12/26/10

White Christmas!

We all know the song "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas"....and I didn't have to dream this year.  It sure is beautiful but the goats and chickens don't agree.  We have approximately 8 inches and it's still coming.  Here are the icicles that were on my back deck.

12/24/10

If Mary and Joseph Used FaceBook!

Target Freebies

Air Wick Candles – $2.99
**Price cut through 1/1/11
Cherry Tart or Warm Spice, Frosted Apple & Cinnamon Velvet, or Frosted Lavender
$2/1 Air Wick Candle printable
$3/1 Air Wick Candle, exp. 12-26-10 (SS 11/14/10)
As low as FREE each after coupon

Beneful Prepared Dog Food Entrees – $1.69
$2/1 Any Purina Beneful Product, exp. 12-31-10 (RP 10/10/10)
FREE each after coupon

Bounty Basic Paper Towels (1 ct.) – $0.99
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 Bounty Towels, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Everyday Savings Book)
$1/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins (P&G MIR Booklet)
$0.25/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins, exp. 12-31-10 (P&G 11/28/10)
As low as FREE each after coupon

Carefree Pantiliners (22 ct.) – $0.97
Original, Scented, or Body Shape To-Go
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 Carefree Ultra Protection Product printable
$1/1 Carefree Product, exp. 3-31-11 (Good Housekeeping, Feb)
FREE each after coupon

The Good Life Recipe Food for Cats (3.5 oz.) – $97
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 The Good Life Recipe Food for Cats Product printable**
FREE each after coupon

Rayovac Batteries – $1
**Found in the Dollar Spot. Keep watch, they come and go.
$1/1 Rayovac Alkaline Batteries printable
$1/2 Rayovac Batteries, exp. 12-31-10 (SS 10/31/10)
As low as FREE each after coupon

Reach Dental Floss or Flossers – $0.99
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 Reach Floss, Flosser or Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
$1/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser, exp. 1-31-11 (RP #2 1/3/10)
$1/1 Reach Dental Floss or Access Flosser, exp. 12-31 (RP 03/07/10)
$1/1 Select Reach Products, exp. 12-31-10 (RP 05/16/10)
FREE each after coupon

Suave Naturals Hair Care – $0.97
Shampoo or Conditioner
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 Suave Hair Care Item Target printable
FREE each after coupon

Tic Tac Packets (1 ct.) – $0.99
**Regular prices may vary by location
$0.75/1 Tic Tac Product, exp. 12-31-10 (RP 10/03/10)
$1/1 Tic Tac Product, exp. 12-31-10 (RP 10/03/10)
FREE each after coupon

Tums Rolls (3 pk.) – $1.99
**Regular prices may vary by location
$1/1 Tums Product printable
$1/2 Tums Product, exp. 1-31-11 (RP 11/14/10 #2)
$1/1 Tums Digestive Aid Item Target printable
As low as FREE each after stacked coupons

Read Target 101: What You Need to Know to Save to find ways to save more money at Target!  Plus, check out more deal at Target and more store deals.

Thanks You InGoodCents!

12/22/10

Harris Teeter BOGO

Always in hunt of ways to save money, I love it when stores have BOGOs.  Here is what Harris Teeter is offering this week.  HT doubles coupons up to $.98 everyday.

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables
Blackberries
Blueberries
Brown & Serve Rolls
Chex Mix & Bugles
12-Pack Cans Coca-Cola
Edwards Key Lime Pie
Feit Light Bulbs 4-count
HT Organic Ice Cream
HT Latex Gloves
HT Spaghetti
Lay's Potato Chips
Mrs. Smith's Cinnabon Apple Crumb Pie
Nabisco Snack Crackers
Ocean Spray 100% Juice 4 pk.
Simply Potatoes
Sister Schubert's Parker House Rolls

10/24/10

FREE JEWELRY!!!!

What red-blooded female doesn't like jewelry????  Especially FREE jewelry.  I found a great site that has beautiful jewelry and you can get some of it for FREE.  I tried it and here is what I paid:
Sub Total:    $276.79
Shipping:     $26.33
Insurance:    $1.10
Discount:     $276.79
Total:        $27.43

The jewelry is beautiful and the company is very easy to work with.  The company is Darcus Tori.  When you check out there is a place for a promo code.  Use "0704" and "0801".  You can use them both on the same order.  Choose the pieces that you would like to have, enter 1 code then go back and enter the 2nd code.  You will quickly see what items were not covered under the codes and you can remove them from your order...or keep them if you like!  They come in gift boxes too!

10/18/10

Buy THIS, NOT That!!!!

Came across this article and thought everyone should know!!!! Start replacing items you normally buy with these money-saving options and notice the difference at checkout.

10/7/10

Cleaning House



Do you like to clean house? I don't...but it's one of those necessary evils you can't deny so I'm always looking for ways to make it quicker and easier.

My children are grown and have families of their own now but I would have given my right arm for a Hoover FloorMATE(tm) when they were babies. It seemed that no matter how often I mopped the floor, when they were in the crawling stage, their pants would always have dirty knees and the bottom of my socks would be dirty too. This meant that my floors weren't clean and then the guilt trip would start. "O NO...I'm a horrible mother."

One day, while using one of those old string mops...UCK, I started thinking about what I was doing. I realized the only time that mop was clean was when I used it for the first time. After that, no matter how well you rinsed it out, it was still dirty. So I tried rinsing it in bleach. YEAH...that would clean it and kill the germs too! NOT. Oh it did clean and kill for the moment but as soon as you used it again you were back to dirt and germs again. Not only that, but once you made the first strokes on the floor and then rinsed it out to go again... you were only moving the dirt around on the floor where it would stay and wait on some friends to join. I was never going to get the dirt off my floor!!! So I lived with it and did the best I could.

Now with the arrival of grandchildren I again found myself with the thought of dirty knees on pants. One day, while browsing through Walmart, I spotted something that gave me hope. It was the Hoover FloorMATE (tm). It could be used to both vacuum dry debris and wet clean non-carpeted floor surfaces such as vinyl, tile and sealed wood. It was a wet/dry vacuum with little scrubbing brushes. That meant it would scrub my floor and then vacuum the water AND the dirt off the floor. The floor was almost dry when you were done. How many times have you mopped a floor and then realized there was something in that room that you needed? So here you go tippy-toeing across the wet floor, leaving behind MORE dirt and risking the possibility that you will fall and go boom (as I usually did).

I purchased my FloorMATE(tm) and hurried home to do battle. My kitchen floor had a raised design and had become dingy over the years. With great anticipation I unpacked my toy, read the directions and went to work. Now I am slightly skeptical about new products and have to see appreciable results before I will get excited and tell others about it. WOW! Suddenly my floors started to brighten up and the dirty water container started to fill up with BLACK water. I was appalled and ecstatic at the same time. OMG that came off my floor???? My floors were finally clean and I was pouring the dirt out and not leaving it on my floor!!!

Long story short - I would recommend this product to everybody that wants a nice clean floor, especially those that have, or will have, babies on the floor. Doesn't matter what kind of mop you are using, you are still only moving dirty water around on your floors. I will never use a mop again!!!!

9/30/10

Saying Goodbye to Dull Skin?

I've used baking soda for many different things but this was a new one to me.  Did you know you can use ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to Exfoliate Face and Body?

Welcome autumn by saying goodbye to dull skin. Give yourself an invigorating yet gentle face and body scrub with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda. Removing dead skin cells will leave your skin soft and smooth, perfect before application. Make a paste of 3 parts ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. Gentle enough for everyday use!

9/16/10

Mouth Watering Apple Cake!!!

I have a lot of Twitter friends and I truly enjoy exchanging information with them.  I have one such friend on Twitter that you really need to meet!  You can find her at @Freshapplecake.  One thing I've learned about her is that she actually makes Fresh Apple Cakes!  OH and are they ever good!!!!!  She contacted me the other day and asked if I'd like to have a Fresh Apple Cake.  Food...you don't have to ask me twice....of course I wanted one of her cakes.  So today I received my luscious goody!!!  Here's what it looked like when I got it.....

First of all it looked wonderful.  But best of all......it melted in your mouth!!!!!  OMG!  And here's what it looks like now....think it's time for a trip to Maggie Valley!!!!
They are called Mrs. Millers Apple Cake's and they are delicious.  They are handmade and distributed in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and are sold there locally.  So if you're ever in that area make sure to look for them and stock up.  However, you can go to their web sight and get more information about this wonderful cake and the family behind it.  Mrs. Miller is now in her 80's but her daughter, Susan (@Freshapplecakes), is continuing the tradition.

Her son wrote a song about his mom's cakes and they made a really cute video.  Check it out!  Hope you enjoy.   Mrs. Millers Apple Cake's can be ordered on line and they sure would make wonderful, tasty gifts!!!!

9/11/10

Harris Teeter BOGO

These BOGOs are good through 9/14/10.  Make sure you have your VIC card.  At HT most of the BOGO deals you can buy 1 and get it for half price.  As always, check the policy of the store for sales and coupons.
Strawberries - 1 lb Pkg
Boneless Chicken Breast BOGO get 2 free!!!!!!
Vlasic Kosher Dill Wholes 46 oz
Nabisco Oreo Tray Back
Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn
Budweiser Wing Sauce/BBQ Sauce
Biltmore Dressings or Marinades
Tostitos Chips Family Size
Mrs. Butterworths Syrup
HT Corn, Peas or Green Beans Buy 2, Get 3 Free
Feit CFL Light Bulbs 4 pk
Top Care Allergy Cetirizine
Keri Lotion or Bath Oil
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste
SAMY Hair Products
Breyers Ice Ceam
TGI Friday's Steak Fajita Skillet Meals
New York Garlic Texas Toast
Chef's 3 Cheese Omelet
Barber Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu
Coca-Cola Products 6 pk
Yoo-Hoo Chocolate Drink 12 pk

See you at HT!!!  LOL

Remembering 911

8/22/10

"Out of Respect"

"Out of Respect"...this is a term I heard my parents say many times.  It used to mean offering or showing respect for something or someone.  Apparently I’m behind the times!

Growing up one thing that really impressed me was to see cars pull over and stop when a funeral procession would drive by.  "Out of Respect" for that family's loss we would pull over and stop until the first few cars went by. I remember how it made me feel when my parents died and I saw the cars stop "Out of Respect" for my parents.

Today I happened upon a funeral procession coming toward me and I found myself slowing down and pulling over to the side.  I knew I wouldn't be able to stop in the middle of the road but I had this uncontrollable urge to show my respect for their loss. The other cars continued to fly past me and the funeral cars. It was at this point that the term "Out of Respect" came to my mind.  Why didn't they, at least, slow down "Out of Respect" for this family I thought?  It was then that I realized that the meaning of "Out of Respect" has changed.  It now means exactly what it says...we are Out of Respect...people no longer have respect for anything.  Children have no respect for their parents and are no longer taught respect for their elders, others, manners or being polite!  Why?   The lack of "Respect" is rampant in today’s society!!!!  What happened?  Where did it go?  When did we decide that “Respect” was unnecessary?

7/24/10

Everything Is Hot!

It been really hot around here lately!  The heat index was around 104 the last few days!!!!  Everything and everybody is looking for a way to cool off.  Thought this was a cute video and made me feel good and cool.  Just wanted to share.  Stay cool everybody! =-)

7/22/10

Missing Mom!

Today would have been my mothers' birthday.  She's been gone 33 years but at times it feels like it was just yesterday.  It doesn't matter how old you are...sometimes you just need your mom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!

7/18/10

Where does E. Coli come from????

We're always hearing in the news about an E. coli and salmonella out-break somewhere just about every day.  These can be a very serious health issue especially if not caught in time.

Very often they trace the E.coli Bacteria/salmonella back to a farm or food processing company.  A lot of people I know are really into (or pushing) "Organic" food.  Now don't get me wrong...I thing that Organic food is a good choice...however...people need to know exactly what "Organic" is.  I've done a lot of research on this subject especially since the neighbors decided to become an "Organic" and "CSA" farm.  At first I thought this would be great having an "Organic" farm in my front yard.  On second thought....it's AWFUL!  Here's why...

Every spring as they prepare the ground they spread liquefied cow poop on this field.  Yes...poop would be considered "Organic" but the neighbors also own a dairy farm where this poop/manure comes from and  manure is known to carry MANY pathogenic organisms.  Some potential pathogens for humans found in bovine manure are - Bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes, E coli O157, Salmonella spp., Mycobacterium paratuberculosis; Protozoans: Cryptosporidia parvum, Giardia spp.; Viruses: Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus, Coronavirus, Foot and Mouth Disease Virus.  And this is the stuff that is being put on the fields to grow "Orgainc" vegetables! Hummmm!

Not only that but...in our front yard is a "Port-a-Jon" for the field hands to use while they are picking the so called "Organic" vegetables that are packed for the "CSA" customers to pick up and also sold to local markets.  We have watched the workers go into the "Jon" and come back out and the hands are never washed!!!!!! There is another potential for E.coli Bacteria/salmonella.  The owners do offer a pail of water for them to "rinse" their hands off but it is hardly ever used and there is not soap or any other product for them to wash with.  I've also seen the process they use to pick and pack these vegetables...they pull a trailer through the field, workers are picking the vegetables and handing them to the workers on the trailer who, in turn, place the vegetables in boxes for pick up or shipping.  Tell me where the washing process is???????  Neither hands nor vegetables are washed before they reach you then YOU touch them...Get my drift?

Now...after seeing all this and reading about all the possibilities....I think I'll take the regular vegetables myself.  Nothing against organic, but if you saw all this you might think twice about where your "Organic" food comes from and who is handling it.

7/11/10

6/19/10

The Amazing Cucumber

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber.  Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?  Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?  Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long.  The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.   (WOW)

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the photochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Works great on wrinkles too!!!   (DOUBLE WOW)

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?  Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.  Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?  Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8.Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes?  Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber sliced rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?  Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?  Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?  Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?  Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

6/3/10

Are You Ready For Hurricane Season?


Atlantic hurricane season officially begins this week. Each year, the season spans from June 1 through November 30, with increased activity beginning in mid-August and typically peaking on or around Sept. 10.

Last year’s hurricane season was relatively tame, particularly in light of a few particularly nasty seasons in recent years. This year, we’re predicting...Read more here.

5/31/10

When it Rains....It Pours!!!!!

It's been a while since I posted.  #1: I went back to work after a year and a half lay-off!!!! That was a shock to my body for sure. #2: The hard drive on my computer CRASHED and it took almost 3 weeks to get it repaired and everything running again!!!!!  So...I had started posting about my new adventure into chickens and pygmy goats when everything happened.  Didn't get a chance to give you an update as we went so I'll just have to start from now!!!!   First of all we get the chickens....1 rooster and 5 hens.  I grew up on a farm so this really wasn't new to me but it had been many years since I'd been around them.  There is something relaxing about just sitting and watching chickens as they scratch and hunt for food.  It's also amusing when you either throw scraps in the lot or one chicken thinks it's found something valuable and all the others want to share!!!!  LOL

Having these chickens also brings back memories...when my baby brother was about 3 years old we were watching this chicken that had a bunch of chicks.  One chick found something and started running.  When the others figured out that it had something they all took off after it.  The one chick was running and crying trying to keep its prize away from the others.  My brother took one look at this action and immediately started jumping up and down screaming...."He's gonna get a touch down....he's gonna get a touch down"!  ROFL  Never related chickens and football before but I'll never look at it the same again!

Here are some pictures of my new friends.  The grandchildren named the chickens but I can't remember or keep them separated.  However, the goats are mine and the one with the purple collar is Delila and the one with the blue collar is Sampson!

5/15/10

Circle of Life!

As you get older you think about very different things than when you were younger.  My granddaughters were laughing and splashing in the tub tonight during their nightly ritual.  The youngest one was only worried about the gummy worms I had at my house and how she was going to wrangle them away from me.

Thursday night I barely missed being part of a horrific head-on collision that took the life of one person and sent 2 others to the hospital.  Couldn't help but thing of that persons family that would be getting that heart-breaking call soon.

Today, somewhere in the world, babies were born...today a member of our own family was laid to rest...and today...a close friends daughter got married.

The "Circle of Life"!  How delicate it is...yet how we treat it with such carelessness!  Don't know about you, but to me it's very sobering to look back at the events that can happen in your life.  Just like the song from "Fiddler on the Roof" says...
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

Have you thought about your life lately?  If you haven't...maybe you should.  We aren't promised tomorrow or another breath.  The "Circle of Life" is short and goes by much too fast.  Best advice I can offer you is...
Jesus,
Don't leave earth without Him!!!

I'm not!   What about you?????  Think about it!

5/11/10

Who need a Weatherman?

Growing up on a farm was really neat.  When I talk about things I did as a child my children and grandchildren are always full of questions.  Where did those days go???  I'm all for improvement, but I would love to be back in the era that grew up in.

My Grandfather was always predicting the weather by the things that were going on around us.  Here is an article that I remember him talking about:  Read more here!

5/9/10

Happy Mother's Day!

I lost my Mom and Grandmother (other mother) many years ago and miss them so much, especially this years for some reason.  Remembering Peggy Eliza McMurray Philbeck and Mary Logan Parks Powell McMurray Lovelace:

If roses grow in heaven, Lord, pick a bunch for me.Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me.Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.Because remembering her is easy, I do it everyday. ...But there's an ache within my heart that will never go away.  Happy Mother's Day Mother and Grandmother!!!  I sure do miss you guys!!!!!

5/2/10

Almost Ready for My New Adventure!

In my last post I told you that I was getting 2 pygmy goats.  Well here is a picture of the barn and fence so far.  It's almost ready and I'll be able to get Samson and Delila around the end of May.  My son is doing all the building and he and his wife (Bonnie) are going to get some chickens to share the barn and lot with my goats.  Stay tuned for the fun!

4/25/10

Fun On The Farm

I do a web site for a friend that raises, shows & sells registered pygmy goats.  I had mentioned several times how cute they were and that I'd love to have one just for a pet.  Well...she called me the other day and said for me to come pick out my goats.  So I went over and checked out all the babies she had and finally settled on a brother and sister.  They are only 2 1/2 weeks old so it will still be a few weeks before I can bring them home but I took the granddaughters over to let them see and here is the video:

4/19/10

Flower Pounding, gardener’s stress relief

I came across this article  by Kathleen M. Tenpas and thought it very interesting, hope you do too!

Flower Pounding, gardener’s stress relief or dyeing with your garden’s bounty? Ah, perhaps a bit of both. The natural pigments pounded into properly prepared fabric can make a lovely piece of art, and allow you to let off a little steam at the same time.  Read more....

4/16/10

The Physical Side of Stress

The effects of stress on your emotional and physical health may be worse than you thought.  Go to Every Day Health and check this article out!

4/15/10

4/14/10

Sometimes you feel like a nut...Sometimes you don't

I have to apologize to my faithful followers...I have been remiss in my posting and I hope to remedy that.  Sometimes life gives you lemons...and I know what they say but....I don't like lemonade. Sometimes you just have to step away and drift for a while.  That's where I've been...just drifting...and watching this crazy world go by.  As my friends tell me...I must be doing something the devil doesn't like cause he seems to be at ever turn I make.  That's OK!  He didn't win over 2000 years ago and he's not going to win now cause I know the one that can make him tremble...Jesus!  That's all I need to know!

I should have some good "fodder" to post about soon!  We are in the process of getting ready for our new arrivals.  My daughter-in-law is getting some chickens and I'm getting pygmy goats!  That should go well with the neighbors pigs!  That's another story too!!!!  LOL

Well...till I get my posting in order...Later and keep the Faith!  I plan to!!!!

3/31/10

8 Weather Lore Sayings You May Not Know

To celebrate April’s crazy weather, here are some spring weather sayings you may not have heard of and one you most definitely have:

1.    If it thunders on All Fool’s Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay.

2.    A cold May and a windy April, ...To read more go to Farmers Almanac.

3/29/10

Re-Post - Stretch your liquid hand soap

MONEY SAVING TIP

Great way to stretch your liquid hand soap. Here's How!

What You Need:

* Liquid hand soap
* Water
* Empty foaming soap dispenser
* Measuring spoons

1. Pour one tablespoon of liquid hand soap into an empty foaming soap dispenser.

2. Fill the rest of the dispenser with water (leaving a little space at the top of the container).

3. Screw on the lid and shake.

Tips:

1. Warm water works best.
2. Pump the dispenser a few times to get the foaming started.

Top 10 Cold and Flu Myths - Demystified!

With all the old wives tales about cold and flu rattling in our heads, it’s tough to know what works —and what doesn’t. Busting myths may not be the total Rx, but it may help you find the right remedy.

1. MYTH: The flu is just a bad cold.
TRUTH: They’re not even cousins.

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses. But they're different strains. It’s hard to tell which you have, but here are two clues:

- Colds come on gradually. First, it’s a sore throat, then a runny nose followed by a cough. The flu, on the other hand, hits at once.

- Colds don’t generally produce fever. With the flu, you may be burning up. (Exception: Children can run high fevers with colds.)

2. MYTH: A cold affects your nose, throat and chest. The flu strikes your stomach.
TRUTH: Not quite.

The flu can make you nauseous, but in only about a third of cases. Usually, when you're sick to your stomach, it's for a different reason – another virus, a bacterial infection or food poisoning.

3. MYTH: Cold weather makes you catch a cold or flu.
TRUTH: It’s just a coincidence.

You get caught in the rain and return home wet and chilled. Next thing you know, you’re feeling under the weather. It's easy to blame it on Mother Nature. Except for the fact that both colds and flu happen mostly in winter, there’s absolutely no climate connection.

No one knows why winter is cold-and-flu season. But there are theories. People spend more time indoors within sneezing distance of infected friends, relatives and co-workers.

Cold and flu viruses also survive better in winter, when humidity is lower. The longer they survive, the more chances they have to infect you.

Cold air may also be hard on the respiratory system, making you more susceptible to infections, says Ira Leviton, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Montefiore Hospital and professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. But the virus, not the temperature, is what makes you sick.

Viruses travel, too, says Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. Each year, new strains develop in Asia in the continent’s rainy season and arrive in the U.S. about six to nine months later – usually by winter.

4. MYTH: Getting a flu shot can give you the flu.
TRUTH: Not even close.

The vaccine is made from a dead flu virus. It can't infect you. Any reaction you may have is due to the vaccine’s proteins and chemicals, Edelman says. So, even if your reaction feels like the flu, it's not the flu.

5. MYTH: Breathing the same air as a sick person can make you sick.
TRUTH: True.

Coughing and sneezing can send viruses into the air. And you could get sick inhaling them. But that's not likely. More common: A sick person rubs her eyes or nose, picks up a telephone and deposits germs that can live there for several hours. You pick up the phone, rub your eyes or nose, and – tada! – the germs have claimed a new victim.

To avoid catching a bug – or giving it to someone else – wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often during cold and flu season.

6. MYTH: "Feed a cold, and starve a fever?" Or "starve a cold, and feed a fever?”
TRUTH: Feed, feed, feed.

People are never sure what to feed and what to starve. But it doesn’t matter, because you need to feed both a cold and a fever. Not eating or drinking enough, you make you dehydrated. And that's when you’re most likely to catch a cold or flu.

When you’re fighting a virus, the body needs more fluids than usual because it’s losing water (from watering eyes, runny nose, perspiration). Types of fluids matter too. Drink water, broth, juices and warm water with lemon and honey to rehydrate you and reduce congestion. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you more.

7. MYTH: Natural remedies like vitamin C, echinacea or zinc can prevent a cold or cure it.
TRUTH: Unlikely.

There’s no scientific proof that vitamins, minerals or supplements can prevent or cure colds. But they may shorten them.

Research has shown that daily doses of at least 1,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C can end a cold a day or so earlier, at least 200 mg may lower the chances of catching one at all for people in extreme situations such marathon runners, skiers or soldiers on sub-arctic exercises.

Studies of echinacea and zinc, on the other hand, have had mixed results, but these natural remedies are still used by many believers. (See related article: Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Prevention)

"If it were really that easy, argues Leviton, we could get rid of colds from the entire world."

8. MYTH: Antibiotics can cure a cold or flu.
TRUTH: Absolutely not!

Antibiotics kill bacteria. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, which don’t respond to antibiotics. It’s like putting your arm in a cast to get rid of a headache. You won’t feel better (unless you also have an ear infection, sinusitis or other bacterial problem). And you could be making the world a scarier place. The more frequently you take antibiotics, the more resistant they become to drugs in general.

9. MYTH: Once you catch a cold or flu, all you can do is wait for it to pass.
TRUTH: Not so for flu.

Prescription antiviral flu medications, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, can reduce symptoms and heal you faster. But they must be taken within the first two days experiencing symptoms.

"Two and a half days is too late," Leviton says.

No such prescription medicines are available for colds. Over-the-counter medicines, such as decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers are your best bet for cold and flu symptoms.

10. MYTH: You can treat a cold or flu with chicken soup.
TRUTH: Possibly.

Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that may fight cold and flu symptoms, researchers have found. (A comparison of store-bought versus homemade soups, many canned varieties were as good as mom’s version.) So far, though, scientists have only observed the soup's beneficial effects in rat’s labs – not people.

"It couldn't hurt," Leviton says. "People should be eating and drinking whatever makes them feel better. If they like chicken soup, they should have chicken soup."

Science aside, soup simply feels soothing. It’s also re-hydrating, and steam from the broth can de-stuff your nose.

Want more? Check out the Cold and Flu Health Center.

How Much Do You Know About Home Remedies?

Chicken soup for a cold? Holding your breath to stop hiccups? Friends and family swear by these common cures, but you’re skeptical. Can you decipher fact from fiction? Find out how much you really know in this quiz.

3/24/10

3/19/10

All Natural Ant Repellents

It's almost ant season so here is a link to a list of all natural ant repellents thanks to "The Dollar Stretcher".
ANT REPELLENTS

How to Organize your Cats!

3/16/10

Easter Basket Surprise

Look what the Easter Bunny brought me!
This basket was up on the top shelf of my craft closet and Prissy just had to try it on for size!  LOL  I have an Easter Kitty instead of an Easter Bunny.

3/13/10

Couponing Adventures

I've been unemployed for almost a year and a half.  Almost at the same time my husbands company cut his salary by 10%, so I'm looking for any way to save money and cut cost.  I used to use coupons quite a lot but then it kinda fell by the wayside when the children left home and we had 2 incomes.  Well, it's time to resurrect the coupons again.

One of the best ways I've found to get back into the practice of using coupons is by following as many of the "Coupon Divas" as possible.  Once such "Diva" is Kitty at coupondivas.com.  Here is my first attempt at using some of her tricks:
Doesn't look like much but I was proud of my accomplishment.  I went to Walgreen's for the purpose of the Prevacid. (My husband lives on this stuff)  I had never heard of "piggy backing" coupons until I started following Kitty but IT WORKS!

Now the Prevacid, by it's self would have been $21.99 but I had a coupon for $6 off and Walgreen's had the 28ct on sale for 19.99 so I only paid $13.99 and (as you can see) I received another coupon for $10 off on the 48ct.  Come on 48ct sale!!!!!

The Life Savers Jellybeans were on sale 2/$4 and I had a $1 off the purchase of 2 so I got my Jellybeans 2 for $3.

The Cadbury Mini Eggs were on sale 2/$5 with a WG coupon for $1 off which brought them to 2/$4.  Well I did some searching online and found a coupon for $2 off on the purchase of 3. WOW, I managed to get 3 bags for less than 1 bag at the original price!!!! YEAH

Needless to say it takes some work and planning to accomplish this but it's really worth it.  Hopefully I'll get better at it and be able to survive this economy.  Hopefully I'll find a job SOON!

There are other blogs that have a lot of information on how to save money.  Here are a few:

3/11/10

Giveaway: Yoplait Light “Outsmarting Temptation” Gift Pack

Yoplait and MyBlogSpark have teamed up with FreeSnatcher.com with a great giveaway that includes the following: An insulated gourmet lunch tote, a food journal, a travel utensil set a coupon for a free cup of Yoplait Light yogurt.

To enter go to Freesnatcher.com and follow the instructions.  Deadline to enter is March 12, 2010 so you better hurry before time runs out.
Free Samples and Free Stuff at FreeSnatcher

3/9/10

Winters Last Hooraw

Spring is on it's way but winter had to have a last word.  Here is my walk thru the (hopefully) last snow of the season.  It was beautiful but I'm looking forward to the warm weather.

3/3/10

Looks Can Be Deceiving!

So sweet and peaceful....but this is deceiving!  When she wakes up...WATCH OUT and nail everything down.  She goes at full tilt and gives Nana a run for her money!  LOL

2/24/10

Wordless Wednesday

My granddaughters at a Mardi Gras party!

2/20/10

Mammogram Nightmare

A friend sent this to me and I can relate.  How many of us have visions of something like this happening?

POWER OUTAGE DURING A MAMMOGRAM!!!!!

I went for my mammogram appointment. I was met with, 'Hi! I'm Belinda!'

This perky, clipboard carrier smiled from ear to ear, tilted her head to one side and crooned, 'All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown.  Everything clear?

I'm thinking, 'Belinda, try decaf. This ain't rocket science.'  Belinda skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors.

With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, 'Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we  can get everything?'

Fine, I answered. I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck and finish me off?

My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other boob wedged between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when we heard, then felt a zap! Complete darkness and the power went off!

'Oh, maintenance is working. Bet they hit a snag.'  Belinda headed for the door.

'Excuse me! You're not leaving me in this vise alone are you?' I shouted.

Belinda kept going and said, 'Oh, you fussy puppy...the door's wide open so you'll have the emergency hall lights. I'll be right back.'  Before I could shout 'NOOOO!' she disappeared.

And that's exactly how Bubba and Earl, maintenance men extraordinaire, found me, half-naked and part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life, and the other part smashed between glass!

After exchanging polite 'Hi, how's it going' type greetings, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off.  Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible, 'Uh, yes, yes I did thanks.'

'You bet, take care' Bubba replied and waved goodbye as though I'd been standing in the line at the grocery store.

Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin.  Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, 'Oh, I am sooo sorry!'  The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch.  Are we upset?'

'And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps.'  :-

2/19/10

Is your life hard?

I had to share this video!  I hope you are as inspired as I was!

2/13/10

Law of the Garbage Truck!

Found this in my internet travels and thought it was truly worth sharing.  Sure made me think!!!!

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she/he can get back her/his focus on what's important.

Five years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a taxi cab in Indianapolis. Here's what happened.

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Indianapolis Airport. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly.

So, I said, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.

So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck." I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People." Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses (I wish I was this parent). Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

You'll be happier. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so.. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, TAKE IT! If it changes your life, LET IT! Nobody said it would be easy...They just promised it would be worth it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

2/10/10

WIP Wednesday

Last Wednesday I had started a project called the "Tree of Life" afaghan.  Well...I haven't gotten too much farther but here is where I am right now.
 
So, I've started another project...this is the start of a "News Boy" hat.  I've made several of these and every time someone sees it they want one. Mostly children like them but there is a very sweet lady (could be my grandmother) in our choir.  She saw one that I had made for a little girl in our congregation and was talking about how cute it was and how she loved hats...(hint, hint).  Well...I'm gonna make her one!  I'm such a softie!!!!!!


2/8/10

Make Something Monday

There are a lot of ladies in our church that are pregnant so I decided I'd better get busy.  Here is the first of several crocheted baby blankets I need to make.  Last count I think I need a total of 5!  I love this blanket because of the "Angel" motif that appears in the middle.

2/5/10

Jewelry to Die For

Do you like jewelry?  DUH!  Of course you do.  Here's your chance to get some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I've seen at great prices.

Lushae Jewelry (Jewelry Art Designs) offers a unique range of authentic sterling silver jewelry with a wide range of precious and semi precious gemstones. They follow celebrity and fashion jewelry trends sourcing the most contemporary high grade pieces available ensuring unmatched quality and value. They also operate a number of other retail websites in the fashion industry and have been operating online since 1999.

Jewelry art designs is a privately owned company and genuinely committed to providing an excellent buying experience. Their entire product offering is backed by a returns and exchange policy.

Click on the badge below and check out all the beautiful pieces they have to offer.  I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

earrings

13 Ways to Reuse Coffee

Now I'm not a coffee drinker but I came across this article the other day and thought it was interesting.  Some of the uses I have heard of before but some of them are quite unique.  Hope you enjoy and learn something new.

13 Ways to Reuse Coffee

2/3/10

Pants On The Ground (My Version)

(Sung to the tune of "Pants On The Ground")
Snow on the ground
Snow on the ground
Lookin’ real pretty with the snow on the ground

With the slush on the porch
Bush turned sideways
Pants hit the ground
The hill is really slick
Lookin’ like a fool
When my pants hit the ground

Me on the ground
Me on the ground
Gettn’ real tired of the snow on the ground

I created this version when I realized that my butt was a perfect fit for the tire track of the tractor that was scraping the drive way and I didn't need a sled!  People...I am a professional...DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

This is what the beginning of 12 inches of snow looked like this past week!  This was also the same view for my squirrel video.

You can see more Wordless Wednesday participants at:
GoGrahamGo (btw, this is my daughter)
Wordless Wednesday HQ

2/1/10

WIP/MSM - Tree Of Life Afghan

Here is my latest project. It's called the Tree Of Life Afghan. It has about 8 pages of instructions so this may take a while.
 
Here is my start. The trees are done in multiples of 48 stitches so my base is 145 stitches using a size H-8 crochet hook.  Somewhere along the pattern it changes to a J-10 hook so this should be interesting.  Wish me luck!

Squirrels!!!

On Friday we, again, had a winter storm and received 12 inches of snow.  I saw this squirrel running back and forth over the snow and wondered what it was doing.  A few minutes later here is what I saw!

1/29/10

Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying

Who of us doesn't want to be healthier?????  I know I need to do better and living healthier doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.  I came across an article that I found very informative.  I especially like the part about snoozing on the couch all day Saturday!!!!  Now that health tip I like and can do!  LOL...but seriously...check out the article----> HERE

1/27/10

1/22/10

Felted Owl and Butterfly Hats

I found these adorable hats and just had to share.  I'm going to have to try this.

 
#footer-column-container { clear:both; } .footer-column { padding: 10px; }