Few Tips For Toy Safety

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Beard Care

I have three adult sons and they all love for some reason to have a beard. But when they don't have time to take care of it because of work, stress or family they do not look the best. Beard hair has a way of going wild and growing matted when left uncared for. There is a way to make a beard tamed if you follow daily grooming routine after washing and drying your beard.

One tool that can help keep a beard looking good is a beard comb. Knotting of the beard as well as tangles can be controlled by combing the beard. Regularly trimming your beard also can help it look great. Trimming of the beard helps keep a shape that is appropriate.

Beard oil will help to minimize skin irritation that occurs from the initial growth and at times even after it has been present a bit. Oil will keep your beard hair soft and fluffy. Oils such as almond or grape seed are best or go for a more fragrant oil such as lemon or sandalwood.


Personal story time
My dad started growing a beard when I was just a kid for the towns 100th birthday. He won a prize and I don't recall him not having a beard after that time


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Get Ready for the Tailgate

If you are a sport fan then you may have experienced a tailgate party or two. It is a great way to get out and have fun with the rest of your friends and family that are excited about the game. Many will grill out before the game and have a great time making memories. 

Here is a list of tips that will help make your tailgating party one to remember. 

• Frequent tailgaters often keep a master list with them. If you create one it may be a good idea to laminate it. Once you have parked you can not go back home to get the item you forgot 
• Keep items that you use regularly such as tongs, grill gloves, chimney starters and other items in a special box for tailgating. 
• Purchasing some portable chairs and tables will help you and your guest enjoy the food and beverage even more . Pop up tents or canopies are great idea and help protect them from the elements. 
• Choose a portable grill that is large enough to serve you and your guest but small enough to carry around with you. 
• Choose a menu that consist of food that is easy to eat with your hands. For example chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, nachos, or bruschetta. The main dish could range from tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, sausage subs, brats, and the list goes on use your imagination. Have a good idea share it in comments I would love to know as well. 
• Find disposable serving dishes and pans at warehouse stores or restaurant supply houses. It is also a great place to get beverages and take out containers. 
• allow your guest to help by bringing a dish to share. 
• find a great place to set up whether it be infield or in the parking lot. Let others know where you are or share your number so that they can locate you. 

Bacon wrapped smokies are perfect for tailgating

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Wear Your Boots

Some Quick Tips to Wear Your Boots in Style



Pick the proper boot height for your leg type. Keep in mind, the longer the boot, the slimmer the look of the leg.

Pair ankle boots with leggings to elongate look of legs if needed.

Consider length of shorts in relation to heel on boots. The shorter the shorts, the flatter the heel. Remember, we are keeping it classy!

Darker boots, like black or brown, work well and make your legs look their best.
A pointed toe on your boot will also make the legs look longer. It’s all about perception.

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Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe

36 chicken wings
1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
you can add 1/4 tsp of salt and some pepper if you want.
3/4 cup wing sauce OR 3/4 cup of a hot sauce  + 3/4 cup of melted butter
vegetable oil for the fryer

frozen wings will need to be thawed first and then patted dry.

Mix flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large dish or ziploc bag. Wings in batches and roll or shake until covered.

Freeze the floured wings in freezer for 15 minutes. This will help the breading stick.

Heat oil to 375 degrees Place wings in deep fryer basket and place in oil Cook 10 to 15 minutes or til wing extremities turn dark

Pour wing sauce or hot sauce with butter combo into a clean container with a lid or ziploc bag

Drain cooked wings on some paper towels for a minute=== don't let cool=== transfer with tongs to container or ziploc and shake til covered with sauce

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and some cut up celery, carrots, or really any raw veggies.

 Kitchen  tip:
save the oil for a later use by skimming off any solid yuck. Use paper towels You may need to change paper towel Chill til later use.
Thrifty Tip:
At most restaurants wings range around .75 cents a week. This method prepares the wings for around .40 cents per wing.



 You may also want to try this recipe for buffalo chicken wing muffins

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Celebrate the Cowboy with Cow Chip Throwing and Cookie Recipes

Cow chip throwing contests have become quite popular. But I am not sure if I myself would participate or not. Cow chips or Cow Pats have other issues other than entertainment value. They are used as fuel for heating and cooking around the world. In fact, not only cow droppings but also elephants, camels and buffalos.

Two close related villages of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin are proud of their annual Wisconsin Cow Chip Throwing Contest. But they were not the first to celebrate throwing this natural resource. It was actually Beaver Oklahoma that hosted the first Cow Chip  Throwing Contest.

while the cowchips above would not be very tasty the cookie recipe below takes care of the tastiness enjoy!!!!

Cow Chip Cookie
recipe resource here

1- pound 4 sticks butter, unsalted, softened

1½ cups dark brown sugar packed

1½ cups light brown sugar packed

1 cup granulated or white sugar

4 large eggs room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3½ cups all-purpose flour sifted

1½ teaspoons table salt

¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt optional

2 teaspoons baking soda

1½ cups good quality mini semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips 

or 9 ounces chopped chocolate

Preheat oven to 375F and line three baking sheets with 

parchment paper or Silpat.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda.

Cream butter on MED-HIGH until smooth; add all sugars and beat 

on HIGH until smooth - approximately 2 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla and beat on MED-HIGH until incorporated.

Add flour mixture, place mixer on LOW and blend until dry ingredients are moistened.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Make balls with 2 tablespoons dough (or us a 2-tablespoon scoop)

 and place dough balls 4” apart on the baking sheet. 8 cookies 

to each cookie sheet. Cookies will be 4” in diameter when cooked.

Bake cookies at 375F for 9-11 or until golden brown. I bake 

them 10 minutes in my oven.

Remove cookies from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet 

3 minutes.

If possible, use a thin-gauged metal spatula to transfer 

cookies to a cooling rack to completely cool.

Enjoy

In the mood for some cowboy recipes check these out

Cowboy Recipe Style Meal

Cowboy Caviar




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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bacon is one of those things that nearly everyone likes. If you are one of the few that do not like it (((LOOKING AT YOU STRANGELY)))) I beg you to try this tasty recipe. Bacon wrapped little wienies is perfect for any get together. This time of year I am thinking of football game tailgates and the sort.

 Only three ingredients (talk about simple!) plus only 5 minutes of prep time. All you have to do is:

Wrap each smokie with a piece of bacon. Secure bacon in place with a toothpick.
Place smokies on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Sprinkle brown sugar over the smokies.
Bake for 30-40 minutes.


Other great Bacon recipes
Double Cheeseburger
Creamy Corn and Bacon Dip
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon
BLT tea sandwiches


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National Nutrition Week

The first week of September (September 1-7) is known as National Nutrition week. It aims at intensifying nutrition / health related awareness among the masses which can proufoundly impact productivity and economic growth.

The foundation of human development by imparting immunity therefore reducing morbidity, mortality and disability is known as Nutrition. Life long learning is helped via nutrition. Malnutrition lowers IQ and impairs cognitive ability of the children, thus affecting their school performance and productivity in later life. Likewise, low birth weight babies not only have impaired immune function but are at a greater risk of non communicable disease during their adulthood.

A healthy diet includes

In days to come we will take a look at the six essentials of nutrition


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Get Your Enthusiasm Back

We all have those days=-== those days where we fell low energy and down in the dumps. Having a down day is no good, it is not good for home, workplace or in our own heads. I don't know about you but I love being around enthusiastic people. It seems to keep me in a good mood and enthusiastic as well. A day full of passion, inspiration and drive over every aspect even the little things.

One of the first things to do to keep that feeling of enthusiasm is to be yourself. If we pretend to be someone or something else to fit in then we run out o energy by doing just that. Only when we act like our selves and it occurs naturally do we get that natural feeling of enthusiasm out of life

Find the things that make you happy. What are you passionate about and what do you care about. Just when you may think about giving up and letting go it may be what and who you are that brings you back to the goal of being happy and enthusiastic What is it that you want to do in the future?? You may have both long term and short term goals. Your enthusiasm will grow as you attain your goals

Create a plan f how you will achieve your goals. A sort of road map to how you will reach where you want to be.  With a plan at hand you should not play the victim card. You are a strong person who can turn around all situations with positivity. It should not matter what others think or say.

Keeping individuals around you that are enthusiastic, optimistic, and positive thinking will help to reach your goal. Those who discourage you  or negative should be shunned. Enthusiasm and positivity are contagious and catches on fast so all those around begin to warm up. Likewise, keep your attention on the matters at home rather than thinking of other issues.

Getting enough sleep, physical exercise, and healthy food habits will help increase your energy level leading to a more enthusiastic life.



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Importance of School Attendance

My children have been in school a full week now. Other children have been attending school longer and others may have not started yet. One of the most important thing all students share is the importance of attendance. School attendance is important because:

Good school attendance and promptness to classes are important in the future as well as now. 

• Being successful in school often depends on being on task and attendance is where it may all begin

September is a month that brings awareness to school attendance. Research has shown that absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance through the school year. A few tips to avoid unnecessary absences include:

• being prepared for the first day of school, know the required immunizations and materials needed
• do not allow your child to stay home unless they are truly sick
• talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents to help alleviate child's anxiety about going to school
• Have a back up plan to get to school if something goes wrong. Can you call a family member a neighbor or other parent
• keep school attendance hours free, schedule needed appointments around school if possible. 

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Muffin Tin Breakfast

When one considers what makes up an American breakfast bacon and eggs or pancake and sausage may come to mind. Today  I share with you a breakfast twosome in one. The muffin tin breakfast offers hash and eggs for breakfast

1 can (15 and 1/2 ounces) corned beef hash
6 large eggs
salt and pepper - to taste
1/2 package of Betty Crocker corn muffin mix*

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Generously grease 12 muffin cups. Press about 2 Tablespoons of hash in each of 6 muffin cups, making deep indentation in center of hash. Break an egg into each hash cup; season with salt and pepper.

Prepare muffin mix as directed; fill remaining muffin cups 1/2 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and eggs are desired doneness.

4 to 6 servings.\


original recipe from betty crocker

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Are You A Responsible Dog Owner

For pet lovers, sharing our lives with our pet is a privilege of sorts. It is a privilege that comes with responsibilities It does not matter what pet we have as they all have things in common they offer companionship and in return we take care of them. They are not just accessories that can be thrown aside and forgotten about. Rather, pets need love, care and devotion. 

The term "responsible pet ownership" means different things to different people. Like raising children we all have our own methods. When we choose to share our lives with a pet we are choosing to make that pet part of our life as well. They will depend on us for every need that they have for the rest of their life.

Our pets offer loyalty and friendship every day. It is apparent in the excitement that they show when we arrive home, purring or tail wagging when we spend time with them. and cuddling with us when we have had a bad day. We give back to them thru offering food and shelter, Other things you can do to show your commitment are:

• Our pets are also part of the family. The heredity of pack animals leaves many animals desiring the warmth and love of a family
• You may be surprised on what household items may harm a pet , do a bit of research and pet proof your home
• As we go to the doctor when needed so should our animals visit the vet. 
• Prevent unwanted pets by having our pets spayed and neutered. These pets often live longer and healthier than those that are not. 
• I.D. tags will help you identify your pet if they are lost or stolen. Many consider microchipping as well
• In nature our pets would be able to get their own exercise. In situations where they are kept exercise may not be able to get naturally. It is still needed to help keep them fit, and prevent moments of bad behavior. 
• Your vet should be able to help you with what type of food and how much for your pet. Your pet should be on a regular, portion controlled diet to help with weight management and prevent weight related health problems
• Visiting others with pets allows you to meet new friends and helps your pet as well help cut down on their energy level
• Love is something that goes both ways. You are most likely your pets favorite thing in the whole world. In return you offer love, attention and care. 

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Orange Creamsicle Puppy Chow

5 oz orange colored candy melts (Orange cream flavored, if you can find them. See my note above.)
5 oz white chocolate or white vanilla candy melts
5 cups rice chex cereal, divided in 2 parts
3/4 cup orangesicle cake mix
3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions

1. Put 2 1/2 cups rice chex cereal into a medium sized bowl.
2. Slowly melt the orange candy melts in the microwave, stopping it every 30 seconds or so to make sure it doesn’t burn.
3. Add melted candy melts to chex cereal and lightly stir to coat evenly. Be careful to not break the chex cereal too much.
4. Add the dry creamsicle cake mix to the covered chex cereal and lightly stir to coat evenly. You could add the chex cereal and cake mix to a ziplock bag, then shake, but save yourself the bag.
5. Repeat the same process with the white chocolate and remaining chex cereal, but substitute the powdered sugar for the creamsicle cake mix.
6. Allow both flavors to dry and combine.

recipe resource here

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Be More Like Mary Poppins

The summer of 1964 saw the release of the film Mary Poppins. The most famous nanny in the world was introduced to the world via a movie with her name. Mary Poppins hosted both animation and live action. Several social issues were shared through the scenes of the film as well. The issues of the 1960s are some of the same that face the world today.

The movie Mary Poppins was well received and in 1965 it was nominated for 13 academy awards. The movie would capture 5 awards. Julie Andrews would win the award for best actress and that unforgettable music would win the movie the award for best score. Mary Poppins was also the only Disney movie to win the award of  Best Picture.

The movie was simply Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Those in acting roles were awesome and delivered the story through a child's perception. The movie was lively with both animation and live acting. But, perhaps it was the music throughout the film that offered its best success story. Everyday life was shared with a hint of magic is perfect for all adults and children alike.


Mary Poppins did not shy away from the social views of the day. The social issues of the time were battled head on through different parts of the movie. 1964 was the year that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act banned employment discrimination based on sex. Mary Poppins and Mrs. Banks were icons of the feminism era. They chose to be happy , cheery Disney coated characters that voiced political equality and equal rights. Mary Poppins shared a view of how children can be raised with structure and organization but always with a bit of fun. Mr. Banks also set a tone and example of how to be a family man and happy together.

Mary Poppins in Today's World would :

• talk with more fun spirited metaphors like in the movie "Sometimes a person we love,  through no fault of his own, cant see past the end of his nose" which is a nicer way to say that people are oblivious. Mary's speech was whimsical and charming. 
• She would always be prepared for whatever came her way. It was Mary Poppins way of making life better to have at hand any item that served a purpose
• While she did the same sort of things that me and you do, she also did things that were highly different like sliding up a staircase banister rather than down. The key here is to not be too predictable, while save predictability can be a bit boring as well
• Choose good friends that can help you with what you are working on and care about. In the movie Mary and Bert were great friends
• One lesson that my grandmother often stressed and one that I am sure Mary would agree with is not to judge anything by simply the way it looks. If this would have happened perhaps the story of Mary Poppins would never have been told
• Use the words that are needed to be said when they are needed to be said. Mary did just this and when the words wont come simply take them with a spoonful of sugar. The sweet things in life help the unsavory things go down better. 

P L Travers the author of the books that the movie Mary Poppins was based on were both popular and successful so it only goes to reason that the movie would be as well.



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Gone But NEver Forgotten

Like many music was a big part of my life growing up. I had a great friend in highschool that was a big fan of Michael Jackson. I learned from her more than just his songs as she was a mega fan that loved to share with me all she found out. That was a great time and he was a great musician, at times I feel he had a hard life.

I was in Florida at a youth camp when we heard about the death of Michael Jackson. There was over 1000 children there and it was a bit chaotic when they heard the news. It seemed they all knew him and his music and they felt the pain when he took his last breath. There was much comfort for these young folks and I could tell that the power and love my friend in school had for this man was the same love that these teens held for him as well.

Michael Jackson was an singer and entertainer that many enjoyed listening to and watching. On this date, August 29th, his birthday I have only one thing to say.

Do You Recall The Power Rangers

Do you know the characters in the picture above?? If your answer was power rangers you are exactly right. Perhaps you were  previously a power ranger fan and you may be one still or perhaps like me it is a child in your life that loves the power rangers. The power rangers have covered a generation of fans in our family from our son's love for them in the early days to our grandson being in love with them now.

It was 25 years ago in August that the Power Rangers arrived on the scene. Children growing up in the late 80s and early 90s watched as the rangers jumped, spun and battled into their lives. Today, there are 100s of different rangers. One of the long standing rangers Tommy Oliver and don't forget the powers of Zordon.

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Norman Rockwell an American Artist /// Illustrator

One American author, painter and illustrator that was influential in my own life was Norman Percevel Rockwell. The works of art he created were popular among many in the United States as they offered a reflection of American culture. The illustrations of everyday life  he created for the Saturday Evening Post magazine helped him reach the spot of a famous artist.

Rockwell had a close relationship with the Boy Scouts of America that spanned 64 years. He often produced covers for the Boys' Life, calendars, and other illustrations. Images of the Scout Oath and Scout Law such as the Scoutmaster and Scouts. During war years Rockwell helped create magazine covers for the Post. "Rosie the Riveter" was created

During the life of Norman Rockwell he produced more than 4,000 original works. Most of the works are either in public collections or have been destroyed in fires and other misfortunes. Rockwell's illustrations can be seen in books such as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Many U.S. presidents have had their portraits painted by this famous artist as well. Celebrities such as Judy Garland, Colonel Sanders have had their portraits created by Rockwell Pieces of Coca Cola advertising don the work of Norman Rockwell on cards, stamps and other pieces

Some artist do not regard the work of Norman Rockwell to be created from a "serious painter" At times Rockwell has been considered an "illustrator" instead of an artist. Many other rumors had been told of Norman as well. Late in life Norman Rockwell received attention from critics as a painter as he created pieces that were related to serious issues in life. Issues such as school racial integration,




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Use Less Salt ---- Keep The Flavor

Ever wonder how you could get lots of flavor in your food and still cut back on salt?? The answer is in using herbs. Today, August 29th is a great day to set a new cooking habit as it is "More Herbs, Less Salt Day." Don't get me wrong our bodies need salt but often we use too much salt. Too much salt can lead to consequences that are not good for us. Consequences such as bloating and water retention to hypertension and heart disease.

Seasonings that add flavor to food and allows you cut back on salt

• Garlic powder: Use in meats, poultry,fish, vegetables, salads, soups, and stews.
• Nutmeg: Use in vegetables and meats. 
• Onion powder: Use in meats, poultry, seafood, soups, and salads. 
• Paprika: Use in meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables. 
• Saffron: Use in breads, snacks, soups, stews, poultry, seafood, sauces, and rice.  
• Cayenne pepper: Use in meats, poultry, stews, and sauces.
• Chili powder: Use in meats, poultry, vegetable, fish and stews. 
• Cinnamon: Use in salads, vegetables, breads, and snacks. 
• Clove: Use in soups, salads, and vegetables. 
• Cumin: Use in meats and poultry. 
• Curry powder: Use in meats, shellfish, and vegetables.

Herbs and foods that pair well include:

• Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.) with potatoes and red meat 
• Sage Salvia officinalis (L.) with chicken and pork 
• Basil Ocimum basilicum (L.) with tomato sauces 
• Dill Anethum graveolens (L.) with salmon 
• Thyme Thymus vulgaris (L.) with just about everything! 
• Oregano Origanum vulgare (L.) with traditional Greek and Mexican dishes

Some of the most common herbs include 

• Cilantro==== often used in Mexican recipes such as guacamole and salsa. Cilantro is rich in vitamin K and calcium Cilantro is good for our bones, helps protect the body from oxidative stress damage, and helps draw heavy metals out of body. 
• Cinnamon====== bold flavored used in both sweet dishes as well as savory ones. Cinnamon can help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar. 
• Ginger ===== goes well with salmon , salads and soups. Helps control nausea or vomiting of morning sickness or sea sickness. It is also used for indigestion to promote a quicker emptying of the stomach. Ginger is also a great inflammatory 
• Ginseng ====== The chinese have used this herb in medicine for thousands of years. It helps to boost energy both mentally and physically, helps fight common colds Ginseng taste great in soup or with chicken. The slightly bitter, licorice sweet flavor offered by Ginseng is desired by many
• Oregano==== Often found in Mediterranean style of cooking. The taste provided via Oregano is a robust, earthy taste and aroma. The spice offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits that help protect from food - borne illnesses and infections. Oregano can also offer help from gastrointestinal problems and slow the growth of cancer cells. Oregano taste best  when served with rice dishes, salads, soups, and tomato dishes.

The best way to find your favorite flavor is to try your favorite recipe using different herbs. 

Giveaway alert

New giveaway alert at Heck of a bunch for a Children's Book Names of God. 

• Want to share the bible and lessons from it to your child?? Not sure how to do it?? This is a great way to share stories and bible references in a way that you child will gain a better knowledge of because it is written with children in mind. 

Enter to win before this giveaway ends September 10 2018 

Cool Off with Cherry Popsicle

One of my favorite summer time or really any time treats are popsicles. Whether they are homemade or store bought they are delicious and don't worry you can find some on the calorie conscious side if you are into that as well. I must not be alone as popsicles can be found sold as treats at many amusement parks, zoos, aquatic centers and more. in fact, cherry popsicles have their own national day and today, August 26th is it. 

August is often a very hot month and when it is hot we need something to cool us down just a bit. Sure, we have the AC to help keep us cool or we could even jump in the pool or run through the sprinkler but if you want something to cool you off at once try a popsicle. 

Here is an idea why not throw a get together to celebrate the cherry popsicle. Now, you could head to the store to purchase your favorite popsicles or you could make your own. If you choose to make your own check out these cherry lime popsicles easy to make and oh so good. 

1 cup water

1/4 cup honey
2 cups cherries
1/3 cup lime juice

In a sauce pan, combine the water and honey. Heat on medium-high while stirring until most of the honey has disintegrated. Some foam might occur, stir and set aside.

Pit the cherries and juice the lime. Combine in a food processor and the water and honey mixture. Process until smooth and almost no cherry pieces remain.

Pour into cup or a popsicle mold and add wooden sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Carefully remove from molds using hot water along the outside. Enjoy or store in freezer.


recipe source here

Equality Rights Day

Today, August 26, marks an important date in Women's history in the United States. The date of August 26, 1920 saw the adoption of the 19th Amendment. The date was a victory for all those that had battled ferociously for the cause.  The 19th amendment allowed all women to vote as they could no longer be denied the right to vote on the basis of sex. 

Women's Equality day was granted by President Richard Nixon September 7, 1970. In 1973 Congress designated the day as Women's Equality Day. The date was granted at a time when the women's rights movement demanded freedom for American women. While this seems some time ago, and for my young readers may seem like a date in the far past the truth is that it was truly under 50 years ago when the American women were granted the day to celebrate equality. 

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as Women’s Equality Day, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women’s rights took place."

The battle for equality has come a long way from the day of women being considered to be property of their husband. The law of Coverture prohibited married women from signing legal documents, owning property or having a profession. The leaders of the 1848 Seneca Falls, N.Y demanded a change of equality focusing on issues at hand that would eventually lead to the 19th amendment Women demanded many changes including 

• the right to a higher education
• economic rights of women
• the right to have a good job
• the right to own property
• the right to vote.

Today women still battle for equality. With under 20% of congressional seats being held by women and only around 1/4 of all state seats are held by women. In the local government women only mayar about 1/10th of the largest cities in the United States. It is clear to see that women still do not represent the government or its people equally. Possible reasons include: 

• women are still being raised to avoid careers in politics
• women take their personal responsibilities in the home keep them from world of politics
• women are not as active even after obtaining the right to vote

The United States trails other western countries in the number of women in the workforce. The gap between governmental, business an societal support of working women. Programs such as family leave, alternative work arrangements, part time employment and other measures to help women in the workplace have been neglected. Improvements need to be made in each of these areas so that more women can get, keep and maintain a job. 

Some occupations still do not provide equality for both men and women. Women have started to find the workplace easier to enter there are still more women striving to enter the traditional male workforce than men attempting to take jobs that are thought to belong in the women world. This in turn creates a gender gap. 

A pay gap between men and women still exist in the United States as well. The gap has been narrowing since the Equal Pay Act the gap has slowed to a halt in the last 20 - 30 years. One reason is that women are often hired in lower paying jobs leaving the higher paying jobs for men. Often statistics show that even when men and women hold the same job that men make more than women. Women with children often receive about 10% less pay than men and women without children. 

Education has seen some changes as well with more women attending college. The most noticeable gender segregation now is in the type of degree that is pursued.  Women primary degrees are education and nursing and degrees sought by men being engineering. It also seems that men are allowed a slight advantage over women when applying for highly selective universities. However, in 1992 women started to attend college at higher number than men. 

While there are still issues to battle when it comes to gender equality in the United States the changes since the beginning are great This day honors all those that gave their time, selves and endless work to the cause of women equality 

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How to Prepare your Herb Garden for Winter

Sage is one herb that will need no special treatment for winter. The frost will stop the growth of sage but before that happens cut a branch or two to dry and use in Thanksgiving day stuffing.


Rosemary is a tender evergreen perennial that should be taken care of prior to the cold months. If left outside it should first be sheltered. IF you choose to take inside it can be potted up in containers and kept inside for the winter.

Thyme is a herb that seems to be nearly indestructible as it goes dormant in the fall and revives its self in the spring. 

Parsley, may be able to stand up to a light frost but if it is any colder it should be covered up for protection.

Chives are hardy and can be dug up by the clump and potted. The foliage will die down. The pot of chives should be kept inside in a sunny cool spot. Throughout the winter be sure to keep watered

Shopping Tips ::::: Thrift Store

One thing that I love to do is shop. With a large family I have shopped many different places some of my favorites are thrift stores. After gaining experience at shopping thrift stores I would like to share some tips with you as well.

Most times we go shopping as a family but even we go as a family I secretly wish I could shop alone. Taking my time and looking at the pieces on the rack have often helped me find the best pieces. IF I take someone that easily gets distracted boredom will set in and following boredom is whining. So if possible when you are shopping to fill the wardrobe go alone.

Look at the items carefully, very carefully. Quality items can be found but they must be sorted out from those that are not. You must find the size you are looking for as well so the two of them together makes it clear why you must take your time and look at it all piece by piece. There are great pieces but you need to be selective and find the ones you are looking for and not settle.

There is speed reading, speed dating and thrift store shopping swill help you become a speed shopper. There are hundreds of items to look through so while you look carefully you need to do so with a bit of speed. First step, take a good look with your eyes. Many higher end store brands are present in the racks of clothing. Finding them is the goal if that is what you are into. Name brand items are normally in good condition as they start with material that holds up well. In addition, their are pieces that often still have the original price tag at our local store. That is always a plus.


While brands that we love are great dont be afraid to look at items that are brands that we are not aware of  Be sure that you buy what fits well, what you feel good in and what you need. Be sure that you inspect each item, after all you are shopping at a thrift store minor issues may be present. It is always better to find these issues before you buy the item.