FREE ADVERTISING #7

Here's a smattering of people you may want to do business with.

Jessica - Ok, so she's technically not running a business. Yet. Her cakes, however, are amazing and she's been doing them less than a year. The girl has talent!! Go check out what she's been baking and decorating at Jessicakes.

John - We switched our car insurance over to Country about seven months ago and have been saving money ever since. We're getting more coverage for less money. Love that! Talk to John Mathia (that's our agent) and see if you'd save money too. If not, then stay put, but it certainly can't hurt to ask.

Brett - He started a company called Virtus Designs and designs themes allowing you to change the appearance of your web browser. I know I'm partial to using Swagbucks as my search engine, but one of the sites that powers it is Ask. com, which finances Brett's company. So, I'll slightly betray my loyalties to give him a plug. Best part? His themes can be downloaded for free!

Dr. Kris Blodgett - He's our dentist and he's having a contest to see which patient can recruit the most new patients between now and 12/15/09. So, if you need a dentist, then give him a call and tell him we sent you. He's got a nice little prize of $500 to the person who wins the contest. I'd love to put that chunk of change toward Tim's school debt!! He's friendly and personable, has a cheerful and helpful staff, the boys love him and his hygienists, he let me bring Naomi (who he'd never seen) into the office when she knocked her tooth out for a quick peek in the waiting room to make sure no serious damage had been done, and he didn't freak out when I confessed that I was a slacker mom who never took her kids to the dentist until they were four and six years old. Ready to schedule an appointment? He's in Beaverton and his twin brother Kelly practices in Portland. I'm sure his brother is equally great, but we're recommending Kris Blodgett.

Megan - I graduated from high school with Megan and she makes all sorts of items - cloth diapers, leather infant/toddler shoes (like Robeez), cloth pads, bibs, art smocks, etc. There are a few days left to snag the October special of $5.00 embroidery on custom orders, regularly priced at $7.00 and up. Check out her site, Bunnyfeet Boutique, for Christmas or baby shower gifts!

Cheri - This fantastic friend of mine is cruising through the adoption referral list at a much fast speed than anticipated. She and her husband are on track to bring home their Ethiopian daughter in the spring or early summer. So exciting!! They just set up a fundraiser on their adoption blog that will enable them to earn money to bring their sweet girl home, provide money for a school in Addis Ababa for older orphans, and put some fair trade coffee in your mug at home (or in the mug of someone on your Christmas list). Everyone wins!