Annie's Savvy Cafe

Christmas Cards

I am keeping this post on top through the holidays so everyone will have easy access to the FREE CARD link.

There is no denying it, Christmas is coming whether you are ready or not. I for one am not ready except in the Christmas Card department. This is usually where I fall down in my holiday duties, but not this year. I have discovered the best way to send out cards efficiently, cost effectively and without skimping on quality. Actually, the quality is better than store bought cards!

Here are a few bullet points about this tool that might get your attention:

• Over 15,000 cards to choose from in the card catalog
• You can send a printed greeting card in less than 60 seconds
• You can personalize with your own message
• You can upload your own handwriting font
• Online Contact Manager that you can access from any computer
• Cards are printed, stuffed, stamped and mailed for you
• You can include gifts and gift cards with your cards
• Choose from postcards, 2-sided or 3-sided cards
• Glossy or Matte finish
• Schedule cards to be sent for a certain time
• Calendar and upcoming events reminder
• You can upload your own photos to your cards
• You can upload your own designs from other programs
• You can send a card for less than a $1

Phew....that's a lot of great points on the subject, huh? I even forgot a few like you can make money at home with this card program if you choose. WOW!!!

Well, I won't keep you waiting any longer, click on this link and you can check out this awesome program by sending a FREE Card.

Here are a few examples of some nice holiday cards...

   

Private Quarters

Private Quarters is the nation's premier direct selling company focused on high quality linens for the bed and bath. I was introduced to Private Quarters by a dear friend of mine who has become an Independent Comfort Consultant for them. She highly recommends the products and stands by the quality and customer service that the company provides.  I myself have browsed through the PQ catalog and could easily buy something from every page.  But....this is the season for giving to others, so I am trying to limit my purchases to gifts for my friends and family. 

My friend and personal PQCC (Private Quarters Comfort Consultant) was very generous (and sneaky) and sent me one of the Satin Reversible Robes as a gift. It is unbelievably soft and luxurious and makes me feel like I am in my own little spa getaway. As a matter of fact, I plan to redecorate my master bathroom to reflect the spa feeling that only PQ can deliver.

In today's busy and stressful world, we all search for new ways to experience relaxation and sleep better. After a long day, we all long to slip into our bed at night and feel the touch of butter-soft sheets and have our stress melt away as we sink into our featherbed and feel the pure white goose down comforter surround us.

There are several ways to partake in the Private Quarters experience. You can buy directly through a consultant's website, you can host a party in your home, you can host a catalog party, or you can become a PQCC yourself. These are all great ways to jump start the holiday season. You can get hostess gifts for parties or discounts for being a PQCC.

Believe me when I say this is something you will want to share with friends and family. For more information please click on any of the links above...and tell her Annie sent ya!!!

Turkey Day Countdown

The Vue personal video network

Wondering what is going on at home or in the office while you are away? Avaak, a leader in the supply of ultra low-power easy-to-use, wire-free video technology has just launched its Vue™ personal video network. Combining real-time remote video viewing and Internet connectivity, the wire-free Vue system is a network of small, magnetic mounted, battery-powered wireless cameras with a range of up to 300 feet that can transmit an estimated one million frames on a single battery.

via www.gizmag.com

This would be the perfect "Nanny Cam" or baby monitor. This will even enable small business owners to keep an eye on things. Hollywood CSIs are going to love this don't you think?

Follow me

If any of you are interested in the MonaVie business or products, please follow me over to my new blog dedicated to MonaVie and all the great news that it is creating worldwide!  The Cafe MonaVie!!

It just keeps getting better...

I try to avoid doing back to back posts about MonaVie mostly because I know many people just aren't interested, but this just can't be helped. MonaVie has had a very exciting week and it just keeps getting better. I would be amiss in my duties as a good blogger if I did not share this information with you.

MonaVie on the Move:

MonaVie congratulates Tomas Scheckter and Will Power for their amazing performances at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Tomas Scheckter, driving the No. 19 MonaVie car placed 12th overall, while Will Power finished in fifth place. Of the 33 drivers who began the race, only 20 finished, including Scheckter and Power. After starting from the 26th position, Scheckter used his excellent race management skills to gain several positions throughout the day and push for a strong finish.
Millions of television viewers who tuned in to watch the Indianapolis 500 on ABC, ESPN, and VERSUS got their first glimpse of MonaVie E^MV. Tomas Scheckter became an instant fan favorite, as thousands got online to wish him luck in the days leading up to the big race. Sports websites from Motorcar.com to ESPN.com broadcasted the news that MonaVie is, indeed, on the move. Now, everyone is ready for the next Wave of MonaVie E^MV!

Sign up NOW to be a MonaVie Distributor - FREE ENROLLMENT! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY! NOTHING TO LOSE! EVERYTHING TO GAIN!

Now for the really cool news....63% of the top 75 in the World top Income earners in Network Marketing come from Mona Vie… Still Questioning whether or not this company is going to be big??? Here are some MONTHLY income figures:

1    Lita & Brig Hart    Monavie*    $573,411

2    Gina & Steve Merritt    Monavie*    $407,389   

3    Rolf Kipp    For Ever Living Products    $400,000    
4    Mike Dillard    Magnetic Sponsoring    $395,000    
5    Barry Chi & Holly Chen    Amway    $375,000    
6    Sherman Unkefer    Xango    $350,000    
7    Jay Kubassek    CarbonCopyPro    $300,000    
8    Charlie & Debbie Kalb    Monavie*    $292,000    
9    Darrell & Tracy Utterbach    Monavie*    $292,000    
10    Kelly Bangert    Monavie*    $292,000    
11    Ron & Brenda Prudhomme    Monavie*    $292,000    
12    Scott and Sue Olsen    Monavie*    $292,000    
13    Corbin & Holly Roush    Monavie*    $270,168    
14    Dexter Yager    Amway    $250,000    
15    Max Schwarz    Amway    $250,000    
16    Jeff Roberti    NSA-Juiceplus    $250,000    
17    Dave Johnson    Nikken    $250,000    
18    Onyx Coale & Robert Addie    Monavie*    $223,984    
19    Peter & Eva Muller-Meerkatz    Amway    $175,000    
20    Kaoru Nakajima    Amway    $165,000
21    Sunny Su & Debra Hsu Hsieh    Amway    $165,000    
22    Margie Aliprandi    Neways    $165,000    
23    Rita Hui    USANA    $160,000    
24    Alan Lorrenz    Herbalife    $150,000    
25    Collette Larsen    USANA    $150,000    
26    Zachary Ross    USANA    $150,000    
27    Art and Terry Manville    Xango    $150,000    
28    Craig Bryson    Nu Skin    $150,000    
29    Ken Pontious    Enrich (Numico)    $150,000    
30    Orin Woodward    Monavie*    $150,000    
31    Tom Alkazin    Vemma    $145,000    
32    Randy Gage    Agel    $140,000    
33    Ruth Elliot    Vemma    $135,000    
34    Amy & Tim Marks    Monavie*    $129,000    
35    Anthony & Megan Wolfenden    Monavie*    $129,000    
36    Bob & Linda Robinson    Monavie*    $129,000    
37    Brian & Jacqueline Thayer    Monavie*    $129,000    
38    Brian & Jill Cattano    Monavie*    $129,000    
39    Calvin Becerra & Casey Chavez    Monavie*    $129,000    
40    Carol & Ken Porter    Monavie*    $129,000    
41    Carrie & Bo van Pelt    Monavie*    $129,000    
42    Carrie & Godon Dickie    Monavie*    $129,000    
43    Carrie & Jason Lyons    Monavie*    $129,000    
44    Devon Robinson    Monavie*    $129,000    
45    Ed & Shelly Aristizabel    Monavie*    $129,000    
46    Eric & Rebekah Gutman    Monavie*    $129,000    
47    Franck & Tina Dupart    Monavie*    $129,000    
48    Frank & Cindy Sounicek    Monavie*    $129,000    
49    Grayson Maule    Monavie*    $129,000    
50    Jill & Mark Ewell    Monavie*    $129,000    
51    John & Barbara Sims    Monavie*    $129,000
52    Kathleen Deggelman    Monavie*    $129,000    
53    Linda & Bob Robinson    Monavie*    $129,000    
54    Mark & Tami Crawford    Monavie*    $129,000    
55    Matthew & Kimberley Curtis    Monavie*    $129,000    
56    Patrice & Joseph Licciardi    Monavie*    $129,000    
57    Penny & Andre Walton    Monavie*    $129,000
58    Phil & Jennifer Sack    Monavie*    $129,000    
59    Rob & Lisa Alwin    Monavie*    $129,000    
60    Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne    Monavie*    $129,000    
61    Rodney Howard    Monavie*    $129,000    
62    Ronn & Janich Prpich    Monavie*    $129,000    
63    Sandra & Angel Matos    Monavie*    $129,000    
64    Shelly & Ed Aristizabal    Monavie*    $129,000    
65    Sheree & Steven Burton    Monavie*    $129,000    
66    Stephanie & Todd Smith    Monavie*    $129,000    
67    Teresa & Scott Henry    Monavie*    $129,000    
68    Tim Wilson    Monavie*    $129,000    
69    Todd & Angelique Hartog    Monavie*    $129,000    
70    Vick & Mick Karshner    Monavie*    $129,000    
71    Kang Hyeon Sook & Ryu InIk    Amway    $125,000    
72    Leonard & Esther Kim    Amway    $125,000    
73    Tissa Godavitarne    Tissa    $125,000
74    Bill & Peggy Britt    Amway    $120,000    
75    Jim & Nancy Dornan    Amway    $120,000

ENERGY...to the power of MonaVie!!

*MonaVie E release date TBA

Let's talk about Facebook...

Last year, about the time both kids left for college and beyond, I decided to join this social network called Facebook. My sole reason for joining was to keep in contact with the kids and to be able to chat with them live and just kind of know what they are doing without expecting too much from them in the way of actual communication. I have also had a lot of bloggers recommend Facebook for networking.
And so it began...I loaded my profile with some pertinent personal info, and I invited a few people to be my friend. After just a few hours I had more friends than I realized. Most of them were relatives (some of which I didn't know I had) and the rest of them were friends of my kids,but still, it was pretty intriguing. Navigating around the site can get a little tricky because you are always being lured to games and quizzes and advertisements and can easily click on the wrong thing and end up in cyber hell on a virtual date with a Russian porn star.

As I became more familiar with my new Facebook surroundings, I was able to find some pretty fun things to get into. This is not just a social site, but it has many activities to keep you busy and addicted.  The first thing that happened was one of my good friends sent me a horse for my Farm. What Farm? I didn't even know I had a Farm, let alone animals I had to care for. At first I was afraid it was like those Tamagotchis that you had to feed and care for or else it would die. I was seriously thinking of "unfriending" this person that thought I needed one more thing to care for. She finally assured me it was just a silly gift and there was no attention required on my part. She was almost right. As I dove deeper into Facebook, I found that not only should I be planting and harvesting on my Farm, but I now also have a Lil' Blue Cove with exotic fish and a Lil' Green Patch with flowers and plants. My cove gets cloudy and gets trash in it and I have to clean it. My patch gets squirrels and weeds and digging dogs in it and I have to tend to it. Yikes!! My own house and yard are already suffering due to my newly found addiction, but now I am suppose to care for something that isn't actually in my true reality.

These Facebook creators really know how to reach out and grab everyone. I saw some of my friends taking silly quizzes about their personalities and what celebrity they should be and I thought they were all very bored or else sinking into a deep depression. Then it happened... I came across a Disney trivia quiz, then a Twilight trivia quiz and then a "What is your vampire name" questionaire. I figured a few cute little questions wouldn't hurt, but unfortunately that leads to "What Brady Bunch character are you"?, "What T.V. Mom are you"?, and "What state should you be living in"?  Really? This is what what my life has come to? I think Facebook is actually creating a false reality so that we all forget what a mess the economy is in not to mention the people that should be out looking for jobs instead of tending to fake Farms and Coves.

I talked my hubby into signing up (actually I created an account for him against his wishes) so that he could keep up with the kids and possibly find some old friends. I also thought this would be fun to send some love "Flair" while he was traveling. Flair is another word for cutesy buttons with fun sayings on them. This quickly became my favorite thing to do...send Flair!!!

It didn't take hubby long before he discoverd the "dark side" of Facebook. He was contacted by his ex-wife who not only wanted to be friends, but wanted to know more about his life and family, blah blah blah!! He didn't want anything to do with that and quickly retreated from any contact with her.

On the other hand, I have been able to re-connect with friends from High School that I thought were long gone from my life. It really warms my heart to be able to chat with them and share our life experiences and reminisce about our old friendships and the fun we had. This is what I think Facebook should really be about. I have also dug up some family that I didn't know I had and that is really nice as we grow older.

So, despite the many silly distractions, I thoroughly enjoy Facebook and I am very thankful for the friends that I have reunited with. Sometimes, I even get to talk to my kids and see what they are up to!!

Dexter's Birthday!

Most of you probably remember me like this when I was very small...

  

Well, today is my birthday and I am not so small anymore...

   

I am 1 year old today and I am a very big boy weighing in at 81 pounds. We went to PetSmart today and I picked out a new toy. Then we went to Arby's and I got some curly fries because they are my favorite!! Everyone thinks I am a little spoiled but I like things the way they are!

Why I don't fish....

Click to play...I don't usually make it a habit of posting many videos, but this one really made me laugh and just confirms why I don't fish. Thanks Dad!!!

Is this how the "Chaos Theory" works?

I am sure some of you have seen this before, but it totally cracked me up so I thought I would share it.

Yes, I'm still alive and blogging...

I have written before about how life gets in the way, but good grief......I let it run away with me this time. I have no good excuse. I guess I could make one up, but what's the point?
I have spent a reasonable amount of time working on my MonaVie business, which I love. That is something I can devote as much or as little time to as I see fit, which is perfect for me. No real guilt involved!!!!

I have also been remodeling my home office. Now, when I say "remodel", what I really mean is that I have completely destroyed the room and I know where nothing is. All but one computer is unplugged, and all my organization (I use this term loosely) is gone. The pile of bills that was on my desk is now in a box waiting to be sifted through. So, if you are a bill collector and I owe you money, you are going to have to call and ask me for it and I will dig you out of the pile.(Keep in mind this only works on a first come, first served basis).

My Dad is doing all the real work as far as the office is concerned. He is building me all new desks and cabinets designed for my own personal needs. I looked at the really expensive office furniture in the Pottery Barn catalog because that is what I have always wanted. Although their furniture looks great in the catalog, your choices are limited and the price tag is out of this world. When Dad is doing the build work, your choices have no limits and the quality is the best there is, right down to the heavy duty hardware. When the office is completely finished, I will post a picture for all to see. If you live close enough, you may be lucky enough to have Dad build you something, but we don't ship!

I used to consider myself an EntreCard addict, which was justifiable because it kept me in touch with my blogging world friends. Now, I have to say I am a FaceBook addict. I am not proud of this, and I would like to say I can quit at any time, but I would be lying. I have a lot to say about FaceBook so I am going to save it for another post.

Let's see, what else can I blame my absence on? Oh I remember...I have read all 4 books in the Twilight series. That is more reading than I have done in 2 years, let alone 2 months.

Now that I am done whining, I will get back to regular blogging and getting in touch with my favorite bloggers again...you know who you are!! For those of you that still stop by even though I have given you no reason to, thank you from the bottom of my little pea-pickin' heart.

MonaVie on the Red Carpet

MonaVie Announces Official Sponsorship in Honor of the Academy Awards

MonaVie will be making its debut on the red carpet as an official sponsor at the upcoming Secret Room Events Red Carpet Style Lounge in honor of the 81st Academy Awards. This exclusive “invite only” occasion will feature a posh gifting suite, where nominees and other celebrity guests will receive VIP services and treatments in preparation for the awards ceremony.  MonaVie will be featured in exclusive celebrity and media gift baskets, and corporate brand ambassadors will be serving up shots of MonaVie Pulse in celebration of American Heart Month. Check back regularly for Oscar sneak peeks and updates on celebrity sightings.

Join the fun and host your own red carpet tasting party! Mark your calendars for February 22, and start working on a guest list. Click here for some quick tips to make your event a success!

Anyone interested in trying MonaVie or checking out the business, please go to my site and take advantage of FREE ENROLLMENT for FEBRUARY ONLY!

Puppy Training

Thank you to one of my loyal readers...

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PUPPY!!!

• Pour cold apple juice on the carpet in several places and walk around barefoot in the dark.

• Wear a sock to work that has had the toes shredded by a blender.

• Immediately upon waking, stand outside in the rain and dark saying, "Be a good puppy and go potty - hurry up now -- come on, lets go."

• Cover all of your best suits with dog hair. Dark suits must have white hair and light suits must have dark. In addition, some hair must be in your first cup of morning coffee.

• Play catch with a wet tennis ball.

• Run out in the snow in your bare feet to close the gate.

• Tip over a basket of clean laundry, scatter clothing all over the floor. Taking care to shred at least one of each pair of socks.

• When the doorbell rings drop your dirty underwear on the living room floor, because that is where the pup will drag it anyway, after all, company is coming.

• Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV show and run to the door shouting, "No, No! Do that outside!" Miss the end of the program.

• Gouge the leg of the dining room table several times with a screwdriver.

• Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning, and do not try to clean it up until you return from work that evening.

TAKE A WARM, CUDDLY BLANKET OUT OF THE DRYER AND IMMEDIATELY WRAP IT AROUND YOURSELF!! THIS IS THE FEELING YOU GET WHEN YOUR PUPPY FALLS ASLEEP ON YOUR LAP!!

If you think you hate your job...

When you have an 'I Hate My Job' day, try this out:
On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.  Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed. Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Now, for the fun part...

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

'Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson &Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized. ' 

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times,'I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson &Johnson.'

Ella...Enchanted

I am beginning to think I should just put a sign on my door that says "Drop homeless pets here". I am usually a sucker for such things as kittens and puppies and I think God knows it. No matter what ugly thing they might turn into, as a baby, all animals are adorable. Again, God knows this, and that is how it is easier for them to find homes. He made them that way for a reason!
 As I was growing up, I had my fair share of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish and even a squirrel (that is another post altogether).  Not always at the same time though. They were spread out over the years in such the way that we were never actually running a zoo or anything. This was because my Dad kept a level head about such things as pets and he could see beyond their cuteness factor. I pretty much had to beg for every animal, and that only worked occasionally. He put up a good front pretending that he really didn't like animals very much except for maybe dogs, but I have since learned it was all a big facade.
When I got married the first time (again, another post altogether) I knew I was in trouble, not for obvious reasons, but because my husband would let me have anything I wanted. He did not know the meaning of the word "No" where I was concerned. That led to 2 dogs, 5 cats, 4 aquariums, and a cow. All this the first month we were married! I could write a book! When my son was born I realized I was in more trouble because he would obviously be bringing home animals as little boys tend to do.
Over the years, and one hubby later, I tried to use more common sense when filling my house with animals,and I learned the meaning of the word "No". Much to my surprise, my son never brought home any animals, not even snakes or lizards or any other slimy boy thing. This was easier than I had expected.
Well, now we live with a manageable level of 2 dogs, 1 cat and 1 parrot. That is if you don't count our friend that moved in with her dog, and then the dog she rescued a few months later. Okay, so we live with 4 dogs, 1 cat and 1 parrot. It took a little getting used to, but eventually everyone settled in nicely and we are one big happy family.
Then it happened - after almost 20 years, and attending his sophomore year of college, my darling child rescued his first animal. I couldn't believe it when I got the phone call. He had jumped a fence to rescue a kitten from a dangerous roadway and she was already settled into his dorm room (which isn't allowed). So, I am told that this kitten needs a loving, understanding mother like he has to give her a safe place to live. All of a sudden I knew nothing of the word "No". What was wrong with me? I knew better. Or so I thought I did. As usual, when it comes to the boys, I challenge them to remember the last time I said "No" to anything that was really important to them, so once again, I caved.

Meet Ella...

 

Ella likes to sleep in the mail basket on the counter. I think she feels safe way up high where the dogs don't go.

 

Ella would rather play with her new collar as opposed to actually wearing it. It has a little pink bell that I thought would be useful in finding her as she claimed all her new hiding spots in the house. I guess she has other plans as most cats do.

Ella smiles!!! I think she is happy in her new home!