Knoxville Christmas in the City Celebration of Lights by Regal

In our quest to connect as a family this Christmas we attended the Regal Celebration of Lights on Market Square in downtown Knoxville. We had an absolute blast! Everyone there was in the mood to have family fun. Since many of the events were free it was a budget friendly outing. Mayfield Dairy gave out free Egg Nog and Snow Cream Popsicles. I was surprised to find out how much the popsicles taste like real snow cream. Now you can have this tasty treat without waiting for a snow storm. That's so neat!

Another neat thing that happened was the marshmallow roast. Who but the firefighters of Knoxville could execute a marshmallow roast on Market Square mall? That was too much fun!

The entire evening was a blast. I wish we could have stayed longer. The Christmas tree that was lighted is beautiful. The Regal Celebration of Lights featured live music, lot of neat craft vendors and plenty of activities for every age. Of course, there's all the terrific shopping on Market Square mall too. No visit to downtown is complete without taking at least a peek into the great shops that are there all year.
If you are looking for inexpensive family fun this Christmas like we were check out the City's website. The calendar is filled with an array of activities to fit any taste or budget. The website is http://www.cityofknoxville.org.

Click here for the website of Market Square Mall District Association.

I hear there's a parade on Friday night. We might have to check that out too...

Click the Associated Content in the header for a slideshow of the Regal Celebration of Lights in Knoxville.

Arby's Restaurant Strawberry Plains, Knoxville - Youve Been Reviewed!

Finally, at Arby's I had a fast food experience that went beyond expectations. On this day, the service was top notch and so was the food. They've been known to have great roast beef sandwiches for years. The menu also includes a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich, mint shakes for the holidays and more. The restaurant is in Knoxville, TN at the Strawberry Plains Pike exit. Read my full review on the Arby's Strawberry Plains Pike location here.

Click here for the Arby's Restaurant Corporate Website

Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers on Asheville Hwy. - You've Been Reviewed

This has to be one of my strangest experiences yet. I don't think anything can top what happened here. Hopefully, for Wendy's maybe it won't happen again. This is one restaurant that needs a Mystery Shopper!
For more on what went wrong visit my Associated Content review on Wendy's on Asheville Hwy.

Wendy's Hamburger Restaurant Corporate Website

Subway Asheville Hwy. Knoxville - You've Been Reviewed

I stopped in at the Subway on Asheville Hwy for a quick bite. It's in the Food Lion shopping center and is not one of my normal haunts. I was very pleased with the service and friendliness on this visit and will be back. Click here to read why --Subway Knoxville, Asheville Hwy.

Golden Corral Powell Restaurant Review- You've Been Reviewed!

At the Golden Corral in Powell, TN my husband and I were able to enjoy our meal. We may even go back. Given past experiences at this location we were both pleasantly surprised.

Read the full review at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1193961/golden_corral_steakhouse_buffet_in.html?cat=22

Christmas Kitchen Decorating Ideas for Next to Nothing

For Christmas decorating ideas for pennies check out this link. The article I wrote for Associated Content is filled with cheap ideas for adding Christmas color to your kitchen. It tells you how to create a tablecloth and decorate your kitchen with accessories. Best of all, you may already have most of these items in or around your home.

To view the article go to
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1233107/budget_friendly_kitchen_decorations.html?cat=46

If you have inexpensive decorating tips to share please post them in the comments section. We can all learn from each other!

My Kid Was Offered 100K for College Tuition. Yours can do it too!

If you are a parent you may be wondering if you can pay for college. The good news is that money is available. My daughter was offered a total of over $100,000 when she graduated from high school in 2006. She wound up going to tuition-free Berea College in Kentucky. The school has been listed at the top of the pack in US News and World Reports for several years now. But, even if she hadn't gone there she still should have had plenty of money.

Getting the money wasn't rocket-science but we did need a plan. This is the link to the article I wrote for Associated Content. It outlines how we did it. Maybe it will help you in your funding search?

Tomlin's Service Dog Frisbee

Yesterday someone asked me about Tomlin. He's doing great! I thought I'd post an update about him.

For those of you who don't know, Tomlin is the dog we are training to be a service dog for our daughter. He is a possible German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound mix that we rescued almost two years ago. He's a fun treat to be around. We love him dearly! If he ever stops chewing on shoes he's going to become a full fledged service dog. Right now, we're still working on him. But even as a service dog trainee he's already a big help. Tomlin can retrieve things that are dropped. He can take items to family members and can help you steady to keep from falling. He also stands to help you off of the floor if you're already down. Of course, he can also open the refrigerator door but we won't go there!

Tomlin's favorite game has become Frisbee. It's been a teaching tool too. This helps him learn how to pick things up. Sometimes he has to "wait" for the command. Once in awhile he gets lucky. We'll throw our arms off and he'll have a blast. "Fetch" works the same way. Both of these games have been building blocks to teach him to carry things to family members and friends, or get and bring items to one person, reliably.

Before Tomlin, I never thought much about service dogs. So far, despite problems with our neighbor, it's been a rewarding experience.

Rush Strong School Community Thanksgiving Service

The annual community Thanksgiving service is at Rush Strong School tomorrow night. It's at 7:00 pm.

I'm looking forward to it and can only hope that I feel well enough to go! (May this pneumonia go away soon!)

Times are tight this year for so many people. But at the same time, we have a lot to be thankful for. Not everyone gets to live in a community like Strawberry Plains and I truly believe we are fortunate. How many other communities do you hear of that celebrate Thanksgiving and Easter as a community? What used to be commonplace is becoming more rare. At these services, divisional lines are thrown out the door. Everyone who gathers for the service focuses on what truly is important. It's an opportunity that I am grateful to have that some people don't.

If you read this blog post and you are near Strawberry Plains, come join us. You'll be glad you did.

Where is Strawebrry Plains, TN?

Now that my writing is being seen more frequently, more people are asking me the question "Where is Strawberry Plains, TN?" The name naturally makes people curious. Plus, there is no other place like it. Here's a link to blog entry from the nonprofit I run. Hope for Healing.Org sits squarely in the center of downtown Strawberry Plains in Jefferson County, Tennessee. The area is steeped with interesting history and filled with great people. There is a photo and movie show link on the blog from Picasa. You may want to check those out too.

Enjoy the article!

http://hopeforhealingorg.blogspot.com/2008/05/where-is-strawberry-plains-tn.html

Is Assocated Content too good to be true?

No, it's not. This popular writing site is a good opportunity to make extra money. I have been happily supplementing our income by writing articles for Associated Content since August. Since they pay via Pay Pal I'm only a few days from access to my money. (Of course, remembering to sign up for the Pay Pal debit card would speed things up.). Associated Content is not a get rich quick scheme. I've typically been paid anywhere from $4.00 - $5.00 per article and up. Because of Associated Content I'm going to be able to get a much needed laptop at the end of the month. Then I'll be writing to pay off some newly acquired medical bills.

You can post on just about anything. If you check my work, you'll find that a lot of my writing have to do with college life and restaurant or book reviews. To write for Associated Content your writing should have some quality to it. The work should be as free from errors as possible. You should at least be able to spell (or use spell checker!) and know some internet basics. Otherwise, the sky is the limit.

Associated Content makes it easy to write. They post calls for content daily. Clear tutorials help show you the way! With their help, it's never been easier to make legitimate money on the internet.

Go here to sign up to being writing on the internet now.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=303114 If you have any questions or want to know more about Associated Content email me. I'm always happy to talk about my new freelance writing career!

Carter High Band Auction in Full Swing Tonight!

It's back again! The 3rd annual Carter High Band auction is tonight. Lots of goodies. Be sure to come to the Carter High School cafeteria at 6:00 pm when the silent auction starts or 7:00 pm when the silent auction begins. It's the perfect place for holiday shopping. The kids are going to London, England. Shopping at the auction will help get therm there. See you at 6:00 pm!

For more information on helping the kids please visit the band website at
http://www.carterband.com

Read more about this story on Associated Content!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Powell, TN - You've Been Reviewed!

So my husband and I visited the Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Powell, Tennessee. At least he loved it. I tried. How did we come out with such different views? Read the reviews and see...

Read my husband's full review on Assocated Content. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1191897/five_guys_burgers_and_fries_in_powell.html?cat=22

Read my review on Associated Content here:
Why I Don't Care for Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Sorry John!

Musings: Broken Friend

Musings: Broken Friend

When life hits with full force sometimes we forget that something more is available to us. We get bogged down in day-to-day living and miss what's important. This post reminded me. I thought you might enjoy it too.

Journey's that Opened Up the World - Christian Book - You've Been Reviewed!

Journey's that Opened Up the World was a great book for me to read. It gave me insights into racism, sexism and other "ism's" that have been invaluable. I am hoping my college age daughters will find the book to be valuable. It will probably be appearing under a Christmas tree near them soon and should be required "coming of age" reading for all women.

Read my full review on Associated Content here.

Pizza Hut, La Follette, TN - You've Been Reviewed!

Pizza Hut, La Follette, TN,
Slow service, dirty tables with friendly (if inefficient) staff.

Read my full review on Associated Content Here: Pizza Hut La Follette, TN

KFC of Strawberry Plains, TN - You've Been Reviewed!

Good service, good speed, buffet in great shape. KFC, I'll be back!

Read the full review on Associated Content here:

Long John Silver's, AW Root Beer of LaFollette, Tennesse - You've Been Reviewed!

Long John Silver's and AW Root Beer of LaFollette, Tennesse Serves up Good Food Fast.

No diet AW Root better at Long John's of La Follette. Otherwsie, it was a great visit! (We're also now told that the temporary shortage has been fixed.)

Read the full review here: LaFollette, TN Long John Silver's on Associated Content here.

Comfort Inn of Hixson, TN - You've Been Reviewed!

Odor problems and room issues plagued us during our stay at the Comfort Inn of Hixson, Tennessee.

What else could go wrong? Read the full review to find out more...

Acropolis 4 Star Grill in Chattanooga - You've Been Reviewed!

My family loves the Acropolis 4 Star Gill in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's right by Hamilton Place Mall.

Read my review on Associated Content about the Acropolis today.

Thanksgiving Service in Strawberry Plains

The annual Thanksgiving Community Service at Strawberry Plains is scheduled again. It will take place at Rush Strong School on Nov. 25 at 7:00 pm. This community effort is put together through the quiet organizing skills of Rev. Dennis Maxey at Strawberry Plains Presbyterian church. It is usually a moving service that brings together people of all areas of Strawberry Plains. A love offering is taken to benefit the historically significant cemetery in downtown Strawberry Plains right next to Rush Strong School.

For more on the Strawberry Plains Churches and Organizations visit:
First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains
Holston Memorial Baptist Church
Hope for Healing.Org
Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church
Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church

Strawberry Plains UMC Barbecue

The Strawberry Plains UMC Barbecue was in its 44th year. Boasting the best church barbecue in Strawberry Plains it's sought after by the whole community. It's a good time of fellowship. For more, read my full article on Associated Content.

The church has a new website at http://strawberryplainsumc.holston.org If you still have the old site linked that was on Go Daddy you'll need to update your bookmarks. Also, the new site was designed in Web Studio, Version 4.0. If you have problems with Opera or Mozilla switching to viewing in IE should fix the bug. The website is user-friendly otherwise. I hope you will visit it.

You've Been Reviewed! Formosa Chinese Restaurant, Chattanooga, Hixson, TN

My husband and I had a great time at the Formosa Chinese Restaurant in Chattanooga. The quiet and relaxing restaurant was just what we needed. If you are planning a trip to Chattanooga and including a stop in Hixson, you might want to try it. The prices were reasonable and the service was very good.

Click here to read the full review:
Formosa Chinese Restaurant Chattanooga/Hixson »

This is a much more upbeat piece than the one for our stay at the Comfort Inn of Hixson. That review is coming soon.

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you Armed Forces!

If you are reading this thank a veteran. It is because of their dedication that we have the ability to use our freedom of speech. Without their sacrifice many things - including blogging - might not be possible.

To all veterans, thank you for serving this country so admirably. We support you and we thank you!

You've Been Reviewed! Pizza Hut Express at Knoxville Center Mall Dishes Up Great Pizza

Great pizza from Pizza Hut Express at Knoxville Center Mall!

Pizza Hut Knoxville Center Mall a Review
What is a Pizza Hut Express? Is the pizza still great? Read on my review on Associated Content find out.
View more »

Recovering from Pneumonia

Speaking of asthma. I've done the asthma attack into bronchitis into pneumonia routine. Keep me in your prayers. I'm miserable and on Saturday we've got a Craft Show fundraiser at Hope for Healing.Org. Not a good combination!

Why Obama Needs a cute Hypoallergenic Goldendoodle

If you know me (or read the blog) you know what a huge dog fan I am. When I saw the "Call for Content" go out on AC about Obama's doggy dilemma the opportunity was too good to pass up. We met the sweetest Goldendoodle at PetSmart. She had the sweetest disposition and was just adorable!

There's no chance for romance though. Tomlin was not as taken with her as I was. :-)

With my asthma, Tomlin is probably just glad we found out about hypoallergenic Goldendoodles after we got him!

Check out my recently published content on AC about why Obama should get one..
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1189321/obama_get_a_goldendoodle_hypoallergenic.html

Posting on Associated Content

Many of you have asked where I've been. When not at Hope for Healing.Org I've been posting on Associated Content. This gives me the chance to earn a few bucks here and there. It's pretty neat! I'll start posting some urls here to some of the articles I've written there. If you like what you see you can click on the link and/or leave comments.

I hope you like them. Let me know what you think!