All these photos and more can be found on my Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/niftythriftygirl/

I am happy to announce that fine art prints are now available on my photography website!

http://sharongollnitzphotography.com/fine-art-prints/

Click on over and check them out. They make great gifts!!

Far too many people decide not to opt for improved home security simply because they hear that more advanced security features and home alarms can be quite expensive. After all, as long as you keep your doors locked and maintain vigilance with regard to basic, common sense safety, you should be fairly secure most of the time. However, as you will discover if you do a bit of research on sites like Home Security Family, there are actually options well worth exploring, which shouldn’t cost you an inordinate amount of money. Here are a few words on some of the more important home security features that you could be adding to your house, and different packages offered by security companies.

The basic “Standard” ADT security package, for example, which so many people have had installed in their homes, costs $35.99 a month, and gives you a number of very important security features. To begin with, your home will be equipped with a basic home alarm, complete with a digital keypad, a keychain remote for the alarm system, and the high-pitched alarm itself (as well as the ability of your alarm to contact the authorities if necessary). In addition, your home will have a motion detector system, which basically serves as a backup to your alarm, and which is also pet sensitive, which helps you to avoid unnecessary alarms. And finally, you will also be given a yard sign and window stickers, all of which advertise the fact that you are protected by a home security system. This in itself can actually be a major deterrent against crime.

This of course is only one example of a security package, though the Standard ADT security package is quite popular among people who wish to upgrade the safety features in their homes. In ADT’s case, you can get a few extra benefits for $5 or $10 more per month, and you can also add additional features such as security cameras or even laser trip wires. As you can see, however, the basic system – which is really quite extensive and protective – is not an extremely large burden on your wallet, at $35 a month.

Of course, you can only benefit by researching a bit more, and making sure that you find the best possible deal. Getting the most value for your payments is always important. However, there is no overstating the importance of home security for you and your family. For a price as low as the $35/month deal discussed above, you may be ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Shannon D-K

Winner of the In Balance Sheet set giveaway!

I am having FAR too much fun with this camera, it’s hard to put it down.  I think I may have found a new business venture. Stay tuned and look for more photos coming to etsy soon!

all fancy with a case and everything!

I’ve always wondered how folks were able to get the old style rounded corner, grainy photos. Silly me. Here I thought they were actually taking photos with vintage cameras and developing the prints in dark rooms. To my shock and surprise I realized that I, too, could take this type of photo. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to secure the camera I lust after – this one. But, Nifty Thrifty Girl is more than happy to put out the “Will work for Camera” sign!

Keep in mind that I’m working with a sub-standard camera; a Sony Cybershot. Although it is cute and pink and handy – I certainly hope to be able to get myself into one of those spiffy Canon’s REAL soon. And now, without further ado, some of my first shots…

What fun, right? I can see this new found hobby may be a bit of a problem for me. I’ve already been late for one appointment because I was busy playing with my new toy.

View more pics here.

Even the moss looks lush after the winter drab.

Lots o’ blossoms!

Even Gus loves the sunshine.

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

If you do nothing else today, please read Cora Paige’s story.  You can follow this link for the most recent updates:

http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com

I first learned about Cora here (a wonderfully creative, talented and giving  blogger). Sadly, baby Cora went to heaven on February 8^th. Please keep all those that knew and loved Cora in your thoughts and prayers. I cannot stop thinking about this precious baby girl and her parents and feel so helpless…but…there are ways to help.

A playground is being built to honor her life. What can you do? You can make a donation by directly visiting http://corapaige.blogspot.com. You can also click the Pink Cora Playground button to the right and purchase one of the many beautiful hand-crafted items from etsy shop owners -  who have banded together and are donating  the profits from these special Cora Paige items towards helping build Cora’s playground.

This is such a wonderful way to honor an amazing little life. Please do what you can.

To learn more about Cora’s Playground visit:

http://corapaige.blogspot.com

**my heart felt thank you goes to the shop owner of The Wool Gathering for donating the lovely wool yarn used to make many of my etsy Cora Paige items! **

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