Friday, December 18, 2009


So what kind of cookies will Santa get to choose from this year as his treat for visiting? At our home we have chose to shorten our list of cookie baking. For our Christmas party I'll be making buckeyes, peanut butter balls and truffles of white and dark chocolate. I'll also be making fa-la-la-la's, knock you nakeds and maybe a new chocolate pie concoction that I have been eye balling a recipe for. What is on your confection list? And just as important-what's the best way to keep cookies fresh? Visit Cooks Illustrated for their take on how to store your precious Christmas Cookies after all your hard work of making them.

To all our family, friends, customers and business associates we send you warm winter wishes for the merriest Christmas ever. We hope that you are able to relax into the holiday season and enjoy it at its best. Even if only briefly we hope that your worries, troubles, grief or stress will melt away as you listen to the sounds, see the sights and smell the aroma of Christmas all around you. Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Getting There

Are you getting ready yet for the holidays? We had some cooler weather in Florida and took advantage of it by bringing home and setting up the tree. It is always more enjoyable decorating when its not 90 degrees outside. lol

As you prepare your home for the holidays don't put your pets in harms way. Remember that some plants, common cleaning products or prescription medication can be poisonous to your furry friends. While things are hectic around the home and new guests may be staying with you it can be easy to overlook the dangers. Keep in mind that Christmas tree water may contain fertilizer or bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Electrical cords, batteries, glass ornaments and our own special treats need to be considered, as well as, ribbons and tinsel which can become lodged in the intestines (mostly in felines). For their sake {and your sanity!} keep a list of emergency numbers on hand...just in case. If you live in the Manatee/Sarasota, Fl. area here are some numbers.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital (941) 923-7260

Animal ER of University Park (941) 355-2884

Keep those 4 leggers safe while you enjoy this holiday season.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Beaming Proud



Congrat's to Chance & Lindsay

as they settle in to their new home. It was a hard but interesting journey finding the place to call home..but they did and in time to be settled in by Christmas. Everything happens for a reason.




Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving
to all our buggy people out there!
We hope your list is very long
of people and things to be thankful for.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Halloween Spirit

Looking for some Halloween Spirit? How about these adorable drunk pumpkins? I love these guys!
We have had some fantastic Halloween parties in the past. I have fond memories of the adults taking our kids around to trick or treat in 40 degree weather all bundled up...some years we even had snow already. It was cold but fun. Of course we don't have that problem here in Florida. Instead, we have to wait until the day before to put our carved pumpkins outside, otherwise they turn to goo by the special night. Ewwwwww.


This year we are gathering at Billie and Jeff's for a Rock-Star themed party. Rock star costumes are required and a Guitar Hero competition will be taking place. Yeah, that ought to be interesting & fun.
Want to see something scary? Check out this website with pics taken of Walmart shoppers.



Feeling Crafty? How about these cute ghost luminaries from empty glass jars. Visit familycorner.com for instructions. You could make these out of small or big containers. and...they wouldn't turn to goo on your front porch step.


When the kids were little we made a bunch of these. I still have them.
They really turned out cool. (I was impressed). Here is the instructions.

Where ever you end up at this year..have a fun and safe Halloween.


Sunday, October 4, 2009

Skull Keyring Contest

Want a chance to win this cool skull keyring from Zu-li Designs?
Yes you do, after all this is the newest "in" thing these days. Here is how it can be yours
Go to the Zu-Li blog post for all the details and up to 4 chances to win...
but hurry!! the contest ends Sunday, October 11, 2009. Good Luck.

Friday, September 25, 2009

OMG!!!!!! What a night!

How crazy is that? Both of our kids were in seperate vehicle accidents on Thursday within 1 hour of each other. Thankfully-both are ok!

Brianna's school bus clipped a car turning a corner. The kids aboard the bus weren't near as shaken about the incident as they were the very upset, vocally loud person getting out of the car that the bus hit. After about a 1 1/2 hour delay, she made it back home.

1 hour later Chance was T-Boned in the drivers side of his Acme truck a few blocks away from the office. The blow spun the truck into a light pole and bouncing sideways down the side walk. He is alright...but the truck on the other hand.....

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Our Newest Newbie

If you happen to have a reason to call our Acme office, chances are that you may be greeted by the pleasant voice of Lindsay. She has moved from the Troy, Illinois area and is the most recent person to join our family business. Her caring nature and professionalism is a welcoming addition. So, whether you call Acme Termite & Pest Control and speak to Lindsay, Billie, Angee or Karen, you should know that your call is appreciated.

Welcome Lindsay!

ATTENTION: All teachers & students grades 4-8

Whether you are a teacher looking for ways to infuse creativity and fun into your lesson plans, an educator facing an added challenge due to cut budgets and programs or a student in grades 4-8 looking for a challenge...here it is!

**You can win $3,000 for your school's science department**

The PPMA (Professional Pest Management Alliance) has announced the "Pest PSA Contest"

Use your biology, entomology and creativity hats to create educational public service announcements (PSAs) that discuss the health and property risks posed by household pests. The grand prize winning entry will receive $3,000 for their school's science department.


Check out http://www.pestworldforkids.org/index.html for full contest rules and details, including sample PSAs and lesson plans for creating PSAs. The website is a great spot for kids to find pest guides, games, science fair kits, & help for writing reports. Check it out.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009


I haven't listed any freebies or good deals lately, so here is a few.

Here is a coupon for $1.00 off Naked Juice. Ya-I know...sounds weird, but they have several different flavors-all packed full of fruits and veg's and some are really good. {try the blueberry}

Get a free sample of Scope Outlast....and feel fresh up to 5x longer. Too bad they don't make a version for dogs (lol)

I know you are interested in natural products... Get a free sample of Burts Bees Natural Acne Solutions, with willow bark. I haven't tried it yet, but my order for a sample is in.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Ever Changing



If you live nearby or visit often enough, you already know that the Gulf waters are constantly ever-changing, just as life is for us, as well. Some days the water is so clear you can see the bottom, beautiful shells to be found, interesting beauties of nature like star fish and sea horses, and yet other days the water can be murky or filled with sea weed. Some days the water and under toe can be very rough and dangerous or occasionally almost as smooth as a lake. The waters can hold dangers like jelly fish or in a far distance a sting ray, dolphins playing innocently or maybe even a fin of a shark can be seen.
As in life, the easy times and rough ones, the pretty things and ugly ones, the safe moments and possibilities of danger..we all deal with them . As life under the water, some are more pleasant and enjoyable than others, but all necessary.
This past Sunday we had an amazing experience. Gamble, my mother and I were out on the sandbar floating in waist deep water, a couple of feet away from each other, chatting when we noticed a giant dark mass coming towards us. It startled us at first because of all the possibilities that it could be. Then Gamble noticed the characteristic aspects of it-the shape of the body, the rounded back fin, he knew it was a manatee. We thought it would see us and go around or shift direction, but instead it swam right between us. Gamble reached down and petted it as it slowly swam by. It was something very special for us to experience.

If you don't know a lot about manatees they are interesting creatures. You can learn more about them here and read about Snooty who just celebrated his 61st birthday. He lives in Bradenton and you can go visit him daily. It is fun to watch the handlers feed him. They are very gentle but big, not necessarily the prettiest thing that you have ever seen (after all they are also called the sea cow), but they still hold that puppy dog kind of face--at least I think so.

Monday, July 20, 2009

DIY Termite Control?

Whether you have drywood termites, subterranean termites or one of the other invading species, before you run out and buy the expensive over the counter solutions and equipment to treat them yourself, you should watch this! Fox 13 news explains why that might not be the best thing to do.

If you find yourself with a problem Acme Termite & Pest Control always provides free estimates and depending on the severity and location of the problem we can offer all 3 treatment options; Whole Home No-Tent Treatment, Spot Treatment and Fumigation. Our trained experts will examine your home, ID the termite problem and offer the best solutions for your situation. Don't be afraid to find out more information and prices for the treatment

Thursday, July 2, 2009

OUR SPACE





Well It's about bleepin' time.....Acme Termite & Pest Control has finally joined My Space. You can check us out here.
We wish everyone a very *Safe* and Happy 4th of July!

Here, in Bradenton Florida, we are limited with the fireworks that are legal to set off. Nothing like the crazy stuff that we have bought and set off years ago. The news man was teasing the other day that practically the only thing legal is sparklers. But actually, I have seen more people get seriously hurt with those than with the larger, exploding fireworks. Go figure.

Thanks to Amy at Living Locurto for the cute beachy theme.
Stop by her site for creative ideas & free downloads.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Dog Days


The "dog-days" of summer have definitely arrived here in Florida. We took a day this past weekend to take the kids (the two and the four legged ones) to the beach to play. If you can't tell by their faces...they all had a blast.


It's funny how Banyon (our male Chinook) hates to take a bath, but Loves to play in the water. Nikki, on the other hand, has always loved the water-any kind.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Weird bumpy paper



Embossed wall paper used to be a big thing when I was younger. I thought the bumpy paper was a little weird but couldn't help but touch it. Then it seemed to loose its flair and everyone removed it from their walls. Well, guess what, apparently it is coming back again (as everything always does). Check out this article from BH&G on customizing the accessories around your home (besides your walls). I love the covered boxes and office storage ideas. The lamp shade and bedroom mirror are nice too. I think my daughter would love the window shade and would probably try making a wallet out of the material, to go with her multi compartment, decorated duct-tape wallets (see below) that she has been making. (Ya, I know...don't ask)...they actually look pretty cool are are functional. One has a Velcro closure and the other a ribbon/loop closure.

Friday, April 24, 2009

YO...Mary!


You've heard of the fairy-tale poem, which is directed at Mary & asking her..what's up with your garden chi ca, how's it grow'in??

Well, I'm working on gettin' me one of those-there gardens too...for the fun of it and hopefully to save a little money, instead of purchasing these things from the grocery store all the time.

So far it is actually going well. And I don't say that in a boastful, bragging way...but instead in an OMG, I'm surprised type of way. The green peppers have started flowering (I can't wait), the rosemary is loving it, the basil and lemon thyme are singing also. I have had some problems with the cilantro and parsley. Something keeps digging them up and I find them bare-root naked laying in the pot, where hours before they were planted. I'm not sure if it is a bird, squirrel or cat..but whatever it is had better watch out! I also have some green onion, sweet basil and about 4 other herbs. I am also trying a tomato plant in an upside down planter. It is growing fast, has 1 baby and 5 or 6 flowers on it. But it has some leaves with a powdery film, so I am a little concerned. Inside I have seeded red, green and hot peppers, which didn't cost a cent. We are using recycled containers and seeds saved from previous veggies. (No sign of life yet). Last night we made our first meal with the herbs. I used the lemon thyme and rosemary on some chicken breasts. They turned out great and the house smelled wonderful with the aromas. I have also planted some lavender. Mark my words, one of these days, I will be running care free in a field of lavender.....of course the field may only be 2'x2',...but I will. Wish me luck

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Saying Good-bye

Hello again. I realize (and am ashamed) that it has been since January that I last posted. Although things have been hectic and our days and nights very busy, that is not the reason for my delay. Of course I wasn't totally blog-absent. I have been collecting links, ideas, stories, etc. all this time to share with you. But I was determined for the next blog to be business related and many topics were discussed as options, but the most obvious business news to be discussed was what I was avoiding. So no more avoiding it's time. For anyone following the blog, who doesn't already know, Kenny Ervin has passed away. He was my step dad and business partner. His passing has left a large hole to fill, for many people who knew him. He was highly known and respected in the termite and pest control field, both in Florida and Illinois. His high energy spirit and outgoing personality was unforgettable to all who met him. If you would like to read the obituary, it is available from the Bradenton, Fl. paper or the Belleville, Il. paper, however, they were each entered on line with omissions. So you may want to read both. His loved ones are each handling his passing in their own way, but of course, only time will help heal the ones hurt the most. We appreciate the overwhelming amount of thoughts, prayers and condolences from everyone. The stories that have been shared by those who knew him are priceless and we have enjoyed listening to every one of them. So, while Kenny may have watched his last beach sunset, we will think of him, each time we watch the big fireball go down in the sky.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Free Ride?

So here's a question for ya'all. Does anyone have experience with freecycle? I saw an article about 2 years ago from a location in New York (I think), the people went on line, checked it out and got a free bike. They only had a few locations but now there seems to be many. This is how it works..you go to freecycle.org and sign up for the group in your area. You post things that you want to get rid of (for free) and people who live nearby will contact you and come pick it up. You can also post things that you are looking for. Lastly, you can monitor the posts and if you see anything you want, you contact the poster and go pick it up (for free). No money exchanges hands, no spam or advertising is allowed. So far I have seen clothes, playhouses, baby strollers, cribs, etc., set of dishes, microwaves, furniture and so forth. Just wondering if anyone has tried it out and what kind of experience that you had.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Get your finances in order



Need some very straight-forward, no bull advise about spending, saving and everything in between? Get a free download of the new book by Suze Orman. 2009 Action Plan. But Hurry...it is only available until January 15th. Thanks to Coupon Cravings for the link.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Coupons, Free Samples & Great Links

Short and Sweet----Everyone can use some help right now, so check these out.

Progresso Soups: Coupon for $1.00 off 2 cans or $2.00 off 4 cans.

Free Sample of Gold Bond Ultimate Soothing Lotion

Quaker Rice Cakes: Choose free sample of Mini Delights or Rice Snacks

Visit RedPlum for a Meaty Bone Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon

If you shop at Walgreens then sign up for the newsletter at From Wags To Riches to save $$$

More newsletters worth signing up for: Almost Frugal, Coupons.com, Hooray for Freebates and Coupon Cravings

Dollar Stretcher has good newsletters and the website covers anything you can think of.

Get a Free Sample of Pedigree Good Bites, bit sized dog treats