Blue Skies Here | Central Texas

How Can I Make Money off of OLD Electronics?

Did you know that you can make money off of your old electronics? Several online services offer quick quotes for these outdated items. If you agree to the price, you request a prepaid shipping container, send the device for examination, receive confirmation of your initial quote, and wait for payment. To expedite the process, some services have partnered with retailers to offer in-store evaluations and payments. Here are a few examples:

• Gazelle.com offers cash for your device when you use the prepaid shipping option. You can also visit participating Walmart stores for a faster trade-in; however, your payment will be a Walmart gift card.
• NextWorth.com gives you cash for your device when you use the prepaid shipping option. Or you can visit a participating Target store for an in-person trade and Target gift-card payment.
• BestBuy.com offers store credit only, regardless if you ship your device or visit a store.
• Apple.com/Recycling offers quotes for Apple devices. You must ship the device, and your only payment option is an Apple gift card.

These services also offer recycling and donation options for your item. If you can wait several weeks, you’ll often get a higher price using the shipping option—not to mention cash instead of store credit. And be sure to remove any personal data from your device before you trade it in.

Georgetown Gives...

 
I've been looking for a way to give back to my terrific community - and have just launched "Georgetown Gives."  I wanted to create something that would enable me through my business and personal involvements to contribute to a number of area charities.

I am kicking off with our first event on November 13 from 2-4 at the ranch at 1020 Highway 195 in Georgetown, benefiting the Caring Place.  I picked this day as it is the anniversary of my marriage to my late husband, Greg Smith, one of the most selflessly giving people I've known.  I picked this charity - as many of my neighbors have had a difficult year due to the economy and recent flooding and the Caring Place attends to an array of needs.  I hope that those of you in my area will help me with this venture... 

Our first event will kick off the holiday season with some outdoor fun: Chicken Bingo, Hayrides, Jumping House, refreshments, face painting, etc.  The Chicken Bingo will be hilarious - PLUS, you have a chance to pick up some holiday cash.  We'll split the money between winners and the Caring Place.  If you're interested in attending - drop me a line at klombar@kw.com and I'll make sure you receive an invitation.   Admission is free - but I hope that folks will bring donations of food, clothing or household items.  The Caring Place will have barrels on-hand, so you can just drop it in.

Also - please visit us on facebook.  Thanks for your support!

They ARE paying attention

Hello Moms and Dads out there.  In today's "short attention span theater" approach to communications - ever feel like you kids are paying ZERO heed to what you're saying?  I have some proof that, in fact, they occasionally are...

Recently took both kids to the grocery store.  The latest push for freedom: my seven-year old wants to head off and gather an item on his own and bring it back to me.  Okay - I'll play.  So I'll select an item that's in the vicinity of where I am - or where I'm heading - and he'll fetch.  After successfully completing a few items, he was ready for more.  So I said, "Okay - let's see how you do with this one...  I want you and your sister (age 3) to go and select your cereal for the week.  I want you to agree on your decision and make a good choice.  Hold hands.  Stay together."  And sent them over to the next aisle (where I could see/hear them).

After about 5 minutes, they returned.  Seven-year old reported back as official spokesperson:

"Mom.  We really want this new Cupcake Pebbles cereal - however, we read the label and noticed that the sugar was much higher than you would want.  But we REALLY wanted it.  So here it is.  BUT, we then searched for the cereal with the lowest sugar content we could find (handed over the Corn Flakes).  We thought that if you mixed the two together for us that would be a good compromise.  Can we have both?"

I couldn't argue with this.  And also couldn't help laughing a bit under my breath at the pitch as his little sister stood there nodding vigorously her approval.

Though outwardly silent - my voice inside was screaming... "HOLY CATS!  They are actually listening and paying attention.  Sometimes."

Score one for Mom.

Financial Perspective of the 7-Year Old

A recent conversation with my son about his not-quite-3-year old sister.

"Mom, come here." (said urgently) "Sit down.  I need to talk with you.  It's important."

"Sure, hon.  (concerned Mom...) What's going on?"

"It's about my sister.  I think that in the future, when she does something good - you should think about giving her money."

"Okay...why?"

"Well, I went in her room today.  And she has no bank.  No nothing.  She's BROKE, Mom.  BROKE!"

Later I went in to find that my son had taken some of his savings (about $.78, mostly pennies) and put it on his sister's dresser.  After seeing this - I went out and got her a little bank.  Not sure what my son thinks that his sister is going to do with this money - but couldn't resist supporting his "cause."

Last Lecture - Late to the Bandwagon

I know that most of you have already watched the YouTube video or read the book - but I'm one of those who has to let the hype wear down before I can visit cultural phenomena like this...

I picked the book up at the library a couple of weeks ago and finally cracked it open yesterday - and devoured the whole thing.  I found myself nodding at so many passages, reconsidering my time spent with my husband, kids, and colleagues.  Thought about who I am, who I think I am - who I could be.

It also made me think back to the day when my late husband died - and my decision on how I was going to live life for me and my son.  I refused to give in, to mope, to be pessimistic, or to provide anything less than a hopeful, happy, magical and FULL life of possibilities for the two of us.  I remember hearing that some folks thought that I wasn't "mourning enough" considering the situation.  When I read what Randy Pausch wrote, I felt like he might have been a kindred spririt.  I don't know how many times I said to family and friends, "It is what it is - and there's a great life for us out there.  I won't ignore that."  I don't think you win my moping and complaining - you have to look forward, make the best of what you have, do your best for those around you.  Dig deep...

I don't mean for this to sound preachy - hope it doesn't.  I was just touched by Mr. Pausch's bravery and joy - and thought it worth passing it along.  If you haven't read the book, it's worth the time.

Sales Tax-Free Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25, 2009) is a sales tax-free weekend on Energy Star appliances.  Retailers will not collect taxes on the following items:

•     air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
•     clothes washers (but not clothes dryers)
•     ceiling fans
•     dehumidifiers
•     dishwashers
•     light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
•     programmable thermostats
•     refrigerators priced under $2,000

Depending on the situation, labor, delivery, and shipping and handling may not be taxed.  More information and details are available on the state Comptroller's Web site.

Austin Runner's City Guide

Are you an avid runner like me?  If so, check out this link to help you find running clubs, runner's events and the perfect hike and bike trails to suit every skill level!  There's even a website link to help you plan your run route!

http://www.gracytitle.com/e-flyer/8x8/AustinRunners/AustinRunners.pdf

Summer Camp Guide - Central Texas

I don't know about you - but I am already thinking about how to entertain my kids this summer!  We usually hit the pool, maybe visit the Bob downtown, but this year I know my 6 year old will want something a bit more challenging this year! Central Texas has some fantastic summer camps for all ages -- check out the link below to find the perfect opportunity for your little ones!

Download Summer Camps Guide 2009

Happy Veterans Day

Called my dad first thing this morning to wish him a happy Veterans Day.  Always seems so strange to say "Happy Veterans Day."  More appropriate, perhaps for me to call and say "I'm calling to recognize your service..."  Anyway, an important day for us to remember all of the men and women who have fought and are fighting to protect our freedom -- and the spirit of that freedom worldwide.

A client and friend of mind shared this video with me today -- thought I'd pass it along:

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Happy Veterans Day, Dad.  Thank you for your service.

I'm an Aunt!

Last night at 8:10 pm I became an aunt for the first time.  Amazing.

I have two children of my own -- so the "process" is not new to me -- however, my younger (and only) sister is now a mom.  And I have a new nephew.  And my children have a new cousin.

When my little sister was born, I was over the moon. "Kank you, Mommy," I said.  Asked for her to be placed in my lap -- and loved her deeply from that moment forward.  She has been there for me as my son and daughter came into the world -- and now she's been able to experience it on the other side.  Last night she said to me...

"I get it now."

So few words, so profound.  We try hard to understand experiences from the perspective of others -- but it's impossible to do so.  The closest we can get is to go through similar experiences for ourselves.

I'm so excited for the journey that we're all getting to go on: my sister and her husband as parents, me and my husband as aunt and uncle, the grandparents, the friends, the extended family.  This is what it's all about.  What a wonderful reminder.  I get it.

Welcome to the world, Mars Miller Leslie!  We love you!