton?
• Behind the camera or in front of it?

Fits of laughter.

“Ok, I’ll take my big cannon and show you who’s boss.” Tom cajoled.

More laughter and innuendo.

The buzz of the evening wore off, but the playful conversation lingered in my head. Was he ready for his close up? Yes, actually he was. While I set up the tripod, he cleared the counter and set up an array of spices and secret ingredients for we were making an instructional video. Not the type Carrie Prejean would record but an honest to goodness How To video for making jerky.

I should call him One Take Tom for he could expound on the subject without missing a beat. It was hard to decide what should fall to the cutting room floor, or be deleted via iMovie. He’s my husband, and I felt a bit guilty omitting recorded episodes of meat grinding, salt sprinkling, and the tearing open of hot pepper packets. But cut I did, and replaced with photos overlaid with text. Even with all the snips, the video runs nearly seven minutes long. I’ll post the YouTube link below for those interested in jerking their meat.

With Mommy and Daddy making videos, it seemed natural when my seven year old asked to record her recipe for a soda drink. She wrote down her ingredients, sending Tom to the store for more Diet Coke. She had plenty of Pepsis which are on hand for guests. Her little sister was her lovely assistant, nodding her head and chiming in at just the right moment. I think my girls had a lot of presence for seven and four. Who else but a child would combine the two powerhouses of cola?

• Coke or Pepsi?
• Carrie Prejean, Donald Trump, or Perez Hilton?
• Behind the camera or in front of it?