CK Blog

To fill you in, I got an order in the past week from a girl claiming to be in Germany. She didn’t order through my shopping cart-but my email. I knew at that point it was a bit fishy. But I played along to see where this would go. She was wanting to order 40 items of 4 different things that I carry. She said I could pick the scent-she gave me an address to check out the shipping costs through pamshippers. I did-as it wasn’t hurting me to do an estimate. They came back with an amount of $1800…right then I was like she isn’t going to go any farther. But she did-her order total would have been over $3000 with shipping. I told her I would need a valid credit card, with cvc, expiration date, address etc. She then came back with a credit card, but not one in her name. Now I have received orders before where the card was in the husband’s name-but the addresses were the same-the last names were the same etc.
So when I quesitoned her what the relationship was with her and that person-she then changed her story to it was her manager’s card and they would call me the next day. Problem was-this credit card was for someone in a southern state-and she was still claiming to be in Germany.
She gave me all of his information except a phone number. So when she didn’t immediately write me back I googled the white pages for this person’s phone number and called him.
I got their answering machine-but received a phone call back within 15 minutes. As I had suspected these kind people had NOT authorized this card to be used…..Hmmmmm did I catch her? or him? I gave the credit card information to this kind person-to find out YES it was one of their credit cards.
After that person called their credit card company they found that this person had also charged flowers to their card. And upon further investigation this person found out that the “scammer” was a manager for a rental car place out of Tennessee. Seems they had rented a car from an airport back in the spring-and the MANAGER…was the one using their card. Not only did the person go by another name (close though)-they were able to figure out her full name, address, and I had supplied the email. They are now going to be pressing charges against her.
I could give you her name that she went by-but it won’t help as if she were to do this again-she will most likely use a new email and a new name. But beware! I really didn’t think from the start that this order was valid-but I am glad that I pursued it as I might have saved these wonderful people more charges to their account.
I find it outrightly irritating that people out there are stealing other peoples information and using it for themselves. Did she not think that these people wouldn’t notice new charges? Did she think she would get a way with it with me? I led her to believe so. This scammer wanted me to charge the card asap…what she didn’t realize that an order that size would have taken me weeks to complete and IF I had been quick to do it-because heck the money would have been great. But in the end I would have had stock of items I put my money into and lost what I had invested, and these people would be fighting charges to their card that should have never happened. Scammers ruin it for out of country people that are legitimately placing valid orders. I do have a person in Italy, a couple in Australia that are legitimate…but I always 2nd guess them. It isn’t their fault, it is the scammers out there trying to take advantage of innocent people.
The scammer now knows she has been found out-I didn’t contact her again-but the person she tried to take advantage of did…and I am sure it felt good to let her know-as I wanted to say SHAME ON YOU…And to top it off-this person was in the US this whole time…
The person said they didn’t know how to thank me…Honestly? The good feeling I got from stopping if only 1 person was pay enough.
So take it from me-if the order seems to good to be true-then it probably is…and if you have credit, debit cards…check your statements each month-keep track of your bank accounts; especially if you can go online and sign up with your bank to view your statements in a secured setting. It might be the difference between someone taking your money or not. So I am feeling pretty good this week…There are many honest people out there-but you just have to watch out for the ones that aren’t. This isn’t the first time I have gotten an order like this one…but the last person faded off-and didn’t use a card that wasn’t theirs-to my knowledge…so I didn’t “catch” them…I may be a “small business” but maybe that is even better than being a big company that might have processed the order not realizing what was going on…who knows…Thanks for letting me share my story with you! Til Next Time….

As some of you have heard I had to take one of our dogs-Walker to the vet after a weekend of multiple “upset” stomach episodes…he quit eating Saturday night, and looked to have lost over 6 pounds….I took him to the vet Monday morning and had to leave him to get x-rays, be rehydrated, and antibiotic shots. When I called 2 different times yesterday I was told at that point nothing had shown up on the x-rays but he hadn’t improved. They asked to keep him over night. This morning I called to check on him only to find out nothing had changed and that they had discovered a blockage in his intestines. Now that he was hydrated the blockage showed up by them being able to feel as-as yesterday his ribs were showing. We were already looking at a couple hundred dollars but with the surgery that he had to have in order to prevent death we are now looking at a possible $600-$800 more in bills bringing our total to $800-$1000. My husband and I had a hard time with this decision as that type of money we have never had to spend on 1 pet. But Walker is our 15 year old’s pet. Walker was born out of a litter of 7 puppies my other son’s dog had back on 9/11/07. You couldn’t ask for a nicer dog and he and Ethan have quite a bond. SO….I am offering 15% OFF any order placed from today June 9, 2009 to June 30th through Country Keepsakes Online. Please use the walker code to receive your percentage off. Any profit I receive will go directly to Walker’s Vet Bill….
Also Barbara Curran of Finders Keepers Jewelry has graciously donated a necklace/earring set retail value of $16.99 to be drawn from anyone placing an order using the “walker” code during the 6/9-6/30 promotion. This drawing will only be available to U.S. residents. .
I am including a picture of Walker and a picture of the jewelry.

I appreciate any one that can/wants to order. But to those that can’t prayers are welcomed!
Have a great day!

Before I share what I want to share today I need to give a little background. Back in August of 2002 while I was doing my hair getting ready for work something pulled in my back. Laugh you might but I figured that whatever this was, wasn’t good. I was working in my father’s insurance office, I had been for close to 8 years at that time for him. So I had built up the knowledge to work it alone if needed. During this time my Dad had become Governor of Rotary-so he had to be away alot. Anyways…I had went to work anyways-although I could hardly move my upper half without pain..by the end of the day I was holding my head up on the counter and felt sick. My husband ended up coming to get me. I sat on the floor that night with my head laying on the chair. By that morning I ended up having Roger take me to the ER. I had a headache, pain shooting down my arms, and a buzzing in my head that wouldn’t go away. They gave me pain medicine, I couldn’t use the bathroom…etc. They ended up sending me to another hospital where I was admitted for 3 days. There they did testing, more drugs and finally released me and said I needed to do pain management and physical therapy. Physical therapy wouldn’t touch me because all I did was throw up. I had no sensation in my hips, a buzzing in the back of my head that would not go away and I walked bent over holding onto my shirt. So to make a long story short after 1 chiropractor, a few other doctors and the chiropractor I now go to-I was diagnosed with DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) of my neck and back. After finally finding the BEST chiropractor I was more myself in 6 months than the previous 6 months of all the other doctors. I have good days and bad days-but I have to say that Dr. Bob (Berry) gave me my life back. Within a year I went camping with my family and slept on an air mattress in a tent; something I could not have done without his help. At the time I had 2 curves in my neck going the wrong way-which explained all of my pain. I was told by one doctor I had to “just live this way”-and at 33 I just couldn’t accept that. Luckily no one would do surgery on me…that in itself is a blessing looking back. After 7 years I know when I have over done-or what I can and can’t do. But I walk upright and haven’t had the buzzing in my head or the numbness in my thighs. I am able to pour candles-although some days are tougher than others. But I Thank you Dr. Bob for giving me my life back. So I want to share a great article that I got from his office. His website is http://www.advancedfamilychiropracticofny.com
_______________________________________________
10 Great Reasons to Have Surgery:
10. My insurance covers it.
9. Everyone is doing it.
8. The Doctor said God just threw in any extra part.
7. It hurt so I figured, “Hey, just cut it out”.
6. My mother-in-law said her aunt had good results and the guy at work who makes the coffee said it worked for him, and he makes good coffee.”
5. Going to the Chiropractor takes too long.
4. I’ll never have to worry about trouble with that part again.
3. Scars make me look like Rambo.
2. My doctor said I have to…..
1. And besides, my Doctor just bought new golf clubs and he really needs the money.

Everyone wants to be well. You can cut out the ailing part of take enough medication to not feel the symptoms of illness and if you are lucky feel less bad quickly, for a while.
We live in an instant gratification society. Fast food, instant coffee, and instant relief. However, if you want to be well it takes commitment and time. You will also have to pay the price.
1. You will have to spend some time. When you have pain or illness, it did not take place over night. Pain, sicknes, and disease is a process of time. Getting well and truly healing is a process of time.
2. You will have to spend some money. If you buy a diamond ring for 5 dollars then you just bought a ring worth five dollars. Its a fact.
3. You may have to endure some pain and suffering. While getting well God’s way, naturally over time, the symptoms may not subside for a while. However, by waiting it out and toughing it out, the healing that takes place will be proper and more permanent.
Do not shortchange God by thinking you can not get well. Do not be surprised when He gets you well. By following your Chiropractor’s advice at home, avoiding dangerous drugs, and getting the amount of adjustments necessary to correct your spine and nerve system you give your body its optimum chance to get well and stay well. BE PATIENT, BE PATIENT.

Possibilities must be weighed.
Then Priorities Must be Swayed.
Then the Plans must be Layed.
And commitments must be made.
The Price must be Paid.
The timing might be delayed.
But the course must be stayed.
And the Trumpets will be played!-Robert Schuler

As we enjoy our Memorial Day weekend we can’t help but think of those that have given their lives for us. It is a time for people to reflect on memories of either being in the service or those family and friends that are in the service. I think a lot of the families that have lost loved ones and pray that this weekend allows them to think of the happy memories that they made with those people. I also think of those currently serving in our Military. Those that cannot be with their families right now BUT are enjoying a weekend with their Military Families. The military families, when that is all you have mean so very much. I also think of the men and woman who are currently serving our country in Iraq. I am proud of what they have sacrificed in order to do their jobs.
Then there are the other things that go on during Memorial Day weekend. People planting their gardens of vegetables and flowers, graduation parties, Memorial Day parties etc. For those that are able to have a 3 day weekend-enjoy it!
This weekend I have planted my small vegetable garden, made pies (Strawberry Rhubarb & Coconut Cream Pie) for my son’s birthday gathering at my parents….and then today will go and spend time with my parents, sister and her family, and my brother and his family. We are lucky to all live close enough to get together if not every few weeks, at least once a month.
So enjoy the time you have this weekend, whether it be with yourself doing something you haven’t normally been able to do, or with family that means something to you-or in celebration of what this weekend means to you.
I am including a few pictures of some Poppys that were here at our house that I have been enjoying. Enjoy your weekend…

This post will remain on top until I get the 5 comments on here I need. Hurry 5 free gifts, handmade by Country Keepsakes! Comment now! Recently, Lisa from Kidccessory Haven, carried on a bit of a ‘craft-it-forward’ handmade giveaways. I found out about this through Lisa and I will be receiving something from her, so I’m following up my end of the bargain, and offering something up to you. P.S. There is FINE PRINT so, read carefully!

Here is the fine print:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

* I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I will do my best.

* it will be done in the next couple months (or weeks)

* you have no clue what it’s going to be – that’s the fun part!

It could be a hand poured candle, melts, a wax “food” product, or potpourri or lotion. What will it be? You’ll have to wait and see!

I reserve the right to do whatever comes to mind~it maybe on the web site or it might not. You never know where my creativity will take me.

Here’s the (really) fine print:

In return, all you need to do is post this text into a note of your own and make 5 things for 5 others. What could be more fun! Some ideas you could do for others: artwork, CD’s, burn a DVD, write a poem, crochet a scarf, make a mini book, send a photograph (a printed one, not e-mailed. etc…).

If you are interested, leave a comment below with your email address (if you don’t have a blog-based email address and are not comfortable leaving your personal email address, you can also email me at houseonthehill06@aol.com. Just make sure I am able to contact you.

Thanks!! Becky

Just stopping in to say Hi to all my friends. I have been keeping busy settling my new workspace, arranging, rearranging etc to fit, but I am already liking my new space. I was home to “make” dinner on a week night for once, and everyone seemed appreciative. Not that every night I will be able to do that-but I will be home.
Don’t get me wrong-I enjoyed having a spot away from the hussle and bussle of daycare kids crying, the daily laundry that I did at night after getting home (and a great husband that filled in where I fell short). But what I didn’t realize is how much I missed being home. Weekends are great-but not enough, they fly by too quickly. So now I re-adjust once again to keeping a schedule and making sure I balance between the 2. I know I can do it. I will continue to drive the kids to school and pick them up and work in between, and I will even work after I bring them home, but I get to stay home. I have an open window right in front of me that goes to the computer room and the living room-but is gated off with our wood stove from the daycare kids. But when my kids are home, I can see them if they are downstairs.
We ate together tonight at 5:30, not me eating after they were done at 6:30. Yes…I think I am going to like it here~at the home we bought in August, and actually be able to enjoy it.
Tomorrow there is a little more settling to do, but also to jump back into the orders that are awaiting me. I can’t wait…so I best get to bed so I can wake up to a new day…at my work and my home…all at the same time!

We got the approval from OCFS (Office of Child & Family Services) for me to be able to move my business to our home we bought in August 2008. My husband does daycare in our home and the only room I could use had to be remodeled in order for me not to freeze or sweat to death. That was completed in March-but we didn’t realize they would have a problem that my room had the 2nd egress going out of it. SO…at first they told me I could NOT move in…Well I wasn’t going to accept that. So with some major talks with them we found out IF we opened a 3rd exit which was sealed off in our living room, (which equaled more money to spend) as it needed a porch, the door painted etc. Well Roger worked very hard and was able to construct a small landing and steps with railings, I painted the existing door and waa-laa…the Fire & Safety through OCFS came and inspected yesterday and gave Rog the go ahead. I was told if I didn’t hear anything by 5pm last night-I was free to go ahead and move up there. So yesterday I busily got to packing, cleaning my waxy items and today I will start hauling van loads up to our home so that I can get all settled and “back in business”. Rog made me a nice 12 foot long work area that is L shaped-with 3 foot on the smaller part of the L with a shelf that goes almost the whole length of the work area underneath. He hung my shelving from my existing work area and now I just need to get all my stuff moved. This weekend he will finish moving what I can’t by myself. My phone is set up to go active up there Tuesday-so things are moving right along. Now for the fun part of getting it all there and to fit… But that is ok-it will help out tremendously not to have to pay some of the extra expenses I have had to deal with in this last 9 months.
I have to keep my room “locked” during daycare hours-but that is not a biggie compared to the original “No you can’t do your business in your home”…So I will deal with that.
So if I am not “right there” the next few days you know why..AND since it is all approved there is no chance of being “called” in.
I will take pictures once I am set back up. Thanks for those of you that have prayed for us during this “long haul” or what seems like a long haul this past 2 months or more.
Have a great day-and always have a dream!

Do you garden? Whether it be vegetables or flowers I am curious of what those of you do when Spring hits…do you start with seeds inside? or plants?
Now that I have a new home-I would like to revamp some areas of the yard. I figure it may take me a few years…but I am curious of what others have done. The house came with a big pussy willow tree, lilac tree, some forsythias, poppies, tulips, some daffodils but we have almost 2 acres…so I have space, just not high “funds” for plants. So I am going to see if I work at an area at a time what I can come up with. Post your ideas! Share what you have worked at. I look forward to reading it…
Until next time! Spring is almost here I think!

I want to Thank Raquel of House of Raquel for nominating me for the “Attitude of Gratitude Award”. Although I have never met Raquel in person I feel like I have known her all of my life. So Thank You Raquel!

My nominees for this award that I have never physically met but enjoy the time I get to network and chat/email with are:

Crystal Martin of The Cinnamon Hollow
http://thecinnamonhollow.blogspot.com

Pansy of A Diva’s Hammer
http://adivashammer.blogspot.com/

Lynn of Lady Lynn’s Boutique
http://www.ladylynnsboutique.blogspot.com/
K’lee of K’lee’s Kreations

http://kleeskreationsandmusings.blogspot.com/

Dianne of Prim Decor Gal & Prim Decor Tips
http://www.primdecortips.com/blog.php

Lisa Edwards of Military Momz
http://militarymomz.blogspot.com/

Krista Clyburn of WAHM Addicts
http://wahmaddicts.blogspot.com/

Connie of Dry Branch Primitives Blog
http://www.drybranchprimitives.blogspot.com/

Ellen Levinas of The Sample Bag
http://theesamplebag.blogspot.com/

Shari of Cranapple Christmas
http://cranapplechristmas.blogspot.com/

I appreciate each and everyone of these people for the hard work that they do and giving of themselves for others!

The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you’ve come to have an attitude of gratitude.

With that being said while you are waiting for the flowers to bloom why not grab a few candles from your favorite candle maker? We have Lilac, Tulips, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, or is Fresh Cut Grass up your alley?…. We also have some new scents like Island Baby which is a combination of baby powder and plumeria…For those that love the islands we have Pineapple Paradise, Pineapple Gardenia, Tropic Breeze…then there is Freesia, Clover or Summer Dreamin’…
More or less many scents to choose from in 3 sizes (8,12, & 16oz)…

So stop on by…We also have those scents in melts ! for those that do not like to burn a candle…

Just visit: http://www.cntrykeepsakes.com
Til Next Time…