Tuesday, August 14, 2007
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.
Monday, August 13, 2007
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!
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.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
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.
Friday, August 10, 2007
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.
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.
For other ways to get involved and help out, visit their website The Ogden Christmas Box House.
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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? 
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!
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Easy and Yummy Salad
I love this salad and it is so easy and makes a great presentation.
Strawberry and Peach Salad
1 Bag of Baby Spinach Leaves
2 large, firm peaches (I love using White Peaches)
1 lb. Strawberries sliced
1 cup Strawberry Vinegarette Dressing (Raspberry Vinegarette can be used if you cannot find Strawberry or you can make your own. Recipe for that coming soon.)
Layer spinach, sliced peaches and strawberries topping with strawberries and peaches for presentation. Pour dressing over, just before serving.
Strawberry and Peach Salad
1 Bag of Baby Spinach Leaves
2 large, firm peaches (I love using White Peaches)
1 lb. Strawberries sliced
1 cup Strawberry Vinegarette Dressing (Raspberry Vinegarette can be used if you cannot find Strawberry or you can make your own. Recipe for that coming soon.)
Layer spinach, sliced peaches and strawberries topping with strawberries and peaches for presentation. Pour dressing over, just before serving.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Mailboxes
Mail boxes are such a matter of preference and can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself. For instance there is a home just down the street from my house with a carousel horse mailbox, the gentleman across the street has a beautiful brick mailbox and my neighbor has a faux rock mailbox.
Mailboxes are a great way to express your mood, with all the options, you are sure to find one that will please you. I have even seen simple, inexpensive covers that can be changed with the seasons or the holidays. What ever tickles your fancy. The best thing about it, it they are all unique to the individual owner of the home.
Mailboxes are a great way to express your mood, with all the options, you are sure to find one that will please you. I have even seen simple, inexpensive covers that can be changed with the seasons or the holidays. What ever tickles your fancy. The best thing about it, it they are all unique to the individual owner of the home.
The Perfect Baptism Dress
I am so excited about this dress pattern that I have found to use for my daughters Baptism Dress. In all actuality it is not a dress pattern but a nightgown pattern which is one of the things that makes it just perfect! It is long and relatively close fitting so as to prevent too much floating and it is a very simple yet elegant pattern that is very easy to sew.
It is a Butterick See & Sew pattern number B4005 simply called Children's/Girls' Nightgown, Top and Pants and it is only $2.99 on line or at Joann's. I used Crepe Back White Satin to give it a more formal look and I used a pretty flower Ribbon to finish the front, using the excess to make a hair band for her.
I am so impressed with how well this turned out that I will be making another identical one for her younger sister and possibly for her baby sister as well.
It is a Butterick See & Sew pattern number B4005 simply called Children's/Girls' Nightgown, Top and Pants and it is only $2.99 on line or at Joann's. I used Crepe Back White Satin to give it a more formal look and I used a pretty flower Ribbon to finish the front, using the excess to make a hair band for her.
I am so impressed with how well this turned out that I will be making another identical one for her younger sister and possibly for her baby sister as well.
When Is It Time For New Furniture?
Unfortunately this is not a question that I find myself qualified to answer. The reason being I have NO new furniture. My children are still very young and have the innate ability to destroy anything within a 100 foot radius just by looking at it.
All of my furniture in my house is hand me downs, yet even the nice couch my mother gave me has a lovely little V-shaped hole in it, courtesy of my 3 year old and her brand new pair of scissors.
The bad part is I would really love new furniture! I was looking Century furniture today and drooling over the beautiful selection they have and picturing my home in a whole new light. Then, of course, reality hits me square in the face again as I hear Jayce yell down the stairs "Mommy, Sarah spilled her Chocolate Milk in the livingroom again!"
I completely understand the people that have every piece of furniture covered in plastic. They had a 3 year old in the house once! I am sure of it!
All of my furniture in my house is hand me downs, yet even the nice couch my mother gave me has a lovely little V-shaped hole in it, courtesy of my 3 year old and her brand new pair of scissors.
The bad part is I would really love new furniture! I was looking Century furniture today and drooling over the beautiful selection they have and picturing my home in a whole new light. Then, of course, reality hits me square in the face again as I hear Jayce yell down the stairs "Mommy, Sarah spilled her Chocolate Milk in the livingroom again!"
I completely understand the people that have every piece of furniture covered in plastic. They had a 3 year old in the house once! I am sure of it!
School Supply Lists
I am curious as to how many people, having registered their children for school, have the enormously long lists of school supplies, or if I have just become unreasonably spoiled living in the city in which I live.
My three oldest children were registered for school on the 1st of August and their list of school supplies included: A Book bag and A Pencil Case. That's it. Nothing more.
Then my husbands ex registered my step-daughter for school and comes to us with a list that nearly fills an 8x11 sheet of paper! I am talking Book bag, 12 #2 pencils, 12 Glue Sticks, 2 boxes of Tissue, 2 rolls of paper towels, 1 package of highlighters, 1 package of erasers, and the list goes on and on!
I think this is just plain silly! I understand that they are registered in different school districts but the school districts are very, very close and I just don't see the reasoning for the huge difference. So I am wondering if, by leaving me a comment, you could share your thoughts on this matter as well as your child's school supply list to compare.
My three oldest children were registered for school on the 1st of August and their list of school supplies included: A Book bag and A Pencil Case. That's it. Nothing more.
Then my husbands ex registered my step-daughter for school and comes to us with a list that nearly fills an 8x11 sheet of paper! I am talking Book bag, 12 #2 pencils, 12 Glue Sticks, 2 boxes of Tissue, 2 rolls of paper towels, 1 package of highlighters, 1 package of erasers, and the list goes on and on!
I think this is just plain silly! I understand that they are registered in different school districts but the school districts are very, very close and I just don't see the reasoning for the huge difference. So I am wondering if, by leaving me a comment, you could share your thoughts on this matter as well as your child's school supply list to compare.
Beautiful Chandliers
When I bought my house I was lucky enough to have the previous owners leave the chandeliers and ceiling fans. I never, ever would have been able to match the one in my entry way as beautifully as they did. It is gorgeous! And then, I doubt I would have ever put ceiling fans or chandeliers in any of the other rooms either. I just don't do that kind of thing. I would still, even 5 years later, have the boring old white globe ceiling lights if left to fend for myself. Through the sheer generosity of some wonderful sellers I instead have beautiful ceiling fans and chandeliers in nearly every room in my house.
Baptism Invitations
As I am coming up on the Baptism of my oldest Daughter I had really struggled trying to find just the right invitations at just the right price. Finally I found that I can create my own invitations through Walmart.com and with a little work in Microsoft Publisher, I was able to create just what I was looking for.
When all was said and done, I had the perfect invitations and the price was really reasonable. I spent $12 for 30 invitations with envelopes.
Tips:
When all was said and done, I had the perfect invitations and the price was really reasonable. I spent $12 for 30 invitations with envelopes.
Tips:
- If you would like something other than the white background behind your pictures, search the web for scrapbook papers, until you find the background you would like. Click on the scrapbook paper to enlarge it as large as it will go, then right click on the image and click "save image as" and save it to your desktop as a .jpg. Then open it into your publisher program, crop and resize it to fit onto a 4"x6" canvas. Then lay your photos on top of it. Then save it as above and upload it to your card.
- To use fancy fonts, add it in your publisher, lock it in as part of the picture and save it.
- Center your pictures with plenty of room around the edges as some of the cards will cut into your picture drastically unless you have a good edge.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Breakfast Is So Important
I know a lot of women that do not eat breakfast for one reason or another and for a very long time I was one of them. I would usually not eat anything until lunch time. This had nothing to do with weight loss, but simply I was too tired to fix me anything and I am not able, due to imbalances, able to eat cereal for breakfast, so it was just to much effort to eat. But then I noticed that I also had no energy and really did not accomplish anything until late afternoon.
Having talked to my doctor I learned that not eating breakfast caused an "energy low". My body was missing the important ingredients to produce energy. Sugars and Protein or muscle milk are the important factors in creating the energy that I needed to kick start my day. I had always ragged on my brothers for "juicing" with their protein shakes. Now I find myself drinking a protein shake every morning to kick start my morning.
Now I use straight protein powder, without extra additives that I get from a health food store. The taste of the protein powder is not great but it can be masked by the fruit I use. However, there are products on the market that are so good at masking the flavor of the protein that you can not even taste it.
Just remember that protein shake or full meal, it does not really matter. The important thing is making sure you get your energy in the morning!
Having talked to my doctor I learned that not eating breakfast caused an "energy low". My body was missing the important ingredients to produce energy. Sugars and Protein or muscle milk are the important factors in creating the energy that I needed to kick start my day. I had always ragged on my brothers for "juicing" with their protein shakes. Now I find myself drinking a protein shake every morning to kick start my morning.
Now I use straight protein powder, without extra additives that I get from a health food store. The taste of the protein powder is not great but it can be masked by the fruit I use. However, there are products on the market that are so good at masking the flavor of the protein that you can not even taste it.
Just remember that protein shake or full meal, it does not really matter. The important thing is making sure you get your energy in the morning!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Fun Back to School Craft
Here is a great craft to allow you to spend some time with your children and help to kick the school year off right with the right organization.
You'll Need:
An Unfinished Wooden Peg Shelf
Paint
Brushes
Stencils
Nails and Hammer to hang
Using Your paint, brushes and stencils, Have each child decorate a section of the peg shelf. Then paint their name over their peg area. Hang this near your entrance door. Then each child will have the perfect place to put their backpack and anything they need to take to school the next day. There will be no rushing to find school supplies, backpacks or notes at the last minute.
You'll Need:
An Unfinished Wooden Peg Shelf
Paint
Brushes
Stencils
Nails and Hammer to hang
Using Your paint, brushes and stencils, Have each child decorate a section of the peg shelf. Then paint their name over their peg area. Hang this near your entrance door. Then each child will have the perfect place to put their backpack and anything they need to take to school the next day. There will be no rushing to find school supplies, backpacks or notes at the last minute.
Cute Back to School Stuff
One of the funnest things I have ever bought my kids for back to school, I bought for my daughter last year. It was a backpack with her name embroidered on the front with a matching pencil case with her name on it and personalized pencils. She loved them so much she took them to school with her every day and was so proud of them.
The only complaint I had was the company I had ordered them from was very, very slow and had a limited selection. I wish I had know about Identity Direct and the huge selection of over 400 items that they have available.
I love their licenced selections too. After all what is better than having your name on your stuff? Having your name on your Disney stuff of course!
The only complaint I had was the company I had ordered them from was very, very slow and had a limited selection. I wish I had know about Identity Direct and the huge selection of over 400 items that they have available.
I love their licenced selections too. After all what is better than having your name on your stuff? Having your name on your Disney stuff of course!
Yummy Dessert Pizza Recipe
My kids love this easy to make, yummy recipe.
1 pkg. Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
1 12oz tub Cool Whip
Your Favorite Sliced Fruit
Spread cookie dough onto cookie sheet and cook according to package directions. Allow to cool. Once cool, spread with Cool Whip and top with fruit slices. Cut into Pizza Slices. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
1 pkg. Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
1 12oz tub Cool Whip
Your Favorite Sliced Fruit
Spread cookie dough onto cookie sheet and cook according to package directions. Allow to cool. Once cool, spread with Cool Whip and top with fruit slices. Cut into Pizza Slices. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
Getting Rid of Ants
Every year, about this time I begin to have a problem with ants, right at my front door. The problem is that I have stucco and they crawl up and live underneath the stucco where I cannot get at them to kill them. I have resorted to methods, often times very messy methods, just to keep them out of my home. The best of which has been a thin line of salt along the doorway. I am not sure exactly why but this works as a great barrier to keep them from entering my home. However, with children and adults alike entering and exiting the house through the front door, salt was inevitably drug into my house.
Here are some great ideas to deal with fireants in your home. Ways to get rid of them and why they are there. Mine, luckily enough, are not fire ants, but instead the little black sugar ants. They are not dangerous, just a nuisance, but fire ants could be very dangerous to small children!
Here are some great ideas to deal with fireants in your home. Ways to get rid of them and why they are there. Mine, luckily enough, are not fire ants, but instead the little black sugar ants. They are not dangerous, just a nuisance, but fire ants could be very dangerous to small children!
Discussion: How do you deal with a sick child?
Being in the middle of raising 5 children I wonder if I haven't gotten a little immune to my children's illnesses. I am wondering how often most people take their children to the doctor's office or give them medication. Please weigh in by sending a comment and letting me know what you think.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's Camera Talk Time
I wanted to add my two cents to the camera craze. I have a perfectly lovely Nikon 360 35mm camera that I have been shooting with for nearly 4 years now and to be honest, I love it. However, I spend most of my time shooting in auto instead of playing with the aperture, shutter speed and such which I would really like to get more familiar with. So now I am looking into getting me a digital camera, something I can play with and not have to worry about how much it will cost to develop pictures that I completely mess up.
So I have always been a Canon fan. I love the Cannon D-10 and would even take the Cannon Digital Rebel. Both of which would set me back at least a grand. But then I got looking at the Canon Powershot. The A550 seems to be a nice little camera with 7.1 megapixel resolution and 4x Optical zoom. I worry that it won't have the capability to change your settings, I know you cannot upgrade the lens and I have never been a huge fan of the SanDisk memory cards (they are way more expensive than they should be and I have found them to be pretty unreliable), but all in all I am really starting to like this camera.
So I have always been a Canon fan. I love the Cannon D-10 and would even take the Cannon Digital Rebel. Both of which would set me back at least a grand. But then I got looking at the Canon Powershot. The A550 seems to be a nice little camera with 7.1 megapixel resolution and 4x Optical zoom. I worry that it won't have the capability to change your settings, I know you cannot upgrade the lens and I have never been a huge fan of the SanDisk memory cards (they are way more expensive than they should be and I have found them to be pretty unreliable), but all in all I am really starting to like this camera.
Monday, July 23, 2007
There are lots of fun activities throughout the Wasatch Front this Week. Here is a quick overview of activities, events and firework shows in Weber, Davis and Saltlake Counties.
Davis County
Layton
Tuesday, July 24th 4pm - 7pm: Taste of The Town in Layton Commons Park, 465 N. Wasatch Drive, which offers food sampling from 24 of the city's best resturants offering their signature dishes followed by a free concert by Riders in the Sky at 8pm an the Kenley Amphitheater. Tickets can be purchased for Taste of the Town at Layton Hills Mall for $6
Weber County
Ogden
July 19th - 21st, 23rd and 24th: pre-rodeo at 6:30pm and Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, at 7:30pm with skydivers & mutton busting every night. Ogden Pioneer Stadium, 668 17th St.
July 21st 9 am, Miss Rodeo Utah Speeches at Eccles Conference,
July 22nd, 9 am, Slack, free, Ogden Pioneer Stadium.
July 23rd, 10:30 am, Miss Rodeo Utah reception and fashion show, $35, David Eccles Conference Center
6:30 pm, Miss Rodeo Utah freestyle,
7:30 pm, rodeo, Ogden Pioneer Stadium.
July 24th 9 am, Ogden Pioneer Days Parade, begining on 31st Street and heading north on Washington Boulevard ending on 20th Street;
12pm, Open House at Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, DUP Museum at 2148 Grant Ave.
11 am - 4 pm, Ft. Buena Ventura, pioneer skills and craft fair, the cost is $2 per person or $10 per family.
For more information go to www.ogdenpioneerdays.com or call 801-629-8217.
Salt Lake County
Cottonwood Heights -Butlerville Days,
July 24th, 4 pm, Parade, beginning at 2700 East and ending at Guthrie Skate Park on Bengal;
4:30 pm to 9pm, Rides, games, food, booths, climbing wall;
5 pm, Skateboard exhibition;
7 pm, Pie-eating contest,
8 to 9:30 pm, Teen dance, Guthrie Skate Park,
9:30 pm, Patriotic event, main stage;
Dusk, fireworks, Butler Park, 7500 S. 2700 East
Liberty Park
July 24th, Deseret Morning News race and parade ending at the park;
7 a.m. to dark, Native American celebration, A community cultural festival, food, arts & crafts booths, entertainment and free powwow. Tracy Aviary free admission, pool will be closed, fireworks at dusk.
Salt Lake City
July 18th-24th, 7 pm nightly, Days of '47 Rodeo at the Energy Solutions Arena, Exceptions: begins at noon on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. on Tuesday Tickets available through ticketmaster.com, 325-7328.
July 21st - 23rd, 11am to 9pm, Preview the 2007 Days of '47 parade floats at the South Towne Expo center, admission is free. 801-254-4656;
July 24th, 7 am to 8:30 am, Sunrise Service, Tabernacle on Temple Square, free, no tickets required, 572-8201;
5:30 am, Deseret Morning News Marathon, top of Big Mountain above Emigration Canyon
6 am, 10K race, Research Park, 500 S. Wakara Way;
7 am, 5K walk, EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. Temple, 333-7473;
9 am to noon, Days of '47 KSL 5 Parade, beginning at South Temple and Main Street and ending at Liberty Park, 254-4656;
Noon-5 pm, Pioneer Day at The Pioneer Memorial Museum, 300 N. Main St., 1 pm, Games, stories and music. 532-6479.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
July 23rd 9 am to 9 pm and July 24th, 9 am to 5 pm; Residents of Heritage Village celebrate with a two-day festival. Live music, lots to do and see, a pioneer parade (kids can march in it, too) and fun for everyone, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. 582-1847.
West Valley City
July 23rd - 28th, Samoan Heritage Festival of Utah (Flag Day Celebration) with Polynesian music, entertainment, cultural and art exhibitions and activities, rugby, volleyball, basketball and cricket at Centennial Park, West Valley City, 3100 S. 5600 West, 604-2153.
There are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy all week long. I hope you can find lots of fun things to do with your kids.
Davis County
Layton
Tuesday, July 24th 4pm - 7pm: Taste of The Town in Layton Commons Park, 465 N. Wasatch Drive, which offers food sampling from 24 of the city's best resturants offering their signature dishes followed by a free concert by Riders in the Sky at 8pm an the Kenley Amphitheater. Tickets can be purchased for Taste of the Town at Layton Hills Mall for $6
Weber County
Ogden
July 19th - 21st, 23rd and 24th: pre-rodeo at 6:30pm and Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, at 7:30pm with skydivers & mutton busting every night. Ogden Pioneer Stadium, 668 17th St.
July 21st 9 am, Miss Rodeo Utah Speeches at Eccles Conference,
July 22nd, 9 am, Slack, free, Ogden Pioneer Stadium.
July 23rd, 10:30 am, Miss Rodeo Utah reception and fashion show, $35, David Eccles Conference Center
6:30 pm, Miss Rodeo Utah freestyle,
7:30 pm, rodeo, Ogden Pioneer Stadium.
July 24th 9 am, Ogden Pioneer Days Parade, begining on 31st Street and heading north on Washington Boulevard ending on 20th Street;
12pm, Open House at Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, DUP Museum at 2148 Grant Ave.
11 am - 4 pm, Ft. Buena Ventura, pioneer skills and craft fair, the cost is $2 per person or $10 per family.
For more information go to www.ogdenpioneerdays.com or call 801-629-8217.
Salt Lake County
Cottonwood Heights -Butlerville Days,
July 24th, 4 pm, Parade, beginning at 2700 East and ending at Guthrie Skate Park on Bengal;
4:30 pm to 9pm, Rides, games, food, booths, climbing wall;
5 pm, Skateboard exhibition;
7 pm, Pie-eating contest,
8 to 9:30 pm, Teen dance, Guthrie Skate Park,
9:30 pm, Patriotic event, main stage;
Dusk, fireworks, Butler Park, 7500 S. 2700 East
Liberty Park
July 24th, Deseret Morning News race and parade ending at the park;
7 a.m. to dark, Native American celebration, A community cultural festival, food, arts & crafts booths, entertainment and free powwow. Tracy Aviary free admission, pool will be closed, fireworks at dusk.
Salt Lake City
July 18th-24th, 7 pm nightly, Days of '47 Rodeo at the Energy Solutions Arena, Exceptions: begins at noon on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. on Tuesday Tickets available through ticketmaster.com, 325-7328.
July 21st - 23rd, 11am to 9pm, Preview the 2007 Days of '47 parade floats at the South Towne Expo center, admission is free. 801-254-4656;
July 24th, 7 am to 8:30 am, Sunrise Service, Tabernacle on Temple Square, free, no tickets required, 572-8201;
5:30 am, Deseret Morning News Marathon, top of Big Mountain above Emigration Canyon
6 am, 10K race, Research Park, 500 S. Wakara Way;
7 am, 5K walk, EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. Temple, 333-7473;
9 am to noon, Days of '47 KSL 5 Parade, beginning at South Temple and Main Street and ending at Liberty Park, 254-4656;
Noon-5 pm, Pioneer Day at The Pioneer Memorial Museum, 300 N. Main St., 1 pm, Games, stories and music. 532-6479.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
July 23rd 9 am to 9 pm and July 24th, 9 am to 5 pm; Residents of Heritage Village celebrate with a two-day festival. Live music, lots to do and see, a pioneer parade (kids can march in it, too) and fun for everyone, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. 582-1847.
West Valley City
July 23rd - 28th, Samoan Heritage Festival of Utah (Flag Day Celebration) with Polynesian music, entertainment, cultural and art exhibitions and activities, rugby, volleyball, basketball and cricket at Centennial Park, West Valley City, 3100 S. 5600 West, 604-2153.
There are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy all week long. I hope you can find lots of fun things to do with your kids.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Great Gifts For The Men In Your Life
Here is a great idea for gifts for the special men in your life. Rather than getting Dad yet another tie he won't use or another drill gun to add to his already looming collection, check out BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com for a huge selection of truck accessories for the interior of his truck, the exterior, for towing and cargo and so much more! They have everything you could ever want! Check it out!
Are You Making Money This Summer?
Sometimes I wonder how many people waste their Summers away waiting for the kids to go back to school so they can get back into the swing of things. Sometimes I swear I am the only one that absolutely loves having my children home with me all the time. We do tons of fun stuff together. One of my favorite things to do is work with them to make us some extra play money. There are lots and lots of great summer jobs you can do to earn money with your kids. Some of the ones we like to do are delivering phone books, buying small cheap toys and running booths at fairs and mowing lawns and weeding gardens. We have plenty of fun together and the kids learn some very valuable lessons about work ethics and hard work paying off. Not to mention all the quality time we get to spend together. I hope you are not missing out!
Where Are You Going On Vacation?
Where are you going to go on your next family vacation? Have you been considering Orlando? If you spend alot of time in Orlando or like to take your family vacations there, you might want to consider looking into an Orlando vacation home. It might be better than renting a hotel and you can rent it out when you are not using it. I can see it as being a good idea for anyone that really enjoys spending time in Orlando Florida.
Have You Tried
Have you tried the Knifty Knitter by Provo Craft yet? I got me a set and I absolutely love them! I have made scarves and mittens, ponchos, hats, belts, Christmas stockings and even blankets! If you haven't had a chance yet, give it a try with different mediums. I have used leather lacing to make a belt and that worked very, very well. Fabric strips are a little hard to work with unless you get them thin enough, but they make a really pretty finished project. I have even used ribbon, which made a really pretty hat for a newborn baby girl. Even my little 8 year old loves to use them, they are so easy to use!
If you are looking to move...
If you are looking to move from Utah, while we will miss having you as a part of our wonderful community, I thought I would share this website I came across that might help you out just a little. It's a site for realestate in the Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, GA Murphy, Haysville, NC Copperhill, Ducktown Tn and surrounding areas. They have plenty of ellijay real estate and more for you to find the perfect home.
Tonight's The Harry Potter Night
The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series will be released at midnight tonight and you can bet that I will be right there in line to get it! I am so excited for the Treehouse's Harry Potter Party. It starts at 9pm tonight and goes until 1am. Right at midnight, they will release the books. I would love to hear about the Harry Potter parties you all attend. Please leave me a comment telling me about them!
Got Life Insurance?
I was amazed the other day when I was surfing the Internet and I came across some frightening statistics. The low down on it was that most Americans do not have nearly the amount of life insurance they need. By need, I am referring to, the amount of money that would be needed to replace what you bring in and the expenses you leave behind. While this will change as your circumstances change, you need to take the time to make sure you have enough. You need to decide how much enough is. Will you pay off your house for your family? Will you leave them with enough to spend some time off work to mourn? How about College for your kids? At the very least, it needs to be enough to cover your funeral expenses. There are lots of companies out there that you can get affordable insurance through, like globe life insurance, they have plans starting at $1. The point is, don't wait. Take some time and evaluate your life insurance situation now.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Quick Garlic-Parmesan Breadsticks
I just tried a recipe that I found well worth sharing from Razzle Dazzle Recipes called
Stir and Bake Italian Garlic Breadsticks
1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water (110 degrees)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup lukewarm water (110 degrees)
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
Soften yeast in 1/2 cup water and sugar until yeast starts to foam; if it does not foam, it is inactive and should be discarded. To the bowl, add the 1 cup water, 3 cups flour, 1 tbl. sugar and salt. Beat for about 3 minutes until dough is very smooth (this takes the place of kneading). Now slowly beat in the remaining 1 cup of flour until blended. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and shape into a smooth ball.
Divide the dough into 24 pieces. Roll each piece of dough between your palms to form a 1/4" thick rope, and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Brush top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse grind garlic powder, and/or grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 400ºF oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Makes 24 bread sticks.
It worked really well, my only change would be to use "garlic salt" instead of "garlic powder" but then I am a salt freak! But I hope you try it and enjoy!
Stir and Bake Italian Garlic Breadsticks
1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water (110 degrees)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup lukewarm water (110 degrees)
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
Soften yeast in 1/2 cup water and sugar until yeast starts to foam; if it does not foam, it is inactive and should be discarded. To the bowl, add the 1 cup water, 3 cups flour, 1 tbl. sugar and salt. Beat for about 3 minutes until dough is very smooth (this takes the place of kneading). Now slowly beat in the remaining 1 cup of flour until blended. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and shape into a smooth ball.
Divide the dough into 24 pieces. Roll each piece of dough between your palms to form a 1/4" thick rope, and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Brush top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse grind garlic powder, and/or grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 400ºF oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Makes 24 bread sticks.
It worked really well, my only change would be to use "garlic salt" instead of "garlic powder" but then I am a salt freak! But I hope you try it and enjoy!
Getting Kids to Eat Their Veggies
Do you have a tough time getting your kids to eat all the veggies that are required for a balanced daily diet? I can tell you that I, for one, have a terrible time getting my kids to eat everything they are supposed to! Now don't get me wrong, my kids actually eat very well, most of the time but every once in awhile we get the inevitable "I do not like Broccoli" or "I do not want to eat Green Beans". Most of the time I can get them to eat them anyway with a little ranch dressing on the side or some funny little story about eating trees or having a contest to see who can eat the most "Baby Green Beans". But there are nights that I would just rather not have the hassle so when I saw that there is a new product that would allow me to Drink My Daily Veggies in an no hassle, easy to use, mix and go pouch, I was really excited! I can just imagine all the possibilities something like this can hold. You could take it camping or hiking, a natural way to help keep your energy up. I am not sure how good it tastes but I think I might just try it. After all, they have a free sample offer. All you pay is $1 for the shipping and handling and they send you a free sample to try for yourself. How great is that?
Hope's Baptism Invitations
I have been looking for some easy and inexpensive Baptism Invitations for Hope's up coming Baptism and I have not thus far had much luck. However, I did find a site that has plenty of ideas to help me out. It's called The Idea Door and they have lots of ideas for Baptism Invitations, Thank-you cards and even stationary. I think it will end up being a huge help to me, not only for Hope's Baptism Invitations but lots of other stuff as well!
Ladybug & Lillypads Kids Store
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And are these not the cutest little ladybug dress shoes you have ever seen?!?
And not quite as great as their shoes, because as far as I am concerned, there is just nothing in the world cuter, except my own children of corse, they have "to die for" bedding for cribs and bedrooms. They have totally functional and super trendy diaper bags like my favorite, The Kitchen Sink Diaper Bag with Pink Bows which as they say "will hold everything but the kitchen sink". And just as outstandingly adorable are their clothes. I just can not say enough about how cute this store is!
Great Kitchen Supplies and Advice
I just wanted to share my "Hidden Gem" store. One of my very favorite stores around. They carry tons of great kitchen supplies and gadgets and the owners have a wonderful knowledge of everything associated with healthy living and cooking. It's called Kitchen Kneads and it is located in Riverdale Utah, but soon to be Ogden, Utah. They have lots of great classes on cooking and storing food and living healthy.
If you ever need any kitchen gadget or specialty cooking product, give them a call. They are wonderful people and they have an awesome store!
If you ever need any kitchen gadget or specialty cooking product, give them a call. They are wonderful people and they have an awesome store!
Beautiful Gift
I saw these and thought they would make a beautiful gift for any Mother or Grandmother! It is a pendant made from a picture of your child. They take your photo and engrave a beautiful pendant into your child's face. They use high quality precious metals to create a lasting keepsake that any Mother or Grandmother would cherish for years and years.
And for the pet lover, they can even do a beautiful pendant of your furry friend. Imagine, being able to wear a pendant of your precious child or favorite pet, keeping them near and dear to your heart at all times. www.BabyFaces.com can make you an instant heirloom to treasure for years.
And for the pet lover, they can even do a beautiful pendant of your furry friend. Imagine, being able to wear a pendant of your precious child or favorite pet, keeping them near and dear to your heart at all times. www.BabyFaces.com can make you an instant heirloom to treasure for years.
Saving for Your Child
Saving for my kids was a very difficult thing for me. I was a newly wed, we didn't have alot of money and we were struggling. Then a friend of mine told me how she does it. Anytime she gets any change she sorts through it quickly, takes out any change with her child's birth year on it and puts it into a special bank for him.
I thought that was such a cute idea that I started doing it. Well my son is now 11 years old and it was time, yet again to empty his bank so I decided to count it up. He has nearly $1000, just in change. It was a great feeling. No, it's not alot of money, but it is enough for him to have a down payment on a car or buy his book when he get to college. And it will continue to grow as he does.
I thought that was such a cute idea that I started doing it. Well my son is now 11 years old and it was time, yet again to empty his bank so I decided to count it up. He has nearly $1000, just in change. It was a great feeling. No, it's not alot of money, but it is enough for him to have a down payment on a car or buy his book when he get to college. And it will continue to grow as he does.
Great Video Site
Read the Press Release all about it below:With the advent of Internet, life seems to have just got better for music enthusiasts. All you want to know about music, your favourite artists, songs, finding your favourite singles charts, free music videos, US Top 20 list, music videos, free lyrics of your favourite songs is all just a click away. There are a number of websites which provide all these and more to music lovers.
Finding your favourite music video was never so easy. You can watch music videos by visiting these sites.
Unlike television these sites give you the freedom to watch music videos of your choice at your convenience. There are many sites to which you can subscribe to get the latest music videos and make a collection of your own. One even has the option to rate music videos there and get song lyrics for you to sing along with your favourite stars. One can choose the site best suited for them by taking into account their subscription rates and their song collection. In the case of television music channels they do not necessarily play the music videos of your choice and getting the lyrics is not possible. But thanks to the Internet all this is not a problem anymore.
After selecting a music site you are free to choose the videos of your choice and even create your own playlist. This playlist would include only the songs of your choice and absolutely without any sort of interruptions. There are no commercial breaks like on television which get you out of the mood when you are watching a song. Here it is absolutely without any breaks or interruptions. You can even create your own US Top 20 for your viewing and play it over and over again. The controls are entirely in your hands. You can download all the songs that you want and make your very own collection of your favorite artistes.
All this definitely comes at a price but is absolutely legal, so one does not have to fear about that. Music companies and artists are also benefited to a large extent due to which they also prefer making these videos available to the various websites. Since it reaches the true music lovers it is a very effective tool for marketing their product and they are assured of getting a feedback to their music almost instantaneously. These websites give the option to rate music videos which is very useful as far as artistes and music companies are concerned. Online music websites are very popular with music buffs as their advantages far outweigh television channels. So do make sure that you find a site that suits all your requirements i.e. your taste in music, they have a good collection of music videos of your choice , free lyrics of songs and a whole lot more. Once you have hit upon the right website then the world of music opens up to you and you can enjoy yourself to the fullest by listening to all the music of your choice.
Buying Safe Toys
I found a great site today dedicated to helping mothers buy safe toys for their children.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Online Library
I just got two great cookbooks in the mail today. I don't get to keep them, I have to return them as I am only borrowing them. Fortunately for me they came with a self addressed stamped envelope for me to return them in because I am not one of the most organized people and I am not sure I could find my stamps if I needed them.
However, I wanted to tell everyone about this website called Booksfree.com. They are an online library of sorts. There is a small fee of $9.99 per month and you can get as many books as you would like, two at a time. You can get regular books and books on tape or audiobooks. And they are delivered right to your door with a prepaid return envelope. I loved the feature they offer that allows you to choose as many books as you would like and they will send them to you two at a time until your list is empty. I think I have 25 books or so on my list and the great thing is, when I send these books back, they will automatically send me the next two books on my list! I don't have to do a thing!
As much as I love to cook, I inherently got cook books. One is 101 more things to do with a Slow Cooker, in which I have already found a yummy sounding recipe for Potato-Bacon Soup and the other is "fuss-free entertaining with just 4 ingredients." Boy can I use that one, what with a baptism coming up and all, it'll be just great! I really like this idea of having cookbooks show up at my door for me to read and return. Then I never have to worry about the expense of having to buy them! I think this just might save me some serious money!
However, I wanted to tell everyone about this website called Booksfree.com. They are an online library of sorts. There is a small fee of $9.99 per month and you can get as many books as you would like, two at a time. You can get regular books and books on tape or audiobooks. And they are delivered right to your door with a prepaid return envelope. I loved the feature they offer that allows you to choose as many books as you would like and they will send them to you two at a time until your list is empty. I think I have 25 books or so on my list and the great thing is, when I send these books back, they will automatically send me the next two books on my list! I don't have to do a thing!
As much as I love to cook, I inherently got cook books. One is 101 more things to do with a Slow Cooker, in which I have already found a yummy sounding recipe for Potato-Bacon Soup and the other is "fuss-free entertaining with just 4 ingredients." Boy can I use that one, what with a baptism coming up and all, it'll be just great! I really like this idea of having cookbooks show up at my door for me to read and return. Then I never have to worry about the expense of having to buy them! I think this just might save me some serious money!
Warning Signs of a Stroke
"Act in Time
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms." And I thought it worth sharing.
For a couple of years now I have been having unexplained, acute, severe and momentarily debilitating headaches. I have always thought them strange as after the headache was gone, my eye or part of my face or even all the way down into my arm would be numb for some time afterwards. Of course I didn't think this was normal and I even mentioned it to my doctor who brushed it off as something unimportant. Well then I read the Stroke Warning Signs and it discribed my headaches perfectly! Well at this time it is alittle too late to call the doctor and make another appointment but you betcha I will in the morning. The really funny thing is I have always thought that I am way to young to be having Strokes, I am not even 30 yet! But boy was I wrong! Not only am I old enough it is alot more common that I had ever thought.
So here are some links to sites that I felt were worth reading:
Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Act in Time
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms." And I thought it worth sharing.
For a couple of years now I have been having unexplained, acute, severe and momentarily debilitating headaches. I have always thought them strange as after the headache was gone, my eye or part of my face or even all the way down into my arm would be numb for some time afterwards. Of course I didn't think this was normal and I even mentioned it to my doctor who brushed it off as something unimportant. Well then I read the Stroke Warning Signs and it discribed my headaches perfectly! Well at this time it is alittle too late to call the doctor and make another appointment but you betcha I will in the morning. The really funny thing is I have always thought that I am way to young to be having Strokes, I am not even 30 yet! But boy was I wrong! Not only am I old enough it is alot more common that I had ever thought.
So here are some links to sites that I felt were worth reading:
Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Act in Time
Your Child, The Star of The Book!
What better way is there to get a child interested in reading than to make him or her into the "Star of the Book"? Imagine, your little Princess, the Princess in a storybook land of dreams. Or your little Ninja, saving the world in a story all about him! Identity Direct offers parents the ability to personalize anything for their child from clocks and place mats to poems and even books! Any of their products would make a great baby shower or welcome to the world gift for a newborn. Or give a three year old her own Princess story! The possibilities are endless, but the excitement will last much, much longer!
Free Movie Wednesdays
Just a reminder, next weeks FREE Movie at AMC Theaters in Layton will be Flushed Away. Admission is free and a kids pack which includes a small popcorn, a small drink and a package of goldfish crackers is only $3 and for $1 more you can trade the goldfish crackers for a regular sized candy.
There are only 4 weeks left. Here is the schedule again:
July 25: Flushed Away
August 1: Charlotte’s Web
August 8: Open Season
August 15: Over the Hedge
There are only 4 weeks left. Here is the schedule again:
July 25: Flushed Away
August 1: Charlotte’s Web
August 8: Open Season
August 15: Over the Hedge
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Be Cool! Control Your Cash!
Getting in control and staying in control of your finances is not ever going to be an easy thing, I promise. Especially in this day and age where the latest and greatest cell phone is going to cost you $500, a new laptop, nearly a good two grand and homes, cars, game systems and PDA's are a way of life. It's getting harder and harder to distinguish wants from needs.
Do you need a cell phone for instance or is it a luxury? It can be justified in so many ways. What if you get stranded by the side of the road? What if your kids need to get a hold of you while you are away? All very good and valid questions, but these do not qualify the cell phone as a need. Many, many people have survived for many, many years without a cell phone and many do even today. So chalk that up to a want.
Now I am not saying that you cannot have a cell phone or cable or a home computer or the new Nintendo Wii. But your first priority is a need list. This would include such things as clothing, food, water, electricity and gas, a vehicle and shelter. Then, once you know where your needs lie, add up their costs. What you have left over is the amount of money you have to spend on wants such as a cell phone, going out to dinner or getting your nails done.
I think you will really be surprised to find out how much money you actually spend on wants and whims. I personally was amazed to find out that if I were able to follow our budget I would have $100 each month to spend on myself and an extra $500 each month to put into savings. And that included alot of wants such as cable Internet service and a cell phone for myself and my husband.
There are lots of resources for budget planning advice and suggestions, financial calculators and retirement planning on the Internet and alot of it is really great information. Just don't overwhelm yourself. Take it one step at a time and before you know it you will have yourself into a routine of financial freedom and self-reliance.
Do you need a cell phone for instance or is it a luxury? It can be justified in so many ways. What if you get stranded by the side of the road? What if your kids need to get a hold of you while you are away? All very good and valid questions, but these do not qualify the cell phone as a need. Many, many people have survived for many, many years without a cell phone and many do even today. So chalk that up to a want.
Now I am not saying that you cannot have a cell phone or cable or a home computer or the new Nintendo Wii. But your first priority is a need list. This would include such things as clothing, food, water, electricity and gas, a vehicle and shelter. Then, once you know where your needs lie, add up their costs. What you have left over is the amount of money you have to spend on wants such as a cell phone, going out to dinner or getting your nails done.
I think you will really be surprised to find out how much money you actually spend on wants and whims. I personally was amazed to find out that if I were able to follow our budget I would have $100 each month to spend on myself and an extra $500 each month to put into savings. And that included alot of wants such as cable Internet service and a cell phone for myself and my husband.
There are lots of resources for budget planning advice and suggestions, financial calculators and retirement planning on the Internet and alot of it is really great information. Just don't overwhelm yourself. Take it one step at a time and before you know it you will have yourself into a routine of financial freedom and self-reliance.
How About Real Estate Investing?
I want to know what people think about Real Estate Investing. I got on this subject the other day when I found out that some of the property near my recreation property is owned by a lady that never plans on using it. She is just going to sit on it and wait for it to increase in price and then sell it.
Now my first thought was "Why in the world would you spend some $90,000 and buy some of the most beautiful property I have ever seen and then never use it?" Then the answer hit me! We spent $90,000 six years ago to buy this property which I now know is worth well over $230,000. Okay, Now it makes more sense to me! And as my father so rightly pointed out, "God is not making anymore land. We, however, are quickly making more people."
So, who knows, investing in Land and Real Estate might not be such a bad idea.
Now my first thought was "Why in the world would you spend some $90,000 and buy some of the most beautiful property I have ever seen and then never use it?" Then the answer hit me! We spent $90,000 six years ago to buy this property which I now know is worth well over $230,000. Okay, Now it makes more sense to me! And as my father so rightly pointed out, "God is not making anymore land. We, however, are quickly making more people."
So, who knows, investing in Land and Real Estate might not be such a bad idea.
Are Rentals The Way To Go?
Are Rentals The Way To Go? What do you think? I know alot of people that own homes simply as income earners. To rent out their homes, to pay the mortgage and earn equity. I even know a few that have their retirement wrapped up in rental property. Is this a wise idea? Do you think that the industry will hold and rentals will be able to provide the income necessary for a comfortable retirement?
Well, I have asked a couple of the people I know that are using rentals as a form of income, either for retirement or as an investment to supplement their current income. One lady I know owns a home in what used to be an upscale neighborhood, now it is more of a college town. I asked her if this hurt her situation in being able to rent out her home. Her response was, even college kids need a place to live. While she did agree that the quality of renters did diminish slightly the quantity of renters jumped drastically and through the sheer quantity she was able to find quality renters that have been there for quite some time now and she is quite happy with the situation. When asked if she thought that the market would be enough to sustain her through her retirement she replied "I have taken out a second mortgage on this home and put it towards the purchase of another rental. The rent from this home alone is enough to pay the first and second mortgages on a 15 year loan. So yes, I do think that this will greatly sustain me and even if the rental market falls through then I will have the equity in the property to sustain me."
Another Gentleman I know is in the early stages of retirement and owns some rental property that he is currently trying to sell. When asked about his situation he replied "My rentals are sustaining my retirement, but I am getting too old to do the upkeep on the property. To try and hire out the work I would have to raise the prices on my rentals substantially and that would cause more vacancies and it is hard enough as it is to find good renters anymore. To try and hire people on what I charge now, it would bankrupt me."
So there are two side to every story, but I think that my opinion stands at, "If you have the means and ability to buy a rental property it would be a great way to supplement your retirement." As for finding good renters, Rentals.com and other agencies are a good way to go.
Even my suggestion for new couples looking to purchase a new home would be, look into a duplex, where you can live in one side and rent out the other to help with the new mortgage. It would be a great way to start and a good thing to be able to fall back on in the years to come.
Well, I have asked a couple of the people I know that are using rentals as a form of income, either for retirement or as an investment to supplement their current income. One lady I know owns a home in what used to be an upscale neighborhood, now it is more of a college town. I asked her if this hurt her situation in being able to rent out her home. Her response was, even college kids need a place to live. While she did agree that the quality of renters did diminish slightly the quantity of renters jumped drastically and through the sheer quantity she was able to find quality renters that have been there for quite some time now and she is quite happy with the situation. When asked if she thought that the market would be enough to sustain her through her retirement she replied "I have taken out a second mortgage on this home and put it towards the purchase of another rental. The rent from this home alone is enough to pay the first and second mortgages on a 15 year loan. So yes, I do think that this will greatly sustain me and even if the rental market falls through then I will have the equity in the property to sustain me."
Another Gentleman I know is in the early stages of retirement and owns some rental property that he is currently trying to sell. When asked about his situation he replied "My rentals are sustaining my retirement, but I am getting too old to do the upkeep on the property. To try and hire out the work I would have to raise the prices on my rentals substantially and that would cause more vacancies and it is hard enough as it is to find good renters anymore. To try and hire people on what I charge now, it would bankrupt me."
So there are two side to every story, but I think that my opinion stands at, "If you have the means and ability to buy a rental property it would be a great way to supplement your retirement." As for finding good renters, Rentals.com and other agencies are a good way to go.
Even my suggestion for new couples looking to purchase a new home would be, look into a duplex, where you can live in one side and rent out the other to help with the new mortgage. It would be a great way to start and a good thing to be able to fall back on in the years to come.
A Great Work at Home Opportunity
I have worked for Alpine Access for nearly two years now and I love it! They have a great rate of pay and great health and dental benefits. But the benefits of working from home make Alpine Access a no brainer for any mother! There were alot of commitments that I had to make such as unlimited long distance, dsl or cable Internet service, a corded telephone headset and the ability to have six hours a day of complete silence from my children. Some of those were very scary to me. I wasn't completely sure that I could do it! Especially the quiet kids. But I found out really quickly how to use the mute button and the kids were just fine to watch TV or play quietly while I worked and I got plenty of breaks so as to settle them down regularly and make lunches, snacks and tend to anything they needed.
I did have to make some sacrifices, like the hours were not exactly what I would have liked. But after time with the program, I became on of the "oldies" and there for was able to get exactly the shifts I wanted which allowed me to work early in the morning when the kids were asleep and a couple of hours at night when my husband was home to make dinner and keep an eye on the kids. It was a great decision that I made and one that I have still not regretted. And they are a great company to work for, I just love them!
I did have to make some sacrifices, like the hours were not exactly what I would have liked. But after time with the program, I became on of the "oldies" and there for was able to get exactly the shifts I wanted which allowed me to work early in the morning when the kids were asleep and a couple of hours at night when my husband was home to make dinner and keep an eye on the kids. It was a great decision that I made and one that I have still not regretted. And they are a great company to work for, I just love them!
Start Your Own Online Store
I am a huge supporter of women in business. It is a huge leap and a giant stepping stone for women everywhere. Too many women I know are afraid to make the commitments and sacrifices necessary to start a business. It takes dedication, it takes sacrifice, it takes time and it takes lots of heart. But the rewards are super great both for your kids and your family.There are a great many women that have taken the steps, made the sacrifices and are now reaping the generous rewards. And through the efforts of a lot of great people, there are many, many opportunities that will make it much easier for women to achieve their goals and dreams of being their own boss. The small business administration is a great resource for help and you can find lots of grants available to women only. A great new web site called StoresOnlineHelp.com is also there to help with great information, innovating preview sessions and workshops around the world and tons of other opportunities for advancing your dreams.
There is no reason not to go for it and reach for your goal. Do it today, do it now!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Freezing Strawberries
If you have ever wondered just how many Strawberries are in four flats, let me be the first to tell you there are alot! I know this from experience. I have just finished coring and slicing four full flats of Strawberries. Okay, maybe not four full flats, I am sure my children ate at least one quarter of a flat. However, it was alot of strawberries. But the point of this is to give you some insight on freezing strawberries.
The first thing I do is rinse them off very well and drain them. Then I pour them out of their container on to a flour sack kitchen rag. Either with a knife or a corer, I take off the stems and leaves and then slice them. A good quality egg slicer works amazingly well for slicing strawberries. Then I lay them out, in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place it, uncovered, in the freezer for at least one hour. After an hour I will remove the cookie sheet from the freezer and scrape the strawberries off the cookie sheet with a spatula or turner and into a plastic freezer bag. This prevents the strawberries from freezing together and becoming inseparable. Then I will return the strawberries, in their bag, to the freezer. There they will keep for up to a year.
Frozen Strawberries are great in smoothies, milkshakes or any frozen beverage. Thawed they will make yummy strawberry puree or strawberry syrup and are great in pancakes, muffins and bread. However, once frozen, strawberries cannot be thawed and expected to retain their shape or consistency and once thawed cannot be re-frozen.
The first thing I do is rinse them off very well and drain them. Then I pour them out of their container on to a flour sack kitchen rag. Either with a knife or a corer, I take off the stems and leaves and then slice them. A good quality egg slicer works amazingly well for slicing strawberries. Then I lay them out, in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place it, uncovered, in the freezer for at least one hour. After an hour I will remove the cookie sheet from the freezer and scrape the strawberries off the cookie sheet with a spatula or turner and into a plastic freezer bag. This prevents the strawberries from freezing together and becoming inseparable. Then I will return the strawberries, in their bag, to the freezer. There they will keep for up to a year.
Frozen Strawberries are great in smoothies, milkshakes or any frozen beverage. Thawed they will make yummy strawberry puree or strawberry syrup and are great in pancakes, muffins and bread. However, once frozen, strawberries cannot be thawed and expected to retain their shape or consistency and once thawed cannot be re-frozen.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Teen Credit
Too many teens today go out into the world with no idea how to manage money. Their parents give them everything they ever could want, iPhones, MP3 players, Nintendo Wii's anything and everything. Well fortunately there is a new way to help teens learn to manage money while under the safety of their parents wing. It called PAYjr Visa Buxx and they allow a teen to carry a prepaid credit card, without the risk of huge insufficient funds fees which also allows parents full access to monitor on what and where their child is spending money. Parents can fill the card with the teens allowance or chore money and then monitor how quickly they spend it.
They even allow your teen to customize their own card. A picture of themselves with friends, a graduation picture or a picture of the car they are trying to save for. That just might help them to save a little! They are even having a card design contest! This is a great opportunity to help your teen before they learn the hard way on their own.
They even allow your teen to customize their own card. A picture of themselves with friends, a graduation picture or a picture of the car they are trying to save for. That just might help them to save a little! They are even having a card design contest! This is a great opportunity to help your teen before they learn the hard way on their own.
Cheap Web Hosting
I was looking for a good, inexpensive web hosting site because I needed my own domain. Well I ran across WebHostingBuzz.com and I was very impressed! Not only are they inexpensive, $3 per month is nearly unheard of, but they also genuinely seem to care how their company preforms. They really want to be the best. I am so impressed that I am sure I will use them myself.
It was just such a great find that I really felt I needed to share it with all my reader friends!
It was just such a great find that I really felt I needed to share it with all my reader friends!
Bump The Pump
Gas prices are soaring and anyone that has a family is surely feeling the pinch. I know we are. My husband has started riding his bicycle to work to save on gas and I have definitely cut down on the running around I do. I thought I would list some great alternatives to driving around town in the huge Gas Guzzlers we drive nowadays.
We love packing a picnic and walking to the park on a sunny afternoon.
- Bicycles are a great option if your destination is close enough and you do not need to take the kids or you children are old enough to ride with you.
- Walking to the corner store instead of driving will save you tons, not to mention it is healthy and fun!
- Motor scooters are a great alternative to driving a vehicle as their gas consumption is significantly less than a full sized automobile and they are lots of fun. They come in all sorts of bright colors, I have even recently seen ones with pink and white stripes!
- Golf Carts are a great option for running around town. They are making more and more that are "street legal" with safety belts and they run on battery power. They even have six and nine seaters. They are not as expensive as you would think either.
- Motorcycles are a great option and if you have just a few kids a side car makes for a really fun ride. Just make sure you have helmets for everyone!
We love packing a picnic and walking to the park on a sunny afternoon.
Summer Fun
Park Days
As a neighborhood we have weekly park days. Every Wednesday at 10am we meet at a park to talk, let the kids play and just in general, get together. It is great for getting the kids out of the house and running and playing with other kids. Anyone is welcome and we would love to have you join us. I will add the schedule by the end of this week.
As a neighborhood we have weekly park days. Every Wednesday at 10am we meet at a park to talk, let the kids play and just in general, get together. It is great for getting the kids out of the house and running and playing with other kids. Anyone is welcome and we would love to have you join us. I will add the schedule by the end of this week.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Fun and Easy Money
I have been working with a number of different companies lately doing blog advertising and making good money doing it. It's not been enough for me to consider quiting my job, not a full time income, but a pretty decent part time income. I have managed anywhere from $200 per month to nearly $600. My sister makes even more than that. She has managed nearly $1800 one month! It really has been a great way to earn some extra money! If you enjoy typing at all, this is a great opportunity for you and the best part is there is NO charge to you at all!
Summer Fun
Families, schools, and organizations alike are invited to see great kids’ movies -- for FREE -- during AMC Summer MovieCamp®. Available at select AMC Theatres, this fun-filled program brings you:
- FREE movies from June 27 – August 15*
- Shows starting at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday
- Great field trip opportunities – groups can reserve FREE tickets one week in advance at the box office at participating theatres.
June 27:
July 4:
HOLIDAY, SEE YOU NEXT WEEK
July 11:
July 18:
July 25:
August 1:
August 8:
August 15:
They also offer Kids Packs at a special discounted price of only $3!
What is the world coming to??
What is the world coming to?? I just found a site where you can create and order your own customized peptide and have it shipped right to you! Biology now has online sharing resources just like YouTube? It just seems so strange to me to have something so carefully manipulated, so widely available to anyone. In all reality, what normal, non-biology interested person would decide to purchase their own customized peptide, but still! The internet is a wealth of information and knowledge, from which you can find anything you could ever imagine.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
SEE The Children
S: Stop Before you start driving, whether moving from a stop sign or pulling out of your driveway, Stop and take a moment to make sure everything around you is clear for you to proceed.
E: Educate Take the time to educate yourself about the surrounding area. Instead of looking just for cars, check the sidewalks. Are there any children on bicycles coming? Before you ever back out of your driveway, please, please, please take the time to walk all the way around your car. Make sure there are no children or toys behind you that you may not see out your back window. I promise, if behind the back corner bumper has become a child's hiding place, you are NOT going to see them without walking around your vehicle. Take the time and make the effort!
E: Eliminate Eliminate your risks. Take the time to have someone walk and then crawl around your vehicle. Determine the points at which you can no longer see them. Then eliminate those blind areas as best you can. Use mirrors and/or cameras, there are many, many options on the market for just such a purpose. If you cannot eliminate the risk zone, then be aware of it so you can pay closer attention to it.
E: Educate Take the time to educate yourself about the surrounding area. Instead of looking just for cars, check the sidewalks. Are there any children on bicycles coming? Before you ever back out of your driveway, please, please, please take the time to walk all the way around your car. Make sure there are no children or toys behind you that you may not see out your back window. I promise, if behind the back corner bumper has become a child's hiding place, you are NOT going to see them without walking around your vehicle. Take the time and make the effort!
E: Eliminate Eliminate your risks. Take the time to have someone walk and then crawl around your vehicle. Determine the points at which you can no longer see them. Then eliminate those blind areas as best you can. Use mirrors and/or cameras, there are many, many options on the market for just such a purpose. If you cannot eliminate the risk zone, then be aware of it so you can pay closer attention to it.
With summer in full swing there are So many more children playing outside in residential areas and we, as drivers, need to be much, much more aware of them and do everything we can to keep them all safe, so when operating a vehicle in a residential area, use common sense and employ the SEE The Children mode of driving.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Hypothyroid & Hyperthyroidism
It's funny to me that as common as this disease seems to be, it is not more widely discussed. In early 2002, I noticed a "ring" forming around my throat. I had just had my third child who, in retrospect, had been tested and showed that there was a problem with his thyroid the day he was born, and I was for once in my life staying at a nice, healthy weight. The Doctor had told me I needed to gain enough weight to be at 160 lbs. when I delivered so as to compensate for the rapid and significant weight loss I experience after child birth. I managed 155lbs. so 6 months after having my child, I saw it perfectly normal for me to still be at a healthy 125 lbs. I had done everything the Doctor had requested I do so as not to lose all my baby weight so quickly and drastically.
Well, when I noticed the "ring" forming, I made an appointment to see my Doctor and a few days later after an examination, blood work and an ultrasound of my throat, I found out that I had a Goiter. A Goiter is an enlargement of the Thyroid Gland. No explanation or cause was ever given to me as to what may have caused this. I was then told that I had Hypothyroidism which was the cause of my steady weight, my hair falling out, my inability to fall asleep, my fatigue and just about anything and everything else that ailed me at the time.
The Cure: Synthroid, which is exactly what is sounds like, a synthetic thyroid. So I started taking the medication and every three weeks I had to go and have my blood drawn and tested until we got the correct dose and got my TSH levels under control. So for two years I faithfully took my medication and kept getting tested. Well it seemed I would never get regulated and I was getting discouraged, especially since the doctor had told me that under no circumstances was I to even think of getting pregnant and here I was, just under a year after starting this process, pregnant with my forth child!
Well after having my beautiful daughter, I was still faithfully taking the medication and suddenly found myself without medical insurance. I had started sometime ago doing my own research into the causes of my disease. One of the things I ran across over and over was the reference of Iodine being linked to Thyroid Disease, but it always referred to a lack of Iodine as the cause and I was an avid salter, we are talking snowing salt on my food, until I was the only one that could possibly eat it. No Iodine deficiency here! Well, about this time I came across a reference that for the first time linked an excess of Iodine to Thyroid problems! Well, there you have it! I had found my culprit, I was sure of it, and without medical insurance I had to do something drastic. So I finished off the last of my Synthroid, threw out the bottle and the canister of salt! Wow, was that hard! No salt on my veggies, my meat, even potato chips and anything else with Iodine left the house and were not allowed in. So I gave my body time to cleanse itself, lots of water and regular fasting until I felt that my body had been cleansed thoroughly.
Without the Synthroid regulating my TSH levels, I felt instantly worse. my hair started to fall out worse, it never fully stopped, I could no longer sleep at nights and I could not tolerate any change in temperature. I could tell immediately that I was off the medication that my body had relied on for the last two years. But I had made a decision, my body was going to learn to regulate it's own TSH levels. So after the cleansing I slowly started feeling better, so slowly that I didn't notice it until one morning in the shower, I realized that I had washed and conditioned my hair and not a single piece had wound itself about my fingers. This was a huge accomplishment as in the beginning I was removing a full handful of hair from the drain after each shower.
So, now that my body was cleansed, I did realize my body's need for small amounts of Iodine. Salt has been allowed back into our home, however, it is sea salt and used very cautiously and scarcely. I have had my blood tested three times in the last three years and I am happy to announce that my TSH levels have regulated and I am living a happy, thyroid problem free life.
Now, when I said earlier that Thyroid Disease and Problems are common, when I started going through this whole ordeal I got with my Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Close Friend, all women and requested that they, themselves go and get tested. Amazingly enough each and every one of them tested positive for Thyroid Problems and they are, to this day on the daily Synthroid medication. So this is a highly common problem and I am a very, very rare example of mind over body healing in this case. But below is a list of symptoms related to Hyper and Hypothyroidism. It never does hurt to get yourself tested.
*The following are symptoms for hypothyroidism:
Well, when I noticed the "ring" forming, I made an appointment to see my Doctor and a few days later after an examination, blood work and an ultrasound of my throat, I found out that I had a Goiter. A Goiter is an enlargement of the Thyroid Gland. No explanation or cause was ever given to me as to what may have caused this. I was then told that I had Hypothyroidism which was the cause of my steady weight, my hair falling out, my inability to fall asleep, my fatigue and just about anything and everything else that ailed me at the time.
The Cure: Synthroid, which is exactly what is sounds like, a synthetic thyroid. So I started taking the medication and every three weeks I had to go and have my blood drawn and tested until we got the correct dose and got my TSH levels under control. So for two years I faithfully took my medication and kept getting tested. Well it seemed I would never get regulated and I was getting discouraged, especially since the doctor had told me that under no circumstances was I to even think of getting pregnant and here I was, just under a year after starting this process, pregnant with my forth child!
Well after having my beautiful daughter, I was still faithfully taking the medication and suddenly found myself without medical insurance. I had started sometime ago doing my own research into the causes of my disease. One of the things I ran across over and over was the reference of Iodine being linked to Thyroid Disease, but it always referred to a lack of Iodine as the cause and I was an avid salter, we are talking snowing salt on my food, until I was the only one that could possibly eat it. No Iodine deficiency here! Well, about this time I came across a reference that for the first time linked an excess of Iodine to Thyroid problems! Well, there you have it! I had found my culprit, I was sure of it, and without medical insurance I had to do something drastic. So I finished off the last of my Synthroid, threw out the bottle and the canister of salt! Wow, was that hard! No salt on my veggies, my meat, even potato chips and anything else with Iodine left the house and were not allowed in. So I gave my body time to cleanse itself, lots of water and regular fasting until I felt that my body had been cleansed thoroughly.
Without the Synthroid regulating my TSH levels, I felt instantly worse. my hair started to fall out worse, it never fully stopped, I could no longer sleep at nights and I could not tolerate any change in temperature. I could tell immediately that I was off the medication that my body had relied on for the last two years. But I had made a decision, my body was going to learn to regulate it's own TSH levels. So after the cleansing I slowly started feeling better, so slowly that I didn't notice it until one morning in the shower, I realized that I had washed and conditioned my hair and not a single piece had wound itself about my fingers. This was a huge accomplishment as in the beginning I was removing a full handful of hair from the drain after each shower.
So, now that my body was cleansed, I did realize my body's need for small amounts of Iodine. Salt has been allowed back into our home, however, it is sea salt and used very cautiously and scarcely. I have had my blood tested three times in the last three years and I am happy to announce that my TSH levels have regulated and I am living a happy, thyroid problem free life.
Now, when I said earlier that Thyroid Disease and Problems are common, when I started going through this whole ordeal I got with my Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Close Friend, all women and requested that they, themselves go and get tested. Amazingly enough each and every one of them tested positive for Thyroid Problems and they are, to this day on the daily Synthroid medication. So this is a highly common problem and I am a very, very rare example of mind over body healing in this case. But below is a list of symptoms related to Hyper and Hypothyroidism. It never does hurt to get yourself tested.
*The following are symptoms for hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Frequent, heavy menstrual periods
- Forgetfulness
- Weight gain
- Dry, coarse skin and hair
- Hoarse voice
- Intolerance to cold
*The following are symptoms for hyperthyroidism:
- Irritability/nervousness
- Muscle weakness/tremors
- Infrequent, scant menstrual periods
- Weight loss
- Sleep disturbances
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Vision problems or eye irritation
- Heat sensitivity
Skin Care Products
It is so hard to find good skin care products at reasonable prices. Mary Kay has some good ones, but they are very, very expensive and Avon, well I like Avon but for skin care, I just feel they are lacking. I found a website that carries a full line of skin care products, but again, very expensive. If you ask me you don't need to spend a fortune to be beautiful. Use naturals, fruit masks and sugar scrubs. I am going to be throwing out some "natural" ideas for you to try. Stay tuned for the first to come, July 3nd, 2007.
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