Calling All Scouters!!!

Calling All Scouters!!!

Are you in the Trapper Trails Council? Would you be willing to give of your time in order to help make this years PowWow a huge success? Or more importantly, would you like to attend PowWow for free? We would love to have as much help as we can get. If you are interested, please e-mail me at tyclayhope at@ yahoo dot .com and let me know that you would be interested.


The qualifications for the job are: You must be a registered Scouter or Adult Helper.

Even if you are willing to help but not able to attend PowWow on the 3rd of November, we have jobs that you can do and we could use your help! Please consider giving of your time to help us out and to make PowWow a success.

Thanks, Savvy Mom

Research Your Business

One of the keys to a great business plan is researching your prospective market. Will the people you are selling to really be interested in your product? How do your competitors do and when are their "Red" times and "Black" times? Market research is a great tool in writing a great business plan as well as a good personal plan for your product or service. I would hope that no one would ever try to open a new business without having taken the time to do the proper research and market analysis and research absolutely needs to be included in that.

The 3rd Annual Blog Day!

Today is officially the 3rd Annual Blog Day!

What is BlogDay?

BlogDay was created with the belief that bloggers should have one day dedicated to getting to know other bloggers from other countries and areas of interest. On that day Bloggers will recommend other blogs to their blog visitors.
With the goal in mind, on this day every blogger will post a recommendation of 5 new blogs. This way, all blog readers will find themselves leaping around and discovering new, previously unknown blogs.

So in the spirit of blog day I wanted to join in the fun and introduce you to some of my favorite blogs.

How Stuff Works: This has been an amazing blog for myself and my children. It answers SO many questions and can give us a topic to discuss if we just want to talk about something. It is so much fun.

Katina's Little Gardener's is another one of my favorites and one that I visit very often for ideas and activities for my kids.

The ABC Home Preschool Blog is a really cute one with good ideas, I just wish the font was a little larger, as it is very difficult for me to see. But the information is well worth the small inconvenience.

Ideas For Children's Art Lessons is great for finding ideas for children's art projects. The blog author also has some great learning activities.

Science News For Kids is a great site for getting your kids talking about science and I have found it to be especially helpful when it comes to picking a subject for a report.

Of course there are hundreds of thousands of great blogs out there and many, many more that I frequent, these just happen to be some of my favorites. I hope you can enjoy them and find them as helpful as I have.

Getting Funding

It never ceases to amaze me how difficult it can be to get the necessary funding needed to start a business, but the good news is it doesn't have to be difficult. If you find the right company, one that is dedicated to your success, then it really can be a piece of cake. If you can find a company that will allow entrepreneurs to send their business plan to hundreds or thousands of Investors, venture capital firms and Angel Investors with one click of a mouse. There is just no easier way than to have a company that wants you to succeed enough to do most of the leg work for you, finding the investors and submitting your business plan to them.

But if you are serious about starting a business for our self the very first thing you are going to need is a good business plan. Again, there are a lot of great companies out there that can help you with that as well. But a business is only as good as it's business plan and any investor is going to see that immediately. As a matter of fact, that is the very first thing and possibly the last thing an investor would ever see of a very good business idea if the business plan is poorly written.

Here is what I see

Here is what I see when I look at Savvy Mom. Does anyone else see something different? My favorite reader (my sister) was looking at it and it is looking MUCH much different on her screen and I am wondering if it is just my resolution that is showing it right to me and skee-whompus to everyone else. Please let me know what you see.

Is Everyone Back to School Now?

Well I hope that everyone made it through getting your kids back to school without needing too strong a headache treatment. I know mine is not terribly mild. But now my kids are back in school and we are starting to get into a great routine.

One thing that has made the school mornings a lot easier for us has been this cute and easy craft. I bought 7 sheets of stiffened felt. Since I needed 4 sets I cute each sheet into four identical pieces. Just like the picture. Then I Cut off the corners to make it look like a tag and with a blade, I cut an "X" at the top so it would easily slide down over a hanger. After that I used puffy paint to write Monday on Red, Tuesday on Orange, Wednesday on Yellow, Thursday on Green, Friday on Blue, Saturday on Purple and Sunday on the White tags. Once they were dry, they were ready to use.

Then for their socks and underwear I let them each pick out a bandanna that they liked and cut it into 8 pieces.

Then fold each piece in half, at the dotted line and sew it inside out at the zigzag lines.

Then I sewed on a key ring to use to hang it on the hanger as well.

Then on Sunday, right after church, the kids come home, change into play clothes and start picking out their outfits for the coming week. They hang their pants over the hanger and put the shirt on over it. Put a pair of socks and a pair of underwear in each bag and hang it over the hanger and then put on the tag for that day.

They know they need play clothes for Sunday and Saturday and school clothes for Monday through Friday. If a holiday happens to fall within the week then I will have to let them know. But for us this has saved us the morning rituals of not knowing what to wear, lost socks or all the pants are dirty. We know on Sunday if there is something missing and wash it right away. Our mornings go much smoother.

Reading With Your Kids

Everyone knows the importance of reading with their child and their child reading for at least 20 minutes per day. This is nothing new. However, when you get to a point when you have five kids going in five different directions and seven billion things to do all at one time, where in the world could you possibly find the time to read to each of your kids for 20 minutes per day? It is a bit overwhelming.

Well I have found a nearly fool proof plan to read to all my kids every night, without boring the older ones with the kiddie books and not loosing the little ones interest with the huge chapter books.

Every night, we sit down as a family, 20 minutes before bedtime and read books, as a family. I will read some, the older kids will read some and I will whisper the words in to the ears of the little ones so they can "read" as well. We will read a short chapter book to keep the older ones interested and then when it is done, we will read a few kiddie books.

This has worked tremendously in our family. It has increased my children's AR levels by 3+ grades and it gives us time together, regardless of what is going on. Even if we get home late, rather than rushing everyone off to bed, what's another 20 minutes? They all get ready for bed and assemble in the living room for reading adventures.

I love that while the older kids will read, they also still get read to, which is something that gets lost all to often once a child learns to read for themselves. I sincerely hope that you are taking the time to read to your child/children and are able to experience the amazing growth and bonding that can come with that. Happy Reading!

Christmas Shopping, Already???

I just had to laugh when I saw this Black Friday websites list being advertised. I can not believe that people are already preparing for Christmas. But in an effort to keep you up to date in a timely manner I decided that I needed to give you this website as well. Make sure you enter your e-mail address so they can let you know when more stores list their sales on the Black Friday list.

Personally, I love this www.black-friday.net list, as it gives me the opportunity to do my Black Friday shopping online rather than standing in those ridiculous lines and having to deal with the kicking and shoving that goes on in the stores. In this case, the quickest computer gets the gold and my computer is hands down, well and above most. So Game's On! Make sure you check out all the great deals!

Do You Do Dollar Stores?

When was the last time you went into a Dollar Store? It was very recent for myself, as I love dollar stores. They can save you lots of money, but just be careful, just because it is a Dollar Store does not mean that they are less expensive than any other store. For instance, at a Dollar Store you can pick up a large bottle of Garlic Salt for $1 however, you can get the same size bottle of Garlic Salt at Walmart for $0.50, half the price. So, although Dollar Stores items will go quickly, make sure you do you homework just a little and remember, they are just like any other store, in that they are trying to make a profit. You need to be educated yourself.

Great Site for Real Estate

If you are looking for a place in wilmington nc real estate then you have got to check out this site. They have everything you could ever need to find the home of your dreams on the coast of North Carolina. Imagine the serenity and peace that you can find living on the coast. North Carolina is a great place to plan on spending your retirement as well. Wilmingoton is one of the top ten places to retire to in North and South Carolina as they offer the quiet life of a small town but are conveniently located near the amenities of the larger cities. The state of North Carolina is an ideal place to retire to as they offer quiet life, outdoor activities, good weather, top-notch medical care, cultural events, easy access to major highways...you name it, they have it.

Winder Warning

I still love my Winder Dairy delivery, please do not get me wrong, however, I ordered their produce box and that, I am not at all happy with. I was hoping for some fruit and maybe celery, tomato's, potato's, you know, normal stuff. Instead, I got a bunch of bananas, three apples, 6 limes, 3 golden beets, gold beans and ginger root. I am sorry, but I am just not an experimental type person. I do not want veggies that I have no idea how to use. So, for the time being, I am just at a loss as to how to use this $20 worth of produce and I can guarantee that I will not ever do it again.

"Zero is More" Coke

Check this out! Coke is running a "Zero is More" campaign for their newest product, Coke Zero, zero calories, zero fat, all taste. Now, I am a huge Coke fan, so I am all over this! Their newest campaign includes making your own "Zero is More" video using their black and white graphics and such. It is loads of fun and a great new marketing campaign.

Quick Make Ahead Breakfasts For Your Champions

With the start of school upon us or just around the corner, the hussle and bustle of every day life has resumed. But does that mean that you children have to go back to living off the regular milk and cereal routine breakfast? Not at all! Check out some of these great make-ahead breakfast ideas to get your little champions off on the right foot and out the door in healthy happy style.

6 Week Bran Muffins, these muffins are great to mix up ahead of time and leave in the fridge. Just warm the oven, scoop the batter into muffin cups and bake. In 30 minutes you have fresh hot muffins, without the stress of mixing and measuring on an already busy morning.

These Rich Chocolate Muffins are a treat any kid would enjoy, piping hot and fresh from the oven.

Crockpot Apple Cobbler is a warm and yummy breakfast that taste like apple crisp and will keep you little ones satisfied for a long time.

This recipe for Waffle and Pancake Batter will keep in the fridge for up to four days and will give your kids hot and fluffy pancakes or waffles, quick and easy in the mornings.

Ham and Tater Casserole is a wonderful breakfast that you can make the night before, in your crockpot, and it will cook overnight and be ready for your meat and potato men, first thing in the morning.

And the Classic Egg Casserole in the Crockpot is always a hit.

I hope these help to make your morning routine a little easier and healthier.

Wendover or Home

Do you ever go to Wendover? I do a lot, at least once a year as my husbands company takes us yearly as one of their company parties. Unfortunately, this year, I may be staying home due to my new training with Continental Airlines. I am really bummed as I have been planning for some time, saving my change and just in general, getting ready to go.

Usually when we are down there I spent most of my time playing the slots. I have gotten into playing Roulette lately and have played the Blackjack Tables once or twice. I have never played the poker tables or Craps. I know nothing about Craps and I would rather play poker at home.

But I am really bummed out that this year I will have to miss it due to training, however, training does take precedence. What can I say, priorities. Making money over losing it.

Is Hannah Montana Threating To Break Your Bank?

Now I love Hannah Montana and I think she is a great role model for my little girls, however, when we recently heard that she was coming to Utah, it was too late. Tickets were sold out within the first few hours, an overwhelming number of which were sold to scalpers. Now to get a ticket, you will be paying outrageous prices. Anywhere between $100 and $1000. So now what do you say to your young girl?

Well, most are too young to understand the concept of $30 verses $100 or $1000. But if they are old enough then, explain to them what has happened and why you are not able to purchase tickets at that price. Then offer something else in it place. Offer to purchase a Hannah Montana doll for them or one of her T-Shirts. And to ease the pain of "the night" take them out for icecream or something else fun to get her mind off it. But remember, the point is not to break the bank. As you will not be able to explain the money issue to a younger Hannah Montana fan, the above will probably work just as well.

Good Luck and let's all hope Hannah Montana will visit us again real soon and with more than one show.

The New Weight Loss Craze, Hoodia

Millions and millions of Americans suffer from obesity and most Americans continually look for ways to combat the ever increasing obesity rate in the United States. From this has sprung a revolutionary new weight loss supplement called Hoodia. Hoodia is a cactus looking plant that grows only wild in South Africa and has been used there for years as an appetite suppressant. Only recently has it made its way and infamy to the United States and when it did it was an instant star. Hoodia's natural botanical ability to suppress a person's appetite, therefore promoting weight loss has formed quite a following among users in the US. There are more and more "fakes" and watered down products showing up on the market every day. However, with the phenomenon that it has created, I can not believe that this comes as a surprise to anyone. Hoodia is sweeping the nation as the newest and currently strongest defense against obesity.

MSG's Harmless or Not?

I went to see my Doctor the other day, concerned about one particular area of concern. The fact that at most restaurants I go to, especially buffets, after or sometimes while eating, I would get very, very sick to my stomach, resulting in both or either diarrhea or nausea and vomiting. This concerned me because I love to eat and I do not always want to have to cook. So restaurants are a huge highlight in my life.

Well, the doctors response was, I am allergic to MSG's. Now, while I had heard of MSG's and MSG allergies before, who hasn't, I had never put much thought or effort into find out much about them. When I did, wow, was I surprised!

Check out what these guys have to say, and be prepared to be just a little frightened. This is some serious stuff. MSGTruth.org. Just reading over that, I am a little inclined to frequent restaurants that do not use MSG's at all and stay away from products that do use them.

Tomorrow Comes My Monitor

I am so excited for tomorrow. Tomorrow my brand new viewsonic monitor that I won from Bid 4 Prizes should be here. I have been waiting nearly ten weeks for this. I can hardly wait the last few hours.

I was very surprised that I won, even though I bid everyday, I wanted it SO badly. It is a 22" flat screen viewsonic monitor for my office. Here is a picture of it.

By this time tomorrow, I should be looking at a brand new monitor and hopefully a clean desk. Well, at least the monitor is feasible.

My Resturant Of The Week

When was the last time you went into downtown Ogden to grab a bite to eat? In my case, it has been awhile. Well yesterday I happened to have the privilege of stopping into Roosters before we went to the movie. Now I am not a beer fan, even when it's chocolate beer, sorry. But I do love the restaurant. The service is great, the atmosphere is fun and upbeat and the food excellent. Next time you are in the downtown Ogden area, take a small detour and stop in.

Win A Beautiful Quartz Watch!

Okay ladies, and gentlemen, do you want to win a beautiful quartz watch from Fellin Jewelers? Of course you do! Imaging, a gorgeous quartz, gold plate or two-tone steel watch, resting lightly on your arm, the gold color warming the reflected light. Why would you not want to try to win such an expensive gift?

The catch. Good reason, but in this case the catch is simple. All you have to do is write a blog post on your blog mentioning this contest and linking to http://www.ivycoveredhalls.com with the anchor text "college graduation gifts" and select two products from Ivy Covered Halls to link to on your blog, post it and send the url link of your post and your name to info@fellins.com

It really is that simple and easy. Then on the 30th of September, they will pool all the entries and pull one out of a hat to win either a men's or woman's $195, gorgeous quartz watch! If you don't need one for yourself imagine how great it would look on the arm of your husband or wife! It's so easy to enter, you have no excuse not to!

Of course, it would not hurt to take a look around the sites while your there, I am sure you can find plenty of < ahref="http://www.ivycoveredhalls.com/products/desk-clock.php">great gifts for loved ones while you are at it.

Did You Go On A Summer Vacation?

I want to know how many of you went on a summer vacation? Where did you go? What did you see? What were the best family sites you went to?

Our family vacation this year will not be until late fall or early winter. We have not even had a chance to spend time planning it yet. However, we would love to go spend some time back east or in the mid west. But we just haven't made any solid plans yet, so I was looking for some ideas from you. Please drop me a comment on where you think I should take my family on vacation.

Learn to Invest in Real Estate

I have talked a lot about investing in real estate lately. I guess it is my current kick. It just seems like such a good idea to me at the moment. The market is cooling down but it is still red hot and at this time in my life it just seems like a smart thing to do. I have seen what the market is capable of in just ten short years, I can only imagine what it can do in 30 or even 50 years.

But on the other hand, I do really know the ins and outs of real estate investing and it would be just stupid and bull headed to jump into something of this magnitude without a great deal of study, education and thought. I have found some really good and useful information at www.PEIUniversity.com/blog. I really think that if you are considering investing in something as expensive and time consuming as real estate then you really need to do your homework and make sure that you are fully prepared and knowledgeable. Do not go it alone, find the help and opportunities available to you.

There are plenty of books and websites available to assist and educate you in the real estate market, there is absolutely no reason not to take advantage of all the free or low cost opportunities available to you.

What's Your Story?

I am a scrapbooker in every sense of the word. I have more supplies than I can find or will ever need in a lifetime, mostly because they were cute. I spend hours on end each and every month scrapbooking alone or with friends and family. And all in all I am no where near "done".

However, all of that being said, I have always shied away from the digital world of scrapbooking. A) because my printers have never been up to par and B) it just felt wrong! What is scrapbooking with out cutting, pasting and embellishments? It's just not the same if the embellishments are only 2 dimensional.

But I have to admit, I have been turned to the Digital Darkside! At a fair I stopped by a booth and started talking to a lady named Heidi Wheatly. While my children and husband looked at the toys in the next booth, I chatted with her and flipped through some of the displays she had. I wasn't completely sold at first, but I had started talking to her so I felt I owed her the time to sell me on her product. I booked a show with her, because I love the in home parties. She explained that by hosting a party, I get a 5"x7" book for free if it is done and delivered by party time. So I gave her my information and went on my way.

Later that week I received an e-mail from her with the information I needed to start my own Heritage Makers story book. Once I got in, I quickly found that I needed to upgrade to a $10 membership to achieve the results I was looking for. I asked my sister to write up a name poem for my little Sarah which she did very quickly and I started putting together a book for Sarah. Well, I quickly became completely and totally converted. I LOVED IT! I have never had so much fun. I could spend hours on end on my computer, arranging and adding details and changing my pages until they were exactly what I was looking for.

Side note: I was no where near done come time to submit it for publishing and manufacturing. I was having WAY too much fun!

Well, I finally got it done and sent off my order for my book. I had to put expedited shipping to make sure it got here in time for the party as it can take up to 15 days to manufacture and publish. Well within 8 days my book was delivered to my doorstep. It was Christmas in August! The book was absolutely beautifully bound and printed. Although I had spent the last 4 weeks or more on it, spending hours at a time staring at it on the computer screen, nothing quite compared to seeing it printed and bound and holding it in my hands. This will be a beautiful memory book for my daughter for years to come. The quality is top notch and there is just nothing that can beat a personalized, hard back, library bound book for your child. And I am not talking about their name being mentioned within a story that has nothing to do with them. This is a hard backed memory book that is ALL about them.

I can not wait to get started on my other children's books and then I think I will work on my wedding album. Check out Heidi's website and see for yourself what fun this can be. And seriously consider hosting your own party and getting your own 5"x7" book for free. That's just for hosting the party, your party sales and bookings can add up to even more free books. There are so many great ideas for books and Heidi is great at helping you get started. Give her a call, you will not regret it!

Thoughts and Prayers for the Trapped Miners

I just wanted to say how saddened I am by the recent events that have taken place and hindered the efforts to find and free the six miners trapped in the Crandall Canyon mine in Emery County Utah. My thoughts and prayers go out to the trapped, injured and killed miners and their families. Those brave men that put themselves in harms way to rescue another human being, a friend, are not merely rescue workers, they are heroes and will not soon be forgotten.

To the families of all the miners, while I could never begin to comprehend what you are going through, I pray daily for the safe return of your loved ones and peace within your hearts. Please know that the whole of Utah has you in their prayers and/or thoughts.

Every Baby Should Be A Slingling!

I absolutely love these slings and I wish I had had one when my kids were babies! I just got one the other day to give to a friend who is due in September and i just love it! The colors are totally trendy, bright and fashionable and the fabric is strong and durable. Look at how bright and trendy it is!



I love that is it light weight and small enough to take anywhere and yet comfortable to wear. Yes, I just had to play with it a bit before I gave it on. I always had one of those awkward baby packs, which worked well enough, but was bulky and time consuming to set up and really hard to put the baby in. Not to mention, it never did work very well for the newborns.

I just love the way that these baby slings allow you to hold your baby close to you so they can hear your heart beat and feel that closeness that they need and yet it allows your hand to be free to function. It's a great way to soothe your fussy baby without having to constantly stop what you are doing. In this busy world, that is always a plus!

My 2 Cents About Working From Home

There are alot of great options for working at home but I want to caution you, there are a lot of scams and pyramid schemes out there. The best rule I have found is that if it is legit, there will be NO FEES to participate.

Now with some legit ones, there will be things that you have to purchase from independant retailers, to get your office up to their standards like computers, monitors or headsets. However, the key is you are buying it from and independant retailer, not from the company you are trying to work for. Legit companies DO NOT make a profit off potential employees.

Some work at home companies that I have worked for or that I know are legit are:

Alpine Access
Continental Airlines

PayU2Blog
Delta Airlines
and Jet Blue Airlines

Picking An Online Pharmacy

Picking an online pharmacy can be a scary ordeal. Your medication is to important a thing to trust to just anyone so to try and find a pharmacist online, who you will never actually meet face to face is a scary thing! Especially with all the things that have been in the news lately. However, the benefits of an online pharmacist can be great. But how would you go about finding a good pharmacist? Well, luckily there is a website devoted to helping you find a good, safe pharmacist. They even have a blacklist of online pharmacists that have proven themselves unworthy. They also offer a customer forum, online pharmacy news, recommendations for choosing the best online pharmacy, useful information for patients with excess weight and even information about Phentermine alternatives like Acomplia. They really care about you finding the best possible online pharmacy to fit your individual needs.

Bowtie & Chicken Salad

This is one of my all time favorite summer salads. It is light and so easy to make. I even love the cashews and I am not a fan of nuts in things. I go pretty easy on the cashews and dressing, but heavy on the chicken, grapes and celery. This is a great recipe to make and take to family picnics or get together's and has been at every family get together we have had for years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

1 box Bow Tie Pasta, boiled and drained
1 box Rotini Tricolor, boiled and drained
1 cup Celery chopped
2 stalks Green Onion chopped
1 can Pineapple tidbits, drained
4 Chicken Breasts, boiled and diced
2 cups Red Seedless Grapes
1 cup Cashew Halves
1 /2 cup Kraft Coleslaw dressing
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Salad Dressing does not work in this recipe)

Boil and drain the chicken and pasta. Rinse and cool pasta, dice chicken. Dice Celery and onions. Drain Pineapple. Add all ingredients except the Coleslaw Dressing and Mayonnaise, which you will stir together in another bowl until well mixed. Then pour over and toss into the rest of the ingredients.

Working Women Entrepreneurs

As if working is not hard enough and taxing enough on any mother, add to that the huge stress of working for yourself, especially when you are just starting out. I admire any woman that takes it upon herself to start a business. It is no easy task!

But fortunately, for Women Entrepreneurs, there is lots of help out there, from the Small Business Association to smaller companies, looking to help in any way they can. One such company, founded on Las Vegas Nevada, does just that. Their company helps thousands of entrepreneurs every year start their own business. They are not lawyers, instead they are knowledgeable professionals that can help you with all the paperwork that would be confusing and complicated, especially to someone who is not familiar with starting a business. They do not charge outrageous fees as a lawyer would either.

They can help you set up corporations in any state. Texas corporations and Nevada corporations are big ones for them, but they can help in any state via virtual programs. Any time is a great time to start living your dreams. Now would be a perfect time to call these guys and see what they can do for you.

Cub Scouting

I am a huge supporter of the Cub Scouting and Scouting programs and I have been ever since I was called to be a den leader, just after my son turned 8 years old. For those of you who have not yet been involved in the scouting program let me give you a little history on it.

*Scouting began in England in 1907-08, created by General Robert Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell, a 50-year old bachelor at the time, was one of the few heroes to come out of Britain's Boer War. He was known primarily for his unusual ideas about military scouting, explained in his book Aids to Scouting. Startled to discover that many boys were using his military book as a guide to outdoor activities, he began to think how he could convert his concepts of army scouting for men to "peace scouting" for boys. Gathering ideas from many sources (including Ernest Thompson Seton, who had founded a boys organization in the US), he tested his program on a group of boys on Brownsea Island in 1907. The island camp was successful, so B-P rewrote his military book, calling it Scouting for Boys. The climate was right for a youth program like Scouting, and it spread quickly around the British commonwealth, then to other countries.

The Boy Scouts of America has quickly become a wonderful establishment to help young boys grow from youth to men, following paths of moral and ethical standards.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Oath		Scout Law
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.		A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

I have seen little else in this world, aside from religion, that can have such a profound and deep rooted effect on any young boy in helping him to grow into a self-sufficient, productive and chivalrous man.

If you ever have the privilege of working within the scouting program, please, take this calling very seriously and have fun with it. There is no better calling as far as I am concerned.
*Taken from Troop 97

Is Lap Band Surgery For You?

Every day millions of people in the United States struggle with losing weight. It has become such an overwhelming problem that many, many people have turned it into multi-million dollar companies. One of the newer techniques is lap band surgery and when done properly involves a few tiny incisions and a band wrapped and locked around the upper stomach forming a new, smaller stomach pouch which needs less food to feel full and digests slower to maintain fullness longer which can result in loss of excess body weight, improved weight-related health conditions and an enhance quality of life. This is a healthy way to lose weight, but it's not for everyone. Check with your doctor to see if it's right for you.

I Need Votes For My Robot!

I need everyone that loves me or hates me, either way, to go and vote for me!!! If I am in the top five I will get my very own Roomba Vacuum, which isn't nearly as neat as my Robot, but it will be a very, very long time before anyone makes me my own "Rosie" so for now I will settle for Roomba. My post entitled I Need A Robot can be found at this link or on my other blog, Mustard and Catsup. My number to vote for is #19, so please help me out and vote for me!!! Pretty, pretty please!

Sing Away Your Troubles

If you have ever had a trouble, no is the time to make it work for you! Your trouble could be worth $5,000 in GotTrouble.com's "Sing your troubles away" sweepstakes. Take your singing talent and put it to use for you. Gottrouble.com has been featured on CNN as a legal help site and has even had it's 10 minutes of fame on Howard Stern. Now GotTrouble.com’s Video Promotion is giving away $5,000 to one lucky winner who can sing their troubles away.

Just make something up like:
I got trouble...
I got drunk and started to drive....
I got trouble.....
I hit somebody and I took a life....
I got trouble....
They are suing me and want me to pay....
I got trouble....
I wish I'd done it some other way....
I got trouble. Big, Big trouble.

Use your creative juices and get something going! It could be worth $5,000 to you!

Chocolate

Alright, I am a huge truffle fan. I love truffles, especially mint and when it comes to truffles no one makes them any better than Utah Truffles. They are a company, right here in Utah, as evidenced by their name, and their truffles are amazing. Smooth and delicious and not as expensive as you would think. They offer everything from large boxes to small boxes of 2 to 4 truffles which make excellent gifts for teachers on the first day of school. If you have not tried them before, give them a try! You will not be sorry! They are carried at Seagull Book and Tape and Wal-mart.

Attract Success

I am all for the self-help videos and tapes so when I point out this new site, it should come as no surprise to most of you. It is a new home study site dedicated to helping you achieve everything you want in life. While most books and videos only highlight what you need to do while ignoring the difficulties involved in the actual implementation of those tasks, this home study course is different. The law of attraction videos take a much different approach by eliminating the obstacles normally associated with success. They also offer a 6 week guarantee, if you do not see success and change then they will refund your money, no questions asked. And if you enroll by August 30th you will receive a free upgrade to Gold membership status. The Law of Attraction Videos is a home study course that easily outlines, step by step, the best way to transform your life into whatever you imagine success to be. It's well worth taking a look.

Register Your Domain Name Cheap

I found myself needing to register myself some domain names, one of which is Daffodils & Dragonflies, which should be up and running within a week or so. But not all registrars are the same. I found a great one called NameCheap and they can register your domain name for you for only $8.88 per year. From what I have seen that is a really good price. So if you are looking for your very own domain name, I would check them out.

It's Time To Take A Stand

British Gas has just released this press release telling about their two new green energy tariffs. I am really excited, even though this is not yet in the United States, the technology is bound to make it's way here before long and when it does it will be even more exciting! But then, as the press release states, the tariffs were released in response to the increasing demand for green energy products, so that tells me that we need to start demanding green energy and not settling for what we get.

BRITISH GAS LAUNCHES GREENEST ENERGY TARIFF

9 August 2007: British Gas has announced it is launching two new green energy tariffs, Zero Carbon, which will be the greenest tariff available on the domestic market and Future Energy. British Gas has launched the tariffs, in response to the increasing demand for green energy products.

Householders signing up to the Zero Carbon tariff will:
• reduce their household energy carbon emissions to zero through Kyoto compliant offset schemes which will meet the new Defra requirements
• help fund a direct increase in investment in renewable energy generated in the UK
• contribute to the new British Gas green fund which will:
o invest in developing new renewable technologies such as wave power
o oversee a programme to help schools in the UK reduce their CO2 emissions

Gearóid Lane, Managing Director British Gas New Energy said,”Our new tariff responds to consumer demand for truly green energy solutions. It is essential that customers have confidence in green energy tariffs and that their credibility is not damaged by tariffs that claim to be green but in reality do not deliver any incremental environmental benefits. Green tariffs are moving from niche to mainstream products and we’re leading the industry by offering a tariff that will do more for the environment than any other product currently available.”

Under the government’s Renewables Obligation (RO), electricity suppliers in the UK are already required to produce an increasing percentage of their electricity through methods such as wind farms which, unlike traditional power plants, produce zero carbon emissions. For 2007/2008 this figure is set at 7.9%.

In a recent report, the National Consumer Council (NCC) raised concerns that some energy suppliers are packaging electricity which is produced under the RO scheme as “green”, yet it delivers no additional environmental benefits. The NCC called on energy suppliers to take steps beyond their legal requirements and offer green energy tariffs that provide genuine additional environmental benefits, in particular CO2 emissions reduction.

British Gas worked with Global Action Plan and The Climate Group’s “We’re in this Together” campaign to develop Zero Carbon which goes further than any other green tariff in meeting these requirements offering consumers the only zero carbon option on the market.

The tariff carries a premium of £84 per year, reflecting the higher cost of producing energy through lower carbon emission schemes.

Virginia Graham, Chair of Global Action Plan, said, “The British Gas Zero Carbon tariff delivers on all three of the essential requirements of a green tariff which are: additionality, transparency and verifiability. As such it is a very welcome new offering in the market. Consumers signing up to the tariff can be confident that they are getting 12 per cent more renewable energy than they would otherwise have got. The carbon emissions from their electricity and gas will also be offset with emissions reductions from projects accredited by the United Nations.”

Zero Carbon is one of the first initiatives launched through the ‘We’re in this Together’ campaign, which was launched in April 07 as an alliance of some of the UK’s biggest brands who are all working to help their customers reduce their impact on the climate.

Dr Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group and founder of ‘We’re in this Together’ said, “We’re committed to offering people ways to make a real impact on climate change through Together.com. We’ve worked with British Gas to ensure that Zero Carbon is a genuine step forward in delivering more environmental benefits than any other tariff currently available.”

British Gas’s second green energy tariff, Future Energy, offers an alternative green electricity tariff at a premium of just £20 per year. Customers signing up to this tariff will contribute to a green fund which will provide solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to UK schools. Money from the fund will also be invested in development of future renewable technologies and sources.

To sign up customers can call British Gas on 0845 604 0055 or visit www.britishgas.co.uk

Not A Good Gift Idea

So most of you already know that it is not a good idea to get someone a pet as a gift. This is a well known fact. Well, I do not normally listen to well to well known facts. I decided that it would be a good idea to get my father a ferret for his birthday. Now while I know he is just going to love it, I also know my kids and husband are going to also fall in love while we have it in our care until it comes time to give him to his new owner.

This should be an interesting two weeks. I can't wait!

Enjoy Your Children

Something that has taken me a long time to learn is to put aside my feelings of embarrassment and just enjoy my children being children. At the moment I have a three year old that insists on wearing her dress up dresses where ever we go. One day it is Cinderella or Snow White, then today it was a sequined flapper dress. As we had to take the older children bowling and I could not talk her out of wearing the outrageous outfit, I took her as is.

After the initial shock of seeing my youngest child running around in a flapper dress, I started realizing just how cute she was, running around the bowling alley like she owned the place and showing anyone that would pay attention her "bootiful dress". No one seemed to think this was odd, they all just kept commenting on how adorable she was.

What I learned from all this was, sit back and relax, let children be children and let your daughter wear her flapper dress, or animal jewelry or princess dress up gown and just watch and enjoy. These beautiful little children have the light of the world in their eyes and it is a beautiful thing to see.

Milk Fairies

This has been a long standing thing that my kids just love, although, one of them has finally out grown it. It has also been a long time since we employed this magic. It's called "Milk Fairies". The "Milk Fairies" come once a week and leave milk and other items in a cooler on our doorstep. Now to an 8 year old, a 5 year old and a 3 year old, this is pure magic and nothing is better than running down the stairs every Wednesday morning, throwing open the door and peeking in the cooler to see if the "Milk Fairies" really came again.

This never, ever gets old for them. My oldest son however, has become disenchanted with this. He knows exactly how that milk gets in there and where it comes from and that I have to pay for it. However, he still gets immense joy out of waking up and yelling to the little ones "do you think the milk fairies came again?"

Now, it is with much embarrassment that I admit that I pay nearly $1 more per gallon of milk, loaf of bread, block of cheese and dozen eggs, just to have them arrive at my doorstep with no effort at all on my part. However, in my defense, it saves me gas, as if I did not have it delivered, I would be at the store at least three times a week, it saves me time for the same reason and it saves me money because every time I am in a store it is another opportunity for me to spend frivolously.

But if you have the desire to spend less time at the grocery store and instead have the "Milk Fairies" deliver directly to your doorstep, then I would suggest taking a minute to visit the website of Winder Farms and take a look around. Not only do they have milk and cheese and bread, they also have meats, fresh fruits and veggies, yogurts, juices, baked goods and tons more! But again, they are more expensive than Wal-Mart, but it is healthier and all organic and best of all, it appears on your doorstep, every week, with out fail, thanks to the "Milk Fairies"!

The Most Beautiful Gift

I just had one of my wedding pictures made into a 16x20 inch canvas print to go in my entryway. Currently there is a picture of tools the Lee's mother cross stitched for him, years and years ago. Not that I don't love the picture she cross stitched, I just decided that it was time for something a little fancier. To give you an idea, here is a picture of what you would normally see walking into our home.
Not terribly fancy. So I sent my picture into Canvas on Demand and ordered my canvas. Which was an experience in and of itself! They have so many options to choose from and so many different and fun techniques that they can do to make your canvas a one in a million, gift of a lifetime. But, I have to tell you, beyond their many, many options, this is, by far, over and above, the best company, online or other wise, that I have ever done business with. Never, in all my business dealings have I ever come across a company that is so customer service oriented. Not that I didn't really, really care about my canvas, quite the contrary actually. It is an anniversary gift for my husband and I, so it was really important to me. But I swear, they cared more about it than even I did! They take so much pride in their workmanship and their craft that they work constantly to make it right. I sent over a scan of the print and it was not of a high enough quality to enlarge that much. So they called me to let me know and while I was on the phone with him, he e-mailed me the address that I could send the photo to and they would scan it for me, make it into a canvas and send it with the canvas to me.

Now, I am incredibly slow in getting things in the mail. I am just horrible at it. I had already taken care of the payment to this company so in all reality, they could have just forgotten about me and taken care of me when I got around to sending the photo. But instead, the fussed and worried over me. E-mailing me every once in awhile to make sure I was doing alright and see if they could help in anyway. They were so kind and helpful and interested in my product as much as my business. Something you seldom ever get from any other company. They just kept in constant contact.

So, I finally got the photo into the mail and three days later I got an e-mail confirming receipt of my photo. Now this might now seem a big thing to some people, but to me it was huge! I have only the one copy of that photo, it is a wedding photograph and the negatives were ruined in the rain. I was very, very nervous sending that print through the mail. Anything could have happened to it and it would be a total and complete loss. Especially since, as I was making it into a 16x20" canvas, it was my favorite! They were so thoughtful to make sure I knew that they had received it safe and sound.

Then just a few short days later I received another e-mail. This one with a tracking number confirming the shipment of my canvas to me. And just today I received it via FeDex as promised. I can not believe how incredibly beautiful it is! It actually made me cry, but then I am a big baby after all, but it was just so amazing to see my favorite wedding picture in full color and large as life. I just could not wait to get it hung up! So I got right to work, removing the other picture and hanging and straightening this one. So now, when my husband arrives home from work he will walk into more than just our home, he will be able to walk into a memory.
If you are looking for an amazing anniversary, birthday or celebration gift of any kind, for your parents, family or friends, I highly suggest that you look to these guys first. You can never go wrong with a beautiful canvas print of their favorite photo. It would be perfect for the new baby or wedding anniversary or graduation. These are special occasions and this would make a lasting and memorable gift. Just be forewarned, they have lots of options to choose from. Everything imaginable to make your memories last a lifetime. Please give them a try. You will not be sorry you did!

Update On Sparetime Summer Fun League

I just wanted to update everyone on our summer bowling league experience. This year I let my 11 year old, my two 8 year olds and my 5 year old bowl. This got really crazy at times as they were on three different teams and usually spread all across the bowling alley. However, my 11 year old needed no supervision at all as he bowls the regular fall leagues as well. But for the first few weeks my 8 year olds required a little supervision and my five year old constant supervision. But as we were bowling on teams with their cousins I was able to share the supervision duties with my sister-in-law and when all was said and done, everything ended up working out very well. The kids had a blast and it was a great experience.

As today was the last day of the league, they made a bit of a party out of it. They started off the bowling by handing out trophies to every bowler. And along with the trophy, each bowler got a ticket to the Raptors game, 1 free miniature golfing pass each month for 1 year and $120 in Spondoolies which are $5 coupons that they can spend anywhere in Sparetime including the miniature golf, batting cages, bowling alley, arcade, sports shops and cafe. So I spent $30 per child for them to bowl all summer long, they could bowl three free games any day, all summer long, plus their three league games each week, then they also got 1 free batting cage token every day of the league and once the league was over they got all the free stuff I just told you about. For the $30 I got well more than my money's worth and the kids had a great time.

Time To Upgrade In The Window Treatment Department

Window treatments are not my forte. In my mind, horizontal blinds or sheets work just fine. However, I look and all around me I see the beautiful homes with gorgeous window treatments and I am realizing more and more that window treatments are a direly important part of home decorating.

I guess it's time to start looking into window treatments. I really like the idea of faux wood blinds, they are by far my favorite look and they fit my life style. With young children I could never have real wood blinds and the faux wooden blinds look just the same to me. Not to mention they are much easier to clean and care for.

So, here I go, diving into the wonderful world of window treatments. Wish me luck!

Bite Me?

It's not often someone says that and people can avoid getting offended, but in this case it is a good thing! Mrs. Venomous Kate has asked bloggers all around to bite her! That's right, she say's "Bite Me". She is trying to get links back to her site and in return she will link to yours. It's a great way to get some link lovin' but most of all a great way to get some traffic to a wonderful blog. I have read her blog on and off for awhile and I love her! She is so sassy and sweet at the same time. It really is great reading.

Chores and Allowances

One of the hardest things parents will face is trying to teach their child or teenager about spending and saving money wisely. Especially when most adults have not mastered this. This is by no means an easy task, but one man is taking a step forward and working towards educating parents and teens about the dire importance of managing and budgeting their money and teen investing. He is the CEO of Pay Jr., a credit card system to help parents teach their children how to use money wisely with a safety net and no outrageous "mistake" fees, as I call them. He is authoring a blog to share his information about today's youth and their money, pulling from the wealth of resources he is finding while working the Pay Jr. program. He wants to use his blog as an outlet to share his wealth of knowledge with parents and teens as well. Use this handy resource to keep yourself up to date and well informed. And if you get a chance, check out his Pay Jr. Card system. I think it is a wonderful idea for any parent of teens.

Utah Parenttime Schedule Changes

I wanted to alert everyone to the changes that have taken place this year in the Parent Time Schedule for Non-Custodial parents. With House Bill 0133, the biggest effect will be the addition of Halloween from school's out time to 9pm on years ending in an odd number. You can find this change and all other changes made at 2007 Effective Dates and Governor's Actions. I hope this helps you in planning your Halloween holiday. I know it came as a shock to us and a lovely surprise. However, to some it will come as a slap in the face. But either way, I hope you can find the information helpful.

Baptism Gifts

In our family, finding the right Baptism Gift is a difficult task as my husbands family has their routine down to a science. Great Grandma gets the child a triple combination with their name on the front. Grandma and Grandpa get them the matching Hymn book. And the parents are supposed to get them the matching Bible. Kim gets them a journal and Mindy, a scripture carrier. With all that out of the way, it is easy for my family to get the boys their new Cub Scout shirt, neckerchief, slide and book.

However, what do you get the girls? I have found that as little girls, the best gift you could ever get them is jewelry. They love it. And a nice jewelry box to go with it is absolutely perfect. So my family will have to settle on jewelry and jewelry boxes for the girls. I only have two more to go!

Life's Little Instructions

This is something that my Mother has hanging in her main guest bathroom. I just love it and the little lessons behind each and every one can be life changing if you take the time to let them. Read these and use them to help make a difference in your life. Add one to your routine every once in a while and see what a difference you can make in your life.

Life's Little Instructions

• Sing in the shower.
  
• Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
• Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
• Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
• Never refuse homemade brownies.
• Strive for excellence, not perfection.
• Plant a tree on your birthday.
• Learn three clean jokes.
• Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
• Compliment three people every day.
  
• Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
• Leave everything a little better than you found it.
  
• Keep it simple.
  
• Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
  
• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
  
• Floss your teeth.
  
• Ask for a raise when you feel you have earned it.
  
• Be forgiving of yourself and others.
  
• Over tip breakfast waitresses.
  
• Say "thank-you" a lot.
  
• Say "please" a lot.
  
• Avoid negative people.
  
• Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
  
• Wear polished shoes.
  
• Remember other people's birthdays.
  
• Commit yourself to constant improvement.
  
• Carry jumper cables in your trunk.
  
• Have a firm handshake.
  
• Send lots of Valentine cards. Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific".
• Look people in the eye.
  
• Be the first to say "Hello".
  
• Use the good silver.
  
• Return all things you borrow.
  
• Make new friends but cherish the old ones.
  
• Keep secrets.
  
• Sing in a choir.
  
• Plant flowers every spring.
  
• Have a dog.
  
• Always accept an outstretched hand.
  
• Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
  
• Wave at kids on school buses.
  
• Be there when people need you.
  
• Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
  
• Don't expect life to be fair.
  
• Never underestimate the power of love.
  
• Drink champagne for no reason at all.
  
• Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
  
• Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake".
  
• Don't be afraid to say "I don't know".
  
• Compliment even small improvements.
  
• Keep your promises, no matter what.
  
• Marry only for love.
  
• Rekindle old friendships.
  
• Count your blessings.
  
• Call your Mother.

Great Daddy-Dayghter Date Night

When was the last time you planned a Mommy-Daughter Night? When was the last time you helped your husband plan a Daddy-Daughter night for him and his girl? As girls mature and grow up from Daddy's Little Princess to a full blown Teenager it becomes increasingly important to schedule time that both of you set aside just for her.

Now is a great time to get started! There is an adorable new movie coming out called "Eye of the Dolphin". It is a richly realized tale of love, spirituality, and redemption that crosses generations, cultures, and even species and was written by 3 time Emmy winner Wendell Morris.

The story line is rather modern day but set in the Bahamas, any girls dream world. "Expelled from high school in Los Angeles, 15 year old Alyssa (Schroeder) is forced to live with her father, a crusty dolphin research scientist Hawk (Dunbar) in the Bahamas who has no time in his life for an unruly teenager. After their personalities clash Alyssa feels like a prisoner on the isolated island -- but when she forms an unexpected friendship with an orphaned wild dolphin, she finds that she and her special friend have the power to bring hope to the impoverished people of her new home."

You can Win Free Movie Tickets to see Eye of the Dolphin by clicking on the link.

Girls Life says: "I give it a 'A' for Ah-dor-a-ble. Carly is totally believable. The beautiful water, pristine beaches and amazing animals in the film are pretty powerful"

And Teen Magazine suggests: "This fantastic film is in theaters this summer. Do yourself a favor and see it."

You can see the trailer for yourself on YouTube.com

Serve Your Fellow Man

There is a new group trying to get started called "Sisters in Service". Their mission is to form weekly meeting groups dedicated to service. Their site will have monthly themes and weekly service ideas as well as ideas to help start groups of your own.

School Clothes Shopping

As much as I love shopping, I hate school clothes shopping! I spent $680 on clothes and didn't even finish! I still need a few things and shoes. Luckily for me there are plenty of places I can shop online. I just found out I can get my favorite jeans, Hudson Jeans, online too! I love the way they fit. They are so incredibly comfortable and fit just right in just the right places, if you know what I mean. I mean, I might be a mother of five, but that doesn't mean I have to look it all the time!

Taking Great Photographs

When you are taking pictures of an event, try to take your emotions out of it and you will get a much better story. I know when I am taking pictures of an event in which my child has just won, I am usually focusing the camera solely on her and nothing else. This is great for one or two pictures but to really capture the moment remember the scenery, the other winners, the people watching. Take pictures to tell the whole story and you will be much happier in the end.

American or Swiss Watches

Have you ever had a Swiss army knife? Are they really made in Switzerland? Most of them are not. Here's a pop quiz: Which country comes to mind when you hear of fine chocolate and watches? How about army knives?

Switzerland, of course. They're all the pride of Switzerland. In fact, the symbol of the Swiss Army Knife could almost be considered the tiny country's trademark. However, due to production costs and high demand these knives are starting to carry the label "made in china", just like a growing number of every day gadgets you will find around your home.

However, they can still carry the pride of manufacturing some of the worlds finest watches, including Hamilton watches, which were originally manufactured in the Untied States and carry deep American roots but have since become entirely Swiss made.

Tyler-Ann's Cause

Most people you talk to now a days has a Cause, a charity that they support in one form or another. I just wanted to share a little bit about the charity that is near and dear to my daughter's heart.

For reasons unknown to me, Tyler-Ann has developed a real soft spot for The Christmas Box House. With her Christmas money she bought three pairs of shoes and donated them to the Ogden Christmas Box House as well as some of her gently used toys. Every time we drive by she insists on stopping in and picking up their new "wish list".

Below is an overview of The Ogden Christmas Box House taken from their website.

The Ogden Christmas Box House is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency shelter for victims of child abuse and neglect. It serves children up to the age of seventeen. The children who come here receive mental, emotional, and physical help by loving and caring staff members until an appropriate placement has been set up or until their environment at home is safe.

The shelter provides fun, educational group activities with the children in its care. Groups are encouraged to hold scheduled activities away from our facility such as: a local park, restaurant or church. This allows the children to be out and gain socialization skills.

Here is a copy of their current "wish list". If you are able, please get involved. As you can see, it doesn't take a lot. Just simple little things that we take for granted everyday. Next time you are at the store pick up something extra and take it over. They are always very kind and gracious and always excited to accept anything to help these children.

Children's Clothing

• Children's braided belts (all sizes)
• Children's Clothing (all sizes)
• New socks
• New underwear
• Pajamas (summer and winter - all sizes)
• Shoes (all sizes)

Children's Personal Hygiene

• Children’s toothpaste
• Lotion
• Soap

Cleaning Supplies

• Clorox wipes
• Rubber gloves

Education

• Backpacks
• Craft kits/activities (for all ages)
• Gluesticks, Markers & Ink Pens
• School supplies
• Spiral Notebooks (1 or 2 Subject)

Entertainment

• Children’s CDs
• Children’s movies (DVD and VHS - new releases)
• Hand-held games
• Hand-held radios
• Headphones (for hand-held radios, etc.)
• Infant toys
• Puzzles (new)
• Scrapbook supplies
• Water toys

Fitness

• Children’s exercise videos (DVD and VHS)
• Sports balls (soccer, volleyball, basketball, outdoor, etc.)

Kitchen

• Paper plates
• Snack foods and juice boxes

Miscellaneous

• Bed Pillows (standard size)
• Birthday cake kits (store-bought cake mix, frosting, etc.)
• Birthday wrapping paper
• Birthday wrapping ribbon
• Sunscreen

Storage

• Plastic totes (large and small)

For other ways to get involved and help out, visit their website The Ogden Christmas Box House.

Walk For Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease is a common and serious brain disease affecting more than 5 million Americans. It gets worse over time and is the most common form of dementia with symptoms ranging from confusion and trouble organizing and expressing thoughts to changes in personality and behavior.

Alzheimer's Disease is something that affects more and more people each and every year. As there is so little currently know about how and why it's victims are affected, there is little that can be done to prevent it and even less that can be done to cure it. But some treatments are available and with treatment combined with the right services and support, life can be made better for the victims and their families. However, money is tight and resources and treatment options are slim. Help is needed to raise money and awareness for this cause so doctors can continue to move forward in finding a cure.

You can help!

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer's. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $225 million. Team captains are needed NOW! Team Captains need to sign up early to ensure they have enough time to recruit a team and raise funds for the cause!

There will be a walk in our area, Weber/Davis County, on September 22nd, 2007 to be held at Riverdale Park. It will be 5.22 miles and you can sign up online. Remember to sign up early as team captain to assure that you have plenty of time to get a team together and raise your funds!


Fundraising efforts are already well underway for a lot of people, but you still have plenty of time to start up! Just don't wait! Get started today and walk with a purpose. Help move us closer to a world without Alzheimer's. Together, we can MOVE a nation!

Quick and Easy Crockpot Stew

Quick and Easy Crockpot Stew

2 lbs stewing beef
5 medium potatoes
1 lb. carrots
3 celery stalks
1 medium onion
1 pkg Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 Package Brown Gravy Mix

Peel and chop potato's and carrots into bite size chunks, chop onion and celery into bite size pieces. Add all ingredients to Crockpot and add water to cover. Cover and cook for 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

Are You Up To Day Trading?

This is a subject that has always caught my interest. Day trading can be such a lucrative money making opportunity but it is not for every one. You have to have nerves of steel and quick thinking not to mention a successful stratgey. In this industry you can make millions in a day or lose the same in half the time. It is a high paced, upbeat, stressful environment that has broken more than it's share of investors and hard core traders.

Fortunatley, for those of you that think you have what it takes, there is a great new, informative guide to help you get through it. NetPicks Universal Market Trader Interactive Trading Course is a guide geared to the day trader and a solution to the burn out associated with going in with out a plan or strategy. This guide will help you get into the thick of things and really start making the good money! The best part is, there is no obligation at all. Check it out and see what can happen. It sold out fast at last publication so get yours fast this time, before they are gone again!

Get a FREE Domain

I was really excited when I found out about this! If you go to Microsoft you can get a free domain. I don't know how long they will allow you to keep it but or the time being I am one month in and I have still been charged nothing.

They do however ask for a credit card so be prepared. But what a great thing. Domain's normally run around $100 for an inexpensive one.

Everybody's Doing It

Now a days, it seems, every one is getting some kind of plastic surgery. Face lift, boob job or tummy tuck, you name it, some one is getting it done. Especially the celebrities! The celebrity plastic surgery is out of this world! I do not think that there is a celeb around any more that has not had something done. To them, Botox is like candy!

I think it all centers on a humans nature to fear the aging process. Even people that are prepared to die, fear the aging process. We have all seen the elderly woman that can not feed herself or the little old grandpa that can no longer walk and that frightens us.

From that fear is born a need to define ones self as young. There for if you are a California plastic surgeon then you have a one way ticket to fame and fortune as the actors and actresses in Hollywood age along their path to fame and fortune.

And as much as we would like to think that we are on the fore front of this technology, I think we will be sadly mistaken. The French are way ahead of us when it comes to matters of appearance. They have long been known for their flawless looks and I just do not see that about to change anytime soon.

But as plastic surgery becomes ever increasingly popular, the prices get lower and the techniques fancier. Any more it is like walking into a spa rather than a doctors office to get the work done and the techniques are plentiful. Everything from a simple removal of under eye bags to a complete new person.

I have heard the sayings over and over again... "no pain, no gain" and "beauty hurts". Myself however, I think it will hurt me a lot less to just learn to accept the body God gave me and leave the plastic surgery to the celebrities and people much braver than myself.

Family Pictures

When was the last time you took your family out for a family portrait? For me, it happened to be just this year, however, it is not something I do often. Not because I don't want a lovely picture of my whole family to hang above the mantle, but because I want a lovely picture of my family to hang above the mantle.

This is simple not possible with my family. I have 5 young children, none of whom appreciate being bathed, dressed-up and having their hair combed all in one day. Let alone stuffed in the car, threatened to within an inch of their lives if they mess up their hair or anyone else's, shuttled to the photography studio just to wait 30 minutes while the photographer tries to figure out what to do with the scream child he is currently working with and which will be my youngest child within minutes.

I don't know why, but this is just not fun for them. However, I have a suggestion. Find a good photographer that will do some outdoor shots, dress your kids comfortably, blue jeans and white shirts is always a winning combination and go outside for your family portrait. It will spice things up, the kids will have a great time and when your picture is outside, it is not nearly as important that your little girls hair is perfect or that your youngest boy doesn't have dirt on his knees, which he is an expert at finding inside or out.

My suggestion for a great photographer in the area is Gallery Photography, they do some awesome pictures and they both have an amazing eye for the extraordinary.

Accidents Happen Everywhere

Accidents happen everywhere and are always unexpected. Getting the insurance companies to pay up and help out as necessary is seldom possible. Unfortunately, this has led to the need for specialized accident attorneys such as New York car accident lawyer that can get you the best possible settlement on your accident or injury claim. It's too bad that it has come to this but the insurance companies want to protect themselves from the scrupulous people of the world who just find another way around the system so the honest people end up paying the price.

A Lovely Little Blog

I just found a lovely little blog that I wanted to share with my readers. It has the ability to put a smile on your face and make you want to kiss your kids.

This guy takes some amazing pictures and has a great eye for simplicity and structure in an otherwise wild scene. His photography is amazingly simple yet captivating.

Check out his work at Adam Record Photography, he simply is amazing.

Online Shopping Just Got Even Better

I love to shop online. It saves me gas, time and energy. I don't have to drive from store to store, drag the kids out of the car and into the store, find the product I am looking for, check the price and then drive back to one of the first stores that happened to have it $2 cheaper just to drag the kids back out of the car and into yet another store.

This routine is why my kids hate shopping with me. Running down to the hardware store to pick up a celing fan never means just one store. No we have to go to Home Depot, Ace and Lowes, just to go back to Home Depot because theirs was cheaper. It really is a pain.

But now I can do it all online! Comparison Shopping online can be as simple as visiting , typing in my product needs and waiting for my computer to load my comparisons. Hours turn into seconds and I am done! How easy is that?

Work at Home, Stay at Home

I am a huge advocate for working at home. Any mother that needs to work, should do it from home. Raising kids is a huge job in and of itself, but to have to work outside the home compounds it to the breaking point. I just do not feel that a mother can be as effective if they are not home with their children.

Now I also understand that situations arise that facilitate the mother's necessity to bring in income. However, with the multitude of opportunities available to those looking to work from home, there is no reason any mother should have to work outside the home. None.

There are a lot of companies out there that are scams or pyramid schemes. Some of these work well for some people. However, the majority of people do not get out of theses schemes what they need. Even things such as Pampered Chef, Close to My Heart and Mary Kay to name a few, while they are great companies and a lot of fun, they are not for everyone and should probably be considered hobbies. I would never consider anything a job if I am required to pay anything to "start up".

I have worked for many, many different companies and I have found that if it costs me to participate, it is most likely not worth it. As a matter of fact, I have not ever made any decent money with a company that required me to "pay to play" so to speak.

On the other hand, I have worked for many companies like Alpine Access, Feature Films for Families, Continental Airlines, PayU2Blog and Pay Per Post that cost me nothing to work for. When all is said and done, I have made far more money with these work from home companies
than any others I have seen or used.

Now there are even more companies that offer work from home opportunities and I would be very happy to discuss and share them with you. If you know of any, please forward them on to me and I will research the company, contact you for an quick interview and post about them.

Until next time, happy working from home everyone!

Family Room Fun

The best place in your home should be called the Family Room. I don't care what room in your house that happens to be, but a room where the whole family meets together to spend quality time is always a blessing.

Find your room and decorate and furnish it accordingly. Make sure there is room for everyone, plenty of entertainment opportunities and make sure it is furnished comfortably. Try a full length sectional couch, like this one.

This would give everyone plenty of room to sit close and side by side to watch a movie or a favorite TV Show. Not to mention, it is functional and beautiful. Use a wooden coffee table and some throw pillows to sit on the floor and play some board games. Most furniture stores like GalleryFurniture.com, a Houston Furniture store, have beautiful selections of coffee tables to choose from and some even have throw pillows. Another thing you will need is a good entertainment center. This will keep everything together and easily accessible. You don't want to have a messy, unorganized room or no one will want to stay in there for long. The point is to create a haven from the rest of the house and the world.

So take some advice and go through your house today and make sure you have at least one place in your home that is helpful in creating to family togetherness. If not, start today in creating your own little Family Haven.

Letting Kids Be Kids

My son came home from football yesterday black and blue. Numerous bruises and scrapes. Now he has always been a great child to keep himself safe and out of harms way. He has always had enough self preservation instincts that I never worried about him playing sports. He has wrestled and played soccer and the like. However, suddenly I think he has lost that. It could be something about the pads he wears and the helmet that make him feel safe. However he is not nearly as safe as he seems to think he is.

However, I am learning a valuable lesson. As he is my first and oldest child, this is not something I have experienced before. But learning to let him go and make the mistakes and get hurt is one of the hardest lessons a parent will ever have to learn. I have found that I make a few of the same mistakes over and over when my parenting instincts kick in.

Mistake #1: Too much protection. I don't let him experience things that he might like because I am afraid he might get hurt. In this case he misses out on a lot of great experiences because he is being over mothered.
Mistake #2: Panic. When he becomes hurt or struggles, I panic and try to fix it. In this case he learns that A) Mommy will always fix things when he makes a mistake and there will be no consequences and B) He never learns how to fix things himself.
Mistake #3 Criticize. When he plays through pain or stress and complains about it I get cynical. Making comments like "well you chose to play" or "well then, you can just not play anymore" This causes him to feel ashamed for hurting and for playing through and being tough and it will also cause him not to feel comfortable coming to me with future problems, big or small.

While I worry about him significantly as he plays these rough sports, I do not want to stifle any interest or talent he might have. So I need to learn to sit back and relax and enjoy my child's ability and the fact that he is growing into a fine young man.

Is Your Home "Family Friendly"?

I noticed the other day that my home is not at all friendly to my family. When I say this I mean that there was not a single room in my home that was set up to accommodate my entire family with the exception of the dining room. This, I saw as a problem. It's no wonder we were not spending as much time together as I would have liked! The family room had only enough seats for a few of us, the living room no where near enough, even the patio set was not large enough.

So I decided that I needed to change that. I picked up another couch for the living room and set up home theater seating in the family room. Now we can all sit together in the living room and read or in the family room and watch a movie or play a game.

I just can't imagine how we spent the last 5 years in this house without the new additions. It surprises me that we ever got together as a family at all!