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Mortgage Rates are at an All-Time Low

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 In a recent issue of the Desert News , an article highlighted the current trend of record-low mortgage rates, making home ownership more affordable than ever. These rates are the lowest seen since the introduction of long-term mortgages in the United States, presenting a remarkable opportunity for prospective homebuyers like us. As we explore the market for a new home, we're thrilled to find that areas we once considered out of reach are now within our budget. Today's 30-year mortgage rates are significantly lower than the average rates of 20-25 years, with an average of 3.78 percent. The Sacramento Bee also reports that the last time mortgage rates exceeded 6 percent was in November 2008, with an average 30-year fixed rate of 6.33 percent. This difference is substantial, as a $200,000 loan at that rate would require a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With today's average rate of 3.97 percent, the monthly payment for the same loan size would be $947.93, a savings of $294 per...

Wordless Wednesday: If They Could Just Stay Small

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 [caption id="attachment_14518" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Jake's Hand February 11,1994[/caption] During a family scavenger hunt back in 1994 we had to bring back a handprint. We captured this one of Jake's at a copy shop! It's a great memory of how small he once was!

Johnson's Baby Cares Helping Children with Care

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 This past Mother's Day was incredible. The day before, I witnessed my oldest, Jake, marry his high school sweetheart. It was a week of crazy emotion. Of course I was joyous, but there's a place in your heart as a mother that seems to take you on a journey of memories when events like a wedding take place.   Jake and I had lunch one day before his wedding and it was truly a time of reflection. Growing up, I encouraged (okay, sometimes I demanded) my children to participate in anything and everything. There were two summers that Jake was a volunteer Jr. Life Guard. Trust me, he hated every minute of it, but it taught him work ethic and that sometimes it's okay when things are quiet. We spent a lot of time doing Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Here, Jake grew as a leader. He learned to problem-solve and motivate others, and as a family, we spent a lot of time doing service projects. We also traveled a lot. Together we had the opportunity to see Hawaii twice and all but Jake enjoye...

Live Clean (Baby) Review

 Live Clean (Baby) Review Clara has enjoyed the Live Clean Baby products during baths and diaper changings.  The fragrance is light and pleasant - unlike some other baby brands.  I like the fact that it isn't greasy and cleans well.  It is nice to know there is a brand that is good for the earth and the baby's well-being.  While I am not much of a "green" thinker, I was appalled when I looked at my current brand of baby shampoo!  How could we have been putting all of these harsh ingredients on my sweet newborns?!  While there are many ingredients in these products that I can't pronounce, I like that they are at the END Of the ingredient list and ingredients like flower extracts are the primary ingredients, and all ingredients are organic.  The harsh chemicals in other products worry me because I don't know how it will affect my baby's sensitive skin... especially now that Clara is going through her baby acne stage. Live Clean Baby TEARLESS SHAMPOO...

Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid Review

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 Introducing Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid - The Ultimate Cleaning Companion! Are you tired of spending hours scrubbing away at stubborn grease and grime? Look no further! Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid is here to revolutionize your dishwashing experience. Say goodbye to the hassle of soaking and scrubbing with our advanced formula that effortlessly cuts through grease and stuck-on food. Our specially designed liquid is infused with the power of natural ingredients that not only remove tough stains but also leave your dishes sparkling clean and fresh. Here's why Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid is a game-changer: Unbeatable Grease-Fighting Power: Our powerful formula tackles even the toughest grease, making it easier than ever to get your dishes looking their best. Time-Saving Efficiency: With Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid, you can say goodbye to endless scrubbing. Just a small amount goes a long way, allowing you to get the job done qu...

Bea's Gift Baskets Keeps THE Bunny Hoppin' Review

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 If you didn't order your baskets from Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts you've missed the golden egg. Last year the Easter Bunny ordered Bunny Pants baskets from Bea's Gift Baskets and the kiddos LOVED them! After the candy had been licked clean out of the bunny pants, we discovered they made an adorable centerpiece on our Easter Table for the Bunny Bread . This year, the Easter Bunny's again found a friend in Bea's Gift Baskets. He's made a choice that is sure to please: The Oh, My! So Cute! Easter Sweets N Treats Gift basket is going to be a joyous discovery Easter morning. It's filled to the brim with plenty of treats all nestled in a pastel spring woodchip basket. Inside the kiddos will discover some of their favorite candies: Peanut M&Ms, Tropical Skittles, Grandma's Cream-Filled Cookies, Malted Eggs, a Rice Krispie Treat, Wonka's Treat Candies, Marshmallow PEEPS, a mini Reese's Egg, six foil-wrapped milk chocolate eggs, a miniature carr...

Ready for Bathing Suit Season? See How You Compare

 Here's a fun survey conducted by Nutrisystem /Harris Interactive 2012 Spring Dieting Season Poll:  59% of Americans, or about 138 million people, don't feel ready for bathing suit season Almost one-quarter (24%) of those indicated they feel pressure to lose weight. 67% of women don't feel ready for bathing suit season. 50% of men feel “ready” for bathing suit season, though they are significantly more confident than women (33%), especially after age 45. Single US Adults (50%) are more ready for the season than married US adults (39%) 29% of those who live in the West are likely to feel pressure vs. the 20% who feel pressure in the Northeast Feeling the Heat As the  weather  warms and bathing suit catalogs and in-store displays surface across the country, Americans are feeling the proverbial heat when it comes to getting "bathing suit-ready."  Nutrisystem customers who follow the program’s low Glycemic Index (GI) meal plan, have -- in the past dec...