tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67302035285794232472024-03-05T10:32:59.492-08:00"Is It Hot In Here?" - Menopause, Motherhood & More (Product Reviews, Tips, Etc.)Reviews, tips, and more from a mother facing the challenges of parenthood & menopause. Follow me on Twitter (IsItHotInHereMM), Instagram (momscrayon) & Pinterest (isithotinheremm). I've got coffee!Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-36370335710918686092017-01-03T15:57:00.000-08:002017-01-03T15:57:18.487-08:00THE BEST WAY To Wrap A Gift Card Plus Holiday Gift Hits & Misses<br />
As I sit here, in the midst of an ice storm, during a week in which we really didn't do much, I'm thinking of the gifts my family gave each other for Christmas. A mere four days later, some are being used and others are already being ignored. In the spirit of education, let me share them with you. But first, drumroll, please: <br />
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THE <span style="color: red;">BEST </span>WAY TO WRAP A GIFT CARD</h2>
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The teen, as expected, wanted cash or at least gift cards so he could buy video games. But how to wrap them? Hmmmm? After scrolling Pinterest, which I do anyway like some men scroll porn, I rejected all of the ideas on that site and came up with this nugget of brilliance. <br />
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<b>Behold - THE YARN BALL!</b></div>
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The challenge was to come up with something unique that wouldn't piss the kid off, but would still confuse him so that when he picked up the package, he wouldn't know what was inside. I grabbed some old yarn (this happens to be fancy stuff I had lying around), bent the cards so they were small, and wrapped them up. The ball was big enough that he had no clue why I was giving it to him, yet small enough where in less than a minute, he had the gift cards in his hand. Yep, mom has at least one creative brain cell left!<br />
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On to our other gifts...for me, the best one was this purse, the <span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><b>Saygoer Sling Bag Pack Canvas Cross Body Bag with Adjustable Strap</b>. I needed something that would not only hold my essentials, but my Kindle as well. This bag is canvas, and it's not sexy, but it is sturdy, ergonomically great, and has a little compartment on the inside, close to my body for ID. My plan is to Scotchguard it so it's waterproof. My daughter says it looks like a manpurse. I told her, "Then don't carry it." It's mine anyway. </span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large"><span class="a-size-large"><b>Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100</b> - We bought this for the teen who always seemed to have a whisker or two lingering after shaving with a disposable razor. He didn't ask for this unit, but reluctantly admits that he likes it. The razor shaves him close without ripping any zits off. I'm hoping it'll last him through college.</span></span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large"><span class="a-size-large">And our last hit: <span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><b>PopSockets: Expanding Stand and Grip for Smartphones and Tablets</b>. Now, when my daughter wanted this, I thought it was a waste of money. It's small and sticks onto the back of her phone, allowing for a better grip and is a stand when she wants to use videos. Yes, it does that, but it's also fun to just pop up and down. Maybe it's the texture, because it doesn't make a sound. The price point was about $10 on Amazon, which was cheaper than my local ripoff stores which sell it for $20. So far, she's loving it. </span></span></span><br />
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Which brings us to the duds of this year. </h2>
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<span class="a-size-large"><span class="a-size-large"><span class="a-size-large">Take a look at this piece of crap that was $60 on Amazon and for which I paid $20 at my local Toys-R-Us. It's called <b>Fantastic Gymnastics</b>. It is definitely NOT fantastic.</span></span></span><br />
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You're supposed to manipulate the gymnast by pressing the red and yellow buttons. Unfortunately, the gymnast (who has no face - REALLY DEVELOPERS? You couldn't spare the money to put an ACTUAL FACE on the person??), rarely lands feet-up, resulting in a frustrated, ticked off kid. My daughter is swearing she'll play this with her friends, but I know it'll be shoved into a pile in the basement before Spring. </div>
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Now, the next items is a present I bought myself and in theory, it's great. It's the<b> </b><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><b>XY3 3rd Gen Item Finder - Bluetooth Key Finder, Wallet Tracker, Phone Finder, and Lost Item Tracker</b>. Mom is ALWAYS losing her phone and the kids call it so I can find it. But what if they're not around? I mastered finding my keys with a simple Command hook by the door, but the phone is a problem. XY3 is <i>supposed</i> to FIND YOUR STUFF and do it three-fold. 1. You have an app on your phone that will tell you where your keys are. 2. You can use the computer to find your phone and/or keys. 3. There's a button on the key thingy which you press to find your phone. Brilliant, right? </span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">EXCEPT, that while it may indicate where something is, it only shows your address. It doesn't say, "Hey, Stupid. Your key are, for some unknown reason, between the couch cushions along with the Doritos you snuck last night." I KNOW they're in the house! I just don't know WHERE! Nevertheless, finding my keys <i>is </i>easier with XY3 because you just follow the beep to the keys. </span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">Now, finding the phone is where this device craps out. To test it, I was standing with my keys in one hand <i>and my phone in the other</i>. I pushed the handy-dandy button on the keys. No sound. I did this twice. Dead. I contacted customer service. No reply. Then I saw it advertised on Facebook and made a comment. Comments get attention! The tech magicians worked hard to find a solution, but could not. They're in the process of replacing the XY3. I really hope it works out, because I do lose my phone quite often and the techs, through Facebook, again, not via email, seemed really nice. </span><br />
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If you disagree with any of my opinions, feel free to post. And stay tuned for more reviews coming up within the next few days. By the way, you can follow me on Instagram: @momscrayon.<br />
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-40235471465048495512016-12-17T16:29:00.005-08:002016-12-17T16:29:59.791-08:00Three Easy, Cheap Meals For When You're Feeding A LOT Of Teens<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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If you've been reading this blog, you
know that my son likes to have his friends over - a lot. Sometimes
it's one or two boys who will eat whatever we're eating for dinner,
but often it's up to 11 kids! Try as I might, I cannnot stretch a
meal for 4 to encompass 15. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So how do you feed an army of ravenous
teenage boys on a budget?</b></span></div>
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The obvious answer would be to order
pizza, but that gets pricey FAST. To mitigate the cost, I buy either
cooked pizza from our local grocery store or an uncooked one from
that same store or Costco. Even the cooked pizza is cheaper than
Dominos or our local pizzeria. And I never have it delivered!
Better the tip remain in my purse than grace even the nicest delivery
person's pocket.
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Often, I cook, nothing special since
I'm not the best cook, but doing so saves a lot of money. My
favorites, in no particular order, are:</div>
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<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mac and Cheese – These kids,
fortunately, are not picky about the quality of the food offered.
Generic macaroni and cheese can be made in bulk, is comfort food,
and is a favorite among all. Wanna get a little fancy? Top with
generic shredded cheese.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Turkey Chili in the crockpot – I
just made this last night for a mass of teens and it went over
famously! Beans, rice, and corn can be added to make this extra
filling. Find my recipe (along with other crockpot recipes <a href="http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-crock-pot-makes-even-culinary.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fish Tacos – With generic fish
sticks as the basis for these, kids find them exotic. Find the
recipe <a href="http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2014/11/easiest-fish-tacos-ever.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
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The mothers of my son's friends are
grateful that we have their teenagers over, since they know their
boys are safe and out of trouble. My son is delighted that even
though we don't have a large house, his friends feel comfortable
here. They're over so often, in fact, that they know where the paper
plates, cups, and filtered water are – I tell them to help
themselves and they do.
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The dishes above make me happy that the
kids eat hearty and are a part of our lives. And I love how my son
thanks me, after every gathering, for allowing his friends to hang
here. Sometime soon they'll all be off to college. I think I'll
treasure them now.
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-22965324519795421062016-07-09T14:35:00.000-07:002016-07-09T14:35:04.108-07:00Rules For My 16-Year Old This Summer
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Motherhood is an evolution because as
the kids change, we parents have to tweak our parenting skills to coincide
with whatever stage they're in. For example, a few years ago I wrote
a popular post entitled “<a href="http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2014/06/6-rules-for-teen-this-summer.html" target="_blank">6 Rules To Help The Teen & I This Summer</a>”.
My son is now a few weeks away from turning 16 and, despite his best
efforts, was unable to secure either a job or even a volunteer
opportunity this season, since most places won't even consider hiring
anyone who's 15 (I'm sure there's a reason for this, but <i>Hey
Volunteer Organizations: This policy sucks! He's a great kid who
would have been an asset to your nursing home, animal shelter, etc.</i>).
While I'm giddy that Junior is around this vacation, I've once
again, had to adjust the parameters for his 10 weeks or so off since
his level of maturity is far different than it was a few years ago. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAvh0JkfvII/VtHk3OMpMhI/AAAAAAAADto/ENBM4y9_7LMeOjTyrVxMq5rD3GozS551gCKgB/s1600/teenageboy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAvh0JkfvII/VtHk3OMpMhI/AAAAAAAADto/ENBM4y9_7LMeOjTyrVxMq5rD3GozS551gCKgB/s400/teenageboy2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an image off Pixabay - it's not my teen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So are are my original 6 Rules For My
Teen, plus a few I've added to help my adolescent and I thrive while
he's around:</b></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You must tell me where you're
going and check in with me periodically.</b> Whereas before, I
wanted to know your route, that's no longer necessary. You're
almost 6' tall and know the whole child abduction drill. Still, I
want to know what your ultimate destination is, whether it's the
pizza parlor, friend's house, etc. </div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You must respond on your
cellphone when I call or text me back. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">When</span>
you were 13, the rule was you had to always have his cellphone on
you (and charged) because you'd just gotten it. Now it's basically
a part of your body. But you've got to answer and/or text back,
otherwise, I worry. This, of course, implies that I won't pester
you with questions, check-ins, etc. which I do not. </div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You pay for the bulk of your
entertainment</b>. You get an allowance. Pay for your own
excursions (to restaurants, waterparks, etc.). If you don't have
the money, we'll work it out.</div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Figure out what you need and
bring it. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wa</span>ter
bottles, sunscreen, a swimsuit, towels – pack ahead of time and if
you forget it, consider it a learning experience.</div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Your friends are welcome to
come over, but there must be an “ending time” to their visits.</b>
A few years back, we had several kids who came in the morning and
didn't leave until well into the night, despite being told what time
their parents should pick them up. I love your friends, but the
shear number of those open-ended visits threw the family off.</div>
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</li>
<li><b>If you makes future plans, let us know about them.</b>
Summertime is still, to some degree, family time and we'd like to
see him, especially on the weekends. We all have the Cozi Family
Calendar app on our smartphones (it allows all parties to see and
adjust the family calendar) so there should be no confusion about
events that are coming up; these events include your own plans which
are to be respected by your dad and me.<br />
</li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Additional rules for my soon-to-be 16
year-old:</span></b></div>
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<ol start="7">
<li value="7"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>We need to limit the
larger friend gatherings. </b> During the school year, you have
upwards of 10 kids coming here on Friday nights. While I WANT THEM
HERE, having such a large number of teens here a few times a week
strains the family budget. Have one or two kids over a few times a
week, but the larger hang-outs are still limited to once per week.</div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You've got to work around the
house. </b> Yes, your choreload has increased for the summer, of
course, because you're around more; no, you're not getting a larger
allowance for this. Some things you're just expected to do because
you're part of the family. But there are a few projects we need
done like painting the front door, de-cluttering the garage, etc.
that that you're perfectly capable of doing – for an additional
price. Similarly, you've agreed to give your sister music lessons
which I LOVE because it's a time that you're having fun together
without video. </div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Sometimes, get yourself from
place to place. </b> I am not Uber. I don't mind driving you
somewhere if I happen to be going in that direction, but the concept
of “pick me up here and take me there” is not happening. If I'm
in a good mood, I may assist with part of the journey, but our town
is small, your pals are relatively close, and your legs work. Use
them either to walk or pedal that wonderful adult bike we got you a
few years back. Similarly, I am not your friends' taxi. If Mike
wants to come over, let him find a way to do it – I'm not picking
him up (and yes, I've had parents who work ask me if I can ferry
their kids about). </div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You are now responsible for his
own pool badge, health club card, library card, etc. </b> Mommy is
not the keeper of these articles any more. It's time to carry a
wallet with these cards in it along with cash for incidentals. </div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Friends do not belong in your
bedroom.</b> Adolescence is a time of exploration. While your
buddies friends are great, they're still teens and no one is going
to try drugs or alcohol on my watch if I can help it. As for girls
– there's no WAY they're setting foot in your bedroom! Our house
is big enough where y'all can hang in the den. There's no reason
for your hommies to explore other recreational rooms.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You can wait on your friends
and clean up after they leave. </b>This is part of hosting. Kid,
you ask your friends what they want to drink and get it for them.
I'll buy the snacks, but you serve. He also needs to clear dishes
and vacuum the rug (for crumbs) once they leave. To your credit, as
soon as the door closes on the last kid, you're on Clean Up Duty
without any prompting from me. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Parents, sure, a lot of these rules are
common sense, however, putting them out there, discussing them ahead
of time, means fewer arguments. Next year, when my son is driving,
I'll drop some of guidelines because he won't need reminding and add
others pertaining to the car. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The car....oh Lord! Stay tuned,
readers. More advice on teens coming up shortly as Junior gets his Permit. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MISbZ7RiEP4/V4FtgjHwCyI/AAAAAAAAEK8/4H992kVbz0Eb8iw7e1Qr4RB_k9JHfCmVgCLcB/s1600/steering%2Bwheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MISbZ7RiEP4/V4FtgjHwCyI/AAAAAAAAEK8/4H992kVbz0Eb8iw7e1Qr4RB_k9JHfCmVgCLcB/s400/steering%2Bwheel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-8002862682181641782016-06-17T17:25:00.001-07:002016-06-17T17:25:36.275-07:00I'm At Peace With My Body - If You Don't Like It, Don't Look
<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few years ago, I woke up and realized
something:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I've hated my body almost my whole life</b>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's because
for all, but a few, brief years, I've been overweight. And when
you're zaftig in our society, it carries a stigma; you're labeled
“lazy,” “slovenly,” and undisciplined. Now, of course,
you're also told by doctors that you're unhealthy (despite what
doctors have now learned about the damage that up and down dieting
does to your body). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Growing up, I was the last picked for
teams. My mother shopped in the “hefty” department at Sears
where the clothes were made of scratchy polyester and looked as if
they belonged on old people. Because it was and, to some degree, is
<i>still</i> acceptable to belittle those of us who are curvy, I was mocked
which made me shyer and shyer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-IEp_UHgbs/V2STlShRTbI/AAAAAAAADzU/8VfizwSPCHgkI9uFDZIJKyqiIcySTSBeACLcB/s1600/shame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-IEp_UHgbs/V2STlShRTbI/AAAAAAAADzU/8VfizwSPCHgkI9uFDZIJKyqiIcySTSBeACLcB/s400/shame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nowadays, there's greater awareness of
body image and how damaging shaming is, but that hasn't stopped
strangers from continuing to make comments. The worst was a little
boy in the grocery store who came up to me a few years back and
declared loudly, “I've never seen anybody as fat as you!” His
mother just stood and said, “Now, Jimmy, you shouldn't say that”
(if my kid ever said anything like that, I'd drag her out of that
store pronto and we'd have quite a talking to!). I dug my heels in as the
child stared at me and a crowd gathered. “Honey, people come in
all shapes and sizes and that's okay,” I said, still mortified.
(What I should have said was, “You're a rude little shit who should
learn from friggin manners!”)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've lost weight and gained it back,
lost it and gained it – yo-yo dieting they call it and, as I said
before, doctors have learned that it damages the body severely. At
the moment, I'm heavy again, this despite eating right and
exercising. I'm tired - of dieting and fed up with the criticism.
That day, a few years back, I realized HOW MANY YEARS I'D SPENT
HATING MY BODY! More than half a decade! And I resolved to stop.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I
looked in the mirror, at the body that's born one child and nurtured
another, and realized: I'm beautiful no matter what my weight!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-775ZYhmTJXY/V2SUOnkSbtI/AAAAAAAADzg/IDX9Ui7X-sUcuFjwiVTAneIVo6UuhldhACLcB/s1600/beautiful-316287__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-775ZYhmTJXY/V2SUOnkSbtI/AAAAAAAADzg/IDX9Ui7X-sUcuFjwiVTAneIVo6UuhldhACLcB/s640/beautiful-316287__340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's an attitude that's served me well.
Every day I look in the mirror and celebrate my curvy body. I've
joined Facebook groups and subscribe to pages that publicize healthy
images, no matter what the number on the scale says. And when my
husband looked at me as I was eating a small bowl of barley with milk
the other day and said, “With what you're eating, shouldn't the
pounds be melting off?” I stared back at him in all honesty and
replied, “I like the way I look.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are those who will see me this
Summer at the beach and shake their heads at my voluptuous body in my
bathing suit. To them I say, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“It's my body and I'm happy. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> If you
don't like it, don't look!”</span></b></div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-3236208630435312342016-05-16T17:02:00.000-07:002016-05-16T17:02:29.161-07:00Three Products I LOVE (And One I Do NOT) - Product Reviews Ahoy!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Okay, readers, I have not done product
reviews in a LONG time, so today is the day! Check out my
assessments below of some stuff I have around the house!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>
</b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<b>
</b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yogi Ginkgo Clarity Tea</span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNDeqJMcDS0/Vzpb4-tpkNI/AAAAAAAADyc/seC1AQmDxX8w6JGPx64YTIv4UcqshLreQCLcB/s1600/yogi%2Btea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNDeqJMcDS0/Vzpb4-tpkNI/AAAAAAAADyc/seC1AQmDxX8w6JGPx64YTIv4UcqshLreQCLcB/s400/yogi%2Btea.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogi Ginko Clarity Tea is delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not a big herbal person, but I'd
heard about the alleged properties of ginkgo (read more at WebMd <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-333-GINKGO.aspx?activeIngredientId=333&activeIngredientName=GINKGO" target="_blank">here</a>).
What attracted me to the package of <b>Yogi Ginkgo Clarity Tea,</b>
however, was that it allegedly supports memory. Hmmmm....I can
always use help in that department. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This tea has a sweetness that makes it
<i>perfect</i> for hot or on ice. Since it's decaffeinated, it's appropriate for drinking all afternoon since it won't interfere with sleep. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And
does it help my memory?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think so! I definitely notice a
difference when I'm drinking it versus when I'm not. This is my go-to drink, especially during the Summer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jack Links Turkey Jerky</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-KYzMQzZng/VzpdW921JwI/AAAAAAAADyo/LXt3KpiEmzoRo-U6Kgo7-CmUGzTEAGxKgCLcB/s1600/turkeyjerky1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-KYzMQzZng/VzpdW921JwI/AAAAAAAADyo/LXt3KpiEmzoRo-U6Kgo7-CmUGzTEAGxKgCLcB/s1600/turkeyjerky1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARddBbd400E/VzpdZuDBmyI/AAAAAAAADys/uFm6jwIn6poi25GeJu-PulcNq3T7FpSAACLcB/s1600/turkejerky2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARddBbd400E/VzpdZuDBmyI/AAAAAAAADys/uFm6jwIn6poi25GeJu-PulcNq3T7FpSAACLcB/s320/turkejerky2.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Links Turkey Jerky is great for you and your kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I think of jerky, I think of
chewing on rubber tires. Other jerky I've tried was so chewy it
actually made my jaw ache. Not so with <b>Jack Links
Turkey Jerky</b>! Okay, so there were a few pieces that were on the
tough side, but overall, it has a pleasant texture it is DELICIOUS! At 80 calories per serving (three in the package – of
course, I ate the whole package) and 13 grams of protein, it's a
great snack to have in the house and is a must-have in your emergency
kit. My daughter loved it, too, so I'm keeping some in the car. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Fresh Step Kitty Litter</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s52n2saQxro/Vzpdv2EabII/AAAAAAAADyw/ax3CXVYBzak8qr7-g0HfdxdG9oDe7zBQACLcB/s1600/freshstep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s52n2saQxro/Vzpdv2EabII/AAAAAAAADyw/ax3CXVYBzak8qr7-g0HfdxdG9oDe7zBQACLcB/s1600/freshstep.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ONLY kitty litter I'll buy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few years back, I cashed in any favors
I had with the hubby and asked for a cat (I really wanted a dog, but
a canine just doesn't fit in with our lifestyle right now). While
Cosy is the family pet, since she's mine, I take full responsibility
for the litter box. I tried the cheapie brands of litter and they
are a total waste of money (except when you need traction in the snow - keep a bag in your trunk during the Winter). I've also tried the new pricey crystals which are supposed to be soooo absorbent that they
last the whole month. Bullshit! The crystals smelled like the cheap
litter and, when the cat treks them on the floor, THEY HURT TO STEP
ON (think tiny Lego, parents)!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh Step Litter NEVER SMELLS even though the litter box is in the family room where any odor would be especially apparent.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm ashamed to admit
that I've forgotten to scoop the poop, but even after four days,
there's no odor in our room. Fresh Step is the only brand I'll be
using.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGioZcg8Mc/VzpenbrsLfI/AAAAAAAADy8/97luI2jgt7446PvpYkBydjO41lv9xSXbACLcB/s1600/20140716_214738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGioZcg8Mc/VzpenbrsLfI/AAAAAAAADy8/97luI2jgt7446PvpYkBydjO41lv9xSXbACLcB/s320/20140716_214738.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosy, my kitty litter user.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So those are my favorite brands of
late. I'll be reviewing products at least once a week, so stay
tuned.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, do you agree with my reviews?
Feel free to disagree!</span></b></div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-35303794453358622792016-05-05T17:19:00.001-07:002016-05-05T17:19:53.785-07:00A Generic “Playground Aide”? I Don't Think So!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Everyone is justifiably applauding teachers this
week. Most go above and beyond the
pittance they're paid, dedicating their personal time and often
dipping into they own budgets to provide what schools will not or
cannot. Similarly, classroom aides work hard to assist their
students and mentors in making sure kids are happy and learning. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One rank of the school system everyone
overlooks is me: the playground aide. Low on the educational food
chain, my peers and I come in for an hour or two every day to
supervise recess, allowing teachers and classroom aides to have their
well-deserved lunch. NEVER acknowledged, most of us aren't even
known by name. Most kids refer to us as “the aide” if they're
talking to someone about us, as if we are generic.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So what does a
playground aide do?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPHsFAKl_Ec/VyvhZnt3QFI/AAAAAAAADyI/6r7InYNq0r46jj7M5tm5NyqexXMk2YmfQCLcB/s1600/recess2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPHsFAKl_Ec/VyvhZnt3QFI/AAAAAAAADyI/6r7InYNq0r46jj7M5tm5NyqexXMk2YmfQCLcB/s400/recess2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground aides are important in keeping kids safe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
First and foremost, we <b>protect</b> your
children from:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Outsiders</i> who may be innocently
walking their dogs,joggers working out, and/or predators who
“wander” onto the playground during outdoor recess.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Themselves</i> as they run after
balls, stand under basketball backstops, and unintentionally chase
each other into the woods or into parking lots. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Parents</i> who think they can just
come on over to recess to say “hi” to their kids forgetting
that the kids are the school's responsibility during the day. These
parents mean no harm, of course, but recess is an important part of
a child's school experience. It's important that parents not
interfere with their kids' social opportunities. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Each other</i> as we referee squabbles
and are on the constant look-out for bullying. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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We get to know your kids as individuals
and in groups. We see who they hang with, how those groups interact, and who is most likely to be left out (it can vary from day to day). We also talk with kids when they are alone, ascertaining whether the kid WANTS to be by him/herself or someone has excluded them (exclusions are addressed quickly). Arguments are taken seriously and talked about with the parties shaking hands or with an understanding nod; if a
disagreement cannot be resolved, I send both kids to the school
counselor for further consideration. Name calling and bullying are
NEVER tolerated. </div>
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My co-workers and I try our best to protect kids against
injuries, but, unfortunately, they do happen. Kids carelessly bump
heads, basketball players fall in the heat of the game, little ones
trip over curbs and fall down walkways when the sun gets in their
eyes. My peers and I wipe tears as we guide children to the nurse.
Truth be told, WE get injuries too; I'm reminded of this as I look at
the scratches I got yesterday trying to rescue a ball from the
rosebushes. I'd rather get wounded getting a ball than have a kid get
hurt (worst case scenario: the ball stays in the patch of poison
ivy). </div>
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While some aides look for
reasons to blow their whistles at the kids, I take the motherly
approach to being a playground aide: I look for and praise the good
in children. Helpers are rewarded with praise, cooperation is
copiously thanked, smiles are free and easy. A handful of children
take the time to ask my name, wonder if I'm a mom, and tell me about
their day. With one eye on the others, I beam at these kids: they
make my heart sing! If I see these kids with their parents around
town, I take the time to introduce myself to their parents and tell
them how incredible their children are. </div>
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So why take on such a humble,
low-paying, often thankless job? Because it allows me to contribute
to the family financially while still being at home for my younger
daughter. I'm on her schedule, never far away and even if she's
sick, I'm only away from her for an hour or two. My humble little
salary helps pay for snacks, contributes to fundraisers, and allows
us to splurge on the occasional ice cream cone. Plus, I LOVE being
around kids, even for an hour or two until my own come home. </div>
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Yes, to most of the kids, I am an
nonspecific “aide,” or babysitter. To many of the parents, I'm
usually a peon who “forgot to remind Jimmy to put on his jacket”
(truth is, I reminded Jimmy several times, but I'm not wrestling your
little darling into his overcoat on a 75 degree day). To the school
administration, I'm a required-by-law body who allows the teachers to
get some rest. But to a special handful of children, I'm a friend at
recess when their peers abandon them, a protector, and there when
they need someone to talk to. And those kids, who know my name, know
I'm not generic at all. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading!!! </span></div>
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-8550058403030439112016-04-25T16:56:00.001-07:002016-04-25T16:56:35.803-07:00How To Talk With Your Teen – Who Won't Talk With You
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Ah, teenagers! You've got to love
them, or else you'll kill them. My mild-mannered little boy who
could chat up a storm hit puberty and his vocabulary began to
dwindle, at least when it came to me. I get it. I'm his mother.
I'm “annoying.” And as puberty has progressed, he's become a hot
bed of embers, just waiting for something, or someone to inflame him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teens can be challenging to talk with!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So how can you talk to a teenager,
whose hormones are raging and is under tremendous pressure from
school, etc.? It's not easy, and there's no guarantee you'll have a
civil conversation, but here's what's working for me:</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep topics neutral.</span></b> Talk about a
movie or television show he likes, how his video games are going, if
anything interesting happened at school today. Go on his school's
website and discover what he's studying, then strike up a
conversation about one of those topics.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take advantage of car time</span></b>. At
minimum, I drive my son to and from school. We talk about the
weather, other drivers, interesting cars we see, houses we'd love to
live in, the news, and, at night, what people might be doing in their houses.
Yes, it's superficial, but it's conversation nonetheless.</div>
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;">nvite them down for a snack and
let them speak first. </span></b> Your daughter might be more willing to talk
if you're just sitting there reading or doing stuff in the kitchen.
The point is to BE there just in case they need to talk. </div>
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</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Once they do start talking, don't interrupt.</span></b> Let them take control of the conversation. They're like
butterflies; you don't want to scare them away.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just listen.</span></b><i> Don't try to fix a problem </i>unless asked. As parents, we want life to be easy for our
kids and we offer unsolicited advice. Sometimes a kid just needs a
sounding board. Lend an ear, not a tongue.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listen to your teen - let her do the talking.</td></tr>
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When Junior was in the living room last
night playing his clarinet, I complimented him on his playing. “Mom,
I know you're just trying to be nice, but I find your comments
ANNOYING. I know you like to hear me play. Leave it at that.”
Message received. Lesson learned. No offense taken. </div>
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Tonight, as we drive to the Mall for
something he needs, I'll surrender control of the stereo. He likes
to plug his phone in and share his music with me. It's not my taste,
but this is not about me. It's about him knowing that I'm there and
being open to who he is. Hopefully, when the he wants to talk about
the complicated stuff (girls, drinking, etc.), he'll remember that
I'm here for him.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I know he needs me. He knows he needs me. All it takes is a little conversation – on teen
terms.</span></b></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please note: 1) I am not a health care professional. I am a mother, trying to minimize the amount of therapy her kids will eventually need. 2) The photos above are courtesy of Pixabay.com. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </span></b></div>
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-1544469096981599412016-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:002016-04-07T12:48:43.272-07:00How To Help Your Teen Through A Cold<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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I remember when my elementary-aged son
stayed home from school with a cold. I'd check his temperature
every few hours, make him lots of tea, and we'd cuddle in my bed for
<i>hours</i> watching TV. He was all gooey, needed, and wanted mommy-loving. I was such a meticulous nurse that my husband would sleep
in my child's room while I tended to my patient around the clock,
even waking up to feel my child's forehead. I obsessed about how
much he was eating, drinking, and peeing. Although at that point, I
no longer needed to count pee-pee diapers, I did take copious notes
just in case a doctor's visit was required. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ahhh, those were the days!</b></span></div>
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Fast-forward as my now 15-year old
recently complained of being hot and cold on and off, huddling under
blankets in the den. Clearly, he had a virus. As I tried to baby
him, it was outright <b>rejected</b>! In fact, he looked at me as if I was
insane. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get this look from my teen whether he's sick or not...</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My nursing approach had to be modified from when he was
little. But how? </span></b></div>
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I took my cues from him. My patient basically
hibernated in his room, where he spends most of his time anyway,
whiling away the hours on his iPad, too sick to even sit at his
computer to talk with his friends. The armpit I checked his
temperature under is now a hairy mess and I was once again, cognizant
of how he's a boy in an almost-man's body. He needed me, but in a different way. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Here's what worked for me in getting this changling over his cold:</span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Persuade, not order. </b> Again, this
is NOT your baby in the sense that you cannot order them to do
something unless you have the strength to overpower a 100 pound plus
teen. “Take this medicine” does not go over well with the
members of this tribe. “You probably need to take...” or “this
pill should make the pain go away” is a better approach.</div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Provide them with lots of liquids, but
don't nag them to drink.</b> Reminding them that fluids are key to
getting better saves your breath, since they tend to dig their heels
in when you try to force them to do something they don't want to do.
Remember: They know it all. We're idiots. Umpteenth reminder:
the ordering ship has sailed.</div>
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<b>
</b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Take their temperature
judiciously, preferably when they're sleeping.</b> Advance with the
caution you'd use with a wild animal.</div>
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</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Take the team approach when trying
to get them to go to the doctor.</b> I said to Junior, “You're
probably going to have to go to the doctor tomorrow;” this caused
a MAJOR argument. “I won't go and you can't make me,” he
yelled. He was right. WE needed to come to an agreement. It ended with us agreeing that if
his fever wasn't down, he'd go. I then knew that if he had the
energy to argue, he wasn't as sick as I'd thought.</div>
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<b>
</b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Let them make mistakes. </b>Mister
Know-It-All went to school earlier than I advised and was sent home
because he felt dizzy (nah nah nah nah nah). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teenagers are moody as is. They're worse when they're sick.</td></tr>
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</li>
</ol>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If the kid had been REALLY sick, he
would have been more pliable and we'd have been to the doctor sooner,
rather than later. I mean if they're suffering enough,
they'll let you seek medical attention. And if I thought he was in
any real danger, I'd have hauled his butt to the doctor, even if I
had to take his iPod and have him chase after me to get it. But this was a simple
cold</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Teenagers are precious. They're also
hurricanes, changing moods every three seconds! Difficult as they
are well, they can be even more trying when they're sick. Ditch the
babying approach when they're sick, employ some of the strategies
above, and, hopefully, your surly spawn will be back to their
adolescent self in no time!</div>
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<b>What works when your stubborn child is sick? </b><br />
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<i>Please note: the images above are from Pixabay.com.</i><b><i> </i></b></div>
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-30356758789361446342016-03-17T18:58:00.000-07:002016-03-18T16:34:25.332-07:00Naggings As Old As Time - Momisms<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I wandered the grocery store this
morning, my eyes focused on a stunning woman accompanied by
her preschool son. In passing, I caught snippets of their
conversation, with the boy asking his mom for something and then her
reply: </div>
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“But Honey, every time I buy you
something you think you'll like you never eat it.”</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“MY GOD,” I thought. “THAT'S MY
LINE!”</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFEf9VdrLWs/VutbNpjm_vI/AAAAAAAADwM/8aySQYMtv2s45cIv9bXUHlDbM1CB-WnmA/s1600/frustrated%2Bmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFEf9VdrLWs/VutbNpjm_vI/AAAAAAAADwM/8aySQYMtv2s45cIv9bXUHlDbM1CB-WnmA/s400/frustrated%2Bmom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same basic mom, different day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I continued to listen as the mom listed
what her son had asked for in the past (the list was LONG) and how the food had gone bad. She talked
about how much food they waste and what a shame it was. I caught her
eye. “Been there, done that. I completely understand.” She
smiled back, validated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm betting that for centuries, mothers
have been giving the same lectures to their kids, with only minor
variations. <b> Can you identify with any of these “Momisms”?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Honey, I asked you like five
times before we left if you have to go. NOW you have to?!!!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I don't care if all the other
parents in the neighborhood (tribe, school, temple, church, caravan,
commune, etc.) let their kids do it. I'm your mom and I say NO.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Your sister (brother, pet, our
furniture, rocks, our chariot, etc.) is not food. Don't bite it!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Try it (the new food). If you
don't try it you'll never know if you like it.” (Sidebar: I had
to coerce my kids to try pizza. PIZZA!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Stop yelling/screaming/talking
so loudly. You're giving Mommy a headache.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLpCxbPp-nY/Vutck9weqXI/AAAAAAAADwU/zZ4PLRjAiIoUaePdIS4kR304lsTAVaYBA/s1600/childdrinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLpCxbPp-nY/Vutck9weqXI/AAAAAAAADwU/zZ4PLRjAiIoUaePdIS4kR304lsTAVaYBA/s400/childdrinking.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids have probably been hearing the same stuff from their moms for centuries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Go to bed. NOW. Not in 5
minutes. NOW!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No, you cannot have a pet (cat,
dog, rodent, yak, elephant, snake, etc.). Why? Because I'll wind up
taking care of it!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Get back here and stop running
around. NOW!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“You kids are so spoiled! Back
in my day....”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Don't make me get up!” </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5c1fd2kRnI/VuteH39OtdI/AAAAAAAADwo/nuPzj7b47EYggDUlnDHNWwydeOGIR-6FA/s1600/upsetchild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5c1fd2kRnI/VuteH39OtdI/AAAAAAAADwo/nuPzj7b47EYggDUlnDHNWwydeOGIR-6FA/s400/upsetchild.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids have probably been ignoring Momisms just as long, too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I don't care who started it,
YOU stop it!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Where do you think YOU'RE
going?!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Someday I hope you have a kid
exactly like you!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These Momisms are much easier to take when you're not uttering them. And kids are a lot easier to take when they're not yours (although other people's children aren't NEARLY as lovable as yours!).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I listen to moms with toddlers and
think, “Been there, done that.” I talk with other mothers of
teens and ask, “Is this normal?” And I seek the advice of
mothers with older kids to get a handle on what's coming up. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The scoldings, the phrases are as old
as mothering. But my favorite “momism”?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I will always love you - no matter
what. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ---</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading! </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEQanRJbRqE/VutgJyIezDI/AAAAAAAADw8/7mwh8tDg2aIWpPUCkpKMmYGGe5tC7etHw/s1600/cuddlebunnies.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEQanRJbRqE/VutgJyIezDI/AAAAAAAADw8/7mwh8tDg2aIWpPUCkpKMmYGGe5tC7etHw/s400/cuddlebunnies.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Please note: Most of the photos above are courtesy of pixabay.com. </div>
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<br /></div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-49132731847100340402016-03-09T11:28:00.000-08:002016-03-09T11:28:09.487-08:00Claff's.com: Family Life Never Looked So Good
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<i>
</i><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Disclosure: Products were provided to
me for reviewing purposes. In fact, I asked for them. But the
opinions expressed are my own. Positive reviews cannot be bought
here, folks.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcLB4R-FrbA/VuBGGypYOfI/AAAAAAAADvY/Kl54Lf3emz0/s1600/receipt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcLB4R-FrbA/VuBGGypYOfI/AAAAAAAADvY/Kl54Lf3emz0/s400/receipt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claff's pieces are substantial, frame-worthy works of art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jennifer McLaimtaig is one talented
photographer, so I was delighted when she offered to let me choose
some of her products to review. Her website, <a href="http://claffs.com/">Claffs.com</a> <a href="http://www.claffs.com/"></a>provides
“grace words and resources to encourage family life.” Perusing
her site, her images of children and family are so poignant, they
actually brought tears to this mom's eyes. Most of them are
accompanied by quotes from the Bible and there, my friends, was where
I was momentarily stumped: I am not a particularly religious person
(no offense to those who are). Would this watered-down Unitarian
find anything she liked? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fortunately for me, there is plenty of
wisdom here that is not Scripture-based and it touched me. </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWRsRe-0Zkg/VuB2SqehuuI/AAAAAAAADvw/KzIVh29mYzM/s1600/pic%2Bon%2Bdresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWRsRe-0Zkg/VuB2SqehuuI/AAAAAAAADvw/KzIVh29mYzM/s400/pic%2Bon%2Bdresser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just CAN'T relegate these pieces to the fridge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Claff's contains some lovely cards, photographs, magnets, and
posters that are patriotic (quoting from the Star Spangled Banner),
self-affirming, and comforting for even the most secular visitor.
The </div>
captions cue us to be present for our children (meaning, to me,
that I should put down my blasted cellphone and pay attention to my
kids). They admonish us to “eat well, move well.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">In other
words, this website provides inspiration everyone can relate to.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My prints arrived wrapped beautifully
tied with bow and even though they were meant to be hung on the
refrigerator, I couldn't bear to do so! I don't stare at my
refrigerator (IN, yes, AT, no), so I was determined to find other
places for them. <i>They deserved more than just a glance in the
kitchen.</i> This art is frame-worthy and flexible decor As I speak, one print adheres to the brass fireplace grill in
my living room (I'll remove the item before I light a fire). The
other is propped up on my dresser as a reminder that taking care of
myself is not selfish. I look at that one when I first wake up and
just before I retire for the night. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mOlV8XvPao/VuB3JprQxdI/AAAAAAAADv4/oKX9p-9TuzM/s1600/by%2Bfireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mOlV8XvPao/VuB3JprQxdI/AAAAAAAADv4/oKX9p-9TuzM/s400/by%2Bfireplace.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Claff's piece on my fireplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>
</b></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Claff's products would make perfect
Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, and just “I appreciate you”
gifts. </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The images are lush, the words well-chosen. Whether you're
religious or not, you'll find very special wisdom at <a href="http://claffs.com/">Claffs.com</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Same Disclosure: I was compensated with merchandise so I could write this review, but it is an honest assessment of the materials. </i> </div>
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</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-60860173661326086432016-03-04T19:41:00.000-08:002016-03-04T19:41:10.381-08:00It's The “Yeast” You Can Do: Truenature Cranberry Supplement
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am NOT an herbal-type of person. I
take a daily multi-vitamin and THAT IS IT. But recently, when I had
a recurring yeast infection that defied three rounds of medication, I
figured, “What the hell? Before I pay to go to the doctor for an
exam (very expensive), let's go the cranberry route.” </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MW22Az81UVA/VtmrJNNwSXI/AAAAAAAADuw/XikTZuzTQ2o/s1600/cranberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MW22Az81UVA/VtmrJNNwSXI/AAAAAAAADuw/XikTZuzTQ2o/s400/cranberries.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberries have been known for years for their medicinal properties - photo courtesy of Pixabay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Native Americans in North America used
extracts from cranberries for treating urinary conditions, bladder
problems, to increase urine flow, kill germs, and reduce fever. I
grew up with science verifying these cures, soI figured it couldn't
hurt to try cranberry for a yeast infection. Forgoing the cranberry
juice cocktail route (too much sugar), I started mixing unsweetened
cranberry juice with water, bu that upsets my belly. So on one of my
hunting-and-gathering forages into Costco, I perked up when I saw </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Truenature Cranberry Supplements</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoQkbP4gLVg/VtmsOX97PZI/AAAAAAAADu4/3BL1N2ngXXE/s1600/cranberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoQkbP4gLVg/VtmsOX97PZI/AAAAAAAADu4/3BL1N2ngXXE/s640/cranberry.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truenature Cranberry Supplements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At a price point of about $18 for 250
capsules, I bit the bullet and bought it. The directions said take 1
caplet with water at each meal, but I was in a rush to get rid of the
damn infection, so I took two caplets twice a day. <b> Within 24 hours I
felt better</b>; the pain and itching was all gone AND the supplement did
not affect my stomach. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
According to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-958-CRANBERRY.aspx?activeIngredientId=958&activeIngredientName=CRANBERRY" target="_blank">WebMD.com</a>,
“drinking cranberry juice regularly increases the amount of
salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid can reduce swelling,
prevent blood clots,
and can have anti-tumor effects.” </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So even if the softgels didn't cure my
yeast infection (maybe it was residual from the medication I was
on?), I'm going to continue to take <b>Truenature Cranberry Supplements</b>.
If it can help keep me from suffering from a UTI or yeast infection,
plus render all the benefits WedMD says it can, it's worth taking. </div>
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<br /></div>
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---</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you for reading! </b></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-39702590630795638902016-03-01T18:35:00.000-08:002016-03-01T18:35:05.677-08:00Allow Your Child THIS Teachable Moment – How To Deal With Not Being Invited
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Sydney is crying,” my friend told
me. Sydney is not my friend's daughter, but one of her child's
classmates. Sydney had not been invited to a sleepover and her mom was upset with my friend. “I just don't have enough room in
my house for everyone we want to invite,” my friend explained.
Still, Sydney's mom was pushing hard for her daughter to be invited
even though lots of kids had not.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXl6PzSI3w8/VtT_q1rYKuI/AAAAAAAADt0/EzBijBjX4i0/s1600/boysad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXl6PzSI3w8/VtT_q1rYKuI/AAAAAAAADt0/EzBijBjX4i0/s400/boysad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not being invited conjures up lots of unpleasant emotions</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Feeling left out is disappointing. It
often brings up feelings of not being good enough, forcing someone
to ask “What's wrong with me? Why was <b>I</b> left out?” Obviously, this
is an experience no parent wants their child to endure and many, like
Sydney's mom, intervene to spare their child's feelings. I've
written in the past how I received an email from a mother basically
saying, “I invited YOUR child to my kid's birthday party; you HAVE
to invite mine to yours.” And while I understand that parents feel
the need to advocate for their children: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">coddling like this prevents
a kid from learning one of life's most basic lessons: </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">you don't get invited to everything. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So what can you do when your child
doesn't get included in an event? Explore the possible reasons why
they were left out which<i> probably have nothing to do with them</i>. These reasons may include issues such as:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Space </b>- As with my friend above, her
house simply isn't big enough to accommodate everyone they would love
to invite.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Family</b> – Some parents limit events to
just family.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Budget </b> – Parties are expensive
resulting in guest lists being limited.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Social</b> – These include your child
simply not playing with a kid anymore or politics (if we invite
Caitlyn, then we're obligated to invite her sister because that's
Caitlyn's parents' rule). </li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ironically, in my experience, the kids
often handle these issues of non-inclusion better than the adults.
Recently, someone handed out birthday party invitations in front of
my daughter. She was not invited. I asked why she had not been and
she shrugged, “She's having a video game party and knows I don't
like them.” To her, it was no biggie. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFk4ZSW3EkE/VtUBV1FJtoI/AAAAAAAADuA/lY3_C5pHOD0/s1600/divabowling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFk4ZSW3EkE/VtUBV1FJtoI/AAAAAAAADuA/lY3_C5pHOD0/s400/divabowling.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids often handle not being invited better than their parents do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's important to teach kids that “you
can't always get what you want.” </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They need to be able to deal with
this disappointment gracefully, without parental interference. My
friend stuck to her guns and as sad as Sydney is, if her mom handles the situation right, the child will grow from
this experience. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For more guidance on how to help a child
cope when they're not invited to something visit:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/04/living/play-date-hetter/" target="_blank">This</a> CNN article entitled “When Your
Kid Isn't Invited"
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emma-jenner/guide-to-childrens-parties_b_2848580.html" target="_blank">This</a> article from Huffington Post
entitled “<span style="color: #0a0404;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sorry,
You Aren't Invited: A Practical Guide to Children's Birthday Party
Guest Lists”</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xRZHxvXbIM/VtW7kPlY1NI/AAAAAAAADuQ/5Qn35m-FC_U/s1600/womanquestioning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xRZHxvXbIM/VtW7kPlY1NI/AAAAAAAADuQ/5Qn35m-FC_U/s400/womanquestioning.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #0a0404;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How do you handle it when your kids aren't invited to something?</span> </span></b> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-44177237593503558912016-02-26T04:43:00.000-08:002016-02-26T04:43:00.712-08:005 Ways To Celebrate Leap Day 2016 (It's THIS Monday)
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IABDN6M1994/Vsz6op_JgkI/AAAAAAAADsw/-AKDx9bbxPI/s1600/feb%2B29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IABDN6M1994/Vsz6op_JgkI/AAAAAAAADsw/-AKDx9bbxPI/s400/feb%2B29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>This Monday is special </b>– after all,
it's only every four years that there's a February 29! Yes, 2016 is a
leap year in which an extra day is “added” to keep us in sync
with the solar calendar (aka the time it takes the earth to make a
complete orbit around the sun). While we think of a year as being
365 days long, it's actually 365 and<b> ¼ </b>days long. Thus, to even it
all out, an extra day is added with this Monday being The Big Day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Here are some suggestions on </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>how to celebrate this Leap Day:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Try something different</b>.</span> This is
an extraordinary day, so why not do something out of the ordinary?
Nibble on a new food, bust a new move (in the gym or any place),
speak to a new person, try your hair a different way, learn a new
word, etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Make <a href="http://boulderlocavore.com/leap-year-cocktail-history-traditions-and-superstitions/" target="_blank">this</a> Leap Year Cocktail.</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Write a letter to yourself</b> </span>that
you'll open in four years, outlining what you'd like to accomplish
in that brief span of time. Better yet, write a letter to your <i>kids
</i> that they can open in four years!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check out <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9113311/Top-20-craziest-facts-about-leap-years.html" target="_blank">this</a> Leap Year Trivia. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do something that you probably
should do every few years</span></b> that can be accomplished in a day, like paint the front door, clear out the
attic, or purge those old papers. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JYu0ObHcz4/Vsz8UH0u_KI/AAAAAAAADs8/Os9p98ipDXc/s1600/jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7JYu0ObHcz4/Vsz8UH0u_KI/AAAAAAAADs8/Os9p98ipDXc/s400/jump.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jump into this Leap Day by doing something different!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Special days beg for something
extraordinary. Deviate from the norm just a bit, for one day.
You'll be happy you did!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks for reading! </div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-64382001968613294462016-02-19T19:21:00.002-08:002016-02-19T19:21:33.760-08:00Why Teens Should Be At Your House & How To Make It Teen-Friendly
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The volume is deafening. Think sporting-event loud. Nine teens
are squeezed into my tiny den playing video games. They laugh, yell, and the
occasional curse word invades the air. They're having a ball!
Better yet, my son (somewhere in their midst) is beaming. This
happens almost every Friday night – a gathering, dinner, late departures.
My husband, getting tired of the cost to feed this pack, asked, “Why
are they always HERE?” Answer:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We WANT The Teenagers At Our Place!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's Why</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJAiXVVqAKI/VsfXzoPgLeI/AAAAAAAADsM/nURwMANe2aU/s1600/young-people-563026__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJAiXVVqAKI/VsfXzoPgLeI/AAAAAAAADsM/nURwMANe2aU/s400/young-people-563026__340.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You WANT Your Teen At Your House!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At this age, your kid is largely
who his peers are. </b></span> Without the intimacy of grammar school and the
connections you make on the blacktop, you don't know <i>who</i> your teen
is hanging with, who he's influenced by. Actually SEEING and
meeting these people is invaluable. You can get a sense of what a
kid is like, especially if you hang back and surreptitiously watch
and listen to them interact.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When friends' parents pick up, you
get a chance to meet and chat them up</span></b>. Getting a sense of someone's family
values is important and will make you feel easier when your kid goes
over their house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can get a sense of how those
friends treat others.</span></b> Junior's little sister will sometimes hang
with the teens for a bit (until I call her out). We've had
boys make fun of Lily and treat her roughly (push her out of the way, etc.). I was not
happy and made sure that my son stood up for his little sister in
the future. Conversely, there have been friends of Junior's who
have offered to play with Lily, helped her with homework, and been
quite kind to her. I LOVE those kids!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It gives your child a chance to
act the role of Host which is important socially</span></b>. Responsibilities
include offering friends drinks, snacks, serving dinner, and seeing
their friends out with the polite “thank you for coming.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's rewarding. </span></b> My kids have more
friends than I ever had at this age. These are people he sees at
school and chats with online. In some ways, they're an extension of
our family.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZTHkj8Zs-I/VsfZsZmGBrI/AAAAAAAADsY/pRPDgU6qyaw/s1600/hand-229044__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZTHkj8Zs-I/VsfZsZmGBrI/AAAAAAAADsY/pRPDgU6qyaw/s400/hand-229044__340.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There have to be rules for when Teens (or anyone) visits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, in order for these gatherings to
happen, I've set some Ground Rules</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>I have to know, in advance,
approximately how many people are coming.</i> This is a practical thing
since I need to know how much food to have on hand. I've put out 5
bags of chips and found them gone in 10 minutes. These kids can
eat!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>There has to be a set departure
time.</i> We've had kids come and leave way too late, to the point
where either my husband or I had to stay up just to keep an eye on
things. That doesn't happen anymore.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Junior know he has to clean up as
soon as his guests depart. </i>That means vacuuming the den, cleaning
up errant plates, cups, etc., and taking out the kitchen garbage. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>When my daughter is around, the
boys CANNOT curse.</i> Yeah, once in a while a forbidden word flies
out, but most kids are immediately apologetic. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So HOW can you make your house </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teen
Friendly? </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Give them space</b>. I wish we had a
dedicated space for them, but we don't. So they gather in the den
and I basically leave them alone. They don't want me in there
except to deliver snacks and I respect that.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have LOTS of snacks and drinks on
hand.</b> Paper cups and plates are a MUST and if you don't want to wash bowls for
snacks, buy some disposable aluminum baking pans. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Make dinner simple.</b> We go through
frozen pizza like it's water. Other popular dishes include macaroni
and cheese (CHEAP!!!), pasta, and tacos made in the crockpot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Keep your Wifi password handy.
</b>They're going to want to log into your Wifi – place it on a piece
of paper so they can pass it around. It's easier than repeating it
ad nauseum.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Limit sibling interference. </b> Lily
can hang with them for about 5 minutes before I usher her from the
room. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0Y44zFv2M0/VsfaijnoKJI/AAAAAAAADsg/jIkoSWslFM0/s1600/laugh-412038__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0Y44zFv2M0/VsfaijnoKJI/AAAAAAAADsg/jIkoSWslFM0/s400/laugh-412038__340.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's nothing better than seeing my teen (this is not him) happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having a group of teens over is loud,
messy, and ultimately, a lot of fun. These gatherings create
wonderful memories for my son and I cherish the smile on his face
when I see him with his friends. Best of all, I know what he's up to
when he's home. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Our kids grow up in the blink of an
eye. Cherish your time around them and BE the place they want to
hang.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading! </span><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-91981008831411605582016-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:002016-02-14T17:31:50.566-08:00Just In Time For Presidents' Day: 10 Little-Known Facts About George WashingtonNow that our chocolate has been eaten and Valentine’s Day cards read,
it’s time to look forward to tomorrow – President’s Day. As you enjoy your day off with the kids, think about<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong> 10 Facts You May Not Know </strong></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>About The Father Of Our Country</strong></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong> </strong></span></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0_kTO2sVjc/VsEoAK678jI/AAAAAAAADrw/4tGJeHNmxjw/s1600/washington1795-438x300a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0_kTO2sVjc/VsEoAK678jI/AAAAAAAADrw/4tGJeHNmxjw/s400/washington1795-438x300a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong> </strong></span></h1>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Washington started school when he was six years old, but left when
he was 15 to become a surveyor because his mother couldn’t afford to
send him to college.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>That’s <em>not</em> a wig he’s wearing in the portraits. It looks white because he powdered it, as was the fashion of the times.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On his deathbed, Washington instructed his secretary to wait two
days before burying him, just to make sure he was really dead.
Apparently, he wanted to avoid being buried alive, a fate he believed
had befallen a number of historical people.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>He suffered from a variety of ailments including diptheria,
tuberculosis, smallpox, dysentery, malaria, quinsy (tonsillitis),
carbuncle, pneumonia, epiglottitis, and toothaches.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mr. Washington wrote between 18,000 and 20,000 letters, more than any other president.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<div class="su-pullquote su-pullquote-align-right">
<span style="color: red;">On
his deathbed, Washington instructed his secretary to wait two days
before burying him, just to make sure he was really dead. Apparently, he
wanted to avoid being buried alive, a fate he believed had befallen a
number of historical people.</span></div>
</h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Before fighting the British, he fought FOR the British. At 21,
Washington was sent to lead a British colonial force against the French
in Ohio. He subsequently lost and this aided in sparking the Seven Years
War in North America.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Upon Benjamin Franklin’s death in 1790, Washington inherited his walking stick.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Greeting the President as “Mr. President” was his idea.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Among the many crops Washington grew was hemp, which was used to make rope, paper, and other products.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Washington introduced mules to America when he bred donkeys from the
King of Spain and the Marquis de Lafayette with his own horses. He had
57 mules at Mount Vernon at the time of his death.</li>
</ul>
<br />
So let's raise a coffee cup (or something stronger when the kids get on your nerves) to the Father Of Our Country! <br />
<br />
<br />
Please note: this post also appears on <a href="http://www.thegeekparent.com/">www.thegeekparent.com</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading!! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foQJL3otPHY/VsEp_ieZTOI/AAAAAAAADr8/bmpnexPa1zs/s1600/flag003.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foQJL3otPHY/VsEp_ieZTOI/AAAAAAAADr8/bmpnexPa1zs/s1600/flag003.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
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<br />
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-38990775867999884162016-02-09T17:11:00.000-08:002016-02-09T17:11:15.735-08:00What To Do With The Tooth Fairy's Collection Of Teeth
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With two kids, the Tooth Fairy has been
at my house a lot over the last ten years. In fact, she came the other night after my
10-year old begged me to yank her latest loose tooth. I've been
collecting these pearly whites in envelopes for years and it begs the question:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What does the Tooth Fairy do once she
has all of a kid's teeth?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAKrjMA7jrI/VrqKd2xOOMI/AAAAAAAADrQ/zcxmWfYMY_0/s1600/childtooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAKrjMA7jrI/VrqKd2xOOMI/AAAAAAAADrQ/zcxmWfYMY_0/s400/childtooth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What will the tooth fairy do with this tooth?</span><b><br /></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I polled the 2,350 members of my
Mothers' Loop and here's what they said:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Put them in envelopes with the
kid's name; some people listed the date the kid lost the tooth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Put them in a baby jar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hide them in a drawer.<span id="goog_519419113"></span><span id="goog_519419114"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Throw them out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li>Put them in the Tooth Fairy Bank,
a specially-made, showpiece-quality receptacle that has individual compartments for
each tooth. You can even list the date the tooth was lost. Learn
more about it <a href="http://tfairy.com/toothbank.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ktttTzXGLo/VrqMqb4FGCI/AAAAAAAADrc/jL_4vhzjRms/s1600/boytooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ktttTzXGLo/VrqMqb4FGCI/AAAAAAAADrc/jL_4vhzjRms/s320/boytooth.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tooth Fairy is a'coming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
If they're “fresh” enough, you can
save them to treat diseases later in life (like you would do with a child's umbilical chord). Learn more about procedure, which must be done pretty quickly after the tooth has come out, <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/back-off-tooth-fairy-those-baby-teeth-may-one-day-save-a-life" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For me, throwing the baby teeth out feels wrong.
These pearls are a part of my kids' babyhood. I guess I could put one
or two in their scrapbook. I may even put one from each kid in a locket. In any case, I'm going to keep them, at
least until the kids' grow up. I want to show them how <i>tiny</i> their
baby teeth were. These small relics are tangible evidence of
the fleeting, magical time when my kids were (and one still is)
little.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are YOU going to do with your child's baby teeth? </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b> </div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-67469584890894243132016-02-05T14:51:00.001-08:002016-02-05T14:51:49.123-08:00Bitmoji – The Avatar That Doesn't Make You Look Like A Kid
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been playing around with emojis
and avatars for quite some time and most are pretty lame. They make your look
like children (probably because they're designed for kids and teens),
but <i>what if you're an adult and want an avatar that at least
resembles a grown up?</i> Meet my new favorite:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bitmoji</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xVUyZ9XwZI/VrUldJw5O1I/AAAAAAAADqo/JX6Oucz_11Y/s1600/my%2Bbm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xVUyZ9XwZI/VrUldJw5O1I/AAAAAAAADqo/JX6Oucz_11Y/s400/my%2Bbm.png" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Bitmoji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>THIS</b> is your own, personal emoji which
you can, obviously, customize to look like you. Choose your physical
features (I love that they have different body types, including
curvy), then dress yourself in designer clothes. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your Bitmoji will then be available in
dozens of moods and stickers with updates coming in about once a
week. And they're not just happy, “rainbows and lollipops”
pictures. You can show a range of emotions including embarrassment,
rage, impatience, etc. Now, the content rating is Teen because of
“Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Language, Crude
Humor”, but that's what makes it perfect for adults. At the moment, the themes include Star Wars, Zoolander No. 2, Terminator, Inside Out (love Rage), and Game Of Thrones. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIAzVFaTF-8/VrUlvDZDf4I/AAAAAAAADqs/D9iZKU0q5w0/s1600/generic%2Bbitmoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIAzVFaTF-8/VrUlvDZDf4I/AAAAAAAADqs/D9iZKU0q5w0/s400/generic%2Bbitmoji.png" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Download your Bitmoji for use as a
screensaver, with a photo editing tool, and/or share it to Facebook,
Instagram, etc. I've used on on all my social media and even texted my Bitmoji to my kids as a hint to show them how I'm feeling (the surprised one confuses them pretty well).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5omc8sQ99k/VrUm8KtZOII/AAAAAAAADq4/PI_m9mggl8g/s1600/mybm%2Bsurprise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5omc8sQ99k/VrUm8KtZOII/AAAAAAAADq4/PI_m9mggl8g/s320/mybm%2Bsurprise.png" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confuses the crackers out of the kids! "What do you mean, Mom?!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Best of all, this app is FREE and
available from the Play Store or the App Store. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Give Bitmoji a whirl! </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> This ain't your kids' avatar! </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading!!!</span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-85239775347047769752016-01-31T17:02:00.001-08:002016-01-31T17:02:47.531-08:00A Must-Read For Children Touched By Cancer
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Children's author, Patricia Polacco, is
somewhat of a hero at my daughter's elementary school. Ms. Polacco
has been to our school several times and her books have brought hours
of pleasure to my usually-reluctant reader.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFihKDapQ-M/Vq6sHGJhMRI/AAAAAAAADqA/p57bugHoPOE/s1600/patriciapolacco.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFihKDapQ-M/Vq6sHGJhMRI/AAAAAAAADqA/p57bugHoPOE/s320/patriciapolacco.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patricia Polacco at our elementary school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So when when I heard Lily's dad reading
Ms. Polacco's book, <b><i>The Lemonade Club</i></b>, to our princess, I didn't
blink an eye...until I started to listen to the plot of the book</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">which is about the usually adult topic of cancer.</span></b> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Traci and Marilyn are best friends.
One day Marilyn is being bullied about her weight while Traci stands
up for her pal. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn begins losing weight and
is tired all the time. The diagnosis: leukemia. With the help of
the girls' teacher, Miss Wichelman who believes that “when life
hands you lemons, you make lemonade,” the young ladies learn about how Traci's disease will be treated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzO0MgCp18/Vq6tRYM7kqI/AAAAAAAADqI/ta5VYOy8YsU/s1600/lemonadeclub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzO0MgCp18/Vq6tRYM7kqI/AAAAAAAADqI/ta5VYOy8YsU/s400/lemonadeclub.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The Lemonade Club</i> is an AMAZING book </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
because it doesn't just gloss over the topic of leukemia. There is
genuine shock when Miss Wichelman's class first hears of Marilyn's
diagnosis. Similarly, readers feel the horror and experience grief when Traci loses
her hair due to chemo. But there's joy here, as well, as Miss
Wichelman and her class welcome Traci back to class and astonishment
when someone unexpected divulges that she, too, has cancer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The book is a MUST-READ book for any child
touched by this topic.</span></b> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It will resonate with children who have
cancer or know someone who does. Best of all: it's a true store
written by someone who was a witness to it all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you know of any other books which might help a child touched by cancer?
</span></b></div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-33114149130071865012016-01-24T17:45:00.002-08:002016-01-24T17:45:38.149-08:00A Fun, Unique Take On An Old Word Game: Meet Wordox
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the few non-caloric obsessions I
have is with word games. Most, however, fall into one of three
categories:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1) Scrabble-like where you build words with others'
words </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2) Boggle-like where you try to build words out of random
letters</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3) Word Search-like where, you know, you search for words. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whenever I look on Goggle's Play Store for something different, I'm
usually disappointed. Until now. Introducing my newest word game
obsession:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wordox</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dejv9vzddPQ/VqV8HX3C23I/AAAAAAAADpg/0KBbtaAA-ek/s1600/wordox1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dejv9vzddPQ/VqV8HX3C23I/AAAAAAAADpg/0KBbtaAA-ek/s200/wordox1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a Scrabble-like like game,
but with a twist: <b> you can steal the other person's letters</b>! When
you make a word out of one of the other person's letters, you get the
points for that letter and it comes OFF their score. That means you
can flip the game in your favor! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's the video showing how to play: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UIvzQRzI5OQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UIvzQRzI5OQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Play with friends, through Facebook,
and with random players. Participate regularly in the rankings with
other players, and finish at the top to earn coins and jokers! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the challenges I really like is
that if you make a mistake and a word isn't valid, it's going to cost
you either a turn or a joker. That means I really have to be up on
my game and certain before I hit PLAY.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The free version comes without ads, but
I love Wordox so much, I bought the ad-free version. Give it a try
and let me know what you think. This app is available again, through
the Play Store or the App Store. For more information, visit
<a href="http://www.wordox.com/">http://www.wordox.com</a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTVt2aet-UM/VqV9OoTjIUI/AAAAAAAADpo/P3yg5JVdizc/s1600/wordox2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTVt2aet-UM/VqV9OoTjIUI/AAAAAAAADpo/P3yg5JVdizc/s320/wordox2.png" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYuv0XBVXBM/VqV9QwV-ZxI/AAAAAAAADpw/cLNUWESQ0Oc/s1600/wordox3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYuv0XBVXBM/VqV9QwV-ZxI/AAAAAAAADpw/cLNUWESQ0Oc/s320/wordox3.png" width="179" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">As always, THANKS FOR READING!</span></b><br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-20592278690571892602016-01-20T17:11:00.000-08:002016-01-21T14:19:52.659-08:00"It Works!" Greens On The Go Drink Powder – Is It Worth The Money?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Disclosure: This product was given to
me (actually, I asked for it) for reviewing purposes, however, the
thoughts expressed in this post are my own. </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvDAHdYZvQw/VqAKwqp7yKI/AAAAAAAADo0/_Akt0ACR0E4/s1600/it-works-greens-berry-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvDAHdYZvQw/VqAKwqp7yKI/AAAAAAAADo0/_Akt0ACR0E4/s400/it-works-greens-berry-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not a veggie eater, but still, I
need those nutrients. With my husband being a health nut, I have
tried some of those all-inclusive-miracle-veggie drinks. Most tasted
like swill, although one or two were good. Unfortunately, the ones in my grocery store and Whole Foods are
sweetened with bananas, which I've recently become allergic to. So
when I saw Debbie Arrington's posts on Instagram about the<b> "It Works!"
Greens On The Go Drink Powder </b>and found out it does NOT contain
bananas, I asked to try it. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Greens On The Go</b> is a single serving
packet of “38 herbs and nutrient-rich superfoods” which is
supposed to energize you and keep your digestive system regular and
the toxins flowing out. In other words, it helps you poop. The powder contains some neat stuff including: broccoli, dandelion leaf, kale
(ICK), spinach, slippery elm bark, tumeric root, watercress, white
willow bark, and okra. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I was nervous trying this stuff,
especially when I poured the powder into my glass and it was green.
Again, I am not a fan of green drinks. I poured water, mixed the
concoction around, and got close to the sink in case I needed to spit
it out....which I did not....because</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS STUFF TASTES GREAT! </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I tried the berry flavor (it also comes
in orange) and was <i>amazed </i>that not only is it delicious, but there's
no funny aftertaste. And despite it containing plaintain leaf (I
would assume, relative of my nemesis, the banana), I had no allergic
reaction to <b>Greens On The Go</b>. Did it energize me? No. Coffee does
that, but it certainly was not unpleasant and there were no
unpleasant side-effects after drinking it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RY3jWPPEH60/VqAKeo2P-qI/AAAAAAAADog/xB7QycMO6Os/s1600/greensonthego2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RY3jWPPEH60/VqAKeo2P-qI/AAAAAAAADog/xB7QycMO6Os/s320/greensonthego2.jpg" width="243" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So is "It Works!" Greens On The Go Drink
Powder worth the money?</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, online a 30 serving box retails
for $59 not including shipping and handling (although lower-priced packages may be available from individual dealers), so figure it's about $2
per serving. If we assume the product literature is correct, and
this mix contains “the nutrition of 8+ servings of fruits and
vegetables”, and if you're NOT a fruit and veggie eater, then it
<i>may be worth the money to you. </i> For me, in combination with a daily
multivitamin, I'm confident that drinking <b>Greens On The Go
Drink Powder </b>is a step in the right direction health-wise. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll be
purchasing this product in the future.</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For more information, please visit
Debbie Arrington's website: <a href="http://www.debswrapparty.myitworks.com/">www.debswrapparty.myitworks.com</a>
or email her at <a href="mailto:debsbaskets@email.com">debsbaskets@email.com</a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Thanks for reading! </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cihS-8DV3RQ/VqAvb6gCKEI/AAAAAAAADpE/xTMyD4K3RJI/s1600/hoveringangel1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cihS-8DV3RQ/VqAvb6gCKEI/AAAAAAAADpE/xTMyD4K3RJI/s1600/hoveringangel1.gif" /></a></div>
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-68023636114217048992016-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:002016-01-15T13:00:36.427-08:00A Quick, Easy Happy Family Casserole Your Family Will Adore
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently, my son, once again, threw me
under the bus with my husband. Here's how it played out:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My husband wants me to cook organic meals
for the kids from scratch. Unfortunately, the kids don't want those
meals – they want crap, like frozen pizza and microwaveable fried
chicken. My daughter will settle for pasta (Kraft mac and cheese –
as long as REAL cheese is not involved), but Junior is really picky. Half
the stuff I make, he won't eat, yet, whenever <i>Daddy's </i>around, the kid
becomes a martyr and wails, “Mom, I WANT nutritious food, Mom, but
you <i>never</i> make it!!!” SUCH BULLSHIT!! So tonight, I came up with my easy: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Family Casserole</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psDtBzdsMy0/VplbV1DZE7I/AAAAAAAADoE/XERTAsJYf5I/s1600/chef.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psDtBzdsMy0/VplbV1DZE7I/AAAAAAAADoE/XERTAsJYf5I/s1600/chef.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Since it was made on the fly,
measurements are approximate. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 pounds of ground meat (turkey,
beef – whatever the family will eat); I used lean ground turkey</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 cups of frozen or fresh veggies
(again, whatever the hell they'll eat); I used chopped broccoli because I wanted there to be a lot of small pieces</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
¼ c of Worcestershire sauce</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
salt and pepper (to taste)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 cup of diced frozen or fresh onions (if they'll
eat them)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 cups of frozen hash brown potatoes</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
¼ cup of butter or margarine</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 package of shredded American
cheese (again, if they like it)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Instructions:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brown the meat and onions in a
skillet and add the Worcestershire sauce.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Spray a lasagna pan (approximately
10x14) with non-stick spray.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Spoon the mixture into the bottom
of the pan; add salt and pepper if you want.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Layer your vegetables over
the meat and sprinkle with a handful or two of cheese.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Spread the two cups of frozen
hash browns.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Using a teaspoon, drop teaspoons
of the margarine over the hash browns and sprinkle the top liberally
with the shredded cheese. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiUPIXlBZhU/VplcWtIjcMI/AAAAAAAADoM/1OrCTDo1EiQ/s1600/casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiUPIXlBZhU/VplcWtIjcMI/AAAAAAAADoM/1OrCTDo1EiQ/s400/casserole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What you have now looks like a
pseudo-lasagna. Bake at 400 degrees until the potatoes are brown and
the cheese on the top has melted.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">That's it! </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This dish was popular with the family
for several reasons:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My husband liked it because it was
nutritious.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The kids liked it because it
involved meat and vegetables COVERED with cheese (always popular
here).</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I LOVED it because of its
versatility. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can easily use shredded chicken and whatever veggies your kids will eat (or whatever you can hide among the meat). In the future, I'll use black beans and
some salsa, for a Southwest flavor. If your family is vegetarian,
use soy crumbles or tofu. Got fresh veggies from your garden? Throw
them in! This dish also freezes really well. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Happy Family Casserole will be on my list of go-to dishes and it looks nice enough to even serve company.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Try it and let me know </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">what YOUR
variations are!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-20168129938827888782016-01-11T17:07:00.000-08:002016-01-11T17:07:05.628-08:00Got A Daughter? Don't Ignore This
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In case you missed the headlines in New
York City, an 18-year old girl was gang raped in
a park last Thursday. And surely you've heard about the 516 criminal
complaints lodged in Cologne, Germany after women were groped and
sexually assaulted by a group of men on New Year's Eve. As I'm
processing these latest in reported crimes against women, I'm
<i>dumbfounded</i> that the same media that focuses on Black Lives Matter and other important causes,
is ignoring that age-old issue of</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Womens Lives Matter</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tS9O66CH89M/VpRPE48NpSI/AAAAAAAADno/r7fOLfvW3lE/s1600/barbiedirtyviolence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tS9O66CH89M/VpRPE48NpSI/AAAAAAAADno/r7fOLfvW3lE/s320/barbiedirtyviolence.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where's the rallying? Where are the
banners? How come it's not splattered all over the fucking media?
Sure, there's outrage and promises of “justice will prevail.”
Indeed, four of the five animals in </div>
the rape have come forward and
I'm sure suspects have been rounded up in Germany, but once again the
world seems to be yawning at more acts of violence perpetrated
against women.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A recent analysis of the World Health Organization in
conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
and the Medical Research Council, found that “globally 35% of women
have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner
violence or non-partner sexual violence” (<a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/" target="_blank">source</a>). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me repeat that: 35% of women have
experienced sexual violence.</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That same study says that among the
risk factors for sexual violence are “attitudes that are accepting
of violence and gender inequality (perpetration and experience)”
which come not only from society but from the media – a media that
largely ignores sexual violence against women.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'll get off my soapbox in a second,
but I just want to reinforce that <b>Womens Lives Matter</b> just as much as
anyone else. I'm not trying to playdown or minimize anyone else's
cause or struggle, but let's not let violence against women become a
ho-hum reality that we all just accept.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's disgusting and
unacceptable and something we need to take action on. How?</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By teaching all children that
people's bodies are to be respected</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By reminding our sons that no
matter how a girl is dressed or behaving, “no” means “no;”
girls are not “asking for” nor do they “want” to be abused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By reminding our daughters that
they are strong and deserve to be treated with respect.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By not supporting movies,
television, games, etc. that depict women as weak and as sex
objects. These should never been seen as the norm.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By teaching girls to support one
another and be heros; if they see someone dissing another girl, they
need to stand up and say something. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By not sexualizing our little
girls. Think about how many little girls you saw out at Halloween
in inappropriate attire (whether dressed as Bratz dolls or any other
characters marketed to girls which are sexually suggestive). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By teaching boys that they have
absolute control over how they treat a people. The whole “I
couldn't control myself” is NOT a valid defense in any kind of
crime. If you've got a penis or a fist – control where it goes. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Womens lives matter. We think we know it, but with females getting abused every day, I think we need to be
reminded of it constantly, especially if we have women-in-training
(girls). </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJJnRzy9TEI/VpRQ3GUJCyI/AAAAAAAADn0/C1sUcz5d31U/s1600/stopviolenceagainstwomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJJnRzy9TEI/VpRQ3GUJCyI/AAAAAAAADn0/C1sUcz5d31U/s400/stopviolenceagainstwomen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Violence, against ANYONE, is unacceptable – PERIOD.
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-28037774459383987532016-01-05T14:28:00.000-08:002016-01-05T14:28:41.216-08:00Getting Your Older Child Back To Sleep
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Over the years, my children have periodically had
trouble when they would wake up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall
back to sleep. This hurt not only them, but my husband (minimally)
and me (more, because I'm the one who invariably had to get them back
to bed). My husband's first response in these situations was to
punish the child. He believed they did it intentionally, as a power
thing. I, on the other hand, cannot say no to a child who is
honestly struggling with something and seeks help from his/her
mother. Having tried his approach first, what I discovered is that
when you a punish a child for not sleeping through the night, it
makes things worse because that kid is then afraid to go to asleep at
all. Since I'm the Momager of all things child, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Here's how I've approached the problem:</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD9xd68DZY4/VoxB7UQpHTI/AAAAAAAADnA/u6EV4a7jVeM/s1600/sleepingchild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD9xd68DZY4/VoxB7UQpHTI/AAAAAAAADnA/u6EV4a7jVeM/s400/sleepingchild.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping your older child get back to sleep can be daunting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rule out the physical.</span></b> Is there
an <i>internal</i> reason the kid is waking up, like having to go to the
bathroom? This could be an easy fix like “don't drink so much
water before bedtime.” Or is it an<i> external</i> thing waking up the
child. For example, is the pet hamster getting on its noisy wheel
at 1am (solution: move the pet or bring a noise machine into the room) or
the cat jumping on the kid's head (close the door to the room or
move the feline to the basement at night).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can sensual things help the child
get back to sleep?</b></span> Lavender on the pillow helps many people sleep,
noise machines block out too much or too little sound, and softer
blankets make it easier to snuggle back to Dreamland.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Is there something psychological
going on? </span></b> Sometimes a discussion on what's going on in your child's
world can reveal the problem. Is there a problem with your child's friends? A daunting,
upcoming test? Are they nervous about a sports event? You can also place a pen and pad of paper next to
the kid's bed so he/she can write down what they're thinking when
they wake up (A dream? A nightmare?) and what thoughts prevent them
from going back to sleep. My daughter asked if she can draw what's
bothering her – YES!!! Any way they can achieve peace-of-mind is a
good thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How can they help themselves go back to sleep?</span></b> By reading for a bit? Or playing soft music or a book on CD to lull them into
unconsciousness? The idea is to empower them. </div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By becoming a co-problem solver, you're
strengthening your bond with your child and diffusing the situation. It's no longer "their" problem; you're working as a team to get through this situation. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h577zRas6n0/VoxCJ5Uv21I/AAAAAAAADnI/Cgo_zc_A9z0/s1600/sleepingchild2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h577zRas6n0/VoxCJ5Uv21I/AAAAAAAADnI/Cgo_zc_A9z0/s400/sleepingchild2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up with innovative sleep solutions can help.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For my son's sleeping problem, the
answer came by looking outside the box. We settled on this and it
worked: if he <i>really</i> needed to come into our room, he could NOT wake
us up. We'd leave blankets and a pillow in a corner of the room so
that when he came in, he'd grab them and sleep on the floor. He knew
we were near, went back to sleep and we slept through the nice
peacefully. Eventually, he outgrew this pattern. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now my daughter is facing her own
sleeping challenge. At least once a week, she comes looking for me.
Sending her back to her room doesn't work since she tearily informs
me she just CAN'T go back to sleep. She's tried reading knows she cannot pick up her iPod (the light has been known to throw off circadian rhythms). What I've done is
given her a transitional object - something of mine that smells like
me. A nightgown works just fine. She wakes up, takes one whiff of
the nightgown, smells that Mom is close by, and goes back to sleep.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Will this coping mechanism always work?
I don't know, but it is for now. If it doesn't, we'll just brainstorm
something else and, if need be, call in a professional for guidance.
But I feel that working with the child instead of assuming that
they're subconsciously trying to “pull one over on us” IS the
answer to helping older children fall back to sleep.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3nctUzTshk/VoxAcCioKjI/AAAAAAAADm4/DGvSfk1vLxE/s1600/20140725_142029_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3nctUzTshk/VoxAcCioKjI/AAAAAAAADm4/DGvSfk1vLxE/s400/20140725_142029_resized.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Please that I am not a medical or
psychological professional. I am just one mother telling you what's
working for me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What's working, or not working, for you?
</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-30078465014561525432015-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:002015-12-30T15:06:35.663-08:006 Things You Really Need To Do Right Now
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not a nostalgic “oh, the old
year is ending, sniffle, sniffle” kind of person nor am I one who
makes resolutions which I will never, ever keep. I am, however, a
realist who believes in protecting her data as much as possible, so </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are 5 things I'm doing and I hope YOU'RE going to do right NOW to help yourself be safe online:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2DGqjZEDmw/VoRgqsxdS1I/AAAAAAAADmc/geIn62W3gBA/s1600/skeletonwarning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2DGqjZEDmw/VoRgqsxdS1I/AAAAAAAADmc/geIn62W3gBA/s640/skeletonwarning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Updated your virus protection
program. </span></b>Yeah, I know. It does it for you. Do it manually anyway.
You never know when a program has missed something and cybertheft is
all too common. Run it NOW.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check your privacy settings on
social media.</span></b> Make sure they're set so that the minimum numbe of
people and companies have access to your personal information.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">STOP posting that your location on
social media. </span></b>Why not just hang a “Burglars: Empty House” sign
on your front door? Sites get hacked all the time and that “friends
of friends” setting on Facebook still means that plenty of people
can see your postings. Don't advertise that you're not home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz-5urZKxrU/VoRhU7fXBXI/AAAAAAAADmk/mSSZEFgMLEA/s1600/kidssignwalking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz-5urZKxrU/VoRhU7fXBXI/AAAAAAAADmk/mSSZEFgMLEA/s320/kidssignwalking.png" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pictures of your kids showing
their names, schools, etc. on ANY website.</span></b> It's far too easy for
predators to find their prey. Criminals do all sorts of nefarious things with
kids' photos. Just don't post pics of your kids, especially ones
showing their regular locations. And if you have posted, try to take anything that can lead a predator to their location down. <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Back-up your files, pictures, etc.
NOW. </span></b>Seriously. Think about how difficult and heartbreaking it
would be to lose all that data and all those precious pictures.
Ideally, back up to three different sources and do it regularly. And consider about WHAT you're backing up BEFORE you do it. I don't back-up anything with social security numbers to the Cloud because any site can be hacked at any time. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Check the apps on your phone and
see what permissions they've asked for that you've given. </span></b>Consider
whether that clock app really needs access to your files photos and if the
convenience is worth compromising your privacy for. </div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These six simple little steps are
probably the LEAST you can do to try to maintain some security on the
web. For more on keeping your personal information safe, visit
<a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure">http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure</a>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful New Year!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtjZWIYfpyM/UvT6tEyE7pI/AAAAAAAAA5M/P8fIxRewtKA/s1600/bigfireworks01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtjZWIYfpyM/UvT6tEyE7pI/AAAAAAAAA5M/P8fIxRewtKA/s1600/bigfireworks01.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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</div>
Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730203528579423247.post-5695273845006053682015-12-26T15:31:00.000-08:002015-12-26T15:31:51.763-08:00Note NOW How To Make The Holidays Better Next Year
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christmas is always a mixed bag.
Despite what you see on Facebook, I doubt that Christmas (or
Hanukkah, for that matter) is blissful for everyone, every year. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So
while the holidays are fresh in your memory, why not consider how to
make them better for you and your family next year? Here's how I'm
going to do it:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Vt9I9roqg/UrW4YgjDD8I/AAAAAAAAAdg/7Bx7E5AkGuk/s1600/%2525255BUNSET%2525255D-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Vt9I9roqg/UrW4YgjDD8I/AAAAAAAAAdg/7Bx7E5AkGuk/s320/%2525255BUNSET%2525255D-029.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite our best intentions, the holidays are rarely perfect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: red;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Think About What Worked And Do It Again Next Year</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What presents were hits? Can you
learn from those?</b> For example, Snap Circuits (an electronics building kit) were not
on my daughter's list, but she has been playing nonstop with it.
Lesson for me: look for more educational activities that she'll
love.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Which activities were enjoyed the
most? </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Which foods did people absolutely
LOVE?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Who did you invite that you really
would love to invite again? Or are there people you didn't invite
that you'd like to next year?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Did anyone really love something
you did that you can do next year?</b> For example, I used some of
<a href="http://isithotinheremmm.blogspot.com/2015/12/10-creative-ways-to-wrap-those-gift.html" target="_blank">these</a> ways to wrap gift cards and a few were a bit hit with the Teen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Consider What Didn't Work And How You
Can Change That</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What was your biggest challenge on
Christmas?</b> How can you change that for next year? For example, I
really resented being The Waitress the whole friggin' day without
anyone asking me for help! Next year, my husband and I have agreed
that we'll be going out for Christmas dinner. That will take the
pressure off me, means the people who didn't like my menu can order
for themselves and we'll all have a happier holiday.</div>
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<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>If you have to invite someone you
can't stand, how can you make the experience better? </b>We've learned that it's easier to tolerate my mother-in-law when
there are other, non-family members present; they seem to dilute the
mix. So we invite friends we know tend to spend the holiday alone,
to be with us. We get to spend time with them, they have fun with
us, and the Voldemort is on “best” behavior in front of company.</div>
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<b>
</b></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Are there things you did that you
shouldn't do next year?</b> For example, we have WAAAY to many
decorations out this year. The living room looks cluttered and
they're a pain to dust. Next year we go minimal.</div>
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<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What traditions are ready to be
retired?</b> Remember that YOU make the rules for your family and
you're not responsible for everyone having a good time. Change the
mix up a bit if you want to and if people can't handle it, that's
THEIR issue.</div>
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<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
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I'm taking notes and adding them to
my Christmas card spreadsheet for next year. That way, when I take
out my list, my ideas and reflections will be right there with plenty of time to take
action. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How did your Christmas go? </span></b></div>
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Is It Hot In Here? Menopause, Motherhood & Morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618491172998011566noreply@blogger.com0