General Topics Related to Life... Each post is intended to be a five minute read or less. I do not claim to be an expert on any subject, just sharing information I have acquired (but yes, I am a Realtor® so most of my posts are Real Estate related). Readers are encouraged to comment, question... participate. :)
Just a few random things to make your days easier and your soul happier...
The rules of "storing things" should be as follows.
Clothes, if you haven't worn it in over a year or it doesn't fit, donate it. (Exceptions: if you were pregnant in the last year you can keep it 2 years, specialty clothes such as a suit or simple black dress that fits or sentimental pieces like your wedding dress)
If it's hobby related, are you still interested in that hobby? If you are not longing to do it, get rid of the supplies.
The Junk Drawer: Organize it with store-bought compartments or an old silverware tray and always put things back in their slot. Once per year, ditch stuff. Super Glue doesn't last forever folks.
Prepare for the next day the night before no matter how tired you are in the evening.
Every time you reach for your wallet to make a purchase, ask yourself:
Why am I buying this?
How often will I use this?
If I don't have this what will happen? (Can I live without this?)
Is this replacing something I already own? Will spending this money cause guilt or turmoil I could avoid?
Too much stuff doesn't make you happier! Be grateful for what you have and find ways to be happy living with what you have. It's much easier said than done.
For some people letting go of things that relate to memories is nearly impossible.
Its emotional and just the thought of letting go causes aching in their heart. I can't give any professional advice but I can remind you that you can't let things control your memories. Live your life and keep making new memories!
The idea of these recipes is to be quick, healthy and using few ingredients. Please feel free to visit this blog post and add your favorite EASY recipes!
Grillin' Stir Fry (or just on the stove or in a wok)
Chop up veggies of your choice in large pieces (we like green peppers and zucchini) or a bag of frozen veggies (large pieces like broccoli work best)
Cut up pre-cooked sausage (we like the ring style - and if you find a lean version, this is very low-fat!)
Toss in bowl and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray
Sprinkle on salt, pepper
Add a dash of red pepper flakes to add a little kick or garlic if desired
Put in a grill pan and heat over medium-high for 10 - 15 mins stirring occasionally.
-Serve with instant rice (we like the healthier brown rice) or instant potatoes OR cut up potatoes and add them right to your stir fry (but they need to be par-boiled first.
Traditional Creamy (Cold) Pasta Salad
Boil a box of noodles of your choice
While noodles are boiling mix together the follow in a large bowl:
A can of chicken or tuna (you can use fresh chicken but that requires extra time)
3/4 cup of mayo or miracle whip
1/4 cup of milk
1 tblsp of onion flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 bag frozen peas or other small veggie of choice
Rinse noodles under cold water and stir in...
Simple Casserole
Spray a medium baking pan with cooking spray
Layer the pan as follows:
Spread canned of frozen green beans over the bottom of the pan
Then add pre-cooked chicken or hamburger/ground turkey
Sprinkle in dried onion flakes or chopped onion if desired
Spread one can of condensed cream of celery or mushroom over the meat (if you add milk, the casserole will be more runny)
Place frozen tater tots (or hashbrowns) over the top.
Bake on center or lower rack for 30 minutes at 375 or until the tater tots are golden brown.
Pepperoni Rotini Pasta Salad
Boil rotini noodles (we prefer tri-color)
While noodles are boiling prepare the following
In a large bowl, assemble broccoli (fresh or frozen), cherry tomatoes, black olives and pepperoni slices (omit/replace the undesired)
Rinse noodles under cold water and add to bowl
Pour 1/2 bottle of your favorite Italian dressing over the top and stir
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
Place pre-seasoned pork tenderloin in crock pot (garlic or lemon pepper or otherwise)
add one bag of baby carrots plus 4 chopped stalk of celery if desired
add 1-2 lbs of baby red potatoes (cut in half)
add 1 cup of water
cook 3-4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Quick and Simple Chicken Chili (lowfat)
Put a large pot on the stove and turn burner to high
Add one large can of diced tomatoes
Add 1 tblsp of chili powder (use pre-seasoned chili tomatoes to simplify)
Add 1-2 tblsp of onion flakes (or 1/2 cup of diced onions)
Add 1 or 2 cans of beans of your choice depending on how many beans you like (we like dark red kidney and pinto beans)
Add 1-2 cans of chicken
Bring to boil then simmer 5-10 mins
*Optional - add 1 cup chopped celery and or chopped green peppers
**If you prefer beef or turkey, brown 1 lb of beef/turkey in the large pot and drain grease prior to adding tomatoes then omit can of chicken.
Pigs in a Blanket
Wrap hotdogs in pre-made croissant dough and bake according to croissant package (press shredded cheese into the inside of the dough prior to wrapping if desired)
Serve with fresh veggies and fruit for a well-rounded "finger-food" meal
Breakfast Tortillas (feel free to serve these for lunch or dinner!)
Place a few fresh spinach leaves on a tortilla shell
scramble eggs; place on tortilla shell, sprinkle with cheese and a spoon on salsa
Wrap and enjoy
Noodles/Rice Cheaters
Make 2 pouches/boxes of pre-seasoned rice or noodles according to package directions.
Just prior to the completed cooking time, add a can of chicken/precooked chicken or frozen shrimp or other pre-cooked "meat" of choice plus a can (drained) or frozen veggies of choice.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Place large pot on the stove on high and add 2 boxes of chicken stock (or make broth using bouillon)
Once boiling, add uncooked chunks of chicken
Pour in a bag of egg noodles and 1/2 bag of frozen carrots
Add 1/2 tsp basil and/or a bay leaf if desired
Add pepper to taste
Add 1 stalk chopped green onion if available/desired
TIP OF THE DAY:
Frying hamburger can be time consuming. Save time and money by buying in bulk (5-10 lbs). Fry it up then freeze it in individual freezer bags (1 lb per bag). You can quickly add it to chili, hamburger helper or casserole!
It's easier to have a good day when you get off on the right foot...
Ever wonder how to make your morning go more smoothly?
Routine. That's it. Plan a routine and follow it.
If your routine includes breakfast and that leaves you scrambling each day, post a list of "breakfast options" inside the "cereal cabinet" so that you can just glance and go with what pleases you each morning without thought. Or better yet, decide the night before. Same goes for any other morning conundrums; what to wear, etc. In fact, some folks plan all their clothes and meals on Sunday night taking the pressure off the rest of the week.
If you tend to leave home without things, designate a spot for them (the car you plan to drive) and gather them the night before.
We can never eliminate the unexpected water leak or other imposition but you can certainly make the average day start smoothly.
Easier said than done you say? It's all about forming a habit. It takes a little work but you will be rewarded with happiness!
Then you can be the one to say "Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine."
Not taking any credit for this but wanted to share!
How To Moisturize Skin Naturally
By Paula Parker on July 20, 2009
Dry, itchy skin. It's uncomfortable and makes skin look older, who wants that? Using lotions and body oils works for some people, but many people can't use these products due to allergens and a sensitivity to certain skin irritants. For these people, using natural methods and products can moisturize their skin. There are foods you can eat--and supplements you can take--that help your skin retain moisture, too.
Step 1
Take warm--not hot--showers, using a body wash that does not have sodium lauryl sulphate, which can dry skin and cause irritation. While your skin is still damp from the shower, apply a moisturizer that has vegetable oils--like olive, coconut or almond--and not mineral oil, which comes from petroleum.
Step 2
Use a steam bath. If you don't have a steam facial, put a pan of water on the stove--you can add lavender essential oil, which is an antiseptic--and bring the water to a boil. Take the pan off the stove. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the pan until the steam subsides.
Step 3
Peel and mash papaya. Mix in 2 tbsp. of honey. Spread the fruit and honey mixture over your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off and wash your face with a mild hypoallergenic soap. Exederm makes cleansers and moisturizers that are free from allergens and irritants.
Step 4
Add foods and supplements to your diet that promote healthy skin. Magnesium hydrates skin; foods rich in magnesium are meat, seafood, dairy, bananas and tofu. If you take a supplement, use no more than 400 to 800 mg each day. Vitamin A is used to fight wrinkles and can be found in fish oils, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, peaches, apricots, papaya and mango. Vitamin C builds the collagen in your skin; take 50 to 60 mg each day. Vitamin E prevents free radicals and is found in grains, legumes and nuts.
Step 5
Drink 8 ounces of fluids each day. Stay out of the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect skin from the drying effects of the sun.
Paula Parker - Since 1995, Paula K. Parker has written more than 2000 articles for publications including PB&J, Disney's Family Fun, ParentLife, Living With Teenagers, and Thomas Nelson's NYTimes Best-selling Resolve. After 17 years of homeschooling her five children, Paula discovered that motherhood doesn't stop with an empty nest.
Easy Potato Salad Collect all the toppings you would desire on a baked potato. (Sour cream, bacon bits, onions, etc) Cube and boil enough salad potatoes for the number of people you plan to feed - 1-2 mid-sized potatoes per person. (Leave skins on for true baked potato style) Cool potatoes in fridge for 20 mins. Pull out potatoes and top with desired toppings. Serve.
Not taking any credit for this but wanted to share!
How To Moisturize Skin Naturally By Paula Parker on July 20, 2009
Dry, itchy skin. It's uncomfortable and makes skin look older, who wants that? Using lotions and body oils works for some people, but many people can't use these products due to allergens and a sensitivity to certain skin irritants. For these people, using natural methods and products can moisturize their skin. There are foods you can eat--and supplements you can take--that help your skin retain moisture, too.
Step 1 Take warm--not hot--showers, using a body wash that does not have sodium lauryl sulphate, which can dry skin and cause irritation. While your skin is still damp from the shower, apply a moisturizer that has vegetable oils--like olive, coconut or almond--and not mineral oil, which comes from petroleum.
Step 2 Use a steam bath. If you don't have a steam facial, put a pan of water on the stove--you can add lavender essential oil, which is an antiseptic--and bring the water to a boil. Take the pan off the stove. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the pan until the steam subsides.
Step 3 Peel and mash papaya. Mix in 2 tbsp. of honey. Spread the fruit and honey mixture over your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off and wash your face with a mild hypoallergenic soap. Exederm makes cleansers and moisturizers that are free from allergens and irritants.
Step 4 Add foods and supplements to your diet that promote healthy skin. Magnesium hydrates skin; foods rich in magnesium are meat, seafood, dairy, bananas and tofu. If you take a supplement, use no more than 400 to 800 mg each day. Vitamin A is used to fight wrinkles and can be found in fish oils, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, peaches, apricots, papaya and mango. Vitamin C builds the collagen in your skin; take 50 to 60 mg each day. Vitamin E prevents free radicals and is found in grains, legumes and nuts.
Step 5 Drink 8 ounces of fluids each day. Stay out of the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect skin from the drying effects of the sun.
Paula Parker - Since 1995, Paula K. Parker has written more than 2000 articles for publications including PB&J, Disney's Family Fun, ParentLife, Living With Teenagers, and Thomas Nelson's NYTimes Best-selling Resolve. After 17 years of homeschooling her five children, Paula discovered that motherhood doesn't stop with an empty nest.
*Anemia or Low Blood Sugar
*Sleep disorders
*Chronic pain
*Allergies
*Underactive Thyroid
*Use of alcohol or drugs
*Depression, Anxiety and grief
*Poor diet or dieting too much
*Certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and steroids
*Illnesses such as infections, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Energy Boosting Foods Topping the list of foods found provide to an energy boost include: eggs, figs, molasses, green veggies, almonds, beets, oatmeal, lentils, bananas, sardines, yogurt, apples, brown rice, cantaloupe and parsley. Of course lots of water should be on your menu too, as lack of it is the number one cause of fatigue.
In contrast, foods that can drain your energy levels and drag you down when blood glucose levels plummet after the initial high include:
fatty, sugary snacks such as doughnuts, pastries
fatty, salty snacks such as crisps, pork pies
cakes, biscuits and confectionery
alcohol - stick to a maximum of one glass of red wine daily if possible
*(Smaller meals throughout the day are much healthier for you and distribute the energy from food more effectively, maintaining balanced sugar levels. Another thing to consider is eating enough. If you drop your calorie intake below 1,000 a day, your body goes into starvation mode and thus slows your metabolism. Your body essentially forces you to slow down so that it can reserve energy.)
Exercise & Deep Breathing The good news is that any amount of exercise is good for you, whether it's pushups on the living room floor, or doing some stretches in the shower. If you want to try some of the energy and body work methods, yoga, tai chi, qigong and reiki are all said to help improve energy levels. Try taking a few deep breaths while waiting at a red light or sitting on hold... The oxygen = energy and the bonus is relaxation!
Herbal Boosters, Nutrients and Vitamins
Make sure you get enough vitamin D, Iron, Zinc and vitamin E...
Some herbs shown to increase energy include: ginger, gingko biloba, licorice root, Siberian ginseng, carnitine, creatine, trimethylglycine, maca, rhodeola, royal jelly, turmeric, gotu kola, green tea, and maitake. Bee pollen is another thing you can try, often referred to as a "superfood".
If stress is the cause of your low energy levels, you can help counteract the effects by taking a special B-50 vitamin formula which contains more B vitamins than regular vitamin formulas. Other supplements you may benefit from include: L- Carnitine, coQ10, and NADH.
An initial web search will bring up a whole page of FCC and DTV websites dedicated to telling you the "good news" about DTV but scroll forward a few pages and the the news is not so cheery. This was not a successful conversion for many and definitely not as inexpensive for the end user as it was advertised to be. Why the delay from Feb to June? This was not just a matter of just hooking a little $40 box to a TV in 25% of homes (20M or so...) in the US... It was much bigger and more costly than that!
My opinion: There isn't more hype about the lack of available free TV or the cost/inconvenience to convert because the outlets to express disapproval are limited and many of those "suffering" with the change are not utilizing public outlets (such as the internet - many can't afford the internet in this economy!) to express concerns but calling gov't 800 numbers instead. Those who are using the internet sites are posting to blogs and commentary sites... that you will not find unless you are looking for them...
On a side note: Who has noticed that all convert boxes have a "built-in energy saver"? They automatically shut off after and hour or two of operation... ahhhhh...
The Kim Komando Show: America's top weekend talk radio program about all things digital! Free tips, downloads, software, newsletters, advice, buying guide and more! What ever your technical/digital question may be, be sure to check out Kim Komando's website for a simple answer!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while... A recent rash of unbelievable email forwards inspired this post.
Before you forward things (missing child, "beware of..." or other take action emails) please do yourself and others a favor and check the facts... use a site like Snopes.com. No need to go spreading half-truths and rumors!
Can't claim these to be mine... took them from an email forward!
1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair
2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish
3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes
4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair
5. Elmer's Glue - paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads if any
6. Shiny Hair - use brewed Lipton Tea
7. Sunburn - empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water
8. Minor burn - Colgate or Crest toothpaste
9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
10. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too
11. Bee stings - meat tenderizer
12. Chigger bite - Preparation H
13. Puffy eyes - Preparation H
14. Paper cut - crazy glue or chap stick (glue is used instead of sutures at most hospitals)
15. Stinky feet - Jello !
16. Athletes feet - cornstarch
17. Fungus on toenails or fingernails - Vicks vapor rub
18. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the detergent section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet. (And we drink this stuff!)
19. Kool Aid can be used as a dye in paint. Kool Aid in Dannon plain yogurt as finger paints, and it won't hurt kids if they eat it!
20. Peanut butter - will get scratches out of CD's! Wipe off with a coffee filter paper
21. Sticking bicycle chain - Pam no-stick cooking spray
22. Pam will also remove paint, and grease from your hands! Keep a can in your garage for your hubby
23. Peanut butter will remove ink from the face of dolls
24. When the doll clothes are hard to put on, sprinkle with corn starch and watch them slide on
25.. Heavy dandruff - pour on the vinegar !
26. Body paint-Crisco mixed w/food coloring. Heat Crisco in the microwave, pour in to an empty film container & mix w/food color of choice!
27 Tie Dye T-shirt - mix a solution of Kool Aid in a container, tie a rubber band around a section of the T-shirt and soak
28. Preserving a newspaper clipping-large bottle of club soda & cup of milk of magnesia , soak for 20 min. and let dry, will last for many years!
29. A Slinky will hold toast and CD's!
30. To keep goggles and glasses from fogging, coat with Colgate toothpaste
31. Wine stains, pour on the Morton salt and watch it absorb into the salt.
32. To remove wax - Take a paper towel and iron it over the wax stain, it will absorb into the towel.
33. Remove labels off glassware etc. rub with Peanut butter!
34. Baked on food - fill container with water, get a Bounce paper softener and the static from the Bounce towel will cause the baked on food to adhere to it. Soak overnight. Also; you can use 2 Efferdent tablets , soak overnight!
35.. Crayon on the wall - Colgate toothpaste and brush it!
36. Dirty grout - Listerine
37. Stains on clothes - Colgate toothpaste
38. Grass stains - Karo Syrup
39. Grease Stains-Coca Cola-it will also remove grease stains from the driveway overnight. We know it will take corrosion from car batteries!
40. Fleas in your carpet? 20 Mule Team Borax- sprinkle and let stand for 24 hours. Maybe this will work if you get them back again.
41. Gatorade for Migraine Headaches. PowerAde won't work.
42. To keep FRESH FLOWERS longer Add a little Clorox , or 2 Bayer aspirin , or just use 7-up instead of water.
43. When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you 'squeeze' for freshness or softness? Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week? Mon- Tues-Thurs-Fri-Sat. Each day has a different color twist tie.
They are: Monday = Blue; Tuesday = Green; Thursday = Red; Friday = White; Saturday = Yellow.
So if today was Thursday, you would want a red twist tie; not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabetically by color Blue-Green-Red-White-Yellow, Monday through Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the ones with the plastic clips have different colors. You learn something new everyday! Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.
HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS ON THESE TIPS: http://msgboard.snopes.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=print_topic;f=47;t=000414
Check out the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10-Inch Netbook (1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, Bluetooth, XP Home, 9.5 Hour Battery Life). Asus (pronounced ah-SOOS) was a pioneer in the netbook market. Check out the original CNNMoney.com article (prior to upgraded battery life) where they "road tested" 5 notebooks (including HP & Dell) and this one came out on top!
- This is one wonderful, budget-friendly alternative to a Macbook! Key Features * Up to 9.5 hours battery life
* First netbook with the Intel Atom N280 processor (667MHz FSB)
* 10-inch screen & large chiclet keyboard for comfort
* 160GB hard disk drive plus 10 GB Eee online storage
* Built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy wireless connectivity
* Multi-touch touchpad for ease of use
Technical Details * XP-Preloaded with 160G large H.D.D. Intel Atom 280 Processor (1.66 GHz, FSB: 667MHz)
* ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and 6 cell high density battery pack allow for longer battery lifespan of up to 9.5 hours. Super Hybrid Engine offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to various needs
* High Speed Connectivity Anywhere with Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4GHz only). Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting.
* Exclusive 10GB Eee Storage with easy accessibility anywhere online
* Free 1 YR Warranty (6 month for battery, 30 day ZBD Guaranteed) and sleeve
* Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches ; 3.2 pounds
· Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth V2.0
· Memory: 1GB DDR-2 SODIMM (memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
· Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage **Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depends on country)
· Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC and SD(SDHC) flash card slot
· Input/Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: headphone & mic-in
· Battery: Up to 9.5 hours*, 8700mAh *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.
· Dimensions: 10.47 (W) x 7.53 (D) x 1.12-1.50 (H) inches
· Weight: 3.20 lbs
· Color: Black or Blue
DEEPER DETAILS...
·A brilliant 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen display makes reading documents and viewing multimedia files more comfortable. This latest generation of LED backlit technology allows for ultra-thin, ultra-bright and energy-efficient display allowing outstanding portability and versatility.
·1024 x 600 resolution allows you to view a single page without often needing to scroll left or right.
·The chiclet-style keyboard is 92% the size of generic notebooks—making it more comfortable to type for less fatigue during prolonged use.
·The ASUS Eee PC 1000HE is powered by the Intel Atom N280 processor.
·Built with the world’s smallest transistors, the Atom N280 processor uses only 2.5 watts of power –- less than 1/10 of the power consumption of ordinary desktop processors –- offering a long battery life.
·This small size processor also packs a big punch. The N280 featured in the Eee PC 1000HE has 667MHz front-side-bus providing higher performance than the older N270.
·It also has the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology which includes high performance-per-watt efficiency and increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments.
·Eee PC 1000HE is equipped with a 160 GB internal hard disk drive to give you a large amount of data capacity for convenience.
·It also comes with an exclusive 10 GB of file-encrypted Eee Online Storage that allows you to store, share and access documents and multimedia easily on the move.(complimentary for the first 18 months)
·Eee PC 1000HE comes with WiFi 802.11 b/g/n network connectivity for ultimate wireless accessibility and mobility. Also included is Bluetooth V2.0 for flexibility and convenience with your Bluetooth devices.
·Eee PC 1000HE features 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 2 x Audio input/output ports, 1 x RJ-45 port, Kensington Lock port.
·A spring-loaded plug-and-play MMC/SDHC/memory stick/MS-Pro flash card slot is also provided to let you easily access your digital photos and videos and expand your system storage.
·Eee PC 1000HE also features a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and Digital Array microphones with to allow you have clear video conversations with family and friends.
·Eee PC 1000HE comes with a user-friendly multi-touch touchpad to help you navigate and have an easy and fun experience.
·Its multi-touch interface allows you to scroll and zoom quickly with 2 fingers. It is intuitive to use and is child-friendly.
·The touchpad is in a wide format so you can access contents displayed on the 10-inch widescreen easily.
·The 1000HE Eee PC comes with a built-in quick recovery system that restores your system to its factory settings by just pressing F9 three times during start-up.
·With the quick F9 recovery process, you won't need any Windows CD or driver CD.
·It is recommended that you back up your data with Eee Online Storage prior to using the recovery system.
·The easy recovery system is only available with Windows systems.
·Eee PC 1000HE comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows XP Home and Microsoft Works.
·Here are some reasons why Eee PCs are better with Windows:
Trusted: Windows Delivers a dependable experience that Microsoft and a worldwide community of partners stand behind.
Familiar: Windows is easy to use and be familiar with so you can be up and running right away.
Compatible: You can be confident that your devices and applications will work with Windows – more than any other platform. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR FOR $400?
Core Strength is Crucial to Relieving Aches and Pains
The Mayo Clinic website has a great section on Core Exercises. Having a strong core can alleviate many aches and pains in your back and neck and allow you to be more comfortable during physical activity.
Core exercises train the muscles to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability. Weak core muscles leave you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries.
You can feel the improvement in just a few minutes a day! The Core Exercises included here are on the Mayo Clinic website healthy lifestyle section if you would like clear instruction for each one. To do just 5 a day, rotating through the list, doesn't take much time and you will notice reduced aches and pains!
I would love to hear your success stories!
Feel free to check out other posts about healthy living and healthy recipes. And contact me if you have questions or corrections or suggestions or results to share! Thanks!
*Remember, I am not a personal trainer or other medical professional. I just speak from personal experience. :-)
We like the idea of losing weight, but we don't want to make a bunch of painful sacrifices to get there. That's why we asked Lance Armstrong's coach, Chris Carmichael, to help us generate this list of dietary adjustments that seem minor.
THE OLD WAY: Coke (one per day) THE NEW WAY: Diet Coke (or any other zero-calorie soft drink) CALORIES SAVED: 51,100 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 14.5
THE OLD WAY: deep-dish cheese pizza (two slices per week) THE NEW WAY: thin-crust cheese pizza CALORIES SAVED: 8,320 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 2.5
THE OLD WAY: butter on your bagel (three bagels per week) THE NEW WAY: fruit preserves on your bagel CALORIES SAVED: 14,976 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 4
THE OLD WAY: mayo (on three sandwiches per week) THE NEW WAY: mustard CALORIES SAVED: 13,260 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 4
THE OLD WAY: omelettes (two per week, two eggs each) THE NEW WAY: egg-white omelettes CALORIES SAVED: 12,272 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 3.5
THE OLD WAY: bacon (three slices per week) THE NEW WAY: turkey bacon CALORIES SAVED: 15,756 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 4.5
THE OLD WAY: regular domestic beer (six per week) THE NEW WAY: light domestic beer CALORIES SAVED: 14,664 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 4
THE OLD WAY: Burgers (two per week) THE NEW WAY: Turkey Burgers CALORIES SAVED: 10,816 ANNUAL LBS LOST: 3
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS IN A YEAR: 40
For more advice one eating smart, check out Chris Carmichael's Fitness Cookbook (Penguin, $24).
If you don't want to spend a lot of time researching trading but want to try your hand at the game (without the risk of course) check our Wall Street Survivor! Wall Street Survivor is a stock trading simulation game and is absolutely FREE! This game and site is meant for beginners and people who want to learn about the stock market and how to trade online. Resources: Stock Exchange Secrets http://www.stockexchangesecrets.com/stock-market-for-dummies.html
After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world. -Calvin Coolidge
Both the Dow and the Nasdaq refer to an index, or an average of a bunch of numbers derived from the price movements of certain stocks. The DJIA (Dow Jones Industrial Average) tracks the performance of 30 different companies that are considered major players in their industries. The Nasdaq Composite, on the other hand, tracks approximately 4,000 stocks, all of which are traded on the Nasdaq exchange. The DJIA is composed mainly of companies found on the NYSE, with only a couple of Nasdaq-listed stocks. (Source: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/03/072403.asp)
OK - Sow now you want to know more about the stock market and trading? Check out the post- Beginner in the Stock Market for more!
If there is anything I would do differently in my life, it is that I would study business more. I'm trying to teach my daughter Chloe at an early age about investing and money so she's not afraid of it. -Donna Mills
Bulk Stores rule! No wrapping, no packaging, no frills – just about anything you may need sits in large bins, ready to scoop. From pasta to peanut butter (self-ground) and anything in between. Just go easy on those chocolate chips.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Bring a cool-looking tote to take your groceries away in, and forgo those plastic carrier bags that stay around for the next few millennia.
Recycle. (See below for more links about recycling)
Compost your kitchen scraps. Your flower beds will be happy
Lug Your Mug for take-out coffee; many places will even give you a discount for it.
Avoid take-out food. I know, that can be a challenge on a Friday night. But all those plastic and foam take-out boxes produce a big stream of toxic garbage.
Eat home-cooked meals. Okay, another potential mine field here, but let’s face it: all those plastic and aluminum trays that those frozen dinners and prepackaged meals come in don’t really compensate for their overload of sodium, saturated fats and missing vitamins.
Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Evian and Perrier are no longer cool.
Repair, don’t throw out. Need I say more?
Buy durable. Sure, it may be a little bit more to get the better quality product, but it will last much longer and always pays for itself in the long run.
Reuse Revolution All these things will also help reduce stress in your life by reducing clutter!
1)Thrift Stores: One of the best places to find items for reuse is at your local thrift store. From clothing to furniture, thrift stores are an inexpensive and eco-friendly place to nab just the right new-to-you item.
2)Shop At Home: Before any outing that may involve a potential purchase, be sure to check your house thoroughly for the items you need. Items from tape to picture frames can often be found lurking in a box in the closet or the murky “everything” drawer in the kitchen. Avoid impulse buying.
3) Swapping: Another great way to stave off the urge to shop and give yourself a great excuse to throw a party is to organize a swap with friends. Depending on your interests and needs, almost anything is fair game - clothes, books, toys and CDs are all popular items at a swap. Ask friends to bring some snackables and drinkables as well, and you will easily have yourself a fete, all without a new purchase. You can also check out the many swapping websites that easily and inexpensively allow members to swap books, CDs and DVDs online.
4) Free Stuff: There are many ways to “shop” online without ever spending a dime. Websites such as Craigslist, Freecycle, and Freebootr have myriad free items that are yours for the taking.
5) Lending and Borrowing: If you do find that you need a necessity such as a book or a tool, ask your friends if they have what you need first (and offer what you have in exchange when they need it). As we all learned in the sandbox, sharing is a great way to extend and expand the use and variety of resources. Don’t forget about the library too; after all these years, it’s still a good place to find a book!
*And rental centers - what a great place to get lawn chairs, tables, punch fountains and other things that are not for daily use when you need them!
You may have seen this in an email forward... Just click on the name of the cookie and bam the recipe is there. Good to keep handy either by saving it in your drafts or in a word program.
