10 Layer Cake

Money Saving Kate

2010-10-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

Check out 5 Ways to Save for the Holidays from Money Saving Kate

Get a great chart to help with Holiday budgets!

Money Saving Kate

2010-10-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

Money Saving Kate

Life In Texas: Bread Pudding Recipe

2010-06-19T00:35:00.000-05:00

Life In Texas: Bread Pudding Recipe

Oakley Sunglasses

2010-06-08T23:41:00.002-05:00

I just recently received a pair of Oakley sunglasses and LOVE them. However, always choose and wear sunglasses that offer the best protection from harmful UV rays. Studies show that not routinely wearing protective eye wear while in the sun, can contribute to cataracts.

Save Money Ideas

2009-12-26T21:13:00.001-06:00

Found a good site to help save money.

Heroes

2009-02-19T15:24:00.001-06:00

We all have the potential to be heroes. It may not take the form of physically pushing a car off the road, but it can be in the form most unique to us, meaning our skills and talents.

It can be as simple as a kind word at the right time to a stranger. It’s being available or present, and taking a part in the presence of a situation. It’s being courageous enough to risk getting involved in life, nature, our fellow man, woman, and child.

One small random act of kindness and courageous risk of involvement can make all the difference in the world. We can start with our own family, neighbors, community, and when the opportunity safely arises, random strangers.

Safely because there is the small percentage of the population that does harm or takes advantage of good people. I suppose that’s part of the risk. We must trust our instincts and intuition when taking risks.

While we can’t live in a shell with our heads in the sand, we must find that balance in life of helping vs. self-preservation. I wonder if we may be more unbalanced towards self-preservation.

I believe a lot of the nature of someone helping lies in our beliefs of that person or persons actually helping at the moment that help is needed. Example: Sitting here in this public area, if I were to need some type of urgent assistance, I believe there would be someone or ones that would either help me within their capabilities or find someone that could.

I wonder if people are motivated into action by our belief and trust in them and that they would take an action within their ability if they were needed? Is it just magical thinking of “willing” someone to do something? I don’t think it is. I don’t think you can “will” someone into anything.

I don’t think it has to do with conscious thought. I think it’s just a trust or unconscious knowing that it’s in people’s nature to help.

Good People

2009-02-06T13:51:00.003-06:00

There are still good people out there. Those that have the courage to help even when it's not there job. They help because that's what a real hero does. Sure, on-duty nurses, doctors, police persons, fire fighters, EMS persons,(the list is endless)can be heroes as well, but it's a paid job.

What about that same group of paid people off-duty? Are they the same heroes off-duty? Do they jump in and help even when off the clock? I like to think most do.

You don't have to have a life saving job to be a hero. You just have to have courage to help when needed. It can be as simple as helping a stranger push their dead car off the road.

People helping people with no expectations of anything in return. No expectations of notariaty, rewards, or special acknowledgments. Appreciation is nice, but even that may not be expressed.

However, courageous acts of kindness do not go unrewarded. There is a sense of purpose in this life fulfilled when we get involved helping when there is the need. I believe there is a Higher Power that works through us when we allow it. Doing God's work, one person at a time, using our unique gifts and talents bestowed upon us from our Higher Power. Was that His plan all along?

I have to say thank you to that courageous man that saw my daughter and her father struggling to push her dead car off the road. He was the only one that stopped. He didn't wait to ask if he could help, he just jumped in and started pushing.

It was rush hour, no less. Traffic packed everywhere. No one making eye contact as they passed. My daughter did notice one man watching, laughing at their situation as he drove by.

Yes, there are good people out there. Regular people, off duty, that just have the courage to jump in and help when needed. Thank you hero.

Traffic in Austin Texas

2008-11-18T20:48:00.002-06:00

Wow!! Austin traffic!

There always seems to be rush hour traffic. AM traffic seems to go from 6AM to 10AM. Lunch hour traffic, from 11Am to 2PM, and afternoon rush hour traffic, from 4PM to 7PM. That leaves one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon of low traffic.

But, now that time seems to be used for errands, so there is errand rush hour traffic!

The oddity of it all is you are always 30 minutes from anywhere in Austin.

New Turkey Sandwich

2008-09-03T22:04:00.002-05:00

This is awesome! For a fresh twist on an old standby, try adding dried cranberries to your turkey sandwich, it's sooooo goooood! Dried cranberries give a gentle sweetness that is somewhat addictive.

Car Seat Safety

2008-08-29T21:58:00.002-05:00

It is one thing for an adult to make the choice not to wear a seat belt, but for that adult to be stupid enough to disregard car seat laws for the safety of a child is beyond comprehension.

I spoke to an extremely helpful and concerned representative with the Texas department of public safety about car seats for children and was told Sweden (yes, the country) has the lowest child mortality rate for auto accidents because they have a law that requires a child to ride rear facing up to age three.

Granted, US laws regarding car seats for infants and children are a start to a welcome concern for our children, but enforcement still remains an issue. Fortunately, Texas has the highest fine among all of the states for non compliance, but paying a fine does not keep our children from becoming fatality statistics if the adult in charge does not keep a child's safety in mind.

I remain outraged by adults that refuse to take responsibility for a child's safety. I also spoke with a very different representative specifically for child advocacy and was told they were, "just happy if the child had a car seat", with no regard to proper installation or correct facing position.

I am so very proud of my daughter for her continued persistence in her efforts to keep my grand child safe and her efforts to get the word out about car seat safety. Thank you baby, I love you.

Tired Bones

2008-01-24T22:27:00.000-06:00

I've pounded concrete for over 24 years, running from here to there, trying to care for those I could.

Nursing is one of the toughest professions, yet the most job secure, if you can separate your private life.

The nursing shortage is growing, why?
1. Because baby boomer nurses are starting to retire.
2. The many opportunities for the younger population outside nursing.
3. 12 shifts will kill you, especially if it's a high risk, high stress area.
4. Younger populations will not tolerate the abuse and disrespect from co-workers.
5. Nursing educators are dwindling, why? Because the pay scale offered pales in comparison to the education required to teach. (no one to teach = no room for new nursing students)
6. High liability.

Any suggestions?

2007-12-09T23:23:00.000-06:00

Safe Gifts and Toys Month

December is Safe Gifts and Toys Month.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Hazard Recalls

It's amazing the amount of recalls related to lead paint content. The above link will take you to a recall list of toys.

With all the talk about lead safety, I decided to do a lead check on last years Christmas lights. Sure enough, it came up positive, very quickly.

Not that I am about to lick it or chew on the wire, but considering the dust left on our hands after handling, or floating in the air, good hand washing goes a long way.

East Texas Arboretum

2007-12-01T15:24:00.001-06:00

We recently took a trip to the East Texas Arboretum, a paradise of a place, that is located in Athens, Texas. It was truly a wonderful place to visit. I strongly urge anyone to go there for it is such a serene place with local community charm and history. Even in the fall, when nature is getting ready to bed down for the winter, the foliage and pansies are still breathtaking. Such care is evident as indicated with the natural landscaping architecture that flows so elegantly and harmoniously complimenting nature's beauty

"Gardens can truly be a place of tranquility and solitude for centering yourself and maintaining a peacefulness, in an otherwise chaotic world." Author Katie S

I Am Thankful

2007-11-22T19:53:00.000-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. We are very grateful for those in our lives for they truly help us grow stronger.

Greek Cuisine Night Deep in the Heart of Texas

2007-11-20T19:43:00.000-06:00

I'll be 45 years old this week on my birthday and I believe this is the happiest/most content I have ever been in my entire life. Spending quality time with my family has never been better. I helped daughter prepare a Greek meal for a literature project and it may have set us back a little in the weight loss program, but it was well worth it.

I love cooking with herbs and spices and the Greek recipes used paprika, oregano, thyme, hot peppers, parsley, and cinnamon. The Feta cheese spicy spread was my favorite. Daughter is compiling recipes for a cook book she is currently working on with publication plans near the first of the year and I think she plans on including the Greek meal. I have to share the spread recipe. Take note though, this makes quite a bit.

Spicy Cheese Spread

8 oz softened Cream Cheese
1 lb Feta Cheese
1 cup Lemon Juice
1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/4 teasp ground White Pepper

1 cup Cream (or half and half)
4 whole Red Roasted Peppers (diced)
As much powered Cayenne Pepper as you can stand

Mix in the given order and serve with bread.

Spring Cleaning in the Fall

2007-11-12T00:28:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while I get the urge to purge clutter. A rare once in a while. This time I seemed to just rearrange my clutter and organize it a little better. It's not easy getting rid of memories. I suppose I hang onto my treasures to help me remember. But, I know I have to let go of some things in order to make room for new memories.

We All Have Our Strengths and Our Weaknesses

2007-11-10T01:08:00.000-06:00

Mine seems to be late night carbs (any, mostly bread). Mom's may be spaghetti and meatballs. Darling daughter's may be cookie dough. But, our greatest strength seems to be our support for each other in this process of changing old eating habits. We do seem to monitor each other very closely which makes it hard to get to far off the path.

Weight Loss Success

2007-11-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

Things seem to be heading in the right direction. I consider it success because even though we may have occasionally slipped a few times, we remain steady in our goals and positive direction. Together, the three of us have lost over 33 lbs over the last month.

How? By changing our habits, supporting each other, and holding each other accountable. Our diets are well balanced now and sensible. Also, self hypnosis techniques we learned many years ago have helped with keeping us focused on our goals. We have used familiar scripts and modified them to suit our needs.

It's not easy to change any habit. Especially if the habit has become a coping skill learned early in life. Whether the habit (addiction) be diet changes, smoking, stress, drugs, or looking for love in all the wrong places, it's definitely not an always easy road to travel. Unconditional love, support, a little tough love, and a Higher Power seems to work best for us.

To Loving Daughter

2007-11-05T15:48:00.000-06:00

I love you. You are the greatest.

Mom, I Am So Proud of You

2007-11-05T15:46:00.000-06:00

I love you.

Flowers Today

2007-11-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

I have the best daughter. She brought in a beautiful bouquet of flowers today, just because. I have to say, flowers do perk me up. She got them, I think, for us to enjoy and as a reward for the three of us for sticking to our diet. So...... food does not always have to be a reward...... but I am tempted to see what the flowers taste like.

Flu Immunization

2007-11-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

The power of three have gotten our flu shots this year. All we are waiting on is for Pops to get his vaccination. The pneumonia shot, pertussis, and mmr are other possibilities for us. We are all trying to protect baby for the most part.

Some Habits are Hard to Kick

2007-10-29T11:58:00.000-05:00

Between the power of three (and with help from The Big Power above), we have lost 26 pounds over the last 2 and 1/2 weeks on a modified version of the special k diet. Modified to fit our needs and still focusing on modifing our habits. We still slip now and then, but we don't pig out like we used to do. It seems since we have each other's support, it's easier to get back on track, whereas before, we would just give up.

Power of Three....Wow!

2007-10-27T01:19:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I have tried multiple diet plans in my life, with little success. This time is different. For the first time, my mom, my grown daughter, and I are on the same diet plan and it's working! We are all very motivated to improve our health. The secret? Focus on changing our habits. While exercise is very important, studies show that primarily modifying calorie intake is more important.

Getting Ready

2007-10-22T00:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Blogger site, "10 Layer Cake". To explain a little about myself, I'm very new at blogging. So, please hang in there with me. My daughter asked, where on earth did I get such a title as 10 Layer Cake? It was the first thing that popped into my mind as I was looking at a special birthday card she had given me for a pivotal forty-something birthday. A card that is a special reminder of just how wonderful she is and how lucky I am to have such a precious daughter. She's grown of course, with a precious child of her own (that makes me a what??? a grand what?? By the way, I'm a little unsettled as to what my special name may be so any suggestions would be welcomed).
My intent with this blog is to share day to day or week to week stories, past and present, of my family. My family, wow. They keep me in stitches! My brother and his awesome family live out of state but my parents live near. With permission from all, I hope to share stories and helpful advice for anyone interested.