#Travel, Move and Live in Oahu for an Enriching Experience to Add to Life

To travel to Hawaii is an experience in itself and I had visited the island of Oahu about three times and loved it each and every time. To move to Hawaii is a once in a life time event and it is something that I did. One really gets to experience so much more when you get to live in place that is different from what you grew up with. Who from Indiana wouldn't have jumped at an opportunity to reside in a daily paradise?

What better place to get married as well! This was from 2006 along the shore of Turtle Bay. The north end of the island is a must see small drive to experience all the variations that Oahu has to offer. If you catch it at the right time, you'll get to see amazing huge turtles to include some mean surfing competitions.

When you visit the southeast coast, you get to see one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, Hanauma Bay. It's a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring. The word hana means bay in the Hawaiian language (the usual addition of bay in its name is thus redundant). There are two etymological interpretations of the second part of its name.^[4] One interpretation derives it from the Hawaiian word for curve, referring to either the shape of the feature or to the shape of the indigenous canoes that were launched there. Another stems from the indigenous hand-wrestling game known as "Uma".

No trip is complete without visiting Waikiki from the sandy beaches to the zoo to shopping and you cannot forget Pearl Harbor. The Ala Moana Center is an open-air shopping experience from the well known brands to the most expensive tastes all the way to the unique boutiques. Shop, eat and enjoy the wonderful ambiance with a drink at one of the outside bars for that extra island experience.

After you finish eating and you need that little extra oomph of exercise to work off the calories, check out Diamond Head. It's a a volcanic tuff cone known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi, most likely from lae 'browridge, promontory' plus ʻahi 'tuna' because the shape of the ridge line resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin. British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds, named it Diamond Head. It's only a 0.75 mile hike but it's all uphill and of course, the trip down is much easier.

In 1968, it was declared a National Natural Landmark. In the early 1900's due to its height, was used as a military lookout. It spans 475 acres. For those who remember Magnum PI, it was also used in several of the episodes.

No trip to the island is complete without stopping to pay your respects at Pearl Harbor. We lived near the Harbor and if we walked to the local stores, we could look down and see it along with all the ships. It was truly an experience to think about that fateful day on December 7, 1941 when for the first time in American history, we were attacked on our own land. All in all, 188 US aircraft were destroyed and 2,403 Americans were killed with another 1,178 wounded.

Before we left Hawaii for the mainland, we lived temporarily at IHG Army Hotel on Ft. Shafter. I thought it was a fitting goodbye to such a beautiful experience.

If you visit Oahu, you will want to rent a car because exploring the island is a must. The more you drive, the more you see! Also, try to visit at least one other island while you are there!

How to Create a Non-Profit/Charity Blog in Three Steps

Affiliate links for Bluehost and Elegant Themes, Inc. are included below.

I've been involved in non-profit/charities since 2008 and have learned a lot from this. I will admit that I haven't pushed myself to the extent that I should have to make a bigger impact but I also know how to get set up and move forward. I've had many people ask how to get started with creating a non-profit and how to start up a blog so I decided to share my experiences and will note that I have included my affiliate links in the how to section. My passion began with personal experiences that catapulted my girls into doing good for others thanks to epilepsy and asthma. Both my girls were diagnosed for the first time with their respective conditions in 2008 which resulted in some scary times as well as many hospitalizations. Due to those experiences, we wanted to raise awareness and give back so we started Angels4Epilepsy, Inc. that has evolved unofficially into Angels4Epilepsy, Inc. & Asthma Too. Since starting the non-profit, we could have really added on more causes as my youngest had some cardio issues, my granddaughter has epilepsy and my oldest has ovarian cancer. I also help a dear friend with pediatric cancer causes as well and donate my time in the form of graphic work. I'm still learning though!

Back to the original topic: So you want to create a non-profit/charitable cause blog in three easy steps.

1. Domain Name and Hosting Company - Affiliate Link Below

This step is crucial because once you decide on a name, you really don't want to change it because that means changing everything. You don't want to lose out on all the work you already put in establishing your brand, your website and any literature you might have already printed. This step might not be hard if you already have incorporated and obtained or applied for 501(c)(3) status. This is where asking people you know for ideas can really pay off as you never know who might have a really creative idea!

Once you settle on a name, go to Bluehost and see if the domain is available. Bluehost for WordPress starts at an affordable $3.49 a month and has unlimited hosting, space, file transfer, domain name, site builder with easy to use templates and free instant set up. If you have no experience with building websites, this is an easy way to get started without losing a lot of money. I wished I had known about Bluehost when I got started because I would have saved a lot of time and headaches. In case you didn't know. WordPress is the go to place for many bloggers.

As you select your domain and input it in the box, you have a drop down box to select if you want .com, .co, .net, .org and so forth. This is where you want to be careful because nearly everyone is still tempted to type in .com in the address bars so you might want to reconsider if your chosen name for the common ones are already taken to avoid missing out on potential patrons or people you could be helping. Already have a domain name? No problem as they have that option too.

Once your selected domain name is confirmed, you then have the option to choose a plan. Each has their own benefits and if you aren't quite ready to understand the pro's and con's since you are just getting started, I would recommend going with the first one with an upfront payment that equals $3.49 a month. This will easily get you on your way!

Next is where will you host your page? I like simplicity which is why I think Bluehost is the way to go since they offer this service. If you host through Bluehost, you get your domain for free which is a win-win. They also provide a nice Domain Whois Privacy that will shield your personal information from being out on the web for everyone to see. You may not have issues with that as you start up but you never know as that could change so why not avoid having your personal information out for all to see?

Your package information provides options such as account plan, domain privacy fees, site back up pro, domain security and more. You can always upgrade later if you want. I like the paid option for search engine jumpstart to get your site out there to a wider audience faster rather than later.

Step one is now done! It wasn't that bad was it? It might seem a bit overwhelming but it's now done and the more you learn, the more you will know how to tweak based on your needs.

2. Installing WordPress

Your next big step is installing WordPress to get your charitable/non-profit website visible. WordPress is what you call blogging software. It's your pen and paper and best yet, it's easy to use!

Login to your Bluehost account and scroll down to the Software/Services section on the first page until you see the WordPress logo and click.

Click the option to install a brand new version on the next page.

Step 1: The next screen provides options for selecting which version of WordPress you want and I would select the recommended version available.

Next is the option to select where you want to install WordPress. In the first box, type in your selected domain name such as: http://pediatriccancerbearawareness.org and leave the second box to the right empty.

Step 2: You can skip adding advanced options at this point until you learn more about the processes.

Step 3: Tick the legal information box (after reading all the information) and click on complete.

Note: You might receive a warning about overwriting existing files, click on the overwrite existing files.

This is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give you, keep a book of your important details associated with your non-profit/charity. This includes noting the login URL, username and password. It will save you many headaches in trying to login later.

Now you are all ready to create your special niche on the web!

3. Creating a Website - Affiliate Link Below

It's time to decide how you want your new website to look. There are WordPress templates you can start out with or you can purchase or download free templates from the web. The entire HTML business can be daunting for the inexperienced and one extra character or deletion can mess up your whole page so be careful with this! This is why Elegant Themes is perfect. They provide eye catching blog themes at various price plans to fit a budget. If you prefer to change your's up routinely, you might want to consider purchasing all themes for one price and there is a 30 day money back guarantee.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Evolution

SimplePress

MyCuisine

Lucid

In summary, it's best to have your charity registered in your state and to obtain 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. People are more likely to donate to organizations that can be verified as well as to have donations that are tax deductible.

Determine a good name for your charity and like minded blog/website address. Select your hosting site and we recommend Bluehost (affiliate link) as with a package, they provide the domain and the hosting. Install Wordpress and select a theme for your blog via WordPress or company like Elegant Themes (affiliate link).

I'll be following up with some tips on setting up a charity if you want IRS status for your charity. Many donors prefer to donate to organizations that are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) for tax deduction purposes.

Until then, here are some quick tips:

Define your mission statement closely with your desired domain name. The mission statement will be evolving as you more forward or it may stay the same. When you request grants and other financial assistance, the sponsor will request your mission statement.

If you decide to incorporate and file for 501(c)(3) status, check around your local community as often times, attorneys are willing to assist in filing the incorporation status and IRS documentation pro bono.

Start thinking about a board of directors and this will vary from state to state. Each state has free resources available to help guide in the formation of a corporation so take advantage of those.

I had a local attorney create the incorporation papers for our charity but I did submit the paperwork to the IRS on my own. You will need several hundreds of dollars to incorporate and to file for non-profit status.

Many people are having success with the GoFundMe type accounts so you never know, you might too.

Network with a like minded larger charity to gain invaluable experience and tips.

As you create your blog, you will want to start creating accounts on other social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. The more you can get your name out there, the better but don't feel you have to have it all done at once as you will be overwhelmed.

Start thinking about a logo and how you want it to look. You can create your own at first or if you have the funds, there are many places that can create one for you. A great eye catching, professional logo will help to carry a professional image for your cause.

My Experiences with doTERRA Essential Oils

Affiliate Link Below

I'm sure you have heard of DoTERRA Essential Oils by now as I have from all over the various social media accounts I have. Many of my friends represent the product or use it and love it. Curiosity got the best of me so I had to give it a try. I purchased the Physician Kit's and received a Slim & Sassy with it to help with weight loss. I'm starting my exploration phase with all of them and can't wait to see how great they really are.

Since starting to use DoTERRA, I have found different ways to start using it. My recipes are simple as I'm only using a carrier oil to massage into the area I want relief.

For sore muscles, I'm mixing coconut oil (pure virgin organic) with a little Deep Blue® (Soothing Blend). Per the website, according to recent studies, more than half of us are sufferers of ongoing discomfort. Deep Blue® is dōTERRA®'s soothing solution to this challenge. Wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, blue chamomile, helichrysum and osmanthus work together to ease achy joints and sore muscles. Its effects are deep and penetrating with sustained results. Once gently rubbed into the area of discomfort, Deep Blue's cool therapeutic benefit will be felt almost immediately. For topical use only. It seems to really help the leg cramps I get from jogging/walking.

For digestive problems, namely pain in the abdomen area, I'm using the same coconut oil mixed with DigestZen® (Digestive Blend( and Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia frereana). I tried it this morning and I have felt better all day which is a change from how I was feeling. Perhaps coincidental? I don't know but I feel better. I also massage it into the soles of my feet to feel better as an extra kick. Per the website, it states it's used for relaxation, immune support, and mood enhancement. For aromatic, topical or dietary use.

For my face to treat wrinkles and acne, I use Melaleuca Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Per the website, it's recognized by its more common name "tea tree", melaleuca has been revered for its cleansing and regenerative properties, especially for the skin. Composed of more than ninety different compounds, melaleuca has limitless therapeutic applications. For aromatic, dietary, or topical use. I've noticed my face is clearing up from the acne and it feels very soft afterwards. I'll have to update later on the wrinkle effect but I do have a glow in the morning and I don't feel oil residue from the coconut oil

I use Breathe (Respiratory Blend) for any stuffiness myself or my youngest experiences. It really works to open the sinuses. Per the site, it's a proprietary blend including laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and ravensara cleanses and soothes the airways, and can easily be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet. Its pleasant aroma is calming to the senses and perfect for night time diffusion allowing for restful sleep. For aromatic or topical use.

Want to learn more, click here for doTERRA.

About Essential Oils:

f you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health care practices

Essential oils have been used throughout recorded history for a wide variety of wellness applications. The Egyptians were some of the first people to use aromatic essential oils extensively in medical practice, beauty treatment, food preparation, and in religious ceremony. Frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh and cinnamon were considered very valuable cargo along caravan trade routes and were sometimes exchanged for gold.

Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks used essential oils in their practices of therapeutic massage and aromatherapy. The Romans also used aromatic oils to promote health and personal hygiene. Influenced by the Greeks and Romans, as well as Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic use of aromatic herbs, the Persians began to refine distillation methods for extracting essential oils from aromatic plants. Essential oil extracts were used throughout the dark ages in Europe for their anti-bacterial and fragrant properties.

In modern times, the powerful healing properties of essential oils were rediscovered in 1937 by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who healed a badly burnt hand with pure lavender oil. A French contemporary, Dr. Jean Valnet, used therapeutic-grade essential oils to successfully treat injured soldiers during World War II. Dr. Valnet went on to become a world leader in the development of aromatherapy practices. The modern use of essential oils has continued to grow rapidly as health scientists and medical practitioners continue to research and validate the numerous health and wellness benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oil.

Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends depending on user experience and desired benefit. Essential oils are usually administered by one of three methods: diffused aromatically, applied topically, or taken internally as dietary supplements.

Aromatic Uses

Our sense of smell influences many physiological pathways including the stimulation of hormones and other metabolic processes. Aromatherapy is founded on the body's predictable response to specific olfactory stimuli. Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy applications. Certain essential oils, when diffused in the air, can be very stimulating while others can be calming and soothing. Beyond emotional benefits, diffusing essential oils can purify air of unwanted odors and some airborne pathogens. Low or no-heat essential oil diffusers are recommended as they do not change the chemical structure of the oil being diffused. Essential oils can also be used as cleansing and purifying additives to laundry and surface cleaners throughout the home.

Topical Uses

Due to their natural molecular composition, essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically. Application of essential oils can have immediate, localized benefit to the target area of application. They have restorative and calming properties and can be used effectively with massage and beauty therapy. They are also natural disinfectants. The chemical structure of essential oils also allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin for internal benefit throughout the body.

Internal Uses

Essential oils can also be used as dietary supplements supporting a variety of healthy conditions. Some essential oils have powerful antioxidant properties while others help support healthy inflammatory response in cells. Many essential oils are generally regarded as being safe for dietary use, but some oils should not be taken internally. Do not use any essential oil product internally that does not have the appropriate dietary supplement facts on its label.

$50 PayPal or Amazon Gift Card Flash Giveaway - Starts 1/16 and Ends 1/18

It's the weekend again and time for another blogger Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card giveaway!!! Enter during the three days to have a chance to win!

For THREE Days ONLY we are offering this Flash Giveaway! One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!! This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now! We are making it easy peasy to enter! Just use the form below. Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Jan. 18, 2015! Tell your friends so they can enter, too! Good Luck!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: This giveaway is organized by Giveaway Booster.com. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. If you are a blogger and would like to join in this giveaway event please check this post on Wednesdays to sign up to join. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Must be 18+ to enter. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.
If you have any questions about this giveaway please email Tina at branchpropromotions@gmail.com.

Flash Giveaway - $50 PayPal or Amazon Gift Card - 11:59 pm January 11, 2015

It's the weekend again and another chance to win a $50 (USD) PayPal Cash or Amazon gift card! It's easy to enter and you don't have to wait days or weeks to find out if you won! For THREE Days ONLY we are offering this Flash Giveaway! One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!! This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now! We are making it easy peasy to enter! Just use the form below. Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Jan. 11, 2015! Tell your friends so they can enter, too! Good Luck!

Entry -Form

While you are here, enter for a chance to win an all in one sleek keyboard case for iPad Air/Air2

Free Homeschool Inspired Kindle Books Today - 1/6/15

Bee: The Princess of the Dwarfs [Kindle Edition]

When her true love is abducted by mysterious creatures, a girl must summon the strength to save him

From the moment they met as young children, Bee and George have been bound together by a deep love. But when George goes off on a quest to a forbidden lake, home to dangerous water nymphs, it is up to Bee to rescue him. On her adventure she meets Loc, the king of the dwarfs, who proves to be more kind and generous than the humans she knows. Even as he showers her with riches in an attempt to make her stay, Bee never loses sight of her purpose: finding George. She will do anything to get him back.

A fairy tale for all ages, Bee: The Princess of the Dwarves is a classic that has delighted children and adults alike for more than a century with its ebullient characters and wondrous worlds.

This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices

Mind Hurdles: Grade 3: 300 Interactive Questions and Answers That Stimulate Learning [Kindle Edition]

Mind Hurdles Grade 3 is a distinct and innovative departure from the often boring question-and-and-answer quiz games of the past. It is the dazzling new interactive standards-based, accelerated cool game that ensures that your kids are not just keeping pace, but are moving toward a successful future.

Mind Hurdles was created to prepare your child for life’s hurdles, and while it is fun to play, it certainly is not fluff. The self-pacing game keeps prompting until your child gets the right answer. Positive reinforcement is built into the game. Imagine your child having the opportunity to review, learn and apply concepts before the tests are even given. This is exactly what Mind Hurdles Grade 3 delivers.

Responsible parents can feel confident that the content is challenging and aligns with standardized testing, yet kids love to play it either alone or with school friends. Among children’s books ages 9-12, it is a fun game book that offers inquisitive and budding minds a new and fast way to master 3rd grade material. As with all the Mind Hurdles children’s books, its contents are overseen by the Mind Hurdles Advisory Board.

The Dragon's Mountain, Book One: Attacked by the Griefers (The Unofficial Minecraft Adventure Short Stories) [Kindle Edition]

GENRE: Children’s Adventure

Book One: Attacked by the Griefers (The Unofficial Minecraft Adventure Short Stories)

Mike, is living a peaceful life on his newly built farm, after defeating the evil Herobrine and saving the world of Minecraft from falling under his dark reign.

But Mike’s peaceful existence is shaken up by two of his friends that up until that moment, he thought he had lost. Jerry, Mike’s best friend and his former enemy, turned ally, Micah, bring Mike news of a far away mountain that holds an unimaginable treasure.

It doesn’t take long until Mike is convinced to embark on an adventure alongside his two buddies.

House Party Happenings: Hasbro Brought the Fun #hasbrogamingparty

Over the holiday, we had our family visiting and although I didn't get enough pictures of the good times we had, I did get some of our gaming night with Hasbro. The girls love board games and discovered they like some new ones compliments of our House Party Hasbro Games! Of course they already loved Sorry and Twister but they had no idea how much fun they would have with Taboo Buzz'd. They still play it regularly. Unfortunately, our hour glass timer was broken in the Yahtzee Classic game so it made it a little harder to play with the full effect of that but the girls still had a great time along with everyone else.

The girls loved the Ring Pops too! They were gone very fast and it was nice to receive Duracell Quantum Batteries to place in Taboo. We also received a Papermate Inkjoy pen that was immediately confiscated by my little one who proclaimed 'it was the best pen ever!'

This is where we realized the hour glass was broken and my oldest has a perplexed look on her face while holding my new grandson. Have no worry as we still had GREAT fun!

Our party occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday so our dessert table was in a Jane Austen theme. Had I thought about it, I really had should have coordinated with our party them and done more game type features.

Hasbro games are perfect for anytime. Whether it's just you and your kids or an excuse to have family or friends over! The games are not only fun but they can be educational as well. As a homeschooling mom, I greatly appreciate any opportunity to interject fun and learning! Our party was a result of my participation with House Party.

About our Hasbro Games Party Pack:

TABOO BUZZ’D game

The TABOO BUZZ'D game is an electronic, hand-held party game that's easy to play, auto scores for you, and it all comes in one handy unit. Get your team to guess as many words as you can while you race against the clock, but if you say a Taboo game word, the other team will hit the buzzer and your team loses a point.

Ages 12 and up
For 2 teams

YAHTZEE game

YAHTZEE game is the classic dice game with a unique combination of luck and strategy. Every game is an exciting challenge to rack up the highest score. Seriously high scores come from multiple YAHTZEE game bonus points, but your luck could change with every roll!

Ages 8+
2+ Players

SORRY! game

This classic SORRY! board game is fun, challenging, and filled with unpredictable twists and turns. You never know who is going to move ahead or get bumped all the way back to the beginning. There are so many possibilities depending on the card you pick and the strategy you choose.

Ages 6 and up
For 2 − 4 Players

TWISTER game

Get moving with the TWISTER game! It's the on-the-floor party game where the spinner calls the shots and you make the moves. The classic TWISTER game spots and laugh-out-loud action will have you and your friends tangled up in fun in no time.

Ages 6 and up
2 or more players

SCATTERGORIES game

Fun, face-paced game of categories! Come up with unique answers for each category and points if your answers are different from all the other teams’ answers.

Ages 13 years and up
For 2 - 4 teams

Duracell® Quantum Batteries

Duracell® Quantum Batteries last up to 35% longer vs. the next leading competitive brand.* Combined with a Hi-Density Core™ for unbeatable long-lasting power and PowerCheck™, it’s a Quantum leap in battery power.

Ring Pop® Party Pack

The whole party can show off their sweet style with the Ring Pop® Party Pack. With a big flashy gem and a rainbow of delicious flavors, now everyone can Rock That Rock™ and own the spotlight with Ring Pop®!