Are You Prepared?

With it being winter, while it's been quite mild this year (yes, I knocked on wood as I wrote that).  I'm always worried about our power being out for extended period of time.  Last year when we were in the direct path of hurricanes (yes in NJ) I was a nut.  Worried about everything, particularly food storage. Not to mention actually having emergency food.

I'm definitely thankful that we live where we do, because we aren't in extreme places like Tornado Alley, or Florida with all the hurricanes. I'm sure I'd be a wreck living in those locations.  But thankfully there are many options out there.

Customize Your Ride

The hubs and I have a neighbor who is a great friend that does all kinds of automotive work.  Mainly repairs.  We also know a few people that work on cars as a hobby.  While we were at dinner with one of them last week, they were talking about how they like to get customized horns for their cars.

We had never thought about that.  He particularly was looking for train horns.  I had absolutely no idea that there are actual train horn kits that you can get to put on your car.  Or train horns for trucks, for that matter.

Who knew what existed in the outside world! lol.  It's like we are in a whole different dimension when hanging out with them, because we are always learning about new and different things.

Adobe+ Search Center

Most of you know that I've recently taken a position with a company in their marketing department.  Part of my new position is building our online social media presence.  To stay on top of your efforts, and consistently analyze your reach is an important part of that. 


Omniture offers search engine marketing management.  The Adobe Digital Marketing Suite offers business analytics. It consists of applications, services, and data management products that facilitate collecting, distributing, and exporting data. 

Use Adobe website analytics and online optimization to:

• Know how, and what to measure to align metrics with business goals
• Draw actionable conclusions from interactions across growing online channels
• Fulfill ad hoc requests for information and business insights in a timely manner
• Drive enterprise adoption of standard search analytic metrics for decision makers
• Define online strategy based on insights gained through web site analysis from online interactions

Omniture offers a/b testing and target marketing. Marketers need to present relevant content and offers that appeal to the individual preferences of each online visitor. Adobe's conversion optimization products, featuring Omniture® technology, allow online marketers to test key messages; target specific segments with relevant messages; combine attitudinal data with analytics to better understand behavior and leverage merchandising strategies to sell products and services.

Just a Simple Band

This past weekend, the hubs and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.  We just enjoyed each other's company, and relaxed for the weekend.  I had to work on Saturday evening (our actual anniversary) so we enjoyed a few drinks afterwards with a co-worker, and then had dinner.


I'm always getting comments about how lovely my engagement/wedding ring is.  It truly is exquisite.  My hubs did a great job. But it got me to thinking,  how much thought really goes into men's wedding bands? I know my husband is not the picky kind of guy. He just wanted something basic for a wedding band. Simple is all he wanted.


But then, there are other guys that like to stand out a little, and they have these awesome black tungston rings which can be found at Men's Tungston Online. There plain doesn't have to be the answer, and men can have their own unique identity in their ring, just like us ladies!


What's your guy wear?

Family Game Night with Coca-Cola

This fall, Coca-Cola wants to help your family get back-to-basics with Coca-Cola Family Night through My Coke Rewards. Whether it’s new snack recipes, tips on at-home activities or the latest in gaming technology—Coca-Cola and My CokeRewards/Family are here to help facilitate your tradition of family togetherness!

No matter what your family enjoys, there are lots of fun features to give your night a personalized twist. Features on My CokeRewards/Family include gaming features from Sony and snack together tips from Celebrity Chef G. Garvin.

I have had the opportunity to interview Chef G. Garvin, and he's fabulous.  Such a dynamic man, with tons of great tips.  I loved hearing about how he enjoys family time, and the recipes he makes with his daughter! 


Even though it was weeks ago, our conversation was really a joy.  Pretty entertaining too, you can learn all about what inspired Chef G. Garvin to cook, his childhood, favorite restaurants... and even how he almost ended up in a Quentin Tarantino movie! lol.

Here's part 1 of our interview.

And here is part 2

They have everything on the My CokeRewards/Family website, from exclusive Chef G. Garvin Snacks, and even snack time tips, on how to get your family involved like making your own soda fountain, meal-time prep together, as well as meal-planning. 

To help kick-off Family Night, Coca-Cola would like to offer a lucky Gaffney's Gabs reader a board game inspired giveaway. Open to all US Residents 18 and older.  Now, I received the same prize pack, and it came while I was in NYC at SheStreams - the hubs opened the box, and he was so excited! lol. (told you we are big kids)

Each Game Board Prize Pack is valued at approximately $100 and consists of:

• (1) $25 Amex Card for snacks and supplies
• (1) Coca-Cola Coupon
• (1) Yatzee Board Game
• (1) Monopoly Board Game
• (1) Coca-Cola Polar Bear Puzzle
• (1) Checkers Mat
• (1) Set of Playing Cards

MANDATORY - So let's make it an easy entry: I’d love to hear about your favorite family night memories! Is it a nostalgic night from your childhood, or a recent video game competition with the family?

This giveaway will end Monday, November 14th at 11:59pm - Open to US Residents 18 and up, winner will be chosen by Random.Org

Disclaimer:  I was provided with the same prize pack, and the opportunity to speak with Celebrity Chef G. Garvin, I was not compensated to write this review, and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Where Would You Live?

Are you shocked that isn't a picture of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World?  I knew you would be.  Billy and I often talk about, where would we live if we won the lottery.  Aside from getting of course a place close to our "happy place" in Disney, we've often discussed moving out west.


Especially to secluded places, with breathtaking views, mountainside.  We definitely get that "bug" to do so when we are watching the Travel Channel.  Lately they've been showing some extreme "glam-ping" and other great wilderness/mountainside escapes. 

I'm drawn to the zen of the mountains and serenity.  So I decided to do some research, and have already found some great spots.  I even found Park City vacation homes like Rustler.

"Rustler homes feature main floor living, the tightest and greenest construction, superior finishes and the natural amenities you would expect from the best Park City has to offer in recreational living.

Hideout Canyon is located on the East benches of the beautiful Jordanelle Reservoir and features some of the most spectacular mountain views found in the Park City area. What’s more, Hideout Canyon is just minutes from downtown Park City and the three world renowned Park City ski resorts. Hideout Canyon also boasts the championship golf course, The Outlaw, and is in close proximity to the Provo River and the Uintah Mountains."

Gorgeous is an understatement! Oh the stress-free zen, I can already feel it!

Gaffney's Gabs is a Finalist!! Please Vote!

I'm so excited to announce that my video that I shared with you for my Sweet Restaurant.com Story - is one of the top 10 finalists. I can't believe it. I have a chance at winning the $1,000 prize!! Woohoo!


If you could please support me, I'd greatly appreciate it.  You can vote once a day through this coming Friday 11/4.  Then the winner will be announced on Saturday 11/5, which ironically enough was the inspiration for my video - MY ANNIVERSARY! I hope that's a good sign. 


So please, please, please, head on over to this link, and vote for me. Please share with your friends too!! I love you all for all your support.

Weekend Wrap Up - Fall Showers

I guess it was only fitting to go to my cousin's baby shower, while it was sleeting/hailing/snowing out! lol. Can you believe that? Snow in NJ in October? I'm definitely not ready for this winter.


At the end of my very first week on my new job, I was exhausted. But a good, over-stimulated, lots of creative goodness, exhausted! I headed over to my sister's house for a bow party that she was hosting.  Such adorable bows, and even better prices. You should go check Heather's site out, let her know that I sent you over - here's a link to her Etsy Shop. What was even better than the bows, was I got to see some great ladies I haven't seen in ages.  To see one of those special ladies in particular warmed my heart, and gave me a big smile. She's a very wonderful woman, and I am blessed to call her a friend! :) Mrs. C.


When I woke up on Saturday and saw the weather, I definitely wanted to not leave my bed all day, but we had bigger and better plans! Nicole's Baby Shower. (she didn't want to leave the house either - but it's a good thing she did)


Here's some pictures from the day.


Looking down on the table, you'll see some various craft projects done by my mom & dad, sister & brother-in-law, and your's truly!

My diaper cake - too bad they didn't make it to the World Series!

Christie and Drew made this awesome firehouse bookshelf!

My mom and dad made this cute little firetruck basket!

The proud parents-to-be.

Mommy-to-be and Grandma-to-be

And of course, how could I resist taking a picture of little Miss Riley and her momma! (testing out my new external flash too)

Another good pic of my mom and Britt!

Then, sadly, there's really nothing interesting to report for Sunday.  I spent the day doing laundry, dishes, and cleaning.  I helped my neighbor make a gory dish for a Halloween Contest she's having at her work tomorrow.  Then I looked over materials for work for a while, and enhanced some of my tech needs to help my productivity, then blogged for a little bit, all while the hubs was at the Eagles game.  Which thankfully they won, so I can have a happy husband for the next week.


What else did everyone do this weekend?  Did you get any snow??

It's The Most Wonderful Time... with Tiny Prints

With Halloween pretty much out of the way, and the fact that I am already on bypass mode for Thanksgiving, that means - it's ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!! My favorite holiday. 


I can't wait to start decorating the house!! I swear our townhome is always bursting at the seams with Christmas decorations, and I can't wait to break them out this year.  I'm happier than I have been in a very long time, and I can't wait to celebrate this season with friends and family.


Every year I'm always looking for a new way to display the abundance of holiday cards we receive.  A few years ago, I used an adorable wrought iron display. Much like the one below.

I did search high and low for a cute wreath-like one. But couldn't find one to my liking.

Last year, I adorned my staircase with them, much like this.

This year, with the help of great sites like Pinterest, I'm sure I'm bound to find some cute ideas.  How are you planning on displaying your Holiday Cards?


And while I'm asking, how are you designing your holiday cards? Or, where are you finding the best holiday cards to fit your budget or your family?


Are you doing the cute holiday photo card? That's my favorite kind, I love getting them from all my friends. I love seeing the adorable holiday photo cards with smiling happy families, or cute pets.


We did that with our wedding picture when we were married 4 years ago.  That's the only holiday photo card we ever did, because we had some pretty amazing photos to share.  This year, I don't know if everyone wants a picture of Jenn, Bill, and our fury little girl, Lexi. 


I always feel kind of conceited sending people pictures of us, but with adorable cards like these, I really want to.


I love these holiday colors!! (you know I'm a sucker for polka dots too)

Then, how cute are these little booklets! I love them.

Then, I'm loving these little ornaments, they'd look adorable hanging on my staircase!

So what's your plan?? What kind of card and how will you display them??

Disclosure:  I will be sent a giftcode from Tiny Prints for my time.  This is my personal opinion of the Tiny Prints product and site.

#Giveaway - Lucille Roberts 6 Month Membership

As many of you have followed along with my weight loss, and healthier lifestyle choices while participating in the Lucille Roberts Blogger Makeover - I have a special giveaway for everyone! 

Anyone that lives in the New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey area, who is interested in taking their fitness routine to the next level,  Lucille Roberts is the place for you!  It's an actual community where you can learn so much from everyone, from your class instructors, personal trainers, down to the Lucille Roberts Blog. After benefiting from their supportive atmosphere, it's no wonder I prefer a woman's gym.

Lucille Roberts has been more than generous to my lucky readers in the New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey area a free 6 month membership! I'm going to even make it especially easy for you.  Just leave a comment letting me know why you'd like to win. It's that simple. To find a Lucille Roberts location near you, click here.


Giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1st at 11:59pm!