Hug A GI

Hug a GI Day started by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1996. Celebrated the 4th day of March each year gives all Americans a command to "March Forth" and offer Thank you to our service men and women. Those that serve in the military provide an invaluable service to our country while risking their own freedom and safety. Offering a simple hug or personal message is a small token of thanks for the sacrifices they make every day.

Some great organizations that help GI's and gives us a chance to say thank you are:

A Million Thanks www.amillionthanks.org: This organization provides support and appreciation to active duty and veteran service men and women through letters, granting betterment of life wishes and helping fund college scholarships for their children.

Adopt a Platoon www.adoptaplatoon.org: This organization provides ongoing mail support for service men and women and their families. Individuals or groups can pledge to write letters or send care packages to one service member or as many as entire platoon. Their mission is to ensure that all service members are not forgotten.

Blue Star Mothers www.bluestarmothers.org: This organization is made up of mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and legal guardians of service men and women. Their goal is to support each other and their children during their time of service. Their mission is to make sure that no service member, veteran or fallen warrior is forsaken or forgotten.

Books for Soldiers www.booksforsoldiers.com: This volunteer organization sends care packages of books, DVDs, games and relief supplies as requested by the soldiers. This network of volunteers is operated by Red Grail Ministries, an interfaith relief church whose main goal is to provide comfort, counseling and fellowship to individuals in crisis situations.

Cell phones for Soldiers www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com: This nonprofit organization recycles donated cell phones and turns them into calling cards for active duty service members and veterans. They are dedicated to providing cost-free communications.

Homefront Hugs www.homefronthugs.org: This organization serves the troops and their families. Their mission is to ensures that no hero is forgotten as long as freedom means sacrifice. They have many programs for individuals, groups, as well as kids and teens to get involved in.

Operation Gratitude www.operationgratitude.com: This organization sends care packages to new recruits, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, care givers of wounded, and to individual service members. Their mission is to lift the spirits and meets the needs of active duty and veteran communities. They help allow all Americans to express their appreciation.

United Service Organizations www.uso.org: The USO has been serving men and women of the military since 1941 and their mission is to lift the spirits and support military men and women and their families until everyone comes home. The USO offers many ways for individuals in get involved in support of our troops.

Dame's Rocket

If you are looking for an easy plant to grow then today's plant will work for you. Dame's Rocket is popular in flower gardens but they can also be grown as wildflowers. Some even consider it an invasive weed. The USDA refers to Dame's Rocket as "weedy and invasive" 

The Dame's Rocket is native to Japan. A member of the mustard family the plant was first introduced in the U.S. in the 1600's The quick spread of it was due to the plant itself. 

Those that create flower arangements love Dame's Rocket as well. They are fragrant, colorful with colors ranging from white, pink or purple. They grow in large loose clusters from May to August. 

The plants can be found in nature around woodlands where they can live hapily in  light shade area. 

Peach Blossom Cake

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Unlike the name suggests, there are no real peaches in this cake - just a pretty peachy swirl of colour inside and a really light and fluffy texture.

1/2 c butter

1 cup sugar

3 egg whites

1.5 cups self raising flour

1.5 teaspoon cornflour

1/2 cup milk

cochineal (scarlet food colouring)

Cream butter & sugar until white and fluffy, add stiffly beaten egg whites and then remaining ingredients.  Divide mixture into two bowls - leave one plain and add a small dash of cochineal to the other.  Alternate spoonfuls of the coloured and plain cake mix into the cake tin.

Bake in a moderate oven (180 degrees) until cooked through nicely.  Ice once cool and enjoy.

Happy Days..... Laundry Day

Housewives of yesterday had a much harder time doing what was expected than the housewives of today. That is very apparent by the many T.V. shows that are on featuring housewives. The truth is that housewives now days are somewhere in the middle of these two but a whole lot easier than yester year.

Laundry in the olden days was done by hand. Soaking, beating, scrubbing, and rinsing the dirty linens was something that took lots of work. Indoor plumbing was not yet invented and the water had to be carried in, boiled and then the rinsing began. Between 8 to 10 buckets of water were drug in from the pump, well or spring. The water would be reused from the first wash to the last starting with the least soiled clothing.

Soap would be rinsed out with clear water then rolled into a ball, twisted by hand with water being extracted. Laundry would be done one day a week as it would take the entire day to complete.

Today March 3rd would have made many happy as it was on this day that Laundry became easier with Briggs and the first patent for the washing machine

National Cold Cuts Day

5 Trivia Facts about National Cold Cuts

1. Cold cuts are sliced, precooked or cured meat, often sausages or meat loaves.
2. Usually they are served on sandwiches or a platter with cheese and crackers.
3. They are most commonly for sale vacuum-packed at the grocery store or sliced-to-order at the deli.
4. Most pre-sliced cold cuts are higher in fat, nitrates, and sodium than those that are sliced to order.
5. The CDC advises that those over 50 reheat cold cuts to “steaming hot” 165 °F (73.9 °C) and use them within four days.

The Dagwood sandwich has been around for quite a long period of time and mad especially famous by the Blondie and Dagwood cartoon strip series. In honor of the Superbowl I am sharing with you as my vintage Thursday Recipe for a dagwood sandwich

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch cajun seasoning

10 thick slices white sandwich bread

1/4 pound sliced pepperoni

1/4 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

1/2 pound thinly sliced turkey breast

1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone

1/2 pound thinly sliced roast beef

1/4 pound thinly sliced mild Cheddar

1/2 pound thinly sliced pastrami

1/4 pound thinly sliced pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack

1/2 pound sliced salami

5 pieces thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and halved

1 medium tomato, cut into thin slices

10 whole green leaf lettuce leaves, washed, patted dry, and stem end removed

3 red cherry tomatoes

3 small pickle slices

3 long metal skewers

Combine mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Season with chopped garlic and cajun seasoning. Arrange 5 bread slices on a large cutting board. Spread 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise mixture evenly on each slice. Layer the meat and cheeses evenly among the bread slices in this order: pepperoni, Swiss, turkey, provolone, roast beef, cheddar, pastrami, pepper jack, and salami. (Fold the meats so that the sandwiches will stack evenly on top of each other.) Top each of the sandwiches with tomato slices and the remaining bread slices. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture on top of each sandwich and lay 2 bacon halves on top of each sandwich. Place 1 cherry tomato and 1 pickle slice through each skewer. Carefully build the Dagwood Sandwich by stacking all 5 sandwiches on top of each other. Separate the sandwiches by placing 2 lettuce leaves in between. To keep the sandwich tower from falling over, fit the skewers into the sandwich tower all the way through the center. To serve, pull off the desired amount of bread, meat and cheese

Mulled Wine

National Mulled Wine Day is on the 3rd day of March each year. There is nothing more enjoyable on a rainy, cold and damp night like tonight than a warm sip to say good bye to winter and get ready for spring. 

Rome first served the warmed wines known as mulled. It was around the 2nd century and the Romans traveled the continent. The Romans through their explorations would share the mulled wine recipes with others. England, Germany, The Netherlands and Austria are all areas that the mulled wine would be shared with.

Sweden and Norway refers to the mulled wine as Glogg Germany calls it gluhwein. The French and Italian also call it by other names. The drink is normally served during the holiday season and as a festive drink. Bonfires and parties also serve up the mulled wine. 

There are many recipes for mulled wine. Red wine is used in most recipes. The trick is that the recipes add a variety of mulling spices. Ginger, cloves, cinnamon and anise are all considered mulling spices. Fruit may be added to the recipes as well. The most popular fruits are orange slices, raisins or cranberries. The drink is always served warm but may be served piping hot as well. 

This mulled wine can also be served in a crock-pot, after you strain the boiled mixture, to keep hot for a party. Some recipes may suggest floating orange slices on top while you keep the mulled wine hot, but if the slices are left in too long, the wine can become bitter.

Quick Question , a bit of fun

Can you imagine if dogs and cats had opposable thumbs?? If they were able to open their own food or treat containers. What about the refrigerator door, I am sure that they would find lots of treasures in there. What about finding a new ride, after all they would be able to hitchhike. 

What do you think would happen if our pets had thumbs?? 

National Anthem Day

March 3rd is a day to celebrate your national anthem. Here in the United States you would hear this song.

What is the song you would hear where you live??

Etta James was an amazing entertainer. She sang across the genres and time. Each musical piece whether it be blues, rhythm, rock and roll, soul, gospel or jazz had a piece of Etta in it. Etta entered the musical world in the mid 1950s. Songs such as Dance With Me, Henry, At Last or Tell Mama were pieces that she shared with the world. During her musical career she faced a number of personal problems that included addiction. In the late 1980s she reappeared on the stage of music with the album The Seven Year Itch

Etta James had a sound of her own in a musical world that demanded perfection. She is regarded as having bridged the gap between the rhythm and blues era into rock and roll. During her career she won six grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. In 1993 she was nominated and inducted into the Rock & roll hall of fame. Etta was also included in the blues hall of fame as well as the grammy hall of fame. Rolling Stones ranked James as number 22 on the list of the 100 greatest singers of All Time and number 62 on the list of the 100 greatest artists.

Do you Know A Pet Sitter

When my friend found herself out of work she looked for a new job but was unable to find one that met with her needs and something that she qualified for. Living in a big city you would think she would find a job somewhere but it seemed a bit hopeless. Then she got an idea she would use her love of pets and offer her skills to other pet owners. Now she has her own business as a pet sitter. Have you ever thought of being a pet sitter? Let me share a bit about this job in case you are interested Anyone who has a pet loves them and wants the best for them. Even if they do not have the full time to do the best for them they know their pet deserves it. Often pet owners look for help just as a mother of a young child would. It is here where pet owners will look for a worthy person to care for their pet during their absence.  Pet sitters help your pet stay in their own home where they are secure. With familiar routines, diet and exercise your pet will be happier. There are kennels that can help you care for your pet but then they have the chance of being exposed to illness of other animals. As a pet sitter you and the pet will be happy offering each other love and attention  As a professional pet sitter will help the pet owner by offering them a chance to not feel guilty about leaving their pet to go to work , school or to do errands. A pet sitter may become a home sitter as well if the pet owner must go away for a short period of time.  IF this sounds like something you would like then go ahead and take that step to becoming a pet sitter. Let your friends and family know that you are available and offer your services.

Salute to The Elders

As a caregiver of residents in a nursing home. I take time to remember that they are human beings just like you and me. That they still dream and breathe and wake up each day looking forward to the simple things of life. So the next time you go visit your relative or hear about a visit remember that they are humans and take your time with them because once upon a time they did for you.

Peanut Butter Lovers Day

The first day of March will delight Peanut Butter Lovers. National Peanut Butter Lover's day is a sticky sort of day with lots of lovers to celebrate their favorite choice of peanut butter spread. We often send our kid out the door with a PB & J and right we are as PB offers great protein to keep them going. Peanut butter can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, and celery as well as in a variety of great recipes. 

Ever thought about playing with peanut butter?? Well when you make play dough from peanut butter you can do just that

Edible Play Dough

1/2 cup Peanut Butter

1 cup powdered milk

1/2 cup honey

Mix up, play with like playdough  

Another quick recipe that will be great for supper or to take to the next picnic or potluck check out this recipe for no bake PB pie

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 deep dish graham cracker or chocolate flavored crust
whipped topping
chocolate syrup

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar. Mix well. Add peanut butter and mix. Slowly add milk and mix well. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into pie crust and cover. Freeze for at least 30 minutes. Pipe extra whipped topping around edge of pie. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

and yet another delicious treat that you can try is these St. Patricks Day Peanut Butter Irish Buckeyes

Irish Buckeyes

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 bag white chocolate chips

green food coloring

(mini chocolate chips are optional)

Mix the peanut butter and butter until creamy, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. You can also add mini chocolate chips here too, if you've got to have that chocolate fix!  Roll into balls and place on a sheet covered with wax paper.  Melt white chips and stir in desired amount of food coloring.  Using a toothpick, dip balls in melted mixture and let harden on wax paper.  You can use almond bark for this too, if you'd like, but something funky always happens to my almond bark when I add food coloring and they just don't turn out as nice. 

Letter of Appreciation :: Coupons

To make ends meet in this day and time there are many of us who look for great deals. Sometimes we find a product that we truly love but perhaps it is a stretch for us to purchase. There is one proven manner in which to get a coupon for a product that you may other wise not be able to get. Write a letter of appreciation. Yes., that's right we all like to hear how well we do our job and companies are just like we are. They love to hear that a product of theirs is doing great and being enjoyed.

Here are a couple of sample letters. My advice is to write so that it will be original for you though, use the form letter to simply be an inspiration.


Sample Letter to manufacturer requesting coupons:

Hello, I am writing to let you know that we really enjoy using (name of product). (Write a few things you like about the product or how it helped in a specific situation, such as an illness or cleaning or just preparing.) We live on a budget and try to use coupons to help us stay within the budget. If you could send any coupons or samples of (name of product) we would really appreciate it. Thank you for such a wonderful product! Sincerely, (your name)



Dear (Company or brand) representative,

My family and I are loyal (Company or brand)customers, and we just love your products. While we are trying to stay within our strict grocery budget, we still like to splurge on (your ...or name the product) products once in a while. I would therefore like to ask, if it is possible to request coupons for your great products. If so, I would highly appreciate it.

March Is Adopt A Guinea Pig Month

How cute is a guinea pig?? I know my mother does not think they are very cute. My aunt Tunie bought me one at a local festival when I was a kid. Well, my mom did not like it but she did not say that I could not keep it. I did not have it long though as we could not afford a cage. We placed my new pet in a cardboard box, to which it promptly chewed out of. For quite some time my mother would see the guinea pig run through the house only to be fed whenever he would come close enough to get the food she had or we shared what we had. 

The guinea pig belongs in the rodent family. While you may be led to think that they belong in the pig family the truth is despite their name they do not.

 They are from Guinea but were originally from Andes. They are domesticated animals and therefore are not found naturally in the wild. The Indigenous South American groups use guinea pigs as food, folk medicine, and community religious ceremonies. 

Western societies consider the guinea pig a household pet. The European traders brought the pets to the U.S. in the 16th century. Guinea Pigs are easy to care for which continues to make them a popular pet. Breeders have took up the plea to create guinea pigs with varying coat colors and compositions to make those looking for pets happy. 

March is adopt a rescued guinea pig month. These small pets have their own personality that I am sure you will admire. There are lots of guinea pigs out there looking for a family. You can look at animal shelters, petfinder or other pet source in your area. 

Before you adopt a guinea pig you may want to know that they take special care that is different than a cat or a dog. For instance they eat a diet of hay, veggies and guinea pig food. They often poop a lot so they will take a lot of cleaning up after. Guinea Pigs also often make a lot of noise. If you are up for the challenge then head out and find your special pet and enjoy life together

Make It a Month for Alport Syndrome

Alport Syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss and eye abnormalities. Nearly all those who have this syndrome have blood in their urine which indicates abnormal function of kidneys. Around 1 in 50,000 children are affected. While Alport can affect the eye the changes do not normally affect sight

The alport syndrom was first identified by the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 1927.

Many are not aware of Alport and therefore bringing awareness to this rare disease is very important.



Do you part by:

• Joining ASF social media networks. 
• Like ASFs posts and share on your own social networks
• Share your story with others
• Share your story on social networks use the hashtag #AlportSyndrome and #AlportAwareness
• Do your part to check out the current therapy guides for your self or family members

Sadly while Alport is a devastating disease it does not receive the same level of attention that other diseases that affect millions of people do. Therefore it is important that those that can help share the information and draw awareness. Alport Syndrome is a rare disease that only affects 30-60 thousand individuals in the U.S. It accounts for 3% of children with chronic kidney disease and .2% adults with end stage renal disease. 

Cheerleading Week

The week of March 1st through the 6th recognizes cheerleading. Those girls and boys who have the enthusiasm to support their team and cheer them onto a win. They also are role models to all the little girls like Princess who want to grow up to be cheerleaders as well.


A cheerleader is often asked to enter new challenges and to try new things. A good cheerleader is always willing, not afraid to out of her comfort zone and try different routines. She loves to practice her cheers and does not simply think they are good enough. She realizes she is part of a squad and continues on practicing ensuring everyone meets their full potential. Practicing new stunts, cheers and such to make the routine spectacular where the crowd will react in a positive nature.

A good cheerleader realizes that practice makes perfect. Stunts often require members of the squad to be patient and not get bored after practicing the same stunt time and time again. While some members will learn the routine fast others will take longer and it is every cheerleaders goal to make sure all are the best they can be.

Good cheerleaders looks forward to the "shining" moments during performances and wants every member of the squad to have their share at the spotlight. Cheer-leading is not about one cheerleader but the entire squad of cheerleaders. By coordinating efforts of the squad the performance appeals to everyone. With such precision and synchronization the cheer-leading group does their job and the crowd will react with enthusiasm

One thing that none of us like is criticism. We practice and work toward the goal for long period of time only to hear criticism?? A cheer leader must be able to handle such criticism in order to grow and perfect the routine. A good cheer leader should keep an open mind and listen to other's point of view and be objective about it. Criticism should not be looked at as a personal attack but rather as a way to improve the routine.

.Does your child dream of being a cheerleader? Do they have the correct heart and attitude

March 1st Lion or Lamb

In Like A Lion Out Like A Lamb

Since I was a little girl I have heard the old saying : March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb. I decided to do a bit of research into this and turned to a favorite faithful resource of my parents and grandparents the Farmers Almanac

It seems that weather sayings come from a range of resources and may or may not be based on careful observations. Some are accurate and others are merely rhymes or beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. In the olden days it was believed that there were spirits that could affect the weather and so if you believed in this then you were very cautious as to what behaviors you had. The important thing to do was to keep a balance between your life and the weather. Thus the opposition between a lion and a lamb.

The truth is that this saying is simply a rhyme more than it is a true weather predictor. We all know that March weather is very unpredictable. Today here in our neighborhood March 1st has started with some freezing rain, snow on the ground and very cold. The hope is that since it March started like a lion it will end at peace like a lamb with lots of sun and warmth. We never really know though since March may offer us winter like weather or get warm like spring. My hopes are that you get the weather that you desire.

Family Fun Tip
On a calendar for the month of March keep tract of the days. If it is a cold day then place a Lion or if it is a spring like day place a Lamb. This should be a fun activity to see if the old saying is true for your weather or not. Have Fun

Leap Day Tornado

The last Leap Day that I celebrated this is what happened. An EF4 tornado hit our community and surrounding communities. The devastation left behind was amazing and drew our community together. The love within our hearts for each other is amazing. While things were destroyed that day, lives were lost we carried on. We will never forget that day but will continue to build stronger.

Reasoning Leap Year

Why do we have Leap Year:

I saw a cute piece on one of the early morning shows. I am not sure which one. I am sorry but I was at work. But the reason for leap year goes like this

For example just for a moment imagine that a cherry pie is equal to one year.

Now if you are not aware for the earth to complete orbit of the sun it takes 365.2422 days to complete. We use the Gregorian calendar which has 365 days a year but you can easily see that a full orbit consist of just a bit more than the 365 days. The extra time for the orbit to take place is excused via means of leap seconds. So each year we have what would average 1/4 of pie extra every year

Each year we are given an extra 1/4 of the pie of time and thus at the end of 4 years we have enough to equal an extra day. So every 4 years on February 29 we celebrate leap day.

Rare Disease Day

The last day of the month of February is a day that looks at rare disease. What makes up a rare disease is something that takes on different meanings in different parts of the world. A rare disease in Europe affects fewer than one in 2,000 people yet in the U.S. the standard is a bit different affecting 1 in 200,000. Most rare diseases are genetic in origin, still others are the result of infections, environmental or degenerative factors.

The goal of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness among the general public and decision makers. Since rare diseases do not affect as many as other diseases do I am sure that there may be many that are not aware they even exist. Rare Disease Day helps bring to light the impact that these diseases have on patients lives. The holiday was first observed in Europe in 2008. It was the European Rare Disease Organization that shared the holiday. The holiday was first celebrated in the U.S. only 2 years ago in 2014. 

The theme for 2016 Rare Disease Day is to celebrate the "patients voice" You can get involved in Rare Disease Day by:

• Telling others your story. If you love someone or are someone who has a rare disease then share your story with others. You never know it may help someone that hears you talk
• Take a selfie with a sign made celebrating Rare Disease Day and holding your hands high
• Join in an event, there are several planned, where Rare Disease Day is celebrated
• Follow Rare Disease Day on Social Media Twitter , Facebook, 

http://www.rarediseaseday.org/

Happy Leap Day

Happy Leap Day!!! May you Leap Into A Lucky Day and The Rest of the Year Be Leaping Beautiful. 

Spring To Me Brings Back Creamsicle

With the weather getting warmer my mind starts thinking about times gone by and the food we have enjoyed. Can your remember those delicious creamsicle frozen treats? I sure do and I thought I would share this yummy treat recipe with you. I think its perfect for Easter treats as well.

CreamSicle Fudge
(original recipe Woman's Day)

•6 oz (1.5 sticks) butter
•2 cups granulated sugar
•3/4 cup heavy cream
•1 package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
•1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (or fluff)
•1 tablespoon orange extract
•orange (or a combination of red and yellow) food coloring

Prepare a 13x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat. Continually stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, stir continuously for four minutes. After four minutes of boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Stir until the white chocolate has melted and the fudge is completely smooth. Working quickly, pour about a third of the white fudge into a bowl and set aside. To the remaining fudge, add the orange extract and orange food coloring, stirring until it is a smooth, even color. It is important to perform these steps quickly, because the fudge will start to set if you take too long, and the end result will not be smooth. Pour the orange fudge into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Drop the white fudge over the top by the spoonful, then drag a table knife or toothpick through the fudge to create orange-white swirls. You can spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press them into the top to smooth out the swirls, if desired. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. To cut, pull the fudge out of the pan using the foil as handles. Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into small 1-inch squares. Store Orange Creamsicle Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and bring it to room temperature to serve.

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Chemicals Among Us

Recently our daughters started to have some health problems. Upon going to the doctor they wanted to know what products we used to clean with as well as what they used to take their showers with I had no idea that we wold be changing all of the products that we bought. While this problem does not affect everyone it is here and many do not even know what it is that is causing it. Let me share with you a potential danger that may affect your life as well

There are so many things out there that are potential dangers to our selves and our families. If we are aware of what is in our environment we have more of a chance to offer protection and stay healthy. One thing is that we are not always aware of what is in the products that we use. Companies use chemicals to make cleaning and hygiene products and sometimes we are not always aware or know exactly what these chemicals are. 

One chemical found in shampoos, bubble bath, shower gels,and other products is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) This chemical is potentially dangerous and tests have shown that SLS can lead to physical reactions such as coughing, wheezing, headaches, hair loss, skin rashes, and other uncomfortable reactions. Chronic headaches, dermatitis, wheezing can all be related to SLS. 

SLS is a known foaming agent and that is why it is used in soaps and shampoos as well as cleaners. It helps to reduce surface tension in water. In soap SLS helps break up the natural oils found on your skin. This makes it easier to wash and clean. SLS is also very harsh on skin so it is advised to not use soap with SLS on your face or other area where skin is tender. SLS is a skin irritant that is used in lab testing to induce skin inflammation. 

If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to using SLS try eliminating the chemical from your daily use and see if it changes how you feel. 

Just because we purchase our cleaning products, moisturizers, shampoos off the shelf of our local supermarkets, and department stores does not mean they are a healthy and safe choice. Please check out the ewg at http://www.ewg.org for information on the toxicity of ingredients used in our daily lives. This is a terrific resource for you to look up the products or ingredients of items you use. Take a look and start changing the way you feed your skin you may just find you feel and look better than you ever have!

Help The Birds

While the weather is getting warmer I must remind all of us that it is still winter time. The birds do not have the capability to find all their food on their own and so we must help out little winged friends.To help your bird friends you will need a toilet paper roll, peanut butter and bird seed. Your bird friends will love you for their new treat. 

Make sure to remove all of the excess paper that may be stuck to your toilet paper roll.  Take a butter knife or spoon and spread peanut butter over the entire outside of the toilet paper roll.  It doesn’t have to be overly thick, but enough for seed to stick.

Once you have the roll completely covered pour your bird seed into a dinner plate.  Begin to roll the peanut butter covered toilet paper roll across the bird seed in the plate.  Hold the inside of the roll in order to avoid peanut buttered fingers!  Once the roll is covered you can roll with your hands to try to fill all of the holes.  When you are happy with the outcome simply slip your Bird Feeder over a tree branch or string yarn through the middle of the roll and tie to a branch. 

Preparing for Spring Break

The weather is getting warmer outside and soon it will be time to get away just for a bit. While my dream this spring is to head to Tennessee many others will be heading to the beaches and else where. Where is it you will go??

Make it a great spring break by planning ahead. Visit a booking agent to see what is available. Are there hotels where you will be visiting that has deals going on for spring vacation?? What about a car will you take your own , rent a car or maybe its time for a plane ride. A road trip is always nice to get out and see what is there but an airplane will get you there quicker.

If a road trip is what you decide upon then plan your route out. What can you find along the way?? Is there any special attractions on the route?? A road trip is made extra special with fun stops along the way.

Leave the credit cards in your wallet for emergencies. Use your cash instead. Using cash will help keep you aware of how much you are spending. Plan a budget before the trip to help you know how much cash you will need.

Check out the area where you will be wanting to book a hotel. What is available?? Are there any deals for booking ahead of time?? What extras do they offer?? One of our favorites offers free breakfast, snacks in the evening, free popcorn and soda as well as 3 drinks per adults over age of 21. These extras help make our trip awesome. Look for hotels that offer what you may be looking for as well. Swimming pools,work out rooms, hot tubs, and other entertainment are great ways to have family fun within the budget.

One other great way to save money is entertainment books. Entertainment books are often offered at hotels and include coupons and deals for attractions, restaurants and other great places to visit.

Have a safe, fun and most importantly memorable spring break

Sunday Dinner

2 chicken breasts

1 cup plain bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 tsp garlic powder 

1/4 tsp ground black pepper 

1 egg 1/4 cup milk 

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

1 jar spaghetti sauce 

2/3 lb ziti 

1/2 grated parmesan cheese 

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix egg and milk. Cut chicken tenders into 1.5 inch cubes. Dip chicken cubes in egg/milk mixture, and then roll in bread crumb mixture.
Saute garlic cloves in olive oil over medium heat. Pan fry chicken pieces until browned, approx. 4 minutes on both side.
While chicken is cooking, prepare ziti per package directions until al dente.
When chicken is done, remove from heat and let sit on a paper towel.
When ziti is done cooking, drain and pour into greased (Pam) 9x14 pan. Pour spagetti sauce over pasta, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Arrange chicken in single layer over pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over chicken, and bake in oven for 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until heated through and cheese melted.

Saturday Nine

Saturday 9: The Times of Your Life (1976)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song is all about memories. How far back can you remember? What's your earliest memory?

I shared today, a post about memories of my father. I believe my memories go back til I was around 5 or 6. At least my earlier memories do.

2) The first line is "Good morning, yesterday." What do you remember about yesterday morning?

I had to work so I got up at 5 as usual to be on floor at 6.

3) This song was originally a 60-second jingle, featured in a commercial for Kodak film. Do you ever use film? Or are all your pictures digital?

My pictures are digital but my mom still loves her old camera

4) Who took the most recent photo of you?

the boss at work during a promotion I think

5) This week's featured artist, Paul Anka, was born in Canada and enjoyed appearing in a made-for-TV Perry Mason movie with fellow Canadian, Raymond Burr. Do you enjoy courtroom dramas?

Yes, there are several out there

6) At 15, Anka won a supermarket contest by collecting the most Campbell soup can wrappers. The prize was a trip to New York. Do you enter contests and sweepstakes? Play the lottery

Yes I do and have won a few times as well. You can't win if you don't enter

7) This year Paul Anka performed throughout Florida (Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater and Fort Myers). The Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination. Do you have a favorite spot in Florida?

I have only been to Florida once but loved it so I would say Palm Springs Beach Florida

8) In 1976, the year this song was on the charts, an earthquake hit China. Have you ever experienced an earthquake?

no, they say that there will be a great one here one day though

9) Random question: Do you know CPR?

Yes, as a nurse aide where I work it is mandatory


I played along today, on Sunday. Yesterday was a bit busy and I missed my turn. I hope the great people who have shared this meme for the past 10 years will forgive me. You can read all about Saturday 9 here

Sunday's with Dad

Today, I recall the love for my dad and memories of him taking me to church. I was definetly what many would consider a daddy's girl. I went with him everywhere.I loved to spend time with him. He drove a big rig and I traveled with him in that back in the day. When I started school he took a job delivering mail and worked for the government. As often as I could I stayed with him and rode the mail route as well.The memories for my dad are many but some of the best is sitting with him in the church listening to him sing in his tenor voice. One of my favorite songs he sang to was

The old Brown Church

There’s a church in the valley by the wildwood,No lovelier spot in the dale;No place is so dear to my childhood,As the little brown church in the vale.
Refrain
Come to the church in the wildwood,Oh, come to the church in the dale,No spot is so dear to my childhood,As the little brown church in the vale.
How sweet on a clear, Sabbath morning,To list to the clear ringing bell;Its tones so sweetly are calling,Oh, come to the church in the vale.
Refrain
There, close by the church in the valley,Lies one that I loved so well;She sleeps, sweetly sleeps, ’neath the willow,Disturb not her rest in the vale.
Refrain
There, close by the side of that loved one,To trees where the wild flowers bloom,When the farewell hymn shall be chantedI shall rest by her side in the tomb.
Refrain
From the church in the valley by the wildwood,When day fades away into night,I would fain from this spot of my childhoodWing my way to the mansions of light.

loved this as a child and loved to sit with my daddy in that pew man some days those seemed like the greatest day we ever had