Hiring a GMAT Tutor

Have you been considering taking the GMAT?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a 3½-hour standardized exam designed to predict how test takers will perform academically in MBA (Masters in Business Administration) programs. A common question that might come up is whether someone wanting to take the GMAT is whether or not to hire a tutor.

If you would like to hire a GMAT tutor, you probably are wondering how you should  go about figuring out which private GMAT tutors are the right one for you. To help you a tutor that best fits your goals, you should follow these steps.

1.  Hire a GMAT specialist, not a math teacher. GMAT has  little in common with most other standardized tests. An ideal tutor will help you to understand the questions that are unique to the GMAT.

 2. Ask the tutor to talk about the difference between the GMAT and the GRE. If they tell you that the tests are basically the same, then look for another GMAT tutor.

3. Ask if the tutor has taken the GMAT. A GMAT tutor that is familiar with the GMAT first hand, understands the physical and psychological stresses unique to the exam.

4. Never hire a private tutor based solely on a high GMAT score. Make sure that your GMAT tutor is an experienced, dedicated teacher and not just a great test taker.

5. Finally, make sure The tutor has a  program designed specifically for your needs.

Tutoring

We found out this year that Emily was going to need extra help in math and reading. Her school has a couple of after school programs that she's been going to, but we've been looking into other tutoring as well and for this summer when she's not in school. I don't want her to lose any of what she's learned during the year.

I checked into several tutoring programs online and off and they can get pretty expensive. I've found some good ones though, you can find tutors here as well.

If you are thinking about giving your child that extra little boost in academic learning, You should consider the following:

Know your goals:

What kind of help does your child need? Homework help or more then that?
 
Know your options:

Maybe your child's school has after school like ours does. Ask your child's teacher or counselor.

Check credentials:

Do background checks

Find out their educational background. You want to make sure the teacher has right teaching experience for the topic your child needs.

Test for compatibility:

Watch how your child relates to the tutor and ask for feedback from your child. If their grade doesn't improve, then switch to a different tutor.


Finding — and keeping — a good tutor can be hard, but in the long run your child is worth it!

Do you love Mutant Ninja Turtles?

If you have a little boy in the house, you probably are always getting hounded about the Mutant Ninja Turtles. I'm sure you have the ninja turtles names memorized to the point of naming them in your sleep!
My son used to watch the Mutant Ninja Turtles all the time when he was younger. Yes, they've been around for a very long time. We actually just came across some of his old turtle toys the other day.

You can still find Ninja Turtles on television and online. Just google Mutant Ninja Turtles and you will be able to find anything you are looking for.

My favorite turtle is Michelangelo.  He is so funny! Which one is your favorite turtle? You know you have one. : )

Do you spend alot on ink?

In my business, I go through a lot of ink. While there are many companies out there that sell ink, I still need the best quality and not expensive. Choosing 247inktoner.com, gives you piece of mind on both.

Another problem I come across is having to buy extra ink that I don't want so I can get the color that I want. Ordering from them allows you to just buy the ink you want without having to buy the whole package. Way cool!

I like to have a guarantee that I will be happy with my choice and this ink and toner company provides that. With support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-hence their name, 247inktoner.

For a reliable ink source, you can't go wrong with 247inktoner!

Same blog-New address

Hello
This is now my old blog address-I am now one of those Wordpress geeks and my blog now sits at www.SixFeetUnderBlog.com . So, please visit me there and if you subscribe to it, you will be my new best friend and chocolate chip cookies will fall from the sky.

Presents Everywhere

 I said I wouldn't go overboard with presents this year.

 

Maybe next year...

Leverage thinks mom bloggers are dorks

Did you watch Leverage this week? The story line was about a guy that comes to them to help him try to stop a toy company from launching a new toy that is hazardous. Part of the plot entailed them to launch a fake toy instead.

Part of their plan was to market this toy to make it the must-have for Christmas. They got the brilliant idea of contacting mom bloggers to help market it. I was a bit insulted by how they portrayed such bloggers.

They met up with a fictional (I hope she wasn't really a blogger) mom blogger at a park with children playing.

Come on, people.

I understand that while most bloggers would handle a review request via email or phone, maybe for visual effect, they  needed to talk to the mom in person. BUT, this could have been handled by meeting with her at their office, not at a park.

This just rubbed me the wrong way. There are many "mom" bloggers that provide income for their families and some make six figures. Are they meeting with their clients at parks? How about at the mall?

No, they are not.

When will bloggers be taken seriously?

The Janitor

Everyone makes fun of hot lunches, but I used to love hot lunches as a kid. Am I strange, or just have no taste buds, I don't know, but I looked forward to lunch time to see what yummy food was the pick of the day. To this day, I still get happy if I get a chance to eat at my daughter's school.

My kids are a different story.

They hate having to eat hot lunch and my youngest begs me to let her take her own lunch at least some of the days of the week. I continually ask her why she would want to pass on hamburger day, or chicken patty sandwiches (yum!) and she just rolls her eyes and calls me a nerd. So, we compromise and she gets to take her lunch two days a week, unless we are super busy in the mornings and I forget. 

Lately, she hasn't been asking to take her lunch and I really haven't been giving it a second thought until I noticed her lunch box on the shelf and decided to ask her why.

She looked down and just muttered, "Because of the janitor."

Curious, I asked, "What does the janitor have to do with lunch?"

"Somebody puked in our classroom the other day and he cleaned it up with his hands. Then, I saw him cleaning the bathroom one day and picking up garbage outside."

Confused, I asked, "Again, what does that have to do with lunch?"

Emily let out a loud sigh and said, " Because, I always have to ask for help to open my packages and when I raise my hand, he comes over to help."

"And?" I asked.

"I don't think he washes his hands," she answered quickly.

I tried not to laugh as our Smelly Cat episode came to mind and then said, " I'm sure he does, or lots of people would be getting sick."

"Well, I'll just take hot lunch until he isn't the helper anymore."

I used the moment to praise hot lunches and said, "I wish I could eat hot lunch every day!"

"Whatever, Mom."

Lucky kid.

Wordpress headaches

If you even noticed, I've been away. Learning, that is. I've decided to switch over to Wordpress. I'm excited, scared, anxious and stressed. I picked up copies of Wordpress and Wordpress Design for Dummies and bookedmarked YouTube learning videos. I was going to save time and hire someone, but the cheapest I've found was $500-ouch! I just don't have that kind of cash right now.

I figure that if I can teach myself Blogger code, I can do Wordpress. Just takes time to learn everything over again. Argh.

I'll keep you posted and sorry for lack of posting!

Social Moms For Good-Save the Children REAL Awards

Save the Children has announced the launch of The REAL Awards, a first-of-its-kind global awards program designed to develop greater respect and appreciation for health workers and the lifesaving care they provide globally, as well as in the United States. The REAL Awards is made possible by the support of presenting sponsors Medtronic Foundation, The Merck Company Foundation, and Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare, and supporting partners GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Time Inc.

The REAL Awards are a first-of-its kind global awards program to honor health workers! How cool?!




So, if you know someone you want to nominate, there still is time!

Thyme Maternity Yoga Pant

When I was pregnant, I remember the one thing that I hated; finding clothes that fit and looked cute too. I mainly stuck to sweat pants and sweat shirts because I really couldn't find anything.

Nowadays, there are more choices for moms-to-be. One such company is Thyme Maternity. They offer a styling line of maternity clothing for women. A fellow pregnant reviewer on our team got the chance to try out the Thyme Maternity Yoga Pants.  She gave a thumbs up on comfort and ease to put on these cute pants.

These pants feature a belly panel that can be worn folded down or up. The comfortable jersey fabric hugs your tummy and is perfect for lounging or staying active.

 I love yoga pants whether pregnant or not!

They support your growing tummy and work well for almost all stages.

Info:

Fabric Content:

95% Cotton

5% Spandex

Color:

Black

Sizes:

S - XXL

Price:

$35.00

Where to buy:

www.babiesrus.com/thyme

And in select Babies“R”Us locations

in the U.S.

 

You can also find Thyme Maternity here:
 
Facebook page (Facebook.com/ThymeMaternityUSA)
 Twitter handle (@ThymeMaternity)

Making Money Monday-I mean, saving Monday...

Instead of the usual Making Money Monday, I've decided to let you know about where to save today since it's Cyber Monday.
I don't know if you went out on Black Friday (Thursday). We went out on the actual Friday and just had fun hanging out. It was dead compared to past Black Fridays, so it was nice. I got to see my sister and hang out at Starbucks.

Today, it's online shopping time-my favorite. Shop in your PJs and drink your coffee.

Now, I hope before you start off shopping, you sign up over at Ebates. I try to remember to shop through them, but sometimes I forget and I kick myself afterward.

My first pick is Amazon. You can usually find everything at Amazon if you can't find it other places.

Shop Amazon - Cyber Monday Deals Week


Learn how to use that camera over at Photography Concentrate. All tutorials are 40% off!
 

Walmart is a great place for cyber Monday shopping. I already got my deals from them last night!












I hope you have a fun Cyber Monday!



Happy Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving to remember...

We had a loss in our family, but a forgiveness between two siblings. I have to be grateful for that.

Now, on to some other news...

We spend yesterday trying to make our tree work. I lost a part of the stand last year, so I spend an hour putting it in a regular tree stand (yeah I know, like THAT was going to work). So, I finally gave up and drove to Menards and bought a new tree. Which, ended up being huge!

Doesn't look like it in the picture, but it totally takes over room. 

Then, I find out that JCP isn't giving out the globes this year. Now, I have no reason to go out on Black Friday...

Just kidding. I heard there are a lot of people upset about this. They even have a petition out to bring them back. It was a tradition in our house to get up early and get one for our collection. We even stayed and bought from JCP afterwards. I think they made another marketing mistake.

I'm also not thrilled about the whole Black Friday starting on Thanksgiving. It's not Black Friday anymore, people. It's Black Thanksgiving.

Creepy...

So, I need to go now so I can run and get a paper and then put the turkey in the oven so I can watch the parade.

Eat lots and then burn it off tomorrow as you fight for that great deal on that blue sweater you want to get Uncle Fred.

Happy Thanksgiving!

You Will Be Missed

Today we will say good-bye to my aunt, Lil. She was a spunky lady who was my biggest fan, showing up to every book signing and encouraging me to keep writing. She will be deeply missed.

We never know when we might lose a loved one. Please try not to put off what you can do today!

Making Money Monday-Tis the season

Around this time of year, I try to think of some ways to make extra cash for gifts. I like to keep it to online so I can do it around my other work and not have to worry about babysitters, etc. One of my favorites is affiliate programs like Squidoo . It's easy to sign up and you can be writing your first lens in five minutes!

This is a great way to incorporate online gift shopping with profitable sales-even when you aren't on the computer.

This time of year, I do gift guides. Gift guides bring in readers by using popular keywords that people are searching for when looking for ideas for gifts.

Types of Gift Guides

Product Review – This is the most common slant for shopping-related content. You pick a product and give the pros and cons to purchasing. Though you want the end result to be in favor of the item, you still want to point out any common issues to build trust with your reader and avoid returns down the road.
This or That – Product face-offs are a great way to make affiliate sales.  Point out the features and drawbacks of each to help your shopper make their final decision.
Top 10 – Always popular is the Top 10 list. You can go in so many directions with this one; Top 10 Gifts for Kids, Top 10 Gifts Under $10, etc.
Wish List – If you are not comfortable with writing reviews for products you haven’t personally used, a Wish List Lens may be more up your alley. Write about items you want and why.

Where to Get Ideas

Items Around the House

• Sale Ads and Christmas Catalogs
• Online Merchant Websites
• News

Even if you don't get paid until right before Christmas, at least you can make your money back from what you spend on gifts!

Squidoo sign up here.

Happy Birthday Emily

Emily,
I can't believe you are already 8! It seems like just yesterday, you were crawling around in your little footie pjs, with your blonde bouncy curls falling in your face. Now, you are so big and so grown up.

I look at you and I see me in you. Then, all of a sudden, I'll see your dad in you. Of course, all the good stuff comes from me.

Remember that next time you get in trouble.

You've taught me so much too. Just recently, you've made it very clear that I can't dance and I have no fashion sense (two posts on their way).

I miss that you aren't a baby anymore, but I treasure the age you are now. I know you won't be little for long and I want to savor every moment and memorise everything about you that makes you you.

So, as I type this, you are running around with your slumber party buddies (first slumber party-I'm SOOO tired!) and having fun. I will try not to cry as I still miss being able to hold you all wrapped up in your little blanket 8 years ago today.

 I know, I'm a big sap...

Now, I'm going to prepare for birthday party number two today-yes, you still get three birthday parties every year. Have a great birthday weekend, you little dork!

Love you,
Mom

A Perfect Time for Photo Books

Are you thinking about Christmas yet? Have you thought about giving something personal like a photo book? How about a custom planner?

As a photographer, I do a lot of photo books- a lot. I've been given the chance to try out many different photo book companies and while the books are okay, the design programs and prices aren't. Many are hard to be creative and only let you use their templates. Others are just plain confusing!

And then enters Blurb. The pricing is competitive, the quality is excellent and the program to make your photo book is user-friendly while at the same time allowing for the more detailed touch or professional to make minute changes.

Below are screen shots of one of my wedding books.

You can see on the bottom is all the pages. You can choose from their templates, or upload your own. I choose to make my own because of the style of books I do.  Booksmart is the program you download to your computer so that if you don't have Internet, you can still work on your book, or create your own layout.



Right now they just added Planners too!

 Love it!

 This is the perfect time to get started at Blurb for the holidays. These would make a perfect Christmas gifts to clients and family. Love it!

Shipping is super fast unlike other photo books I've ordered from other companies. You have the option of even faster delivery too. Another reason to make a planner or photo book for family this year for Christmas!

I've been with Blurb for probably 5 years now and I wouldn't go elsewhere. My clients love them and I use them for my personal use too.  I would so be their spokeswoman if they would let me. ; )

Until then, I can let you know that if you order now from Blurb you can save 15% off! Use the code FALLTHANKS when checking out.

Eco Smart- Be Smart and Get Some

In our house, we always seem to be dealing with  bugs. Each season brings some kind of bugs. Ants and fleas in the summer,  spiders in the fall, flies in the spring. I hate it! The worse are the fleas. We used to battle with fleas every year.

 Harsh chemicals are not an option. I hate spraying anything around the kids. So what to do? How about a SAFE, all natural Organic Home Pest Control that is plant- based yet really works. EcoSMART is completely safe, non-toxic and all natural. It isn't harmful to people or animals, and it doesn't smell harshly or strongly at all!

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to review several of EcoSMART's products! The first product that I had the occasion to try was EcoSMART's Organic Insect Repellent.

The smell is wonderful, not only does it NOT smell like chemicals, but it actually smells GOOD! Even though it's getting colder, we still have to worry about bugs outside. This handy travel size is so conveint and I also like to keep a bottle in the car because sometimes we even get fleas in my car.

I also highly recommend EcoSMART's Home Pest Control Spray. Made from organic plant oils, it kills over 100 home pests naturally.  I really like that EcoSMART allows me to get rid of pesky bugs. I spray all the baseboards and window sills inside and out. It really helps with spiders. I HATE spiders! 

Unlike most organic products, EcoSMART products are affordable! They offer a large variety of products to keep your home, yard and garden pest free! They also carry value bundles that allow you to bundle some of the best selling products for a low price to save money!

 Stop using toxic, smelly chemicals to kill bugs and start buying EcoSMART!

Spending (too) much time with the Grand Babies

I love the grand babies. Really, I do.Those cute chubby faces just make me want to kiss them to death. But, I will be the first to admit that they can be a bit of a handful.  Maybe I'm just getting to the point of my life that I can't handle the screaming and fighting for very long.

After a couple of hours with them, I want to stick them out on the doorstep with a FREE-TAKE US, PLEEEEASE! sign stuck on their heads. Did I tell you that I love them?

This last week, they've been around (alot). I guess I had casually mentioned that I would watch all three for my daughter could go out on "date night".

Was I drunk at the time?

So, of course she jumped on that and I found myself babysitting the three little boogers while they went out to eat. Three hours later, the house looked like a tornado swept through it and I aged five years. I found myself listening for the sound of her car pulling in every five minutes. When I finally heard that familiar sound, I think I might have done a cartwheel off the sofa.

Last night, I was thrilled for it to be Friday. All kids gone and time for some me time-well, with the hubby. We planned our evening and were ready to leave, when Jess stopped by with the kids for a minute. She mentioned that the baby wouldn't eat all day and acted funny when she gave him his bottle. I knew something was wrong. I watched his reaction to the bottle and how he gagged when he tried to drink it.

My first thought was that maybe he had something stuck in his throat. We looked and couldn't see anything but he still acted like it bothered him. I told her to take him to the emergency room because even though he could still breathe, if something was stuck there, it might move. She agreed and then asked if I could watch the other two.

Soooo, we entertained the babies again while we waited for them to return. Two hours later, we found out that there was a piece of plastic stuck on the roof of his mouth! Glad we went with our gut feeling.

We packed the kids up and sent them on their way and finally got going. We had a quiet dinner and came home and watched movies. The house sounded so quiet, it almost didn't feel right.

Was I missing those little #$*#*'s ??

Oh brother. Here we go again...

Election Day

Over the months I've felt so popular. I've never had so much mail come in my name, or so many visitors show up at my door. I felt wanted and needed. I felt like somebody!

What? You say it's because it was election season and I'm the only registered voter in my house?

Damn...

Here I thought that they love me. They REALLY love me!

Well, I'm depressed now.

I guess there's just one more thing to do...VOTE!

Happy Voting Day!!