Having a Home

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

Having my own home has always been a dream of mine although I thought it would be under different circumstances. I always thought I’d be moving into my first home with a new husbandbut that’s just not the way things have panned out and since I’m 28 and have a great job I figure it’s finally time to move out of mom and dad’s and into my own home. I’m really excited about the new place and I got Texas ADT Security to make me feel more secure and I’m having someone come in after I get settled and paint all the rooms. It’s going to make everything feel much homier and I know that at the end of the day I’m going to love coming home to my own place and not having to answer to anyone about where I’m going and what I’m doing. I love being a strong, responsible adult and I know my future husband’s going to appreciate my independence, too, at least that’s what I hope!

Security with Direct TV

With all the chaos in the world now, I’m thinking if I should convince my husband to upgrade our security system like the package I saw at Home Security Higley. Sometimes I get paranoid about what I see on the news and when all I hear are bad things, I get worried for me and my daughter.

Just recently, a fellow mom from back home was robbed. The robber entered their house while everyone was either taking their afternoon nap, watching TV or was using the computer. It’s a good thing the village security was able to apprehend the robber and all their valuables were recovered.

That’s exactly what makes me paranoid. When we watch something in our Direct TV, I make sure that all doors and windows are locked and secured. Sometimes we get so absorbed in something that we can barely hear anything else. Our security system is okay for now but I know later on I would need to upgrade, just for my peace of mind.

The Magical Nights of Lights

Growing up near Lake Sydney Lanier, one of my favorite Christmas light locations has always been the Magical Nights of Lights. I remember as a child getting ready for this big event each year. We would bundle up in our winter coats, mom would set the house alarm from BESTHOMESECURITY.com, and we would jump into the car to head out to the lake. Every year we would get to the same spot about 3 miles from the lights and traffic would stop. One I got to that spot I knew I was close. We would listen to Christmas music and all talk with each other throughout our wait to get to the huge gate. Once we went around this bog corner the huge gate was waiting, all lit up saying “Welcome to the Magical Nights of Lights”. After we went through the gate the show started. There were lights on both sides of the road on every inch of grass. As we rode though we would see the song the twelve days of Christmas portrayed though lights, snowflake lights falling through the trees, and so much more. The lights went on for 2 miles down the road. Once we got to the end we would always get out and they have a small fair set up, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, a nativity scene, a gift shop, Santa pictures, and so much more. It was always a magical experience for me as a child and after 20 years the Magical Nights of Lights still exists to today.

Post contributed by Hilton Miranda

Staying Safe During the Holidays - A Few Tips

Did you set your home alarm before you left the house today? Unfortunately, this time of peace on earth is overshadowed by thieves. Take one minute as you leave the house to double check doors and windows are locked, as well as gates to your backyard.

Ladies, as you leave the department or grocery store and are unloading all those sacks into your vehicle, where is your purse? Still in the shopping cart that you are unloading from? Place it in the car FIRST, before unloading groceries and packages so no one walks by and casually lifts your purse from the cart when you have your back turned. Keep your keys in your pocket and lock the car as you take the cart to a "cart park".

Now that you are safely back home, don't forget to close up and lock your vehicle after unloading, even though you live in a "safe" neighborhood. I use to make fun of a friend of mine who locked her car even in the garage, until I heard a story of someone breaking into a garage and stealing a car that keys had been left in after robbing the house and hurting the family that was home.

It is a good habit to keep the doors and windows locked while you are in the house as well, with the home alarm from InHomeSecurity set, to dissuade potential unwanted guests. It's your property, your belongings, keep them safe year round! Happy Holidays!

Guest post written by my buddy Royce Heath

Aches and Pains and Sports

After setting my home security system from www.AllHomeSecurity.com, I got into my car to drive to the local gym. This particular gym offers an adult sports league for those of us who can no longer keep up with the youngsters. As a kid, I was not athletic in any form of the word. I was a skeleton with a thin layer of skin attached. As I approached my college years, I decided to add muscle to my bones. Years later, I still enjoy sports; however, my body will not allow me to play as vigorously as I once did. My adult sports league allows me to continue participating in an http://www.bigactive.com/blog/ lifestyle while keeping my body in one healthy piece. There are always running jokes and jabs at the aches and pains of each other, but it is all in good fun. I participate in soccer and basketball adult sports leagues, and I can see a change in my home life since I started playing. Going and playing sports is my stress outlet and my wife could not be happier that I no longer take out the stress of work on her and the kids. If you are not as physically fit as you once were but still enjoy playing sports, I would say that an adult sports team is a fantastic way to stay active.

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

Black Friday Equals Money Saved

Don't think of me as a tight wad. I am really thrifty but not a tight wad. And if I can save a dollar or two or even more then I can't turn a deal like that down. So I went to Black Friday. Waited outside of the stores until time to go inside. The whole time my dad is standing right beside me fussing that 3 AM is too early to be out for this shopping mess. I sent him one way and then I went the other. What can I say? He can man a TV into a buggy and not lose it to some nut that didn't get there in time.

The sad thing is we spent the whole day store jumping. I bought several pairs of sneakers from Shoe Show at the mall. Got one of those cute little personalized ornaments from Hallmark. Flat screen TV and a DVD player which was desperately needed. The small 19 inch TV wasn't cutting it no more and I graduated to a 37 inch flat screen. Life has been kind to me this year. I saved a total of $150 dollars and to me that was Christmas enough. Got to be thankful for the alarm company. Dad is the one that pushed me to get a home security system (ADT Security Michigan monitoring). Turning it on makes my house feel more secure.

Guest post written by Kelly Blanchard

Costumes for All Hallow's Eve!

Guest post written by my buddy Hans Hale

Halloween is my favorite time of year! I love dressing up and finding ways that my husband and I can be creatively dressed as a dynamic duo. We plan for it almost all year long, and below is the account of our most recent outing to shop for this year's costume.

We weren't sure what we were going to go as this year. We heard about a new halloween costume store about 20 minutes away, so we set our home security alarm (www.securitychoice.com/) and we were off! About 20 minutes later, we arrived at the Mecca of all costume stores. They had everything! Bacon and Eggs, toothbrush and toothpaste, Barbie and Ken, M&Ms, nurse and doctor, priest and nun, and many celebrity couple costumes for a dynamic duo type idea. We carefully weighed our options and found a great deal on a costume - which I am still keeping a secret - but it was such a fun way to get out and about in the crisp fall weather and have some fun.

I highly recommend researching a costume store like this in your area, because you may be surprised with all they have to offer! Happy shopping and happy halloween!

It Was All Unexpected

Today is the first day that I volunteered at my sons school. It was amazing and completely wonderful watching all of the children play. My boy was a terror and a little show off, being that his mom was their to watch him. I thought he would be well-tempered and calm, but I was way off! Even this morning when we left home I set the home security alarm that I found on www.AllHomeSecurity.com and the whole time he was trying to press the buttons. This is when I knew the day was going to be insane. As much as I thought that this would be a good experience for us as mother and son, it was not. Maybe I am not cut out to volunteer or maybe I am, just not in the same class as him. I was really looking forward to this, but I guess sometimes things to not turn out as expected. Maybe I will try again another week or maybe never, I guess I really haven't made up my mind yet. Tonight I am going to have a talk with him to find out what went wrong, if he is willing to try again then I will be to.

This guest post from Edgardo Rosa

Going Out to the Movies

Posted by Arden Wallace

There is nothing better than going out to the movies with my husband a weekend. We like to go see a variety of films, from a good action adventure to a well made animated children's film. We usually like to go at least once every other week, and may go more often is an especially good film comes out in the theaters. One of the best times, if we are able, is to go on a weeknight when there is less of a crowd and we have a better chance of getting a good seat. Before we leave the house to head out for the movies, we make sure to set our ADT security systems to ensure that the house stay safe.

Since we live in a small town, we have to go at least 30 minutes away to the nearest theater. Sometimes we might go in the car if the weather is bad, but we prefer to ride my husband's motorcycle so that we can feel the fresh air and see more of the countryside as we travel.

Your Kids and Fall Sports

This guest post from Hong Alexander

When fall comes around, my kids and I live a very active lifestyle. Fall is simple one of the busiest times of the year for me and my children. School is in the picture now because summer vacation has ended and my children love to participate in fall sports such as track, soccer, and baseball. Keeping an active and healthy lifestyle is an important part of being a child. As a mother of three children, two twin boys and a girl, there are many different fall sports available for my children to take part in. My children participate in more than one type of sport, which ensures they stay healthy, socialize, and build their strength and communication skills. Fall sports give my children many opportunities to experience the world.

Before I leave the house to watch any of my children's fall sports, I make sure to set my home security camera near Mesa before leaving the house. Safety is an important factor in my life, especially when it comes to the home that I raise my children in. I simply would not be able to enjoy my children's many different sporting events like cheerleading, soccer, and football without some form of added security. I know that when my house is empty while I am gone or when I come home everyone will be safe and sound entering the home. It's easier to enjoy their sports this way.

Summer Safety Tips for Swimmers

There are a lot of fun things to do in the water. Some of these can be dangerous if you don't know how to keep your child safe. There are ways to keep everyone safe and happy while still having fun in the water.

Use a Life Jacket

One of the best ways to keep your children safe is to simply have them wear a life jacket. This helps them to stay safe as well as to still have fun with the water, even if it's too deep for them to really be in.

Invest In Swim Lessons

Another great way to give children a sense of safety is to help them learn to swim. This can be done through a swimming program or from you as a parent. This is a personal choice but will give your children a sense of safety and will help you feel better about what you are doing to help them.

Stay Close

If you are concerned about keeping your children safe, think about staying close to them so they feel safe and you do as well. This will also make you feel like you are involved in their life and have fun for the whole family.

There are a lot of things that can make swimming more fun for all. These are just a few to get you and your family started. Take some time and really pay attention to what you and your family are doing so you can be sure to have the safe and fun time at the water. Since we spend so much time at the pool, we looked for alarm monitoring systems around Miami and found a great alarm system. If you don't have one already, you should really consider getting one installed.

Thanks to Ricardo Mullins

Tips For A safe Summer For Your Children

Guest post from: Jeromy Haney

If you have children at home you will want to take extra precautions during the summer months to ensure that it is a safe and healthy one for your child. Here are a few tips to help you keep your children safe!

1. Staying Home Alone

If your child is old enough and ready to stay at home alone, ensure there safety by installing an adt program in the home. You should also teach the children the importance of not answering the door to strangers or giving personal details out over the telephone. Give them an emergency number to reach you, along with a cell phone.Create a safety plan with your children.

2. Safety in the Water

Keep your kids safe as they participate in one of the best summer activities ever! No summer is complete without trips to the local pool.Keep your kids safe by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more before and while they play. Give them floats and other safety devices according to their age. If they do not know how to swim, it is never to early to teach them!

3. Preventing Sunburn

As with water safety, apply sunscreen several times thoughout the day to prevent sunburn. Keep kids indoor during the hottest hours of the day( 2 to 4 p.m.) when the chance of burn is increased.