This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

I think it’s safe to say that the Hampton logo is well recognized by hundreds of thousands, if not millions across the United States and Canada.

But what I’m about to tell you is just plain crazy! And, it’s an incredible opportunity!

The fact is that Hampton is running a Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes where, hold onto your socks, the Grand Prize is an ENTIRE HOTEL – yes 100 rooms for two (2) nights – for you, your friends, your family, business associates, the list goes on and on with possibilities. One hundred rooms!

So… Who would you ask? How would you fill your 100 rooms Grand Prize?

Hampton didn’t stop there though… their sweepstakes also includes 100 1st place prizes. These First Place prizes are currently being given away on a daily basis for weekend stays for you and three (3) of your friends.

Let’s get the “how to enter to win” details out of the way, because it is really easy. Just click the link above, click on the “enter now” button, fill in your information, and submit. Doesn’t get much easier.

Now on to the really fun part! What designation would you pick? Who would you take with you? Remember, your choice of which Hampton hotel means almost endless possibilities within the U.S. and Canada, so think big (if you’re budget allows, after all you’re getting the stay for free) or closer to home for a nice romantic getaway?

Getting together with friends is a great way to melt away stress and just, for at least a weekend, have a great time.

Or… Maybe this summer you didn’t get a chance to take the family on vacation; well here’s your opportunity! (Yes even family members count as friends LOL!)

For me, I’m going to dream big! (more…)

I’m curious what your thoughts are regarding the internet as a means to make money. Actually, more specifically, I’m wondering do people naturally assume because it is easy to access the internet, that translates into “easy money”, too?

Evidence I receive day to day suggests more and more desperate individuals (and with an unemployment rate at worse than scary heights it’s not small wonder) are making their way to the internet in the search for money. The primary question asked, “How fast can I make that money?”

Actually this question comes in many forms. From the “how many sales” to the previously mentioned, “how soon” to the “what should I promote to make some fast money?”

People are desperate, because these are precarious times. However, don’t let your desperation let you do something stupid. If you’re down to your last dollars (hopefully not!), then hoping to suddenly strike it rich online is foolish. (more…)

Recently it seems that those wonderful individuals who take the time to make plugins for WordPress (and even Blogger) must be on summer vacation (or skiing if it’s winter where you live). Whatever the reason, I’ve had a heck of a time finding a plugin (other than WordPress’ own – which is third party and not at all accurate if you self-host).

But today I’m making the rounds of the blogs in the network, updating each with the latest, working one called SlimStat.

A simple but powerful real-time web analytics plugin for WordPress. It doesn’t require any subscription to external statistic services: all metrics are kept on your local server, private and accessible to your eyes only. Features the famous one-click install-and-go. Results are shown in real-time! (Description courtesy of WordPress)

It’s new, so I’ll have to see how long it lasts. But it’s “light weight” and even if you haven’t gone to the 3.0 level yet (we haven’t and for a reason), it works like a charm.

So if you’re a stats nut, and really want to know who, what, where, when and how, give it a whirl

If you, like me, wear corrective lens, then you know that it is a must that you also have a pair of prescription sunglasses, too.

More and more, information about eye damage due to the non-use, under-use, or improper use of sunglasses appears in the news. And, sunglasses are not just a summer thing; the winter glare of snow and ice make it a necessity to protect your eyes at all times when outside. This advices goes for children as well as adults (I’ve seen too many parents wearing their “shades” only to see their kids left defenseless).

Just one of many Zenni Optical choices

Zenni Optical makes it easy for you to get tinted glasses. In fact, their ordering process, and their prices, make it entirely affordable to have more than one pair. While retail eye shops charge an arm and a leg for UV this, and tinting that, Zenni does not have the overhead, and therefore, does not have to “mark up” your prescription sunglasses to make a profit. They also have a wide selection of frame styles (the photo is but one choice). I like the look of these, but I’ll be honest… I do go for more “side protection” and the best part is… they have those, too

You do need, of course, a prescription that includes “your pupillary distance” prior to ordering. This is not unusual by any means. But after your examination, you can stop right there, head home, and select any number of frame styles starting as low as $8 at Zenni’s.

I looked over their ordering process and found it, too, is super easy. You choose the frame(s), enter your prescription information (do make sure you enter this information correctly), add your purchase to the shopping cart (continue shopping if you want more than one pair), and when you’re ready, just check out.

As I said above, sunglasses are no longer a fashion accessory, they are a must. A recent visit to my own eye doctor confirms that statement. One of the things she asked me (told me really) was I must always wear sunglasses ANY time I was outside.

Protect your eyes, protect your children’s eyes, and protect your wallet. Check out Zenni Optical and see what’s available that “strikes your eye”.