Running is a great way to get you heart pumping, your brain functioning and your body looking and feeling great. However, having 5 children of my own, I can understand how difficult it is to find the time to get out and do it, let alone the energy! However, according to an American study running women produce a less potent form of oestrogen than their sedentary counterparts. As a result, female runners cut their risks of developing breast and uterine cancer by half, and by two thirds their risk of contracting the form of diabetes that most commonly plagues women. Also running has been proven to be an effective combatant to monthly cramping. Running is supposed to aleviate the cramps! Not to mention, it's just plain good for you.
So my challenge for this week is start with just 20 minutes every other morning and go running. You can even run around the block with your child. Do it for you. Do it for them. It will clear your head and make you more efficient throughout the day.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Removing Crayon From Laundry
As I pulled the warm clothes out of the dryer, I wanted to cry! Each and every piece of laundry had any where from small to very large orange stains. The tale tell signs that I had washed and dried a crayon. Now this is nothing new, old school actually. So I went to my blog and dredged up this post from way back when. Embarrassing as it is to admit, this is not the first time I have ruined a load of laundry with a crayon! However, it makes for the perfect Tuesday Tip and Trick for today. Enjoy!
This is a great tip that every mom should have in her never ending supply of ideas. Yes, this is a discovery made due to necessity. As I was putting my girls to bed one night I realized they had no pants to wear to school the next day so I ran downstairs and hastily put all the jeans I could find into the washing machine and I went to bed. Early the next morning I got up for work, put the jeans in the dryer and signed on to work. After work I woke the girls, put them in the shower and came down to have their jeans warm and ready for them when they got out.
Much to my dismay, one of my children, my suspicion lies with my youngest boy, had left an orange crayon in their pocket. Not a pair of jeans were safe. Every single pair of jeans had the unmistakable markings of melted crayon. Well, needless to say, my girls got a new pair of pants that morning and I went in search of a miracle cure for melted crayon.
What I found was a wonderful product call Goo-Gone, sold by most large retailers and grocery stores in their Laundry and Cleaning sections. It is a solvent that works on almost everything. I personally have used it for years to remove everything from candle wax from a shirt to price stickers from plastic and glass surfaces. This stuff is almost as versatile as WD-40! But would it take out the wax and color of the crayon?
Well, I found that it did a great job of breaking up the wax and removing some of the color but something more was needed for the remaining color. This is where I introduced, plain old, everyday dish soap.
So here's the process. Place a white paper towel between the layers of fabric. Squirt GooGone on the spots and allow to sit and absorb. I found that if I squirted one pair and then squirted another pair, I could then return to the first pair to start scrubbing. Using a toothbrush I would scrub in small circles a few times then I would freely add some dish soap and continue scrubbing. I was convinced that it was working by the orange tint arising in the bristles of the toothbrush. After scrubbing each individual spot I then washed in hot water with extra detergent.
I was really amazed by how well this process worked. There were no residual grease marks or color. The jeans all looks as great as they did before the crayon attacked them.
This is a great tip that every mom should have in her never ending supply of ideas. Yes, this is a discovery made due to necessity. As I was putting my girls to bed one night I realized they had no pants to wear to school the next day so I ran downstairs and hastily put all the jeans I could find into the washing machine and I went to bed. Early the next morning I got up for work, put the jeans in the dryer and signed on to work. After work I woke the girls, put them in the shower and came down to have their jeans warm and ready for them when they got out.
Much to my dismay, one of my children, my suspicion lies with my youngest boy, had left an orange crayon in their pocket. Not a pair of jeans were safe. Every single pair of jeans had the unmistakable markings of melted crayon. Well, needless to say, my girls got a new pair of pants that morning and I went in search of a miracle cure for melted crayon.
What I found was a wonderful product call Goo-Gone, sold by most large retailers and grocery stores in their Laundry and Cleaning sections. It is a solvent that works on almost everything. I personally have used it for years to remove everything from candle wax from a shirt to price stickers from plastic and glass surfaces. This stuff is almost as versatile as WD-40! But would it take out the wax and color of the crayon?
Well, I found that it did a great job of breaking up the wax and removing some of the color but something more was needed for the remaining color. This is where I introduced, plain old, everyday dish soap.
So here's the process. Place a white paper towel between the layers of fabric. Squirt GooGone on the spots and allow to sit and absorb. I found that if I squirted one pair and then squirted another pair, I could then return to the first pair to start scrubbing. Using a toothbrush I would scrub in small circles a few times then I would freely add some dish soap and continue scrubbing. I was convinced that it was working by the orange tint arising in the bristles of the toothbrush. After scrubbing each individual spot I then washed in hot water with extra detergent.
I was really amazed by how well this process worked. There were no residual grease marks or color. The jeans all looks as great as they did before the crayon attacked them.
Monday, August 18, 2008
College Road Trip
I am very excited to say that our family got the opportunity to rent College Road Trip from Red Box this weekend and we loved it. It was a geared to the older children and the younger ones lost interest pretty quickly, but with a mattress in the living room and a kitchen full of treats, they still enjoyed the evening.
The story line of the movie is an over protective father who's not so little girl getting ready to go to college in another state. He decided to take her on a road trip to "re-connect". Along the way he does every stupid thing imaginable to keep his daughter from "going away" to college. Along the way they do manage to reconnect while they get themselves in to alot of very funny mischief.
It really was a good family movie, possibly not for the younger kids, but for the older ones and Lee and I, we totally loved it!
The story line of the movie is an over protective father who's not so little girl getting ready to go to college in another state. He decided to take her on a road trip to "re-connect". Along the way he does every stupid thing imaginable to keep his daughter from "going away" to college. Along the way they do manage to reconnect while they get themselves in to alot of very funny mischief.
It really was a good family movie, possibly not for the younger kids, but for the older ones and Lee and I, we totally loved it!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Free Silver Jewelry
I haven't mentioned it in awhile and so I thought it worth mentioning. Silver Jewelry Club offers handmade jewelry for free with a new piece debuting every ten minutes or so. All you pay is $6.99 shipping and handling. Below is their current listing.
I can tell you, I have ordered quite a few pieces from these guys and I have been completely satisfied and often wowed by the quality and craftsmanship of their pieces. This is definitely not costume jewelry.
I can tell you, I have ordered quite a few pieces from these guys and I have been completely satisfied and often wowed by the quality and craftsmanship of their pieces. This is definitely not costume jewelry.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Starbucks, What Do You Think?
Starbucks has been around for a very long time now and has led the coffee industry in sales and volume. They have inspired many, many coffee connoisseurs to open their own coffee shops in aspiration of the "big bucks" that have become synonymous with coffee. Who in their right minds would have paid $5 for a cup of coffee before Starbucks came around? Not me! So now with the economy waning a little, Starbucks has released news of new espresso machines that will revolutionize the way they do business. So here is what I am wondering, will this new machine really kick their profits back into high gear or do you think that the $5 coffee trend is waning as well. Have consumer wised up and figured out that good coffee can be just around the corner and a lot less expensive? It will be interesting to see where this takes the Coffee Giant.
Are Pills Really The Answer?
Every time I visit my doctor anymore she draws more blood. From the results of the blood works she prescribes me more pills. And more and more I am starting to wonder, it this really such a good idea? Should I not be trying to control my body with natural things, diet and exercise and such instead of chemically altered substances? Every day you see it, diet pills, thyroid pills, ED pils, they seem to have a pill for nearly everything! But is that really the best option? Are there ways to combat things without pills? I know I was able to. When they diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism and put me on pills, I started to do some research and found that the Iodine in salt is necessary for a healthy thyroid, however, too much can cause problems as well. I seriously slowed my salt intake and within the year my blood test came back normal again. I have been off the thyroid medicine for 5 years and every single blood test comes back normal. Could that work with other things? I would think so. Hopefully the industry starts to turn to more natural cures as opposed to chemically altering our bodies all the time.
When Computers Get Old
My children's computer is my old computer, the poor old thing is really struggling to keep up. The games and activities they want to play are not compatible with it, it does not have nearly enough system memory and it keeps freezing in strange places. It won't load the girls Princess game and it won't play the toddler games. In general, it's days are up I believe. But now the question is, where do old, out date computers go. It feels wrong just throwing it out with the trash?
Saving Garden Spinach
Saving Spinach from your garden can be tricky. It is a very particular vegetable but it makes any summer salad a lovely treat. Right after harvesting your spinach, take it directly in the house and rinse it in cold water. This will allow it to "go to sleep" and the deterioration process will immediately be slowed. Take it right out of the water, shake it off, bag it and put it directly into the fridge. This will make your spinach last about a week longer once you get it into the fridge and it will stay nice and crispy.
Dress Your Home in Fabrics
DIY home decorating is quickly becoming the norm in our beautiful state for many reasons. It's easy, any beginner can make a couple of throw pillows to accent her couch. It's cheap; compared to hiring a home decorator, DIY is pinching some serious pennies, but even compared to purchasing pre-made Window Treatments, Drapes, Valances, Swags, etc., you are still saving a bunch. You have options; stores just do not have the ability to carry every color and/or pattern or combination to make your home look just the way you want it. It's fun; especially with friends and family. I am sure most of you scrapbook or stamp or have some other gathering that includes getting together with family and friends to create your masterpieces. Home decorating can be just as much of a social gathering. Get your friends together and have a home redecorating at your place. Next month, her's! It's so much fun. Or if you prefer to work alone, it can be just as fun. Get our your needles and scissors, put on some good music and enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon, turning your home into your home.
There are so many small things you can do to make a HUGE difference. Starting small will give you the confidence to tackle larger projects. Start with some throw pillows for your couch. Look around your living room. Is there a picture or a certain color that you would like to draw into your decorating? Personally, I have a curio cabinet with all my dolls and a light pink picture of dolls that was given to me years and years ago. The picture has always gone with my dolls, but it does not match my new living room. However, I was able to find a fabric that had the same pink from the picture and the brown and blue from my couch, a strange combination I agree, but once I made some throw pillows, it pulled the whole thing together seamlessly.
Now Valances and Swags are not my thing. I know you can do them yourself, but for me, I prefer to purchase them. However, I can still have control over the colors, patterns and textures but finding the right place. Fabric Workroom is a wonderful option to actually making your own. You have the ability to mix and match a myriad of designer fabrics, you can choose from classic styles or create your own custom window treatments. Their prices are affordable and their selection is great.
Other great DIY options are blankets and throws. They create a carefree, cozy, "this is my place" kind of feel to any room. Blankets and throws are so easy to make and can be done in an afternoon with minimal supplies. Tied fleece throws are great for kids rooms, dens or family rooms and fleece comes in many, many different colors and patterns. You can even find sports prints, animal prints or licensed character prints to match just about any decor. Light fabrics combined with a very thin batting can be quilted into a heirloom couch blanket in a matter of a day or two. With blankets and throws, the possibilities are endless.
I hope this gives you some inspiration and a desire to get out there and DIY! Turn your home into "your home".
There are so many small things you can do to make a HUGE difference. Starting small will give you the confidence to tackle larger projects. Start with some throw pillows for your couch. Look around your living room. Is there a picture or a certain color that you would like to draw into your decorating? Personally, I have a curio cabinet with all my dolls and a light pink picture of dolls that was given to me years and years ago. The picture has always gone with my dolls, but it does not match my new living room. However, I was able to find a fabric that had the same pink from the picture and the brown and blue from my couch, a strange combination I agree, but once I made some throw pillows, it pulled the whole thing together seamlessly.
Now Valances and Swags are not my thing. I know you can do them yourself, but for me, I prefer to purchase them. However, I can still have control over the colors, patterns and textures but finding the right place. Fabric Workroom is a wonderful option to actually making your own. You have the ability to mix and match a myriad of designer fabrics, you can choose from classic styles or create your own custom window treatments. Their prices are affordable and their selection is great.
Other great DIY options are blankets and throws. They create a carefree, cozy, "this is my place" kind of feel to any room. Blankets and throws are so easy to make and can be done in an afternoon with minimal supplies. Tied fleece throws are great for kids rooms, dens or family rooms and fleece comes in many, many different colors and patterns. You can even find sports prints, animal prints or licensed character prints to match just about any decor. Light fabrics combined with a very thin batting can be quilted into a heirloom couch blanket in a matter of a day or two. With blankets and throws, the possibilities are endless.
I hope this gives you some inspiration and a desire to get out there and DIY! Turn your home into "your home".
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pack it Safely
Anytime you travel, safety is a concern. Where to keep your wallet, your purse, laptop all types of expensive, personal items. Luckily there is a company that is looking out for the very same thing. Pacsafe has many, many different options to keep you and your personal belongings safe while you travel as well as a whole list of T.S.A. approved travel kits and luggage options. They have super safe, anti-theft purses and slings that would be a great gift for anyone you know that travels often. Or there are T.S.A. approved luggage tags to take the hassle out of checking your luggage. They just have a whole myriad of options for the experienced, well seasoned traveler as well as the complete novice. Before your next trip, take a minute to look over this site and make sure you are well protected.
Moving? Make It Easy On Yourself!
I am adding this under Tuesday Tips and Tricks because I am so impressed and I just don't think enough people know about this option! My friend T just moved here from South Carolina. She didn't have a HUGE house, but she had accumulated the things she needed to live. Furniture, books, computers you name it. Look around your house, you'll know exactly what I mean. Just lots of stuff.
Well, she was going to drive here but her little car was WAY to small to fit even the smallest of furniture, except, I think she did somehow manage the computer chair, without the wheels? She looked into renting a U-Haul truck but the price on a one way rental was astronomical! Then she found this thing called a Moving Pod!
I had never heard of any such thing! It's a portable storage container. They bring it to you, drop it at your doorstep (figuratively), leave it there while you load it and then when you are ready to go you schedule a pick-up, they load it up and haul it to your destination for you! Once there, they secure it in their storage lot until you are ready for it again and once again, they bring it to your doorstep for easy unloading! The whole idea ofmoving pods is just amazingly simple. But the best part about the whole thing was the price! Nearly half the price of a U-Haul, more than half the price of a moving company and yet, all the transportation is done for you. It is just such a convient option to regular moving, I can't believe I had never heard of it!
Well, she was going to drive here but her little car was WAY to small to fit even the smallest of furniture, except, I think she did somehow manage the computer chair, without the wheels? She looked into renting a U-Haul truck but the price on a one way rental was astronomical! Then she found this thing called a Moving Pod!
I had never heard of any such thing! It's a portable storage container. They bring it to you, drop it at your doorstep (figuratively), leave it there while you load it and then when you are ready to go you schedule a pick-up, they load it up and haul it to your destination for you! Once there, they secure it in their storage lot until you are ready for it again and once again, they bring it to your doorstep for easy unloading! The whole idea ofmoving pods is just amazingly simple. But the best part about the whole thing was the price! Nearly half the price of a U-Haul, more than half the price of a moving company and yet, all the transportation is done for you. It is just such a convient option to regular moving, I can't believe I had never heard of it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
