As I mentioned on Facebook already, I like a good State of the Union (SOTU). I was actually looking forward to enjoying it with a nice cheap glass of Cabernet Savingnon this evening. My opinion is that it's nice to have the President, whether Democratic or Republican, give a rousing speech focusing on what is going right and what we are going to do next. To be sure, much of what the President says is going to happen most likely won't, however I like a good dose of flag waving when the gloom of January is upon me. To that end, I think we could all do without the rebuttal speech that follows the SOTU.
You might say, "Please, you are only saying that because you are a democrat." Tis not true, I didn't like when the democrats came on and bashed George W. Bush's SOTUs either. It's a real bummer to have the opposing side knock down all the positive spin. It's so much the worse when it is an election year. I wonder if anyone in the Congress will figure out that we the people are tired of the fighting and not getting anything done. It's not looking good.
Another thing that I find myself doing at the beginning of most years, is trying something dietarily (is that even a word) different. A couple of weeks ago, when I was researching Patrick's allergy to cold, I noticed that some thought there is a link between gluten intolerance and this weird allergy to cold. I decided to try and eliminate gluten from Patrick's diet as much as possible. Basically just reading labels and if a produce contains wheat, I don't offer it for his consumption. This is not a big deal for him as he doesn't like bread, cookies, cake, pasta and mac & cheese. Coincidence? Probably not. Good thing we have an appointment coming up with the allergist.
When I decided to eliminate gluten from Patrick's diet, I thought it would be good for me to do the same, so I would get a feel for what contains gluten and what doesn't. Guess what? It's so not easy for me! I like bread, pasta, cookies, cake and mac & cheese. I am giving it a go however, maybe I'll lose weight as a result--or go completely off the gluten-free thing and start an all pizza diet.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Of all the shows on Television...
Of all the crap on TV, why I am letting Anna and Tom watch The Bachelor? I should really put a stop to this and change the channel. The Bachelor is not only lame because the relationships are just set up for failure in 'the real world' it also and more importantly does a disservice to all women everywhere. I don't think that is an understatement do you? Okay, channel being changed.
On a completely different topic, Patrick has to go to an allergist and the soonest we can get him is 2/10. In the meantime, we are supposed to keep Benedryl on hand and the doctor advised that he not drink or eat cold drinks/food to avoid anaphylaxis. I know. I'm a bit freaked out and he is bummed he can't have any Sprite. Good news on the Sprite front is that since we are working on budgeting and living on less--no restaurants + no fast food x I stopped drinking reg and diet pop= Patrick hasn't had any opportunities to drink some nice ice cold Sprite.
Friday was the biggest snow of this winter *so far* so I made a nice Pantry Vegetable Soup (Pantry as in I used what I had in the Pantry) Here is what I did:
1 tbsp Tastefully Simple Roasted Garlic Infused Oil in a nice stock pot, heat on high and then turn down and cook for a few minutes 1 chopped onion, 4 stalks chopped celery, 4 chopped carrots. Then add 2 cups choppped potatoes. Then I added 6 cups of vegetable stock (just bullilion and water) and 2 cans of diced tomatoes. The diced tomatoes I had were fire roasted and diced w/basil/garlic & oregeno.
Mixed that all together and then added 1 1/2 tbsp Garlic Garlic and 1 tbsp Seasoned Salt . Then I added a new secret special ingredient...ready for it? 1/4 cup mild Giardinera. Simmer for 45 minutes and serve in bowls with bread if you please!
On a completely different topic, Patrick has to go to an allergist and the soonest we can get him is 2/10. In the meantime, we are supposed to keep Benedryl on hand and the doctor advised that he not drink or eat cold drinks/food to avoid anaphylaxis. I know. I'm a bit freaked out and he is bummed he can't have any Sprite. Good news on the Sprite front is that since we are working on budgeting and living on less--no restaurants + no fast food x I stopped drinking reg and diet pop= Patrick hasn't had any opportunities to drink some nice ice cold Sprite.
Friday was the biggest snow of this winter *so far* so I made a nice Pantry Vegetable Soup (Pantry as in I used what I had in the Pantry) Here is what I did:
1 tbsp Tastefully Simple Roasted Garlic Infused Oil in a nice stock pot, heat on high and then turn down and cook for a few minutes 1 chopped onion, 4 stalks chopped celery, 4 chopped carrots. Then add 2 cups choppped potatoes. Then I added 6 cups of vegetable stock (just bullilion and water) and 2 cans of diced tomatoes. The diced tomatoes I had were fire roasted and diced w/basil/garlic & oregeno.
Mixed that all together and then added 1 1/2 tbsp Garlic Garlic and 1 tbsp Seasoned Salt . Then I added a new secret special ingredient...ready for it? 1/4 cup mild Giardinera. Simmer for 45 minutes and serve in bowls with bread if you please!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Renew Your Intentions
I signed up to get a Conscious Box you can click that link to see more about it and here is a blurb from the company:
Conscious Box is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet—just like you.
It's a box full of cool samples of green/sustainable products I wouldn't likely run across and it was great fun to open the box. It's like when you have a stocking full of goodies on Christmas. I signed up to get the box because I had a discount from a blog or a webpage, or mamapedia or something. However, I can't remember where the heck I found it...
In the box was this card, I share the words of wisdom now with you :-D
January is a time for celebration, reflection and renewal. Take the month to acknowledge the accomplishments & challenges you experienced last year. Create new intentions for a future filled with your dreams of today--manifested into the realities of tomorrow.
"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. --Mary Anne Radmacher.
Conscious Box is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet—just like you.
It's a box full of cool samples of green/sustainable products I wouldn't likely run across and it was great fun to open the box. It's like when you have a stocking full of goodies on Christmas. I signed up to get the box because I had a discount from a blog or a webpage, or mamapedia or something. However, I can't remember where the heck I found it...
In the box was this card, I share the words of wisdom now with you :-D
January is a time for celebration, reflection and renewal. Take the month to acknowledge the accomplishments & challenges you experienced last year. Create new intentions for a future filled with your dreams of today--manifested into the realities of tomorrow.
"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. --Mary Anne Radmacher.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Patrick
When the fall was here, Patrick went to the nurse's office during Gym because he broke out in hives. I figured it was a laundry detergent reaction. Then it happened a couple more times, and both times he went inside (because Gym was outdoors) and down to the nurse and was better in about 40 minutes. Time passed, Patrick complained the he didn't like walking to school because he got super itchy and when he got to school kids would make fun of him because of his face being red. Tom lost his job, and needed stuff to do, so he began taking Patrick to and from school.
Then we went to Georgia over the holidays. While we were there, we went on a family hike. Patrick didn't want to go, but we told him he had to go with us. So he did, and it was about 48-52 degrees. This time I got to see the hives first hand. He wasn't exaggerating at all. He had hives on his face. We had some Benedryl in the car and gave him that to help quell the itching. I didn't 'make' him go outside too much for the remainder of the trip. Some going outside and playing, but I didn't tell him he'had' to go outside.
This past weekend, I thought to google 'hives in children from cold' and guess what? It's a real condition--and serious. Here is a link to the info on cold hives: I'd link to the Wiki page, but Wikipedia is dark today!
Tommorow Patrick has a doctor's appointment, to make sure I am right, but I know I am. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Allergic to cold. Hopefully he will grow out of it, as that is a possibility.
Then we went to Georgia over the holidays. While we were there, we went on a family hike. Patrick didn't want to go, but we told him he had to go with us. So he did, and it was about 48-52 degrees. This time I got to see the hives first hand. He wasn't exaggerating at all. He had hives on his face. We had some Benedryl in the car and gave him that to help quell the itching. I didn't 'make' him go outside too much for the remainder of the trip. Some going outside and playing, but I didn't tell him he'had' to go outside.
This past weekend, I thought to google 'hives in children from cold' and guess what? It's a real condition--and serious. Here is a link to the info on cold hives: I'd link to the Wiki page, but Wikipedia is dark today!
Tommorow Patrick has a doctor's appointment, to make sure I am right, but I know I am. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Allergic to cold. Hopefully he will grow out of it, as that is a possibility.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Good Freebie from Suave!
I got this in an email from Freebies 4 Mom today: Suave Beauty is giving away 50,000 full-size Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion line
products . You just go to Suave Beauty on Facebook and click on the giveaway button after you 'like' them. It took a little while to load, but I filled out the form and looks like I am good to go. So they are not at the 50K limit yet!
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to Freebies 4 Mom for more
And Speaking of saving money, my copy of "The Money Saving Mom's Budget" has arrived and guess what chapter one is all about? Setting Goals. How timely! That is what I am working on right now. So my goal is to implement a budget for our family for 2012.
If you go to her webpage today 1/17 she has a post up to enter to win a copy if her book! I got mine by clicking her link and ordering it from Amazon with my $25 gift code for Amazon I earned from using My Points--so my copy was free, woo hoo!
I need to work on getting together meal planning, lately I have been trying to figure out a way to organize my coupons....
And yesterday I found a great way to organize recipes, goals and things I want to look into online. It is called Pintrest. Online bulletin boards, fun to make, fun to use, and probably a big time waster...
Here is my page. I do hate the clutter of recipes cut out of magazines, so Pintrest can definitely help with that, as well as keeping an accessable list of books I want to read. So many ways to waste time, so little time to waste.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
2012 Giving a Dream a Deadline--That makes it a Goall
Do you do resolutions? I like the blank slate of possibilities that a New Year brings. I have found that resolutions dont' seem to work very well for me. For me, I like a Vision Board to show what I want more of in the coming year. Now writing that reminds me that I don't have a Vision Board.
Note to Self: Do a Vision Board.
What is a Vision Board? Well it can be anything you want that is a visual representation of your goals. For me it is a 12x12 collage with labels showing what I want to focus on in the coming year. It encompasses Family, Business and Personal Goals.
This year I've got a big big goal to reach with my business. The goal is a promotion to Team Mentor. I've been 'trying' to reach that goal for several years..without success--and that I believe is because it's been a goal w/o a focus. So this is the year! My team and I are moving up! We will have fun and much success. I mean really, when you sell great food, everyone is always happy to see you.
Note to Self: Do a Vision Board.
What is a Vision Board? Well it can be anything you want that is a visual representation of your goals. For me it is a 12x12 collage with labels showing what I want to focus on in the coming year. It encompasses Family, Business and Personal Goals.
This year I've got a big big goal to reach with my business. The goal is a promotion to Team Mentor. I've been 'trying' to reach that goal for several years..without success--and that I believe is because it's been a goal w/o a focus. So this is the year! My team and I are moving up! We will have fun and much success. I mean really, when you sell great food, everyone is always happy to see you.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Some freebies to start the week!
Grab the freebies before they are gone.
If you like Crystal Light on FB you can get a free sample of the new Crystal Light Energy! Only 8043 more samples remain as I type this.
Free Crystal Light
Coffee more your thing? You can like Hills Bros Cappuchino on FB and get a free sample from them --flavored instant coffee. Free Hills Bros Sample You can also give a sample to a friend via their FB page.
***
Today is National Clear off Your Desk Day! If you are up for some organizing this 2012, you can score a free ebook ! I heard about this from Freebies 4 Mom The book is available on amazon for the kindle as well as some other formats. Absolutely Organize Your Family!
If you like Crystal Light on FB you can get a free sample of the new Crystal Light Energy! Only 8043 more samples remain as I type this.
Free Crystal Light
Coffee more your thing? You can like Hills Bros Cappuchino on FB and get a free sample from them --flavored instant coffee. Free Hills Bros Sample You can also give a sample to a friend via their FB page.
***
Today is National Clear off Your Desk Day! If you are up for some organizing this 2012, you can score a free ebook ! I heard about this from Freebies 4 Mom The book is available on amazon for the kindle as well as some other formats. Absolutely Organize Your Family!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Isn't it Swell? It's 2012!
Tomorrow begins a long awaited day. The children finally return to school! This has been the longest Christmas Break, or Winter Break if you prefer, ever. To be sure, we did do a ton during the break. We drove down to North Carolina & Georgia to see my family. Then we caught a cold for the New Year, drove home and still had a few days left of break! The kids have spent the rest of their break, ahhh fighting. Super glad they go back tomorrow. Super. Glad. Of course this is tempered by the fact that the kids have an early dismissal on Wed and are off of school on Friday --and Monday.
What I don't think anyone can complain about is the amazing weather we've had up here. It's a Christmas dream come true for me, one who doesn't care for winter. I'm not going to focus on the inevitable below zero temps to come. Is it too early to countdown to Spring? --the days are getting longer! Only a little over a month and it will stop being dark out at 5pm. WooHoo!
While we were driving home from our trip, to pass the time I was thinking up a motto for me for 2012. I don't know that much rhymes with twelve, so my rhymes are a bit off. Here is what I came up with:
Things are gonna gell in 2012!
Don't Dwell in 2012!
Life is Swell in 2012!
or What the Hell, it's 2012!
What I don't think anyone can complain about is the amazing weather we've had up here. It's a Christmas dream come true for me, one who doesn't care for winter. I'm not going to focus on the inevitable below zero temps to come. Is it too early to countdown to Spring? --the days are getting longer! Only a little over a month and it will stop being dark out at 5pm. WooHoo!
While we were driving home from our trip, to pass the time I was thinking up a motto for me for 2012. I don't know that much rhymes with twelve, so my rhymes are a bit off. Here is what I came up with:
Things are gonna gell in 2012!
Don't Dwell in 2012!
Life is Swell in 2012!
or What the Hell, it's 2012!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Free Books! A Little Giveaway!
A while back, on a budgeting blog, which one I don't recall? Maybe it was Money Saving Mom (TM) or Dealicious Mom? I am not sure, anyway, I saw that you can join Harlequin Ambassadors and they will send you free books to read and share. I like books and I really like happy endings. I know that when reading a romance from Harlequin I'm going to get my happy ending, guaranteed. So I signed up a while ago and forgot about it.
Then yesterday, I was walking out to the mailbox, hoping that I'd find chocolate. Well, I didn't have a package of chocolate, much to my dismay. I did have a delivery from Harlequin Ambassadors. A book called "A Cold Creek Secret" by RaeAnne Thayne (USA Today bestselling author). The book is from "the special edition series featuring contemporary romances where heroines juggle life and relationships on their way to true love." It's a short easy read, great for a respite from the holiday mania, or good for having on hand when you are stuck in a waiting room at an appointment. I have four copies looking to find a good home. Want one? Just leave your email in the comments and I'll contact you for your mailing address. I'll be shiping these media mail so it may take a few days longer, but free is free!
Oh before I forget here is the link for Harlequin Ambassadors. Now I am off to find some more freebies, and yes I really should be working on Christmas presents...
Then yesterday, I was walking out to the mailbox, hoping that I'd find chocolate. Well, I didn't have a package of chocolate, much to my dismay. I did have a delivery from Harlequin Ambassadors. A book called "A Cold Creek Secret" by RaeAnne Thayne (USA Today bestselling author). The book is from "the special edition series featuring contemporary romances where heroines juggle life and relationships on their way to true love." It's a short easy read, great for a respite from the holiday mania, or good for having on hand when you are stuck in a waiting room at an appointment. I have four copies looking to find a good home. Want one? Just leave your email in the comments and I'll contact you for your mailing address. I'll be shiping these media mail so it may take a few days longer, but free is free!
Oh before I forget here is the link for Harlequin Ambassadors. Now I am off to find some more freebies, and yes I really should be working on Christmas presents...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Say, Have You Seen My Christmas Spirit?
Maybe it is the lack of shopping, and my skipping of Black Friday that has stymied my Christmas Spirit. Maybe it is because the weather has been 'too' warm for December (but great weather for running!). Maybe it is because I have been busy doing craft fairs, ladies nights and open houses selling Tastefully Simple and this has cut down on my Lifetime Holiday Movie watching. I imagine you are thinking what I am thinking: D, All of the Above. Yep, that sounds about right.
Of course the big Scrooge event of December first did not help at all. That is the day that my husband's corporate job was lost in end of the year downsizing. He is very positive about the future, but I have been freaking out. Given that it has been a week, I've decided the time to freak out needs to end. Time to build a bridge and get over it. We've got some things going for us. First, I'm my own boss, so I already had a talk and requested extra hours from myself . Secondly, I can take advantage of health insurance offered through Tastefully Simple. Lastly, the kids only want three things each for Christmas, which is very doable, and I was quite relieved that no one is looking for a new gaming system.
That settles it, we will decorate the tree this weekend, make some Christmas cookies and watch Christmas Vacation, a surefire recipe for Christmas spirit finding.
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